Fandom Soul Eater: R.I.P.

[Nobody Special]

NOELLE ACCESSOIRE
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Interacting: Yuan ( QuirkyAngel ), Sion ( Prizzy Kriyze ), Erica & Grace ( CelticHero37 ), Alma & Mayor Martin ( Lady Warlock )
Meister: Sion
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They were all right. What was she thinking, even considering retreating? She had been doubting herself too much as of late. She, along with the rest of her class, had been hand picked by Lord Death to participate in this class and the potentially-dangerous missions that came along with it, were they not? That being the case, Noelle had to have some sort of hidden potential that she herself had not yet discovered. She had let her emotions get the best of her. A stupid mistake.

Then, to the rescue, came Yuan. Before she could even react, Noelle was on the receiving end of a hug. As she was being reassured, a blush was brought to Noelle's face thanks to Yuan's warm, nuzzle-y, and hard to escape cradling. Did she hate it? Hell no. Was she flustered, due to her not being used to physical embraces outside of those coming from immediate family? Yep. In fact, all she could manage in response to Yuan's guaranteed morale-boosting statement were a few awkward pats on the girl's shoulder and a hasty, tense "Y-Yes! Y-You're right! T-Together."

The image of the two children, one of which she knew was missing, that Alma had shown the group had done nothing for Noelle but sadden her further, and fuel her desire to bring Hannah-- and, hopefully, others-- back home safely. Now focused heavily on her new goal, she was able to listen intently to the helpful information the mayor had gathered for them. Her authoritarian expression had swiftly returned, and she didn't even blink at Sion's retort against the mayor's comment-- something she would have for sure at least stifled a giggle at in any other situation.

While she thought her 'impregnable' focus would last until the end of their mission, what happened next had completely thrown Noelle off guard. Behind closed doors, there was a bang, a scream, a thud, and a loud barrage of... was that Scottish? She felt her feet carrying her towards the door behind Erica before she could even think to do so. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but what just happened was sure to bring down the expectations laid upon them by the mayor and the mother of the missing child. Right on cue, Mayor Martin screamed at her classmate at the top of his lungs, like she was an enemy and not this town's saving grace (pun intended). "No! Everybody calm down, now!" She hoped her sudden exclamation would gain the attention of the city official and bring him to his senses. "Do not get the wrong idea. Mademoiselle Grace is not an enemy. She is one of us, and she will prove that to you in due time. This is just... a minor issue that occurs sometimes. I assure you, she meant no harm." Once the situation had been diffused to a point, she knelt down, helping raise the unconscious Alma up and into the nearest seat. Hopefully, the brief contact with her healing wavelength would help wake her up faster. If not, she'd just wake up to hopefully see her daughter's bright face in front of her.

Sion's call made her gulp. It was go time-- the moment of truth. Before she made her way towards her unarmed meister, she turned her head back to the mayor one last time. "Perhaps we will be able to explain what just happened peacefully over some tea with young Hannah. And..." Her eyes trailed over to the destroyed table, and she prayed that it wasn't too expensive before she made her offer. "... I will personally pay for the table."

She stood in the doorway and addressed Yuan and the twins one last time. "Once you three are ready, please come outside. I believe it is time to finally see what is going on."

With that, she was outside in a flash, letting out anxious puffs of white smoke with every breath as she listened to Sion's breakdown and nodded with every word he said. Without wasting another second, her body glowed for a moment or two, and in the blink of an eye she was nothing more than an umbrella in her meister's hand. She shuddered at first, being immediately greeted by his harsh wavelength, but she could tell that she was slowly getting more and more used to it with every training session they had. "Do not be afraid to use me to protect yourself, Sion. I'm ready when you are."

​

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Yuan (Meister)
Salt Lake City, Utah - Outside Mayor's House...On the way to Chief Vincent's Station?

Giggling at Noelle’s adorable response, Yuan reluctantly let go of French weapon as Alma showed them a picture of Hannah and Hunter. Her eyes scanned the image, nodding along sympathetically to Alma (and the mayor’s) explanation while she did her best to commit the picture of the two children to memory. Even with the mayor and his wife claiming that Hannah had ‘vanished’ in a different manner than all the other dead children, Yuan wasn’t confident that the child could be retrieved. Body not being found didn’t mean that they weren’t dead…and, even if she were alive, there’s no guarantee that she would be good condition after a ‘scuffle’ with a child-snagging zombie. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to keep her eye out.

Besides, if Hannah were alive, there had to be a reason why she wasn’t killed like the rest.

“May I take a picture of that photo for reference?” Yuan asked before taking out her phone and snaping a picture of the picture in Alma’s hand. She didn’t want to ask for the photograph in case the girl really was dead it was the last memento the old woman had of her granddaughter or something—especially when it wasn’t necessary. Praise be modern technology. Following the mayor to his home office, Yuan also took a picture of the map the mayor showed them—just in case. Sion could keep the original.

Biting back a snicker at the white-haired boy’s snarky reply to the mayor’s warning, Yuan’s brows nonetheless rose when he trailed off, seeming to hear something, declared it was time to leave, then rushed out the door. “Huh…”

She did recall him spazzing out during the first class when Cole and Callah’s loud resonance sounded off. Did he have especially good hearing? What exactly did he hear that prompted him into such urgency? Yuan might have followed him…if only to ask what exactly he heard…had Erica hadn’t suddenly asked about her sister. Eyes darting around the room, the redhead frowned when she realized she’d failed to keep track of one of her weapon partners. She’d seen Erica follow them into the mayor’s office, organizing the strewn papers on his desk in a strangely fixated manner, and automatically assumed Grace would be with her. Twins were two peas in a pod, weren’t they? “I don’t know. I thought she was with y—,”

Then came a scream, a crash, and a whole lot of Scottish cursing from the other room. Sadly, Yuan was still in the process of the learning the language, but she recognized Grace’s voice easily enough. Sharing a glance with Erica, Yuan followed the others—minus Sion—back to where they left Alma…coming upon quite the scene. Alma had fainted on the floor. A broken table. Grace arm partially transformed into an axe. Pushing up her glasses, Yuan quickly analyzed the situation—activating her soul perception—while the mayor automatically jumped to conclusions and Noelle automatically jumped to Grace’s defense. She appreciated her French classmate’s trust in her demon weapon partner. Even without knowing about the madness or fully understanding the situation, the dark haired girl seemed ready to stand by Grace…going as far as to offer to pay for the broken desk. Yuan, on the other hand, had reached for needles in her pockets…just in case.

Grace wouldn’t have attacked the mayor’s wife unless the girl had gone mad and she knew firsthand how tempting the drums of the twins’ insanity-inducing wavelength were. The meister could feel remnants of the odd fluctuations—which she knew to madness—coiled around Grace’s soul. What triggered the infection? Why now? Yuan hadn’t a clue. However, even if she had to fight her own weapon, Yuan wouldn’t let Grace do something she’d later regret.

Fortunately, the girl seemed to be in control of her senses. “Noelle’s right, Mr. Martin. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Maybe Grace got a little overexcited because she saw a bee on the table, or something~”

One look in Martin’s eyes was all it took for Yuan to conclude telling the mayor that the twins might be crazy wasn’t the smartest of ideas. “We’re here to help you defend the city against the big, bad zombie that’s taking the children, remember?” Gotta reiterate the point. She remembered hearing somewhere that the overall grade they got for the mission would depend on the report of their conduct made by the initial requester…but, in all honesty, Yuan didn’t really give a fig about that. Grace’s well being mattered to her more. The mayor was understandably upset given the situation and getting him on their side might be helpful, but if he was brave enough to hand on either of the girls, he’d experience first hand what Yuan did to those that harmed her own. She didn’t quite know where her protectiveness stemmed from. The act of touching souls? Or was it because they reminded her a bit of her youngest sister whom she cherished?

“You wouldn't take money from children, would you~? DWMA will pay the cost of any damages incurred on the job. That sorta thing is kinda the norm when dealing with the supernatural.”

Or perhaps the girls will. They had long wealth lines after all…but why do so when they could use money from Lord Death (who was responsible for them) instead? Being a kid under the protection of the Grim Reaper had its advantages.

While Noelle helped the unconscious Alma to a chair, Yuan made her way to check on Grace, sparing only a quickly whispered “You might want to put the axe away” before ushering the girl out the door where Sion waited, hoping Erica had the tact to follow. One crazy weapon was difficult enough to deal with, yet fate blessed her with two. Noelle didn’t need to tell Yuan twice. She had no desire to stick around where the angry mayor might call the police on them if they didn't. Seeing Sion’s raised eyebrow at the doorway, Yuan shrugged. If he had good ears, he likely heard all commotion as well…yet he tactfully avoided sensitive topic and spoke of his plans as they walked instead instead. Yuan didn’t know whether to be grateful or not.

“Don’t worry about it. Being crass around civilians is nothing compared to damaging property around them~” Yuan replied amusedly to Sion’s apology, glancing curiously at the umbrella in his hand. She wasn’t sure why the girl was choosing to be in weapon form when her meister opting they speak to the police chief, but didn’t question it. The Japanese meister seemed to be an experienced battle tactician as his first instinct was to make use of their advantage and ambush the enemy. His manner of speaking was simplistic and straightforward as well. Nodding as he confirmed his ability to hear the mysterious child-like ‘laughter’ that some of the town’s citizen seemed to hear near the down town area, Yuan added her own input. “Magic resistance would certainly help. You seemed a bit offput when Mr. Martin called us children…but looking like a child may be advantageous to us in this case. We know the zombie, witch, or whatever it is after kids so we’d probably make for good bait…assuming we don’t want to endanger the children of this town of course. Instead of trying to track them down with soul perception, it might be easier if they come for us…and one the best ways to get a good strike at the enemy is to have them underestimate us as being just kids~” Yuan’s enemies (older siblings) underestimated her all the time. “If we can successfully convey that to Chief Vincent, I’m sure we can convince him to coordinate with ‘the children of DWMA’ and make the act realistic. We can ambush them then. With any luck, we can trick them to leading us to where they’ve kept Hannah as well…”

Or find out their reasons for taking children in the first place—besides just having a taste for young souls of course. Defeating the enemy didn't necessarily mean saving Hannah. Save Hannah. Protect the other kids. Defeat the Zombie. Only the highly ambitious (like her) that tried to succeed in everything. It was easier to pick a main goal and stick with it. Now that she was focusing, she could certainly feel a Kishin Egg somewhere in the town—an evil soul that indiscriminately consumed other souls. One at risk for turning into a Kishin if it wasn’t put a stop to…at least according to the textbook she read. It was too difficult to tell exactly where it was what with all the 'noise' though. Her perception, on a range scale, wasn't that good. She was better at reading individual traits (which she used to get a leg up on her enemies). “Oh, and Grace~? Just because we’re discussing plans, doesn’t mean you can get away without giving us an explanation.”

Yuan was content to give Grace and Erica their time to tell her more details of their infection, but not if it endangered the lives of others and could activate randomly as well. Noelle stood up for Grace when she was in a highly compromising position and even gone as far as to offer to pay for the table that Grace damaged. She, at the very least, deserved an explanation. More importantly, Yuan wanted to be prepared in case something like this happened again. She didn't even know what triggered it the first place. Where there any particular ticks about the madness they were infected with? Like it would flare up (be more difficult to control) in the company of old ladies or something? Did it not like tables? As a soon to be dual-ax wielding meister, Yuan would like to know if her weapons weren't comfortable with tables.

“What was that all about?”

Prizzy Kriyze Lady Warlock Nobody Special CelticHero37

 

[Solarknight]

Callah Meeler

Sydney, Australia​

A shiver ran down Callah’s spine at the mention of ‘earpieces.’ A look of disgust filled her expression. As one who relied on her sense of hearing more than any other sense she had access to, anything that blocked out her hearing and overwhelmed it with one specific thing was not pleasant in the slightest. Fortunately, she didn’t have to face that potential problem because although the team seemed to desire them, no one miraculously came forward with any. Callah was safe from that disaster.

Using that single sense that earpieces would have taken away, the demon weapon listened in to the conversations everyone was having without offering too much on her own for the moment. Her entire being perked up when she heard Lord Death’s voice because that was one she recognized, and she very much approved of the encouragement he gave them.

“Lord Death’s right! We got this guys! No matter what scary spooky building thing lies ahead of us, we can handle it! We are R.I.P. after all, and anything that doesn’t like us can rest in peace!” Unbeknownst to the red haired girl, she was very loud and managed to catch a few odd glances from the civilians passing through. Callah couldn’t tell, though. She couldn’t see, after all.

As Cole went over the plan one last time when their conversation with Death seemed to end, Callah did whisper something solely to her meister. “Uh, Cole… once I’m in weapon form, I’m gonna stay there because I can’t exactly get myself back to a regroup point.” She figured it went without saying which was why she only said it to Cole, but Callah still wanted to make it known. Communication was one of the reasons why they worked together so well.

Not at all nervous that anything could possibly go wrong, a silver light consumed Callah before her human form was replaced with a sniper rifle right in Cole’s hands. “Here we go!” she yelled excitedly, her soul’s sound echoing for her teammates to hear the excitement.

Lady Warlock Sir Les Paul Mineczka Nobody Special The Regal Rper

 

[Nobody Special]

DAI
Location: Sydney, Australia
Interacting: Luka ( Lady Warlock ), Cole, Aiden ( Sir Les Paul ), Rio ( Mineczka ), Callah ( Solarknight ), Cei ( The Regal Rper )
Weapon: Cei
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"Hah?" Dai glanced over at Aiden, clearly confused by the fact that his partner's name wasn't yet known to the others. "She didn't tell ya while we were riding inside that bird?" His thumb pointed back towards the airplane, before switching places with his index finger and pointing at Cei. "Her name's..." His sentence slowly trailed, before drifting off into silence-- proof that he had completely blanked on his partner's name himself. He gestured towards her, catching her threatening glare with a confused, raised eyebrow. The fuck're you lookin' at..? He decided to disregard the confusing gaze he had received by breaking eye contact and clearing his throat, speaking up once again. "Cei, you should tell 'em your name. You know, so they can hear it from you."

Hearing everyone agree with his grand idea brought a cocky grin to Dai's face. He was about to begin spewing nonsense about how smart he was-- if not for Rio speaking up with her suggestion before he could start. He craned his neck to get a better look at the building, fixing it into his memory before answering Rio's idea with a simple nod of approval. They began to search the perimeter, and the call was made as they did so. Just like last time, Dai had once again opted to remain quiet and not speak to Lord Death. Instead, he kept his eyes peeled and his nose focused, trying to see if anything seemed particularly out of place. The only thing he could pick up was a faint scent of what was probably danger, and... what the hell was that?

As their precautionary search came to an end with them standing at the same point they had started at, Cole spoke up to give instructions. The plan seemed to be pretty concrete, and Dai had no objections. "Sounds good. Hopefully there's somethin' worthwhile in there." He held his hand out to Cei in a nonverbal request for her to transform. Once she did, he took a second to get a feel for her weapon form, which was completely new to him. Since she had been chosen to be his new partner, he assumed Lord Death expected that they would be compatible as partners-- if so, he was right. Not only was her weapon form similar to weapons he had already been familiar with thanks to all those years in the wild-- she was better than them. A sturdy wooden helve (with beautiful inscriptions that he was too ignorant to even fully acknowledge at the time), great swinging and lunging force, and, of course, that beautiful bladed tip. He couldn't help but grin out of excitement, giving Cei one last comfortable twirl before preparing himself to enter the Opera House first. "Just stay behind me," Ordered the young boy, obviously in a better mood than he was earlier thanks to Callah's excitement. "Ain't a damn thing gettin' past us!"

With that, the team entered the opera house, led by Dai. The first thing to catch his attention was the loud, irritating banging that resonated throughout the building. He gritted his teeth, growing more and more annoyed with the sound as it continued with no clear end. "The fuck is that?" He complained, keeping a tight grip on Cei just in case the origin of that noise decided to suddenly jump out from somewhere. As they continued to slowly move further into the building, Dai also picked up... music? Or, more like an infant with an instrument. He paused once he was sure the lobby of the building was clear, turning his head slightly to address the others behind him-- specifically Cole. "Oi, just tell me where you want me to go, and I'll go there. Doesn't seem like there's much goin' on so far, other than these annoying ass noises." He hid a mischievous smirk from the others, speaking again to address Luka. "You scared yet, runt?"

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[The Regal Rper]

• Shamaness
• Shamanless

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  Cei
  ~Sydney, Australia~

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  Her brows rose, eyes confused for a second at Aiden's statement. Then she realized at Dai's follow up that she really hadn't informed anyone aside from Dai himself, what her name was. "Oh, how foolish of me." Palm rammed forehead, a hiss of embarrassment between her teeth. "My apologies to all of you" Cei smiled apologetically, hint of embarrassment visible in her cheeks, rubbing at her neck she said:
  "My name is Ceinwein Oliynyk of Nemain, most call me Cei, as my partner has done." With her introduction complete, Ceinwein went on to listen to the conversation in regards to the rest of the team discussing about contacting the Master of Life and what they should do by extension. As the group moved, she followed, when Lord Death emerged on the screen, Ceinwein could not help herself but to crane her neck to get a look at the great Master. To see him in person was rare, to be in his presence, a reward of itself. The hard fact that they needed to be inside the building to investigate the details of what had happened was pretty obvious, and no immediate questions really came to her mind. So in general, Cei remained silent. Whatever had done this to the Australian branch, was clearly evil, she didn't think she needed any other details than that. They would smite it, find the truth, and put the concerns of the Master to rest, while easing the cries of Mother.
  
  At Cole's order, and Dai's unspoken request, Cei harnessed her inner-self in embrace, was enveloped in the warmth of sunlight, and became the Bane of Evil.
  
  

  ☿ ☿ ☿​

  
  The jade green blade of the Bane's weapon form, caught the light of sun as they entered and Cei's face could be seen well beyond the walk through the threshhold; frowning as they entered the building at last, following Cole's instructions. The song which Mother Anu sang had warped in a familiar way. No longer did she sing, now Mother commanded instruments. But while this song was familiar, it also unsettled the Earth Shaman out how it had changed. Strings and vocals accompanied their progression, Mother Anu sang a single syllable, her soprano voice leading, the filing of violins following, and the hum of her Fey accompanying. These were all normal, but what wasn't was the faint hum. High and soft, rumbling just beside Mother's voice. These faint yet palpable tunes that pierced in Cei's soul, echoed back to Dai in a subtle manner. Where he felt excitement, she felt anxiety but kept it hidden behind zealous faith in the Great Master of Life. Yet as much as she wanted it not to be, her soul reflected just a piece of her concern back to Dai. Reflecting a heavy sense of grimness that Cei herself could feel from the surrounding atmosphere that spoke of darkness that lingered just beyond. The bang, bang, bang that echoed from somewhere beyond their sight only heightening Cei's contempt for everything about this wounded pillar which had once been a haven for the Master's most loyal servants.
  
  I do not like this place Cei's voice echoed to Dai, her reflection vanishing from the blade. And her distaste for this place grew with Dai's annoyance as the banging became louder and louder. At Dai's expletives, Cei looked around. If anything out of the ordinary approached them, Mother would warn her of it by changing her tune once more. More focused on observing things around them while Dai spoke, Cei was not oblivious to what Dai called Luka at the end. And reminded him of her presence. "Watch your mouth partner." Her reflection shimmered across the smooth jade green of her blade, only those bright blue eyes narrowed at him. "You should be focusing as the front liner, not antagonizing our teammate." Her scolding stare lingered for a few seconds, then without a word, those bright blue eyes vanished with a glint of the blade.
  

  
  

  
  Mentions: Lady Warlock Mineczka Solarknight
  
  Interacts: Sir Les Paul (Aiden) Nobody Special (Dai)
  
  
  
  
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  Tavares Castelo
  ~St.Louis, Missouri~

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  Seeing Adelle's reaction did do Tavares' soul some good. Literally and metaphorically. His previous funky mood evaporated, and he could not help but smile warmly at her briefly. His attention however was quickly switched over to Lucien as he began speaking.
  
  Wishing to correct the blade Weapon, but ultimately choosing not to, Tavares merely nodded in a noncommittal way and shrugged. Uncertain if the comment in regards to sending flowers to his next of kin was a joke or not he made no real attempt at offering a real response. He doubted anyone wanted to hear why he wouldn't, couldn't, and shouldn't do any of those things. However as the topic shifted towards what they would do when night befell them, Lucien's suggestions at camping out, coupled with Vox's considerations on them taking shifts, made Tavares expertly- like a shounen character, adjust his glasses. Following up with Adelle's own statements in support. "I must say I am in agreement with you, Miss Stone. I don't think we should be camping out here. Mostly because it would leave us exposed, even if we did take shifts. A pair of us wouldn't be as alert as all of us being constantly on guard. If we are all to get any rest, then I suggest we should do that before nightfall, preferably after we've completed our investigation of this place. It's not my first time going without sleep on a mission- but" He added quickly, "I would prefer we don't do that either way. Exhaustion levels the mind and body more open to assault than one would think." Quoting one of his old mentors, and also voicing similar thoughts of Adelle's. He meant to say more, specifically in agreeing with Vox about the bees, but that's when Geoff showed up again.
  
  The lack of news on this Xanthe Apary was strange. Disturbingly so. Tavares had to admit though, Adelle's quick initiative to take the lead was quite a wonderful insight. She clearly didn't hesitate to take to the task and that was something he had to respect. He wasn't even aware he was smiling at her a little as she asked Geoff on further details for exploring the area which got them the map. And with the issue of lodging possibly settled, Tavares began to consider their options as he glanced over at the map.
  
  "Looking at this, I'm tempted to say we should split up- but honestly I don't think there'd be much of a point in that. We should go to the destroyed locations first, see if there's anything there we can find that is worth the time, then look at the rarer ones last. The rare ones will probably be the ones we'd have to guard anyway." The last part muttered in thought.
  
  

  
  

  
  Mentions: n/a
  
  Interactions: Lady Warlock (Adelle), RottenVale QuirkyAngel
  
  
  
  

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Lucien Boulanger (Weapon)

St. Louis, Missouri - Missouri Botanical Gardens

“I don’t know if we should be talking about targeting the flowers when it’s our job to protect them,” Lucien replied amusedly to Sheena’s input, though he was rather pleased that his meister seemed to be the prepared sort. She to know a thing or two about ecology as well, since she pointed out the codependency of bees and flowers…though he couldn’t tell if her last line about ‘loving to expand her knowledge’ was sarcastic or not. Lucien opted to believe not. Even if it were, he’d make sure to drag her along an educational flower tour anyway, since he’d always believed knowledge—regardless of the kind—was always a good asset to have.

Rolling his eyes at Adelle and Tavares’s argument against tents, not necessarily because he disagreed with their points (they did make good points), but because he didn’t think it mattered where or how they ‘camped’ for their nightly stakeout either way. Tents were more mobile than a lodge, so it could be placed closer to the area they wanted to watch. There were more uses for a movable shelter than just sleeping. More importantly, it didn’t hurt to have one set up just in case someone did get tired from constantly being on guard and wanted a break—the meisters especially. They were the ones that did the actual fighting, after all. An exhausted meister wouldn’t be able to wield him properly and Lucien always been the type of demon weapon to prioritize the health—and diet—of whoever was wielding him above all else.

In this case, it was the biological clocks of his teammates that was about to be disrupted. Lucien, for his part, never really had a problem with all-nighters. He flipped his blonde locks, blood earrings dangling. “You do know I’m a dhampir, don’t you Mes Chers?”

Or maybe they didn’t. Adelle, being a new student, was unlikely to know and he’d never really been especially close to Diener. He wasn’t even sure if Sheena knew, since it wasn’t really something he went out of his way to talk about. He’d always been told (by other meisters) his soul didn’t look any different from a regular human’s. His heritage was, however, recorded in DWMA’s medical records. He never lied when people asked either and saw no reason not to mention it if it was relevant to the discussion at hand.

Lucien was prevented from saying more when Geoff returned with the article. Reading over Adele’s shoulder, which didn’t take too long because it was only two paragraphs, he folded his arms as he watched his blonde classmate attempt to search up the botanist’s name with little results. “Like I said, highly suspicious.”

The article certainly raised Lucien’s suspicion of the botanist Geoff mentioned. However, being a fake botanist with no online identity alone wasn’t really enough to accuse the woman of anything—especially when they had no idea where to find the so called Xanthe Apary and no way to interrogate her. No way to even know if the name she used was even real. Therefore, Lucien simply kept the name in the back of his mind.

Adelle asking for a map killed the point of a tour, though Lucien still asked for a quick one to get a sense of the grounds—potential entryways, emergency exits, bathrooms, etc. And lodgings as Adelle suggested. And tents, if the grounds keeper had any. Though, in all honesty, it wasn’t very hard to just walk to the nearest department store and purchase one—along with anything else they might need for a stakeout. They were in St. Louis, Missouri, not a jungle. They also had hours to waste/prepare before nightfall. “You two might not need it, but I do.” Granted, the need itself was an exaggeration on his part – much like his desire not to get his clothes dirty. He certainly wouldn’t push his meister to bike all the way home to get a tent, and he liked to think she knew that much about him at least. Still. It was amusing how easily Sheena caved to his demands. If only DWMA's cafeteria lady were so easy going. “At the very least, it doesn’t hurt to have one set up near whatever area we are guarding just in case. Being constantly on guard sounds terribly exhausting especially when we don’t know when, where, or how this mysterious thief will show up. Besides, no thief I know would act if they knew they were being watched.”

Then again, no thief he knew would leave behind such a mess either.

Procuring the cabin key from Geoff, Lucien glanced at the map that was prepared for them, mentally memorizing it and nodding with Tavares’s decision to review the raided areas. He intended to collect more samples anyway…though he didn’t fail to add his opinion on the matter. “Splitting up and meeting back at the cabin to review what we’ve learned does seem a more efficient way to investigate though…” Lucien had always been pro efficiency and everyone seemed to agree that rest was important. Even Adelle who outright stated she had no intention to sleep on the job. Lucien could respect the girl's diligence, even if her skin probably wouldn't. All work and no play made for a terribly boring day. “Foxgloves aren’t even endangered as far as I know." And yet they were targeted...at least partially. Did a sign of their presence mean the perpetrators weren't finished with their work and would come again for the foxgloves or did they simply pass the foxgloves in pursuit of their true goals? "Just terribly poisonous. They have various medical uses as well. Unless you believe we can accurately deduce which of flowers will be the perpetrator’s next target, we’d have to split up to cover more ground while we guard the plants anyway. Walkie Talkies would be useful in this case…though I have no intention of leaving Sheena’s side…” and leaving his meister weaponless. He glanced at his meister. “So I’ll leave it to you to decide which of these black circles we’ll be guarding tonight, Ma Cherie."

It didn’t really matter to him either way. Whether she flipped a coin or came up with some sort of genius deduction as to where the culprit would strike, all the flowers had to be protected in the end. He’d just set up a nice little base in a suitable spot for them to perform their stakeout—one protected from pollen, bugs, bees and the like.

His eyes drifted back to Tavares and Adelle. “You two have never worked together as a weapon and meister pair before, oui? Seems to me the best use of your time would be familiarize yourself with each other before nightfall when we confront the thief—especially since Mademoiselle Stone seems to have multiple forms,” Lucien shrugged. He’d seen it while they been on the same team for the first class. “But that’s just my humble opinion. You two should do you.”

And he would do him. Regardless of whoever was leading, Lucien was the type to act as he saw fit--whether it was moving into Sheena's apartment at the outskirts of Death City or setting up a bloody tent in a botanical garden. The prospect of having free reigns when it came to outfitting the kitchen was certainly tempting enough. It wasn't as if he didn't trust her either. He just wasn't sure whether they would come to appreciate each other more after living together or not, especially since he wasn't always the easiest person to live with.

Lady Warlock The Regal Rper RottenVale

 

[Lady Warlock]

Luka Baines

Location: Sydney, Australia
Partners: Aiden and Rio
Tags: Sir Les Paul Mineczka Nobody Special Solarknight The Regal Rper ​

Luka wasn’t quite sure how to feel about being stuck in the middle now that they were actually going to be moving. It kinda felt like her teammates weren’t really trusting her with anything, but she opted not to say anything about it as the group prepared to dive into the meat of their mission. It seemed that no one had any crucial questions for Lord Death so he left them to their job quite promptly and without much delay. “If a fight breaks out and we need to shelter, we should all be able to crouch behind Aiden if we need to,” Luka added, wanting to contribute something to the plan without seeming like she was just going to play follow the leader. She knew there had to be a reason why Lord Death had deemed that she was strong enough to join them on this mission so she was determined to make whatever impact she could, even if it was just as a shield meister.

The youngest meister held out her hands to her partners, silently requesting that they transform into her hands. Assuming they both followed suit in time with Callah and with Cei, Luka caught them both as though she had much more practice than she really did possess. She carefully made sure that Aiden was secured to her left arm and she twirled Rio in her dominant hand. It was mostly to make sure she still remembered the feel and weight of each of her partners than for any type of show. She could’ve sworn that Aiden had been heavier the last time she held him, but Luka tossed the thought aside as something she was remembering incorrectly. It did happen sometimes, after all.

After dutifully taking her position behind Dai and Cei, Luka’s body crouched so that even if something did see Dai and try to strike, she would remain relatively protected behind Aiden’s massive shield form. That didn’t prevent her from sarcastically replying to Dai’s question once the organ sounds became apparent, though. “It’s called an instrument,” Luka replied snarkily.

Her entire face flared red, though, when he insisted on calling her a runt again. Had he not heard her correct him the first time he’d used such terminology to describe her? Apparently not.

“I. Am. NOT! A. RUNT!” the brunette nearly exploded the words out of herself before her sword arm swung as though she meant to slice Dai in half. Luckily, her sword arm pulled back as she had clearly never truly intended to hurt her teammate. Luka was getting frustrated, though, and it was clear that the young girl could only handle too much teasing before she would make a show of what she could really do. She didn’t have the wherewithal to really recognize that the opera house might not be the best place for that. Apparently Dai didn’t have the wherewithal to realize that Luka wouldn’t tolerate much teasing, either.

Whether for good or bad, Luka’s voice had been rather loud as they progressed into the opera house and it seemed that whatever was the source of the noises around them heard her. The banging that was coming from beneath them stopped for a brief second before it resumed with a much louder echo - it was almost as though that source wanted to be heard. The sound from the organ remained unchanged, but the one soul-seer on their team would recognize an approaching kishin egg soul seeming to skip its way towards them from the stage and seating area.

 

[Mineczka]

One-Star Weapon, partnered with Luka and Aiden.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Interactions: Lady Warlock (Luka, Interact) Nobody Special (Dai, mention) Sir Les Paul (Aiden + Cole, mention) The Regal Rper (Cei, mention)

As the team talked with Lord Death, Rio had little to say, she knew deep down that they were going to have to go in there, whether she liked it or not. With her idea of a rendezvous generally accepted, now came the entrance strategy, and the way the team was to proceed. The team was to have weapons drawn, especially with the threats that could lay within. As often as she had been taken on missions, and seen fights, nothing ever could steel Rio's nerves before an inevitable battle, her resolve was oft an issue before the adrenaline kicked in.

Watching quietly, Rio made note of Dai's new partner's name, Cei. An interesting name, though that was to be set aside for what Cole had mentioned, putting Dai in the front, rather than Luka. In an experience aspect, Rio understood why, of the three meisters, Luka was the least experienced, and as such should be given a little more protection. However, that was what her and Aiden were for, while in weapon form, a sword and shield lacked the range to engage from the middle of the pack, and Rio had plenty faith in Luka's reflexes in most circumstances, though Dai's were superior...

Furthering her thought, was Cei's weapon appearance. She was a polearm, a Fauchard at that. Though Rio wasn't too familiar with the weapon, simply looking at the Jade green head of the weapon in question suggested it was more a slashing weapon, which was effective at dealing with most foes... Were they not in an enclosed area. In stark comparison, her own smaller size allowed for combat within a smaller area, and if Luka felt bold enough, she could half-sword and use Rio more as a powerful thrusting weapon.

Despite this, as much as Rio wanted to speak her opinion.... She didn't, preferring to allow Cole to be the team lead, as, he seemed alright at it as far as Rio was concerned. Taking her thought away, was Dai commenting of Luka, Runt. Luka had an adverse reaction to said comment, while her words were not but a whisper, Rio had some idea of what was said. Taking a step closer to her meister, whose hands were held out for her weapons, Rio took a hand, clasping it before changing to her sword form, ready to cut a path.

Entering the opera house, Rio couldn't help but feel unease, a loud banging could be heard from under them, was it the Oceania Branch mounting a breakout? Filling the remaining air, was what Rio could guess was an organ, it was random notes from what she guessed, nothing felt coherent. Something was off, and Rio did not like a single moment of this. Taking a breath to herself, Rio tried to steel her resolve once more, quelling the nerves that jittered in her core, though Dai wasn't helping. Remarking to Cole about where to go, and, calling Luka a runt again.

Luka's voice was loud, as Rio felt her weight move towards Dai, stopping short as her meister pulled her arm back. A twinge of fear came over Rio, who almost became a murder weapon. As the dust settled, Rio's voice could be heard to Luka and Aiden, "Pay him no mind, Luka. Sooner or later his mouth will bite him back." As her words lingered, Rio noticed the louder bang, as if in response to the outburst, "Wait, the banging is louder... Like it wants to be heard.... Could it... Could it be someone is trapped?"

 

[Prizzy Kriyze]

Sion Noguchi
Salt Lake City​

As Noelle's familiar grip pushed his fingers apart to make room for brass, Sion stuffed the map back into his pocket. The umbrella he spun around and carried in the crook of his arm, putting another couple of layers between their wavelengths to take the strain off of his partner without keeping her trusty handle far from his hand. "Yah, don't worry. I'm planning to protect a lot of things with you." He replied to her, as his eyes warily glanced over to Yuan and the twins. Indeed he'd heard the commotion inside. You didn't need to possess enhanced hearing to have heard all that through the Mayor's door. It was far too embarrassing for him to bring up, and intervening during would've been... worse, to say the least. A puff of fog escaped his mouth as he sighed, thinking about the amount of bother he'd have to go through in case the other pairing would go ballistic during the mission. Silently he transferred his thought through to his weapon. "Frankly a bit worried about them two kids. If they can't control themselves in a cozy foyer, I don't know how they'll take to the battlefield."

Yuan suggested they use their child-like looks to ambush the target, to which Sion sent her another glance over his shoulder. "I don't know about y'all, but I can't say I'd mistake any of you for ten year olds, exactly. 'Sides, making ourselves good targets involves making ourselves vulnerable, probably through splitting up down to the youngest lookin' of us. If they're stronger than we can handle, that'd be the very worst place to end up in." They rounded a corner, Sion now with a decisively quicker pace as the snow from the pavement twirled into the air behind him. "More so a problem, we're pressed for time if we want to make sure nobody else is taken tonight, and that kind of an operation takes time."

The group moved fast, and soon they found themselves outside the SLCPD whereupon Sion slid on his heel to face the group, but kept walking backwards. "Do y'all want to sort out this talk, or..?" As the pace slowed he pushed his hands into his pocket out of habit, Noelle tucked between his elbow and his ribs. He was hoping that Yuan could get to the bottom of the twins triggers, and quick. That outburst came just after the first hint of laughter echoed just beyond the limitations of ordinary human hearing. If that was enough for Grace to lose control of herself, he didn't want to see how she'd react once they were face to face with the enemy. "I'm gonna go ahead and try to make it expedient though, do as you'd like." And so he used his free arm to elbow open the door to the police department and spun back around as he entered.


Interaction: Nobody Special QuirkyAngel CelticHero37

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Aiden McCarthy​

TBD​

Species Human
Partner Yuka, Rio
Rank One-Star Weapon, R.I.P.

Location Sydney, Australia, in front of the Opera House
Mission Investigations in Australia
Status Excited

​

Mentions: Solarknight The Regal Rper Mineczka Nobody Special Lady Warlock

Oh boy. Cole grew some balls. Dishing out instructions and recapping. Maybe this wouldn't a hot mess the size of Pompeii after all. Cei introduced herself all proper. Dai didn't even object. Crazy stuff was happening here. If they did see a Kishin Egg, they might just survive. With that slight assurance, Aiden took his weapon form with a blazing red light arm straps securing around Luka's forearm. That was that. The trio were connected once more.

It did admittedly seem once so that the vibe from his team questioned the placement. Nothing verbalized, just a feeling once connected. Aiden, actually being the shield and knowing his uses, was satisfied with being placed in the middle. Dai and his tenacity were a force to be reckoned with. A polearm of some sort. In closed proximity, perhaps not the best, but that would mostly at the hands of Dai. Internally, Aiden was fairly certain that lack of faith in their placement was primarily due to the thought that shields should be in frontline, but he had two theories as to why that wasn't the case. He imagined that if they were somehow flanked, Cole would be real quick to put Luka in the rear and Luka was just plain smaller than Dai, so if they did have to do a little dance for the swap, it wouldn't be nearly as sloppy. His other thought involved Cole knowing that Luka didn't like this whole 'just being a shield' mentality; if he did, then placing her in the obvious spot for a shield might get the mission off on a sour note.

Speaking of sour notes: Dai. Fucking Dai. Every time. But hell, Aiden couldn't even be just irate at Dai--one cross word and Luka was going to cut him up. The fuck was that? She pulled back, but why on Earth would her first instinct be to attack an ally in the middle of a mission because she was called a runt? From a known shit disturber! That immaturity was really starting to show. Hell, Dai might talk big game, but he wouldn't attack over one insult. Alright, maybe he would, but not in the middle of a mission at least.

Rio decided to take the time to talk to Luka. Aiden was still left with a bad taste in her mouth from her outburst, but the sounds mentioned by the others were enough to get him back on track for the mission.

"This is neither the time or place to let yourself get riled up. This isn't paintball practice, either," Aiden said with an uncharacteristically stern tone, "Dai is head of the pack asking where to go and the only person that might be able to see what's causing that sound is behind us, so be patient. We won't be the ones to make the first strike being in the middle, but that doesn't mean our first move won't be an important one. And ideally, it won't involve swinging Rio at Dai," Aiden added, reaffirming his grounded message to his teammates.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Cole Baker​

"Crackshot"​

Species Human
Partner Callah
Rank One-Star Meister, R.I.P.

Location Sydney, Australia, in front of the Opera House
Mission Investigations in Australia
Status Focused

​

Mentions: Solarknight The Regal Rper Mineczka Nobody Special Lady Warlock

While there were some coarse interactions, everyone seemed to be doing their part. This was honestly more cohesion than Cole could have asked for given the other two Meisters. Given nothing got past those sharp eyes of Cole. He saw her swing. The little idiot. She connect, he wasn't even sure if Dai noticed, but it didn't matter. Whether she stopped because of her partners or her own intuition, that was by far not not an acceptable gesture. And if Dai did notice, Cole expected the situation to escalate. If such were the case, Cole intended to acted as the mediator, but the present situation had Dai asking what to do and these obnoxious noises filling the air.

Cole breathed in and focused on the shackles he kept around his mind. His Soul Perception was active nearly constantly, but his skill with it was tethered to these same shackles. To get a clearer view of what was in front of them, he needed to undo at least a layer of the serenity he kept his mind within--for better or worse. Deep within his soul in almost an internal ritual that only his dear Callah could notice, he released the outer most layer of his focus and allowed more of his soul to be exposed to the forces around him. And, more importantly, more of his soul to be used for his skills.

When his focus returned and he returned to the situation around him, his eyes came back with the traditional iridescent hue that a focused Soul Perception imbued. And that was when he sensed it. The Kishin Egg below them. Still too far to get a good idea of what it was, but enough to know what it was and in general where. This new insight alongside the removed shackles of his Calm Mind brought forth a new attitude.

His eyes first fell to Luka. "You become an adult today. Act like it," he told her before his eyes flew from her to Dai. "And if you have qualms, take it up when we're done here." He then walked forward to catch up with Luka entirely, having a new air about him in both how he spoke and carried himself. "I sense a being whose soul is a Kishin Egg and it's making its way to us from wherever it was. I don't imagine we have enough time to call Lord Death without changing route to avoid an encounter--if even possible--and given we've already made our way to this floor, our goal should be to engage in an open area--not these halls. Her shouting may have cost us our element of surprise, but it did not cost us the opportunity to strike first."

Cole grasped the stock of Callah firmly, already preparing his wavelength to be intermingled with hers for their first shot. His trigger finger was already itchy, perhaps because he just released that outer circle of his mental restraints or perhaps because that anxious energy he had earlier was becoming excitement for this encounter. In this case, it was hard to tell.

"The area its in can't be but a Hallway or two up ahead. Whatever happened before this moment, put it behind you and shelve it for later. Once it's dead, I don't care what you two do to each other. But until then, each of you are absolutely essential to adding another name to Death's List," he told them with no shortness of intensity in both his voice and radiating from those wavelength-enhanced eyes. "While I would love to take the lead to get a clear shot, that's a shit idea until we're in an open field. Dai, you proceed forward, Luka and I will stay side by side until we near it and I'll guide you there. I imagine even you can tell what a Kishin Soul looks like up close, so once you see it, strike. I'll support you from behind. Luka, you follow up to strike--just because we hit it once doesn't mean it's dead. And, no, I'm not making you follow up because you have a shield--Cei outreaches Rio and Dai is just plain faster," he then added, giving them instructions for how to proceed.

With a hint of finality, he then simply uttered: "Go."

 

[Nobody Special]

DAI
Location: Sydney, Australia
Interacting: Cei ( The Regal Rper ), Luka ( Lady Warlock ), Cole, Aiden ( Sir Les Paul ), Rio ( Mineczka )
Weapon: Cei
________________________________________________________________________________

The reverberating voice of Cei voicing her loathing for the Opera house prompted Dai to snicker to himself, before replying to her using the same, strange telepathic-voice technique.

'Paha! Don't worry, you're with me. Anything that shows up is gettin' cut in half the second I see it.'

After making such a cocky declaration, he had apparently made a grave mistake.

The sudden, loud eruption of a shout coming from directly behind Dai caught him off guard, and he turned his head just in time to see Luka send Rio flying towards him, only to stop before he had actually gotten hit. Instinctually gripping Cei tighter than he had been before, he continued to look back at her for a few more seconds before slowly turning to face what was ahead of him-- and to hide the cold sweat that had broken out on his face.

Nope. I ain't fuckin' with her anymore today. Hell no.

It had been the second time Luka had yelled at him-- the first being when he had clashed heads with Sion and Vox-- and he had now been startled by her both times, though he'd never admit it. And, to top it off, she had swung at him this time? Sure, she had stopped herself-- but she had the balls to swing? at him? If he had a tail, it'd probably be curled up between his legs for everyone to see. Perhaps that inexperience of hers was actually one of her strong suits-- even Dai himself wouldn't swing at someone during a mission unless they had really pissed him off.

Of course, like a child who had just been yelled at by his teacher and kicked out of the classroom (Not that he knew anything about that, of course), Dai was aware of exactly what was coming next. The scoldings. Aiden, Cole, hell-- even his own partner had chimed in to ridicule him for his antagonizing actions. At least he was getting a better idea of what he'd be able to get away with while she was around. Not wanting to dilly-dally any longer, he threw his hands up in surrender, conveniently wiping the sweat off of his forehead in the same motion.

"Alright, alright. I get it. I won't fuck around anymore." His lilac eyes trailed down to the shorter girl, who was still red-faced with wrath, and he reluctantly clicked his teeth. "...I take it back, you're not a runt. Looks like you've got some bite to your bark. I won't say it again." Sincerity could be heard in his promise, though it was barely audible. He pointed a free finger down at Rio, who was still in the tight grasp of the hostile girl's small hands. "Just don't shove Miss Sweaters-In-The-Desert into my fuckin' stomach while I'm not lookin'."

With that being said, he pivoted back to take the lead of the group once again. Cole's mention of a Kishin Egg made him tighten his grip around the polearm even more, and he was now grinning wildly, the incident that took place only seconds ago already long gone in his mind. "Finally..." He murmured, nodding his head in approval to Cole's proposed course of action and proceeding forward on his command. The boy was eager. He hadn't had a real fight in at least a week, and the raven-haired sniper was the one who was finally leading him to one. Of course he was going to obey!

The pace of the group was forced to increase as Dai was now practically speed-walking blindly towards the target like a wolf tracking down its prey. As he inched closer and closer towards it, that familiar smell of danger grew stronger, until he was finally standing before an uncanny, hooded figure holding a large sack.

At that exact moment, Dai sprung forward with an explosive amount of force, quickly thrusting Cei forward with all his might. He didn't necessarily want to end it all in one blow, but he was with his classmates, so he had to go for the kill. Screwing around meant he'd be jeopardizing them-- and he wasn't too fond of going out of his way to save others.​

 

[Lady Warlock]

Luka Baines

Location: Sydney, Australia
Partners: Aiden and Rio
Tags: Sir Les Paul Mineczka Nobody Special Solarknight The Regal Rper ​

Her whole life, it seemed, had been spent dealing with bullies and for some reason or another, Luka had believed that when she finally got strong enough, they would stop poking her to the ends of what she could tolerate and back again. However, it seemed that that would not be the case as her actions almost immediately drew the scoldings of every single person in her vicinity and they were angry with her - not him. In fact, Luka didn’t hear a single voice snap at him for calling her names twice despite her asking without a sword once for him to stop it. No one seemed to care about that in the slightest. Fury raged through her eyes, though it never touched her tongue, and though she couldn’t meet Aiden’s eyes when he scolded her because he was a shield at the time and therefore didn’t have eyes, her eyes did meet Cole’s and defiance glimmered through them. If he truly wanted to be a leader, he would’ve corrected Dai when he’d started being a bully; true leaders didn’t let their teammates get bullied by other teammates.

It would be eons upon eons before the riflemeister earned an ounce of respect from the young utility meister.

A single thread of communication reached towards Rio’s soul. ‘I was going to pull back the whole time. I hope you can believe that, unlike everyone else.’ Her soul was solemn yet sorrowful. Unlike the others, Luka knew that Rio was something close to a friend and they were also roommates. She needed to keep something going there. Though she had met Dai’s gaze when he tried to say he wouldn’t do it again, the fact that Luka didn’t believe it despite his attempt at sincerity was also written on her face. Also, he didn’t apologize. A promise to change without an apology meant nothing to the girl.

Beyond that, though, Luka’s soul shut down at that moment. Walls went up so that nothing more could be sensed by either of her partners. While she still wielded their weapon forms with what little expertise she had, there was very little weapon-meister connection any further. She spoke nothing aloud. She was merely ready to do exactly as the mission required and nothing further. She kept pace with Dai as he ran ahead, but Luka also maintained a certain amount of distance, not just because she wasn’t happy with Dai - or anyone on her team for that matter - but because she knew that it would be good to have a moment to observe before she moved in to strike so that she would know how to be the most effective.

That might have turned out to be a very good decision on her part.

Dai drove Cei’s weapon form forward at the creature as it darted straight at them with a strange fluttering sound echoing around it and the blade seemed to strike true. However, though the creature had paused and seemed unmoving, something other than blood gushed onto the floor and seeped towards Dai’s feet. More noticeable was the fact that Cei now seemed to be stuck against the creature in a gooey yellow substance. The creature lifted its head with a peculiar grin and Dai would get a close look at what could probably best be described as a gremlin. It certainly wasn’t human. Rapidly spinning, the creature attempted to throw Dai with momentum and strength that didn’t seem possible.

It was when she observed that movement that Luka determined the best way to move in. Sprinting as fast as her small form could carry her, Luka positioned herself just behind the creature’s shoulder, planting her feet and putting as much muscle as she could behind holding Aiden’s shield form steady, hoping to stop or slow the momentum that the creature tried to spin and throw Dai with. And it worked, even if it was brief. She wasn’t sure if she had just slowed it in that split second, or if it had been enough to stop it completely, but Luka sincerely hoped that she had managed to create an opportunity for Cole to take a shot. She didn’t imagine a shot would get stuck in whatever sticky substance Cei had stabbed into.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Aiden McCarthy​

TBD​

Species Human
Partner Luka, Rio
Rank One-Star Weapon, R.I.P.

Location Sydney, Australia, in front of the Opera House
Mission Investigations in Australia
Status Excited

​

Mentions: Solarknight The Regal Rper Mineczka Nobody Special Lady Warlock

Rage.

Rage was what coursed through Aiden. His blood boiled inside of him and the only thing preventing it from pouring out was the fact he was in his metallic shielded form. This was not the petulant, childish anger that resulted in Luka lashing out at Dai. This was not the coarse, hot-headed nature of Dai himself. This was true, raw anger. Disdain aimed directly at Luka. If emotions were the energy of a soul, then it would be a surprise of the sheer radiation of his anger did not pour through the spiritually distant Luka or even into Rio by proxy. Whether or not the intensity of his anger was enough to overcome that wall Luka put up would could only be revealed with time, but if it could, the gap between how she felt lashing out at Dai and how he felt due to her behavior would likely be enormous.

Not only was cutting off their connection--intended or not--absurdly rude and illogical right in battle, it also cut off his wavelength, and with it, the reduction in weight that it provided. Over the next few seconds, Aiden as a shield would shift from weighing no more than Rio directly to his nearly sixty-pounds of true weight. Aiden knew it was going to happen and the thought of being blamed for the backlash of it only infuriated him more. Beyond that, it was the audacity. The raw audacity of how she thought she could treat someone, let alone her partner.

Luka, the clearly underaged Meister only present on the team because of a skill was was born with.

Luka, the girl that broke down because of a loud noise in a training mission.

Luka, the girl that went off due to a MINOR FUCKING INSULT from the GUY NO ONE TAKES SERIOUSLY.

Luka, the girl that SWUNG AT HER ALLY--in the middle of a combat oriented mission, no less.

Luka, the girl throwing a full-on tantrum mid-fight because she got called out for her bullshit.

This girl has the audacity to sever ties with me?! Aiden fucking McCarthy, the Bulwark of Death, the million-to-one Grigori Soul? She would dare shove me out? A weapon that has already saved more lives than she might in her entire damn career? A weapon that Meisters FOUGHT OVER just back in EAT? This problem child that has caused nothing but strife for the rest of the team DARE SHUN ME?!

The only--and literally only--thing preventing Aiden from just saying fuck it, transforming, and leaving behind his Meister was the Kishin Egg enemy in front of him. He had no idea what use he would be once his weight fully set in--surely Luka wasn't miraculously strong enough to properly wield him at his full weight. Meisters were in peak shape, sure, but asking a fourteen year old girl to deftly handle a shield nearly her own damn size was a big ask. But, that didn't matter. Aiden couldn't hop to either of his teammates. Dai was wielding a two-handed polearm and Cole with a shield was the only thing conceivably more pointless than his own Meister doing so at this moment.

Aiden wanted to be anywhere else in this moment. Anywhere. Hell, even taking a beating from his sister if it got him off the arm of this... child. She would never be the defender of the people he needed his Meister to be. It would probably be years before she even deserved to be back in the field as an agent.

But alas, all he could do was dwell on his pent up rage while stuck to her arm. He had no options. He was, after all, but a shield with one to guard.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Yuan (Meister)
Salt Lake City, Utah - Bakery...Down the street from Police Station (closer to downtown area)

Yuan nodded at Sion. “Call me if something comes up or any problem arises with the Police Chief.”

As if to emphasize her point, the redhead pulled her phone out her pocket, twirled it idly in her hand, before slipping it back in its usual resting spot. There was no real reason why all of them needed. If they were going for efficiency, divide and conquer made more sense. It was less safe letting others do things on their own…but, in a way, it showed trust as well. Trust that her teammates were competent enough to handle themselves. Trust that they wouldn’t make a mess of things, successfully acquire the necessary intel, then relay that to the rest of the team. That was important for an organization to run smoothly. Her father hadn’t trusted her when she told him that Ranmao was a witch—granted he’d probably been spelled at the time.

The Crimson Dragon had long changed since then. It had gotten too rotten to salvage. Yuan glanced at the twins. And these are the girls that will one day help me make right all the wrongs. That was more important to Yuan than some mission from the R.I.P class. Sion hoped the adversary wasn’t a witch…but Yuan almost hoped it was. If they were a witch, there was a chance that they would know Ranmao. The more info she got on her enemy, the better her chances of taking them down.

Yuan smiled at Grace, who still hadn’t answered her—likely figuring out how to phrase the explanation. “It’s alright if it’s difficult to explain. Was it something in the air that triggered the madness?”

Perhaps they didn’t feel the need to explain themselves. Perhaps they didn’t want to do so in front of the others. Crassness aside, Sion was more considerate than she’d given him credit for. Noelle had a soothing wavelength as well. Yuan didn’t know what it was exactly, but she felt it the moment her classmate helped Alma. The demon weapon’s very presence seemed to calm the air in the room—despite the intensity of the event. Even a fight broke out at the station—and Yuan didn’t think that very likely unless Sion cussed out the police or something—she had a feeling that Noelle’s wavelength would be able to calm any ‘mad’ and ‘frazzled’ nerves.

Night was approaching. The enemy was somewhere in the town. However, it wasn’t like she’d be much help if her demon weapons went crazy—unless the adversary was weak enough that she wouldn’t need the boost in wavelength. Taking the twins by the hand, Yuan led them to a bakery down the street…closer to the downtown area.

She could feel the Kishin Egg more clearly now.

However, the meister didn’t get any closer to it. Just bought a box of donuts. Having someone keep an eye on thing, in case it made any suspicious movements, would be useful. Not that she didn’t trust Sion’s hearing, but it would be awkward if he were busy talking to the police and the adversary…whatever it is…attacked. The longer they took to do things, the more in danger the town would be, especially since the ‘zombie’ was already in town. Caution was good, but sometimes striking sooner was better if they wanted to protect the civilians. All the civilians. The police officers that were patrolling the streets were in just as much danger as the kids, if the thing decided—for some random reason—that it didn’t want children anymore. Yuan handed Erica and Grace each a donut from the box. “Regardless, it’s something we’ll have to talk about.”

Or deal with at some point.

“What do you think? If the infection is too difficult to control, for whatever reason, we’ll have to pull out,” Yuan sighed. “I’m sure you didn’t mean it Grace, but you are aware of the danger you almost put Alma in, right? Given you were alone with her, it’s a miracle she isn’t more hurt.”

Fainting and maybe a bit a of bruise when she fell. Yuan was very aware of the fact that things could’ve turned out a lot worse than just an angry mayor. In that sense, Grace did well to hold back. However, the risk was still present…and Yuan didn’t know the cause. A momentary lapse? Was there some sort of madness trigger in the city? All it took was a momentary lapse to make a mess of the mission. For now, keeping away from the other might be for the best…

Then again…being near Noelle’s ‘soothing’ wavelength might help. Yuan didn’t know for sure. It hadn’t helped when Grace almost attacked Alma…

Yuan took a bite out of her own donut, chewed, and swallowed. “I’m on your side. I want to help you.”

So that they could help her.

“So tell me what I can do to help. All the books I’ve read in the last few days, don’t really tell me all that much about the madness you girls are specifically suffering from. What do you feel when you girls are mad? What triggers it?”

The madness wavelength didn’t create madness from nothing based on what she read. It exemplified something they already had in themselves. A darkness that already existed in their souls. If Yuan wanted to find out for sure, she’d need to step into their souls again…to see for herself...but who knew how long that would take. They would also be vulnerable while doing so…and that didn’t seem a good idea with the enemy already being in town. It was her own fault for procrastinating. Issues like this should've been dealt with sooner rather than later. Sitting down on a table in the bakery, Yuan waved the girls to do the same, all the while keeping her soul perception up.

No point rushing things. Sion and Noelle had her number. They could also text her any information they acquired from the police chief…or any plans that were made. What Yuan needed to do, as a meister, was make sure her weapons were tin tip top condition and that she could wield them to their fullest if/when the battle occurred. If the enemy were a witch, one strong enough to make a zombie whose soul was at risk of turning into a Kishin, facing them with anything less than her best was even more detrimental. It was downright dangerous.

CelticHero37 Prizzy Kriyze Nobody Special Lady Warlock

 

[Mineczka]

One-Star Weapon, partnered with Luka and Aiden.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Interactions: Lady Warlock (Luka) Sir Les Paul (Cole, Aiden), Solarknight (Callah) The Regal Rper (Cei) Nobody Special (Dai)

Things seemed to quickly spiral out of control quickly, as first Aiden lashed out at Luka first, taking a rather stern tone with her, mentioning the fact that it's a live mission, as if they were not aware of that fact. Granted Luka was wrong to lash out in that manner, however... Before Rio could collect her thoughts for at least a rebuttal to Aiden, Cole jumped in, he was acting as if he wasn't addressing someone who is only thirteen, acting as if everyone was his age, and expected her to be mature, which was a fair statement... Were Luka not thirteen. Emotions are harder to control for a younger person, and it showed in Luka, who Rio could guess was a bit different from her peers. Then, Dai, chimed in. At first, Rio expected the worst, but instead, he apologized, it seemed as if he had learned his lesson from Luka's outburst, though still wanted to have the last word...

It was a lot in a few moments, and Rio spent a brief second processing it all, sensing the dread of a kishin egg slowly approaching, then Luka spoke to Rio, apologizing for the heart attack that Rio had received, a response was given "It's okay, I don't think you were really wanting to hurt him." A gentle sense of reassurance, "Don't be afraid to vent your emotions to me, I'm here!" She was unsure, though, if her words would reach the young meister, as she could feel the connection between her soul and Luka's fade, setting in what at first felt like a void that she could scream into endlessly, and hear no reply. It felt as if she were alone.

That did not mean she was, though. Though her connection with Aiden was through Luka, she could still sense Aiden, and while the connection wasn't strong enough for her Lullaby Wavelength to reach, Rio knew her voice could, gently reaching her voice out to Aiden, the sword wanted to make sure her shield was okay, "Aiden, are you okay over there?" Hoping her voice could reach her partner on Luka's left, Rio had little care for her own problems at this point, Luka knew that she was there for her, and Rio wanted to be sure Aiden was aware that Rio had his back.

Averting her attention from ensuring her team's mentality, Rio could sense that presence getting closer, as Dai struck it, Cei appeared... Stuck for a moment, as if it was some slime monster from some of the games she played at home, though it took the form more of a gremlin... No, a Goblin. Being how it had a yellow, gooey substance that could hold weapons in place, it wasn't wise to stab at it, though Rio had the thought that one might get away with slashing at it, using only a small portion of the blade, Rio knew, if that yellow goo got to the fuller of her blade, she was stuck.

Taking note of it's features, Rio felt so powerless in the situation, not only was the goo the creature had a difficult counter to her single ability, she also had a meister, who, had completely shut not only her, but Aiden out as well, his Grigori soul was no longer of any use, and Rio's Lullaby Wavelength was of little aid. Furthermore, communication was pretty well down. It was a bad situation, though Rio had a plan, in that, she'd revert to her normal form, and turn an arm into her blade, of course should the situation call for such desperation. For now though, Rio would keep calling out to Luka, hoping that maybe, just maybe, she could get her attention and the connection back, and Rio can get a plan across.

 

[Lady Warlock]

Adelle Stone and Tavares Castelo

Botanical Gardens in St. Louis Missouri​

Though Adelle wasn’t really prepared to follow anyone else’s lead on this particular mission and no one had seemed to object to her stepping up to that plate, she did understand that remaining in control of the situation would be far more difficult when she was in weapon form. For that main reason, she was glad that Tavares seemed to snap out of whatever mood had initially consumed him and when he voiced agreement with some of the suggestions she had offered. Being on the same page was certainly encouraging when she wasn’t entirely inclined to trust Lord Death’s partner suggestions for her - considering what had happened with the first one, at least. Nonetheless, that didn’t prevent her from being open to suggestions, and she had to admit that Lucien’s mention of using their free time to become more familiar as partners certainly wasn’t a bad one.

“I actually like that thought,” she voiced her agreement. “I think that from this point, we can split up and investigate some of the other sites. Regroup for some rest at the cabin - you could go out to find a tent if you wanted, Lucien - and then we should be as prepared as we can be for whatever comes this evening.” While she didn’t think they should split up overnight, she thought they might be able to gather more information more quickly if they split that part of the day. Adelle did trust Vox and Lucien to conduct a thorough investigation of anything interesting they found. She would trust most, if not all, of her classmates to accomplish that much.

Content in that plan, Adelle shifted the entirety of her attention to her new meister. “Lucien is correct. I do have multiple forms. Do you prefer to fight up close and personal or from a distance?” It would help her discern which form to start with.

“I am more of an up close sparer, though I am quite flexible in all three. Before DWMA I was trained to be able to utilize almost any type of Weapon- well, except of the Gun variety. Close-quarters and Mid-range are more of what I am familiar with.” He smiled and then nodded to Lucien and Vox, seeing as how the hint was clear enough already, the nod his own way of saying ‘see you later’. “Shall we?” He prompted Adelle, and began moving at a slow pace. Heading towards one of the damaged sites first.

As they walked, Tavares thought. Specifically of what he could say or ask. Of everyone in the class there were few he could say he honestly knew, and to be honest, he couldn’t call anyone a friend here despite having been a part of DWMA for two years now, even with some of the people that had been here longer than him. Of course, that would all need to change. Being a part of a team required understanding and trust on the field. He glanced at Adelle, wondering what he should talk about. Hobbies? Her goals? Did she have any family in DWMA? How did she feel about this sudden change in partnerships? Getting personal didn’t seem like it was the time, nor did she seem like the type. Besides, he’d have to contribute if they did go down the route anyway, and the only contribution he could truly give- would be lies. But still…

Adjusting his glasses, the words came easily. “I am sorry for my early behavior” Voice quiet, softer. “I shouldn’t have been so distracted, especially not after the rather strange turn of events for us both.”

Walking alongside him felt rather casual, and actually normal, which had Adelle slightly on edge. She didn’t like how easy this felt especially when she compared it to how things had gone with her first attempt at a partner here at the DWMA. Nonetheless, the elegant young lady maintained her composure. “No need to worry about it,” she brushed off his apology as unnecessary. “The strange turn of events makes being distracted that much easier because there is way too much to think about and process. I just can’t afford to lose so…” She’d been about to describe how she hadn’t been distracted, but decided that train of thought didn’t feel like it needed to go on any further.

“Anyway, catch!” Hoping that he was more than just someone decent to talk with, Adelle took a few quick steps ahead of him before she leapt into the air, spinning as she transformed into one of her few weapon forms that she had yet to share with anyone at the DWMA - a spear. It wasn’t elegant or complicated in the slightest. Her form had a simple wooden shaft, it stood nearly as tall as Tavares did, and there was a silver blade embedded in the top of it, giving it its deadly potential.

‘Though the shaft feels as though it's made of wood, it won’t break. I can promise you that much.’ It was as though Adelle had gotten that concern in the past and anticipated it would come again.

He caught her the moment she had warned him- thankfully- and the moment his fingers made contact, he felt the familiar static flicker like a switch inside him. It was always just a moment, the fleeting feeling between two souls, yet always seemed to stretch on for so much longer. Adelle’s spear form caught, Tavares twirled her between his fingers before stopping with a firm grip. Avo had always said that a Demon Weapon’s other form wasn’t just an inherited trait that reflected in the body for some Demon Weapons, it also reflected the very nature of who a person was. Every feature held something different that spoke something about the person themself. And if you looked closely, and were perceptive, you wouldn’t have to rely on Soul Perception to see it. Tavares had always admired that- especially when his grandfather had transformed for the first time to allow him as a child to see what it felt like to hold a Demon Weapon.

Adelle’s voice drove him out of his thoughts, not that he hadn’t been paying attention. Perhaps he’d been staring at her Weapon form for too long? He couldn’t be sure, what he was sure of was how strange her remark was. Whatever past partners she’d had, they clearly didn’t see what he was seeing. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her statement before he began moving forward again. “Excuse me to say Miss Stone, but your concern is unneeded.” Swinging her with his arm back and forth, he took a jump forward and with a test, jabbed at the air to gauge the distance. Then spun, swinging her out as he came to the end of his pivot. Once he was done he held her spear from back out and smiled at her.

“Ja du bist perfekt” his German clear. “You have no reason to worry about the sturdiness you hold or the protection you could provide me. I am well aware that Demon Weapons are nigh-indestructible. My family are dominantly made of Demon Weapons on my mother’s side.”

Shifting away from his stance he began moving forward to their destination once more.

Though Adelle didn’t immediately remark on his comment, she was relieved that he seemed content with this form and her soul was beaming at the remark regarding perfection even if she wasn’t fluent in the language. The intent behind the statement wasn’t veiled. Even her singular long term partner in her past had found this particular weapon form to be at least a little plain, but it never failed to function as needed in any given situation. Briefly she wondered what his family was like and if it had been anything like hers, with all sorts of high expectations and a regal lineage. Somehow, it didn’t feel right to ask about it, though. Maybe sometime, but not now.

‘I do have three other forms and it’s probably beneficial to the mission for you to be familiar with them,’ her soul echoed through the connection they shared as weapon and meister. ‘It's good for both of us to know what we can and cannot achieve.’ She imagined he would have one that he preferred like most who wielded multi-form weapons, but even Adelle had to admit that it had been a mistake on her part not to inform Edgar of their options when they’d been trying to make things work.

Silver enveloped her form as she transformed again, not into her human form, but into a different weapon. This time, she was a club.

‘My family is known for their stone age forms, hence our surname,’ Adelle explained. ‘We can trace our ancestry back to the very first weapons created by Arachne. I can also transform into a slingshot and an atlatl - a spear thrower.’

An amused hum was his reply. The surname of Stone made much more sense now. Most names in the Earth Shaman tribes were often related to spirits of nature or aspects of nature in different languages, or the language of the land. So he'd wondered (even been slightly anxious) if she had any Shaman in her blood. From their activities so far that thought had long since perished, but it certainly did bring clarity to the name. "Of these three, I believe the sling is the only one I am not familiar with. But that should change as we work together" he replied confidently, doing some practice swings with the club as they moved forward. Even taking a defensive pose before breaking that into a bit of a jog. “I assume your family has been long standing members of DWMA then?” He asked, tone curious.

‘No,’ Adelle’s answer was curt, brief and for a moment, completely unexplained. However, she didn’t intend to leave it that way; the pause had more so been for her to gage his reaction. a‘My family had been with the DWMA for a little while when it was first founded. However, they quickly found that even the Grim Reaper himself had no interest in such simple weapon forms when more modern weapons were always coming forward. My family didn’t feel respected so they left. I am the first in probably five generations to enroll because… well, I’m trying to find my own path.’ Adelle discovered in the midst of explaining it that while sharing her family’s history wasn’t difficult, diving into her own would be trickier and take more time. She didn’t feel that was a problem, though.

‘And you? Have you been a student at the DWMA for long?’ She assumed that he had been there for at least a brief period before R.I.P. rolled out its curriculum because other students seemed to at least recognize his face, but beyond that, she knew nothing.

"I have, if two years, starting today counts as 'long'." His voice was amused. "Carving out a path for yourself is admirable though. Being the first in generations must have not been easy to do. Especially if you are the only one to have taken the chance." A pause settled before he spoke again. "It is a shame to hear that even the Master himself refused your family such an honor. I would be lying if I didn't say I am glad you chose to push forward in your own way" he smiled, then with some hesitancy said with certainty: "While the Master of Death is all wise, even he makes mistakes."

Reaching their destination, Tavares moved around the destroyed section to begin investigating.

"Just as ruined as the last." He muttered as they approached. Eyeing what remained of their target. He wasn't sure what exact details they could find, but perhaps using an image search on his phone and figuring out the plants nature would help? Doing exactly that, Tavares got close, took a snap with his cell camera, and then began using his free hand to thumb through Google's options.

"My family has a unique history with DWMA. Both my families have a history of serving Lord Death for centuries. But both sides did so sparingly. The Gaea Tribe had a rule for it. Where they would occasionally select partners from DWMA specifically, and then the capable generation from those relations would be allowed to join DWMA by the decree of the Council. It was not an arranged marriage, but it was something close to it. My father was the eighty-fourth candidate of his bloodline, a rare feat in the tribe. One could boast that I did not measure up" And he chuckled briefly after saying that. The plant was forgotten. Moving on though, Tavares stated: "My mother, her sisters, my late grandmother, and my grandfather were all Weapons who served in DWMA. As far as I'm aware, the Godai Family have served DWMA for centuries."

Sensing that they’d arrived at another one of the scenes they needed to investigate, Adelle’s weapon form seemed to leap of its own accord out of Tavares’s hand and she transformed back into her human self. While she listened to what he had to say and archived the details of it within her brain, she was starting to get the feeling that it was time for them to really dig into this mission and what it might entail. Her eyes scanned the fields as Tavares collected some photographs - an idea she honestly appreciated. There didn’t seem to be anything that stood out; at least, Adelle couldn’t find anything that she caught onto as odd or unusual.

“I think it is time we start heading back. We can catch some quick shut-eye and then prepare for whatever we’re going to face tonight.” Her eyes looked at her meister expectantly.

Seeing nothing else that really needed attention, Tavares nodded at her. And together they made their retreat.

Collab With: The Regal Rper
Tags: RottenVale QuirkyAngel

 

[Lady Warlock]

Luka Baines

Location: Sydney, Australia
Partners: Aiden and Rio
Tags: Sir Les Paul Mineczka Nobody Special Solarknight The Regal Rper ​

Although Luka had built her walls up - and she built them up strong, at that - there were still some things she could sense from her partners. The things she picked up on were more physical than emotional, though. For example, she very much felt the exact moment that Aiden became heavier in her grasp and she also felt his weapon form heat up in her hand, which wasn’t a good sign in the slightest. Luka very vaguely remembered that weapons could burn in a meister’s hand when two souls became incompatible, but having never experienced it herself, she was hesitant to immediately jump to that conclusion right away and instead, continued holding on despite the pain that it caused her.

The added heaviness was actually beneficial in their situation because the weight added more force to prevent the kishin egg soul they were fighting from actually being able to turn and throw Dai and possibly Cei right along with him. Her block was as successful as it could have been given the circumstances.

She had to keep moving, though, because Luka knew that now she was in the perfect position for the creature to turn and strike her. They hadn’t seen what an attack from this thing would look like quite yet and the young meister wasn’t interested in being the test subject for that experiment. There was a brief pause as she contemplated how to proceed from her current position. Luka knew that she could strike with Rio, but she didn’t want to encounter the same resistance that Dai had met when he thrusted forward with Cei’s weapon form. However, her mind was quick and she came to a decision.

Also, in the pauses, there would be opportunities for all members of the team to pick up on an oddly sweet scent. Well, sweet but bizarre was probably a better description of what filled the air. There was a hint of brown sugar scents mixed in, but that wasn’t quite all of it. There was something else there, too. Maybe wanting to identify it was what inspired Luka’s next action. Using Rio, she stabbed not at the creature, but stabbed through the cloak that surrounded it. The blade pierced, encountering some of the stickiness, but not quite as much as seemed to coat the thing.

“Dai, try to pull Cei free!” Luka called out to her fellow meister. She was going to be pulling in the opposite direction so it might make it easier for Dai to pull.

Luka’s hand was still burning as she held tightly to Aiden’s weapon form, and he was still far heavier than she was accustomed to managing, particularly given how sudden the change had occurred. It made what she tried to do next definitely harder. The young meister pulled at the cloak she had stabbed Rio through and she tried to leap backwards, tearing it off of the creature so they could get a better look at what they were fighting. She succeeded, kind of. Luka’s arm tore out of the strap that connected her to Aiden because she simply couldn’t pull it along with her for the entirety of her intention. She hadn’t meant to lose contact with him, but it was the only way she could get out of her precarious position and the creature had started turning to unveil claws that swung at everything holding it in place. Luka had removed the cloak, though, and unveiled a creature covered almost completely in honey; in the process, she had fallen flat on her butt and the walls in her mind came crashing down as she watched Aiden’s shield form tumble to the ground with a large clank.

‘What happened?’ she asked Rio, more confused than distressed. Her eyes looked to her burned arm and she knew that was an injury that wouldn’t just heal on its own. She pulled the torn cloak off of Rio quickly, clambering back to her feet to continue to fight.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Cole Baker​

"Crackshot"​

Species Human
Partner Callah
Rank One-Star Meister, R.I.P.

Location Sydney, Australia, in front of the Opera House
Mission Investigations in Australia
Status Focused

​

Mentions: Solarknight The Regal Rper Mineczka Nobody Special Lady Warlock

What a shit show. Weird little beastie covered in some sticky substance, honey or maple syrup by the smell. Cole had his Soul Perception fixated on it, trying to determine whether it was imbued with the Wavelength of the creature, part of it, or just some weird secretion. Or, hell, maybe it was just genuine honey and this thing had a sweets fetish. Unlikely, but still. Cole analyzed the whole situation while Dai and Luka made their first attacks. He scoped out the room. Knowing the organ or whatever the hell had been playing, he tried to see if it had any signs of spiritual residue. And, of course, whatever this creature was carrying. Could be a victim. Could be the actual creature and this thing was a decoy. Every situation was possible and only through assessment could Cole get any idea of what to do.

It wasn't just the creature his eyes fell on and it wasn't just the creature that made this a shit show. Cole had constant Soul Perception, his mind had been trained over years of experience to multi-task in its visual perception. Sure, not the best at picking up on people, but little got passed him in the battlefield. Dai and Cei were fine, fighting well enough in unison. Luka, Aiden, and Rio... that was a different story. If either of the other two Meisters even had slightly taken it upon themselves to train their Soul Perception, they could see that Aiden was radiating with raw energy, likely some type of emotional trigger whereas Luka was the polar opposite--her wavelength was dull, faded, nearly dead. Something happened between them, probably related to the earlier incident, and the fact that Luka ultimately dropped Aiden with some type of burn on her arm only lent to that.

Fucking idiots.

The actual thought running through his head, not exclusive to either one.

'Clearly, we need to end this fast,' Cole said to Callah internally. 'Until Dai is clear, we shouldn't use a shot that could hurt him. Aiden can handle it as long as he stays a shield,' Cole added. With a deep sigh, he lifted Callah up, gripped her stock and looked directly down the barrel, both of his eyes open as he kept a perfect lock on the creature.'Time for a double tap. Two quick shots in succession. I'll use your wavelength to debilitate it, then you use mine for a follow-up,' Cole instructed, not giving much more. His plan was simple. Callah was no assault rifle, each shot required he pull the trigger and each round required they sculpt the round. Callah could take his wavelength and make a round with none of hers, so it would be pure force. Cole could take hers and with his embedding ability, ideally cause a maelstrom of noise inside the soul of this creature. If they could distract it long enough, they could clear the way for a real killshot.


That was that. Cole borrowed the wavelength of his beloved partner and merged it with his own, concentrating it into a round that would embed itself in the creature instead of pass right through it. While Callah created a more powerful round for the second shot, this technique did require precise timing to pull off. Two shots fired rapidly back to back replacing the wavelengths with the second one benefiting from the trail left by the first, making the gap between them incredibly small. With his breath still, Cole waited for the soft beat of his heart which in this scenario was no easy task given its elevation in the situation, but any benefit from firing with minimal interference would be of great value given the proximity of his allies.

Thump.

And then pull. The blood flowed through his veins and his pulse through his very fingertips, but for that brief period where his systolic pressure was reaching the diastolic, his first shot was made with almost no delay for the second--as fast as his finger could feasibly manage and ignoring the guidelines for his heartbeat he meticulously implemented the first time. With that, it was done. His debilitating thunder round followed by a standard ballistic shot back-to-back, aimed particularly for the upper left quadrant of the creature just a tad high and left of the sternum. If it could hit the heart, it would be as good as a headshot, but a body shot was much more likely to hit in the event this creature attempted to dodge. This was the call Cole made. These were the shots he fired. All that was left was to see how it played out.

 

[The Regal Rper]

Cei
~Sydney, Australia~

It had become quite apparent in just a few moments to her, that she would need to be the one to rein in her Meister's mouth when it inevitably got him into trouble. While it was clear Luka and Dai did not get along from the early interactions she had noticed before entering the Opera house, the fact Luka had done something so...well to be quite honest, rookie based, and unprofessional, on top of putting them all off their guard with her hasty action- was quite infuriating. Had she not been required to remain in her weapon form given the current circumstances, especially with the banging getting increasingly louder, something Cei picked up on and allowed her mind to focus more on instead of her own anger- then things would have gotten more heated than it already was.

Scolding Dai for his blatant mouthing off was one thing- feinting an attack with one's own partner like that in her eyes, AS A DEMON WEAPON, was just plain disrespectful to the partner in question. Hearing Aiden draw his Meister's attention back to things did little to really curb that budding flame of anger that had been kindled with Luka's emotionally rash action. While there was no visible sign she was upset, given her current state, Cei was in fact- quite pissed. In her eyes Luka wasn't just slighting her partners, she was also doing a major disservice to their roles as servants to the Master of Life.

Despite Cei's intense spark of distaste with Luka's behavior, she shoved it down and instead focused her attention to the creature ahead. Remaining silent once they had confronted it. Preparing herself to inform Dai of anything she noticed and ready to shift in any necessary direction to cover his blind spots if he wasn't paying enough attention.

What ended up happening was quite the opposite of what she'd expected. The sticky substance that now made her cling to this creature, refused to release her. Cei, buried inside of it- shivered. The tremble felt through the vibrations of the polearm. Disgusted at the fact she was *stuck* to this thing, but unable to really do anything about it, Cei grimaced. Having no choice but to wait for the others to do something to get both her and Dai out of this mess she called back to her partner as the gremlin was about to make a move to release her immediately, luckily, Luka came in for support. Unfortunately, it seemed her outburst had clearly caused something to go wrong. While she couldn't see it clearly, Cei did notice from her position that Luka was moving a tad slower with Aiden. The cincher for it all was when she not only heard and saw Aiden basically get abandoned with a comedic thunk.

In a lot of ways, it was a surprising turnout. However despite it, Luka's successful attempt drew Cei's attention back to the situation in full. The beast that had ensnared her in its vile sappy trap, was in fact covered in honey.

She didn't know what to make of that. Nor was she aware that gremlins / goblins liked honey in the first place. It would have been comedic, if they weren't basically going to have to fight for their lives and ultimately kill it.

Luckily, Cole seemed to have thought ahead. She heard the shots before they even reached her new well acquainted friend. All she had to do now was hope Dai could pull her out of this disgusting vermin quickly. They'd have to take a different approach to attacking the beast.

Mentions: Lady Warlock Mineczka Solarknight Sir Les Paul Nobody Special

Interacts: n/a

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Lucien Boulanger (Weapon)

St. Louis, Missouri - Missouri Botanical Gardens (lodge)

“I’ve set up the tent,” Lucien told his current partner as he grinded the coffee beans he’d roasted in a blender. The lodge was nice. It had everything a chef like him could need. Well…not everything…but enough so that they weren’t eating bugs and laying on the dirt while they kept an eye on the flowers. “It’s hidden behind some shrubbery, but within view of the foxgloves, purple-leaved dandelions, and dwarf red sunflowers.”

As he brewed the coffee, his eyes ran over the notes and pictures they’d managed to take of the some of the black and red circled areas. Lucien wasn’t a botanist. He saw no connection between the attacks…if there were any at all…but perhaps Adelle or Tavares might…so he diligently collected samples and recorded everything down from observations to any details about the plants that he managed to google. “While this may be a coincidence, I’ve noticed that some of the targeted plants seem to be ones that produce excessive nectar…”

As for whether they had any magical properties…Lucien had no idea…since he was neither a witch nor a shaman. The blonde had just passed Sheena a cup of finely brewed coffee when Adelle and Tavares returned. Or rather, entered the lodge for the first time. Either way, he was in a good mood since he found cooking (even if just brewing some coffee) relaxing. The aromatic scent of his favorite coffee beans in the air helped. “Welcome, Mes Amies. I hope you two got to know each other a little better. Let me know if you either of you desire a cup as well. There’s crème and sugar in the cabinet.”

Resting before nightfall was a good idea that Lucien whole-heartedly agreed with, but sometimes it required more than a quick nap to keep one’s eyes open at night. Lucien, for his part, was not a morning person which was why a cup of morning coffee had become a habit for him. Might have something to do with his mother’s race. Might have something to do with his own personality. Lucien could honestly say he didn’t care.

He was what he was.

Sheena’s wavelength was like an energizer bunny, so Lucien didn’t actually think his meister needed any concoction to keep herself alert—if anything nice cup of lavender tea might help her rest a bit easier—but he’d come to enjoy the smooth, yet smoky taste of lightly roasted coffee. No idea if Sheena did as well, but it was done to perfection the way he liked it.

Reaching into his meister’s bag, Lucien passed the other meister-weapon duo a pair of walkie talkies as well. Since she’d brought them, there was no point not handing them out. Whether they split to the patrol the night grounds or stuck together while doing so didn’t really matter all that much to him, but Geoff had requested help from DWMA because the gardens were too big for him to keep a full eye of it on his own so it seemed more prudent to widen their areas of attention. At the same time, the meisters had soul perception—which they could easily use to determine weather or not the thief was human—and Lucien liked to think all his physical senses were pretty good (naturally better than the average human) so it wasn’t like the thief was going to get away easily.

“I left our notes over there if you want to review them, but sad to say we didn’t find anything concrete. The thief might like nectar. Given the mess it’s made of some of the attacked areas, I’m inclined to believe it’s some kind of savage animal…” Lucien shrugged. “But whichever the case, I’ve no idea which flowers it’ll be going after next, so, unless you two found something worth noticing, patrolling the black circled areas after resting up a bit is still our best bet. At the very least, we’ll make sure the rarer breeds don’t go extinct.”

RottenVale Lady Warlock The Regal Rper

 

[Nobody Special]

NOELLE ACCESSOIRE
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Interacting: Sion ( Prizzy Kriyze ), Yuan ( QuirkyAngel ), Grace & Erica ( CelticHero37 )
Meister: Sion
________________________________________________________________________________

Noelle frowned slightly at Sion's telepathic words. Grace's sudden flare-up was certainly a cause for concern, and as much as she didn't want to believe it, there was a chance that it could happen again if they engaged in combat. It was saddening, especially for someone who wanted nothing but the best for the innocent twins (and their affectionate Meister, of course), but it was an undeniable fact that required crucial attention after what had just happened. The best she could do was hope for the best, and offer her wavelength where she could. With a tinge of sadness in her echoing voice, she replied to her meister.

' We will just have to place our faith in them. If push comes to shove, we may have to overcompensate in order to support them.'

As the approached the Police Station, another possible problem came to mind. From what she had experienced so far, police weren't always the most cooperative when it came to receiving assistance from outside sources-- especially police in the US. If things went their way, the officers would realize that this whole situation was far out of their control, and hand over the information the team needed to progress in their mission without any problems. She knew very well, however, that the outcome she so greatly desired probably wouldn't come easily.

As they made their way towards the station, Noelle did her best to muster up a soft smile (although no one could see it, of course) and sound as calm as possible as she addressed the other team. "We'll be back soon, hopefully. Please don't wander off too far!" She sounded like a worried mother instructing her children not to get lost-- rightfully so, at this point. Without saying another word, she directed her attention back to her partner as they entered the Police Station.

"Before we go any further," She began, her voice sounding from her weapon form for Sion to hear. "You may look composed, but how are you feeling, Sion?" Her stern expression was back, and her arms were crossed as she awaited an answer in the black, soul space she had grown so comfortable with. She still felt his uncanny wavelength tugging at her with every passing moment, but learning to ignore it was becoming slightly easier with experience. "None of this is an easy task-- physically or mentally. I want to make sure you're okay."

​

 

[Nobody Special]

DAI
Location: Sydney, Australia
Interacting: Cei ( The Regal Rper ), Luka ( Lady Warlock ), Rio ( Mineczka ), Cole, Aiden ( Sir Les Paul ), Callah ( Solarknight )
Weapon: Cei
________________________________________________________________________________

Dai smirked as the familiar and satisfying feeling of a blade making impact with its target vibrated down Cei's wooden shaft and through his hands. His attack had landed flush, the head of Cei's weapon form now deep in the creature's torso. However, the stab didn't seem to affect Dai's opponent much. It remained in the same position it had been in when they had first encountered it. It seemed to be bleeding, but what seeped out of the wound was the furthest thing from blood. The odd scent he had detected earlier was now all around him, and he looked down to finally see that the strange, sticky liquid that was secreting from the creature was honey. It revealed its twisted, gremlin-like grin, and Dai's smile

"What the--"

Before he could react, Dai felt himself be thrown around as the gremlin violently began to spin him, attempting to send him flying with all its might. The power that was being used to spin him was so intense that Dai was forced to tighten his grip around Cei's handle and engage all of his arm muscles just to hold on. Before he could be thrown, the creature's motion was suddenly brought to a stop, and he looked down to see that Luka blocking it from spinning any more. Somehow, he ended up being the one getting his ass saved.

Luka's order for him to pull Cei free had stopped him from diving into an untimely, embarrassed rage. Without replying, he planted his feet on the ground, focusing all of his strength on pulling his new partner free. The honey was no joke-- definitely the stickiest he'd ever seen-- but the impact from Cole and Callah were just the extra help he needed. With one last pull, Cei was out.

Now that he was free, Dai quickly leapt backwards from his sticky enemy. He couldn't risk getting caught in the honey again, but he also knew that he couldn't just leave the job to Cole, the only member of the team with any real range in his arsenal. He landed next to Luka, and quickly turned to face the young girl. She had saved him from potentially getting thrown out of the fight, and for once, he was actually thankful towards her. He held his arm out to touch her shoulder, before immediately hesitating and retracting it upon remembering something. 'She doesn't like being touched or somethin', right...? I remember someone mentioning that.' He thought to himself, returning his hand to Cei's staff. His eyes went off the girl, now focusing on the obstacle ahead of them, though he did manage to say something to the girl he'd been tormenting.

"...Thanks, Luka." Without looking back at him, he addressed the sniper as well. "You too, Cole. You guys saved my ass."

He readied himself for another attack. If the gremlin had been affected at all by their attacks, now would be the best time to strike. "Alright! I'm goin' back to the front lines and stickin' with the plan!" He exclaimed, taking his lead hand off of Cei's pole and bringing it to his left side. It began to crackle with an electricity-like energy. 'Cei,' He called his partner telepathically, his hand becoming more enveloped within his crackling soul wavelength. 'I'm gonna stab it with you again, and use my Soul Menace to blow it back so you don't get stuck.' After explaining his plan to her, he crouched down like a tiger preparing to pounce on its prey, and dashed forward at a high speed again. Once he was close enough, he used his right hand to propel the polearm forward, readying his left to throw his wavelength into the creature in case Cei got stuck again.

"Die!! "​

​

 

[Lady Warlock]

Salt Lake City, Utah
The police station didn’t appear to be anything special on the outside, and it wasn’t overly special on the inside. It was large compared to smaller cities, but that was to be expected in Salt Lake City. It wasn’t a small place, after all, so there was no reason for the police station to be small. However, this one did appear very busy at the present moment which to an outsider would have looked odd if they weren’t aware of the situation. To Sion and Noelle, who knew the situation, though, that too was to be expected. Soul perception further revealed that there were souls bustling about everywhere around it, both inside and out. All of them appeared armed and all of them looked very on edge, no doubt because they’d been going at this night after night without any success.

However, that didn’t mean that Sion and Noelle’s approach went unnoticed. It was actually a woman who noted them and approached them herself to figure out what the situation was. If they asked for Chief Vincent, she would explain that he was out on station with the officers trying to improve morale a bit by joining them. She listened appropriately as Sion explained why they were there and she considered a few things briefly before explaining, “Well, your assistance is greatly appreciated. We don’t have any idea precisely where they are going to strike tonight, but I guarantee they’ll be in the area. Wait here a second.”

Turning, the woman ran inside for a moment and when she came back out of the building, she had a piece of paper in her hand and she handed it to Sion. “It’s a general map of the neighborhood and has blue dots where we have officers stationed. My best advice would be to fill a hole and wait. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to be at the radio to coordinate support for any encounters.” She nodded her head slightly in a subtle sign of respect because she truly did appreciate the assistance and she wished she had more time to arrange their position in the evening, but unfortunately, she knew that anything could happen at any time now which cut through time she would have otherwise had.

Meanwhile, the two souls that had manifested themselves in the downtown area were slowly approaching. Well, one was. The kishin egg soul was definitely heading in the neighborhood’s direction. However, the other one had all but vanished. Now, there was just an odd sparkle around the soul of the kishin egg creature. The soul itself was twisted, torn into pieces almost, and then stitched back together. It was definitely broken. It also radiated an insatiable hunger that was ominous and filled the very air around it. Though no one would see the creature for another moment at minimum, it was clear they were dealing with some sort of monster from every detail that the students would now be much more able to sense and discern information from.

Upon closer revelation, though, if the students sought their opponent out, they would come to a shocking revelation. Though their opponent did appear more monster than man - he had arms that shifted into blades and walked like a zombie without any soul at all - the face that he wore was very clearly the face of a death scythe who just retired from teaching just one year ago at the DWMA. Ace Vabule - he’d been a scythe at one time in his life, though he was clearly something very different now.

Prizzy Kriyze QuirkyAngel CelticHero37 Nobody Special

 

[Prizzy Kriyze]

Sion Noguchi
Salt Lake City​

Faith.

That's a heavy, big word. Sion shuddered at the mention but passed it off as the cold. It was a scary step farther than trust; and that? That was already bad enough. Still he'd have to. It's a prerequisite in the field. Without trust armies fell asunder, and Sion wasn't arrogant enough to expect more of them. Us. The team. He was ready to overcompensate if it came to that, but horrified of the consequences. Scared that if he had to overcompensate, he might have to draw from a pool of bravery that didn't factor in fear in the first place. A confidence that only came from callousness. He didn't want to be that person anymore, and he definitely didn't want Noelle to feel it. He was terrified not to feel fear again.

Then again, he was more scared to fail another comrade.

He pushed the hood of the cloak back as the door to the police station slammed shut behind him. Before them was the shuffling of feet, as the entire police station was on high alert. Noelle, still firmly in the crook of his arm, inquired about his well-being, and Sion's stern expression broke in a small smile. "You're a sweet heart." He spoke, but gave a long pause before continuing telepathically: "Bit stressed. I'm just now realizing this was all Yuan's idea, and uh..." He paused again and looked at the crowd of armed men in blue filling the hall. "Well, I just don't like cops."

It was far from the whole truth, but he didn't need to burden Noelle with his own doubt. Fake it 'til you make it, or something to that effect.

Before the conversation could continue a police woman stood before them. For a moment he explained their affiliation and mission, and the woman seemed to ease up at the idea of assistance. As it turned out the police chief was unavailable, and by the looks of things attempting to organize an ambush with the police was an insurmountable task. What help she could give them came after a brief pause, as she left and returned with a map with the police's outposts dotted in blue. Sion returned her nod when she returned to her post, and lowered his gaze to study the map. "Never in my life would I have imagined I'd be the proud owner of not just one, but TWO maps of Salt Lake City."

In that moment, a group of officers passed them by in close proximity. Only for a split second did Sion's eyes leave the map he was holding, and for less than a moment he moved his hand from the page in a circular motion and into his pocket. So quickly passed the moment, that Sion wasn't sure if Noelle even noticed. "Anyway, looks like we're on our own. Let's grab the others." Sion turned on his heel and exited the building.

Back outside, it seemed the team had split up. He was about to offer another sarcastic comment, but something gave him pause. In the distance, now louder than the evil cackling from before, came the distinct sound of a soul. A powerful one. An evil one. It felt wrong, as if a natural human instinct in Sion told him that this shouldn't be. It sounded like the groaning of an empty stomach, like the sickly sound of tearing flesh. It... it must be a kishin egg. One powerful enough to put an entire city in a state of lock down? It was... disgusting, more so than it was imposing. Like the the difference between a slasher film and psychological horror. Time would tell whether that assessment was right.

"Damn it." He cursed, and began down the street. Only when he'd turned a corner did he draw Noelle and open the canvas to let her rest over his shoulder. "Here, you talk." He said, then produced his phone from his jacket. "Tell her the police was no good, and that she needs to use her perception to find the kishin egg. We'll meet up there by sensing one another." Yuan's number showed up in his recently added contacts, and he turned on speaker as he placed the phone into the same hand he held Noelle. "We might get the drop on him that way."

Riiiiing.

He picked up the pace, and raced down the street. He could not- no, would not let evil exist in his presence without giving it a run for its money. Simultaneously, he finally fished his quarry from the earlier unsuspecting police officer out of his pocket. He flashed a devilish grin and winked at Noelle as he fixed a police radio to his jacket.

"I'm sure they won't mind us optimizing communications."

Interaction: Nobody Special QuirkyAngel CelticHero37