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Futuristic The Astra Veda - Trinity

S
Created at
Index progress
Incomplete

Index of the various Setpoints in the game, taking place at different times and places.
IC Post Generator

Lexielai

Cal Bear
[div style="background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 2%; padding-bottom: 2%; background-image: url(https://i.imgur.com/7YaUIsi.png)"] [div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 20px;"] [div class=mainCover] [div style="flex: 1 0 50%; font-size: 4em; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;"] The Astra Veda [/div] [/div] [div class=mainText] Welcome to the IC thread for the Astra Veda. This thread is specifically catered towards members of the Trinity-aligned faction. Make sure to adhere to RPN rules and maintain the high standard of quality that got you into this roleplay. There is no maximum or minimum post length; you have discretion to choose something appropriate for your intent. Additionally, please preface your posts with the name of your character for clarity.

Due to problems with very slow posters putting prior roleplays on hold, we will NOT proceed by round robin. You can post as many times as you like, but be courteous to the other players you're interacting with as well. Remember to communicate with them; it's one of the core tenets of this game after all. Have fun!

[/div][/div] [/div] [class name=mainCover] display: flex; position: relative; width: 70%; height: 40vh; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; color: rgb(230, 230, 230); text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-image: url(https://i.imgur.com/CBttmUv.png); background-size: contain; background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; [/class] [class name=mainCover maxWidth=1000px] width: 100%; [/class] [class name=mainText] display: block; position: relative; width: 70%; box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 20px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: justify; font-size: 0.9em; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; letter-spacing: 0px; [/class] [class name=mainText maxWidth=1000px] width: 100%; [/class]
[div class="background"] [div class=mainHeader] IC Post Generator [/div] [div class=mainText style="margin-left: 0px;"] Prototype v.3. For HTML colors try browsing here HTML Colors
[div style="white-space: pre-wrap; color: white;"] Not on this list and would like to be? Let me know! [div class=mainSubheader]The Shrauta[/div] [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: rgb(69, 151, 52); color: black;"]REAL[/div]- rgb(69, 151, 52) [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: rgb(105, 100, 150); color: black;"]DRIX[/div]- rgb(85, 57, 130), rgb(105, 100, 150) [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: DarkTurquoise; color: black;"]OPHELIA[/div]- DarkTurquoise [div class=mainSubheader]The Blue Lotus[/div] [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: PaleGoldenRod; color: black;"]ELVIRA[/div]- DarkSlateGray, PaleGoldenRod [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: SeaGreen; color: black;"]SORA[/div]- SeaGreen [div class=mainSubheader]TRINITY[/div] [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: DarkRed; color: black;"]RISSA[/div]- DarkRed, #FF3232 [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: Skyblue; color: black;"]SEVEN[/div]- SkyBlue [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: Blue; color: rgb(200, 200, 200);"]MAIA[/div]- Blue [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: MediumPurple; color: black;"]CAPTAIN VAGABOND[/div]- MediumPurple [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: CornFlowerBlue; color: black;"]GRAND JUDICATOR ARTANIAN VARUNA[/div]- CornFlowerBlue [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: Plum; color: black;"]HIGH INQUISITOR RIYA SHAH[/div]- Plum [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: PeachPuff; color: black;"]EMPRESS IMPERIA[/div]- PeachPuff [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: OrangeRed; color: black;"]SUZANNE PIPENKO[/div]- OrangeRed [div class=mainSubheader]Other[/div] [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: Wheat; color: black;"]MARIELLE HUNT[/div]- Wheat [div style="position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; padding: 3px; margin-right: 5px; background-color: Silver; color: black;"]RANDOM PERSON[/div]- Silver [/div]
[div style="color:white;"] [div class=mainSubheader]Image[/div] Simply insert the link to the image you desire in the indicated space. Remember to delete the underscores.
Code:
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OR Who did they interact with?"][/input] [div class=mainSubheader] Tags [/div] [input class="inputBox smallBox tagsBox" type=text placeholder="Who do you wish to tag?"][/input] [div class=mainSubheader] Text [/div] [input class="inputBox largeBox textBox" type=textarea placeholder="Your post text goes here."][/input] [div class="generateContainer"] [div class="generate"]Generate[/div] [/div] [div class="codeSheet none"] [nobr][comment][font=Share]font reference[/font][font="Raleway"]font reference[/font][font="Roboto Condensed"]font reference[/font][/comment] [div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] [div class="inputVal headerVal"][/div] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText][div class="inputVal locationVal"][/div][/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText][div class="inputVal interactionVal"][/div][/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText][div class="inputVal tagsVal"][/div][/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"][div class="inputVal textVal"][/div] [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: [div class="inputVal headerColorVal"]rgb(180, 0, 0)[/div]; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class][/nobr] [/div] [/div] [script class="generate" on=click version=2] (hide "codeSheet") (addClass "preserve" "codeSheet") (= header (getVal "headerBox")) (= headerColor (getVal "headerColorBox")) (= location (getVal "locationBox")) (= interaction (getVal "interactionBox")) (= tags (getVal "tagsBox")) (= text (getVal "textBox")) (setText (trim header) "headerVal") (setText (trim headerColor) "headerColorVal") (setText (trim location) "locationVal") (setText (trim interaction) "interactionVal") (setText (trim tags) "tagsVal") (setText (trim text) "textVal") (slideDown 1000 "codeSheet") [/script] [class name="none"] display: none; 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[/class] [class name=smallBox] height: 1.8em; width: 100%; transition: background 0.8s ease-in-out 0s; [/class] [class name=largeBox] height: 8em; width: 100%; transition: background 0.8s ease-in-out 0s; [/class] [class name=mainDivider] width: 90%; min-height: 2px; margin: auto; background: linear-gradient(to right, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); [/class] [class name=generateContainer] width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 20px; [/class] [class name=generate] width: 50%; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px; margin: auto; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); border-radius: 2px; background-color: rgba(150, 150, 150, 1); font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; [/class] [class name=generate state=hover] background-color: rgba(230, 230, 230, 1); [/class] [class name=mainText] display: block; position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 1px; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); [/class] [class name=mainHeader] display: block; position: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-bottom: 10px; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgba(15, 15, 15, 1); [/class] [class name=mainSubheader] display: block; position: relative; max-width: 50%; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); [/class] [class name=mainSubheader maxWidth=1000px] max-width: 100%; [/class]
 
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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Welcome to the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]Skycastle Base[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]N/A[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText]All[/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"][div style="border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: normal;"]
ZUq0LXe.jpg
[/div]
Welcome to Skycastle Base, home of the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative. It has been two weeks since the events of the Astra Conference—and the worst terrorist attack in history. In that time, much has changed for you. Recruiters in suits have come to your door and offered you a position in a new organization, devoted to the noble cause of defending the people from emerging threats like the Shrauta. Of course, there were also many lucrative benefits if service to the people did not appeal to you. There was also a small matter that your recruiters brought to your attention. That is, the recent disappearances of Astras across the city. Not so subtly, they suggested that these were likely due to the actions of the Shrauta. And, unfortunately, Trinity could not make any guarantees toward the safety of individual not under the umbrella of their organization. For your own reasons, you have elected to accept the invitation to join the organization. Thus you are now standing here, amidst the freezing cold winds around the primary landing platform. Looking out into the distance, all you can see is a vast expanse of snow, forest, and tundra; a snapshot of a time before the city engulfed all. Skycastle Base is the refitted and upgraded version of a former Institute research facility, isolated far from civilization in the reaches of a mountain range in Kailasa. The base itself is a veritable fortress, constructed out of a hollowed out mountain, and defended by an awe-inspiring array of gun turrets and weaponry. The cold whistles through the air again, sending a shiver down your spine. You eventually make your way inside, and are shown to your quarters. It is a large and spacious accommodation, with a long window on the far end gazing out onto the natural landscape. You also notice that there is not one bed, but two; indeed, according to your guide, you will be sharing this room with a teammate from your unit. It turns out there will be an orientation later on, but for now you are free to explore the base as you will. Apparently you are scheduled to train and develop bonds with your team for the next six months. Please take this time to think about the various relationships you wish to develop with other characters, or the ways that your character will grow in this time period. At the end of the six month period, you will embark on your first real mission; the one that changed everything. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: White; color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Maxwell becomes a hero [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Kumbh, lower level bar [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] N/A [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] To those who need to know. [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] In a small bar in the lower levels of Kumbh, Maxwell sat at the bar drinking alcohol, a lot of alcohol, with what was supposed to be his vacation and a chance to recruit new student ending up with him getting arrested and one of world’s greatest hero, Suzanne Pipenko, getting killed, Maxwell was not in best of moods. Maxwell watched a recording on the news of the incident and Maxwell could barely believe it when he first saw it. Even with some time to think he still was having a hard time believing a hero like her would die, just like that. “There will always be heroes…” Maxwell said spinning his drink in his hand thinking on those last words of the late hero. This is when a man walked into the bar dressed like he was homeless, even though he wasn’t. The slightly homeless-looking man was George, Maxwell’s student, and drinking buddy. “Max, your back and not dead!” George said sounding slightly drunk, mainly because he was already. Maxwell, as well as the bartender both, stared at George for making light of the events that took place only a day or two ago. “George if you weren’t my friend and you weren’t drunk I’d punch you straight in the face” Maxwell said joking a little himself. George was always to come in and cheer up Maxwell when he ever got down. “So besides getting even drunker, what brings you here?” Maxwell said finishing his glass of alcohol before signaling the bartender to get him another drink. “To see how you're holding up. I am worried about you man. From what I heard things when to hell at the conference and the only reason you're here now was that you got taken by the popo” George said sitting down next to Maxwell. “I appreciate your concern but I’m fine. I’m more worried about what happens to people in the conference hall and what that ever that cult is planning.” Maxwell said as he was handed another drink from the bartender, which he quickly chugged down. “Then why don’t you go out and do something to stop them,” George said as he tried to get a drink from the bartender. The bartender, of course, didn’t and instead just gave Maxwell another drink. “Are you saying I should join the army or police? Their restrictions and rules are a bit too similar to my parents for my style.” Maxwell said starting to drink his new glass of alcohol. “Who said that? I’m saying you have awesome powers and baller fight skills! You could become a superhero!” George said waving his hands around in excitement. Maxwell was about told George that he was getting too excited for this when he thought back to Suzanne Pipenko last words. ...We just lost one great hero as some powerful villains appeared… Even as she was dying she thought heroes would rise up against them… Ahh f*ck it… Maxwell thought to himself before setting his still half full glass down. “You know I can’t believe I’m going to ask this but where do you think I should begin,” Maxwell said. As if on cue, a man came down the stairs of the bar and said “You start by signing up for the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative.” “The what? What the hell is the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative?!” George asked. “Well to put simply, it’s this man's chance to make a difference. To become a hero,” the man said walking over to Maxwell with a card with the symbol of the new organization. “So what do you say, you want to stay down here and stay an unknown drunk martial artist or do you want to make a difference and show the world what you got?” the man asked. Maxwell took the card. He stared at it for a long moment before grabbing the glass he put down a moment ago. He chugged it down quickly. “Well, I’m not getting any better offers any time soon,” Maxwell said setting down the empty glass. Then he pulled out his wallet and placed the money he owed on the counter. “It’s about time I give the public a good show of what of what the Drunken Fist fighting Style can do. And maybe I can save a few lives in the process” Maxwells said grinning. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: Green ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"]
The Birth of Historia
[/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]
Whatever Works I Guess Workshop, Arcadia
[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]
Government Agent; Closed
[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText]
None
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Arcadia was never a tourist destination; the industry centric district worked on like a machine day and night, unaffected by minuscule disruptions in daily life. Of course, the national-wide terrorist attack had closed down factories, if only for companies to put on a sympathetic face for the victims. However, that was not the reason for the silence in Whatever Works I Guess Workshop.
Triage Ward, Aretta's father, had been missing.
He, being a notorious shut-in in the neighbourhood, was last seen in his lab by Aretta, two days after the Astra Conference. He was there in the evening, but when the dawn came, he vanished. His lab was intact. Nothing in the house suggested that a break-in had occured. But the fact didn't change that he couldn't be found. Aretta reported the disappearance two days after receiving no messages from him, but the officials weren't so hopeful. Astras were missing everywhere. Her father was only one of many.
A knock on the front door.
Aretta walked up to the door, taking off the headpone she wore and turning off the music before tidying her clothes in front of the mirror hanged on the front door. When she deemed herself presentable, she unlocked the door. In front of her stood a man in a three-piece-suit. A representatitive of an organisation, she judged.
"Good evening, Miss Aretta. I apologise for being up-front, but have you considered joining the A.S.T.R.A Initiative?" The man offered a business card out of his breast pocket, which she accepted. The name was not foreign to her; Marielle had talked about the organisation excitedly during their last outing. Being a government organisation, joining it would guarantee a proper wage and pension, as well as certain prestige if she was to work on her own after retirement.
Then why didn't she feel excited?
"Thank you. I will consider the proposal," she answered politely, half-heartedly. What good would fame do without those who really know how hard she work? Marielle knew, but her father... the screaming heavy metal music couldn't even replace the explosions he made during his experiment. The agent studied Aretta's face for a while before leaning in, adding to his pitch.
"The missing Astras are also a main concern for the government, Miss Aretta. We will inform you of any development in the case," he added. "although, the A.S.T.R.A Initiative has a direct link to Central government. You might hear classified information if you join, Miss Aretta."
The thought gave her a pause. A chance to look for her father. Her mind started whirling. True, the government held more information than any private investigators could gather. The higher she raised in rank, the wider the range of information she could read. Should she join, to look for her father? For a chance to be like Ayodhya One? This time, she answered without any hesitation.
"I accept." Her eyes let off a glint as she steeled her heart.
"And from now on, please call me Historia."
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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Nightshade Returns [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Penthouse apartment; Bordeaux Street, Ayodhya [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Government Agent; Closed [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] N/A [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] Bottles... bottles everywhere. Following the death of her old friend Suzanne Pipenko, Judith’s myriad represses regrets poured forth. Early efforts to rally support for a counter-attack garnered little support due to various ramifications. With her husband leaving on a mission to Arcadia, the lonely spy was left to do as she pleased at home. She engaged in a two-week drinking binge and essentially hit rock-bottom. She drank to forget that imagery, but she always remembered. Moreover, news was spreading among other RBI agents, of astra disappearances all over Trinity. The empty alcohol bottles served as a testament that no amount of strong booze would solve her problems. Judith needed something more; she craved ugly, violent revenge. And then the opportunity came like a thief in the night; 9:00 at night, to be specific. Judith, who was sitting on her couch in her undergarments and pounding down another lethal alcoholic concoction, heard a firm knock at the penthouse door. She didn’t answer for the first two sets of knocks, and finally stirred when the third agitated her enough. “Fine, I’m coming,” she grunted, donning her robe hastily and moving to answer. Opening the apartment door revealed a suited man standing in the hallway. “Judith Clair?” he checked with her, prompting a nod. The suit pushed past her, letting himself into her abode. “So the rumors at RBI-Ayodhya are true; you hit rock-bottom already,” he murmured before pursing his lips. “And who are you, snooping around my workplace?” Judith hissed at him. “Someone who can help you get that revenge you crave; simply, a recruiter for the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative, here to offer you a spot on our team.” He closed the door as he spoke. The blonde was taken aback by his words. She quickly recovered and expressed her doubts, eyeing him cautiously. “Sorry, but I don’t even know you, let alone trust you.” “Oh, so you don’t trust your superiors’ judgment? You came highly recommended for your unique blend of skills. You know, Nightshade, the order to make this program came down from the top brass, with the blessing of the Empress herself.” Several seconds of tense silence ensued. “Sounds like we have access to all the resources. Now let’s discuss my rates,” Judith remarked dryly before retrieving her cocktail. With another sip down, she begins. “I need better weapons. My powers have no bite, and these scumbags are no pushovers. Skill will only carry me so far.” A smirk cracked across the anonymous agent’s face. “Still sharp as a knife, even when bombed. You’ll receive what you deserve for taking time away from Mr. Spasov—not that you two spend that much time together lately. As for equipment... we’ll see what you need... after the training period.” “Training period?” she echoed in protest. “I’m not a rookie.” “Also accurate. But your abilities still leave something to be desired. Let’s see if we can take your power—what was it called again? ‘Mirage’?—to the next level. Now, will you defend Trinity from these looming threats?” Judith remains stoic, though her eyes revealed the proverbial gears turning in her head. “I’ll start packing,” she confirmed. “You know the way out.” “And you know the way in,” the G-man responded, clearly pleased with her answer. “You just received a set of coordinates to an unmarked hovercraft, along with its departure time. Where you go from there... well, at least it’s safer than wherever the Shrauta are supposedly taking these other astras...” With that, he let himself out and disappeared into the night. Nine hours later... The sun rose over the mountains in Kailasa as the hovercraft landed at the heliport of Skycastle base. She was glad she had packed a warm coat. This was going to be a grueling six months, indeed... 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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Rissa's Epilogue [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]The Golden Palace, Skycastle Base[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]Seven, Elvira, Empress Imperia, Captain Vagabond[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText]Members of the Trinity Faction[/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"][div class=mainSubheader]THE GOLDEN PALACE[/div]Seven days after the Astra Conference [div style="border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: normal;"]
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The wide, towering expanse of this hallway echoed with the clicks of two people stepping across the mosaic tile floor. The footsteps were interspersed by the calm, formal voice of one of the travelers, a youthful woman with white hair and striking blue eyes. “—addition, the new weapons project is due to arrive tomorrow. We can prepare a testing facility immediately if you so wish, milady.” “Great, please do that. Thanks. And remember to invite Valta too—don’t want him to miss out on his new suit after all,” replied the other traveler. Her crimson red hair swept in curls around her stunning, perfectly symmetrical features. “Understood, milady,” replied the woman with white hair, Seven. She quickly made a note on her datapad as they walked down the peaceful, undisturbed reaches of the vast hall. This was a region of the palace that very few people had access to, hence the absence of people. Unlike the rest of the city, there was a quiet and serene atmosphere here. That only served to heighten the grandeur of this great hall, which glowed brilliantly with luxury and power. Before long, the duo reached their destination. It was an impossibly tall set of double doors, reaching high towards the ceiling up above, and wide enough for an army to pass through with room to spare. At its base was the silent gliding of a figure who also approached the doorway. She wore a beautiful white dress, adorned by an opulent golden necklace, and smiled to the two approaching women. Her black, feathered wings were folded behind her back in a way that reminded onlookers of an angel. Rissa and Seven froze, as if they were caught within the spider’s web. The duo faced off against the lone woman, trapped by the thick tension in the air as they stared at one another. Then, Rissa broke the silence. She dashed across the distance between them in a blink of an eye, her arms spread wide in preparation for her next move. “Elvira!” she greeted in delight, wrapping her arms around the other in a big hug. “You’re back?!” The angel-like woman rocked from the impact, but smiled gently as she returned the gesture. “Hello to you too, my little shadow,” Elvira replied, gracefully setting Rissa down on the floor before either of them fell over. “Indeed I have returned. My mission took a little longer than anticipated, but it has concluded now.” Rissa raised her chin and gave Elvira a skeptical look. “A little longer? You’ve been gone for a year.” Elvira waved her hand dismissively. “Ah, well, time passes differently for us centennials. Years just pass by in the blink of an eye these days. Speaking of which, you’ve gotten faster...you’ve been keeping up with your training, I assume?” “Of course! Seven’s been practicing with me. I’m still not as good as either of you, but I’ll definitely catch up to you soon. And then I’ll finally kick your ass!” “Is that so?” Elvira said with a small laugh. “Well, I look forward to that day. Ah, Seven, I’m glad to see you are also well. You look as beautiful as always, the both of you.” The aforementioned woman stepped forward, inclining her head with a small bow. “It is also a relief to see that you are in good health, Lady Fourth.” Elvira nodded in acknowledgement, and seemed to pull a datapad out of thin air that she held with both hands. “So, what are you doing here?” Rissa asked, interest gleaming in her eyes. “I was planning to hand in my report to the Empress before returning to the intelligence center. I’ll have to catch up with the High Inquisitor to see what I’ve recently missed. Considering the recent developments at the Astra Conference, I’m sure there will be plenty of information to review—my goal is to know everything Trinity knows by the end of this week.” The mention of that disastrous event softened Rissa’s cheerful expression, and Elvira’s quickly picked up on the change in mood. “I heard that you were there,” Elvira stated carefully. “It’s truly unfortunate what happened. I did not see it for myself, but I’ve heard enough of what happened. I’m glad you made it out alive.” Rissa smiled bitterly. “I wasn’t really in any danger,” she started saying, and then quickly changed her mind after glancing at Seven. “Well, after the Tesseract incident anyways. That event got overshadowed by everything at the conference, but I’m sure you’ll hear more about it from Riya. In any case, I wasn’t there when it happened.” There was a tinge of regret in her voice, as if she had failed in some way that she could not put into words. Elvira nodded magnanimously, quickly deciding that it would be better to not press further. “So what brings you here today, little shadow?” Elvira continued, walking alongside Rissa towards the massive doors while Seven trailed behind. “I wanted to talk with Mom for a bit. Ask a few questions, get her opinion on a few things. Nothing big,” Rissa replied. She fell into her typical place at the center of the doorway while Seven and Elvira fanned out to opposite ends. “You’re the only one who can so casually request an audience with the Empress,” Elvira replied with a small laugh, placing her hand on a bioscanner on the door. Across the way, Seven did the same. “Indeed, Lady Fourth. Her Majesty immediately granted the meeting when I contacted her. I cannot even imagine what urgent business she must have put on hold at a mere moment’s notice, especially at a time like this,” Seven chimed in agreement. 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There was a loud hum as the doors suddenly unlocked, sliding to each side and allowing light to wash through into the room beyond. Within was a grand chamber of a size that stretched comprehension, shaped into a graceful and magnificent series of triangle-based architecture. At its center was a massive holographic projection of a strange polyhedron, twisting and turning in place. After a few moments, the shape faded away and was replaced by a three-dimensional model of the Central district, built like a cutaway slice depicting all the levels from the first to the hundreth and everything in between. “Oh, it’s really not that big a deal, you two. Mom was just going to delegate that work to someone else anyways,” Rissa said with a shrug. The trio stepped into the chamber and beyond while the door shut behind them. When they reached the end of the chamber, they saw a woman waiting for them. She stood with her back to their approach, her hands folded behind her as she contemplated a large stream of data. When they were close enough, she turned. “Your Majesty,” greeted both Seven and Elvira, who immediately genuflected with their heads bowed low. Rissa remained standing, but had the decency to press her hands together in a sign of respect. “You may rise.” Empress Imperia wore her usual enigmatic smile today, and although her eyes were covered by the strange headdress she wore, her gaze clearly lingered on the form of Rissa. “Four, your report?” she asked. Elvira promptly stepped forward to hand over her datapad before returning to her prior position. “Good, then you are dismissed. You as well, Seven; I would like to spend some time alone with Clarissa. Please brief your comrade on the newest occupant of the palace as you do.” “Understood, your Majesty,” Seven replied. Although she was often mistrustful when leaving Rissa alone, Seven had no hesitation this time around. Her trust in the Empress was simply greater than even her trust in herself. Seven and Elvira bowed once more before exiting the chamber, leaving the Empress alone with her daughter. “So, Clarissa. It's been too long since we last spoke. Shall we take a walk?” [div class=mainSubheader]SKYCASTLE BASE[/div]Ten days after the Astra Conference “We are pleased to welcome you to Skycastle Base, Commander Imperia,” greeted the man at the base of the landing pad. Although he was no longer wearing his distinctive Enforcer armor, his ramrod straight posture and professionalism even in the freezing cold revealed his identity. “Captain Vagabond? I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Rissa replied, stepping down from the boarding ramp of her transport. “Yes, I requested transfer from the Enforcers to the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative soon after the conference. I’ll be working with you as one of the instructors for your unit.” Rissa watched him for a moment, reading his features until she could discern his true intent. Then she smiled in understanding. “I see. Then let’s get to work.” [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #FF3232; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=mainSubheader] display: block; position: relative; max-width: 50%; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Jakob Brötzmann [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]Ayodyha Backstreet[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]Govenment Agent; Closed[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText]None[/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"]Footsteps. They were growing closer. If they found him now he was as good as dead. He held his breath. hoping against hope that they'd overlook the nook he had tucked into. They grew closer. Jakob bit down on his tongue, to try and suppress his pained moans. They'd got him pretty good, at best it was just light fractures and superficial cuts. But he knew this amount of blood wasn't from anything that minor. Ever since the Shrauta had appeared the gang activity on the ground had gotten extreme. They probably assumed that those in charge of dealing with them now had more more serious problems to deal with than them. From what Jakob could tell they were probably right in their assumptions. This was the fourth night in a row that he had been out, and no matter what he did their numbers never seemed to diminish. Maybe he just wasn't capable of handling this level of crime anymore. Despite this it's not like he could stop, if he did nobody would take his place. A set of footsteps stopped a few feet away, a voice rang out calling to the others searching for him. "So this is how it it happens?" he chuckled to himself "It had to be some filthy backalley didn't it?" He pulled himself from his hiding spot out into the alley. He was hunched over, his left arm wrapped around his body clutching his stab wound. In his right hand was a bloodied brick, if he was was going down he was going down fighting. Half a dozen of them ran at him, by the sounds of it more were on their way. Jakob was winding up for his first swing when blinded by headlights being shone directly at him. His eyes adjusted to the light just in time to see his attackers continue to run past him and out of sight. Jakob collapsed backwards onto the dirty floor. A few moments another set of footsteps made their way towards him. "You're Jakob Brötzmann I presume." An authoritative female voice rang out in the now quiet darkness. Lifting himself up he sat cross legged on the ground to meet the gaze of the woman "It depends on who's asking round these parts. Speaking of which you don't seem like you belong here dressed in something that fancy." Ignoring his comments on her appearance she continued. "I'm a recruiter for the A.S.T.R.A Initiative; you were a noted member included in the events of the Astra conference, so I am here to offer you a place on the team." Jakob laughed at her. "Look. I appreciate the offer, but you can see first-hand that I'm not cut out for the heroics. Those guys weren't even Astras and they fucked me up something fierce. Plus I don't think my way of fighting is really the family friendly stuff you guys like." He said lightly shaking the bloody brick in his hand at her before tossing it aside. "And if I did leave who would look after the people down here?" "If you join the Initiative you will be given training, allowing you to protect the people down here. I'll also put in a request for additional patrols, if you agree. Other terms can be agreed at a later date." "I guess I don't really have a choice then. If you're going to be this accommodating and flexible, you're obviously desperate for as much help as you can get." He rose you his feet and made his way over to the vehicle, he began to feel light headed as he opened the door. "Consider me in, on the condition that you get me some medical help kinda quickly. I wasn't lying when I said they got me bad." With that Jakob collapsed into the back of car as he drifted out of consciousness. 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"There is darkness inside all of us, though mine is more dangerous than most. Still, we all have it—that part of our soul that is irreparably damaged by the very trials and tribulations of life. We are what we are because of it, or perhaps in spite of it. Some use it as a shield to hide behind, others as an excuse to do unconscionable things. But, truly, the darkness is simply a piece of the whole, neither good nor evil unless you make it so. "

Location: Multiple Locations
Mentions: Rissa and Seven, with minor mentions of other characters.
Mood: Pleased
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Location: The Golden Palace

Date: Eight Days after the Astra Conference

Designing a new suit was never an easy process. Valta prefered to do it on his own which is how he’d come to have his original suit. But Rissa and Seven...they wanted to be more involved. He could understand Seven’s desire to be involved. He’d proven to be a danger to Rissa, who he now had a better understanding of given the past few days.

The amount of power and money Rissa had at her disposal was...terrifying. He’d underestimated her in a large variety of ways, her intelligence to begin with. She picked up the intricacies of his suit in a short amount of time, she’d even improved the basic design.

Not only the two of them, but a whole host of technicians and scientists were brought into the project, to Valta’s obvious annoyance. A point Rissa was clearly aware of and using as a point of comedy. She touched upon his fears somewhat, but everything else seemed to be fair game in her eyes. The woman was like an old friend that frequently picked on him in the encouraging way that friends do, despite knowing him for a grand total of eight days.

Even more strange was the juxtaposition between Valta’s expectations and her behavior. It would have been natural, even expected, for her to be supremely cautious around him. Fearful, even. After all, he delivered a near fatal wound to her just a few days earlier. If anything, she would be crazy to not dislike him.

Despite this, there was not an ounce of hesitation or fear. She acted as if it had never happened, like it had all been a fevered dream. Except, of course, it wasn’t—the frequent death glares that her handmaiden gave him were enough to prove that much.

That was comforting though. If, for some reason, he were to lose control of himself again at least Seven would be the first to react. He often still wondered about what she’d done with the stone though. His video definitely showed her covering it with her foot…

Discovering more about that energy was something he’d filed away for later. With Rissa’s and, to a begrudging amount, Seven’s he was able to get a working suit once more. Of course there was a caveat, one he agreed with. The suit was designed with a kill switch, one completely separate from his normal control systems. He had no way of accessing it short of taking the suit apart.

Rissa was up front about the point of it. It was to shut his suit down should he ever become a threat.

The suit itself was an incredible marvel of engineering. It was designed with the most modern of technology as well as defense systems to protect the more delicate instruments. He’d made sure that his suit wouldn’t be completely disabled the next time he had to fight which, given information on the various factions, would probably be soon enough.




Location: Skycastle Base

Date: Fifteen Days after Astra Conference

“I let them surround me first” Valta mumbled as he rewound the video for the hundredth time this afternoon “Not only that, whatever was in control didn’t have any other techniques other than the Shadow Spikes...long range was smart but not effective in such a small location. Outside I would have done more damage” he’d been trying to better understand his faults in fighting by observing the video. Though it was from his perspective it gave him some understanding of his capabilities at a heightened level of power.

If he ever hoped to fight against Shrauta, he’d need greater combat abilities.

“Close quarter combat will need to be improved” he sighed. He didn’t like making physical contact with others. Even with his new suit. Maybe something to keep those at bay without using his body…

“A sword maybe?” he was mildly capable with a staff but not on the level he’d need to be with a sword to deal serious damage...even kill. As mushy as it sounded, he wanted Rissa to be proud she’d chosen to take him in.

He rolled the video to observe Seven and Rissa, even Maia’s combat. Even though he’d wounded her, Rissa’s speed and reflexes to actually knock aside and dodge several of the spikes before she was wounded “Very impressive” he said softly. Seven had been deeply inhibited by Rissa after she was wounded. She wouldn’t leave her side which damaged her combat effectiveness. It was fortunate that others had been there or he would have killed both of them. He shook his head “Should apologize more”

Maia’s strength was just ridiculous. He doubted that even his enhanced body and armor would have handled too many blows from her. Her tactical mind had also attempted to use the surroundings against him.

Power and Skill, these three women had it. Combined with the assistance of several other people, they managed to beat him. Especially that combination attack by Rissa and Seven at the end. He chuckled softly

“Beautiful.”

It was then that he noticed the lone ray of light that invaded his sanctuary. Following its source, he found a slightly ajar door at the entrance to his room. Standing beside it was a certain redhead, who knocked cheekily while poking her head inside.

“Hope I’m not disturbing your private time,” she said with a playful look, leaning her arm against the door frame. “I just thought I heard you say something about swords. You interested in them?”

He was fortunate that he’d gotten into the habit long ago of wearing his suit constantly. His face felt hot at being caught admiring her “Why knock when you’d already entered?” he asked softly before shaking his head “Yes, I’m interested in swords. Their length and bladed edges would be a useful addition to my skill set...though I’d rather that not the case” he sighed softly as he sent the video away to properly look at her.

She wore an outfit more casual than he’d seen her in previously, a simple tank top to match her military style pants and her hair tied up into a bun. Save for the magnetic aura that seemed to follow her around, she looked nothing like the woman he had known for the last week. He was thankful that his shadow abilities seemed to minorly suppress his emotions. He didn’t deny that Rissa was an attractive woman.

He attempted to return his thoughts to the conversation at hand “My abilities are extremely limited, especially when I don’t have a ‘magically’ induced power trip backing me up” he chuckled slightly.

“So you think that learning to use a sword will help compensate for that?” Rissa asked. Her hand idly pushed aside the door to let the outside light creep into the room until it gently touched the base of his feet, causing him to move slightly away from it.

“Partially. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I lack nearly any offensive abilities. My suit is the most defensive aspect of me, without it I am nothing more than a crying child” he didn’t normally bring it up, but it was just the two of them “You’ve put a lot of faith in me and I am happy to help with my mind, but if there is some way I can fight...to keep people from dying..then I want to do it”

His fingers twitched before his hands tightened into fists “That woman who died...she didn’t stand a chance against such power. If I can improve myself even a little bit, I’ll be one step closer to preventing that from happening again”

Glowing eyes locked onto hers “Have you ever wanted to be more than what everyone sees you as? To push pass what you see yourself as?”

She looked thoughtful for a moment. He couldn’t tell what exactly was going through her mind, but her eyes focused intently on him. Then she nodded.

“I think I understand. Here, come with me,” she said, stepping out into the light of the hallway beyond his room’s horizon. She reached into the darkness towards him. “I was about to head to the training room. I’ll teach you how to use a sword there.”

He looked at her offered hand for a moment before he stepped into the light streaming around her form. His feet touched her shadow and he watched from the corner of his eye as their shadows rippled together for a moment. Then he took her hand and let her pull him out of his room.

“I should expect to be thoroughly bruised I suppose” he said chuckling softly “I managed to catch your last sparring session with Seven, it did not look pleasant”

She raised an eyebrow behind her as she led him through the metal corridors.

“Spying on me now? My my. I better start checking my bathroom for little surprises now,” she teased, darting off towards the upcoming training room before he could manage a response. He found her holding a long, sheathed blade in her hands, eyes carefully inspecting its shape and weight.

When he stepped closer, he heard more than saw the shriek of metal through the air. One moment, she was looking at the sheathe. The next, the tip of her blade was delicately placed at the bridge of his nose, causing him to blink in surprise at such a show of speed.

Rissa held her position for a moment before returning the sword to a more relaxed stance.

“The first idea I want to impress on you,” she began, “is that the sword is not just a weapon. It is a precision tool just like a scalpel. If you are not careful, you will hurt yourself and those around you.”

She shifted her feet wide out, and now held the blade firmly in both palms. “To master it, you need to be able to master yourself. Cheesy as that sounds, it’s true. You need to be disciplined, focused, controlled, and aware. If you let your emotions or fears get to you, then you’ll just end up hurting someone who didn’t deserve it.”

There was a stunning difference between her normally playful demeanor and the seriousness she showed now. It was as if holding the sword had flipped a switch; turned her eyes just as sharp as the edge of the blade.

Valta nodded in understanding “Under most circumstances my Astra abilities limit my emotions to a degree. Letting my emotions overtake me will be difficult in the best of times, though I will admit that I don’t have the reflexes you have, normally I’d prefer to be slow and methodical. I have control and focus, designing the things I do require both. Discipline may need some growth though, I’d much rather avoid interacting with others”

“I do have a question though. Why do you use a sword? Or rather, what led you to want to use the sword?” with her power and wealth, he imagined that she could have gotten more modern weapons or even a host of armored suits similar to his own. How did one choose a preference of weapons to use? His choice was focused on necessity. With his abilities, should he figure out how to make them physical once more, he’d have long range combat covered. Mid to short range would be best covered by a sword, hence his interest in them.

“Hmmm,” she answered, considering the question. “It was useful when I was first learning to use my powers. A sword is a bit archaic, but there are similarities between it and an Astra’s abilities.”

Her eyes wandered and found the still form of a metallic training dummy nearby. “Using a sword requires skill and awareness. You need to always pay attention to where your blade is pointing; the same can said for your powers. If you’re not careful, you will become a danger to the people around you.”

She lifted her sword to demonstrate, and it glowed with a faint red aura. Effortlessly, Rissa pressed it into and through the training dummy as if her weapon had passed through thin air. The top half clattered to the floor a moment after.

“Well, that was one reason. There was also this old legend I liked as a kid about a banished prince fighting monsters with a magical sword. I just thought it was cool at the time,” she continued with a shrug.

“That seems to fit my impression of you” he said as he made a mental note of her ability. He rarely got to see her Astra ability in action “Speaking of Astra, what exactly are we? What are we connected to? When I touched that stone. On my end, nothing happened. I didn’t go crazy with power. Everyone was just gone and then I saw someone…what do you know about Erebus?”

“Erebus? Some Greek god, right?” she replied. “Honestly, it beats me. Why and how we have powers is a mystery. All I know is that I have them, and so do you. But why did you ask about Erebus anyway?”

He shook his head “In that..vision? delusion? I am not sure but I saw a man standing before me. He didn’t speak to me but when he turned and I saw his face...I knew his name as well as my own. I didn’t have much time to think about it afterwards...at least not until Shrauta arrived. They claimed to be working for their god right? If Erebus is a Greek god...what is to say he wasn’t real? Somehow connected to me because I am an Astra. I did a bit of digging and Erebus wasn’t just any Greek god, he was the Greek god of Darkness. He was Darkness personified…” he shook his head.

“Mythology is supposed to be just that. Are our powers random or connected to some deity? Or maybe these deities were just...ancient Astra?”

He gave his head a soft shake to get his thoughts back into order “I’ve pulled us off track. We were here to learn about the sword, not discuss powers and gods” Valta looked up towards her “If we are going to be training with swords...maybe it would be best to use practice weapons first. I’m confident that I wouldn’t be able to harm you, but I’d hate to damage something I couldn’t afford”

That was when he realized that the person he was speaking to was no longer there. Sometime during his mumblings, she had disappeared from eyesight. He cocked an eyebrow before a weight settled on his shoulders. “You’re right, Valt. Get out of your head sometime,” his suit’s microphones registered in his ear. When he looked over, he saw Rissa standing beside him with two long sticks in hand.

“I’d tell you to take your suit off, but then you wouldn’t train at all. So keep it on like the silly man you are,” she said, shoving one of the sticks into his arms.

“Now, start by getting into a stance. Hold your hands here, and put your feet there…”

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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] First Training Session [Rissa] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]Skycastle Base[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]Open; Members of the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText]Everyone in the Trinity Faction[/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"]Date: Sixteen Days after the Astra Conference “Commander on deck!” At once, there was the loud shuffle of hastily stashed away tools and equipment as the occupants of the large room snapped to attention. Technicians and soldiers alike saluted with military precision to response to the bark made by a stern-looking man who marched down the hallway. His hair was trimmed into a tight buzz cut, and he wore the lightly padded uniform of a military officer. On his breast was a small nameplate marked by his identifier: Cpt. Vagabond. Trailing behind him were two women in similarly crisp uniforms. Leading was the elegant, graceful movements of a Half-Deva with snow white hair and eyes as blue as glacial ice. She was the very embodiment of class, a figure that immediately called to mind the image of power and perfection. [div style="border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: normal;"]
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Behind her was a Manu with scarlet red hair and bright golden irises. She strode casually in her decorated blue and gold uniform, yet even so there was a commanding air about her. It could have been her genetically engineered, perfectly symmetrical features—or the confidence radiating beneath her eyes—but regardless, there was the distinct impression that this particular woman was in charge around here. The various support staff shuffled towards the approaching trio as they made their way to the center of the room where eventually the redhead commander stepped up to address its occupants. “Good morning, Scarlet Company. Thank you for making it on time to our first meeting—for you yawning faces in the crowd, there’s some extra coffee in the break room for afterwards,” she said with a small smile to ease the tension in the air. “So let me begin by introducing myself. I am Commander Clarissa Imperia, the commanding officer of this unit.” The crowd murmured quietly. Imperia? That was a name made famous by Empress Imperia herself. But it couldn’t be related. It wasn’t an entirely uncommon last name, so it had to be a coincidence, right? Commander Imperia swept her eyes over the faces in the audience for a moment. “I am also aided by my second-in-command, Lieutenant Dawnstrider. You may address her as Lieutenant or by her codename, Seven.” The woman with snow-white hair stepped forward and nodded before returning to her place. She moved like water, as if her every step was trained and perfected into a graceful dance. “It is my hope,” Commander Imperia continued, “That you men and women will become the light that cast away the shadows looming over our city. I know many of you have seen the footage from the Astra Conference. Some of us were even there.” Her smile shifted to become bitter. “Our enemy is incredibly dangerous, and we have lost many people fighting against them. Yet we cannot give in, because the survival of our people is on the line. Our friends...our families...if we allow these people to continue their reign of terror, then they too will face danger. That is why we are here to stand at the frontlines and fight this battle for their sake.” The room had quieted by this point. There was something magnetic beneath her words, something fierce and uncompromising in her face and eyes, that naturally drew people to listen no matter what she said. Despite the brevity of her speech, those qualities still managed to radiate as brightly as the noon sun. “I have confidence that you all will become the heroes that this city sorely needs, even if you do not see it yourself. We will be counting on you in the days to come...Remember Pipenko!” “Remember Pipenko!” The staff reflexively replied to the chant that had become their mantra. The name of the martyr had spread like wildfire around the city as a rallying call, a symbol of overcoming fears to stand up to evil. ‘#RememberPipenko’ had become a popular tag that had taken over social media, and so too did her tributes and memoirs. Pro-Government propaganda was at an all-time high despite the swath of criticisms launched at the government who could not defend its own people. Yet Commander Imperia carried something different aside from the propaganda; aside from the manipulative promises and superficial commiserations. It was difficult to describe or understand, but it could perhaps be best understood as the genuine promise to honor a hero’s legacy. Pipenko would be remembered. And a battle would be fought. Then, she let her breath settle. “Support staff, you are dismissed. Astras—follow me to the practice hall. Your training begins now.”[/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #DA1919; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Akshath [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Skycastle Base [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Open; Members of the A.S.T.R.A. Initiative [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Everyone in the Trinity Faction [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"]Standing silently in the large room, Akshath glanced at the surrounding men and women, all of them bound together by a shared cause. While there were surely a few that may not have been as altruistic or patriotic as the rest, he doubted that most of those who agreed to join this unit shared his motivations. He was only trying to satisfy his own desires. It just so happened that it was necessary for him to be here to accomplish that. This would have been his first honest job, but he hesitated to call this line of work 'honest', on account of who his employer was. Despite his feelings about the government, and his less than stellar reputation, he was recruited just like the people with noble hearts and a thirst for justice. If they were willing to hire someone like him, Trinity must have been really desperate. Well, he was no different. This was the quickest way to earn the money he needed. As much as he disliked the people in power, they took care of those who were willing to do their dirty work. They had more money and luxuries than someone from Naraka could possibly imagine. None of those things really appealed to him, but his preferences and opinions were irrelevant. He never thought he'd be working as a dog for the government, but if it meant helping his father, he'd bark as much as they wanted him to. He didn't like being so far away from his father while he was sick. Even if his new position provided him and his family with medical care, Akshath didn't trust strangers to be around Modak without supervision. Things had also been pretty crazy in Naraka lately, especially on the bottom. However, there wasn't much he could do right now except hope for the best. Soon, one of the more experienced dogs arrived to silence the commotion, gathering everyone's attention with a few words as they saluted him. The guy didn't stand out very much from the rest of the crowd despite his position, unlike the two women at his side. The first one to catch his attention was the woman with hair as white as the snow outside. Her features were familiar to him, noticing the trademark grace and beauty associated with many Deva. Although, it was clear that she also possessed the characteristics of a Manu. She was a hybrid, just like him. He had never spoken to her, but her appearance alone made the woman more fit for the title 'ice queen' than anyone he had met before. He got that impression after taking a look at her piercing blue eyes, momentarily gazing with his contrasting red. The other woman had hair almost as crimson as his eyes. After seeing her and listening to the greeting she gave, he began to put the pieces together. Scarlet Company. Got it. With a name like that, he didn't even need to be told that she was the one in charge. He wasn't paying too much attention to what she had to say, but honestly, it wasn't much of speech. Really, all he got from it was 'these guys are crazy strong and have killed tons of us already, but have faith'. Although, he didn't care if her words were inspiring or not. He didn't need a pep talk to do his job. Akshath just kept listening until she marked the end of her not so motivational speech with a name he had heard a lot lately. Pipenko. He may have left the conference before the main event began, but he still saw everything that happened through the media. It may have seemed heartless, but he didn't feel any impact from her death. She was a woman he had no connection to, only learning more about her after everything was over. It was a decision she made by herself, something that made her a martyr in the eyes of the people. However, if she was as talented and important as he was told, then it would've been smarter for her to not do anything. A few people may have been motivated by her death, but he had seen others react differently. Seeing someone with so much strength being killed like they were nothing only worsened the fear and paranoia that a lot of people felt. It was either inspiring or soul crushing. Those were the only effects of her death that he could see. Nothing else had changed. The people that killed her were still fine. It would've been better for her to survive and use her skills to teach the Astras that Trinity needed. Now, she was nothing more than propaganda for the government. It wasn't anything new. The same thing had already been done with Maia. Using someone as a tool to accomplish their goals. The only difference was that the government was now doing it with a corpse. Regardless of whether or not she died, it didn't change what they had to do. They still had to deal with Shrauta. As crazy as they seemed, the dangerous cult said some things that he agreed with. The world and society were warped, and the people at the bottom were the only ones getting screwed over. However, destroying the world was an overreaction. If they had enough power to do that, why not just fix what was broken? Staging some kind of revolution seemed a lot simpler than what they were trying to do. It was just stupid and unnecessary. To him, these people were like a toddler knocking over a tower of blocks when they were angry. They were just throwing a tantrum and breaking the things they didn't like. Making a new world didn't sound too bad, but he wasn't fine with destroying the old one. He lived here. If the world ended, then it didn't matter if he managed to help his father. He wasn't going to work his ass off for nothing. Really, all the stuff about martyrs and saving the world was beyond him. He only had one goal and if something needed to be done to accomplish it, he'd do it. That included having to deal with some wack jobs yelling about gods and the apocalypse. Thankfully, all the other talk died down and their new leader moved on to something he had more experience with. Before accepting this job, he was told about the six-month training process. Considering who they were meant to be fighting, Trinity needed more than just numbers. They needed Astras that could handle themselves in real combat. That was probably the only thing that made him qualified for this line of work. Akshath was only good at stealing and hurting people. Those were the only skills that mattered back home. As the support staff walked away, Akshath followed Clarissa with the rest of the Astras. They definitely weren't wasting any time. Everyone had to work fast if they wanted to make a talented group of fighters in just six months. He wondered what kind of training they'd be starting with, but he couldn't imagine it being worse than the years spent learning from his father. Just remembering those lessons made him feel the pain all over again. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #8B0000 ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Seven [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]Skycastle Base[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]Rissa, Akshath, Members of the Trinity Faction[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Lucem Lucem Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"]Sixteen Days after the Astra Conference Clarissa exhaled, quietly releasing the tension in her shoulders. The various support staff in the room began filing away to fulfill their various duties. Among them included Captain Vagabond, who crisply saluted before marching off to begin barking additional orders. “You did well, milady,” said Seven. She stepped beside Clarissa, her hands folded in front of her. “Yeah,” the princess sighed. “Being a leader sure is a lot of responsibility, isn’t it?” Seven smiled softly. “It is, but it is a position that no one else could better fill.” Clarissa’s eyes still held a trace of uncertainty, but it was invisible to anyone except for those who knew her best. The strongest clue, Seven had discovered, was that the more certain Clarissa seemed, the more unsure she actually felt. “Well, no time to complain about it now. Let’s get going,” answered Clarissa, pushing her uncertainties aside. Seven followed her off the podium and towards the adjacent practice hall while a scant few of the audience followed behind. These were the Astras of their unit, who Seven carefully inspected when they approached. Judging purely by their walks, many of them were untrained or rough around the edges. A few had movements suggesting prior training, but none of them had the radiating wealth of power that she was used to. Seven herself was among the weakest of the Royal Guards, yet the chasm between even she and the strongest of the new Astras was rather distant. Although she doubted they could bridge that gap in a mere six months, there was certainly opportunities for progress to be made. When the rest of the Astras arrived at the large, multi-layered expanse of the practice hall, Clarissa’s voice rang out once again. “Alright, everyone listen up. We are all very fortunate to have you and your strength at our side. You are the spearhead at the forefront of our efforts. But let me be frank with you all—it takes years to train a fully combat-ready Astra. We have six months.” Clarissa gestured, and Seven took the cue to step forward. “To fully expedite your training, you will be under the supervision of the highest rated Astra in this building: your Lieutenant Commander, Seven. Please, take it away.” [div style="border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: normal;"]
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“Understood,” Seven responded. She moved fully into the spotlight, aware of the many eyes on her—and of those belonging to the woman behind her. She couldn’t mess this up; Clarissa was depending on her. She had to meet those expectations to the fullest. “Allow me to begin by explaining the nature of this training, and the reasons for it.” Seven inhaled and exhaled deeply. Public speaking was normally antithetical to her shy nature. “As you all know, Astras naturally acquire a suite of superior physical abilities in addition to their unique personal power. Many of you may have learned to utilize these abilities at a rudimentary level, even without conscious effort; everyday tasks have become exponentially easier, and ordinary people pose little threat. Overnight, you have become more powerful than you could have ever imagined.” She paused. Her eyes scanned over the crowd while she willed her heart to settle. “I am here to tell you that you still have very far to go. More to the point, it is the method of training that matters for Astras. Like our non-Astra counterparts, our physical abilities can be improved with dedicated training. Stressing our muscles encourages growth and improves the neural connection between our mind and our bodies, enhancing our efficiency,” Seven explained. “The importance of that latter half cannot be underestimated.” Seven started to move towards the side, where a rack of weights had been placed. Each was contained on a highly structurally reinforced platform, and the floor below had been similarly supported by ultra-durable flooring and a gel-compressing surface. These precautions were in place for the simple reasons that the smallest weight on the rack weighed a minimum of a hundred kilograms. “Our bodies were not naturally built to withstand the immense pressures of the power we now control. Nor were our minds designed to use such superhumanly amplified bodies. Thus, we compensate with what we know. As a result, each of you is likely using your gifts more inefficiently than I am, for instance. But I see that some of you may have also undergone training to use your abilities and found improvements—in that case, your progress can likely be attributed to improving your mind-body connection and efficiently utilizing your talents.” Her eyes fell on one of the Astras in the crowd. Earlier in the day, she had made it her business to carefully read over and analyze the dossiers for each of the Astras in their unit in case of potential dangers. This one had a criminal history, and intel suggested he had a better grasp of his abilities than most other Astras. She took a moment to recall his name: Akshath. “The unique powers of Astras are much the same way. Through improved understanding of your abilities and through gaining experience, your powers can grow greatly in breadth and potency. They are not static,” Seven continued. “But, just as the upper limit for an Astra’s growth is far beyond an ordinary person, so too is the minimum bar for real results. I can guarantee you that your powers will not grow from fighting ordinary gangsters and criminals. Simply put, they are too low level for you.” Seven placed her hand on one of weights resting on the rack she approached earlier. Its side labelled it as weighting ‘1 ton’. “For most of you, objects of this weight will be strenuous to bear,” Seven said. “After all, it is rare that any ordinary person would be required to lift this much. That mindset needs to change—Astras do not operate on the same scale as other people. You must push yourself to limits you once thought to be impossible.” She lifted the weight easily, and then allowed it to settle with a thump. “At the end of this training period, I expect your new maximum carrying capacity to be three times this much.” Her other hand had reached out towards a larger weight of extremely dense metal, marked by the label of ‘3 tons’. Seven exhaled quietly to let her muscles prepare before she lifted it up and above her shoulder in one smooth motion. “This is approximately the weight of an average landcar. Often the battlefield is a widely varying environment, and manipulating it to your advantage is paramount. Being able to move a stray vehicle into an advantageous position can sometimes be the difference between life and death.” Then Seven set the weight back in its place, and the release of the heavy object sent out a light rumble that vibrated the floor beneath the gathered Astras. It was fortunate that her experience in the Royal Court had helped her maintain her composure throughout, or else she would have been a stuttering and sweating mess by now. She had always been very nervous about showing off. “We will also be expecting similarly drastic improvements in the rest of your overall physical conditioning. This will not be an easy task in such a short period of time,” Seven concluded. Suddenly, her mind flashed back to the many hellish days of her own training years ago. A surge of sympathy shot through her chest. “Prepare yourselves. For most of you, these six months will be the hardest you’ve ever had.” [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: SkyBlue; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Goodbye Kohsoom Resort [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Kohsoom Resort, Southern Kumbh [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Government Agent, Family [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] N/A [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] It had only been two weeks since the attack at the Astra Conference, but business at the resort had already deadened. Thiri and her family, along with most of the city, expected commotion and travel around the city to fall, but they could have never planned for the nearly complete halt of commerce. For the greater part of the past two weeks, nearly ninety percent of the resort had been left vacant and Thiri’s family was desperate for customers. “Someone just pulled up!!” Thiri’s mom cheered from a side corridor of the lobby building, prompting both her and the rest of the nearby family and workers to scurry their way into lobby. “Damn! Look at that car, and his suit! He must be filthy rich!” One of Thiri’s younger brothers gleefully shouted before getting swatted by her mom. The boy wasn’t wrong though, the man that stepped out of the seemingly very expensive car was dressed just as impeccably in a full Central-quality suit. Thiri’s mom waved her hand at the small awed crowd, dispersing them, but not dispersing them enough to leave the building. “Hello! Welcome to the Kohsoom Resort!” Thiri’s mom subtly snapped her fingers, sending two of the boys walking towards the door with their heads down in a respectful bow formation. “Let us get your bags!” She waved her hand, gesturing to the two boys, “I’m sure you are looking for a suite!” She smiled at the man. “Thank you, but I’m actually not here to get a room,” he hesitated at the presence of Thiri’s mom’s smile dropping, “umm- I’m a representative of the A.S.T.R.A Initiative, I heard Hsu Thiri Mya lived here?” He said said with a confident but questioning tone. Thiri’s mom’s sudden feelings of slight disappointment quickly shifted into surprise and confusion. All eyes in the building simultaneously grew ten sizes and shifted their gaze towards Thiri, whose eyes must have grown by twenty. Stepping back further towards the back wall of the lobby room, Thiri held her hands as if she was standing at gunpoint. “I didn’t do anything. I swear.” She said sternly, yet with a tinge of desperation. As if everyone’s looks were targeters, the well dressed man locked onto Thiri and began his expensive strut from the front desk. “Yes, but we would like you to do something,” he said rather invitingly, only for the eyebrows and suspicions to shoot up from the still-quiet, still-watching family. “I come from the A.S.T.R.A Initiative, we are a government-centered organization created for the protection of our great city and its great citizens. With the recent attacks at the Astra Conference and the growing list of missing Astras, your admission would be greatly valued.” He stopped only a few feet away from Thiri. “No. No! Absolutely not.” Thiri’s mom exclaimed, smoothly walking her way between her daughter and the non-customer. “My daughter only needs to protect herself, and her family! Sir, I don’t know who you are or why you feel entitled to just burst into our home, but I would like to politely ask you to leave, especially if you are not seeking out services.” She said firmly, holding eyes with the man. “I-” Thiri didn’t know what to say, she was still shocked, her mind was racing. She could have never guessed this would walk through the doors of her resort, and her parents and the elders definitely didn’t include this in their plan. “Ma’am,” he looked down at the aggressing mother, “Please, I did not mean to offend you. Your daughter is gifted with an incredible talent that could help us secure not only your family, but the entire city. I understand how much she means to you and her importance at your resort, but with the growing tensions, we need her more than ever. I understand that since the attack, your business has become almost barren; we can more than compensate you during these hard times, and ensure both your family’s and your resort’s safety.” Thiri’s mom raised her arm with a pointed finger towards the entrance and readied her lips for a stern expulsion. But just before she could get out her own words, a slightly cheerful cheerful exclamation was made just from behind her. “Yes! Yes! I’ll do it!” From out of all corners of the building, Thiri’s family yelped with a slight panic, especially her mother and father. They all pleaded with Thiri to not go with the man, they discouraged her for her brashness, yet none of their efforts managed to pay off. After what seemed like hours pleading her own case, Thiri finally managed to once again take control of her own life, and convince her family to go with the man. That night, Thiri packed her things, and the next morning she said her goodbyes. Tears were shed of all varieties, yet even through their hesitation, they knew it was time for Thiri to finally leave her nest. Thiri smashed 3 suitcases and 3 external bags into the car before beginning their short journey to the hover port. “I hope you packed a coat or two,” The man said smirking in the rear view mirror. He watched Thiri in the backseat, gazing back at the shrinking resort. Though she did not know if taking this opportunity was the correct decision or not, Thiri knew there was no turning back. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #48C9B0 ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Maxwell [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Skycastle Base [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Seven and the other members of the Trinity faction [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Lexielai Lexielai [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] After all this talks, introductions, and explanations it was finally got to a subject that interested Maxwell, training. While Maxwell understood why they were explainings things and meaning behind it, it was just bored Maxwell and started reminding of his parents. But explanation on how Astra got stronger and how to push their power furthers, now that's somthing Maxwell could get behind. Maxwell did hit the limit to how far he could train back at his own dojo, being a low funded dojo he never really had the money to buy new equipment just for himself to push himself further after he got his powers. "Hardest six months I ever had? I look forward to it" Maxwell said laughing to himself. "I'm a martial artist, that kind of what we look forward to. If I'm not always getting stronger how can go back to my dojo and call myself it's master." Maxwell continued. Once it was time to train Maxwell went over to Seven. "Since it seems you have more experience in this level of training I was wondering if I could see the results of it. I mean we do have ring around here, right?" Maxwell said wanting to see for himself how powerful Seven was, aspecially after she demestrate how easily she able to lift a one ton weight. "So how about it? Sparring is one of best ways to train or at least that's my opinion anyway." Maxwell added excitedly hoping Seven would accept his offer. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: Green ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 





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"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you "

Location: Skycastle Base [First Training Session]
Mentions: Those in Trinity Faction
Mood: Musing
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Valta was once again impressed at how easily Rissa shifted personalities. She was the playful tease one minute, the harsh but fair sword mentor next, then now a strong capable leader. He had a hard time understanding the real her. The fear inside him whispered that he couldn't trust her. But another part of him did, and actively encouraged him to spend more time with her. The name Imperia didn't surprise him as it once would have. Living with her had shown her power and wealth, now he had a reason for it.

The uniform...well both women filled it out nicely and Valta left it at that. What really surprised him after this was learning that Seven's name was Dawnstrider. In the short time he'd known both women, he'd never thought to ask Seven's real name. He'd assumed that was her real name. He'd met children named stranger things. Another reason...he hadn't really cared. Seven had made her disapproval of him obvious and he'd felt an equal amount of dislike for the woman who'd been so eager to kill him in a weakened state. He respected her strength and dedication, but that was where it ended.

His fingers gently brushed the sheathed weapon at his side. It wasn't a real sword, but a wooden one in a wooden sheath. A training blade Rissa had called it. He still wasn't trusted enough not to harm himself with a real blade. But she'd still wanted him to get used to the feel of a weapon on his side.

He silently followed, doing mental exercises of the small stances he'd been taught, making an even smaller mental note of the other Astra nearby. Maxwell he recognized, the fact that he was now challenging Seven to a spar was either a statement to his confidence or stupidity.
'Or curiosity' he supposed. A healthy dose of curiosity could improve one's self growth rapidly. Hard training seemed to further press the man forwards. Valta provided more intellectual growth over physical growth, but he was beginning to see the benefits...and the detriments...of physical training. He winced as he felt the bruises he'd acquired training with Rissa.

A man who looked like a gangster was nearby as well. Though he looked familiar, Valta could not place where he'd seen him before. He also noticed a couple of women, only recognizing one of them. A blonde woman. He'd never actually seen her in person, but his systems had recorded her image after he'd passed out.

He thought back to what Seven had said about their mind and bodies. He'd been experimenting with something similar. Meditation had become a nightly ritual for him. There was something calming about it, and even more so he found himself connected to the shadows in a much deeper way than he was used to.

When it came to difficult challenges, he was not daunted. Six months of hard physical training was nothing compared to living twenty years afraid of everything. Simply doing something was an act of great strength sometimes.


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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Seven [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]Skycastle Base[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]Rissa, Maxwell, Akshath, and the Rest of the ASTRA Initiative[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] ChazGhost ChazGhost Lucem Lucem Damafaud Damafaud Goonfire Goonfire dwif dwif Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire Princess Roomba Princess Roomba [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"]Seven was taken aback by the man who had come forward to challenge her. Her mind immediately rang through the benefits and drawbacks of accepting his request. On one hand, it might be a profitable to demonstrate her capabilities as a show of credibility. It was the same line of reasoning that went behind demonstrating her strength with the weights to reinforce her authority. On the other hand, was it appropriate? As the second-in-command, Seven had to act in a way consistent with her position. In the Royal Court it would be unthinkable for a Royal Guard to be bothered by such trivial challenges. Would her image be tarnished by accepting his request? More to the point, she was also not well suited for non-lethal combat. Her skillset was optimized for guard duty, which meant that she was trained for evasive maneuvers and to be a shield for her charge. In the worst case scenario, she would resort to swiftly eliminating any would-be assassins in the most permanent way possible. What if she inflicted severe damage on her opponent? How would that look on her? How would that look on Clarissa, who she represented? If sinister rumors about her charge spread because of her actions then she could never forgive herself. And what if she lost? Then that would be even worse for her image. She would never be able to face the gathered Astras and claim to be a instructor after such a humiliation. Worse, Clarissa would undoubtedly be disappointed in her. Seven did not think she could look her princess in the eye after failing so horribly. Seven’s nervousness concluded that there was probably more downsides than benefits and she prepared to decline the offer. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Seven’s lips froze just as she was about to speak. “It will be good for them to see what the highest tier of Astra looks like, don’t you think?” Clarissa continued. She put one hand on Maxwell’s shoulder and the other on Seven’s, cheerfully pushing them along. “Come on everyone! If you still have doubts about all this then get ready to change your mind. I don’t think any of you will doubt what Seven says after seeing her in action.” She could not speak. Seven’s feet carried her where Clarissa guided—towards the massive sparring arena at the far end of the practice hall—but her throat was involuntarily tight. Why does she believe in me so strongly…? Seven simply could not wrap her head around the idea. That was because she had proven herself to be a failure. She is so confident...in me? How does she have so much faith? Nought but two weeks earlier, Clarissa had nearly died in her arms. Sometimes she could still feel the slick, warm sensation of blood in her hands; see the fleeting, bittersweet peace in Clarissa’s eyes while she laid in Seven’s lap. There were many factors involved leading up to that point, from Tesseract’s reckless experiments with strange crystals to Clarissa’s own foolishness. But the one that Seven continued to lay blame on was herself. She should have been faster. Should have been more observant and more aware. Should have been more prepared; more cautious and more skilled. There were many things that could have gone better, and none of them were necessarily her fault. But Seven could not accept that. That was why, whenever she saw Valta, Seven became consumed by guilt and regret. She knew that he was under the influence of something out of his control when he had attacked them. Yet all the same, he reminded her of all her failures and her mistakes—reminded her of the fact that she felt responsible for the near-death of someone precious to her. And despite her grave errors, Clarissa forgave her. She hadn’t even mentioned it since that day, and now she was publicly putting her full confidence in Seven as if there was no reason to worry. How could Seven possibly repay that kindness? How could she possibly live up to her princess’ expectations? As if sensing her inner conflict, Clarissa placed a reassuring hand on her elbow and smiled. “The following bout will have a few simple rules. First of all, all powers are permitted. However, weapons are banned; you are only permitted to use your own abilities. The winner will be determined when one combatant surrenders or is rendered unable to continue. Additionally, lethal force and permanent damage is prohibited. I want you both to take this seriously, but I trust that you can play nice.” Clarissa stepped back, and the sudden absence of her touch left a phantom sensation that made Seven long for more. She found herself standing across from Maxwell while the rest of the Astras filed up to the observation platform above. “No weapons, huh?” Seven murmured. Her lips thinned. “No matter. I can’t fail here, no matter what.” [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: SkyBlue; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Nightshade — Training, Day 1 [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Skycastle Base [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Open to all Scarlet Company members [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Lexielai Lexielai ChazGhost ChazGhost [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] Judith had done what she did best: blended with the crowd. Sadly, the support staff was dismissed, leaving her fairly open to the stare of her superiors. She still remained silent, faintly-glowing eyes fixed on Seven as she explained and then demonstrated her capabilities. ‘Three tons... she’s right; I normally have about a quarter of that to handle, tops. Even that’s a bit rough,’ the spy thought, narrowing her eyes as they darted from person to person. She was judging her teammates silently, guessing their current power thresholds and how they’d measure up to her. It came as a mild surprise when someone had the guts to test Seven. Quickly, Judith’s eyebrows reset to their usual position in her resting bitch face. “Good luck. You’ll need it,” she stoically called back to Maxwell on her way up to the observation platform. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #6622AA ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Sierra the Late [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Skycastle Base [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] N/A (open to interaction with anyone within the training session) [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Lexielai Lexielai [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] Dream Sequence "Paladin Actual, this is Otter Five Niner, requesting immediate MEDEVAC at my location, coordinates to follow. Break..." A few indistinct radio chatters followed, as the background noises faded gradually, eventually blurring the sergeant's vision. "... hey, Sommerfeld, hang in there, you hear?" "... I ... can't feel..." "... put some pressure on her leg! Damn it. Baker! Where the hell is our MEDEVAC?!" "It's coming, Lieutenant. They're five mikes out." "You're gonna be shipshape soon, kid. Stay with us. Hey! Hey! Don't you do that! Hey! SOMMERFELD!" Reality Sequence The empty room remained dormant, followed by a few rustling of the blanket that unveiled a figure in tank top and shorts. A few heavy gust of heavy breaths exited her weary visage, accompanied by a long sigh. Her narrowed, amber eyes glared across the room, as her pinkie squiggled in between her ear canals, trying to drown out the ringing white noises in her head. The young sergeant quickly got up, and did her routine exercises. Another nightmare had plagued the Ayodhyan, a curse of many that served. However, the girl was thankful for the sleep that she was given, after months of short fifty-minutes-wakes. "Humans are so frail. Hm, I wonder why the boys didn't calling me for morning jogs?" she sighed slightly with a puzzled look, as she put on her apparels. Before long, she had made her exit and found a dazzling hall before her. She thought to herself about how foreign the setting was, wondering if the base have had a renovation over night. A few strange figures made their way past her, only furthering her confusion. "Did I skipped a briefing on Wyvern's* renovations? Everything looks so differ-... OH SHOOT!" The sergeant quickly collected her thoughts, before turning her head frantically. It was all coming back to her now, that she was no longer with the RAC. It was within reasons, as she had crashed into her bed the night before, with little to go by or any informative associate at that - or perhaps she had disregarded much of what she was told for sleep. The silver-haired girl wandered the corridor in awe at the grand structures, all the while looking for those that seemed to peak her interests. It was the only thing to go by as she had no memory of the important stuff aside from the words "obligatory training". She quickly stumbled upon a large room where the others were already gathered, some of whom she have had photographic memories from before, albeit a vague one. She slowly slid into the group comically, hoping to not draw attention to herself. No words were exchanged, as she eyed the individuals that stood before each other, in what seemed like a start of a sparring session. "This ought to be good." she mumbled under her breath. Fort Wyvern: Royal Army Corps' base and home of the Army Corps Rangers. [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #FF4500 ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Seven V.S. Maxwell [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Skycastle Base [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Everyone watching [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] Date: Eleven Days after the Astra Conference Seven circled her foe. Her stiff shoulders rolled and stretched while she physically prepared herself for the battle. Then she slipped into a stance, and something changed. The air—no, Maxwell’s perception of the situation—had changed. It felt like there were tiny, prickling daggers poking at every pore of his skin, warning him of the presence of a dangerous predator. She still had her elegance; still had her professional expression and equally crisp black uniform. There was nothing different about her appearance from the outside, but Maxwell could sense things that ordinary people could not. He possessed the sixth sense that only came to people who fought for a living. It was the fundamental perception shared by all those who walked the edge of life and death: a mix of pattern matching and observation to judge the strength of one’s foe. Right now, it was telling him to run. But, that would be counter to the intent of the spar, so he had to ignore it. Then he grinned. He knew whatever was about to happen, this would be a good fight. Maxwell calmed his breath as he watched Seven carefully. He figured she was either preparing to attack or waiting for him to make a wrong move. So instead of waiting to see what she was planning Maxwell quickly charged at Seven with a punch aimed for the head, and a knee aimed for the stomach to catch her off guard. However, she was ready for it. Her movements flowed around his attacks like water, sidestepping and turning just before each could connect. It quickly became clear that she was far too slippery for any headway to be made with normal martial arts. Maxwell was a little surprised that both his attacks missed but as soon as he did he jumped back to make sure seven couldn’t counter attack. It was obvious that simple charging at her was not going to work, instead, he would need to be more crafty. Which is exactly what the Drunk Fist was for. He started charging at Seven again but trip as he got close, on purpose of course though he did make look like an accident. His goal was to lore Seven in to attack then block each dodge or block with his ki shield then counter-attack with a possible judo throw. She took the bait, but not as eagerly as he had hoped. There seemed to be a brief flash of surprise in her eyes when Maxwell took her strike head on—a surprise that Maxwell quickly understood. Although his Chi Field had absorbed most of the blow, the sheer force behind the strike was enough to produce a gust of wind that ruffled through his hair. Even while braced against the impact, it felt as if a speeding truck has crashed into him, nearly breaking through the Chi Field immediately. It was not much of a stretch to say that this was the hardest hit he had ever taken. Just recovering from the unexpected ferocity of the attack, Maxwell managed to switch gears into executing his prepared counterattack—but not before Seven herself had recovered and returned their encounter to even footing. Their spar continued this way for another minute, filled with brief but high-intensity skirmishes and quick reactions. Although Maxwell’s use of Chi Field had leveled the playing field for a time, it was readily becoming more clear who was gaining the upper hand. At first, Maxwell had thought that Seven jumped right out the gate with her strongest moves. It was a natural observation, sheerly based on the unbelievable impact of that first blow; he doubted his Chi Field could take many more hits like that. Fortunately, Seven had not seriously attempted any such maneuvers. But therein laid the problem. Seven was faster than he was—that was undeniable. Similarly, his battle experience had no choice but to nod in respect to her impressive combat reflexes and impeccable technique. It was, to be honest, a beautiful display to any fighter. Thus, she had many opportunities to strike—but she did not. She could have landed a strong hit at any time, yet settled for small probing strikes and little chips at his armor. Then, as if sensing his disbelief, she suddenly lashed out with a ferocious kick much faster and more powerful than the last. Without time or space to avoid it, he had no choice but to accept it head on. There was a crack as his Chi Field finally gave in, like the bursting of a tremendous bubble. The floor beneath his feet screeched and groaned as Seven’s follow-through continued pushing him deeper into the metal. All of a sudden, a wave of exhaustion and fatigue swept through him; the consequence of losing his Chi Field. He felt faint as if he were about to collapse, and his defense faltered. Immediately, Seven’s leg continued its momentum towards his main torso. This is going to be ba- A sledgehammer—no, a tidal wave—slammed him into the floor. Maxwell blinked. It looked like he was seeing double, and everything seemed to be at the wrong angle. Something hard and flat was pushing into his back, and it was starting to get mildly uncomfortable. Then his vision was filled by white. Seven was looking straight at him...no, looking down at him, with a concerned expression. Rissa’s magnified voice filtered through the loudspeakers and into his ears. “Seven wins!” [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: Purple ; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 
[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Rissa [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText]Skycastle Base[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText]Akshath, Maxwell, Thiri, Suomi, Jakob, Aretta, Judith, Valta[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 ChazGhost ChazGhost dwif dwif Lucem Lucem Princess Roomba Princess Roomba Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire Goonfire Goonfire Damafaud Damafaud [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"]A hand slowly came down on Suomi’s shoulder, like the drop of a guillotine. “You’re late.” The one who admonished her was a red-haired woman dressed in an officer’s uniform with a bemused expression on her face. She shook her head. “It’s the first day. What on earth were you doing? Well, whatever, I’ll figure out how to make an example of you later. Let’s focus on the spar for now.” Commander Imperia, also known as Rissa, sighed as she turned towards the spectacle in the arena below. “Watch Seven’s movements carefully, Astras. Everything she does—every action, every motion—is carefully planned and executed. Well, that is if you can keep up with her. She may look delicate, but she’s pretty damn fast.” Rissa’s bold claims were quickly proven true. Below, Seven casually dodged Maxwell’s barrage of attacks with incredible swiftness. Someone like Rissa, who had spent many days practicing with that speed demon, could mostly pick out her movements within the whirlwind of white. But the same could not be easily said for the Astra recruits watching her for the first time. She had no doubts that Seven would triumph. Her friend had fallen into something of a slump recently, and Rissa was truthfully stumped on how to pull her out of it. Hopefully, being able to prove herself in this spectacle would raise Seven’s spirits. Then, as expected, Seven finished the fight with a magnificent kick that knocked Maxwell off his feet. With a proud grin, Rissa picked up the microphone in the observation room. “Seven wins!” Then her gaze turned back to the crowd. “Well, that’s that. You all better train hard if you intend to even approach Seven’s power, understood? We’ll start with physical conditioning work, so get your asses to the locker rooms. There will be lockers with your name and training gear inside it. I want you to be equipped, ready, and reporting to the track within six minutes! Go!” Rissa proceeded to wave her hand out in punctuation. However, before Suomi could leave, Rissa took her by the shoulder. “Oh, and I’ve decided. You’re going to enjoy some extra training bright and early tomorrow morning. You'll be joining me and Valta here; he's the dark, brooding one who's refusing to change his gear. Report here by 0600 tomorrow, and don’t be late.” Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire [/div] [/div] [class name=mainBackground] background: rgb(40, 40, 40); box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 10%; padding-right: 10%; padding-top: 5%; padding-bottom: 5%; [/class] [class name=header] display: block; postion: relative; box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 5px; font-family: 'Share', sansserif; font-size: 3em; text-align: left; [/class] [class name=headerCustom] background-color: #FF3232; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class] [class name=bottomBorder] margin-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); [/class] [class name=info] display: flex; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; [/class] [class name="info" maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%;[/class] [class name=infoBox] display: flex; flex: 1 0 50%; width: auto; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; flex-flow: row wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center; align-content: center; overflow: hidden; [/class] [class name=infoBox maxWidth=1000px] display: block; width: 100%; margin: 5px; [/class] [class name=infoLabel] max-width: 80px; flex: 1 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 3px; margin-right: 3px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(40, 40, 40); [/class] [class name=infoText] width: auto; flex: 5 0 auto; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); [/class]
 





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"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you "

Location: Skycastle Base [First Training Session]
Mood: Musing
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Valta's fingers flicked back and forth as he monitored the fight between Maxwell and Seven. He was making small notes as he observed their techniques and skills, making sure to capture every single moment he could. He didn't possess the finely tuned senses of a martial artist, instead, he possessed the finely tuned instruments of a scientist and every reading of Seven was shoved into the danger zone the moment she'd taken a stance. Her body was a honed weapon, made to destroy the enemies of the one she served.

Lines appeared over them both as he made notes of their fighting styles. Maxwell had a strange movement about him and he was first concerned that Seven had done something to him. But though the pattern was mostly random, he saw hints of control within it. Then Maxwell's power was put on display. His instruments didn't actually register the power itself, but a strange field of energy had sprung up around the man. The shadows rippled around him as his intrigue grew.

Unfortunately just as quickly as it had begun, the fight was over. He had a lot of data though, something to study up on. Then he heard his name mentioned and turned his head towards Rissa and Suomi.

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He paused when he realized that he was smiling, and not pleasantly either. Observing the fight had gotten him fired up, studying the combat styles of other Astra was valuable to his own combat forms. One of the few things he was truly excited about was learning new things. His smile dropped, vanishing into the darkness of his hood once more
"I do take offense to that Commander, my gear is often changed. I make regular alterations and keep it well maintained" he was aware that she'd been teasing him and he'd recently been attempting to match her attitude, though many of his own responses seemed to be quite straightforwards in response.

"As far as training equipment goes, my suit is suitable" he said the pun with such a deadpan voice that it was hard to tell if he was joking at all or if had just been a common slip. He was serious about his suit though. He could lower the amount of power maintaining the weight systems that kept his suit at a reasonable weight for him to carry. At low power settings, it was very difficult to move efficiently. He could even disable the predictive algorithms forcing him to use his own judgement and reaction times to fight. He often did this while training with Rissa.

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[div class=mainBackground] [div class="header headerCustom"] Sierra's Subtle Submission [First Training Session] [/div] [div class="info bottomBorder"] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Location:[/div] [div class=infoText] Skycastle Base [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Interaction:[/div] [div class=infoText] Rissa, Valta [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox] [div class=infoLabel]Tags:[/div] [div class=infoText] Lexielai Lexielai Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire [/div] [/div] [/div] [div style="font-family: 'Raleway', sansserif; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"] "You're late." "EEK!" Suomi let off a suppressed, but distinct squeal having felt the blunt force of her peer's hand upon her shoulders. Like a judge's gavel striking justice upon the sound block, it was enough to bring about the attention of a guilty look upon the accused. Suomi slowly turned around to Rissa, whose crimson hair was as temperamental as her gaze. Although her reprimanding words were quite tamed, she could feel the chills running down her spines, while her hair stood on edge. Suomi studied her visage and gesture, a definite character of dignity with a certain noble aura that surrounded her. From the perfumed aroma that caught the young sergeant's senses to the way she turned to the crowd, Suomi have yet to remember her first encounter with Rissa. However, it was her way of addressing the crowd with unrivaled charisma that instilled a certain sense of nostalgia within her. She had seemed like the one to be in charge, with the way the others had addressed and gestured. Commander, that was the right way to address her, Suomi thought, just like she was taught in the RAC. Of course, beyond the ranks and the formalities, it was a matter of respect, and the young sergeant would do her best not to offend someone of Rissa's stature. Suomi was caught in a trance by the sparring session between the two individuals, of whom had displayed much vigorous skills. Brief thoughts ran by her mind, albeit much to her disdains. Even as a prideful person, Suomi was quickly humbled by Seven's prowess when the match found its end. There was much to learn, and to remember, Suomi thought to herself. Perhaps the fight had made the young sergeant questioned her own capabilities in battle. There is always a bigger fish in the sea, or so the saying goes. Breaking from her absent-minded stupor, Suomi swiped her feet and proceeded to slide slowly among the moving crowd, as ordered by her superior, like a crab side-winding towards the exit. It was a glorious exit for the latecomer, but to no avail, when she felt a chilling pinch upon her shoulder again. Like a puzzled cat, whose clandestine path was given disclosure by the red-haired lady, Suomi slowly turned to her captor with and let off a nervous giggle. “Oh, and I’ve decided. You’re going to enjoy some extra training bright and early tomorrow morning. You'll be joining me and Valta here; he's the dark, brooding one who's refusing to change his gear. Report here by 0600 tomorrow, and don’t be late.” "As far as training equipment goes, my suit is suitable" Suomi held her composure as her cheeks inflated like a puffer fish, trying not to burst at his pun, before realizing the ordeal of her situation. “Eh? But I... Understood, Commander.” Suomi wailed at the mention of her given orders, but quickly settled for conformity with a slight sigh. Suomi eyed those around her, before settling upon Valta - the other person of interest to be mentioned. It was, much to her relief, as she was not the only one to be caught out on the first day. Another troublemaker? It mattered little, as the young sergeant found comfort in what was a short-lived understanding between her and Valta. At least that was the case from her point of view, prompting her to give her an awkward wink at the figure, much to his bewilderment. Suomi was never really understood outside of her little group, and this only furthered her lax demeanor - reminding her of the time when she was held in school detentions. Nothing has changed, she thought, as Suomi lean back into the comfort of her jacket and stretched out her hand for a handshake with Valta. “I suppose I am shipshape to sail, as well. The name's Suomi. Not a big fan of your cosplay, Valta. But nice to meet ya!” Suomi grinned earnestly. It occurred little to Suomi that she would serve a real purpose here. A life of training, and perfecting her powers was what she needed, but the abrupt change to her lifestyle was far from her habitual standards. Perhaps it would be best if she had pack up and left, but the multitude of armed personnels roaming the facility was quite a persuading factor, not including the bridge of having to fight those who harbors powers around her. Her stubbornness remained, but quickly found itself quenched by her wiser intuitions. As confident as she was in her abilities, it was shy of her own convictions. There was little to guide her by, and to follow one's path without a cause is blatant ignorance. For now, Suomi would remain, withholding her desires of freedom for a cause greater than her own. However early it was to say, the young sergeant would rather be a person of reason, than to abandon the opportunities laid out before her. Having re-assured her beliefs, Suomi stood firm, awaiting further instructions to come from her officer-in-charge. Of course, Suomi had little time to practice her facade, and was as easy to read as a children's comic book, from the way she scan the room, to the way her amber irises finding the corners of her eyes like a vigilant camera. This went hand-in-hand with her time as an ex-convict, of whom would tend to display uncommon physical anomalies that was distinct to the eyes of others. Perhaps the others wouldn't be able to discern her of her recent rebellious thoughts, but the self-aware criminal would digress. 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