[RWBY] Sanctum IC III: A Gun Is Fine Too

[ImpSyndrome]

The third In-Context/In-Character (IC) thread in the Sanctum Academy RWBY FFRPG.

The city of Meadow lies peacefully in the grip of the mountains that provide the raw materials for the machinery it is known for, cradled between the tall peaks and a broad river that lets out into ocean a few miles south of the city. Aeroships are a common sight above the city, ferrying people and product in and out of Meadow while the average, everyday citizen goes about their business beneath the clear sky above and the unsettling sight of the broken moon above. Even more then Meadow's factories, the city is known for the grandiose collection of buildings that were built on a cliff over-looking the beach, the Hunter academy Sanctum. The trail between school and city is dangerous at night, haunted by Grimms, but such is life for everyone who doesn't have the good fortune to live one of the four cities to grace Vytal's surface.

Meadow itself is a large city but the biggest building is actually an arena that is currently being prepared for a tournament. Normally smog would be a problem but the use of Dust as an energy source and the common use of aeroplanes has kept pollution from being too serious of a problem. Some parts of town, particularly those closer to the river, are obviously worse off then some of the others with a sizable slum reserved for the occupation of Faunus.

Current OOC thread is located here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=329059)
Character registry is located here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304071)
Previous IC thread is here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306013)

[Landis963]

Hameth doesn't join in the clapping either; he's pursed his lips, staring at the plum form just past the door, swearing political vengeance under its breath. He does glance around and notice Rip failing to join in the celebration, and make a mental note to talk to him alone.

[Calemyr]

Frustrated and a little melancholy, Barlowe wandered back to the forge. His classes would be starting up in a couple hours, so he needed to warm up. More importantly, he needed to wind down. The idea of sparring with a student in his current state of mind worried him.

In a remote side room of the forge was his training room. Or, as he preferred to think of it, his quality control room. Pillars of various metals and alloys stretched from floor to ceiling, an inorganic forest. He changed out of his sad attempt at "professional attire" and into a more comfortable training outfit. He punched one of the pillars, listening to it ring in its fittings above and beneath. Then he punched another one, then a kick. As he allowed his mind to open up and his thoughts flow, he also allowed his body to find its own flow, weaving among the web of metal, striking out with whatever force it wished, surrounding him in a cacophony that muted the world outside his own thoughts.

There was too much going on. Too many things to think about. The faces of Rayne, Hamelin, and Zira hung in his mind's eye. The Huntsman deaths, so odd that even the Directors were worried. Mortemus, and all the synthetic Grimm that he brought to the table, and all the hushed rumors of his exploits. The headmaster and his erratic behavior, shutting out the Directors and recruiting Mortemus, giving the little sociopath just shy of carte blanche to do as he saw fit. Caelynn's kidnap and mutilation. Kaden and the memories and regrets her very presence dredged up. Rorokan, framed for Caelynn's capture, apparently by an old student... As he worked his thoughts out in his head, so too did he work his frustrations out on the pillars around him.

((Assuming nobody interrupts him.)) By the time he finishes, it's a half hour before his first class, and the metal in the room looks much worse for wear. He takes a clipboard off the wall and looks over each pillar in turn, noting how well they weathered the abuse. He had many more materials he needed to test, but now he had sixteen *clang* seventeen open spots for replacements. A few of the new experimental alloys impressed him, they hardly even looked dented!

((And so concludes my summary of the some of the plot threads we've had thus far.))

[Hawkflight]

If Aurum went to the infirmary, he'd see Zira there, attending to her work.

[Hattish Thing]

If Aurum went to the infirmary, he'd see Zira there, attending to her work.

He certainly did after dropping by his room to put away the assessment sheets. There's a lot of blood around his arm and Aurum made sure he'd look absolutely miserable. The arm is broken pretty badly, a bone sticking out of the skin at his elbow. Luckily, his wrist wasn't punctured. It's still a pretty bad break. He'll attempt to knock at the door or just plain enter the room, clutching his arm in what looks to be an incredible amount of pain. This arm is the one that has not had metal built into his bones below the skin. It's just a normal, if broken, arm. Aurum groans and speaks. Help me, please.... I was attacked! It hurts so bad... aghh!

[Hattish Thing]

Frustrated and a little melancholy, Barlowe wandered back to the forge. His classes would be starting up in a couple hours, so he needed to warm up. More importantly, he needed to wind down. The idea of sparring with a student in his current state of mind worried him.

In a remote side room of the forge was his training room. Or, as he preferred to think of it, his quality control room. Pillars of various metals and alloys stretched from floor to ceiling, an inorganic forest. He changed out of his sad attempt at "professional attire" and into a more comfortable training outfit. He punched one of the pillars, listening to it ring in its fittings above and beneath. Then he punched another one, then a kick. As he allowed his mind to open up and his thoughts flow, he also allowed his body to find its own flow, weaving among the web of metal, striking out with whatever force it wished, surrounding him in a cacophony that muted the world outside his own thoughts.

There was too much going on. Too many things to think about. The faces of Rayne, Hamelin, and Zira hung in his mind's eye. The Huntsman deaths, so odd that even the Directors were worried. Mortemus, and all the synthetic Grimm that he brought to the table, and all the hushed rumors of his exploits. The headmaster and his erratic behavior, shutting out the Directors and recruiting Mortemus, giving the little sociopath just shy of carte blanche to do as he saw fit. Caelynn's kidnap and mutilation. Kaden and the memories and regrets her very presence dredged up. Rorokan, framed for Caelynn's capture, apparently by an old student... As he worked his thoughts out in his head, so too did he work his frustrations out on the pillars around him.

((Assuming nobody interrupts him.)) By the time he finishes, it's a half hour before his first class, and the metal in the room looks much worse for wear. He takes a clipboard off the wall and looks over each pillar in turn, noting how well they weathered the abuse. He had many more materials he needed to test, but now he had sixteen *clang* seventeen open spots for replacements. A few of the new experimental alloys impressed him, they hardly even looked dented!

((And so concludes my summary of the some of the plot threads we've had thus far.))

Meanwhile, Professor Mogrym has decided to quit brooding over the balcony and heads downstairs. He's limping down to Barlowe's area, wanting to talk a bit with his fellow teachers. Mogrym will stride into the place, looking about for Barlowe with his eyebrow raised, a bit curious as to what the man's been up to. ...Ish now a good time, or....?

[AnimeKid]

Rokoran's Classroom

Seeing what happened Rip would find someone not joining in the applause. Apparently someone else understood the implications as well as Alexandra Rosenkranz silently put her palm to her face at what just happened. There was no one whom Alexandra hated more than Aurum. However there was a reason that she had never put her hands on him, even though her preferred method of solving these kinds of problems was to knock their teeth in. That being that Aurum would be the unprovoked victim of the attack. And he was defenseless.

Rokoran, however much he may dislike the boy, has just bodily hurled him out of the room. He didn't even have Aura to cushion his fall! The fact that he hurled him at all was enough to get him with something considering the that he was and adult man and full blown hunter who was using his powers on a fifteen year old civilian. That would bad for Sanctum, bad with a capital B! Alexandra sighed as she could only imagine where this would go. Really, she thought to herself, if a more temperamental teenage girl who was trained as a berserker could rein herself in why didn't Rokoran? Being obstinate was only going to exacerbate the problem.

[Hawkflight]

Zira frowned, jogging over to the boy as he entered. Using her aura to do a quick scan, she spoke.

"What happened?"

[Arkhosia]

Rokoran's Classroom

Seeing what happened Rip would find someone not joining in the applause. Apparently someone else understood the implications as well as Alexandra Rosenkranz silently put her palm to her face at what just happened. There was no one whom Alexandra hated more than Aurum. However there was a reason that she had never put her hands on him, even though her preferred method of solving these kinds of problems was to knock their teeth in. That being that Aurum would be the unprovoked victim of the attack. And he was defenseless.

Rokoran, however much he may dislike the boy, has just bodily hurled him out of the room. He didn't even have Aura to cushion his fall! The fact that he hurled him at all was enough to get him with something considering the that he was and adult man and full blown hunter who was using his powers on a fifteen year old civilian. That would bad for hunters everywhere! Alexandra sighed as she could only imagine where this would go. Really, she thought to herself, if a more temperamental teenage girl who was trained as a berserker could rein herself in why didn't Rokoran? Being obstinate was only going to exacerbate the problem.

Caelynn stands up.
Well played, Rokoran, I'm sure there won't be any negative repercussions.
She says, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

[Hattish Thing]

Zira frowned, jogging over to the boy as he entered. Using her aura to do a quick scan, she spoke.

"What happened?"

He groans and moves to sit down, clutching his arm gently, only now staring down to really look at the wound. A majority of what follows is acting, but it still does hurt like hell, and Aurum really despises injury. He's more the kind to just stay back and manipulate from the shadows. Not get attacked. He's not good at that whole thing. That maniac of a Professor, Rokoran! The madman is... aghhh.... insane! He attacked me, unprovoked! Then he threw me through a door! I landed hard and my arm shattered like this... It hurts so bad... Aggghh! Feels like my entire arm is on fire... what kind of school allows maniacs to attack defenseless fifteen year old civilians! And let's the psychopath teach children! He winces and stops talking, the small motions causing him pain.

[Calemyr]

Rokoran's Classroom

Seeing what happened Rip would find someone not joining in the applause. Apparently someone else understood the implications as well as Alexandra Rosenkranz silently put her palm to her face at what just happened. There was no one whom Alexandra hated more than Aurum. However there was a reason that she had never put her hands on him, even though her preferred method of solving these kinds of problems was to knock their teeth in. That being that Aurum would be the unprovoked victim of the attack. And he was defenseless.

Kaden isn't applauding either, though she couldn't give a rat's tail about politics. She's been the outcast before, and it's hard to appreciate theater like this when you've been on the receiving end before.


Meanwhile, Professor Mogrym has decided to quit brooding over the balcony and heads downstairs. He's limping down to Barlowe's area, wanting to talk a bit with his fellow teachers. Mogrym will stride into the place, looking about for Barlowe with his eyebrow raised, a bit curious as to what the man's been up to. ...Ish now a good time, or....?

"Oh! Certainly, Moloch. Just preparing myself for classes - first day of the year and all, have to make a good impression. I'm just about done here, anyway. Something on your mind?"

[Hattish Thing]

Kaden isn't applauding either, though she couldn't give a rat's tail about politics. She's been the outcast before, and it's hard to appreciate theater like this when you've been on the receiving end before.



"Oh! Certainly, Moloch. Just preparing myself for classes - first day of the year and all, have to make a good impression. I'm just about done here, anyway. Something on your mind?"

Mogrym frowns a bit and will attempt to sit down on a nearby chair, leaning on the Hammer/Staff for support. He moves his good hand through his graying hair before sighing and speaking. Aye, shadly. Barlowe... Am I old? Are we gettin' to that age where we're nothing but.. artifactsh? Today, I tried to teach the shtudents a shimple philoshophy. An old philoshophy thatsh been around for centuriesh.... And I wash almosht completely ignored and blown off. A few even had the nerve to shay it to my face! Am... I jusht old?

[Landis963]

Caelynn stands up.
Well played, Rokoran, I'm sure there won't be any negative repercussions.
She says, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

Hameth nods, concern touching his features. I must say, sir, I agree. I did warn you that he wasn't interfering.

[ImpSyndrome]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

((When did this scene turn into a hate parade?

I'm shutting this down right now. We need to quit building up so much drama and get on with the lessons already. Can we please make an effort - all of us - to keep these distractions to a minimum from now on?))

Cael's outburst silences the Shades who were lauding Rokoran for ridding them of Aurum. The reality of the situation hits them all like a ton of bricks, and anxious murmurs fill the room. "No, there won't be any repercussions," Rip pipes up. "Mortemus was asked by the instructor to leave, and he made excuses. Even if the headmaster gave him permission to check on us, he was hidden in the back of the class, spying on us like an assassin, and he openly defied a Huntsman in his place of practice. In response, Prof. Rokoran exercised his right as an instructor at a combat-based academy to remove this disrupting element by forceful means. Whatever happens to Mortemus is a direct result of his disrespect for this school and for the people who run it...That's the story," he concludes, "and if we want to protect Sanctum, we'll all of us stick to it. As powerful as Mortemus' influence may be, he can't fight the facts when they're backed by unanimous testimony. If he tries to threaten us, we can back each other up, because we're all part of a team, and that's what we do for each other."

Taking a deep breath, the archer sits back down, hoping the others will finally calm down a bit, and asks, "Now, can we please get back to what we were meant to be doing here: learning?"

[Landis963]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

((When did this scene turn into a hate parade?

I'm shutting this down right now. We need to quit building up so much drama and get on with the lessons already. Can we please make an effort - all of us - to keep these distractions to a minimum from now on?))

Cael's outburst silences the Shades who were lauding Rokoran for ridding them of Aurum. The reality of the situation hits them all like a ton of bricks, and anxious murmurs fill the room. "No, there won't be any repercussions," Rip pipes up. "Mortemus was asked by the instructor to leave, and he made excuses. Even if the headmaster gave him permission to check on us, he was hidden in the back of the class, spying on us like an assassin, and he openly defied a Huntsman in his place of practice. In response, Prof. Rokoran exercised his right as an instructor at a combat-based academy to remove this disrupting element by forceful means. Whatever happens to Mortemus is a direct result of his disrespect for this school and for the people who run it...That's the story," he concludes, "and if we want to protect Sanctum, we'll all of us stick to it. As powerful as Mortemus' influence may be, he can't fight the facts when they're backed by unanimous testimony. If he tries to threaten us, we can back each other up, because we're all part of a team, and that's what we do for each other."

Taking a deep breath, the archer sits back down, hoping the others will finally calm down a bit, and asks, "Now, can we please get back to what we were meant to be doing here: learning?"

Hameth nods and subsides, relaxing.

Now I definitely want to talk to you alone, Rip.

[Calemyr]

Mogrym frowns a bit and will attempt to sit down on a nearby chair, leaning on the Hammer/Staff for support. He moves his good hand through his graying hair before sighing and speaking. Aye, shadly. Barlowe... Am I old? Are we gettin' to that age where we're nothing but.. artifactsh? Today, I tried to teach the shtudents a shimple philoshophy. An old philoshophy thatsh been around for centuriesh.... And I wash almosht completely ignored and blown off. A few even had the nerve to shay it to my face! Am... I jusht old?

"Ouch. Right for the body blow. Look, I wouldn't put too much weight on those kids. Look at what they've grown up with: We haven't had a Grimm offensive for a long time now, there's a relative peace between the cities, even the war with the Faunus is a only a fading memory, now. They had the chance to grow up in a time of peace. As far as they're concerned, Huntsmen are little more than romanticized policemen. Not soldiers. They didn't grow up listening to casualty reports, of battles won or lost, of the sacrifices Huntsmen were called daily to make. That's history to them, not reality. And what you told them, basically, was that they are expected to leave their friends to die. I know that's not what you meant to say, but that's what they heard. Is it a surprise they rebelled?"

"Besides, remember how we chose this year's freshmen. This 'accelerated curriculum' the headmaster is testing is going to be hard, so we looked for qualities that would help them endure it. Determination, confidence, faith, resilience, duty. In a word, stubbornness. We cherry picked the very best students to survive the curriculum and the very worst students to teach. So, really, don't be surprised when they give you more trouble than usual."

"Now: are you old? Well, yes. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but the simple fact is that you've done something that very few Huntsmen ever manage, and you didn't even cheat by retiring young the way I did. Every battle scar and every gray hair you have you came by honestly. If those students have half a brain, they'll soon realize that when an old soldier speaks, they darn well best pay attention. Most of them do, eventually."

[Hawkflight]

The third In-Context (IC) thread in the Sanctum Academy RWBY FFRPG.

The city of Meadow lies peacefully in the grip of the mountains that provide the raw materials for the machinery it is known for, cradled between the tall peaks and a broad river that lets out into ocean a few miles south of the city. Aeroships are a common sight above the city, ferrying people and product in and out of Meadow while the average, everyday citizen goes about their business beneath the clear sky above and the unsettling sight of the broken moon above. Even more then Meadow's factories, the city is known for the grandiose collection of buildings that were built on a cliff over-looking the beach, the Hunter academy Sanctum. The trail between school and city is dangerous at night, haunted by Grimms, but such is life for everyone who doesn't have the good fortune to live one of the four cities to grace Vytal's surface.

Meadow itself is a large city but the biggest building is actually an arena that is currently being prepared for a tournament. Normally smog would be a problem but the use of Dust as an energy source and the common use of aeroplanes has kept pollution from being too serious of a problem. Some parts of town, particularly those closer to the river, are obviously worse off then some of the others with a sizable slum reserved for the occupation of Faunus.

Current OOC thread is located here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312678)
Character registry is located here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304071)
Previous IC thread is here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306013)

Thank you, Imp.

He groans and moves to sit down, clutching his arm gently, only now staring down to really look at the wound. A majority of what follows is acting, but it still does hurt like hell, and Aurum really despises injury. He's more the kind to just stay back and manipulate from the shadows. Not get attacked. He's not good at that whole thing. That maniac of a Professor, Rokoran! The madman is... aghhh.... insane! He attacked me, unprovoked! Then he threw me through a door! I landed hard and my arm shattered like this... It hurts so bad... Aggghh! Feels like my entire arm is on fire... what kind of school allows maniacs to attack defenseless fifteen year old civilians! And let's the psychopath teach children! He winces and stops talking, the small motions causing him pain.

Zira frowned as she moved to set the bone. "This will hurt a little," she said, proceeding to set the bone back in place before binding it with medical tape. "Professor Rokoran, though? It's not like him. I'll have to have a talk with him after class and set things straight."

Now that the bone was set, Zira began using her aura to heal the wound for good.

[Lord Raziere]

Rokoran's Lesson
"Could've been more subtle about getting rid of him...this will have consequences, even if I do approve...."
She mostly to herself, she caught a look from Rip
"What? Mogrym's a philosophical opponent, Aurum's a political one. Two totally different wars. Can't fight them the same way. Also, Aurum is more of a threat."
Mogrym? a stern teacher but still a teacher, he has rules that he needs to follow and ultimately what he does is in theory for the benefit of everyone. Aurum on the other hand is an outside enemy who will use any advantage he gets to win. Including his wealth, technology, manipulative tendencies and so on. One is fine to be philosophical over, the other isn't.

Hm. But then again, the best defense was a great offense, and the best offense are your enemies fighting each other for you. She wondered if they can be turned against each other...
"But your right Rip, lets get back to the lesson at hand....Professor Rokoran, what is the lesson?"

[Hattish Thing]

"Ouch. Right for the body blow. Look, I wouldn't put too much weight on those kids. Look at what they've grown up with: We haven't had a Grimm offensive for a long time now, there's a relative peace between the cities, even the war with the Faunus is a only a fading memory, now. They had the chance to grow up in a time of peace. As far as they're concerned, Huntsmen are little more than romanticized policemen. Not soldiers. They didn't grow up listening to casualty reports, of battles won or lost, of the sacrifices Huntsmen were called daily to make. That's history to them, not reality. And what you told them, basically, was that they are expected to leave their friends to die. I know that's not what you meant to say, but that's what they heard. Is it a surprise they rebelled?"

"Besides, remember how we chose this year's freshmen. This 'accelerated curriculum' the headmaster is testing is going to be hard, so we looked for qualities that would help them endure it. Determination, confidence, faith, resilience, duty. In a word, stubbornness. We cherry picked the very best students to survive the curriculum and the very worst students to teach. So, really, don't be surprised when they give you more trouble than usual."

"Now: are you old? Well, yes. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but the simple fact is that you've done something that very few Huntsmen ever manage, and you didn't even cheat by retiring young the way I did. Every battle scar and every gray hair you have you came by honestly. If those students have half a brain, they'll soon realize that when an old soldier speaks, they darn well best pay attention. Most of them do, eventually."

Mogrym frowns and listens to Barlowe speak. His words were true, unfortunately, and it sort of made Mogrym miss the old times. When everything was so much simpler. There were leaders, and you followed their orders without question. There was an enemy. A clear enemy that had to be beaten back at any cost. Now there was no enemy. Just vague incidents. Hints of something dark and frightening. Hints of a dark horizon... He nods a bit before gently scratching at the leather handle of his Hammer/Staff. Yer right there, Barlowe. They jusht don't undershtand what the world wash like before we won. We won the war. We losht livesh, limbsh, even whole familiesh to the Grimm. I remember sitting at Bashe Camp every night in the large tent, lishtening closhely to the radio we'd shet up, hoping the namesh called at the end of the day weren't of anyone I knew. Knowing that we, The Hunter Corp, were the one final wall between The Grimm, and our loved onesh. Carrying the full burden that if we failed... It'd be more than jusht one dead man. One fallen warrior. It'd be a losht link in the chain that composhed the armor against The Grimm.

He sighs and sort of stares at his hammer a bit. They shimply don't reshpect me, or the pasht. They have absholutely no care regarding the eventsh that led to the peace they enjoy. They care nothing for the old waysh and the old philosophiesh that led The Hunter Corp to victory, and to beating back the enemy indefinetely. They don't reshpect it, they don't care about it, and they certainly don't want to lishten to shome old bat like me talking of the waysh of war. They shimply don't know it. You're right. It's a shame.

And you're right. I... I am old. And I didn't want thish. I wanted to die a sholdier. I lived a sholdier, became a Captain. Then a Commander. And I should have died a proud Commander of the Hunters. But the Grimm threat had ended, and I thought I could better sherve the people by directing my attention towardsh the criminal shcum that profited off the war and the aftermath. I reshigned. And that was the biggesht mishtake of my life. Now what... Barlowe? The Grimm took my family. My wife. Now I'm jusht a fosshil from a time no one wantsh to remember. Thish shociety hash turned into one of children glorifying Hunters and romanticizing war against The Grimm. Of adultsh willing to remain blisshfully ignorant of the brutal pasht. Of old sholdiersh watching as their waysh die out and ash their children and grandchildren continue to lower their guardsh.... He seems melancholy and certainly a bit upset. Why... if The Grimm were to attack in the numbersh they did before... We'd be all too eashy to defeat. And I don't want that for any generation. And sho I teach. Yet no one lishtensh...





Zira frowned as she moved to set the bone. "This will hurt a little," she said, proceeding to set the bone back in place before binding it with medical tape. "Professor Rokoran, though? It's not like him. I'll have to have a talk with him after class and set things straight."

Now that the bone was set, Zira began using her aura to heal the wound for good.


Aurum grimaces and groans under his breath, obviously in pain. The wound heals and Aurum is now functional, if sore. Yes. I was simply filling out the assessment forms I am required to, with the Headmasters complete written permission, not interrupting the lesson at all, when the pyschopath decided to verbally attack me and interrupt me from my work! He attacked me, hurled me out through the door and into the ground, breaking my arm and putting me through terrible pain and agony. And then he locked the doors and left me there! And I know why. It was because during the Caelynn Incident, I was the loudest voice accusing him! So the madman attacks me and strikes me down! And I frankly am not going to tolerate that. The man is prone to fits of rage and aggression, and is simply unsafe to put around students. I for one will press charges against him for his acts of mindless hate and humiliation! He frowns and moves to sorely stretch his arm. Thank you though. That hurt more than I'd care to admit.

[Lord Raziere]

Oswald's Classroom

Meanwhile Oswald had just finished his preparations for his class. They probably wouldn't be getting to his class for a while, but as a history teacher his work was surprisingly vital, for his job was to teach the many methods and strategies used to kill Grim throughout the ages, as well as the Grim themselves- they weren't a static foe.

He thought about Mogrym's lesson. Well, it was how he was taught when he was young. Didn't even have the luxuries they did of course. But he didn't really take a side on the issue. History cared not for philosophy. What it cared for was the practical issues of whether or not things worked.

He wandered over to Barlowe's place.
"Oh, HELLO. Rocky start to the first DAY eh? Well, we've ALL had those days I guess. I to remember the hordes. endless Grim, far as the eye can SEE, one coming after the other, with me always put on the front line because of my Semblance. I still remember it so clearly...ME, the battle-state coming down upon me, nothing but the GRIM before me, my double-warhammer, my Semblance, and my pure WILL to slaughter every single GRIM that came at me to keep me ALIVE. Sometimes I think its only because my Earth Semblance is able to cause so much DESTRUCTION that survived to get discharged from the Hunter Corps for it. Too much collateral damage they said. Even though they themselves sent me out to use it. Even though I was the only hunter that didn't need a ranged weapon. What BALDERDASH.

Nevertheless,one must keep a STIFF UPPER LIP about it no? Its all in service and in duty, one way or another."
He reflected a little. He hadn't truly used his Semblance in maybe years. doing so would probably cause destruction to school grounds and then he'd face loads of paperwork for it at the very least. Sigh. Maybe he should've gone on a Long Hunt instead. go out in the wild, take as many Grim as he could with him in ablaze of glory. But....duty called. and he answered by trying to pass down wisdom. Which made a thought occur to him.
"Mogrym, if you don't mind me asking, why didn't YOU simply go on a Long Hunt? Many older Hunters do it, and never come back after all they've seen..."

[Calemyr]

Mogrym frowns and listens to Barlowe speak. His words were true, unfortunately, and it sort of made Mogrym miss the old times. When everything was so much simpler. There were leaders, and you followed their orders without question. There was an enemy. A clear enemy that had to be beaten back at any cost. Now there was no enemy. Just vague incidents. Hints of something dark and frightening. Hints of a dark horizon... He nods a bit before gently scratching at the leather handle of his Hammer/Staff. Yer right there, Barlowe. They jusht don't undershtand what the world wash like before we won. We won the war. We losht livesh, limbsh, even whole familiesh to the Grimm. I remember sitting at Bashe Camp every night in the large tent, lishtening closhely to the radio we'd shet up, hoping the namesh called at the end of the day weren't of anyone I knew. Knowing that we, The Hunter Corp, were the one final wall between The Grimm, and our loved onesh. Carrying the full burden that if we failed... It'd be more than jusht one dead man. One fallen warrior. It'd be a losht link in the chain that composhed the armor against The Grimm.

He sighs and sort of stares at his hammer a bit. They shimply don't reshpect me, or the pasht. They have absholutely no care regarding the eventsh that led to the peace they enjoy. They care nothing for the old waysh and the old philosophiesh that led The Hunter Corp to victory, and to beating back the enemy indefinetely. They don't reshpect it, they don't care about it, and they certainly don't want to lishten to shome old bat like me talking of the waysh of war. They shimply don't know it. You're right. It's a shame.

And you're right. I... I am old. And I didn't want thish. I wanted to die a sholdier. I lived a sholdier, became a Captain. Then a Commander. And I should have died a proud Commander of the Hunters. But the Grimm threat had ended, and I thought I could better sherve the people by directing my attention towardsh the criminal shcum that profited off the war and the aftermath. I reshigned. And that was the biggesht mishtake of my life. Now what... Barlowe? The Grimm took my family. My wife. Now I'm jusht a fosshil from a time no one wantsh to remember. Thish shociety hash turned into one of children glorifying Hunters and romanticizing war against The Grimm. Of adultsh willing to remain blisshfully ignorant of the brutal pasht. Of old sholdiersh watching as their waysh die out and ash their children and grandchildren continue to lower their guardsh.... He seems melancholy and certainly a bit upset. Why... if The Grimm were to attack in the numbersh they did before... We'd be all too eashy to defeat. And I don't want that for any generation. And sho I teach. Yet no one lishtensh...

"Oh, they listen. Be sure of that. They wouldn't argue if they weren't paying attention. Some will think about what you say now, whether they come to the same conclusion or not. And when they leave, when they find themselves in the very situations you warned them about, they'll remember. That's the hard part of being a teacher, I think. We never see the fruits of our labor, what we actually accomplish. Keep the faith, Moloch. We are making a difference, even if it sometimes doesn't feel like it."

"Now, I have s-"


Oswald's Classroom

Meanwhile Oswald had just finished his preparations for his class. They probably wouldn't be getting to his class for a while, but as a history teacher his work was surprisingly vital, for his job was to teach the many methods and strategies used to kill Grim throughout the ages, as well as the Grim themselves- they weren't a static foe.

He thought about Mogrym's lesson. Well, it was how he was taught when he was young. Didn't even have the luxuries they did of course. But he didn't really take a side on the issue. History cared not for philosophy. What it cared for was the practical issues of whether or not things worked.

He wandered over to Barlowe's place.
"Oh, HELLO. Rocky start to the first DAY eh? Well, we've ALL had those days I guess. I to remember the hordes. endless Grim, far as the eye can SEE, one coming after the other, with me always put on the front line because of my Semblance. I still remember it so clearly...ME, the battle-state coming down upon me, nothing but the GRIM before me, my double-warhammer, my Semblance, and my pure WILL to slaughter every single GRIM that came at me to keep me ALIVE. Sometimes I think its only because my Earth Semblance is able to cause so much DESTRUCTION that survived to get discharged from the Hunter Corps for it. Too much collateral damage they said. Even though they themselves sent me out to use it. Even though I was the only hunter that didn't need a ranged weapon. What BALDERDASH.

Nevertheless,one must keep a STIFF UPPER LIP about it no? Its all in service and in duty, one way or another."
He reflected a little. He hadn't truly used his Semblance in maybe years. doing so would probably cause destruction to school grounds and then he'd face loads of paperwork for it at the very least. Sigh. Maybe he should've gone on a Long Hunt instead. go out in the wild, take as many Grim as he could with him in ablaze of glory. But....duty called. and he answered by trying to pass down wisdom. Which made a thought occur to him.
"Mogrym, if you don't mind me asking, why didn't YOU simply go on a Long Hunt? Many older Hunters do it, and never come back after all they've seen..."

Oswald's typically boisterous entrance was ill timed, as far as Barlowe was concerned, but in the end his line of thought led to a perfect chance to ask the question he'd wanted to ask. "It's because of the headmaster, is it not?I've often wondered, but I have never asked. Forgive me, but what's your relation to Alabaster Mogrym? Or is it just a coincidence that you have the same last name?"

[Lord Raziere]

"You mean the name BLASTENHEIM!? Sir, the BLASTENHEIM name has been handed down my family for generations. I'm pretty sure they would keep RECORDS about such things, and they have no RECORD of any "Mogrym". The name is OSWALD VON BLASTENHEIM, not Oswald Von Mogrym."

[Calemyr]

"You mean the name BLASTENHEIM!? Sir, the BLASTENHEIM name has been handed down my family for generations. I'm pretty sure they would keep RECORDS about such things, and they have no RECORD of any "Mogrym". The name is OSWALD VON BLASTENHEIM, not Oswald Von Mogrym."

Barlowe sighs. "Are you aware the Corps have taken to calling Dust grenades 'Oswalds'? I always wondered why, but I'm beginning to see it. I was talking about Moloch, here, naturally. I was hoping perhaps he had more insight into the headmaster than I. Well?"

[ImpSyndrome]

((Sorry to interrupt, but during the initiation ceremony, I saw the whole "same-last-name" thing and changed the headmaster's surname to "Meridian" to differentiate. Was I in the wrong for doing that? Were they meant to be related?))

[Calemyr]

((Sorry to interrupt, but during the initiation ceremony, I saw the whole "same-last-name" thing and changed the headmaster's surname to "Meridian" to differentiate. Was I in the wrong for doing that? Were they meant to be related?))

((Well... crap. I was rereading the early stuff for my little recap and thought I'd found a possible plot hook. Didn't realize you changed the name intentionally. My bad.))

[GrandDM]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

"There may well be repercussions. I don't care. I have seen far worse than this and I'm still standing here today. Now, since we no longer have Machiavelli Junior with us, I can get on with my lesson, which, for those of you who didn't read your timetables, is about Aura and Dust. So, who can tell me what Aura is?

[ImpSyndrome]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

"There may well be repercussions. I don't care. I have seen far worse than this and I'm still standing here today. Now, since we no longer have Machiavelli Junior with us, I can get on with my lesson, which, for those of you who didn't read your timetables, is about Aura and Dust. So, who can tell me what Aura is?
Glad to be done with that incident for the time, Rip raises his hand to answer. Should he be called upon, he'll respond, "Aura is a form of protective energy produced by the soul; in humanoids, it acts as an innate safeguard, shielding the body from harm. Some Auras produce additional effects as well, although it remains unclear how or why these effects differ between individuals."

[GrandDM]

Glad to be done with that incident for the time, Rip raises his hand to answer. Should he be called upon, he'll respond, "Aura is a form of protective energy produced by the soul; in humanoids, it acts as an innate safeguard, shielding the body from harm. Some Auras produce additional effects as well, although it remains unclear how or why these effects differ between individuals."

"A textbook answer. Which is why I don't use the textbooks, because they're complete garbage. Let me explain.

To use your Aura effectively, you must first understand it. To understand it, you must know what it is. Saying "Aura is made by the soul" is the same as saying "it's magic" - in other words, it explains nothing. However, it is broadly correct, just not specific or accurate.

To understand what your Aura is, then, you must understand what the soul is. Common theory has it that the soul is everything about us that isn't the body - our "self", our mind. So the soul is equivalent to the mind.

Take it further. What is the mind? It is the sum of past experience and present circumstance taken together to produce future extrapolation. An example: you see a dog and go to pet it, but it bites you. The next day, you see the same dog. Past experience tells you that the dog will bite. Present circumstance is that you're near the dog. Future extrapolation tells you that the dog will bite you again. However, future extrapolation is a bit of a mouthful. In a shorter term, it is imagination - imagining what will happen in the future.

So why does our Aura protect us from harm? Because we imagine that harm will come to us, and we don't want that to happen. None of you have real control over your Aura, so it just focuses on the basic, and the deepest, most primal desire is self-preservation. The imagination of ways to keep yourself from harm. In short, the Aura is the manifestation of your imagination on reality."

He tips back his head, raises his arms and breathes a long tongue of fire up into the air.

"Think not of how the flame came to be, or how it passed my lips and yet left them untouched. If you can see the flame in its moment, bright and hot and dancing, then you can make it so. Imagination is power. If you can imagine, then you can change the world."

[Landis963]

"A textbook answer. Which is why I don't use the textbooks, because they're complete garbage. Let me explain.

To use your Aura effectively, you must first understand it. To understand it, you must know what it is. Saying "Aura is made by the soul" is the same as saying "it's magic" - in other words, it explains nothing. However, it is broadly correct, just not specific or accurate.

To understand what your Aura is, then, you must understand what the soul is. Common theory has it that the soul is everything about us that isn't the body - our "self", our mind. So the soul is equivalent to the mind.

Take it further. What is the mind? It is the sum of past experience and present circumstance taken together to produce future extrapolation. An example: you see a dog and go to pet it, but it bites you. The next day, you see the same dog. Past experience tells you that the dog will bite. Present circumstance is that you're near the dog. Future extrapolation tells you that the dog will bite you again. However, future extrapolation is a bit of a mouthful. In a shorter term, it is imagination - imagining what will happen in the future.

So why does our Aura protect us from harm? Because we imagine that harm will come to us, and we don't want that to happen. None of you have real control over your Aura, so it just focuses on the basic, and the deepest, most primal desire is self-preservation. The imagination of ways to keep yourself from harm. In short, the Aura is the manifestation of your imagination on reality."

He tips back his head, raises his arms and breathes a long tongue of fire up into the air.

"Think not of how the flame came to be, or how it passed my lips and yet left them untouched. If you can see the flame in its moment, bright and hot and dancing, then you can make it so. Imagination is power. If you can imagine, then you can change the world."

Hameth copies the relevant info down, but is brought up short by Rokoran's final statement. He jots down a single question - "How then did I 'imagine' things I could not have known about?" Hameth then raises his hand in a questioning manner. If called on, he will ask the following question: Isn't there more to it than that, though? Every single one of us can imagine breathing fire, or inducing rocks to crumble, or casting out freezing water from our empty hands, but as yet we are unable to do so. Is there some technique, some trick, that allows us to unlock the power that you have already done?

Please note the "If called on." We don't need a repeat of Mogrym's lesson.

[Calemyr]

Kaden looks down at her hand and tries to will a fireball into her hand. To imagine it, to envision it, to enforce it. She fails utterly to do so, again and again.

Don't be dim, girl. Start with what you know. Fire is the plaything of other people - yours is the storm.

Instead of envisioning a flame, she painted in her minds eye a picture of an electrical current building just under the skin of her palm, growing in intensity as it raced around the circle drawn in the ink of the mind. She envisioned tendrils of it shooting up her fingers, the tingle of it in her muscle, the-

A small spark arced between her middle finger and her thumb. The smallest of little things, but the surge she got from it dwarfed the spark itself. It was a start, a foothold on the climb to something new. Something spectacular. If she could only figure out how to do it again...

"Okay. That's cool."


Hameth copies the relevant info down, but is brought up short by Rokoran's final statement. He jots down a single question - "How then did I 'imagine' things I could not have known about?" Hameth then raises his hand in a questioning manner. If called on, he will ask the following question: Isn't there more to it than that, though? Every single one of us can imagine breathing fire, or inducing rocks to crumble, or casting out freezing water from our empty hands, but as yet we are unable to do so. Is there some technique, some trick, that allows us to unlock the power that you have already done?

Please note the "If called on." We don't need a repeat of Mogrym's lesson.

If the question is asked and Rokoran's answer is not immediate, Kaden will give an answer of her own without looking up from her hand. Her voice is quiet, distant, but clear.

"He's simplifying it. Imagination is the trigger. There's more to it, there always is, but it starts with imagination. Because imagination is the part of the soul we can control."

[Hattish Thing]

Oswald's Classroom

Meanwhile Oswald had just finished his preparations for his class. They probably wouldn't be getting to his class for a while, but as a history teacher his work was surprisingly vital, for his job was to teach the many methods and strategies used to kill Grim throughout the ages, as well as the Grim themselves- they weren't a static foe.

He thought about Mogrym's lesson. Well, it was how he was taught when he was young. Didn't even have the luxuries they did of course. But he didn't really take a side on the issue. History cared not for philosophy. What it cared for was the practical issues of whether or not things worked.

He wandered over to Barlowe's place.
"Oh, HELLO. Rocky start to the first DAY eh? Well, we've ALL had those days I guess. I to remember the hordes. endless Grim, far as the eye can SEE, one coming after the other, with me always put on the front line because of my Semblance. I still remember it so clearly...ME, the battle-state coming down upon me, nothing but the GRIM before me, my double-warhammer, my Semblance, and my pure WILL to slaughter every single GRIM that came at me to keep me ALIVE. Sometimes I think its only because my Earth Semblance is able to cause so much DESTRUCTION that survived to get discharged from the Hunter Corps for it. Too much collateral damage they said. Even though they themselves sent me out to use it. Even though I was the only hunter that didn't need a ranged weapon. What BALDERDASH.

Nevertheless,one must keep a STIFF UPPER LIP about it no? Its all in service and in duty, one way or another."
He reflected a little. He hadn't truly used his Semblance in maybe years. doing so would probably cause destruction to school grounds and then he'd face loads of paperwork for it at the very least. Sigh. Maybe he should've gone on a Long Hunt instead. go out in the wild, take as many Grim as he could with him in ablaze of glory. But....duty called. and he answered by trying to pass down wisdom. Which made a thought occur to him.
"Mogrym, if you don't mind me asking, why didn't YOU simply go on a Long Hunt? Many older Hunters do it, and never come back after all they've seen..."

Mogrym notices Oswald enter the place and raises and eyebrow. Oswald always was a handful to deal with, but oh well. At least he was good company. Aye. We're from older timesh... not necessarily better timesh, but certainly shimpler timesh. It'sh shtill nice to know that I'm not the only one left who remembersh the old daysh. I remember hearing about the deshtruction of a few campsh due to yer aura there, Ossie. While I washn't the one pershonally filling out the dishcharge... I'm afraid I'd have had to do the shame. Ash powerful ash you are, that kind of mindlessh deshtruction is only usheful when yer battling by yourshelf, and not working with othersh who might get caught in the blasht. When he here's the long hunt he frowns and speaks. I don't know. Well. I do, short of. I would have, but Headmashter mailed me and ashked if I wanted a job. While I didn't care for shuch a civilian lifeshtyle, it was helping Huntersh train. And sho I accepted.


"Oh, they listen. Be sure of that. They wouldn't argue if they weren't paying attention. Some will think about what you say now, whether they come to the same conclusion or not. And when they leave, when they find themselves in the very situations you warned them about, they'll remember. That's the hard part of being a teacher, I think. We never see the fruits of our labor, what we actually accomplish. Keep the faith, Moloch. We are making a difference, even if it sometimes doesn't feel like it."

"Now, I have s-"



Oswald's typically boisterous entrance was ill timed, as far as Barlowe was concerned, but in the end his line of thought led to a perfect chance to ask the question he'd wanted to ask. "It's because of the headmaster, is it not?I've often wondered, but I have never asked. Forgive me, but what's your relation to Alabaster Mogrym? Or is it just a coincidence that you have the same last name?"


Barlowe sighs. "Are you aware the Corps have taken to calling Dust grenades 'Oswalds'? I always wondered why, but I'm beginning to see it. I was talking about Moloch, here, naturally. I was hoping perhaps he had more insight into the headmaster than I. Well?"


((Sorry to interrupt, but during the initiation ceremony, I saw the whole "same-last-name" thing and changed the headmaster's surname to "Meridian" to differentiate. Was I in the wrong for doing that? Were they meant to be related?))

(It was kind of weird, cause we didn't have a real grasp on Headmaster or Mogrym or a few other things. Why don't we go with it?)

I shupposhe yer right, but it'sh an incredible worrying though to know that my shtudentsh can only learn about my waysh, the waysh of war, when they're about to loshe shaid war. Only then will they undershtand I think. Ahhh. Well, Headmashter Mogrym ish a relative of mine. Dishtant Relative, but we're shtill related. We don't talk much though. My father had two familiesh in hish life. Alabaster was the son of his firsht wife. He left them when Allie was 12, and five yearsh later remarried to my mother and had me. It'sh short of complicated. He shtill thinksh of me as a younger brother, and I don't quite like that. I think lasht time we actually talked face to face was about twenty yearsh ago... Though we did mail eachother shometimes jusht to shee what the other was up to.

[Calemyr]

I shupposhe yer right, but it'sh an incredible worrying though to know that my shtudentsh can only learn about my waysh, the waysh of war, when they're about to loshe shaid war. Only then will they undershtand I think. Ahhh. Well, Headmashter Mogrym ish a relative of mine. Dishtant Relative, but we're shtill related. We don't talk much though. My father had two familiesh in hish life. Alabaster was the son of his firsht wife. He left them when Allie was 12, and five yearsh later remarried to my mother and had me. It'sh short of complicated. He shtill thinksh of me as a younger brother, and I don't quite like that. I think lasht time we actually talked face to face was about twenty yearsh ago... Though we did mail eachother shometimes jusht to shee what the other was up to.

"I see..." He glanced over at Oswald for a fraction of a second. He was reluctant enough to talk to Moloch about his concerns regarding the headmaster, he couldn't bring himself to bring it up in Oswald's presence. There was no predicting the man, for one. "Well, that's one mystery down, at least. And I suppose that also explains why he's started going by 'Meridian' since you joined the faculty. His mother's maiden name, I assume, to avoid confusion or the suspicion of nepotism. Fair enough. Oswald, would you be willing to help me tidy up in here? I seem to have made more of a mess than I anticipated. I don't usually break more than five pillars during a warm-up."

[Hattish Thing]

"I see..." He glanced over at Oswald for a fraction of a second. He was reluctant enough to talk to Moloch about his concerns regarding the headmaster, he couldn't bring himself to bring it up in Oswald's presence. There was no predicting the man, for one. "Well, that's one mystery down, at least. And I suppose that also explains why he's started going by 'Meridian' since you joined the faculty. His mother's maiden name, I assume, to avoid confusion or the suspicion of nepotism. Fair enough. Oswald, would you be willing to help me tidy up in here? I seem to have made more of a mess than I anticipated. I don't usually break more than five pillars during a warm-up."

He nods faster and gets up slowly, struggling to rise. He'd gotten kind of fat. Aye. Hish mother wassh named Saura Meridian. A Huntress, and a very pretty one at that. She'sh been dead fer a while now though. Alabashter'sh awfully old... But he'sh a wealth of information or shomething like that, I dunno. I usually ignored the shtoriesh of him. Didn't care much for hearing 'em. Ahh. You have shtudents coming in soon? Hm. Barlowe... have you... gotten any letters from Huntersh you may know? I've gotten nothing for monthsh now. Deshpite being closhe friends with thoshe I write. Ish it jusht me?

[AnimeKid]

Rokoran's class

Alexandra copied down the notes to the lesson much like the rest of her classmates. In her margins she had terms of her own that simplified the notes and made them easier for her to understand. She shared them with her team if they looked like they didn't get something or if they didn't manage to write something down.

Unlike her other classmates though Alexandra didn't start trying to experiment to bring about effects like Rokoran had. She slightly ducked her head and tried not to make eye contact with anyone in the room. In doing so her eyes found Kaden Zei. A girl who seemed to be a fighter of the same category as her. She then saw the girl produce an effect like Rokoran did. A superbly small one, but at least she could do it. Alexandra simply ducked her head further at the display and just kept her eyes on her notes ready to jot down more info whenever Rokoran spoke again.

[Hawkflight]

Rokoran's class

Alexandra copied down the notes to the lesson much like the rest of her classmates. In her margins she had terms of her own that simplified the notes and made them easier for her to understand. She shared them with her team if they looked like they didn't get something or if they didn't manage to write something down.

Unlike her other classmates though Alexandra didn't start trying to experiment to bring about effects like Rokoran had. She slightly ducked her head and tried not to make eye contact with anyone in the room. In doing so her eyes found Kaden Zei. A girl who seemed to be a fighter of the same category as her. She then saw the girl produce an effect like Rokoran did. A superbly small one, but at least she could do it. Alexandra simply ducked her head further at the display and just kept her eyes on her notes ready to jot down more info whenever Rokoran spoke again.

Kitty's notes, on the other hand, would likely look like mere doodles to the untrained eye. However, in most cases (there were in fact a couple of doodles there), they were diagrams, or even pictograms. The reason she wrote like this was because she always worked best off of diagrams and side notes. It was a quirk she'd picked up from her adopted father, and something that came with being a major weapons geek.

Seeing Alex avert her eyes, Kitty tore out a piece of paper and started drawing on it. Folding it up, she then passed it up to Alex. If she unfolded it, she'd see a badly drawn picture of Kitty giving her a thumbs-up and the caption, "You can do it!"

[GrandDM]

Hameth copies the relevant info down, but is brought up short by Rokoran's final statement. He jots down a single question - "How then did I 'imagine' things I could not have known about?" Hameth then raises his hand in a questioning manner. If called on, he will ask the following question: Isn't there more to it than that, though? Every single one of us can imagine breathing fire, or inducing rocks to crumble, or casting out freezing water from our empty hands, but as yet we are unable to do so. Is there some technique, some trick, that allows us to unlock the power that you have already done?

Please note the "If called on." We don't need a repeat of Mogrym's lesson.


Kaden looks down at her hand and tries to will a fireball into her hand. To imagine it, to envision it, to enforce it. She fails utterly to do so, again and again.

Don't be dim, girl. Start with what you know. Fire is the plaything of other people - yours is the storm.

Instead of envisioning a flame, she painted in her minds eye a picture of an electrical current building just under the skin of her palm, growing in intensity as it raced around the circle drawn in the ink of the mind. She envisioned tendrils of it shooting up her fingers, the tingle of it in her muscle, the-

A small spark arced between her middle finger and her thumb. The smallest of little things, but the surge she got from it dwarfed the spark itself. It was a start, a foothold on the climb to something new. Something spectacular. If she could only figure out how to do it again...

"Okay. That's cool."



If the question is asked and Rokoran's answer is not immediate, Kaden will give an answer of her own without looking up from her hand. Her voice is quiet, distant, but clear.

"He's simplifying it. Imagination is the trigger. There's more to it, there always is, but it starts with imagination. Because imagination is the part of the soul we can control."

"Good, Kaden. Yes, I am simplifying it, but nevertheless it is the core principle. You need to focus on something you know at first, as that is generally easier. For example, Kaden used storm instead of fire. Storm is a good affinity - it is strong and affords easy use of wind and electricity - but it is also unpredictable and hard to control.

That brings me onto something else. If you're wondering how I knew it was storm instead of just electricity... take a look at my eyes. Silver, all the way through, like my Aura. Why? Because, technically, I'm blind. I won't go into why, it's not a nice story.

Anyway, despite my blindness, I am still capable of functioning perfectly well, because I can use my Aura to see. And that means I can see your Auras. So, in conclusion to this seemingly tangiental anecdote: anything is possible. As I said, imagination is the key, but to imagine you must first rid yourself of any preconceived notions. The blind cannot see. Man cannot fly. You can pass notes in my class without me noticing..."

He raises an eyebrow at Kitty for a moment, then turns back to the class.

"You must also challenge yourself. That is why I expect you to practise tonight and return next lesson with at least a small ability. Kaden, you've managed that already, so I want you to work on sustaining it. Hameth, I'll talk to you later.

Now, Kedra... I note with interest how your Aura interacts with the armour... so could I trouble you to remove it?"

[AnimeKid]

Kitty's notes, on the other hand, would likely look like mere doodles to the untrained eye. However, in most cases (there were in fact a couple of doodles there), they were diagrams, or even pictograms. The reason she wrote like this was because she always worked best off of diagrams and side notes. It was a quirk she'd picked up from her adopted father, and something that came with being a major weapons geek.

Seeing Alex avert her eyes, Kitty tore out a piece of paper and started drawing on it. Folding it up, she then passed it up to Alex. If she unfolded it, she'd see a badly drawn picture of Kitty giving her a thumbs-up and the caption, "You can do it!"

Alexandra looks at the note and smiles softly at it. She nods at Kitty as she feels herself lifted up. Sure she couldn't do it now, but give a few lessons and....


"Good, Kaden. Yes, I am simplifying it, but nevertheless it is the core principle. You need to focus on something you know at first, as that is generally easier. For example, Kaden used storm instead of fire. Storm is a good affinity - it is strong and affords easy use of wind and electricity - but it is also unpredictable and hard to control.

That brings me onto something else. If you're wondering how I knew it was storm instead of just electricity... take a look at my eyes. Silver, all the way through, like my Aura. Why? Because, technically, I'm blind. I won't go into why, it's not a nice story.

Anyway, despite my blindness, I am still capable of functioning perfectly well, because I can use my Aura to see. And that means I can see your Auras. So, in conclusion to this seemingly tangiental anecdote: anything is possible. As I said, imagination is the key, but to imagine you must first rid yourself of any preconceived notions. The blind cannot see. Man cannot fly. You can pass notes in my class without me noticing..."

He raises an eyebrow at Kitty for a moment, then turns back to the class.

"You must also challenge yourself. That is why I expect you to practise tonight and return next lesson with at least a small ability. Kaden, you've managed that already, so I want you to work on sustaining it. Hameth, I'll talk to you later.

Now, Kedra... I note with interest how your Aura interacts with the armour... so could I trouble you to remove it?"

Upon hearing what was expected of them by their next class. Alexandra's head falls forward and slams into her desk with a loud *CRACK*. For those who the sound caught the attention of they would see an indention in the desk where Alexandra's for head hit. Weakly raising her hand up to address Rokoran who is undoubtably looking at her she says, "I can pay for that." Her arm the weakly flops down to her side.

[Lord Raziere]

"I see..." He glanced over at Oswald for a fraction of a second. He was reluctant enough to talk to Moloch about his concerns regarding the headmaster, he couldn't bring himself to bring it up in Oswald's presence. There was no predicting the man, for one. "Well, that's one mystery down, at least. And I suppose that also explains why he's started going by 'Meridian' since you joined the faculty. His mother's maiden name, I assume, to avoid confusion or the suspicion of nepotism. Fair enough. Oswald, would you be willing to help me tidy up in here? I seem to have made more of a mess than I anticipated. I don't usually break more than five pillars during a warm-up."

Oswald nodded and set to work. His titanic body began cleaning up, putting everything back where it was supposed to be and setting things aright. He was surprising detailed in how he did so.



Now, Kedra... I note with interest how your Aura interacts with the armour... so could I trouble you to remove it?"

"...Fine...I guess..."
She took a deep breath and used her Aura to unlock her armor, the armor opening up, she stepped out of it (in her usual shorts-and-shirt combo) and suddenly her Aura filled the room! it didn't dominate over other Auras, but rather it became misty, gaseous if you will. unfocused and everywhere. almost like background behind all the others. It didn't harm anything it just.....floated about like a big green cloud or something.
"Yea, I don't know why it does that either. I've tried for years to focus it by myself. didn't work. only the special armor focuses it. don't know why. and no, I have tried to do it with normal armor, it doesn't work."

[ImpSyndrome]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

"(Imagination...huh...?)"

Rip mulls over the concept for a few minutes with a mild scowl, appearing to debate inwardly about it. He gave a textbook answer because he learned from textbooks, but Rokoran clearly knows his stuff, so it gave him something to think about. After all, he himself has managed to get by up to this point by simply directing his Aura into different parts of his body, but he has never tried to reach it outward for active effect. In a way, one might say that, despite his obvious tact for it, Rip has never truly used his Aura before.

He watches closely as Kaden manages to conjure a spark of electricity, hoping to learn what she does differently, but with the work being done primarily by the mind, it's nearly impossible to study visually. If only he had a gift like Hameth's (not that he knows about Hameth's abilities, but still), he might have a chance to observe how the Aura created the disturbance. As it stands, he can only practice through trial and error. So he tries for himself.

His first thought is to try something basic: a momentary ball of fire, like the one Rokoran made. He tries to focus his Aura into his hand and expel it, but he only succeeds in making his fingers feel twitchy. It takes a few more tries before the concept of using one's imagination to manipulate one's Aura clicks with him, and he opts for a familiar approach. He closes his eyes and lapses into a meditative state, shutting out the disturbances in his
surroundings and centering his thoughts on a single image...After a minute, the atmosphere around Rip begins to change little by little; those who take notice will find that, among other subtle changes, his breathing is growing slower and more shallow, and the shadow being cast onto the ground by his body is starting to twist and squirm...

[Landis963]

((:smallsigh: Monster post ahoy.))


Kaden looks down at her hand and tries to will a fireball into her hand. To imagine it, to envision it, to enforce it. She fails utterly to do so, again and again.

Don't be dim, girl. Start with what you know. Fire is the plaything of other people - yours is the storm.

Instead of envisioning a flame, she painted in her minds eye a picture of an electrical current building just under the skin of her palm, growing in intensity as it raced around the circle drawn in the ink of the mind. She envisioned tendrils of it shooting up her fingers, the tingle of it in her muscle, the-

A small spark arced between her middle finger and her thumb. The smallest of little things, but the surge she got from it dwarfed the spark itself. It was a start, a foothold on the climb to something new. Something spectacular. If she could only figure out how to do it again...

"Okay. That's cool."



If the question is asked and Rokoran's answer is not immediate, Kaden will give an answer of her own without looking up from her hand. Her voice is quiet, distant, but clear.

"He's simplifying it. Imagination is the trigger. There's more to it, there always is, but it starts with imagination. Because imagination is the part of the soul we can control."


"Good, Kaden. Yes, I am simplifying it, but nevertheless it is the core principle. You need to focus on something you know at first, as that is generally easier. For example, Kaden used storm instead of fire. Storm is a good affinity - it is strong and affords easy use of wind and electricity - but it is also unpredictable and hard to control.

Kaden used what now? He's taken aback at the speed of it all, jerking his head in her direction and pulling his Aura in to take a closer look. Fascinating...


That brings me onto something else. If you're wondering how I knew it was storm instead of just electricity... take a look at my eyes. Silver, all the way through, like my Aura. Why? Because, technically, I'm blind. I won't go into why, it's not a nice story.

Anyway, despite my blindness, I am still capable of functioning perfectly well, because I can use my Aura to see. And that means I can see your Auras. So, in conclusion to this seemingly tangiental anecdote: anything is possible. As I said, imagination is the key, but to imagine you must first rid yourself of any preconceived notions. The blind cannot see. Man cannot fly. You can pass notes in my class without me noticing..."

He raises an eyebrow at Kitty for a moment, then turns back to the class.

A fleeting smirk passes over Hameth's face, and he huffs slightly through his nose - the only vestige of laughter he allowed himself. He jots down "Auras in circular range/visual arc? Intention-seeing? Test later."


"You must also challenge yourself. That is why I expect you to practice tonight and return next lesson with at least a small ability. Kaden, you've managed that already, so I want you to work on sustaining it. Hameth, I'll talk to you later.

Hameth nods sideways, acknowledging the tacit order to meet after class. I look forward to it, sir.


Now, Kedra... I note with interest how your Aura interacts with the armour... so could I trouble you to remove it?"



"...Fine...I guess..."
She took a deep breath and used her Aura to unlock her armor, the armor opening up, she stepped out of it (in her usual shorts-and-shirt combo) and suddenly her Aura filled the room! it didn't dominate over other Auras, but rather it became misty, gaseous if you will. unfocused and everywhere. almost like background behind all the others. It didn't harm anything it just.....floated about like a big green cloud or something.
"Yea, I don't know why it does that either. I've tried for years to focus it by myself. didn't work. only the special armor focuses it. don't know why. and no, I have tried to do it with normal armor, it doesn't work."

The room suddenly turned Aura-green, and Hameth expands his own out of the room to escape the effect. No tell is allowed, save for a slight grimace and running a finger through his hair.



"(Imagination...huh...?)"

Rip's first thought is to try something basic: a momentary ball of fire, like the one Rokoran made. He tries to focus his Aura into his hand and expel it, but he only succeeds in making his fingers feel twitchy. It takes a few more tries before the concept of using one's imagination to manipulate one's Aura clicks with him, and he opts for a familiar approach. He closes his eyes and lapses into a meditative state, shutting out the disturbances in his
surroundings and centering his thoughts on a single image...After a minute, the atmosphere around Rip begins to change little by little; those who take notice will find that, among other subtle changes, his breathing is growing slower and more shallow, and the shadow being cast onto the ground by his body is starting to twist and squirm...

However, this also makes him unaware of the telltale signs of Rip's experimentation.

[Calemyr]

He nods faster and gets up slowly, struggling to rise. He'd gotten kind of fat. Aye. Hish mother wassh named Saura Meridian. A Huntress, and a very pretty one at that. She'sh been dead fer a while now though. Alabashter'sh awfully old... But he'sh a wealth of information or shomething like that, I dunno. I usually ignored the shtoriesh of him. Didn't care much for hearing 'em. Ahh. You have shtudents coming in soon? Hm. Barlowe... have you... gotten any letters from Huntersh you may know? I've gotten nothing for monthsh now. Deshpite being closhe friends with thoshe I write. Ish it jusht me?

Barlowe turns his attention to the cleanup, not meeting Moloch's eye. "Er, yeah. I have noticed a slowdown in my correspondences lately, now that you mention it. A few of my friends from back then have died of course, I know that, but I'm not hearing much from anybody, to be honest. It is making me nervous, but I can't tell you why. Heh. Of course, it could also just be business as usual. The Corps works like that at times. I suppose you'd know better than I, in fact. You were, what, a Commander when you retired? I never made it past the rank of Specialist."

((Naturally, Barlowe is trying not to spread what he's heard from the Directors, not that deception is his strongest suit. What Mogrym reads out of his response depends on how perceptive he is - it could be anything from "this guy is just trying to make me feel better" to "this guy has something he wants to say, but this isn't the time or place to say it". Read it as you will. ))

[GrandDM]

Alexandra looks at the note and smiles softly at it. She nods at Kitty as she feels herself lifted up. Sure she couldn't do it now, but give a few lessons and....

Upon hearing what was expected of them by their next class. Alexandra's head falls forward and slams into her desk with a loud *CRACK*. For those who the sound caught the attention of they would see an indention in the desk where Alexandra's for head hit. Weakly raising her hand up to address Rokoran who is undoubtably looking at her she says, "I can pay for that." Her arm the weakly flops down to her side.

Rokoran sighs and flicks a finger at the desk, which pulses silver. The dent is gone.

"Don't worry about it. This room gets damaged fairly often. As you can see, I'm used to it. If you're worried about not managing for next lesson, talk to me after class."


[Rokoran's Lesson]

"(Imagination...huh...?)"

Rip mulls over the concept for a few minutes with a mild scowl, appearing to debate inwardly about it. He gave a textbook answer because he learned from textbooks, but Rokoran clearly knows his stuff, so it gave him something to think about. After all, he himself has managed to get by up to this point by simply directing his Aura into different parts of his body, but he has never tried to reach it outward for active effect. In a way, one might say that, despite his obvious tact for it, Rip has never truly used his Aura before.

He watches closely as Kaden manages to conjure a spark of electricity, hoping to learn what she does differently, but with the work being done primarily by the mind, it's nearly impossible to study visually. If only he had a gift like Hameth's (not that he knows about Hameth's abilities, but still), he might have a chance to observe how the Aura created the disturbance. As it stands, he can only practice through trial and error. So he tries for himself.

His first thought is to try something basic: a momentary ball of fire, like the one Rokoran made. He tries to focus his Aura into his hand and expel it, but he only succeeds in making his fingers feel twitchy. It takes a few more tries before the concept of using one's imagination to manipulate one's Aura clicks with him, and he opts for a familiar approach. He closes his eyes and lapses into a meditative state, shutting out the disturbances in his
surroundings and centering his thoughts on a single image...After a minute, the atmosphere around Rip begins to change little by little; those who take notice will find that, among other subtle changes, his breathing is growing slower and more shallow, and the shadow being cast onto the ground by his body is starting to twist and squirm...

"Interesting. Shadow affinity. I'll come back to that."




"...Fine...I guess..."
She took a deep breath and used her Aura to unlock her armor, the armor opening up, she stepped out of it (in her usual shorts-and-shirt combo) and suddenly her Aura filled the room! it didn't dominate over other Auras, but rather it became misty, gaseous if you will. unfocused and everywhere. almost like background behind all the others. It didn't harm anything it just.....floated about like a big green cloud or something.
"Yea, I don't know why it does that either. I've tried for years to focus it by myself. didn't work. only the special armor focuses it. don't know why. and no, I have tried to do it with normal armor, it doesn't work."

"Now that... I have never seen before. Hmm... I think what we've got here is that you lack the natural containment that everyone else has. Normally, the Aura is limited by the skin, and you have to control it to get it outside. With you, the inverse is true. For whatever reason, you lack any sort of natural barrier. That being the case, you need to make one.

I've never come across this before, so I can't guarantee it will work, but let's try something. Remember your armour. Remember how it feels, how it moves, how it weighs, how your Aura runs through it and focuses. Close your eyes, and be inside the armour."

[Lord Raziere]

"Hm. I've tried focusing it back to me with pure force of will before, but I never tried it like that..."
She takes a deep breath and visualizes so. She thinks upon how it works and flows, how it channels and keeps the Aura constrained, and it slowly starts to shrink and form itself....into a crude, green version of the armor she wears. However where her focus wavers it starts to drift again, and she struggles.
"Hm....it is better than what I've tried in the past but agh..."
It wobbles a little, she tries to increase her focus, to visualize the armor even better, even looking at it to get a better picture.... until it seems to get back to that crude version of her armor. Even then however, something about it seems to be flowing artificially about it.
Then she sighes and relaxes....her concentration lapses and it springs back to "normal".
"Hrm....well its better than me just trying to brute force it back but...still same result. I think it will take a little while to get this right..."

[ImpSyndrome]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

A few minutes pass, and the gradual change continues. Rip's shadow contorts until it forms a thin ring around his seat, and it might seem as though he's stopped breathing entirely. After a few more seconds, his eyes snap open, more radiant than ever, before the area inside his shadow flickers wildly...

...and, suddenly, another man is seated at Rip's position. He seems slightly older, about four inches taller, and has significantly more muscle tone, but there are distinct similarities in the clothes he's wearing, the messy state of his raven-black hair, and the brilliance of his green eyes. The mystery man remains entirely motionless for all five or so seconds of his presence, until the shadow ring around him becomes unstable...

...and once it dissipates, Rip has returned, his focus broken and his breathing back to normal. The shadow appears to have defined an area around him in which he could recreate an image composed in his mind: in effect, an optical illusion. The archer blinks several times, his eyes apparently dry, before he asks, "Did it work?" It appears that, so long as Rip is inside the illusion, he doesn't notice its effects. "I was trying to imagine myself differently, as stupid as that sounds...I guess it's just a dream after all..."

[Landis963]

[Rokoran's Lesson]
...and once it dissipates, Rip has returned, his focus broken and his breathing back to normal. The shadow appears to have defined an area around him in which he could recreate an image composed in his mind: in effect, an optical illusion. The archer blinks several times, his eyes apparently dry, before he asks, "Did it work?" It appears that, so long as Rip is inside the illusion, he doesn't notice its effects. "I was trying to imagine myself differently, as stupid as that sounds...I guess it's just a dream after all..."

Hameth has by now noticed the dramatic change in height, and avidly watched the illusion collapse in on itself. I wouldn't say that.

[AnimeKid]

Rokoran sighs and flicks a finger at the desk, which pulses silver. The dent is gone.

"Don't worry about it. This room gets damaged fairly often. As you can see, I'm used to it. If you're worried about not managing for next lesson, talk to me after class."


Alexandra lifts her head and nods at her teacher before she looks around the classroom at her fellow students again.


[Rokoran's Lesson]

A few minutes pass, and the gradual change continues. Rip's shadow contorts until it forms a thin ring around his seat, and it might seem as though he's stopped breathing entirely. After a few more seconds, his eyes snap open, more radiant than ever, before the area inside his shadow flickers wildly...


...and once it dissipates, Rip has returned, his focus broken and his breathing back to normal. The shadow appears to have defined an area around him in which he could recreate an image composed in his mind: in effect, an optical illusion. The archer blinks several times, his eyes apparently dry, before he asks, "Did it work?" It appears that, so long as Rip is inside the illusion, he doesn't notice its effects. "I was trying to imagine myself differently, as stupid as that sounds...I guess it's just a dream after all..."

At seeing this display Alexandra's confidence takes another nose dive. However she doesn't let it stop her from being nice as she says in a slightly discouraged voice, "That was amazing Rip. You and Kaden are so good already... You two are gonna do great."

[Hawkflight]

"You must also challenge yourself. That is why I expect you to practise tonight and return next lesson with at least a small ability."

Kitty raised her hand. "Sir, do you mean some ability to control our aura, or specifically some ability to produce a semblance?" she asked.

[Arkhosia]

Caelynn fell asleep during class, only to be woken by Alex's facedesk!
Caelynn, startled, teleports about 3 feet back into the air, and hits the ground.
A couple shades stifle giggles.

[GrandDM]

"Hm. I've tried focusing it back to me with pure force of will before, but I never tried it like that..."
She takes a deep breath and visualizes so. She thinks upon how it works and flows, how it channels and keeps the Aura constrained, and it slowly starts to shrink and form itself....into a crude, green version of the armor she wears. However where her focus wavers it starts to drift again, and she struggles.
"Hm....it is better than what I've tried in the past but agh..."
It wobbles a little, she tries to increase her focus, to visualize the armor even better, even looking at it to get a better picture.... until it seems to get back to that crude version of her armor. Even then however, something about it seems to be flowing artificially about it.
Then she sighes and relaxes....her concentration lapses and it springs back to "normal".
"Hrm....well its better than me just trying to brute force it back but...still same result. I think it will take a little while to get this right..."

"Alright, your homework will be to do that exercise every morning and evening until you can sustain it. The important part of this is not to force it. Don't try and make your Aura come under control, just remember what it feels like and try to immerse yourself in the sensation."


[Rokoran's Lesson]

A few minutes pass, and the gradual change continues. Rip's shadow contorts until it forms a thin ring around his seat, and it might seem as though he's stopped breathing entirely. After a few more seconds, his eyes snap open, more radiant than ever, before the area inside his shadow flickers wildly...


...and once it dissipates, Rip has returned, his focus broken and his breathing back to normal. The shadow appears to have defined an area around him in which he could recreate an image composed in his mind: in effect, an optical illusion. The archer blinks several times, his eyes apparently dry, before he asks, "Did it work?" It appears that, so long as Rip is inside the illusion, he doesn't notice its effects. "I was trying to imagine myself differently, as stupid as that sounds...I guess it's just a dream after all..."

"What - what the?! That... okay. I will come back to you."


Alexandra lifts her head and nods at her teacher before she looks around the classroom at her fellow students again.

At seeing this display Alexandra's confidence takes another nose dive. However she doesn't let it stop her from being nice as she says in a slightly discouraged voice, "That was amazing Rip. You and Kaden are so good already... You two are gonna do great."

"And you may do no less well. Just because you aren't able to do it right from the start doesn't mean you'll never be able to. Mia..."

Suddenly, his expression darkens, and Hameth will notice that the fiery rent at the heart of his Aura burns brightly for a moment.

"Anyway. Your first-time results are never indicative of your eventual progress. If you put your mind to it, there's no reason you shouldn't become the best in the class."


Kitty raised her hand. "Sir, do you mean some ability to control our aura, or specifically some ability to produce a semblance?" she asked.

"Semblance is another thing entirely. What I want is for you to be able to imagine and produce an effect - even just a small one. Find something familiar, something that you know. Storm, fire, wind, earth, plants... anything you know well."


Caelynn fell asleep during class, only to be woken by Alex's facedesk!
Caelynn, startled, teleports about 3 feet back into the air, and hits the ground.
A couple shades stifle giggles.

"Caelynn, unless you wish to be back here in what would otherwise be your free time, I suggest you remain awake in my class. Also, please try to get control of your teleportation. I don't want to have to untangle you from somebody else you've teleported into. That is not pleasant for me or either of the victims. Trust me, I know from experience."

[Landis963]

"And you may do no less well. Just because you aren't able to do it right from the start doesn't mean you'll never be able to. Mia..."

Suddenly, his expression darkens, and Hameth will notice that the fiery rent at the heart of his Aura burns brightly for a moment.

"Anyway. Your first-time results are never indicative of your eventual progress. If you put your mind to it, there's no reason you shouldn't become the best in the class."

Hameth does notice the dark expression, and moves to intersect his aura with Rokoran's, but backs it away once the room turns green again. ((OOC: Kedra's Aura, acting as an unintentional smokescreen.)) He jots down: "Research 'Mia' in connection with R. - DO NOT ASK, Mogrym all over again."


"Caelynn, unless you wish to be back here in what would otherwise be your free time, I suggest you remain awake in my class. Also, please try to get control of your teleportation. I don't want to have to untangle you from somebody else you've teleported into. That is not pleasant for me or either of the victims. Trust me, I know from experience."

Hameth can't help but chuckle and chime in. Besides, if every session is this interesting, you really have no excuse.

[Arkhosia]

Sorry, didn't sleep very well last night.

Caelynn replies, and tries to focus a bit and make something happen...
And all of a sudden, her hair stands on end for a few seconds.
Crap... Was hoping focusing on electricity would have ended up providing a more interesting effect.

[Hattish Thing]

Withdrawing from Sanctum:

Aurum is now healed from the quite painful break he endured at the hands of Rokoran. He's still a tad sore across his arm, but it's not like he'd be lifting anything anytime soon. He has drone's to do that for him. He's thought a bit about what happened in Rokoran's classroom, and how that one boy had detected him so quickly. That one was Hameth. Aurum remembered hearing strange things about Hameth. He was some sort of Aura prodigy, freakishly skilled with the powers at his disposal. Like a miniature Rokoran in the making. However, he also seemed to be far too independent to prove useful just yet. No use in worrying over him... Just to be safe, Aurum would have to do some research on him. Along with getting Sanctum bugged for surveillance. He'd have to vanish from the scene now in order for his later schemes to work. No loose ends or anything. It was going well.

He'd have Operation Diptera underway soon, which would give him all the information he needed from the school. The very first thing he needed to worry about was the Faunus Plague. He had so many things to do to ensure that it went well. First he'd need to make sure Doctor Ruhig had the virus finished and perfected. He needed it done as soon as possible.

The Frontier Soldiers have removed the large Mecha-Grimm used in the Trials into the cargo bay of the black and chrome jet parked in front of Sanctum. Frontier has now completely moved all personal from Sanctum. Only a few practice Mecha-Grimm remain. Aurum himself boards the jet and has the auto-pilot system activate and begin to fly them all towards the Frontier Needle. The flight will only take about twenty minutes... Aboard, Aurum calls and leaves Doctor Ruhig a voicemail. Doctor Ruhig. I will be paying a visit towards the Needle and operate from there for what's possibly going to be a long time. Schedules have changed and we'll need the virus complete as soon as possible and ready for it's mass reproduction. We'll need lots of it.

[ImpSyndrome]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

"And you may do no less well. Just because you aren't able to do it right from the start doesn't mean you'll never be able to. Mia..."

Suddenly, his expression darkens, and Hameth will notice that the fiery rent at the heart of his Aura burns brightly for a moment.

"Anyway. Your first-time results are never indicative of your eventual progress. If you put your mind to it, there's no reason you shouldn't become the best in the class."
Rip must have done something right, considering the reactions of the students around him; even Rokoran seems surprised, if only for a moment or two. It makes him wonder exactly what they saw, if it aligned accurately with his self-image...In any case, the instructor raises a good point at Kitty's encouragement, and he appropriately resonates, "Whatever I may have accomplished, it's hardly applicable in combat. I don't think any enemy would sit still for that long...I've got my work cut out for me. I'm sure everyone else will have more than enough time to catch up - and then some." Sure, it's not the most optimistic perspective, but he's just trying to help.

[Hawkflight]

Dr. Jones sighed, closing the file on her tablet. Felix Gigglesworth had gotten worried when Falcon never showed up for classes that morning, so during Rokoran's class he'd gone to check up on her and found her unconscious, dust energy leaking from her pores. Immediately, he'd brought her in, and Jones had run a medical diagnostic.

It didn't look good.

It wasn't fatal, that much she knew, but somehow she'd lapsed into a coma, and there was no telling when she'd wake up from it. This was why she, reluctantly, found herself walking towards Rokoran's classroom. As the head doctor, it was her duty to inform the girl's team of the situation and assign them a replacement as soon as possible. With some degree of trepidation, she entered the classroom.

"Excuse me, Professor Rokoran," she said. "I must speak with some of your students alone. It is a matter of the utmost importance. Would Team Kaiser and Jack Loper please report to me?"

[Arkhosia]

Lesson

In the back of class, Tenebria Corvus, feet on her desk, listens to the lesson, dutifully jotting down notes. A couple shades occasionally try to look over her shoulder and copy her, and are met with an irritated wing buffet.

[Elricaltovilla]

Dr. Jones sighed, closing the file on her tablet. Felix Gigglesworth had gotten worried when Falcon never showed up for classes that morning, so during Rokoran's class he'd gone to check up on her and found her unconscious, dust energy leaking from her pores. Immediately, he'd brought her in, and Jones had run a medical diagnostic.

It didn't look good.

It wasn't fatal, that much she knew, but somehow she'd lapsed into a coma, and there was no telling when she'd wake up from it. This was why she, reluctantly, found herself walking towards Rokoran's classroom. As the head doctor, it was her duty to inform the girl's team of the situation and assign them a replacement as soon as possible. With some degree of trepidation, she entered the classroom.

"Excuse me, Professor Rokoran," she said. "I must speak with some of your students alone. It is a matter of the utmost importance. Would Team Kaiser and Jack Loper please report to me?"

There was a slight gust of wind originating to the left of Dr. Jones.

"Aye, Doc? Is there a reason ya wanted ta talk ta me an' that other group?" Jack's country bumpkin accent twanged out. He was over six feet tall and thin as a rail. Brown hair covered his head and the pair of tall, pointed rabbit ears that stuck out from atop it. He smiled at the doctor and chewed absentmindedly on the stick of straw in his mouth.

[Hawkflight]

There was a slight gust of wind originating to the left of Dr. Jones.

"Aye, Doc? Is there a reason ya wanted ta talk ta me an' that other group?" Jack's country bumpkin accent twanged out. He was over six feet tall and thin as a rail. Brown hair covered his head and the pair of tall, pointed rabbit ears that stuck out from atop it. He smiled at the doctor and chewed absentmindedly on the stick of straw in his mouth.

((To keep things moving, I'm just going to assume all of Team Kaiser come down.))

Not wanting to make a spectacle in front of the entire class, Dr. Jones motioned for the students to follow her out into the hallway, where nobody was watching.

"I'm sorry to inform you that Falcon was found unconscious in your dorm a few moments ago," she said to the remaining three members of Team Kaiser. "As you may or may not know, she was involved in an accident when she was younger, which caused a great deal of dust to leak into her blood. It's been benign up until now, even letting her use some dust-related abilities at-will, at the risk of personal injury. However ... it seems that the dust in her bloodstream has started to act up, putting her into a coma. We don't know when she'll wake up."

Giving the students a moment to digest this information, she continued. "Now, Jack Loper. You are without a team at the moment. Team Kaiser, I would like to give you time to recover from this news, but for now, I'm going to have to assign Jack Loper to your team in Falcon's place, until Falcon is well enough to resume her normal duties. Please take some time to get acquainted with each other, I will make your excuses to Professor Rokoran."

[Lord Raziere]

Kedra thought to herself: perhaps it was best. Kedra needed time to recover from Mogrym's lesson as well.
"Welcome to Team Kaiser, Jack. I'm Kedra, Kedra Kaltican, and this is Rip and Kaden."
She said, holding out her hand to shake his.
"Pull your weight, fight well, and you'll get far."
She considered Falcon. She made a mental note to write a letter to leave at her bedside. They had fought beside each other and bonded, even though it was brief. Now she might never know what she truly felt about Mogrym's lesson or what she would accomplish if she were still awake.

After shaking his hand she walked over to Falcon. then turned to face the rest of the team.
"But then again I guess it doesn't make much difference. Even the "old" members of this team have only been together like what, a day? maybe less than that? We are all still new. Whats a day's difference? This is a new team, its off to a rocky start. However I want us all to honor Falcon by doing the best that we can. While we advance and train, while all the teams train, she will lie asleep, static, unable to fully explore the chance she was given for who knows how long? And the last thing she would want is letting this affect us. We are Team Kaiser now. We fight together, and fight for victory! Believe in yourself, and if you will not do that, then believe in me who believes in you! and most of all...believe in Falcon that she will wake up someday. Believe that she will someday find the light at the end of the tunnel, for it is what we all seek."
Not the speech she had planned to give. But, she that is what she will have go with.
"Lets get back to class."
She then walked out to practice more on focusing her Aura.

[Calemyr]

Kedra thought to herself: perhaps it was best. Kedra needed time to recover from Mogrym's lesson as well.
"Welcome to Team Kaiser, Jack. I'm Kedra, Kedra Kaltican, and this is Rip and Kaden."
She said, holding out her hand to shake his.
"Pull your weight, fight well, and you'll get far."
She considered Falcon. She made a mental note to write a letter to leave at her bedside. They had fought beside each other and bonded, even though it was brief. Now she might never know what she truly felt about Mogrym's lesson or what she would accomplish if she were still awake.

After shaking his hand she walked over to Falcon. then turned to face the rest of the team.
"But then again I guess it doesn't make much difference. Even the "old" members of this team have only been together like what, a day? maybe less than that? We are all still new. Whats a day's difference? This is a new team, its off to a rocky start. However I want us all to honor Falcon by doing the best that we can. While we advance and train, while all the teams train, she will lie asleep, static, unable to fully explore the chance she was given for who knows how long? And the last thing she would want is letting this affect us. We are Team Kaiser now. We fight together, and fight for victory! Believe in yourself, and if you will not do that, then believe in me who believes in you! and most of all...believe in Falcon that she will wake up someday. Believe that she will someday find the light at the end of the tunnel, for it is what we all seek."
Not the speech she had planned to give. But, she that is what she will have go with.
"Lets get back to class."
She then walked out to practice more on focusing her Aura.

Kaden looks after the retreating Kedra. "Yeah, you'll need to have some patience with the Boss Lady. Been a leader hardly a week, still thinks being one is all about motivational speeches and barkin' directions. She'll grow out of it. I hope. Anyway, name's Kaden Zei. I hit things." She pauses, aware that this is not quite sufficient for an introduction. "Hard."

[ImpSyndrome]

[INFIRMARY]

Rip tries not to let his anxiety show, but seeing his teammate in such a vulnerable state unnerves him, and it's hard to maintain any degree of separation, despite having only known her for about a week. Thankfully, Kedra breaks the tension by introducing the other student, Jack, to the team as their new provisional member. Her monologue brings the mood up a bit, but not nearly as much as Kaden's self-introduction and dismissal of their captain's rhetoric; it takes some effort for him to keep a straight face.

Once she finishes, the archer says, "Rip Vance, marksman. You're awfully fast for someone so young; I can appreciate that." He gestures for the new guy to walk with him as they return to Rokoran's class. "Now, this is just me being curious," he will continue, "but I notice you've got a bit of an accent...and I don't mean any disrespect, but your ears look kind of familiar for some reason. I don't suppose you've come from Ridgeline or the...*ahem*, 'suburbs', do you...?" It'd be very interesting for Rip to learn if Jack hailed from the same region as himself; it might help him to open up to him and, by proximity, the rest of the team. ((Of course, whether or not Jack and Rip come from the same place is entirely up to Elric.))

[Elricaltovilla]

Jack blinked in shock at the news about team Kaiser's fallen member.

When he saw their teammate lying in the bed, he let out a low whistle. As the team made their introductions to him he waited until they'd all introduced themselves and replied, shaking each hand offered to him in turn.

"Well sheeyoot, ain't this a pickle up a beowulfs bum? I weren't expectin' to get put on a team this year with what all happened ta me on my trip up here an' I shore didn't want it to be on account a somebody else's misfortune. Poor girl, I sure do hope she gets better soon.

The name's Jack Loper, well Jack Loper the 6th on accountin that my pappy an' his pappy an' alla his pappy's way back up was named same's me. I'm from a family way out in the sticks an' boonies up near Ridgeline yeah, but there ain't no 'suburbs' up thataway, unless you're meanin' them fancy human homes they gots, with real wooden walls an' stuff.

Family history aside, I'm the fastest thing on two legs, and faster than most things on three too! I probably shouldn' even be here considerin' that's what the headmaster told me when they tried ta throw my fuzzy butt out. But I telled the headmaster that I only missed openin' week on account of me fallin asleep on the train an' not wakin' up til I was halfway across the country.

Don't you worry captain, I ain't about to mess up no team dynamics or nothin'. Just let me show y'all what I can do after classes today, yeah? I'm sure you'll be impressed."

Jack walked back to class with his new teammates, grinning ear to ear and feeling a little bad about it because of the poor girl who wouldn't get to live out her dream of being a hunter.

man, writing Jack's dialogue is going to be exhausting

[Arkhosia]

When Team Kaiser gets back, Rip may notice Tenebria glare at him.
I don't think she likes him.

[GrandDM]

Hameth can't help but chuckle and chime in. Besides, if every session is this interesting, you really have no excuse.

"Well, at least someone finds my class interesting. That's not always a given."


Hameth does notice the dark expression, and moves to intersect his aura with Rokoran's, but backs it away once the room turns green again. ((OOC: Kedra's Aura, acting as an unintentional smokescreen.)) He jots down: "Research 'Mia' in connection with R. - DO NOT ASK, Mogrym all over again."

"Hameth, while I appreciate you making notes, my personal history is not the topic of this lesson. This is your warning."

His voice is suddenly diamond-edged and very dangerous.


[Rokoran's Lesson]

Rip must have done something right, considering the reactions of the students around him; even Rokoran seems surprised, if only for a moment or two. It makes him wonder exactly what they saw, if it aligned accurately with his self-image...In any case, the instructor raises a good point at Kitty's encouragement, and he appropriately resonates, "Whatever I may have accomplished, it's hardly applicable in combat. I don't think any enemy would sit still for that long...I've got my work cut out for me. I'm sure everyone else will have more than enough time to catch up - and then some." Sure, it's not the most optimistic perspective, but he's just trying to help.

"You think? If you can make yourself look different, you can also make yourself look like you're somewhere else, or not there at all. You can disguise yourself if you need to find out information, or you can make yourself look intimidating to avoid a fight. Visual manipulation is a very useful power, but it does take some effort. You'll get the hang of it, I'm sure."


Sorry, didn't sleep very well last night.

Caelynn replies, and tries to focus a bit and make something happen...
And all of a sudden, her hair stands on end for a few seconds.
Crap... Was hoping focusing on electricity would have ended up providing a more interesting effect.

"Don't worry about it. It's a start, at least. Try it on an opponent sometime, hair can be really annoying in a fight."


Dr. Jones sighed, closing the file on her tablet. Felix Gigglesworth had gotten worried when Falcon never showed up for classes that morning, so during Rokoran's class he'd gone to check up on her and found her unconscious, dust energy leaking from her pores. Immediately, he'd brought her in, and Jones had run a medical diagnostic.

It didn't look good.

It wasn't fatal, that much she knew, but somehow she'd lapsed into a coma, and there was no telling when she'd wake up from it. This was why she, reluctantly, found herself walking towards Rokoran's classroom. As the head doctor, it was her duty to inform the girl's team of the situation and assign them a replacement as soon as possible. With some degree of trepidation, she entered the classroom.

"Excuse me, Professor Rokoran," she said. "I must speak with some of your students alone. It is a matter of the utmost importance. Would Team Kaiser and Jack Loper please report to me?"

"What is it? If you're taking students out of my lesson, I need to know why."


Lesson

In the back of class, Tenebria Corvus, feet on her desk, listens to the lesson, dutifully jotting down notes. A couple shades occasionally try to look over her shoulder and copy her, and are met with an irritated wing buffet.

"Save the physical contact for combat lessons please, or at least wait until I'm teaching you how to enhance your physical capabilities with your Aura."

[Landis963]

"Well, at least someone finds my class interesting. That's not always a given."

An amused smirk plays across Hameth's face. Well, we've had Rip turn into a senior citizen and back, Kaden produce sparks out of thin air, and the professor breathe fire. I'm just not sure how anyone could find it boring.


"Hameth, while I appreciate you making notes, my personal history is not the topic of this lesson. This is your warning."

His voice is suddenly diamond-edged and very dangerous.

Hameth's not smiling anymore, but he nods silently, returns a few lines up, circles "Intention seeing" and adds "Probability very high." Not quite sure how you saw that otherwise, professor.

[Elricaltovilla]

"Sorry we had ta step out professor, it was fer a good reason though." Jack said as the new team walked back into the class. He hesitated for a minute though, unsure if he should take a seat with his new teammates or not.

[KnightDisciple]

The Road Back to Sanctum From The Deep Woods

It is the middle of the day, so while not "safe", the woods are not layered thick with Grimm. But for a group of four Hunters-in-Training, it's practically a picnic in the park.

There's a low growl....that comes from the stomach of the red-haired young man walking a couple feet in front of the three girls that comprise the rest of Team Sleipner.

"Mmmmmaaaaannnnn, how much longer before we're back? Doesn't anyone have an energy bar left on them or something?"

He scratches at his (currently shirtless) belly, an over-dramatic petulant expression on his face. His other hand idly twirls a beautiful staff in various circular and figure-8 patterns.

Suddenly, he leaps up into the air, a brief flash of light signaling an Aura boost to the jump. He lands on a branch about 20 feet ahead of the group...and proceeds to turn to face the girls, hanging upside-down by his monkey tale.

"I would even take a banana, even if it reinforces vicious, baseless stereotypes!"

[ImpSyndrome]

((@Landis: "Senior citizen?" His age deviated by a few years, not by decades...although, I admit, that is kind of funny to imagine.))

[Rokoran's Lesson]

When Team Kaiser gets back, Rip may notice Tenebria glare at him.
I don't think she likes him.
Rip shakes his head lightly and explains, "It was a joke. I was referring to the slums...You know, the old ruined sectors that got left behind when Ridgeline relocated. My folks and I live in Marsh, ourselves...What about you?"

It's something of a personal question, so Rip partly expects Jack to change the subject or give an ambiguous answer; it's what he'd do, after all. What isn't expected is the icy stare that meets him from the back of the classroom as he walks in. It seems a winged Faunus girl seated back there has taken notice of his presence, and her expression clearly indicates that she's not fond of him in the least. It's regrettable, but it makes sense that his actions, subtle or otherwise, might displease others or even make him some enemies. After a moment, he tries to put these thoughts out of his mind; after all, he's joined Sanctum to become a capable Huntsman, not necessarily to make friends.

[Lord_Gareth]

"Merah," Clara says patiently, "you are my energy bar. You'd be less hungry if you conserved your energy."

Clara's clothes are sober and layered; the dress of a street punk or a waif. She keeps her hands in the pockets of her large jacket, the much-repaired garment making the white girl seem much smaller than she actually is. Young Love rides in sheaths strapped to the back of her belt, the knives crossing at the small of her back, and every now and again one of her hands leaves a pocket to touch their hilts. Clara sighs, realizing that some of it is probably her fault. Hunger is one of the early symptoms of long-term drain.

"Maybe what you need is a few hours outta my company," Clara suggests. "I can go, I dunno, write my report in the library or something, give all of you the chance to take a breather without me licking bits off of your soul."

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]

Nadia has the hood of her cloak up, as usual when she's outside. Her expression is flat, but implies a very slight exasperation; they have been walking for some time. Looking to Pangeran, in lieu of a more complex array of signs, she makes do with simply pointing to the horizon.

Sanctum is just barely visible over the treeline.

[Hawkflight]

[The Past]


"What is it? If you're taking students out of my lesson, I need to know why."

Not wanting to make a scene, Dr. Jones passed Rokoran a note explaining the situation. If he continued to protest, she'd cite 'doctor's orders' and be done with it. Remembering Aurum, she also included a note asking him to see her after class.

[The Present]

Doctor Jones sighed as Team Kaiser left, looking back towards Falcon. Poor girl, first she lost her wings, then the dust accident, and now this. She made a few notes on her tablet, then turned her attention to the rest of her work.

[Meanwhile, In Class....]

Kitty was focusing as hard as she could, but she just couldn't get her semblance to show. It just felt like there was something missing, or she was missing the mark, or ... something.

[Arkhosia]

Class

Not my fault he keeps trying to have me do his work.
Tenebria protests, before trying to use her aura.
Is... is that lightbulb flickering?

[Jadev]

Shen looks up with a disapproving look Merah is quite familiar with.

Can you not wait until we get back? It's not that far. Surely even your famed appetite can last for a few more minutes.

Inwardly she shudders a bit at Clara's almost nonchalant treatment of her... problem. She musters herself, however, and responds to her.

You do not have to segregate yourself from us Clara. Though I do think having something to eat would do us all some good once we get back.

[Hattish Thing]

Jet -> Mortemus Needle

Aurum sits in a comfortable chair beside a window, looking out at Sanctum as he speeds away from the place, unsure how to feel about the place. He felt a bit glad to finally be free of the constantly annoying idiocy of others his age. He constantly felt so out of place among the other teenagers he met over his team at Sanctum. They were all so... simple. Fight, Talk, Dress Fashionably, Ogle Attractive Others, Flirt, Sleep. All the same thing again and again and again. They were so utterly content with their lives. It was sickening. It was frankly disgusting! No drive to unlocking the secrets of the world around them. Happy to fight Grimm and eventually marry and have snotty little children that offer nothing to life but their small little acts. Like pawns. A society made of unthinking drones... giving their lives for the "good of mankind". That was their big mistake. There was no "good of mankind". There was only the drive for power. For more. Aurum wanted more. Always needed more. Needed to rule, to conquer... to rule over even the laws of physics, breaking them and reshaping them to serve him.

He thinks a bit more about how out of place he was. A man of science, curiosity, and a will to dominate life among such boring little people, working like little bees to further the greater good. He chuckled a little bit, imagining Alex with the feelers of an insect. That's what they were to him. Insects. Insects with stingers. Some insects more of a threat than others. He knew to treat the new generation of Hunters with caution, for the smallest of scorpions are the most poisonous. Operation Diptera was underway, and that ought to learn enough about each individual to not need to worry about them anymore. Everyone has a breaking point, after all!

Aurum's thoughts were rambling and chaotic. He needed to stop and relax. He has the stewardess bring him a rather large cup of chamomile tea. He takes out his tablet-type electronic and looks over the plans for his side-project, The Tesla Suit. After twenty minutes or so of reading, Aurum arrives in Mortemus Needle, feeling particularly ready for some work. The jet lands at the top of the spire and Aurum moves out of the large black and chrome vehicle, making his way down the spire. Eventually, he comes to the hallway leading to Doctor Ruhig's laboratory. Aurum will knock and stand there, his hands behind his back, looking plenty confident. He always had to look confident and composed around Ruhig, and usually he was. However he was still a bit... unnerved by Rokoran and Caelynn's actions. He waits for the Doctor to open the doors.

----


The Upper Classmen striding through the forest will see the impressive black and chrome jet speed away from Sanctum, the sunlight reflecting off the expensive vehicle, the large "Frontier" logo painted across the side.

[Lord Raziere]

Ruhig's Laboratory

Assistant Gorrels opens the door, the old scientist Dr. Wahnsinn still sitting over some plans.
"Mr. Mortemus. I think you will be pleased with my progress. yes? how goes your excursions to a school full of violent rabble and faunus spies?I trust you've had enough of sticking your nose where it can be bitten? But I expect you came here to see how ze virus is coming along, yes? We are almost done with the primary process of separating that the pure human DNA the faunus share with us from the bestial genes that are their dark heart. I'm sure with enough time ve can find ze gene all faunus share...and then attack it."

Ruhig quietly reflected that he couldn't find any genetic similarities between faunus and Grimm, at least none that were close enough to be useful. Which he knew was obviously rubbish. There had to be a link. There just had to be! How else could you explain bestial traits, their savagery? He just hadn't found the evidence yet. Right? Yes, he just needed to test further, look farther, look deeper.
The Faunus were clearly agents of the Grimm, how could they not see? Perhaps the Faunus had learned how to mask their own genetic structure somehow, maybe used Aura? to throw him off? It had to be anything but the possibility that they weren't agents of the Grimm, it just had to be! I mean, you might as well start treating them like people next, and it all goes down hill from there.

[Lord_Gareth]

"Well I wasn't thinking long-term segregation, Shen," Clara replies, shrugging expressively. "But recovery's not really easy while I'm standing right next to you, y'know? I used to take breaks back when..."

Clara trails off for a moment, her eyes glazing with pain. She shakes it off and picks up at the start of a new sentence. "Anyway, it's not a big deal and it's not like we can't talk over our scrolls or something. An hour, two, and some food and you should be ready to go. I'm feelin' downright giddy, frankly. I think I overfed on that last Grimm..."

[KnightDisciple]

Merah craned his head around when Nadia pointed to Sanctum's now-visible skyline. He grinned broadly and gave a whoop of joy.

There was a quick flip around the branch, and the monkey-boy was twirling through the air for a moment, his staff folding up and tucking away in its regular sheath against his back. He landed amongst the girls, putting an arm around Clara and Nadia's shoulders.

"Don't be so down, Clara! I'm hungry because I ate all our food by yesterday afternoon. Don't you remember Nadia and Shen giving me the stink-eye and a tongue-lashing, respectively? Man, not how I want to wake up in the morning, ladies!"

He's released them and is bounding off along the trail, then turns and is basically jogging backwards as he talks.

"Besides, Pangeran Merah always has plenty of soul to go around."

The "Ladies" is implied by the wink. They've heard and seen it about 20 times already.
This week.

"Anyways, we all probably need some "me time" when we get back. I mean, don't get me wrong I don't mind sharing a room, but I don't feel like sharing my hygiene time. And my poor tail still has Grimm blood on it."

The dark red fur hid it well, but it was definitely a bit grody-looking. And they couldn't have helped but noticed the boy was slightly...nature-y...when he gave them the side hugs. Then again, none of them were as fresh as a spring brook at the moment.

"You did definitely go after that giant armored bear Grimm thing with particular vigor, Clara. It was a little scary, in the best way possible."

'And a little hot.' he thought to himself.

Well, he's a teenaged boy. He's going to notice things at his age. Mostly people notice him, though.

"But yeah, we just all get a bit of me-time, get some food, then meet up to finish writing our reports. "Team Sleipner kicked ***. Again. With style. Again." Bam, reports written!"

The secretaries at school were pretty much constantly in a state of "I want to strangle Pangeran Merah" by this point.

[Jadev]

I gave you a tongue lashing because someone has to. And you ate all my sweet ears. Do you realize how hard it is to get those?

Very hard, in that she had to make them herself. But no one will ever know that-- the kitchen staff were bribed with some of the pastries, and they were her mother's recipe-- one of the few things Shen learned from her that she enjoyed.

If you want to separate, Clara, I will not argue. I need to clean off anyways."

[Lord_Gareth]

"Definitely," Clara agrees, her good mood revived by the banter. "Merah, has it occurred to you that writing down an accurate report makes it more likely that some professor or other recounts our exploits to a freshman class?"

Clara leaves that to percolate in Merah's mind while she walks, humming quietly to herself in anticipation of a hot bath.

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]

Nadia sighs, looking like she's resisting the urge to facepalm. She excises the urge by running a hand through her hair, then setting her hands into a flurry of gestures.

Ate my sweet rolls too. Will haunt you in your sleep.

Nodding slightly at the sentiment of cleaning up, she considers for a moment, glancing to Merah.

No peeking.

She runs a thumb across her throat.

[KnightDisciple]

"Is it my fault sweet ears and sweet rolls taste amazingtastical? No! Is it my fault they called to me with their incredible aroma and overpowered my brain? Certainly not!"

It's totally his fault.

"As for the reports, you lovely ladies all do all the boring details. Passing on the tales of my exploits is what the cafeteria is for!"

The staff laments how popular "Story Time With Merah (tm)" is. So much lamenting.

"And Nadia, I'm hurt that you'd think I'd peak on any of you, or any other girl. You know I'm not the sort of guy who disrespects women like that."

This is actually true. Merah is more likely to beat would-be Peeping Toms to a black-and-blue pulp than peek himself. He intends to see a naked girl the honest way.

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara snorts, smiles, and shakes her head. "You can't run from the reports forever, Fearless Leader. Just be glad that I kinda like what you call the boring stuff. It'll be good practice if I get into business later. Dunno if the whole 'huntress' thing is for me just yet. I mean...y'know, I've built my whole style around my condition. When that changes, am I even going to be the same warrior?"

Clara shrugs again - she's good at it - and hums thoughtfully. "Not that I'm not grateful. I half-expected to just get cacked, y'know? But...there are good people. They do become Hunters. Sometimes the things you learn as a kid are really true. It's a nice feeling. They didn't have to take me in. Maybe I should pay all that training forward? I dunno."

[Jadev]

Shen glares at Merah.

Sanctum wants everyone's points of view in their records. You know half the staff hates you, and it only gets worse every time you submit another two-line report.

Shen sighs. They never get through to him. At least now they have someone else who can help write reports well. Their other teammate was never very good at it either. Even if this new one had rather... disturbing eating habits.

It's good you like it Clara. We have to do almost all of it.

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]

Nadia looks at Merah flatly.

It is totally your fault.

Quite suddenly, she looks to the side of the trail with a squinting expression, then she leaps into the trees, pulling her tonfa from under her cloak.

...There is a faint trail of smoke where she's heading!

[Lord_Gareth]

"Every time a girl just wants to take a bath," Clara mutters before sprinting off in the direction of the smoke. Habit sees her pulling her scroll out to check the Aura levels of herself and her teammates. The young woman scowls in irritation when she sees that her own has already started to deteriorate.

[KnightDisciple]

Merah gave an overdramatic sigh as Clara and Shen keep pressing him about boring paperwork.

"Yeesh, fine, fine, fine. I'll try to write more than the perfect encapsulation for the mission when we get back. Then will you all give me a break?"

He gave Clara a smile and a thumb's up when she mentioned going into business.

"I bet you'd be an awesome lawyer or something like that. You've got the brain and patience for it. And if anyone tried to give you trouble you'd just warn them you can shank a foo'. With two shanking shankers what shank at midnight."

He's about to rebuttal Nadia's remark about the sweet rolls when she gets to moving. Toward...smoke.

And suddenly his face is much more serious, and there's a slight depression in the ground where Pangeran Merah had been standing.

Because the boy in red and black was racing ahead of his team, a branch ahead of Nadia as they ran/jumped through the trees, his staff out and clutched firmly, his eyes and ears sharp for any nearby danger.

[Hattish Thing]

Ruhig's Laboratory

Assistant Gorrels opens the door, the old scientist Dr. Wahnsinn still sitting over some plans.
"Mr. Mortemus. I think you will be pleased with my progress. yes? how goes your excursions to a school full of violent rabble and faunus spies?I trust you've had enough of sticking your nose where it can be bitten? But I expect you came here to see how ze virus is coming along, yes? We are almost done with the primary process of separating that the pure human DNA the faunus share with us from the bestial genes that are their dark heart. I'm sure with enough time ve can find ze gene all faunus share...and then attack it."

Ruhig quietly reflected that he couldn't find any genetic similarities between faunus and Grimm, at least none that were close enough to be useful. Which he knew was obviously rubbish. There had to be a link. There just had to be! How else could you explain bestial traits, their savagery? He just hadn't found the evidence yet. Right? Yes, he just needed to test further, look farther, look deeper.
The Faunus were clearly agents of the Grimm, how could they not see? Perhaps the Faunus had learned how to mask their own genetic structure somehow, maybe used Aura? to throw him off? It had to be anything but the possibility that they weren't agents of the Grimm, it just had to be! I mean, you might as well start treating them like people next, and it all goes down hill from there.

Aurum walks in, not paying the assistant any sort of attention but turning his head slightly to glance at Doctor Wahnsinn poring over his plans. Good. It was always such a nice thing to know that the incredible amount of money poured into this division of Fronter was being used for something worthwhile. Aurum replies lazily and matter-of-factly, moving to look over Doctor Wahnsinn's shoulders to take a quick look at the plans as he speaks. Oh? It went satisfactory. I achieved what I had sought to do in the little time presented to me. I was hardly "bitten", Doctor Ruhig, and your blatantly disrespectful tone is unacceptable. Regardless of your personal opinion as to my work and how I get it done, I have completed my task. You have yet to complete yours. I have sown the seeds of treachery among them, as well as confirming that an incredible amount of the student body happens to be Faunus. It'll all fit together perfectly...

Now... explain to me how the completed virus ought to target the body of a victim. Obviously the virus is to be fatal, but it would be astute of me to be able to recognize and comprehend my own virus, Doctor. What are the side effects? Fatal bleeding? Internal Rupturing? Does it function like a sort of cancer? He'll now move to sit down on a nearby chair and gently tap twice at his glasses. This will have them record the conversation so he can listen to the side-effects and details about the plague later. Aurum always concentrated better when he was alone and listening to some proper music.

[strawberryman]

(I would wait for Jadev here but it's really just going to be another 'follows' post probably, so I will make this last post before bed.)

[Deep Forest] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWzgyNcrKYM)

Nadia stops just before a clearing, flipping her tonfa into crossbow mode, and fitting two bolts. She looks to the front liners with a nod, the sound around her deadening.

The clearing... is actually quiet without the interference, however. In the center, there's the remains of a pile of trees. It appears the gap in the trees was created manually, by the drag-marks. Closer to the center, there's a path of burnt grass... and underneath the pile of charcoal and ash, is the burnt remains of several beowulfs and a bjorn.

The only battle here is one that's already happened.

[Hattish Thing]

Barlowe turns his attention to the cleanup, not meeting Moloch's eye. "Er, yeah. I have noticed a slowdown in my correspondences lately, now that you mention it. A few of my friends from back then have died of course, I know that, but I'm not hearing much from anybody, to be honest. It is making me nervous, but I can't tell you why. Heh. Of course, it could also just be business as usual. The Corps works like that at times. I suppose you'd know better than I, in fact. You were, what, a Commander when you retired? I never made it past the rank of Specialist."

((Naturally, Barlowe is trying not to spread what he's heard from the Directors, not that deception is his strongest suit. What Mogrym reads out of his response depends on how perceptive he is - it could be anything from "this guy is just trying to make me feel better" to "this guy has something he wants to say, but this isn't the time or place to say it". Read it as you will. ))

Given how paranoid the Professor can be, he's certainly picked up quite a lot on human psychology and body language. He's not at all one for knowing how to accept compassionate emotion either. Both of these traits point to the immediate thought that Barlowe is either keeping something from him deliberately, or wants to talk to him about it somewhere private. He thinks about the two possible explanations for a bit as he speaks. Mhm... It'sh frankly a bit... dishturbing. No contact with the Huntersh for monthsh now. And I've had thish convershation with my old friendsh ash well. We've all heard nothing.... Aye, that I wash! A Commander of my own shelect Captainsh, who led groupsh of teamsh. I wash quite high up on the totem pole there fer a while. And... that'sh what makesh it shtranger. I became very closhe friendsh with quite a few of the higher upsh, who alwaysh make it a point to mail me. I don't know what to think of it all.

[Calemyr]

Given how paranoid the Professor can be, he's certainly picked up quite a lot on human psychology and body language. He's not at all one for knowing how to accept compassionate emotion either. Both of these traits point to the immediate thought that Barlowe is either keeping something from him deliberately, or wants to talk to him about it somewhere private. He thinks about the two possible explanations for a bit as he speaks. Mhm... It'sh frankly a bit... dishturbing. No contact with the Huntersh for monthsh now. And I've had thish convershation with my old friendsh ash well. We've all heard nothing.... Aye, that I wash! A Commander of my own shelect Captainsh, who led groupsh of teamsh. I wash quite high up on the totem pole there fer a while. And... that'sh what makesh it shtranger. I became very closhe friendsh with quite a few of the higher upsh, who alwaysh make it a point to mail me. I don't know what to think of it all.

That was surprising. And worrying. Barlowe would have understood if Mogrym hadn't heard much, but nothing? Nothing at all? That was worse than he'd expected.

"Speaking of your experience..." He said slowly, as if changing the subject. "Have you ever in your career fought Grimm that used tactics? I don't mean the traps and indirect attacks the Anansi use, I am talking about actual military tactics employing multiple varieties of Grimm? A friend of a friend of mine told me recently how that friend died, and it's somewhat hard to believe."

[Jadev]

(I'll wait for at least Knight to post since realistically there's no way Shen could beat him there.)

Shen is alerted not by the sight of her comrades taking off, but by their feelings-- the electric tingle of surprise, the thrum of power that comes when Merah is being serious-- she feels the auras move off into the woods and turns to follow, aura enhancing her speed as she sprints to whatever they found.

[Lord_Gareth]

Naked curiosity shows on Clara's face when she arrives and takes in the scene. "That looks really deliberate," she comments curiously, approaching the burnt-out pile and circling it. "Why build a pyre for Grimms? It certainly didn't conceal their activities. A funeral? No, that would be stupid..."

[Jadev]

Shen moves in in front of the others, but waits to speak until Clara is done.

Maybe it was someone with a fire semblance or some dust fighting them...

She pauses.

Let me see if anyone's around.

She closes her eyes and focuses on her sixth sense, letting her aura flow out further than before. She feels the tug that Clara gives but she tries to ignore it and try to sense what life there is in the surrounding area.

[Hattish Thing]

That was surprising. And worrying. Barlowe would have understood if Mogrym hadn't heard much, but nothing? Nothing at all? That was worse than he'd expected.

"Speaking of your experience..." He said slowly, as if changing the subject. "Have you ever in your career fought Grimm that used tactics? I don't mean the traps and indirect attacks the Anansi use, I am talking about actual military tactics employing multiple varieties of Grimm? A friend of a friend of mine told me recently how that friend died, and it's somewhat hard to believe."

Mogrym furrows his brow, a bit confused and alarmed by this less than savory information. Military tacticsh? ...What are you talking about? The Grimm are wild and ferocioush, attacking in numbersh to overwhelm and quickly destroy. They fight like wild animalsh, and that'sh how we can beat them. We're shmarter and certainly organized. That'sh one of our advantagesh! Militarized Grimm.... would be extremely dangeroush. We'd need much, much, much more troopsh.... What... How do you know thish to be true? He looks worried... If Grimm were forming bands like thish, humanity would need an army. And the Hunter Corp is mosht certainly not an army. Especially nowadaysh.

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]

The trees appear to have been fully dragged, which would take phenomenal amounts of strength to accomplish. It's vaguely possible this arrangement was created to prevent the spreading of a fire, but why would there be a fire in the first place? Shen may be on the right track, it could be the battle site of someone with a fire semblance.

There is no one nearby.

But there is something residual in the area. Someone with a powerful aura was here. One so powerful it left behind an impression on the area. As well, through that residual aura, she can feel... calm. Whoever fought these grimms had an entire detachment from emotion. No rage. No fear. Nothing but tranquility.

[KnightDisciple]

Merah frowns at the display.

"They're arranged deliberately. I'm not a psychology expert, but in my mind, there are two reasons you'd set up a pyre like this.

Either it's a funeral or something similar. Maybe a way to "honor a worthy opponent". But that seems...unlikely. I can't think of anyone who could wreck a place this much who would want to "honor" Grimm. But it's possible.

Or..."

He looks around at the trees surrounding them, then glancing at his team.

"It's a warning. To Grimm. Maybe to people, too. That there's someone. Something. Out here. And it's not just defending or surviving. It's hunting."

[Elricaltovilla]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

Rip shakes his head lightly and explains, "It was a joke. I was referring to the slums...You know, the old ruined sectors that got left behind when Ridgeline relocated. My folks and I live in Marsh, ourselves...What about you?"

It's something of a personal question, so Rip partly expects Jack to change the subject or give an ambiguous answer; it's what he'd do, after all. What isn't expected is the icy stare that meets him from the back of the classroom as he walks in. It seems a winged Faunus girl seated back there has taken notice of his presence, and her expression clearly indicates that she's not fond of him in the least. It's regrettable, but it makes sense that his actions, subtle or otherwise, might displease others or even make him some enemies. After a moment, he tries to put these thoughts out of his mind; after all, he's joined Sanctum to become a capable Huntsman, not necessarily to make friends.

"Ah don't even live in a place with enough people around ta have a name. Mah family an' I was homesteaders, we got ourselves a little farm after mah granpappy retired from bein' a hunter. Still, it's nice ta know I ain't the only one from the area ta make it here." Jack smiled a big, open faced grin. Not a hint of insincerity on his face.

He sat near enough to his new team that he could still talk to them while in class, but mostly remained silent through the lecture. It wasn't something that really interested him, but it was fun to watch people struggle at grasping something so advanced. At least this time he was to excited to fall asleep in class.

[Calemyr]

Mogrym furrows his brow, a bit confused and alarmed by this less than savory information. Military tacticsh? ...What are you talking about? The Grimm are wild and ferocioush, attacking in numbersh to overwhelm and quickly destroy. They fight like wild animalsh, and that'sh how we can beat them. We're shmarter and certainly organized. That'sh one of our advantagesh! Militarized Grimm.... would be extremely dangeroush. We'd need much, much, much more troopsh.... What... How do you know thish to be true? He looks worried... If Grimm were forming bands like thish, humanity would need an army. And the Hunter Corp is mosht certainly not an army. Especially nowadaysh.

"Don't get ahead of things, Moloch. I don't have any solid evidence yet. All I have is the testimony of one witness and, while I don't doubt the source, I must question the interpretation. My friend was already on the Long Hunt when she died, she wasn't an active Huntress. She was good, though. Very, very good."

"That she died is worrying, but the why and how of it are still uncertain. Was she getting careless? She was always confident, too confident for her own good. Was someone controlling the Grimm? Were they even actually Grimm? Mr. Mortemus's synthetic Grimm are certainly controllable and, if someone were to create replicas of known Grimm instead of his wild fancies, would anyone even think to doubt their eyes? I don't know. I don't know anything. But now do you see why I wanted to take a more active hand in training?"

[Hattish Thing]

"Don't get ahead of things, Moloch. I don't have any solid evidence yet. All I have is the testimony of one witness and, while I don't doubt the source, I must question the interpretation. My friend was already on the Long Hunt when she died, she wasn't an active Huntress. She was good, though. Very, very good."

"That she died is worrying, but the why and how of it are still uncertain. Was she getting careless? She was always confident, too confident for her own good. Was someone controlling the Grimm? Were they even actually Grimm? Mr. Mortemus's synthetic Grimm are certainly controllable and, if someone were to create replicas of known Grimm instead of his wild fancies, would anyone even think to doubt their eyes? I don't know. I don't know anything. But now do you see why I wanted to take a more active hand in training?"

Mogrym frowns a bit and adjusts one of the buckles across his stomach. No... sholid evidence. Alright. Well, there'sh shomething. Well... I think it'd be besht to hope that what yer shaying ishn't the truth. However, don't ye think it'd be a good plan to tell shomeone thish shtuff? Jusht in cashe? Tell me... who exactly died? Shomeone in control of large groupsh of Grimm like that is... frightening.

[Lord_Gareth]

"We should report this," Clara suggests. "Who or what ever this is, it's strong, cunning, and destructive. I don't care to meet it in a dark alley without some rest and backup."

[ImpSyndrome]

"Ah don't even live in a place with enough people around ta have a name. Mah family an' I was homesteaders, we got ourselves a little farm after mah granpappy retired from bein' a hunter. Still, it's nice ta know I ain't the only one from the area ta make it here." Jack smiled a big, open faced grin. Not a hint of insincerity on his face.

He sat near enough to his new team that he could still talk to them while in class, but mostly remained silent through the lecture. It wasn't something that really interested him, but it was fun to watch people struggle at grasping something so advanced. At least this time he was to excited to fall asleep in class.
It seems that Rip's youth wasn't quite so unique as he has believed; Jack's story bears some striking similarities to his own. "Ain't that the truth," he replies, the element of familiarity coaxing him into a more casual attitude than usual. "Kind of odd that we've never met, though; in places like Marsh, folks all know each other by name, scarcely any exceptions...Wait, hang on a second. You said your grand-dad was a Hunstman? No, there's no way...Any chance the name Marshall Drake Vance rings a bell...?"

((That's Rip's grandfather, by the way; also a retired Huntsman.))

[Jadev]

Shen opens her eyes wide. Her voice comes out somewhat duller than normal.

Whoever did this was strong. Strong enough to leave an impression of its aura. It's tranquil. The person that did this felt no emotion while doing it.

Inside, Shen is scared-- but that is being smothered somewhat by a blanket of calm. For once, Shen is grateful that she is being influenced by outside emotions.

[Calemyr]

Mogrym frowns a bit and adjusts one of the buckles across his stomach. No... sholid evidence. Alright. Well, there'sh shomething. Well... I think it'd be besht to hope that what yer shaying ishn't the truth. However, don't ye think it'd be a good plan to tell shomeone thish shtuff? Jusht in cashe? Tell me... who exactly died? Shomeone in control of large groupsh of Grimm like that is... frightening.

"Rayne Anias. One of my old teammates. The problem with this is that it is frightening. I don't want to start a panic about something I haven't confirmed. I have some contacts in the brass that I've been trying to get in touch with. Some other contacts as well. I'm telling you this because you were a Huntsmen long enough to learn the value of discretion. Trust me on this, I'm not going to let it go. I've got a personal stake in this, after all."

[Meanwhile, in the Back of Rorokan's Classroom]
Rev's pen scribbled notes diligently as the lecture carried on. While he appeared focused on the lesson, however, there was a conversation going on beneath the surface.

I told you they would pick Jack to fill in. He thought, a little smugly.

The Wolf snorted. They are fools, then.

What is your problem with him?

He is a rabbit, trying to run with wolves. It growled. He is a poor fit for that pack. The girl, at least, had the right spirit.

I think you're just focused on the 'rabbit' thing. So you consider the archer a 'wolf' as well, then?

He is a predator. The rabbit is prey.

He might surprise you, though. As Father's fond of saying, 'Man is more than even men know'. They'll fight soon enough, I'm sure. If you still think that afterwards, we'll have steak for dinner.

Raw?

No. He smiled slightly to himself as his turned the page in his notebook.

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]

Nadia approaches cautiously, sweeping every area carefully with her aim and eyes as she nears the group. Reaching them without incident, she flips her weapons back under her cloak, looking to the others flatly, and making subtle, small movements with her hands.

No talk here. Double time to Sanctum? The question, or suggestion, is directed at Merah. It's pretty clear Nadia is spooked, too.

[Arkhosia]

"Rayne Anias. One of my old teammates. The problem with this is that it is frightening. I don't want to start a panic about something I haven't confirmed. I have some contacts in the brass that I've been trying to get in touch with. Some other contacts as well. I'm telling you this because you were a Huntsmen long enough to learn the value of discretion. Trust me on this, I'm not going to let it go. I've got a personal stake in this, after all."

[Meanwhile, in the Back of Rorokan's Classroom]
Rev's pen scribbled notes diligently as the lecture carried on. While he appeared focused on the lesson, however, there was a conversation going on beneath the surface.

I told you they would pick Jack to fill in. He thought, a little smugly.

The Wolf snorted. They are fools, then.

What is your problem with him?

He is a rabbit, trying to run with wolves. It growled. He is a poor fit for that pack. The girl, at least, had the right spirit.

I think you're just focused on the 'rabbit' thing. So you consider the archer a 'wolf' as well, then?

He is a predator. The rabbit is prey.

He might surprise you, though. As Father's fond of saying, 'Man is more than even men know'. They'll fight soon enough, I'm sure. If you still think that afterwards, we'll have steak for dinner.

Raw?

No. He smiled slightly to himself as his turned the page in his notebook.

how long is this class?!
Tenebria whispers to Rev

[Calemyr]

how long is this class?!
Tenebria whispers to Rev

Too long.

Shush.

"More than three pages' worth, at least. Five more minutes, I'd guess?"

[Arkhosia]

Too long.

Shush.

"More than three pages' worth, at least. Five more minutes, I'd guess?"

It better be. If that guy tries to look at my notes one more time, I'm getting my rifle.
Tenebria growls as she blocks the shade's view with her wing.

[KnightDisciple]

Merah turned as Nadia began to sign. It didn't take her long, and he nodded.

"Everyone. We're heading back. Double time. Remember the coordinates, in case the staff want to investigate further. We need to get back."

All bravado and joking was gone from his voice. Pangeran Merah was all business now. Without another word, he gave a mighty leap and was once more in the trees, jumping quickly to another branch a bit further away.

He would keep pace with the others, but try to make sure he still set the pace fast enough they'd get back quickly.

[Jadev]

Shen nods and follows, matching the group's speed. As she runs, she feels the unnatural calmness flow away. Before she can show any fear, however, she puts on her brave face and focuses on the report she'll file-- both for their mission and for this incident.

[Lord_Gareth]

"Let's bring it to Mogrym," Clara suggests as she follows, sprinting alongside the others. "He might know what this is. If it's sanctioned, could even be some project of his. Right?"

[Hawkflight]

Meanwhile, while classes were in session, an older man approached the school's gates. He was not a short man, but he was rather stocky, with a balding head, a ginger beard, and a frame that put one in mind of a dwarf crossed with Lex Luthor. He was shirtless, showing off an extremely muscled body, and wore a simple pair of trousers, a belt with a few tools on it, and boots. This was not what one would typically wear for a trip to the prestigious Sanctum Academy, but there was a good reason for this, namely that he was pulling a large cart laden down with heavy metals and materials. For this man was Laurence Lacuna, former forgemaster of Sanctum Academy and now its primary metal supplier.

He may not have worn a shirt, but he was hooked up to a harness, allowing him to pull the cart easier. And strapped to his back was what looked to be a simple katana, were it not for the glowing canister of dust built into it and the lines that ran out from it and down the length of the sheath. Also sheathed in this contraption was a smaller blade, a simple tanto knife. These blades were worn under the harness, able to be drawn at a moment's notice.

Laurence paused as he reached the entrance to Sanctum, ready to deliver his load. Unbuckling himself from the harness, he stepped forward and knocked on the door.

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]

Nadia keeps in the center of the group, still deadening the sound of their movements. Naturally, she has nothing to say at this time!

(Good to go up to the report with Mogrym/arriving at Sanctum.)

[Hattish Thing]

"Rayne Anias. One of my old teammates. The problem with this is that it is frightening. I don't want to start a panic about something I haven't confirmed. I have some contacts in the brass that I've been trying to get in touch with. Some other contacts as well. I'm telling you this because you were a Huntsmen long enough to learn the value of discretion. Trust me on this, I'm not going to let it go. I've got a personal stake in this, after all."

Mogrym frowns here and takes a glum look down upon the ground. Ms. Aniash... Yesh, I think I know of her name. I remember hearing of her, though I've never met her before. She'sh dead? A death ish not anything too incredible in the corpsh. Why... what'sh sho intereshting about thish? Wash it the specific death? He nods and moves to finally get off the chair. It's rather painful for Mogrym. He's old and his rheumatism was acting up.

[AnimeKid]

Rokoran's Classroom

Alexandra sighed before looking up at the clock. After seeing how long they had left she looked down at her hand as he classmates did their best to summon forth various effects with their Aura. Unfortunately unless it was for smashing something or defending herself she could barely get her Aura to react. Another sigh let itself loose from her lips as she decided to try again, despite the many times she had before. She closed her eyes like usual and did her best to summon forth her Aura.

She tried to produce something, anything like her classmates. Fire, water, lightning, heck she would even take dirt! Unfortunately the only thing that came forth was her Aura. It was visible to anyone looking at her. Unlike Kedra's it was concentrated and very powerful. It condensed around her providing a layered sheen to herself. If someone were to reach out and touch her they would find that though it was thin the sheen of Aura that surrounded her would prevent them from touching her directly! It was very powerful, yet to those with the correct senses they could also tell that it was currently very inflexible. Either way it might have been an impressive sight to those who were unaware of the power that the tall girl possessed.

[KnightDisciple]

[Deep Woods]
Team Sleipner

It didn't take the upperclassmen long to travel the rest of the way. Their Auras were all likely a bit more depleted, between Clara's low drain and the exertion of traveling fast.

But the fact that Merah's face was serious for the entire trip probably helped spur the others on to keeping pace.

The team's pace put them on-campus perhaps a minute before the arrival of one Laurence Lacuna, though they got in without knocking (student passes).

And now Merah's more flippant self was shining through just a bit as he hassled the receptionist.

"Look I get that it's unusual for a bunch of awesome students like us to look all nervous even before we do the boring paperwork and sit in on a review session, but this is important!"

Such a look.

"Not "oh noes my grade point average" important, "freaky deaky stuff in the woods important!"

Narrowed eyes.

"Okay, seriously, if what I think you're thinking was even remotely accurate, I would not be insisting on seeing Professor Mogrym. Just...no. Seriously. This is actually something he'll want to hear and he's probably the best guy to talk it over with.
Just page him or something, right?"

[Hattish Thing]

Upperclassmen:

Alt/Mogrym is quickly informed somehow (doesn't really matter) in his office of some strange happening involving the upperclassmen. He'd always been quite fond of the upperclassmen. All of them were skilled warriors and knew the ways of battle. Though he wasn't exactly fond of Merah. He quickly makes his way down the stairs, having grabbed the Aether Rifle along with his Hammer/Staff. Soon, Professor Mogrym is limping down the stairs into the area where the upperclassmen are located. He's looking a bit bedraggled due to how quickly he armed and gathered himself. Why, there's even a small black comb stuck in his hair. It appears he'd tried to quickly comb it but was distracted and forgot about it. It's a bit comical really. Such a sour military-looking asskicker of a man with a little comb stuck in his hair.

He arrives and looks over the four and speaks, using his metal arm to adjust the chainmail he's wearing under his coat. Tell me... Why ish it it'sh alwaysh you three that end up finding the corpsesh and shtrange thingsh all over the place? Ahahah. Keepsh me young! Short of... At first he looks to be a bit displeased and grumpy, before his frown turns to a grin that makes the metal faceplate look even more out of place. He'll move to quickly either hug or shake the hands of each upperclassmen. Sho... What'sh happened now? Lead the way to the ****e.

[Jadev]

Edit: Ninja'd. Disregard this post.

[strawberryman]

[Sanctum]
Team Sleipnir

Nadia stands rather rigidly as Merah explains the situation to the exasperated receptionist. She is a bit more tired from the action due to Clara's aura, but being slightly seasoned, this is far from the last she'll see today.

She holds two hands up as Mogrym approaches her for a hug. In past interactions this has not been uncommon. Apparently she really values her personal space.

As always, her expression is rather muted, but there is a notable unease still hanging about her.

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara hadn't yet gotten to telling Mogrym about her transfer, and having him find out like this makes the pale girl's cheeks burn in embarrassment. Light dims in her vicinity, for a moment, as she loses control of her drain and then regains it.

"It's this way, Professor," Clara says politely. "We were on our way back from a field exercise when we spotted the remnants of a battle, sir."

Clara opens her mouth to apologize about her silence, then shuts it. What is there to say? The Professor isn't stupid - one team had an open slot, another had only one survivor. A natural fit and explanation for her presence. Still, she stares away from him, feeling oddly like she's betrayed his trust or her former teammates or both.

[Jadev]

Shen shakes Mogrym's hand as he offers it. She's always been fond of the scarred old warrior. He reminds her somewhat of her grandfather.

There's a lot of burned-up Grimm corpses, but the whole thing looks odd.

[KnightDisciple]

Merah grins when Mogrym comes down to greet them, savoring the utterly cheesy moment. When the scarred professor moves toward him, the monkey Faunus flings his arms around the old professor and squeezes. Considering how tough Mogrym is, there's no chance of him being hurt.

"Alright, yeah! Hug time! Bring it in, Prof Mog! Right on!"

Somehow the team's irrepressible leader had managed to discretely slip the comb out of the older man's hair and deposit it in his hand.

He got a bit more serious as Clara spoke.

"Yeah, it's not too far. But it's pretty **** weird."

The secretary glares but he doesn't even see. Or care.

And with that, they're back off out the door and gates toward the forest!

(OOC: Someone else can get us there and describe it. Sorry for not-super-prompt posts, I'm at work and stuff.)

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods]
Team Sleipnir and Mogrym

The clearing is just as the team left it. Around 20 meters wide, with a pile of unearthed and burned trees piled atop the remains of several grimm. While nothing has changed, this doesn't necessarily make it any less uneasy.

[KnightDisciple]

[Deep Woods]
Team Sleipnir and Mogrym

Merah's mannerisms had slipped most of the way back to "serious", but with an experienced and well-armed Hunter with them, he felt a bit better being out here near the scary fire pile.

"We didn't find anyone when we cam here, Prof. Just...this. Smoke, but the fire was out. I think we came across it...20 minutes ago? Thereabouts."

He glanced sidelong at the scarred man.

"You ever seen anything like this before? Shen said whoever did this was not only hecka powerful, they were...spooky calm. No emotion at all calm. Which, no offense Prof, doesn't sound like you. You're professional, but I dunno, I get the vibe you're more of a "control emotions in combat" sort of guy, instead of a "zen killing spree" dude."

The whole time he's talking, Merah's eyes are scanning the treeline, and his ears occasionally twitch. He's watching and listening for trouble, the only sign of the tension he's disguising being how his tail stays close to his back, with just the tip twitching back and forth now and again.

[Hattish Thing]

[Sanctum]
Team Sleipnir

She holds two hands up as Mogrym approaches her for a hug. In past interactions this has not been uncommon. Apparently she really values her personal space.

As always, her expression is rather muted, but there is a notable unease still hanging about her.

Proffesor Mogrym frowns a tad, taking the situation completely serious. Not only was he a paranoid man, but whatever had happened apparently really bothered the upperclassmen. Obviously whatever had happened was quite spooky. Mogrym took the words and reactions of his favorite freshman team seriously. They frequently knew what they were doing, and for them to have come to Mogrym meant that they believed something was strange or threatening enough to consult a faculty member, was a big thing in his eye. He notices her unease and gives a reassuring nod. He never was the best at comforting others...


Clara hadn't yet gotten to telling Mogrym about her transfer, and having him find out like this makes the pale girl's cheeks burn in embarrassment. Light dims in her vicinity, for a moment, as she loses control of her drain and then regains it.

"It's this way, Professor," Clara says politely. "We were on our way back from a field exercise when we spotted the remnants of a battle, sir."

Clara opens her mouth to apologize about her silence, then shuts it. What is there to say? The Professor isn't stupid - one team had an open slot, another had only one survivor. A natural fit and explanation for her presence. Still, she stares away from him, feeling oddly like she's betrayed his trust or her former teammates or both.

Mogrym had already heard of her transfer, and while he did feel a little bit disappointed and sore over one of his favorite's transferring, it was for the best. He always wanted the best for his students, even if they often hated him for his philosophy and lessons. He wasn't upset with Clara, just a bit saddened by the loss of a brilliant Huntress-to-be. He offers a few short words. Ah... thank you for the overview, Msh. Clara. And, hey, kid.... don't worry about the transhfer. I already heard. It'sh nothing to feel guilty about, alright? You did what ya had to. Don't think you'll be sheeing any lessh of me though. Wouldn't want to loshe contact with shuch a bright young Hunter. He offers a solemn smile.


Shen shakes Mogrym's hand as he offers it. She's always been fond of the scarred old warrior. He reminds her somewhat of her grandfather.

There's a lot of burned-up Grimm corpses, but the whole thing looks odd.

Mogrym shakes Shen's hand, his extremely strong and cold metal prosthetic squeezing tightly at her hand. It's a familiar handshake of his, just strong enough to possibly crack a knuckle. It wasn't on purpose, but this arm was meant to fight and deal damage, not shake hands. Mogrym's other hand is currently a bit busy fiddling with the pistol in his pocket. Nice to shee you again, Misshy. Burned up corpshesh? ...Huh. Shtrange. I... that'sh shtrange. He's a bit in thought, and he makes an unpleasant face. Like he's remembering the taste of biting into a particularly soggy and old ham sandwich. We'll... get it looked at.


Merah grins when Mogrym comes down to greet them, savoring the utterly cheesy moment. When the scarred professor moves toward him, the monkey Faunus flings his arms around the old professor and squeezes. Considering how tough Mogrym is, there's no chance of him being hurt.

"Alright, yeah! Hug time! Bring it in, Prof Mog! Right on!"

Somehow the team's irrepressible leader had managed to discretely slip the comb out of the older man's hair and deposit it in his hand.

He got a bit more serious as Clara spoke.

"Yeah, it's not too far. But it's pretty **** weird."


And with that, they're back off out the door and gates toward the forest!

Mogrym accepts the hug well. If anyone was to be hurt from that, it would be Pangeran. Mogrym's breasplate is special, and when pressure is applied to it, it causes small spikes to pop out slowly. The more pressure applied, the more the spike pops out. His thick brown leather coat covers his back and sides from the armor's spikes, but Pangeran's stomach is facing Mogrym's, and as such he might get some uncomfortable prickly feelings. The armor was built so that if Mogrym was ever lifted or bit at by a Grimm, it would deal a hell of a lot of damage to said Grimm should it bite down. The comb is easily lifted off of him. Ahhh. Eashy there, eashy. Don't want to activate me armor or anything. You'd end up like week old cheeshe on a grater. Good to shee you again though. I'm glad to hear Clara hashn't killed ye already. "By accident", of courshe, ahahaha. His laugh is hearty, but a bit pushed. He's still concerned too much to be as friendly as he'd like. Well. Alrigh', let'sh go.


[Deep Woods]
Team Sleipnir and Mogrym

The clearing is just as the team left it. Around 20 meters wide, with a pile of unearthed and burned trees piled atop the remains of several grimm. While nothing has changed, this doesn't necessarily make it any less uneasy.

Mogrym makes his way to the clearing with the Hammer/Staff at his back, the Aether Rifle in his arms. For someone as... bulky as Mogrym is, he's suprisingly stealthy when he needs to be. The rifle is aimed forward, and his artificial eye is looking forward constantly, using it's many different visions to simultaneously apply infrared, darkvision, and echolocation. He doesn't see much save for a few animals.

When he arrives, his brow instantly furrows. He's looking about, rifle aimed forward constantly. He looks about, inspecting how whole trees have been uprooted and burnt. It would require an incredibly amount of strength, the likes of which he only knew three other human beings possessed. The first was an individual known as Captain Clegg, a pirate infamous for stealing dust shipments. However, he was killed long ago by a bounty hunter, and both of which have long since been forgotten. The second was a Hunter Captain he worked with and remained good friends with after he left the corp. Her name was Brilla Firehearth. She was currently retired and peacefully resting with her grandchildren somewhere. The other was a man known as Connal. He knew Connal quite well, for during the years when Mogrym was a Privateer Hunter he had been put to the job of finding the rebel and locking him away before his strange cult-like following caused any more damage or cost any more lives.

He had battled Connal many times, along with having tracked him over the country for a few years. He recognized the specific methods of combat, along with the familiar feel of Connal's powerful aura. After looking around, he speaks. He looks a bit pale, and certainly seems to be a bit jumpy. ...You are lucky, children, to have found thish location after the actsh had occurred here.



[Deep Woods]
Team Sleipnir and Mogrym

Merah's mannerisms had slipped most of the way back to "serious", but with an experienced and well-armed Hunter with them, he felt a bit better being out here near the scary fire pile.

"We didn't find anyone when we cam here, Prof. Just...this. Smoke, but the fire was out. I think we came across it...20 minutes ago? Thereabouts."

He glanced sidelong at the scarred man.

"You ever seen anything like this before? Shen said whoever did this was not only hecka powerful, they were...spooky calm. No emotion at all calm. Which, no offense Prof, doesn't sound like you. You're professional, but I dunno, I get the vibe you're more of a "control emotions in combat" sort of guy, instead of a "zen killing spree" dude."

The whole time he's talking, Merah's eyes are scanning the treeline, and his ears occasionally twitch. He's watching and listening for trouble, the only sign of the tension he's disguising being how his tail stays close to his back, with just the tip twitching back and forth now and again.

He nods and continues to speak solemnly. Aye... thish is a foe beyond any of you... I've sheen thish sheveral timesh in my life, but not for many a year... He looks about, instantly on the look out. Connal was always a clever man, and who knows... Are you absholutely certain you didn't shpot anything, or anyone as you passhed by? He's glancing about, the sounds of the forest now sounding like a cacophonous thunder as his thoughts raced. Connal, back again? It'd be terrible. The reappearance of the rebel would simply cause his many followers to restart their rampages! I believe in the relationship of rage and sherenity in combat. Sherenity and peace of mind go hand in hand with rage and anger in combat, but sherneity should alwaysh control the anger, or mishtakes will be made. You musht balance emotional fury with the calm collected behavior of a military force. Only then can you unlock your true potential without the dishtractionsh of attachment...

Thish followsh none of those rules. Thish wash done without any short of feeling. No shign of human emotion at all... Children... thish ish a messhage. A tell-tale shign of a dark horizon... He pauses in his steps and blinks a few times, bad memories going through his mind.

[Lord_Gareth]

"What do you want us to do?" Clara asks quietly, cutting to the heart of the matter. "I don't back down from fights, but...sounds like whoever did this might interrupt my dearly-held addiction to living. What message, Professor?"

Clara, unlike many students, didn't mind Mogrym's lisp or his ways, really. When she's being honest with herself, Clara admits that part of that has to do with being one of his favorites. But, for the most part, it's simple respect. Clara got into fighting for fun - the first day she saw Mogrym, she recognized someone who got into it for a whole different reason. He was part of what inspired her to take Sanctum as an opportunity instead of just a prison.

[KnightDisciple]

"Nadia saw the smoke, we came here, and saw the pile. Never a glimpse of any person. Or animal. Or Grimm."

He paused, his head turning back and forth a couple of times as he more obviously looked about them.

"Which is...still true. Shoot. The creepy continues."

Then Clara asked one of the two most important questions. Merah asked the other.

"Prof, you act like you know who did this. So...who was it? And...if this happened, so close to the school..."

Seriously it's less than 20 minutes at a good running clip, and easily visible from where they were.

"Don't you think we should, I dunno, warn someone?"

[Jadev]

I checked. There was no one else around here. At least no one within my sensing range.

Shen is getting somewhat nervous. Though Mogrym's presence is certainly helping with the sensation of the previous aura, his nervousness is somewhat contagious. It's not helping that everyone else is feeling it too. Shen tries to wall it off, but she's not totally successful in doing so, and it shows somewhat on her face.

[strawberryman]

[Deep Woods] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzy56sHGWjE)

Nadia doesn't draw her weapons, but she's scanning the treeline like she plans to as Mogrym makes his assessment. When Merah speaks, she looks to him, making a few gestures.

Did warn someone. Not our responsibility now. Our responsibility to be careful.

She does turn to Mogrym, however.

Who was this?

The intensity of her eyes carries into her signage.

[Calemyr]

Mogrym frowns here and takes a glum look down upon the ground. Ms. Aniash... Yesh, I think I know of her name. I remember hearing of her, though I've never met her before. She'sh dead? A death ish not anything too incredible in the corpsh. Why... what'sh sho intereshting about thish? Wash it the specific death? He nods and moves to finally get off the chair. It's rather painful for Mogrym. He's old and his rheumatism was acting up.

"There was a 'horde rush' in a settlement called Silversheen. She and a partner attempted to break the tide, splitting up to protect the town while Rayne tried to find the horde's center. She was found dead after the Grimm retreated. I've looked it up. There's not much in the way of official reports, what with Rayne not being an active Huntress, but apparently she was found much further from the town than she should have been, in terrain that would have made for an ideal ambush. They must have used several feints to lure her into a trap: a slow, patient, clever trap. She probably never saw it coming until the trap closed around her."

"As I said, however, there is little in the way of solid evidence. Just unusual circumstances and her partner's rendition of events. There are no witnesses to her actual death, only the events leading up to it and then the discovery of her body, leaving me with little more than facts that don't add up and insinuations that don't bode well. If I were to push it with the evidence I have, I would be ignored as rationalizing a friend's death. I may well be, to be honest. I never was able to take the death of friends well."

((Fanon: Horde rushes, where Grimm assault a town en masse, were rare even in the bad times. Grimm don't like populated areas, which is why the setting is mostly crowded cities and wilderness. Small settlements simply aren't as safe, because Grimm don't work as hard to avoid them.))

[ImpSyndrome]

[Rokoran's Lesson]

After finishing his conversation with Jack, Rip will be practicing the same kind of illusion as he produced earlier. Unfortunately, he'll find it more difficult to reproduce now, no thanks to a certain light fixture flickering and causing his shadow to jump from one position to another at random intervals. After a few failed attempts, he'll give up on it and try to produce some simpler effects, like the shock Kaden had created. Seeing the effects of Alex's concentrated Aura, however, will disrupt and intrigue him; it's one thing to give it a tangible form, like an elemental property, but to simply imbue it with effect is something entirely different. That concept will give the shrewd archer a few creative ideas, and he'll write them in his notebook to study later...

Aura use: property vs. effect?

Properties: fire, storm, shadow (Ask Prof. about known properties)
Effects: force, blocking, propulsion (Experiment, observe different effects)

Potential combos
Fire + propulsion = fire breath?
Storm + force = lightning bolts?
Shadow + block = active cloaking? <- Did I just do this?
((I just thought of something: when Hameth said he definitely wanted to speak to Rip later, was he just thinking that, or did he actually say it?))

[GrandDM]

[The Past]
Not wanting to make a scene, Dr. Jones passed Rokoran a note explaining the situation. If he continued to protest, she'd cite 'doctor's orders' and be done with it. Remembering Aurum, she also included a note asking him to see her after class.

[Meanwhile, In Class....]

Kitty was focusing as hard as she could, but she just couldn't get her semblance to show. It just felt like there was something missing, or she was missing the mark, or ... something.

Rokoran looks at the note, and nods.

Meanwhile In Class

"Kitty, you're trying too hard. It isn't about effort. You need to relax. Just imagine. Don't force it."


An amused smirk plays across Hameth's face. Well, we've had Rip turn into a senior citizen and back, Kaden produce sparks out of thin air, and the professor breathe fire. I'm just not sure how anyone could find it boring.

Hameth's not smiling anymore, but he nods silently, returns a few lines up, circles "Intention seeing" and adds "Probability very high." Not quite sure how you saw that otherwise, professor.

"Trust me... you haven't seen anything yet."

He grins.


"Sorry we had ta step out professor, it was fer a good reason though." Jack said as the new team walked back into the class. He hesitated for a minute though, unsure if he should take a seat with his new teammates or not.

"Yes, I know. Not a problem."


Class

Not my fault he keeps trying to have me do his work.
Tenebria protests, before trying to use her aura.
Is... is that lightbulb flickering?

Rokoran glances up at the light, then narrows his eyes slightly. They seem to glow a little more than usual and he slowly looks at Tenebria.

"So it's you that's doing that. Interesting."



[Meanwhile, in the Back of Rorokan's Classroom]
Rev's pen scribbled notes diligently as the lecture carried on. While he appeared focused on the lesson, however, there was a conversation going on beneath the surface.

I told you they would pick Jack to fill in. He thought, a little smugly.

The Wolf snorted. They are fools, then.

What is your problem with him?

He is a rabbit, trying to run with wolves. It growled. He is a poor fit for that pack. The girl, at least, had the right spirit.

I think you're just focused on the 'rabbit' thing. So you consider the archer a 'wolf' as well, then?

He is a predator. The rabbit is prey.

He might surprise you, though. As Father's fond of saying, 'Man is more than even men know'. They'll fight soon enough, I'm sure. If you still think that afterwards, we'll have steak for dinner.

Raw?

No. He smiled slightly to himself as his turned the page in his notebook.

Rokoran gives him a puzzled look. There's something funny going on, but he can't quite figure out what.


how long is this class?!
Tenebria whispers to Rev

Too long.

Shush.

"More than three pages' worth, at least. Five more minutes, I'd guess?"

It better be. If that guy tries to look at my notes one more time, I'm getting my rifle.
Tenebria growls as she blocks the shade's view with her wing.

"Your rifle will not be required. All he can see is a blank page, I've made sure of that."

And indeed, there's a slight silver shimmer over her notebook.


Rokoran's Classroom

Alexandra sighed before looking up at the clock. After seeing how long they had left she looked down at her hand as he classmates did their best to summon forth various effects with their Aura. Unfortunately unless it was for smashing something or defending herself she could barely get her Aura to react. Another sigh let itself loose from her lips as she decided to try again, despite the many times she had before. She closed her eyes like usual and did her best to summon forth her Aura.

She tried to produce something, anything like her classmates. Fire, water, lightning, heck she would even take dirt! Unfortunately the only thing that came forth was her Aura. It was visible to anyone looking at her. Unlike Kedra's it was concentrated and very powerful. It condensed around her providing a layered sheen to herself. If someone were to reach out and touch her they would find that though it was thin the sheen of Aura that surrounded her would prevent them from touching her directly! It was very powerful, yet to those with the correct senses they could also tell that it was currently very inflexible. Either way it might have been an impressive sight to those who were unaware of the power that the tall girl possessed.

"Good. Enhanced protection. Strong, but rigid, so not much use if you need to be moving around. Try to work on making it more flexible."

And then the bell goes.

"Those of you who managed to produce an effect, work on improving it for next time. Those who didn't, try and get one. If you've got any questions or concerns, come and talk to me now. Hameth, I need to speak with you, so please stay here for a moment. Class dismissed!"

[Landis963]

Meanwhile In Class

And then the bell goes.

"Those of you who managed to produce an effect, work on improving it for next time. Those who didn't, try and get one. If you've got any questions or concerns, come and talk to me now. Hameth, I need to speak with you, so please stay here for a moment. Class dismissed!"

Hameth takes the precaution of striking out the "Research 'Mia'" line, then gathers up his stuff. Meanwhile, he's pulling his Aura in close and waiting for the opportunity to test how Rokoran sees. Once the professor turns his back (or is distracted by another's question), he will walk to conversation range as quickly and inconspicuously as he can, then ask the following question: I've always used my Aura to gain a tactical advantage over a purely physical one. Will we be working on gaining a physical advantage, or expanding and diversifying the tactical?

[Elricaltovilla]

[Meanwhile, in the Back of Rorokan's Classroom]
Rev's pen scribbled notes diligently as the lecture carried on. While he appeared focused on the lesson, however, there was a conversation going on beneath the surface.

I told you they would pick Jack to fill in. He thought, a little smugly.

The Wolf snorted. They are fools, then.

What is your problem with him?

He is a rabbit, trying to run with wolves. It growled. He is a poor fit for that pack. The girl, at least, had the right spirit.

I think you're just focused on the 'rabbit' thing. So you consider the archer a 'wolf' as well, then?

He is a predator. The rabbit is prey.

He might surprise you, though. As Father's fond of saying, 'Man is more than even men know'. They'll fight soon enough, I'm sure. If you still think that afterwards, we'll have steak for dinner.

Raw?

No. He smiled slightly to himself as his turned the page in his notebook.

Jack's ears twitched slightly. Whether he heard something, or even if there was something to hear, it wasn't apparent. But the timing was a little too spot on.

End of Class

As people began filing out of class, Jack rushed up to his team leader.

"Say chief, since we're all on the same team now do ya mind if'n Ah move my stuff into y'all's room? It won't take more'n a lick ta do, Ah just want ta get settled afore somethin crazy happens." Jack asked.

[Calemyr]

Jack's ears twitched slightly. Whether he heard something, or even if there was something to hear, it wasn't apparent. But the timing was a little too spot on.

End of Class

As people began filing out of class, Jack rushed up to his team leader.

"Say chief, since we're all on the same team now do ya mind if'n Ah move my stuff into y'all's room? It won't take more'n a lick ta do, Ah just want ta get settled afore somethin crazy happens." Jack asked.

"Of course. Rip will be glad not be the only guy in the room." She frowns as another thought comes up. "We'll put Falcon's stuff in my closet for the time being. I don't use it, anyway."

[Hattish Thing]

"What do you want us to do?" Clara asks quietly, cutting to the heart of the matter. "I don't back down from fights, but...sounds like whoever did this might interrupt my dearly-held addiction to living. What message, Professor?"

Clara, unlike many students, didn't mind Mogrym's lisp or his ways, really. When she's being honest with herself, Clara admits that part of that has to do with being one of his favorites. But, for the most part, it's simple respect. Clara got into fighting for fun - the first day she saw Mogrym, she recognized someone who got into it for a whole different reason. He was part of what inspired her to take Sanctum as an opportunity instead of just a prison.

Mogrym sighs deeply, quickly aiming his gun at a harmless squirrel that had the misfortune of scurrying from one tree to another. He doesn't fire, but immediately after swears and laughs under his breath, before nervously chuckling at his jumpyness. He'sh back, children. There... wash a man called Conall Callahan, a faunush who was once a bright young shtudent. I had just graduating into the Hunter corpsh when he entered Shanctum, and I remember hearing great thingsh about him... He wash a leader of a fearsome team known as Carnage. He wash ruthlessh, shtrong, and dedicated, and many thought him to be a younger kind of me. However... after he graduated... there wash a terrible accident, and he remained the only member of hish team alive. He never fully recovered and became a public enemy. He sighs slowly, not quite liking still being here.


"Nadia saw the smoke, we came here, and saw the pile. Never a glimpse of any person. Or animal. Or Grimm."

He paused, his head turning back and forth a couple of times as he more obviously looked about them.

"Which is...still true. Shoot. The creepy continues."

Then Clara asked one of the two most important questions. Merah asked the other.

"Prof, you act like you know who did this. So...who was it? And...if this happened, so close to the school..."

Seriously it's less than 20 minutes at a good running clip, and easily visible from where they were.

"Don't you think we should, I dunno, warn someone?"

He nods to Pangeran, now beginning to walk away from the site. Yesh... you... you're right. Come on, we need to get out of here. The return of shuch an enemy can hardly be a good omen.... You four need to come with me and have a talk with the Headmashter. I'm certain he'll want to organize a faculty shearch party to make sure he'sh not in the area anymore. We might need your help.


I checked. There was no one else around here. At least no one within my sensing range.

Shen is getting somewhat nervous. Though Mogrym's presence is certainly helping with the sensation of the previous aura, his nervousness is somewhat contagious. It's not helping that everyone else is feeling it too. Shen tries to wall it off, but she's not totally successful in doing so, and it shows somewhat on her face.

Mogrym begins quickly walking away, taking backward glances occasionally to make sure everyone was alright. That shtill meansh that he could be lurking somewhere out there... He'sh very dangeroush, and very powerful. But it'sh alright. There are more of ush then there are of him. Come on, hurry up.


[Deep Woods] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzy56sHGWjE)

Nadia doesn't draw her weapons, but she's scanning the treeline like she plans to as Mogrym makes his assessment. When Merah speaks, she looks to him, making a few gestures.

Did warn someone. Not our responsibility now. Our responsibility to be careful.

She does turn to Mogrym, however.

Who was this?

The intensity of her eyes carries into her signage.

(I really liked that song, kinda perfectly laid the mood of the scene.)

You head me, didn't you? He'll start running/jogging back to Sanctum.


"There was a 'horde rush' in a settlement called Silversheen. She and a partner attempted to break the tide, splitting up to protect the town while Rayne tried to find the horde's center. She was found dead after the Grimm retreated. I've looked it up. There's not much in the way of official reports, what with Rayne not being an active Huntress, but apparently she was found much further from the town than she should have been, in terrain that would have made for an ideal ambush. They must have used several feints to lure her into a trap: a slow, patient, clever trap. She probably never saw it coming until the trap closed around her."

"As I said, however, there is little in the way of solid evidence. Just unusual circumstances and her partner's rendition of events. There are no witnesses to her actual death, only the events leading up to it and then the discovery of her body, leaving me with little more than facts that don't add up and insinuations that don't bode well. If I were to push it with the evidence I have, I would be ignored as rationalizing a friend's death. I may well be, to be honest. I never was able to take the death of friends well."

((Fanon: Horde rushes, where Grimm assault a town en masse, were rare even in the bad times. Grimm don't like populated areas, which is why the setting is mostly crowded cities and wilderness. Small settlements simply aren't as safe, because Grimm don't work as hard to avoid them.))

(We should probably hurry this scene to make way for the search party thing.)

Mogrym quietly contemplates all of this. Time's were certainly strange... The Mortemus boy monopolizing companies all over, the government infrastructure weakening along with the Hunter Corp. Grimm getting stronger and smarter. Thish ish... frightening and shtrange. Everything about thish is just... wrong. Out of place. Barlowe. There's forcesh at work all around ush. Can you feel it? I... feel a strange emotion in the air. A calm before a shtorm.... It might jusht be me... But, I dunno. Think of all of it? The hunter corpsh are shlowly becoming nothing more than artifactsh, and there'sh much fewer of them then before during the troubled timesh. The government is collapsing... There'sh whispersh of the return of... dark forcesh. It'sh.... hard to comprehend.

[Jadev]

Shen follows, glad to get out of the clearing. Though the news is worrying, Shen is confident in her teachers' ability to deal with this problem, even if they have to help.

[Arkhosia]

Tenebria leaves with her team member, walking with Rev as she leaves.

[Calemyr]

Mogrym quietly contemplates all of this. Time's were certainly strange... The Mortemus boy monopolizing companies all over, the government infrastructure weakening along with the Hunter Corp. Grimm getting stronger and smarter. Thish ish... frightening and shtrange. Everything about thish is just... wrong. Out of place. Barlowe. There's forcesh at work all around ush. Can you feel it? I... feel a strange emotion in the air. A calm before a shtorm.... It might jusht be me... But, I dunno. Think of all of it? The hunter corpsh are shlowly becoming nothing more than artifactsh, and there'sh much fewer of them then before during the troubled timesh. The government is collapsing... There'sh whispersh of the return of... dark forcesh. It'sh.... hard to comprehend.

"Yes, well. When those 'dark forces' do return, they'll have to fetch up against our students. That's going to come as a nasty surprise. Now, my apologies for being abrupt, but I've got to go ensure that said nasty surprise is in our favor." He calls back into towards where Oswald is still toiling. "Thanks for helping me with the mess, Oswald. I owe you a drink. I've got to head off to class, now."

[Hawkflight]

Kitty sighed and gathered up her stuff as the bell rang. Her own aura was somewhat underdeveloped, so she hadn't managed to accomplish much. Still, she'd managed her semblance before, and she'll be able to do it again. Meanwhile, she moved to meet up with her team.

"Hey girls," she said. "After classes are over, you wanna hit the beach?"

----

Meanwhile, Mr. Lacuna had been let in, and was making his way to the forge....

[ImpSyndrome]

[Leaving Rokoran's Lesson (for real this time)]

Once the bell sounds off the signal for class' end, Rip packs away his notebook and joins the rest of his team, quickly catching up and matching strides with them.

"Of course. Rip will be glad not be the only guy in the room." She frowns as another thought comes up. "We'll put Falcon's stuff in my closet for the time being. I don't use it, anyway."
"True that," he comments with an ever-so-slight hint of nerves. "One guy sharing a room with three girls? Much too unbalanced for my taste...I don't think I've ever been more afraid for my life on a regular basis, nor would I ever care to be again."

[Arkhosia]

Kitty sighed and gathered up her stuff as the bell rang. Her own aura was somewhat underdeveloped, so she hadn't managed to accomplish much. Still, she'd managed her semblance before, and she'll be able to do it again. Meanwhile, she moved to meet up with her team.

"Hey girls," she said. "After classes are over, you wanna hit the beach?"

----

Meanwhile, Mr. Lacuna had been let in, and was making his way to the forge....

Sure, why not?
Caelynn replies, walking with her team.
how many classes are left, anyways?

[Calemyr]

[Leaving Rokoran's Lesson (for real this time)]

Once the bell sounds off the signal for class' end, Rip packs away his notebook and joins the rest of his team, quickly catching up and matching strides with them.

"True that," he comments with an ever-so-slight hint of nerves. "One guy sharing a room with three girls? Much too unbalanced for my taste...I don't think I've ever been more afraid for my life on a regular basis, nor would I ever care to be again."

Kaden laughs as they walk. Their path leads them out of the building into the open air. Yeah, this looks about right.

Kaden stops abruptly on the walkway. "Sorry, but we've gotta get one thing sorted before lunch, yeah? Jack, the Doc wants you to join the team? Fine by me, but there's one thing you've got to do first. Hit me. Doesn't have to be your best shot, don't want to mess up the grass and all, but make it a good one. Deal?"

[Arkhosia]

Tenebria can be found practicing her sniping skills nearby Team Kaiser.
Team Sleipner may overhear her shots

[AnimeKid]

Kitty sighed and gathered up her stuff as the bell rang. Her own aura was somewhat underdeveloped, so she hadn't managed to accomplish much. Still, she'd managed her semblance before, and she'll be able to do it again. Meanwhile, she moved to meet up with her team.

"Hey girls," she said. "After classes are over, you wanna hit the beach?"

----

Meanwhile, Mr. Lacuna had been let in, and was making his way to the forge....


Sure, why not?
Caelynn replies, walking with her team.
how many classes are left, anyways?

Alexandra pulls out her schedule feeling a little better about the Aura class thanks to Rokoran's words about her attempt, and in doing so letting her know that refining that could be her homework. She looked at the schedule as she said, "Well girls first is lunch, thank god I'm starving, and then after that it Combat tactics, and pragmatism. Oh....This is dad's class. Well I can at least give you girls some warning. Dad is smart and cunning. He actually might throw in a practical so we can stretch our legs. Oh! If he does do that a word of advice, my dad isn't afraid to fight dirty....At all....Even against his own daughter.

As for that beach idea Kitty? That sounds heavenly right now. Not to mention fun and stress relieving. Should we invite some of the other teams?"

With her piece said Alexandra leads the way enthusiastically to the lunch room. After grabbing her tray and food, piled up high on top of each other, she starts digging in with gusto.

[Hawkflight]

Alexandra pulls out her schedule feeling a little better about the Aura class thanks to Rokoran's words about her attempt, and in doing so letting her know that refining that could be her homework. She looked at the schedule as she said, "Well girls first is lunch, thank god I'm starving, and then after that it Combat tactics, and pragmatism. Oh....This is dad's class. Well I can at least give you girls some warning. Dad is smart and cunning. He actually might throw in a practical so we can stretch our legs. Oh! If he does do that a word of advice, my dad isn't afraid to fight dirty....At all....Even against his own daughter.

As for that beach idea Kitty? That sounds heavenly right now. Not to mention fun and stress relieving. Should we invite some of the other teams?"

With her piece said Alexandra leads the way enthusiastically to the lunch room. After grabbing her tray and food, piled up high on top of each other, she starts digging in with gusto.

"Absolutely," said Kitty. "We can even have a volleyball match!"

Kitty stepped away for a moment to grab a whole shrimp, liver, and onion pizza with a white sauce, set on a bed of fries and onion rings, before rejoining her group.

"Speaking of family, my dad should be arriving soon with a shipment of metals for the forge. I might stop by and see him between classes."

[Arkhosia]

Caelynn grabs a cheezburger and fries.
Really? I'll have to be wary then.

[ImpSyndrome]

Tenebria can be found practicing her sniping skills nearby Team Kaiser.
Team Sleipner may overhear her shots
Rip, of course, recognizes the resounding blast of a sniper rifle right away and turns to investigate. "I'll be along in a few," he tells Kaden and Jack. "Let's see what this is all about..." He slowly and cautiously approaches Tenebria, careful not to distract her; as a marksman himself, he knows to respect the concentration of a hunter, even during practice. Once he gets close enough, he'll notice that she's the same Faunus girl who was glowering at him from the back of the room during Rokoran's class.

As soon as she's done sniping, he'll comment, "Nice shooting...So, what's this? Trying to establish a pecking order among us marksmen?" Should she try to play it off, he'll add, "C'mon, don't be coy with me. You and I both know that there are a dozen better places for target practice around the campus...and yet, here you are, sounding off like it's a holiday just as I happen to pass. You telling me that you did this for any other reason than to try and show me up?"

[Arkhosia]

Rip, of course, recognizes the resounding blast of a sniper rifle right away and turns to investigate. "I'll be along in a few," he tells Kaden and Jack. "Let's see what this is all about..." He slowly and cautiously approaches Tenebria, careful not to distract her; as a marksman himself, he knows to respect the concentration of a hunter, even during practice. Once he gets close enough, he'll notice that she's the same Faunus girl who was glowering at him from the back of the room during Rokoran's class.

As soon as she's done sniping, he'll comment, "Nice shooting...So, what's this? Trying to establish a pecking order among us marksmen?" Should she try to play it off, he'll add, "C'mon, don't be coy with me. You and I both know that there are a dozen better places for target practice around the campus...and yet, here you are, sounding off like it's a holiday just as I happen to pass. You telling me that you did this for any other reason than to try and show me up?"

Alright... spot wind direction, adjust to account for it... fire.
Then she pulls the trigger, and a bulletins through a nearby tree, leaving a clean hole through it.
Oh, it's you.
No, actually. Though it is nice to know someone recognizes my superior skill.
She replied.
Yes, I am.
She replies caustically

[ImpSyndrome]

Alright... spot wind direction, adjust to account for it... fire.
Then she pulls the trigger, and a bulletins through a nearby tree, leaving a clean hole through it.
Oh, it's you.
No, actually. Though it is nice to know someone recognizes my superior skill.
She replied.
Yes, I am.
She replies caustically
"It's me," Rip repeats questioningly. "What's that supposed to mean? What, am I a...a threat or something...? I don't think we've even met before..." As for her other dismissal, he asks, "OK, then why would you choose this place over the others?" Note that he doesn't comment on her "superior skill" remark; he knows next to nothing about her, so for all he knows, she could be spot-on.

[Arkhosia]

"It's me," Rip repeats questioningly. "What's that supposed to mean? What, am I a...a threat or something...? I don't think we've even met before..." As for her other dismissal, he asks, "OK, then why would you choose this place over the others?" Note that he doesn't comment on her "superior skill" remark; he knows next to nothing about her, so for all he knows, she could be spot-on.

A rival.
Tenebria simply replies, as she blasts a hole into a tree, showering splinters on the grass.
Because it's close to the school, it's a great vantage point, and I'm facing a forest. Trees make pretty good targets.
She replies as she aims at a leaf and fires, missing and hitting a leaf a couple inches nearby.

[ImpSyndrome]

A rival.
Tenebria simply replies, as she blasts a hole into a tree, showering splinters on the grass.
Because it's close to the school, it's a great vantage point, and I'm facing a forest. Trees make pretty good targets.
She replies as she aims at a leaf and fires, missing and hitting a leaf a couple inches nearby.
This girl is uncanny, both in her perception and in her short, neat mannerisms. "OK, first of all," Rip responds after taking a minute to compose his thoughts, "I can't imagine why you'd think that way if we haven't even met before. Second, I've got no interest in a rivalry or whatever. Third, there could be people in that forest, unless you've already checked on that." Which she probably did. "And fourth, trees also make good...well...trees...and I doubt the Academy will appreciate your blasting their trees into mulch."

[Arkhosia]

This girl is uncanny, both in her perception and in her short, neat mannerisms. "OK, first of all," Rip responds after taking a minute to compose his thoughts, "I can't imagine why you'd think that way if we haven't even met before. Second, I've got no interest in a rivalry or whatever. Third, there could be people in that forest, unless you've already checked on that." Which she probably did. "And fourth, trees also make good...well...trees...and I doubt the Academy will appreciate your blasting their trees into mulch."
I pride myself in being the best marksman in Meadow. You're a challenge to that status.
Another bullet smashes through a tree near a previous hole.
I did.
A branch is shot off.
Well, I don't see any "no damaging the forest" signs anywhere.

[ImpSyndrome]

I pride myself in being the best marksman in Meadow. You're a challenge to that status.
Another bullet smashes through a tree near a previous hole.
I did.
A branch is shot off.
Well, I don't see any "no damaging the forest" signs anywhere.
Rip stares at the girl in disbelief for a second or two; the way she has an answer for everything, it's almost like she's planned this entire conversation...if one could even call it a conversation. It actually feels more like she's trolling him, testing his reactions.

"Well, not yet, anyway," he remarks cynically at the "no signs" bit. "I bet they could make one with all the timber you're bringing down...Anyway, let's get this straight: I'm not here to prove myself better than anyone. My focus is on becoming a good Huntsman." As a side-note, he inwardly adds, (Although I'd be tempted to rub it in your face after this, if I managed it.)

[Arkhosia]

Rip stares at the girl in disbelief for a second or two; the way she has an answer for everything, it's almost like she's planned this entire conversation...if one could even call it a conversation. It actually feels more like she's trolling him, testing his reactions.

"Well, not yet, anyway," he remarks cynically at the "no signs" bit. "I bet they could make one with all the timber you're bringing down...Anyway, let's get this straight: I'm not here to prove myself better than anyone. My focus is on becoming a good Huntsman." As a side-note, he inwardly adds, (Although I'd be tempted to rub it in your face after this, if I managed it.)

Same here. I just care about how skilled in comparison to others I am.
A bullet blasts through the same tree, and... it falls over, the onslaught splitting it in half.

[KnightDisciple]

[Running back to school]

Merah nodded as Mogrym told them to head out. He gave the hand gesture for "mount up and roll out" to his team, and they were off once more!

On their way back, though, they began to hear odd sounds. Almost like...gunshots hitting trees?

And then a shot zoomed over Merah's head, close enough to cut off the tips from a couple locks of hair. His eyes were wide as saucers as the shot came so close. Good thing his Aura was at, like, 55% or so (even with the running and the draining!).

Then his eyes narrowed, and he spoke in a surprisingly serious voice.

"Professor, ladies, you all go on in when we get to the school. I think there are some underclassmen who need to get a peer lecture on firing range safety."

The implication being that no upperclassman would be so haphazard as to just fire into the forest.
Merah's speed increased a bit, pulling ahead of the group and splitting off...
----------------------------------------------------------------
[Tree next to Tenebria's sniping spot]

All of the sudden, there's a voice from just above the arrogant young sniper girl.

"Man, that tree had some of the best shade on this side of the school. It was probably a couple hundred years old, and could have shaded generations of students."

Oh, it's a red-haired boy, a monkey Faunus, hanging by his tail from the branch above them. He looks a bit older than them, and though he has a bit of the look of a "jock", there's a glint of cunning in his eyes that doesn't fit the general image. His arms are crossed over his chest and one eyebrow is quirked.

"But now that can't happen.
Any reason you're not using the designated firing ranges, where you don't risk hurting someone coming in through the forest? Like other teams?"

The keen-eyed snipers might then notice the bits of hair cut off...probably by a stray bullet.

[Lord_Gareth]

"Professor...if I might say so, we're all tired, hungry, and smelling pretty ripe. Do you think maybe our team could report this to the Headmaster after some showers and lunch?" Clara's suggestion is given in a perfectly reasonable tone of voice, respectful without being hesitant. "We don't have much to contribute to the report anyway, and...well, sir, my - the team could use some time out of my direct presence, Professor."

[strawberryman]

[Deep Forest]

Nadia follows the others, skirting the middle as last time, dampening the sound around them. While it didn't seem this Connal was around anywhere, it never hurt to be cautious.

While the silent hunter doesn't "say" anything, her smell and energy level ought to say enough.

[Hattish Thing]

[Deep Forest]

Nadia follows the others, skirting the middle as last time, dampening the sound around them. While it didn't seem this Connal was around anywhere, it never hurt to be cautious.

While the silent hunter doesn't "say" anything, her smell and energy level ought to say enough.

Mogrym continues to move forward, using his aura to constantly sense around him, along with the perception granted by his artificial eye.


"Professor...if I might say so, we're all tired, hungry, and smelling pretty ripe. Do you think maybe our team could report this to the Headmaster after some showers and lunch?" Clara's suggestion is given in a perfectly reasonable tone of voice, respectful without being hesitant. "We don't have much to contribute to the report anyway, and...well, sir, my - the team could use some time out of my direct presence, Professor."

Mogrym keeps walking but thinks for a few seconds before responding. Er... Aye, yeah. I can imagine ye wouldn't be needed much any further anywaysh. You four can go resht, but jusht be prepared fer later. Headmashter might want to queshtion you guys. So sorry our firsht visit together again had to end thish way. Alrigh', jush move forwa-AUGH.


[Running back to school]

Merah nodded as Mogrym told them to head out. He gave the hand gesture for "mount up and roll out" to his team, and they were off once more!

On their way back, though, they began to hear odd sounds. Almost like...gunshots hitting trees?

And then a shot zoomed over Merah's head, close enough to cut off the tips from a couple locks of hair. His eyes were wide as saucers as the shot came so close. Good thing his Aura was at, like, 55% or so (even with the running and the draining!).

Then his eyes narrowed, and he spoke in a surprisingly serious voice.

"Professor, ladies, you all go on in when we get to the school. I think there are some underclassmen who need to get a peer lecture on firing range safety."

The implication being that no upperclassman would be so haphazard as to just fire into the forest.
Merah's speed increased a bit, pulling ahead of the group and splitting off...


Suddenly, there's a bullet flying through the air. Mogrym institutionally ducks and twisted, pulling a maneuver that ends up with him crouched down, the Aether Rifle pointed at the direction of the shot. His eye immediately scans from the direction where the bullet came from, the incredible zoom on the eye allowing him to look over Tenebria. He swears much louder now before he speaks to Merah. Augh. Are ye alright there, boy? Go talk to her. If she givesh you trouble, have her report to me.


Shen follows, glad to get out of the clearing. Though the news is worrying, Shen is confident in her teachers' ability to deal with this problem, even if they have to help.

He continues to move forward. (I'll let Strawberry decide when we get there.)

[ImpSyndrome]

"Holy crow," Rip exclaims as the tree topples to the ground. "Was there even a reason for that...?! There's this important concept called 'discretion', feathers-for-brains: skill practiced without restraint does not set you above me or anyone else!!"


[Running back to school]

Merah nodded as Mogrym told them to head out. He gave the hand gesture for "mount up and roll out" to his team, and they were off once more!

On their way back, though, they began to hear odd sounds. Almost like...gunshots hitting trees?

And then a shot zoomed over Merah's head, close enough to cut off the tips from a couple locks of hair. His eyes were wide as saucers as the shot came so close. Good thing his Aura was at, like, 55% or so (even with the running and the draining!).

Then his eyes narrowed, and he spoke in a surprisingly serious voice.

"Professor, ladies, you all go on in when we get to the school. I think there are some underclassmen who need to get a peer lecture on firing range safety."

The implication being that no upperclassman would be so haphazard as to just fire into the forest.
Merah's speed increased a bit, pulling ahead of the group and splitting off...
----------------------------------------------------------------
[Tree next to Tenebria's sniping spot]

All of the sudden, there's a voice from just above the arrogant young sniper girl.

"Man, that tree had some of the best shade on this side of the school. It was probably a couple hundred years old, and could have shaded generations of students."

Oh, it's a red-haired boy, a monkey Faunus, hanging by his tail from the branch above them. He looks a bit older than them, and though he has a bit of the look of a "jock", there's a glint of cunning in his eyes that doesn't fit the general image. His arms are crossed over his chest and one eyebrow is quirked.

"But now that can't happen.
Any reason you're not using the designated firing ranges, where you don't risk hurting someone coming in through the forest? Like other teams?"

The keen-eyed snipers might then notice the bits of hair cut off...probably by a stray bullet.
And now there's a Faunus guy hanging over them...literally...and he looks pretty peeved. He seems to be older than them, making him their senior, and worse still, it looks like one of Tenebria's bullets clipped his hair. "I'm sorry," Rip says to the raven-girl in a blatantly-incriminating tone. "What was that you were saying about making sure there was no one in the forest? Remind me again how the 'best marksman in Meadow' overlooks an entire team down-range of her shots..."

Tired of their bitter exchange, the archer now turns on his heels, stopping himself with a single emphatic stomp, and starts for the other members of his team, who have probably completed their own antics by now. "Sorry about your perch, boss," he calls back to the upperclassman as he strides off. "Maybe we can work something out next time we meet."

[Arkhosia]

"Holy crow," Rip exclaims as the tree topples to the ground. "Was there even a reason for that...?! There's this important concept called 'discretion', feathers-for-brains: skill practiced without restraint does not set you above me or anyone else!!"


And now there's a Faunus guy hanging over them...literally...and he looks pretty peeved. He seems to be older than them, making him their senior, and worse still, it looks like one of Tenebria's bullets clipped his hair. "I'm sorry," Rip says to the raven-girl in a blatantly-incriminating tone. "What was that you were saying about making sure there was no one in the forest? Remind me again how the 'best marksman in Meadow' overlooks an entire team down-range of her shots..."

Tired of their bitter exchange, the archer now turns on his heels, stopping himself with a single emphatic stomp, and starts for the other members of his team, who have probably completed their own antics by now. "Sorry about your perch, boss," he calls back to the upperclassman as he strides off. "Maybe we can work something out next time we meet."

The firing range is really small! I can't practice sniping there!
She replies indignantly.
Then, the feathers-for-brains comment.
Rip gets a vicious glare.
That's racist!
And it's not my fault he happened to be behind a tree I shot.
She replies, not stopping from her practice.
She is aiming for leaves t the very top of the trees though.

[strawberryman]

He continues to move forward. (I'll let Strawberry decide when we get there.)

Being a 20 minute run, the trip is not that long! Nadia, not being on the path of the bullet, hardly reacts except for a twinge of annoyance. Freshmen.

But of course, passing Merah as he scolds the student, the group arrives at the gates of Sanctum. Giving a slight nod to Mogrym, Nadia heads for the baths, keeping her head down and passing through the halls like a ghost.

[Jadev]

Shen waves goodbye to Mogrym as she walks off to team Sleipner's room. Once there, she removes her braces and anklets and activates them, revealing their full forms stained by dirt and Grimm blood. She takes to cleaning them much like it is a ritual, going over them slowly and carefully with special oils and cleaning fluids. Once she is done, she puts them on her dresser and heads off to the showers to get herself clean as well.

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara scrubs herself down first, finding an isolated spot in the showers and removing the filth and grime from the mission. Though she'd love to linger over her shower, Clara opts for a quick, intense clean before heading back to their shared room, changing her clothes, and going to the cafeteria. Young Love was cleaned on the mission - Clara wouldn't dream of being caught out and about without her cloths and oils - and as a result nothing stops the pale girl from walking in with a smile on her face.

Her team needed a break from her, and they all needed food. Solutions, solutions. Clara snags a plate piled high with just about everything, and then her eyes light up on a pair of freshmen. They'll do.

Kitty and Alexandra's first warning about Clara's arrival is when the lights dim and the colors gain a faded quality, like a photo in the sun. A slight feeling of fatigue tugs at the edges of their perception.

"Mind if I sit here?"

[Arkhosia]

Clara scrubs herself down first, finding an isolated spot in the showers and removing the filth and grime from the mission. Though she'd love to linger over her shower, Clara opts for a quick, intense clean before heading back to their shared room, changing her clothes, and going to the cafeteria. Young Love was cleaned on the mission - Clara wouldn't dream of being caught out and about without her cloths and oils - and as a result nothing stops the pale girl from walking in with a smile on her face.

Her team needed a break from her, and they all needed food. Solutions, solutions. Clara snags a plate piled high with just about everything, and then her eyes light up on a pair of freshmen. They'll do.

Kitty and Alexandra's first warning about Clara's arrival is when the lights dim and the colors gain a faded quality, like a photo in the sun. A slight feeling of fatigue tugs at the edges of their perception.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Caelynn's sitting there too!
Not at all!
The cat faunus replies, taking a sip of an extra large cup of coffee.
Caelynn Arkhosia, glad to meet you!
She offers a hand

[AnimeKid]

Clara scrubs herself down first, finding an isolated spot in the showers and removing the filth and grime from the mission. Though she'd love to linger over her shower, Clara opts for a quick, intense clean before heading back to their shared room, changing her clothes, and going to the cafeteria. Young Love was cleaned on the mission - Clara wouldn't dream of being caught out and about without her cloths and oils - and as a result nothing stops the pale girl from walking in with a smile on her face.

Her team needed a break from her, and they all needed food. Solutions, solutions. Clara snags a plate piled high with just about everything, and then her eyes light up on a pair of freshmen. They'll do.

Kitty and Alexandra's first warning about Clara's arrival is when the lights dim and the colors gain a faded quality, like a photo in the sun. A slight feeling of fatigue tugs at the edges of their perception.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Alexandra noted the changes but didn't let them bother her too much. After all she wasn't falling out or anything. Waving at the girl Alexandra swallows the piece of steak that she had in her mouth before she said, "Hey there. You don't like a freshman. Are you a Sophmore? Oh right, manners. I'm Alexandra Rosenkranz, freshman. What's your name?"

[KnightDisciple]

The firing range is really small! I can't practice sniping there!
She replies indignantly.
Then, the feathers-for-brains comment.
Rip gets a vicious glare.
That's racist!
And it's not my fault he happened to be behind a tree I shot.
She replies, not stopping from her practice.
She is aiming for leaves t the very top of the trees though.

There is suddenly a red and gold staff pushing the muzzle of the rifle down before she could fire.

"Let me put this more bluntly. Either you stop reckless "practice" into the forest, which is also destroying trees that have not been expressly marked for clearing, or I go to the staff.

You promise that from here on out you actually practice proper gun safety and don't pull this **** again, and we just go on with our lives. No harm, no foul, learning opportunity.

You try to play Miss Bad-*** Sniper Girl, and I go have Professor Mogrym ensure proper firearm safety is drilled into your head."

Any joking was gone from the boy's voice. His eyes were hard, and his staff was held down with surprising strength.

[Hawkflight]

Kitty nodded along with the others, scooting aside to make room for the new girl. "Um, I'm Kitty Lacuna," she said. She was a little nervous, not because of the new girl's oddness, but because this was her first time in a week meeting someone new.

[ImpSyndrome]

The firing range is really small! I can't practice sniping there!
She replies indignantly.
Then, the feathers-for-brains comment.
Rip gets a vicious glare.
That's racist!
And it's not my fault he happened to be behind a tree I shot.
She replies, not stopping from her practice.
She is aiming for leaves t the very top of the trees though.
Before walking off, Rip answers her statement about location: "Yeah? Tough. I'd like a bigger firing range too, but unless you've got the clout to make it happen, you make do with what you've got. A trivial inconvenience like that is no excuse to put others in danger."

Rip stops in his tracks at Tenebria's rebuttle, realizing that she's absolutely right: in the heat of the moment, he had made a critical error by bringing her race into the matter, something that he would normally have avoided. He reluctantly turns around and returns to her before quietly and solemnly saying, "You're right, that was uncalled for. I'm sorry...It won't happen again, I promise." It may seem like an odd contrast in tone, considering how passionately he has just berated her, but he's lived among Faunus for most of his life, and he feels nothing for them if not respect, so it seriously bothers him that he resorted to prejudicial slander after losing himself in such uncharacteristic anger. Of course, Tenebria won't know that, but the look in his eyes as he gazes unwaveringly at her should enforce his sincerity plenty.

((Dangit, I'm too slow...Please insert this into the part before she goes back to practice.))

[Lord Raziere]

Lunch

Kedra meanwhile ate a mountain of meat that included a cheeseburger, chicken and ham, A few tables away. She paused to notice that her aura had shifted slightly to be bumping up against the right side of her armor a little in the direction of Clara, but it didn't leak out or anything. the barrier that the armor created to contain her Aura was much thicker and solid than any natural one and so not a whiff of her Aura escaped to feed Clara.

This is fortunate for everyone involved. Including Clara. For little does anyone know that if Kedra hadn't been wearing her armor, something Very Bad would happen. Kedra however doesn't think much of it. she does notice the strange lights-dimming thing. Hm, the school would have to replace those bulbs soon she guessed. She goes back to eating, unaware.

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara grins at the flurry of introductions, shaking Caelynn's hand. The gesture is warm, but the pale girl's skin is almost painfully cold; knowing this, Clara breaks off the contact quickly and takes her seat.

"Clara Ravensdotter, Team Sleipnir," Clara explains, smiling. "Just got back from a field exercise. Nice to see some friendly faces."

[Jadev]

Shen finishes with her shower quickly, dealing with a couple day's accumulated dirt. She then hurries down to the cafeteria, somewhat anxious to get some food in her. She heads over to a section with foods from her homeland and fills her tray, then looks around the room before finding an empty table and sitting down.

[Elricaltovilla]

Kaden laughs as they walk. Their path leads them out of the building into the open air. Yeah, this looks about right.

Kaden stops abruptly on the walkway. "Sorry, but we've gotta get one thing sorted before lunch, yeah? Jack, the Doc wants you to join the team? Fine by me, but there's one thing you've got to do first. Hit me. Doesn't have to be your best shot, don't want to mess up the grass and all, but make it a good one. Deal?"

Jack blinked at the request. "Ya want me ta hit ya? Why on earth would ya want that?" It took a moment for the reason to dawn on Jack. "Yer testin' me fer somethin' then? You want ta know if'n Ah gots the balls ta roll with ya. Well Ah'd be fine with whatckin' ya upside the head one if'n it weren't fer the fact my mamma would tan my fluffy tail fer hittin' a lady, much less a teammate. Tell ya what though, see that rock way over yonder? Watch this."

The rock that Jack points to is about 300 feet away, it's a large boulder, probably four feet tall and just as wide. The rock has been marked by graffiti from countless teams of hunters who have since graduated from the school.

Jack seems to vanish in an instant, his absence replaced by a rush of wind. He reappears about six feet above the rock, upside down with his legs raised high. He falls suddenly and rapidly, his right leg lifted above his head, only to slam it down at the last second in a powerful axe kick that splits the rock with an audible crack like thunder.

He reappears a second later, again accompanied by a rush of wind.

"Still wonderin' ifn' Ahm tough enough to roll with y'all?" he asks.

Later, During Lunch

Jack takes a quick meal to go from the cafeteria, figuring now would be a good time to use his break to move into his new room. He packed lightly for his trip to Sanctuary, mostly clothes and a few other essentials.

The bag of clothes gets tossed on the bed, along with some overstuffed pillows and a very fuzzy blanket. The only other effects he really has are a poster, which he tries to put up with some tape, an alarm clock he sets near the door and a photo in an old frame.

The photo shows eighteen hare faunus of various ages, one of them is obviously Jack, although which one is difficult to tell since they all look so similar. Jack spends a little time fiddling with the alarm clock, trying to get it to work, then leaves the room and heads back to the cafeteria.

[strawberryman]

[Sanctum]

Nadia is the last of Team Sleipnir to enter and leave the bath (likely shared amongst classmates of her age). No longer in her thick cloak, she's garbed in a rather dark blouse and kapri slacks, her blonde hair tied into a bun. Entering the cafeteria, she does her best to keep a low profile, sitting by herself and quietly consuming her meal.

After all, she couldn't really socialize with most people, so she rarely bothered.

[AnimeKid]

Clara grins at the flurry of introductions, shaking Caelynn's hand. The gesture is warm, but the pale girl's skin is almost painfully cold; knowing this, Clara breaks off the contact quickly and takes her seat.

"Clara Ravensdotter, Team Sleipnir," Clara explains, smiling. "Just got back from a field exercise. Nice to see some friendly faces."

Alexandra salutes as she says, "Always a pleasure to meet new people, especially and upperclassman. I was hoping to see how tough some of you guys were. I'm always looking for new people to test myself against." Grabbing the rest of her team in a big bear hug she says, "This motely crew here makes up team Relic. If exists we can smash it!"

Alexandra looks around a bit as before she speaks once more, "Where's the rest of your team? Are they not here?"

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara smiles crookedly and shrugs, taking a bite from a roll before she answers.

"My team's around. People tend to need a bit of a break from my personal presence. Which, I suppose, leads to your little bit of curiosity there. Y'know strength is one of the least relevant factors in combat?"

The light around Clara dims further, flickering visibly. The slight tug of fatigue nipping at Team Relic becomes a soft enervation, one that makes their eyes tingle and blink against the creeping exhaustion.

"We defeat Grimms despite their vast physical strength. Old warriors tend to defeat young ones. Why do you think that is? And tell me when you've noticed it."

[AnimeKid]

Clara smiles crookedly and shrugs, taking a bite from a roll before she answers.

"My team's around. People tend to need a bit of a break from my personal presence. Which, I suppose, leads to your little bit of curiosity there. Y'know strength is one of the least relevant factors in combat?"

The light around Clara dims further, flickering visibly. The slight tug of fatigue nipping at Team Relic becomes a soft enervation, one that makes their eyes tingle and blink against the creeping exhaustion.

"We defeat Grimms despite their vast physical strength. Old warriors tend to defeat young ones. Why do you think that is? And tell me when you've noticed it."

Alexandra felt the drain. The weariness she was currently experiencing was different than the tiredness she usually had after one of her mother's training sessions but it did mean that she could still function. Quite well actually. As for Clara she would find that Alex's Aura was plentiful and powerful. However while it was dense that also made it inflexible, like stone or steel. Either way she wasn't about to head off to dream land from her snacking just yet.

Shaking her head a little Alexandra says, "Oh I wouldn't say that. It is quite relevant. Do remember that the only reason we started pushing the Grimm back was the discovery of dust. We were holding the line at first but Dust gave us the edge we needed to push back and actually give ourselves some breathing room. Skill and intelligence are important of course, but just like they are important strength is by no means irrelevant or near it. There is a saying and aspiration in my clan. 'There exists a certain level of power against which no tactics can prevail'. It is the aspiration of your tradition Rosenkranz to try to reach that level of strength and power, such as I. Of course I wouldn't dream of questioning your ways either. After all, it's our differences that make us who we are don't you think?"

[Calemyr]

Jack blinked at the request. "Ya want me ta hit ya? Why on earth would ya want that?" It took a moment for the reason to dawn on Jack. "Yer testin' me fer somethin' then? You want ta know if'n Ah gots the balls ta roll with ya. Well Ah'd be fine with whatckin' ya upside the head one if'n it weren't fer the fact my mamma would tan my fluffy tail fer hittin' a lady, much less a teammate. Tell ya what though, see that rock way over yonder? Watch this."

The rock that Jack points to is about 300 feet away, it's a large boulder, probably four feet tall and just as wide. The rock has been marked by graffiti from countless teams of hunters who have since graduated from the school.

Jack seems to vanish in an instant, his absence replaced by a rush of wind. He reappears about six feet above the rock, upside down with his legs raised high. He falls suddenly and rapidly, his right leg lifted above his head, only to slam it down at the last second in a powerful axe kick that splits the rock with an audible crack like thunder.

He reappears a second later, again accompanied by a rush of wind.

"Still wonderin' ifn' Ahm tough enough to roll with y'all?" he asks.

Impressive as the demonstration is, it does not satisfy Kaden. Instead, she simply rolls her eyes. "Great. We've got another one."

She turns and heads off towards the dining hall, grumbling under her breath. "God save us from chivalry."

[Hattish Thing]

Moving to Gather the Teachers

Professor Mogrym comes rushing through the big front doors, turning to a man besides the doors and speaking to him. The large looking custodian closes the large double doors quite quickly, bars activating to keep the door closed. The custodian looks absolutely confused, and a little worried. He speaks on a cell phone device to other custodians about, and the large doors all over the school are quietly closed and locked...

As for Mogrym, he's rushed all the way to the Headmaster's office, bursting at the door and immediately spouting that there was an incident in the forest that pointed towards a known rebel and incredible threat, Conall Callahan, was loose in the forest and left a message less then twenty minutes away. Headmaster Alabaster immediately gets onto the intercom and speaks. All across the school, his raspy old voice can be heard. Ahem. Attention please, all Teachers report to the Faculty Lounge immediately. The two Mogrym's rush towards the lounge quickly, however the much older Headmaster is quite slow.

[Lord Raziere]

"Don't mind her Jack, she's just disappointed that no one here lives up to her high pragmatist-survivalist standards. You did great. I recommend you make friends with Caelynn, she has a similar power over speed, so it might be a good for you to exchange tips about your powers at the very least."
She said as she chomps down more meat.
"that chivalry might be problem when you'll have to spar though, but then again, we are primarily going to be fighting Grimm and mecha-grim...probably...."

[Arkhosia]

There is suddenly a red and gold staff pushing the muzzle of the rifle down before she could fire.

"Let me put this more bluntly. Either you stop reckless "practice" into the forest, which is also destroying trees that have not been expressly marked for clearing, or I go to the staff.

You promise that from here on out you actually practice proper gun safety and don't pull this **** again, and we just go on with our lives. No harm, no foul, learning opportunity.

You try to play Miss Bad-*** Sniper Girl, and I go have Professor Mogrym ensure proper firearm safety is drilled into your head."

Any joking was gone from the boy's voice. His eyes were hard, and his staff was held down with surprising strength.

Tenebria tries to slide the rifle out from under it and press a button, causing it to fold into a briefcase.
She nods and then promptly leaves

Clara smiles crookedly and shrugs, taking a bite from a roll before she answers.

"My team's around. People tend to need a bit of a break from my personal presence. Which, I suppose, leads to your little bit of curiosity there. Y'know strength is one of the least relevant factors in combat?"

The light around Clara dims further, flickering visibly. The slight tug of fatigue nipping at Team Relic becomes a soft enervation, one that makes their eyes tingle and blink against the creeping exhaustion.

"We defeat Grimms despite their vast physical strength. Old warriors tend to defeat young ones. Why do you think that is? And tell me when you've noticed it."

Caelynn downs a bit more coffee.
Young warriors are less experienced?
Caelynn replies inquisitively

[ImpSyndrome]

[MAIN CAMPUS]

Impressive as the demonstration is, it does not satisfy Kaden. Instead, she simply rolls her eyes. "Great. We've got another one."

She turns and heads off towards the dining hall, grumbling under her breath. "God save us from chivalry."

"Sorry, did you say something," Rip asks as he approaches, blissfully unaware of the comment likely regarding his attitude toward women. He notes the halved boulder and comments, "Very impressive. Looks like strength can't be measured by muscle alone after all. If you two are done, we should probably find Kedra and get some eats before our next class. I don't know about you, but I'm famished."

[Soon enough, at the DINING HALL...]
[Sanctum]

Nadia is the last of Team Sleipnir to enter and leave the bath (likely shared amongst classmates of her age). No longer in her thick cloak, she's garbed in a rather dark blouse and kapri slacks, her blonde hair tied into a bun. Entering the cafeteria, she does her best to keep a low profile, sitting by herself and quietly consuming her meal.

After all, she couldn't really socialize with most people, so she rarely bothered.
Once Team Kaiser gathers in the dining hall and gathers their meals of preference, Rip will start looking around for a table with enough space for all four of them. The first one to catch his eye will be at the opposite end of the hall, where a small, quiet girl about his age is eating on her own. Curious about her identity and nature, he'll approach in her field of view and, once close enough, ask her, "Excuse me, is this table reserved?"

[Lord_Gareth]

"Tactics?" Clara says to Alexandra. "Maybe. I was thinking more along the lines of treachery, though. Your friend is right - experience is usually the deciding factor. Your enemy can be strong, fast, and overflowing with magic but if you can out-wit them they'll lose every time. Tell me when you've noticed it."

The pale girl takes a few more bites of food, smiling wryly to herself as she feels the power flowing in. On the one hand, this was the tiniest bit selfish. On the other hand, these freshmen could clearly take it and Clara's fully aware that she'll be stopping soon anyway. She discreetly checks her scroll, happily notes the upward climb of her aura past 89%, and puts it back into her pocket.

[Elricaltovilla]

"Don't mind her Jack, she's just disappointed that no one here lives up to her high pragmatist-survivalist standards. You did great. I recommend you make friends with Caelynn, she has a similar power over speed, so it might be a good for you to exchange tips about your powers at the very least."
She said as she chomps down more meat.
"that chivalry might be problem when you'll have to spar though, but then again, we are primarily going to be fighting Grimm and mecha-grim...probably...."

"She can be as grumpy as she wants, but that don't mean what she's sayin' makes sense. Somebody needs ta talk to that girl an' get her to loosen up her britches a bit." Jack replied. "I don't know Caelynn, but if you think she's fast as Ah am, I just might have ta prove you wrong."

[Lord Raziere]

"She can be as grumpy as she wants, but that don't mean what she's sayin' makes sense. Somebody needs ta talk to that girl an' get her to loosen up her britches a bit." Jack replied. "I don't know Caelynn, but if you think she's fast as Ah am, I just might have ta prove you wrong."

"Whoa. Hold it, cowboy. This school ain't a competition, its a cooperative effort. We are not here to compete against one another, but all of us are here to fight against Grimm. I'm not saying she is faster, I'm just saying she has a similar Semblance and it might do you two good to learn from one another."

[Elricaltovilla]

"Whoa. Hold it, cowboy. This school ain't a competition, its a cooperative effort. We are not here to compete against one another, but all of us are here to fight against Grimm. I'm not saying she is faster, I'm just saying she has a similar Semblance and it might do you two good to learn from one another."

"That ain't what Ah heard. Mah pappy used ta say, 'Ya know what they call a doctor that graduated at the bottom of his class? Doctor. Ya know what they call a Hunter that gruaduated at the bottom of his class? For pizza.' I got in on accountin' of mah speed, and Ah'm stayin' on account a that nobody here can outrun me. Ah ain't about ta murder somebody in their sleep just cuz they got quick feet, a little rivalry never hurt nobody.

Even Rip's got hisself a bit of a shootin' partner. Ah noticed that Bird Faunus girl givin' you the stink eye, Rip. Ah think she likes ya." Jack followed his statement with a laugh and a wide grin as Rip walked up.

"Apparently Ah'm some sort o' screw up on account of me not wantin' to hit a lady."

[Lord Raziere]

"Apparently Ah'm some sort o' screw up on account of me not wantin' to hit a lady."

"Well that depends. Do you want to not hit gentlemen either?"

[ImpSyndrome]

"That ain't what Ah heard. Mah pappy used ta say, 'Ya know what they call a doctor that graduated at the bottom of his class? Doctor. Ya know what they call a Hunter that gruaduated at the bottom of his class? Floor pizza.' ((Made an assumed correction here. You're welcome. --Imp)) I got in on accountin' of mah speed, and Ah'm stayin' on account a that nobody here can outrun me. Ah ain't about ta murder somebody in their sleep just cuz they got quick feet, a little rivalry never hurt nobody.

Even Rip's got hisself a bit of a shootin' partner. Ah noticed that Bird Faunus girl givin' you the stink eye, Rip. Ah think she likes ya." Jack followed his statement with a laugh and a wide grin as Rip walked up.

"Apparently Ah'm some sort o' screw up on account of me not wantin' to hit a lady."
"I guess that makes us both screw-ups, then," Rip responds without missing a beat. "But Kaden and Kedra aren't wrong, either, and that rule isn't without exception. I may show respect and courtesy in a casual atmosphere, but when I'm on a mission, it doesn't matter if my target is male or female, human or Grimm, or whatever. Being a Huntsman isn't simply about being a hero or saving the world to me; it's about doing my due diligence to mankind, and that means following the orders of my superiors and getting the job done quickly and efficiently...As for that raven girl, you've got it all wrong: I do respect her as a sniper, but I'm not here to prove myself better, only to better myself. And, for the record, I'm pretty sure she was about a split-second away from shooting me before that other guy dropped in."

((Dangit, Lord Raz, why must I be slower than you?!))

[Calemyr]

Kaden is already seated in the dining hall by the time the rest of Team Kaiser arrives. As is her usual MO, she's picked a seat in the center of the largest group of empty chairs she could find. She's attacking her food a little more fiercely than usual, the only outward indication of her annoyance.

[GrandDM]

[The Past]


Hameth takes the precaution of striking out the "Research 'Mia'" line, then gathers up his stuff. Meanwhile, he's pulling his Aura in close and waiting for the opportunity to test how Rokoran sees. Once the professor turns his back (or is distracted by another's question), he will walk to conversation range as quickly and inconspicuously as he can, then ask the following question: I've always used my Aura to gain a tactical advantage over a purely physical one. Will we be working on gaining a physical advantage, or expanding and diversifying the tactical?

Rokoran doesn't so much as twitch.

"That depends on your personal preference. Some people may develop physical abilities, like shielding oneself or enhancing their strength. Some may follow the tactical path, manipulating things around them or reading people to gain advantages. Some may use more... arcane techniques, such as Rip's shadow illusion and most of the things I do. For example, this entire classroom is permeated with my Aura. Within these walls, I can see and hear everything that occurs, such as the notes you were taking about intention seeing - which I can also do if I wish, by the way, but I prefer not to invade people's minds unless I have to. That's a long way across the line."

[Lunch]

Rokoran is sitting at the teachers' table in his usual spot. However, he seems to be asleep. He twitches periodically, and dark and pained expressions flicker across his face at random.

[Landis963]

[The Past]

Rokoran doesn't so much as twitch.

"That depends on your personal preference. Some people may develop physical abilities, like shielding oneself or enhancing their strength. Some may follow the tactical path, manipulating things around them or reading people to gain advantages. Some may use more... arcane techniques, such as Rip's shadow illusion and most of the things I do. For example, this entire classroom is permeated with my Aura. Within these walls, I can see and hear everything that occurs, such as the notes you were taking about intention seeing - which I can also do if I wish, by the way, but I prefer not to invade people's minds unless I have to. That's a long way across the line."


Hameth takes this in stride, making a mental note to create some sort of cipher. Then I suppose my next question will come as no real surprise. How does that mesh with the position that Aura starts with imagination? How can I imagine the vagaries of another's Aura, how could you imagine, well, having sight again, and having our Auras obey us in each circumstance? Then a thought connects, and he's stricken for a moment. Wait, you can see and hear everything in the classroom? Down to every pen stroke? What about Aurum's notes?

[Elricaltovilla]

"Well that depends. Do you want to not hit gentlemen either?"

"Well seein' as Ah came here ta fight Grimms not people, I don't hold much interest in hittin' nobody who's got an aura. At least that's the way Ah sees it. Don't take that ta mean Ah'm some kind o' pushover, Ah'll fight back ifn' there's fightin' back ta be done, but why hurt a teammate just ta prove a point, seems counterproductive ta me."


"I guess that makes us both screw-ups, then," Rip responds without missing a beat. "But Kaden and Kedra aren't wrong, either, and that rule isn't without exception. I may show respect and courtesy in a casual atmosphere, but when I'm on a mission, it doesn't matter if my target is male or female, human or Grimm, or whatever. Being a Huntsman isn't simply about being a hero or saving the world to me; it's about doing my due diligence to mankind, and that means following the orders of my superiors and getting the job done quickly and efficiently...As for that raven girl, you've got it all wrong: I do respect her as a sniper, but I'm not here to prove myself better, only to better myself. And, for the record, I'm pretty sure she was about a split-second away from shooting me before that other guy dropped in."

((Dangit, Lord Raz, why must I be slower than you?!))

"Mah biggest sis used ta beat up this snot nosed neighbor kid down the way every day afore an' after school. Fer years she bullied him inta carryin' her books an' stuff every which way. Now they's gettin' married in six months. Trust me, ifn' she's thinkin' enough about ya ta hate ya, she's thinkin' about ya a lot." He playfully slapped Rip on the back and let out a laugh.

"Ah'm gonna grab a quick bite outta the cafeteria then put my stuff in y'all's room, but I'll join y'all as soon as Ah'm done kay?" After their responses, Jack leaves and goes to put his stuff up in his room.


Kaden is already seated in the dining hall by the time the rest of Team Kaiser arrives. As is her usual MO, she's picked a seat in the center of the largest group of empty chairs she could find. She's attacking her food a little more fiercely than usual, the only outward indication of her annoyance.

Jack returns from putting his stuff in his room and sits down directly across from Kaden with a very loud thump.

"Y'all got some kind a problem with me ya'd care ta elaborate on? Way's I figger it, I did what ya wanted an' I did it without havin' ta put my teammate at risk. But Ah guess ifn' that makes me to soft for ya, we can settle this proper like after classes are done."

[Calemyr]

Jack returns from putting his stuff in his room and sits down directly across from Kaden with a very loud thump.

"Y'all got some kind a problem with me ya'd care ta elaborate on? Way's I figger it, I did what ya wanted an' I did it without havin' ta put my teammate at risk. But Ah guess ifn' that makes me to soft for ya, we can settle this proper like after classes are done."

"I'm not a 'lady', Jack, and I'm not a 'girl'." Kaden says quietly without looking up from her meal. "I'm a huntress. There's a big difference. I will not be sidelined, be marginalized, or be given special treatment just because I happen to have a higher center of balance than the likes of you. I am not some delicate flower the gallant knight has to protect, I have no honor for you to defend. You're fast, I'll give you that, but breaking a rock tells me nothing. Feeling the force of your attack would have told me everything. You don't want to hit a teammate, fine. I can respect that. But never, never use my gender as your excuse."

[Elricaltovilla]

"I'm not a 'lady', Jack, and I'm not a 'girl'." Kaden says quietly without looking up from her meal. "I'm a huntress. There's a big difference. I will not be sidelined, be marginalized, or be given special treatment just because I happen to have a higher center of balance than the likes of you. I am not some delicate flower the gallant knight has to protect, I have no honor for you to defend. You're fast, I'll give you that, but breaking a rock tells me nothing. Feeling the force of your attack would have told me everything. You don't want to hit a teammate, fine. I can respect that. But never, never use my gender as your excuse."

"Ya do know it goes both ways right? What kind o' thinkin' do ya think others'd do ifn' they saw me drop an axe kick on mah teammate not an hour after Ah'd been put on the team. Much less a girl. Ya don't have ta like that others look at ya and see yer breasts afore they see yer heart, an' ifn' ah was you I'd be damn pissed about it mahself. Ah, know yer a huntress an' a warrior, but there's more'n yer pride that I need ta watch out fer.

Like I told ya, mah momma taught me that it weren't right fer me ta hit a lady, whether she calls herself one or not. I love mah momma, an' I respect her a lot more'n I respect some hothead huntress who sees discrimination where a jest an' a mite o' practicality reside. If it's a sparrin' match you want, ask me fer one. Don't tell me ta clock ya outta the blue. I weren't gonna hit ya, just as I weren't gonna hit any o' mah teammates what asked me like that."

[KnightDisciple]

[Outside, a few minutes in the past]


Tenebria tries to slide the rifle out from under it and press a button, causing it to fold into a briefcase.
She nods and then promptly leaves

Merah releases the pressure when he sees the sniper girl folding her gun up and walking away. For a moment, he simply hangs off the tree limb, watching her go.

'Definitely need to tell Prof Mog about that girl. Him or one of the other teachers should be able to keep her from accidentally killing another student.'

He twists around to look at the downed tree, his face a bit mournful.

'Or deliberately killing any more trees.'

He sighed, planting his staff end-first into the ground...and proceeding to let go of the tree with his tail, balancing for several long moments on the staff alone. Then, he gives a "hup" and pushes off, going into a quick tumble through the air, before landing on his feet, his weapon folding up and tucking back in its sheathe.

In a few moments he's inside, off to clean himself up...
---------------------------------------------------------------
[Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.

[Calemyr]

"Ya do know it goes both ways right? What kind o' thinkin' do ya think others'd do ifn' they saw me drop an axe kick on mah teammate not an hour after Ah'd been put on the team. Much less a girl. Ya don't have ta like that others look at ya and see yer breasts afore they see yer heart, an' ifn' ah was you I'd be damn pissed about it mahself. Ah, know yer a huntress an' a warrior, but there's more'n yer pride that I need ta watch out fer.

Like I told ya, mah momma taught me that it weren't right fer me ta hit a lady, whether she calls herself one or not. I love mah momma, an' I respect her a lot more'n I respect some hothead huntress who sees discrimination where a jest an' a mite o' practicality reside. If it's a sparrin' match you want, ask me fer one. Don't tell me ta clock ya outta the blue. I weren't gonna hit ya, just as I weren't gonna hit any o' mah teammates what asked me like that."

"You're really going to stick to that sad little line, are you?" She looks up at last and gives Jack an appraising look for just a little longer than is comfortable. Then she laughs, briefly, breaking the tension. "Fine. If I expect to be allowed to live by my beliefs, I can't fault you for holding to yours. As long as they are yours, anyway. I can respect that. I don't agree with you, but I can respect that. We'll just have to wait to see if you're good against anything other than a rock."

((As usual, standing up to Kaden, holding to your beliefs even when they're being challenged, is a good way to earn some respect from her. She doesn't respect dogma (unquestioning, unthinking, unfounded, unchallenged belief), but she does respect belief. She still doesn't like it, though, and she wasn't lying when she warned you never to use her gender as an excuse again.))

[Elricaltovilla]

"You're really going to stick to that sad little line, are you?" She looks up at last and gives Jack an appraising look for just a little longer than is comfortable. Then she laughs, briefly, breaking the tension. "Fine. If I expect to be allowed to live by my beliefs, I can't fault you for holding to yours. As long as they are yours, anyway. I can respect that. I don't agree with you, but I can respect that. We'll just have to wait to see if you're good against anything other than a rock."

((As usual, standing up to Kaden, holding to your beliefs even when they're being challenged, is a good way to earn some respect from her. She doesn't respect dogma (unquestioning, unthinking, unfounded, unchallenged belief), but she does respect belief. She still doesn't like it, though, and she wasn't lying when she warned you never to use her gender as an excuse again.))

"If ya really don't think what Ah done is enough ta prove Ah'm good at what Ah do, Ah'll make ya a deal. Whenever we get a chance to spar at the gym, Ah'm there. Ah don't have a problem wipin' the smug look offa somebody's face as long as it's the proper time an' place, Kaden. Ah respect yer gumption, an' I weren't meanin' insult, Ah promise." He snatches a bit of food off her plate and grins mischeviously.

As Merah makes his grand entrance, Jack's ears droop slightly. "This guy again? Ah tell ya, Ah wouldn't mind somebody bustin' his jaw just so's we could have a few days o' peace an' quiet."

[Jadev]

Shen sighs as her leader enters. She's seen it all before. It's basically a routine for her at this point. Dramatic Entrance, then shirt removal, then food, then storytime-- which means Shen needs to be available to correct the embellishments. No need for the freshmen to get an inflated opinion of what Team Sleipnir could do. What they could do was already impressive enough. Shen heads over to where Merah is and waits.

[Arkhosia]

.

[B][Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.

Caelynn was about to reply to Clara when that happens, causing Caelynn to stare at him (in shock, in attraction, or "are you crazy?!" is not clear) and giggle a bit at his antics.

[Hawkflight]

"Tactics?" Clara says to Alexandra. "Maybe. I was thinking more along the lines of treachery, though. Your friend is right - experience is usually the deciding factor. Your enemy can be strong, fast, and overflowing with magic but if you can out-wit them they'll lose every time. Tell me when you've noticed it."

The pale girl takes a few more bites of food, smiling wryly to herself as she feels the power flowing in. On the one hand, this was the tiniest bit selfish. On the other hand, these freshmen could clearly take it and Clara's fully aware that she'll be stopping soon anyway. She discreetly checks her scroll, happily notes the upward climb of her aura past 89%, and puts it back into her pocket.

Kitty shook her head. "I'm ... not sure. I'm suddenly too tired to think straight."

[Calemyr]

"If ya really don't think what Ah done is enough ta prove Ah'm good at what Ah do, Ah'll make ya a deal. Whenever we get a chance to spar at the gym, Ah'm there. Ah don't have a problem wipin' the smug look offa somebody's face as long as it's the proper time an' place, Kaden. Ah respect yer gumption, an' I weren't meanin' insult, Ah promise." He snatches a bit of food off her plate and grins mischeviously.

As Merah makes his grand entrance, Jack's ears droop slightly. "This guy again? Ah tell ya, Ah wouldn't mind somebody bustin' his jaw just so's we could have a few days o' peace an' quiet."

Kaden takes no apparent notice of the theft, but does turn her plate so that the whatever section he stole from is more accessible. "I know you're good. I never doubted that. You're here. I just wanted to know how good. Breaking a rock just tells me you're strong enough to break a rock. That's doesn't help at all."

As Merah's dynamic entrance begins, Kaden turns her focus back to her meal. She's not very interested in theater.

[ImpSyndrome]

[DINING HALL]

[Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.
Rip immediately recognizes the voice coming from the door as that of the Faunus boy who had accosted Tenebria. Normally, the archer would find him distracting, but seeing as there's little to be distracted from, he considers Merah's boisterous attitude and wild antics amusing.


As Merah makes his grand entrance, Jack's ears droop slightly. "This guy again? Ah tell ya, Ah wouldn't mind somebody bustin' his jaw just so's we could have a few days o' peace an' quiet."
"What's the big deal? He's not hurting anyone...Actually, I think he's kind of funny. Besides, it's a nice change of pace from all the depressing crud we've been dealing with recently. Everyone needs an outlet, and his is certainly entertaining. Honestly...I wouldn't mind learning to be more outgoing like him."

Rip waits until Merah puts his nose to the trough before changing the subject. "Say, Jack...I don't remember if you ever answered my question earlier. Did your grandfather ever mention working with a Huntsman named Marshall Vance?"

[GrandDM]

Hameth takes this in stride, making a mental note to create some sort of cipher. Then I suppose my next question will come as no real surprise. How does that mesh with the position that Aura starts with imagination? How can I imagine the vagaries of another's Aura, how could you imagine, well, having sight again, and having our Auras obey us in each circumstance? Then a thought connects, and he's stricken for a moment. Wait, you can see and hear everything in the classroom? Down to every pen stroke? What about Aurum's notes?

"Yes, I can. To a lesser extent, I can do the same thing anywhere, but I've spent a lot of time in this room imbuing it with my Aura. In here, nothing - including Machiavelli Junior's notes - escapes my notice."

[Elricaltovilla]

[DINING HALL]

Rip immediately recognizes the voice coming from the door as that of the Faunus boy who had accosted Tenebria. Normally, the archer would find him distracting, but seeing as there's little to be distracted from, he considers Merah's boisterous attitude and wild antics amusing.


"What's the big deal? He's not hurting anyone...Actually, I think he's kind of funny. Besides, it's a nice change of pace from all the depressing crud we've been dealing with recently. Everyone needs an outlet, and his is certainly entertaining. Honestly...I wouldn't mind learning to be more outgoing like him."

Rip waits until Merah puts his nose to the trough before changing the subject. "Say, Jack...I don't remember if you ever answered my question earlier. Did your grandfather ever mention working with a Huntsman named Marshall Vance?"

"Sure he can spin a yarn better'n any loom Ah seen, but that don't mean Ah likes listen in' ta him talk.

Meh granpappy never said much ta me about who he worked with on account a him getting' his tongue cut out afore I was born. So Ah can't say fer sure. "

[Lord_Gareth]

"Good, you spotted it," Clara says to Kitty. The enervation eases off in an instant, turning back into a nibbling at the edges of their energy.

[Landis963]

"Yes, I can. To a lesser extent, I can do the same thing anywhere, but I've spent a lot of time in this room imbuing it with my Aura. In here, nothing - including Machiavelli Junior's notes - escapes my notice."

I can think of several people who would be very interested in the contents of those. If only to stay on top of him. Unspoken but nonetheless clearly heard is the sentence "Assuming you didn't allow the contents of those notes to slip your mind because why would you?"

[Calemyr]

"Sure he can spin a yarn better'n any loom Ah seen, but that don't mean Ah likes listen in' ta him talk.

Meh granpappy never said much ta me about who he worked with on account a him getting' his tongue cut out afore I was born. So Ah can't say fer sure. "

"And so the levity quietly bows and leaves the room." Kaden jokes without looking up from her meal.

[strawberryman]

[Soon enough, at the DINING HALL...]
Once Team Kaiser gathers in the dining hall and gathers their meals of preference, Rip will start looking around for a table with enough space for all four of them. The first one to catch his eye will be at the opposite end of the hall, where a small, quiet girl about his age is eating on her own. Curious about her identity and nature, he'll approach in her field of view and, once close enough, ask her, "Excuse me, is this table reserved?"

Nadia looks up from her food with a neutral expression. And just... keeps looking. It's probably a bit uncomfortable after a while.

...however, her concentration is broken as Merah comes in, and once again she has to resist the urge to facepalm. However, she cannot quite resist the sigh, breaking eye contact and closing her eyes in annoyance.

She gives a shake of her head to the underclassman, moving her tray slightly towards her.

[ImpSyndrome]

[DINING HALL]

Nadia looks up from her food with a neutral expression. And just... keeps looking. It's probably a bit uncomfortable after a while.

...however, her concentration is broken as Merah comes in, and once again she has to resist the urge to facepalm. However, she cannot quite resist the sigh, breaking eye contact and closing her eyes in annoyance.

She gives a shake of her head to the underclassman, moving her tray slightly towards her.
((I kind of wanted to work this angle during lunch, so I hope you don't mind me moving him away from the Kaisers for a bit.))

The stare is indeed a bit disconcerting, and Rip almost decides to leave the girl to herself. Thankfully, Merah's powers of levity break the uncomfortable stillness, disrupting her focus (although what she was focusing on is a mystery to Rip; maybe she was trying to stare him away...?) and coaxing a sigh of frustration out of her. He chortles a bit at her reaction and assumes aloud, "The two of you are well-acquainted, I take it." It's not meant to be mocking or anything; he just doesn't see why everyone thinks he's so annoying. ((Give it time, Rip, give it time...))

Finally, she gives him permission to sit. "Much obliged," Rip answers, and he takes a seat nearby. He gives her some space, though, as she doesn't seem very comfortable associating with him just yet. It makes plenty of sense to him; not even two years ago, he might have reacted the same way under similar circumstances. The question now is whether he should try to break the ice and engage the silent girl or if he ought to respect her personal space. One way or another, the current situation is making him a bit anxious, so something needs to change.

((What do you think, s'berryman? Should we let them squirm a bit, or should Rip try to actually talk to Nadia and learn more about her?

Also, any objections to having Rip continue to be the one person who entertains Merah's eccentricities?))

[AnimeKid]

"Tactics?" Clara says to Alexandra. "Maybe. I was thinking more along the lines of treachery, though. Your friend is right - experience is usually the deciding factor. Your enemy can be strong, fast, and overflowing with magic but if you can out-wit them they'll lose every time. Tell me when you've noticed it."

The pale girl takes a few more bites of food, smiling wryly to herself as she feels the power flowing in. On the one hand, this was the tiniest bit selfish. On the other hand, these freshmen could clearly take it and Clara's fully aware that she'll be stopping soon anyway. She discreetly checks her scroll, happily notes the upward climb of her aura past 89%, and puts it back into her pocket.


"Good, you spotted it," Clara says to Kitty. The enervation eases off in an instant, turning back into a nibbling at the edges of their energy.

As the enervation eases off Alexandra says, "Oh, we were supposed to say something about it? I was just trying to be polite when I didn't mention it. I figured that you had some kind of weird Aura like a friend of mine named Kedra. So I figured it would be rude to just call it out. Still it's a neat little trick."



[Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.

And then Merah shows up. Alexandra raises an eyebrow as he goes through his whole declaration, what was up with him ripping his shirt, and finally heads into the lunchline to get his food. Alexandra blinks for a bit before she says, "Well uh, that was a thing. I'm a little confused as to why he felt the need to do that. Do you know him Clara?"

[Lord_Gareth]

"Yeah, I know him," Clara confirms. "He's our team leader. He gets more serious when it counts.
As far as being polite...y'know, I appreciate it, but I did keep asking if you'd noticed." Clara sticks her tongue out at Alexandra playfully. "Imagine you were facing that down in battle. It wouldn't matter how strong I am, would it? Because I can rob your strength, and as the fight goes on longer I'd stay the same while you only get weaker and weaker. Imagine we had a duel scheduled after lunch and you didn't realize that I was the one doing that to you. Treachery will get you a lot further than strength."

[Calemyr]

[Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.

Rev chuckles at Merah's antics.

You find that funny, do you?

Why not? He's putting on a show. He's good, too. Flashy. Dramatic. Reminds me of the actors Father would find for festivals back home.

I can think of one reason why you might not find it so funny.

You can't possibly dislike him for being a monkey faunus. Monkeys are excellent hunters, I thought.

No, that isn't it.

Then what?

He's stealing your fashion sense.

Rev looked down at his own shirtless vest. He finished his meal in silence as the Wolf laughed inside.

[AnimeKid]

Cafeteria

Alexandra grins good naturedly as she says, He he, perhaps so. Then again I'm far from the pinnacle of strength that the Rosenkranz clan strive for. Still I will admit that you have a point. However you also have probably noticed that I'm not drained as Kitty, no offense to her. I'm no stranger to fighting through exhaustion. My mother's brutal training sessions saw to that. Still it's always a pleasure to meet a fighter of a different trade.

So that guys your leader huh? Well I can't say much. I'm probably not the best leader for my team, heck since he's a sophomore he's probably a lot more qualified to lead than I am. Well at least he seems easy to get along with. Are you other teammates as, um, usual as him."

Faculty Lounge

Reinhold entered the lounge, having gotten there relatively quickly from his classroom. He was still quite spry thank you very much. However he had to wonder what moon-shattering matter had caused such a commotion. Well all he could do was wait to be briefed. Hopefully the affair wouldn't be too messy.

[Lord Raziere]

[Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.

Kedra was silent for a few seconds.
Then she called out.
"I already pity you!"
she then turned to Kaden.
"and you thought I was idealistic. admit it, it could've been worse and you could be working with THAT guy."

Faculty Meeting

Oswald of course shows up.
"Now, WHAT IS ALL THIS THEN?"

[strawberryman]

[Cafeteria]

((It's your character, your choice! :smalltongue:))

Nadia sighs and nods, giving an expression that implies she knows him all too well, a muted exasperation in her eyes and the telltale twitch of an eyebrow. She still hasn't uttered a word though. Of course Rip wouldn't know she's mute, so to him, it might just seem like she's shy or arrogant or doesn't like Rip for some reason.

[Lord_Gareth]

"I'm not entirely sure," Clara answers honestly, her voice softening. "I was transferred four days ago. There was an...an accident. Team Clarion. I was the only one who got out."

Clara pushes her food away, staring off at a wall.

[Hawkflight]

"Good, you spotted it," Clara says to Kitty. The enervation eases off in an instant, turning back into a nibbling at the edges of their energy.

"I ... did?"


[Outside, a few minutes in the past]



Merah releases the pressure when he sees the sniper girl folding her gun up and walking away. For a moment, he simply hangs off the tree limb, watching her go.

'Definitely need to tell Prof Mog about that girl. Him or one of the other teachers should be able to keep her from accidentally killing another student.'

He twists around to look at the downed tree, his face a bit mournful.

'Or deliberately killing any more trees.'

He sighed, planting his staff end-first into the ground...and proceeding to let go of the tree with his tail, balancing for several long moments on the staff alone. Then, he gives a "hup" and pushes off, going into a quick tumble through the air, before landing on his feet, his weapon folding up and tucking back in its sheathe.

In a few moments he's inside, off to clean himself up...
---------------------------------------------------------------
[Cafeteria, present]

The meal's going strong and people are sitting around chatting, when suddenly, the doors burst open, the figure in the entrance backlit for several moments.

"Never fear, residents of Sanctum Academy!"

Wait, now he's standing on a table.

"Your resident Lord Of The Awesome has returned! I, Pangeran Merah, am once more among you!"

At least he's wearing a shirt as he poses there, one foot on the bench and one on the table, hands on his hips in a jaunty stance. And he's clean, fresh-smelling, his tail looking clean and fluffy (instead of a bit matted like it was earlier), practically shining from head to toe.

"I shall be available to regale you with my tales of derring-do! BUT FIRST!"

*RIP*

No, wait, blast it all, the shirt's gone. It's one of those bloody tear-aways; his team's seen him wear them half the time when he wants to be "dramatic".

A rumble sounds from Merah's belly, and his grin only widens.

"Standing against the darkness of the world simply makes me...hungry! I shall now feast, and those who wish to hear of the exploits of Mighty Team Sleipner The Awesomest can join me!"

With a dramatic jump and flip, the torn shirt (now in two pieces) gets tossed into the crowd (with the expectation that fangirls will dive for the pieces), and Merah is suddenly standing in line to get food, grinning from ear to ear. In moments, he has a plate piled high with food, a mixture of breakfast and lunchstuffs.

Some might say he's got enough food for two people.

Some have not seen the appetite of Pangeran Merah.

Kitty giggled, a little confused but still amused.


"Yeah, I know him," Clara confirms. "He's our team leader. He gets more serious when it counts.
As far as being polite...y'know, I appreciate it, but I did keep asking if you'd noticed." Clara sticks her tongue out at Alexandra playfully. "Imagine you were facing that down in battle. It wouldn't matter how strong I am, would it? Because I can rob your strength, and as the fight goes on longer I'd stay the same while you only get weaker and weaker. Imagine we had a duel scheduled after lunch and you didn't realize that I was the one doing that to you. Treachery will get you a lot further than strength."


"I'm not entirely sure," Clara answers honestly, her voice softening. "I was transferred four days ago. There was an...an accident. Team Clarion. I was the only one who got out."

Clara pushes her food away, staring off at a wall.

"Oh ... I'm sorry," Kitty said, genuinely sorry.

[Arkhosia]

I drink TONS of coffee daily. Semblance is movement, kinda tires me out.
She replies, downing her cup of XL coffee.
What happened? Or is it something you don't wanna talk about?

[AnimeKid]

"I'm not entirely sure," Clara answers honestly, her voice softening. "I was transferred four days ago. There was an...an accident. Team Clarion. I was the only one who got out."

Clara pushes her food away, staring off at a wall.


Hearing about what happened to her team Alexandra face takes on a slightly saddened look in sympathy. Getting up from where she was she sitting she went over Clara and wrapped the girl in one of her signature hugs When she felt the biting cold of Clara's skin she slightly flinched, however that only made her hug all the tighter. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. I'm sorry I brought up bad memories."

[Lord_Gareth]

"You couldn't have known," Clara murmurs back. She almost pulls away from the hug when Alexandra flinches, but when the freshman girl hugs more tightly Clara returns the gesture of comfort, squeezing tightly. "I'm sorry about the cold," she apologizes softly. "But you should maybe stop hugging me soon or I'm going to have ripped away too much of your aura and you'll pass out in class."

[KnightDisciple]

Kedra was silent for a few seconds.
Then she called out.
"I already pity you!"

Without missing a beat in gathering his food, Merah calls back over his shoulder.

"I know, good-lookin'! It's a terrible burden being as handsome and awesome as I am!"

His tail flicked as he laughed, and it wasn't long before Merah had made a place at a table not far from where Clara and Shen were, with several (Shade) students gathered around. Most seemed to be terribly amused, but a few were genuinely interested.

Because while he might be a touch eccentric, Merah was not just a skilled upperclassman, he was a superb storyteller. It's just that the skill was primarily in oral recitation, not written (hence the frustratingly short reports he writes).

[Arkhosia]

Without missing a beat in gathering his food, Merah calls back over his shoulder.

"I know, good-lookin'! It's a terrible burden being as handsome and awesome as I am!"

His tail flicked as he laughed, and it wasn't long before Merah had made a place at a table not far from where Clara and Shen were, with several (Shade) students gathered around. Most seemed to be terribly amused, but a few were genuinely interested.

Because while he might be a touch eccentric, Merah was not just a skilled upperclassman, he was a superb storyteller. It's just that the skill was primarily in oral recitation, not written (hence the frustratingly short reports he writes).
Carlton's cat ears perk up as she realizes the cause of the gathering: storytime!
She's trying to listen in

[Lord Raziere]

Without missing a beat in gathering his food, Merah calls back over his shoulder.

"I know, good-lookin'! It's a terrible burden being as handsome and awesome as I am!"

His tail flicked as he laughed, and it wasn't long before Merah had made a place at a table not far from where Clara and Shen were, with several (Shade) students gathered around. Most seemed to be terribly amused, but a few were genuinely interested.

Because while he might be a touch eccentric, Merah was not just a skilled upperclassman, he was a superb storyteller. It's just that the skill was primarily in oral recitation, not written (hence the frustratingly short reports he writes).

"No! I pity your chances with women! Knowing this school, your chances are 0%!"
She snickered and gone back to eating.

[AnimeKid]

"You couldn't have known," Clara murmurs back. She almost pulls away from the hug when Alexandra flinches, but when the freshman girl hugs more tightly Clara returns the gesture of comfort, squeezing tightly. "I'm sorry about the cold," she apologizes softly. "But you should maybe stop hugging me soon or I'm going to have ripped away too much of your aura and you'll pass out in class."

With one last comforting squeeze Alexandra lets go of the girl as she tries too think of a way to make it up to her for bringing up the memories. A light bulb goes off in her head as she says, "Hey! I got the perfect idea to take our minds off of the gloomy stuff. After classes today me and my team were going to head down to the beach. Would you like to come with us? You could even invite your team! Come on, what do ya say?"

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara gives Alexandra a crooked grin.

"You get to persuade Merah," she says quietly, but firmly, jabbing a thumb in her team leader's general direction. "At a guess, 'girls in bikinis' will get him on board. Give him something to persuade the others with."

Clara picks up a pretzel stick, walking it thoughtfully over her knuckles. "Any of you have a sweetheart?" she asks suddenly.

[Hattish Thing]

Cafeteria
Faculty Lounge

Reinhold entered the lounge, having gotten there relatively quickly from his classroom. He was still quite spry thank you very much. However he had to wonder what moon-shattering matter had caused such a commotion. Well all he could do was wait to be briefed. Hopefully the affair wouldn't be too messy.



Faculty Meeting

Oswald of course shows up.
"Now, WHAT IS ALL THIS THEN?"

Seeing as a few teaches have arrived, I'm assuming the others are here as well.

http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s440/Singingnoodle/headmaster.png is sitting in the large silver chair at the end of the table looking quite grim, and very tired. Any sort of extensive exercise was quite exhausting to him in his old, old, old age. Professor Mogrym sits at a chair by the opposite end. The Headmaster speaks slowly and surely. Good, we're all here... About an hour ago the upperclassmen team stumbled upon a strange occurrence in the forest less than twenty minutes away. There was intensive damage to the environment, along with the leftover signs of a powerful auric user. Many Grimm were piled in a circular area with the tell-tale marks of a sword very familiar to our own Professor Mogrym. The site was twenty minutes away... I'll let Professor Mogrym continue... He drinks at a glass of water on the table, his lips parched.

Mogrym stands up and speaks quickly now, clearly a bit nervous. The shtudentsh came to get me, the one who'sh office wash closhesht to the foresht. I marched out there no less than ten minutesh ago and dischovered the ****e. I pershonally believe that Connal Callohan ish reshponsible fer the ****e. It'sh a shign, and it perfectly fitsh what he'd do. However, I'm not an expert on Aurash and ash shuch cannot confirm thish. Regardlessh of who did it, I know fer a fact it was a very powerful individual that almosht certainly meansh harm to ush. I shuggesht we shend a search party of faculty into the foresht to make shure the dangeroush individual ish gone. If it ish who I think it ish, hish presence so closhe to school is putting the shutdentsh at a great rishk!

[Hawkflight]

Without missing a beat in gathering his food, Merah calls back over his shoulder.

"I know, good-lookin'! It's a terrible burden being as handsome and awesome as I am!"

His tail flicked as he laughed, and it wasn't long before Merah had made a place at a table not far from where Clara and Shen were, with several (Shade) students gathered around. Most seemed to be terribly amused, but a few were genuinely interested.

Because while he might be a touch eccentric, Merah was not just a skilled upperclassman, he was a superb storyteller. It's just that the skill was primarily in oral recitation, not written (hence the frustratingly short reports he writes).

Kitty's ears perked, intrigued at the possibility of storytime. This was an upperclassman, so any story he had could prove to be interesting for an underclassman like her.


Clara gives Alexandra a crooked grin.

"You get to persuade Merah," she says quietly, but firmly, jabbing a thumb in her team leader's general direction. "At a guess, 'girls in bikinis' will get him on board. Give him something to persuade the others with."

Clara picks up a pretzel stick, walking it thoughtfully over her knuckles. "You have a sweetheart?" she asks suddenly.

Kitty was actually not taking a drink at the moment, so unfortunately she couldn't spit it out in surprise. However, her ears swiveled back towards her and Alex, curious how the latter would answer.

"Um, no ... I mean, I never really ...nobody really...." she stuttered.

[Calemyr]

Kedra was silent for a few seconds.
Then she called out.
"I already pity you!"
she then turned to Kaden.
"and you thought I was idealistic. admit it, it could've been worse and you could be working with THAT guy."

Kaden looked up. "Yeah. I could do worse, so much worse. Don't get me wrong, Boss Lady, I've got no doubts as to your potential. You're a greenhorn right now, still trying to find your feet as a leader. When you do, it'll be a pleasure to stand at your back. If I argue with you, if I challenge the things you believe, that's no sign of disrespect. I wouldn't waste my time over someone I don't like."


Mogrym stands up and speaks quickly now, clearly a bit nervous. The shtudentsh came to get me, the one who'sh office wash closhesht to the foresht. I marched out there no less than ten minutesh ago and dischovered the ****e. I pershonally believe that Connal Callohan ish reshponsible fer the ****e. It'sh a shign, and it perfectly fitsh what he'd do. However, I'm not an expert on Aurash and ash shuch cannot confirm thish. Regardlessh of who did it, I know fer a fact it was a very powerful individual that almosht certainly meansh harm to ush. I shuggesht we shend a search party of faculty into the foresht to make shure the dangeroush individual ish gone. If it ish who I think it ish, hish presence so closhe to school is putting the shutdentsh at a great rishk!

Barlowe frowned. Did we really need another crisis at this point? "How do you suggest we respond if we find him? Send a team out to confront him? I would be willing to volunteer, of course."

[ImpSyndrome]

[Cafeteria]

((It's your character, your choice! :smalltongue:))

Nadia sighs and nods, giving an expression that implies she knows him all too well, a muted exasperation in her eyes and the telltale twitch of an eyebrow. She still hasn't uttered a word though. Of course Rip wouldn't know she's mute, so to him, it might just seem like she's shy or arrogant or doesn't like Rip for some reason.
It's not very quiet in the dining hall, but the silence around Rip and the wordless girl is almost exasperating to him. Eventually, he breaks the tranquility and asks, "Are you...mad at me or something...? I don't mean to be rude, I just...I mean, you haven't said a word since I showed up, so I can only assume..." His voice trails off into obscurity, and silence prevails again for a minute or so. Unless the girl responds in that time, he'll grow uneasy and elaborate, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to impose. I just wanted to make sure that...That is, if I'm bothering you, I hope you'd let me know..."

[KnightDisciple]

[Cafeteria, Story Time]

Merah has settled down a bit, scarfing down a good bit of food while answering some questions and promising he's about to start the good story, he just needs food.

Finally, he takes a gulp of water and begins.

"Well, it started about a week ago..."

He proceeds to launch into an elaborate tale centered on Team Sleipner's team-building trip out in the woods. It was an exciting, harrowing retelling. Shen, Clara, and Nadia could all tell that it's embellished, but mostly about how dangerous this or that was, how dark it was, how awesome any and all of them were.

Because for all that he might seem a braggart, and as much as the tale made him seem even more grandiose than his personality would suggest, Pangeran Merah made his teammates sound even more grandiose.

Shen Li became the Mighty Shen Li, the Jade Dragon whose punches turned whole cliffsides to gravel and groups of beowulves to so much mush. She could lift half a mountain and use a tree as a weapon as if it weighed nothing.
Nadia Geiger became the Nadia Geiger the Stealthy, the Silent Shadow That Walks, who could slip unnoticed anywhere in the world, whose crossbows struck the individual feathers off the wings of a Nevermore without the terrible bird noticing, until it fell from the sky and her tonfa snapped its neck with nary a sound.
Clara Ravensdotter became Clara Ravensdotter the Swift, fast as lightning and quicker than a Taijitu. Her knife-pistols struck down legions of foes in the blink of an eye, all as she stepped so lightly her boots were never stained by the base earth.
He was, of course, Pangeran Merah, the Mighty Monkey Prince, strong of arm and fleet of foot, the one who outfought, outwitted, and outate any foe that came across his path.

Merah was the kind of storyteller who made sure everyone in the story looked (well, sounded) good, and when he was done, anyone who was even vaguely interested would be asking for more.

Team Sleipner, in his story, fought through pack after pack of Grimm, destroying them left and right, saving towns and farmsteads all across the land, always with grateful folk singing their praises by the end.

It was clearly embellished, but considering they really had been gone a week and they were upperclassmen, it was likely there were kernels of truth buried in there.

[Jadev]

Shen fully intends to intervene about when she starts being labeled the Jade Dragon, but then the thing she feared most happens-- the second she opens her mouth it seems the auras swell and engulf her. She feels the more gullible students' awe, the excitement of Merah, a cocktail of positive emotions overwhelming her defenses. She backs up and sits down, closing her eyes in a desperate attempt to block out everyone else's feelings. When Shen finally opens her eyes, the story is over and it feels like she's in control again. She gets up and puts on a straight face before walking back to her previous seat. So much for damage control.

[strawberryman]

[Cafeteria]

Nadia looks up to respond when Merah starts his story. Now, she actually facepalms. Rubbing her temples, she fights it off long enough to look up to Rip, and, pointing her fist to her throat (which he could see by this distance is scarred), twists (http://www.handspeak.com/word/?dict=mor&signID=4777).

If he doesn't recognize the meaning, she pulls out... a chalkboard.

I can't speak.

She holds it up, still giving a neutral, mute expression.

[Lord Raziere]

OOC: hm, not sure what to do....when in doubt, do something interesting

IC:
By now Kedra had finished up her meal. she decided to join in.
"let me tell you the tale of how I defeated this upper-class man, guy, real lecturing type I think he was called Gabriel?.."
What. No. Kedra. Your supposed to be embellishing.
"Kept lecturing me about tactics throughout the entire fight while I manipulated the battlefield with my bullets to turn the tides in my favor, until he laughed at my final trick, not realizing it until he was right on top of my explosive bullet, I won in the end though."
She said this, still not realizing that Gabriel Blake was an instructor here.
"and then for my Trial, I had to face a mile-tall giant mecha with a hammer, I had to keep protecting my partner throughout the entire fight because it was so freaking big, she of course found its weakness- however in the process of fighting it, it cracked my armor and my Aura started leaking out, so I knew I had limited time to finish the fight before we were both screwed. So with one attack I rocketed myself through its skull and brought its eye back as a trophy. Right as I ran out of Aura of course. Man that was close...I'm gonna go get seconds..."
She walked off, not realizing that she told the stories all wrong. But she did know that Merah was embellishing, she just didn't consider herself good at that kind of storytelling, so she decided to be accurate.

at the Meeting...

"If he is such a great threat, then why not ME? Let me at him, he needs to be taken down no?"
Well, he certainly was an option....but there is a good reason he was discharged from the Hunter Corps. His Semblance doesn't gel well with peacetime. Using it could cause collateral damage no one would want, and it was more suited to destroying large amounts of grimm than taking on singular foes. But then again this was not an ordinary situation....on the other hand, you probably don't need that much raw force...

[Hattish Thing]

Barlowe frowned. Did we really need another crisis at this point? "How do you suggest we respond if we find him? Send a team out to confront him? I would be willing to volunteer, of course."

Headmaster speaks again, however he takes a deep breath before speaking, his throat already dry. Yes, that is exactly what I suggest. A faculty search party should enter the forest and search for whatever entity performed such unnervingly powerful acts... So far, the party includes Professor Mogrym over there, along with Professor Barlowe.




at the Meeting...

"If he is such a great threat, then why not ME? Let me at him, he needs to be taken down no?"
Well, he certainly was an option....but there is a good reason he was discharged from the Hunter Corps. His Semblance doesn't gel well with peacetime. Using it could cause collateral damage no one would want, and it was more suited to destroying large amounts of grimm than taking on singular foes. But then again this was not an ordinary situation....on the other hand, you probably don't need that much raw force...

Headmaster is about to speak, when Mogrym interrupts with a growl. No offenshe, shir... but we don't want to shet the tnire foresht on fire, or uproot half the treesh in the area! Perhapsh it'd be besht if you didn't ushe your shemblance...

[Hawkflight]

Mr. Lacuna sat in a chair in a corner of the room, part of the discussion yet slightly apart from it as well. He was no stranger to these meetings, but he hadn't been to one in over a decade. Still, as the situation was explained, he stood up to volunteer.

"Headmaster," he said, his voice somewhat deep and definitely serious. "I may not technically be a teacher here anymore, but I do still work for the school. And, more importantly ... my daughter is here. If she ... if this school is in danger, then I would offer my services to do what I can to stop it."

[GrandDM]

[The Past]


I can think of several people who would be very interested in the contents of those. If only to stay on top of him. Unspoken but nonetheless clearly heard is the sentence "Assuming you didn't allow the contents of those notes to slip your mind because why would you?"

"Maybe, but we're not talking about that. I kept you back because your Aura does not function like everyone else's. What I'm primarily concerned about is the music you use. At the moment, you're reliant on it. I need you to learn how to function at full capacity without using an instrument."

((As I recall, Hameth uses a flute to help him with his Aura. Correct me if I'm wrong.))

[Faculty Meeting]

Rokoran enters late. He looks awful.

"Sorry 'm late... fell 'sleep... bad memories."

He collapses into a chair and rubs his face.

"What's going on?"

[AnimeKid]

Clara gives Alexandra a crooked grin.

"You get to persuade Merah," she says quietly, but firmly, jabbing a thumb in her team leader's general direction. "At a guess, 'girls in bikinis' will get him on board. Give him something to persuade the others with."

Clara picks up a pretzel stick, walking it thoughtfully over her knuckles. "Any of you have a sweetheart?" she asks suddenly.

Alexandra tilts her head resting a fist against her cheek in thought. "Well I have someone I like but I've never actually dated anyone. Does that count. Oh, wait. Their kinda out of my reach. So by technicality I guess not? Hmmm, this would be an easy question for Serena. Ohh! I should ask Serena to come, I bet that would get your leader to come." Alexandra looked like she was trying to be sincere with her answer but since the topic was slightly uncomfortable she quickly changed it.

Faculty Meeting

Reinhold rubbed his chin as the other teachers talked. A patrol would be nice for securing the immediate area but they had a slight disadvantage here. This person apparently had intimate enough knowledge of the school thanks to being her before. So the defenses were not going to be as effective as they normally were. He could try setting up some of his traps but there was the chance that a student could get caught in them. Oh well, maybe one of the other teachers had a way to make the idea work.

"Well I have a class coming up so I can't really help patrol at the moment. However, Headmaster as you are aware I had a extensive background with the military before I became a hunter. I have some old contacts I could try to get in touch with to find our target. Also I have extensive trapping skills. If there is a way to ensure that the students don't get caught in them I could set some of those up as well."

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara gives Alexandra a serious look, remaining silent for a moment. Then the pale girl stands, straightening her coat.

"Do yourself a favor, once you figure it out," Clara says quietly. "Don't let her die for you."

And with that, Clara leaves the table, muttering a "Nice story," to Merah on her way out of the cafeteria.

[Arkhosia]

Alexandra tilts her head resting a fist against her cheek in thought. "Well I have someone I like but I've never actually dated anyone. Does that count. Oh, wait. Their kinda out of my reach. So by technicality I guess not? Hmmm, this would be an easy question for Serena. Ohh! I should ask Serena to come, I bet that would get your leader to come." Alexandra looked like she was trying to be sincere with her answer but since the topic was slightly uncomfortable she quickly changed it.

Faculty Meeting

Reinhold rubbed his chin as the other teachers talked. A patrol would be nice for securing the immediate area but they had a slight disadvantage here. This person apparently had intimate enough knowledge of the school thanks to being her before. So the defenses were not going to be as effective as they normally were. He could try setting up some of his traps but there was the chance that a student could get caught in them. Oh well, maybe one of the other teachers had a way to make the idea work.

"Well I have a class coming up so I can't really help patrol at the moment. However, Headmaster as you are aware I had a extensive background with the military before I became a hunter. I have some old contacts I could try to get in touch with to find our target. Also I have extensive trapping skills. If there is a way to ensure that the students don't get caught in them I could set some of those up as well."

No.
Caelynn replies slightly unhappily.

[Landis963]

[The Past]



"Maybe, but we're not talking about that. I kept you back because your Aura does not function like everyone else's. What I'm primarily concerned about is the music you use. At the moment, you're reliant on it. I need you to learn how to function at full capacity without using an instrument."

((As I recall, Hameth uses a flute to help him with his Aura. Correct me if I'm wrong.))


Rokoran's Classroom

Hameth lets the matter of valuable intelligence drop. He does, however, note with some slight frustration that Rokoran, for all his animosity towards the tycoon, seems to underestimate how intent he is in getting his fingers in every pie he can. A concerned expression creeps over his face. How would you define "full capacity," professor? I can read and recreate Auras already, as you know. Speeding up my team or slowing down an enemy is but a fraction of my Semblance's full potential, sure, but I'm not sure how comfortable you might be with progressing along those lines. For instance, you professed an unwillingness to "cross the line" of intention-reading. I can and have crossed that line - He produces his copy of Aurum's notes on Kedra, as proof - and taking it further, without an instrument to hobble me, is exactly where these after-class sessions are headed. If I'm reading the situation right, sir.

[KnightDisciple]

[Cafeteria]

Merah had thankfully wrapped up his story, at least mostly, before some underclassman in armor walked over, started talking over him, and told a story that was...much shorter, less exciting, and more confusing.

It was apparently the one who tried to be clever and say none of the girls at the school were into boys. Now she was trying to upstage his storytelling? It's not like he'd fought her or insulted her, and he'd mostly kept the volume down so if people didn't want to take part, they could move far enough away and not hear more than the same general background noise you always hear in cafeterias.

Good thing he was done with story time and eating anyways. He started getting up to leave, bidding the folks who'd been listening goodbye...

Clara gives Alexandra a serious look, remaining silent for a moment. Then the pale girl stands, straightening her coat.

"Do yourself a favor, once you figure it out," Clara says quietly. "Don't let her die for you."

And with that, Clara leaves the table, muttering a "Nice story," to Merah on her way out of the cafeteria.
When Clara went by.

Now, Pangeran Merah was many things. Two things he was not, were "utterly dense about emotions" and "uncaring about his teammates". Something was bothering Clara. If it was him, he needed to apologize. If it wasn't him, maybe he could help.

He made a quick line out of the cafeteria, catching up with Clara before long. For a few moments, he walked in silence, before finally speaking.

"So, um, I'm sorry if I messed up. Doing story time, I mean. Is...are you mad about that? Or is there something wrong? Can I help?"

For Clara especially, being near Merah was like being near a roaring wood fire in the middle of winter. Comforting, relaxing, warming...

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara stops when Merah starts talking, paying silent attention to his words. Though her expression is carefully calm, the monkey Faunus can feel her wounded Aura raging, dragging inward like a howling vortex. The lights flicker in the hall, and then burst.

"It was nothing you said," she whispers, her throat tight. "Nothing you did. You've been...a good friend, this time I've known you. I just..."

Clara screams in frustration, slamming her tiny fist into the wall. The light dims further as even the sunlight coming in through the windows fades into something tired and guttering. Realizing she's losing control, Clara closes her eyes and breathes in, trying to center herself. Slowly, so slowly, the sunlight warms back to its natural color.

"Some freshmen in there want to invite us to a beach party," the pale girl mutters. "Alexandra and Kitty. Maybe talk to them."

[KnightDisciple]

Merah just stands there, not even minding the draining feeling. He just ate, so he's basically overflowing with energy. Plus, he keeps a couple cases of granola and nutrient bars in the room specifically so this isn't a long-term issue.

Instead, he gently activates his Semblance, directing it solely at Clara until she seems to have relaxed at least somewhat. Then he dials it down and away.

"You know I'm all about beach parties. But do you and the others on the team want to go? I'd feel worse if I was out on the beach and my team was stuck here in the castle feeling terrible.

Seriously, is there anything I can do? Or Nadia, or Shen?"

[Lord_Gareth]

"Can you bring Amber back?" Clara asks bitterly. "Can you stop her from throwing herself in front of that Nevermore for me? I never asked to be here!" The pale girl's scream lets out another tide of frustration as she slumps against the wall. "I never went to a real school, Merah! They stuck me here so I wouldn't hurt anyone. That really worked, huh? I was the leader! I was responsible!"

The pale girl's hand grips her own arm in a white-knuckled lock.

"Ink went first. It was so stupid. She tripped, you know? She liked books, wanted to help people. Amazing skill with this razor-whip of hers. She shoulda gone further than any of us, but she tripped and that was the end of it. The bird landed on her and ripped her apart. Rosa tried to save her. The second Nevermore got her."

Clara's voice settles into a low, hard rhythm, and she won't make eye contact with Merah, looks anywhere but at his face.

"We ran. Amber and I ran. What else could we do? We were exhausted, harried, hurt. She was drained from...from me. Long exercise, you know? We get a hundred feet when a feather goes through my leg. Do you know how much that hurts? She stops running. Rips it out, you know?But I'm gushing blood and my Aura is only working so fast. And she - the idiot grabs me and throws me towards the school instead of running! Shot me off of her gun and got nailed by an entire volley. We had a date set for when we got back to school, y'know? It shoulda been yesterday. It would've been yesterday."

[Leliel]

While he would normally be in the thick of the action, it seems Amandus' foot seems to have robbed him of his tongue, and thus hamminess. It's hard to think on one effective leg, let alone speak.

He's obviously trying to listen in though.

[Lord Raziere]

Aurum walks in, not paying the assistant any sort of attention but turning his head slightly to glance at Doctor Wahnsinn poring over his plans. Good. It was always such a nice thing to know that the incredible amount of money poured into this division of Fronter was being used for something worthwhile. Aurum replies lazily and matter-of-factly, moving to look over Doctor Wahnsinn's shoulders to take a quick look at the plans as he speaks. Oh? It went satisfactory. I achieved what I had sought to do in the little time presented to me. I was hardly "bitten", Doctor Ruhig, and your blatantly disrespectful tone is unacceptable. Regardless of your personal opinion as to my work and how I get it done, I have completed my task. You have yet to complete yours. I have sown the seeds of treachery among them, as well as confirming that an incredible amount of the student body happens to be Faunus. It'll all fit together perfectly...

Now... explain to me how the completed virus ought to target the body of a victim. Obviously the virus is to be fatal, but it would be astute of me to be able to recognize and comprehend my own virus, Doctor. What are the side effects? Fatal bleeding? Internal Rupturing? Does it function like a sort of cancer? He'll now move to sit down on a nearby chair and gently tap twice at his glasses. This will have them record the conversation so he can listen to the side-effects and details about the plague later. Aurum always concentrated better when he was alone and listening to some proper music.

"Well viral genetic engineering is a bit of an uncertain process, Meester Morteemus, but I'd wageer it'd be a bit like a pox- ze canceer would be too slow, those takes years to truly get going, but zere probably be lots of spots and fatal bleeding yees, methinks ze spots vould appear, then grow and grow until zey burst, as more blood fills ze spots up, yees? At least thats what I'm aiming for."

Cafeteria


[Cafeteria]

Merah had thankfully wrapped up his story, at least mostly, before some underclassman in armor walked over, started talking over him, and told a story that was...much shorter, less exciting, and more confusing.

It was apparently the one who tried to be clever and say none of the girls at the school were into boys. Now she was trying to upstage his storytelling? It's not like he'd fought her or insulted her, and he'd mostly kept the volume down so if people didn't want to take part, they could move far enough away and not hear more than the same general background noise you always hear in cafeterias.

Good thing he was done with story time and eating anyways. He started getting up to leave, bidding the folks who'd been listening goodbye...



Kedra didn't even realize that she may have insulted him, and didn't even start her storytelling until he rapped it up. She thought she was just sharing the spirit of the moment. She just kept on eating her seconds.

[Calemyr]

Mr. Lacuna sat in a chair in a corner of the room, part of the discussion yet slightly apart from it as well. He was no stranger to these meetings, but he hadn't been to one in over a decade. Still, as the situation was explained, he stood up to volunteer.

"Headmaster," he said, his voice somewhat deep and definitely serious. "I may not technically be a teacher here anymore, but I do still work for the school. And, more importantly ... my daughter is here. If she ... if this school is in danger, then I would offer my services to do what I can to stop it."

"Forgive me, Master, but I'd prefer you stay here for several reasons, chief among them is that we do not know what our invader wants. We are not even sure it is who we suspect it is. We need to ask ourselves why he is here. Is he here after one of our faculty? Perhaps the faculty in general? The students, or one student in particular? Or is he just looking for a good challenge? Until we know, I would not want to commit all of our frontline fighters to a pursuit. It'd be too easy for this to be ploy to draw the defenses away from the school, leaving the students to defend themselves. We should not send many, in fact, not until we know why he's here."

"Another (admittedly selfish) reason is because I have an Advanced Weapons Theory class at 2 and was hoping you could fill in for me."

[KnightDisciple]

"Can you bring Amber back?" Clara asks bitterly. "Can you stop her from throwing herself in front of that Nevermore for me? I never asked to be here!" The pale girl's scream lets out another tide of frustration as she slumps against the wall. "I never went to a real school, Merah! They stuck me here so I wouldn't hurt anyone. That really worked, huh? I was the leader! I was responsible!"

The pale girl's hand grips her own arm in a white-knuckled lock.

"Ink went first. It was so stupid. She tripped, you know? She liked books, wanted to help people. Amazing skill with this razor-whip of hers. She shoulda gone further than any of us, but she tripped and that was the end of it. The bird landed on her and ripped her apart. Rosa tried to save her. The second Nevermore got her."

Clara's voice settles into a low, hard rhythm, and she won't make eye contact with Merah, looks anywhere but at his face.

"We ran. Amber and I ran. What else could we do? We were exhausted, harried, hurt. She was drained from...from me. Long exercise, you know? We get a hundred feet when a feather goes through my leg. Do you know how much that hurts? She stops running. Rips it out, you know?But I'm gushing blood and my Aura is only working so fast. And she - the idiot grabs me and throws me towards the school instead of running! Shot me off of her gun and got nailed by an entire volley. We had a date set for when we got back to school, y'know? It shoulda been yesterday. It would've been yesterday."

Merah simply stands there, letting Clara vent. It's clear she needs to get this off her chest. As she goes through the story, his face is a mix of sadness and empathy.

He had a teammate who had been injured. Heavily so, even. But said teammate would live, even if it wouldn't be a Hunter's life.

Clara was not so lucky.

He couldn't think of anything elaborate to say. Instead, he stepped forward and gently hugged her, speaking softly.

"I'm sorry."

[Lord_Gareth]

Clara tenses, at first, and then she gives in to the comforting gesture and hugs Merah back, her freezing skin pressed against his. Tears she hasn't shed come pouring out. Clara didn't cry on the battlefield, couldn't bring herself to cry at the memorial service, but here, with warmth pouring through her, the pain comes washing out in a tide of sorrow. When she finally pulls away she's left cold marks everywhere she's touched Merah - the cold of sapped energy, of her soft, sucking hunger. She wipes a tear from her eye, looking embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lose my head on you like that. At least...not out in the hallway and everything. I just...the freshmen girls didn't know, and it came up, and all of a sudden it was just too much. You know?" Everything was just too much."

[KnightDisciple]

Clara tenses, at first, and then she gives in to the comforting gesture and hugs Merah back, her freezing skin pressed against his. Tears she hasn't shed come pouring out. Clara didn't cry on the battlefield, couldn't bring herself to cry at the memorial service, but here, with warmth pouring through her, the pain comes washing out in a tide of sorrow. When she finally pulls away she's left cold marks everywhere she's touched Merah - the cold of sapped energy, of her soft, sucking hunger. She wipes a tear from her eye, looking embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lose my head on you like that. At least...not out in the hallway and everything. I just...the freshmen girls didn't know, and it came up, and all of a sudden it was just too much. You know?" Everything was just too much."
Merah doesn't even flinch at the cold, or the drain on his Aura. He just holds on gently to his teammate, giving her a couple of soothing pats on her back as she wept. When she pulled away and dried her eyes, he let her, giving her a smile, crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's no problem. It's not the ideal place, but sometimes, you just need to stop and feel. Before you let yourself sink deeper into the mire.

And...I do and don't know. Don't fully know, anyway. I've had moments where something innocent just...surged up. It's fine."

He suddenly clapped his hands once, his tail curling around his waist.

"So! I need to swing by the room to finish writing the reports. "Correctly", or as I like to call it, boringly. You can come, or not, up to you! As for the beach party thing, let me know if you, Shen, and/or Nadia decide to go. I'll have to see what my schedule holds."

Likely he won't go if none of his team does.

[Arkhosia]

Merah doesn't even flinch at the cold, or the drain on his Aura. He just holds on gently to his teammate, giving her a couple of soothing pats on her back as she wept. When she pulled away and dried her eyes, he let her, giving her a smile, crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's no problem. It's not the ideal place, but sometimes, you just need to stop and feel. Before you let yourself sink deeper into the mire.

And...I do and don't know. Don't fully know, anyway. I've had moments where something innocent just...surged up. It's fine."

He suddenly clapped his hands once, his tail curling around his waist.

"So! I need to swing by the room to finish writing the reports. "Correctly", or as I like to call it, boringly. You can come, or not, up to you! As for the beach party thing, let me know if you, Shen, and/or Nadia decide to go. I'll have to see what my schedule holds."

Likely he won't go if none of his team does.

Lunch=>Hallway
Hey guys, I should go get my stuff ready for next class. See ya later! she says to the rest of team RLCK as she gets up and goes to get ready for class.
---------------------------------
After he's done speaking, Caelynn walks out and into the hallway, draining another cup of coffee.
She seems slightly shaky due to said coffee.

[ImpSyndrome]

[Cafeteria]

Nadia looks up to respond when Merah starts his story. Now, she actually facepalms. Rubbing her temples, she fights it off long enough to look up to Rip, and, pointing her fist to her throat (which he could see by this distance is scarred), twists (http://www.handspeak.com/word/?dict=mor&signID=4777).
This is as far as Nadia needs to go before Rip realizes her meaning, and he facepalms at the recognition, utterly mortified. "I am...so sorry," he soon responds. "I didn't notice at all...I'll just, umm...I'll just leave you alone now." He turns back to the table, ashamed that he overlooked such an important detail. Nadia can engage him again if she chooses, but he assumes that she's frustrated now and would rather not deal with him any further. Odd that he understands her gesture, though...