Fantasy Vehemen Academy - Academy of Hunters

[OldTurtle]

Adrian's head hurt. Ugh. It was like a thousand tiny hammers pounding away at the inside of his skull. The noise didn't help. And there was so much of it. The funny little black spots dancing in his vision grew less little and less funny. That wasn't good. Adrian wasn't sure what was going on anymore, but he was pretty sure passing out right now wasn't the best idea. Suddenly, he felt something, someone touch him. Hands - at least he could still tell that much - pulled incessantly at his arm and Adrian followed them, not quite up to resisting. Not like he could, anyways. He was half-dragged across the ground to the far side of a large pile of rubble. The puller leaned Adrian against the wall, where he finally began to blink off this strange mental fog.

Adrian looked up to the puller, who seemed to be saying something. Red hair? Hmm... that seemed familiar. Yes, rock girl. Oh, this was so mortifying. He'd tried to help her only to be in need of rescuing instead. Heh. Oh how the turns have tabled. Wait, that doesn't sound right. Is that the saying? Eh, whatever, it'll do.

In the time Adrian had fallen into his unusually tangential thoughts, rock girl had finished whatever she was saying and had left, dropping a small bag on his lap. Curious, he picked it up, ignoring the stinging in his forearms. Adrian unzipped the bag to find a variety of medical tools. Oh joy. Whistling off-tune, he pulled a small bottle of liquid. He was pretty sure what this was. Uncapping the bottle, he sprayed his left forearm with it. The subsequent spike in pain hit Adrian like a train, washing away the difficulty he was having with getting himself in order. Sound came flowing back in. He hissed as he clenched his left fist. Adrian switched the spray to his other hands and repeated the process with his right arm. Then came the medical wrap and bandages, with which he used to construct make-shift coverings.

Finally, having sorted that out, he turned back to the main problem at hand, which he'd been purposefully ignoring until now. The sounds of combat had ceased. Huh, maybe sign-girl had actually managed to take the monster out. Once again, Adrian attempted to rise to his feet, only this time succeeding. He pulled himself up using the pile of rubble he was behind, allowing it to take most of his weight. Peeking over the top, he noted a few newcomers. Primarily, the short girl with strangely pale hair, who was standing near the creature. The creature itself was still, deathly still, and Adrian felt a fluttering of hope within his stomach. He leaned heavily against the pile and heaved a sigh of relief, closing his eyes. Finally, time to rest. Besides, he noted tiredly, things were basically over, right?

A terrifying, sickening, familiar roar tore through the air. Adrian slowly opened his eyes, dreading the inevitable sight that so dearly wished wouldn't be there. But no. The monster was still there, better than ever. He crumpled against the rubble. They were all dead. If, even after all of this, the creature could just undo their efforts, then did they ever stand a chance? No, Adrian realized. They couldn't beat this beast.

Boom!

Jarred out of his despair by the sudden noise, Adrian looked up to see a massive explosion knock the monster backwards.

"All of you, get away from here!" Identifying the short girl as the source of both the order and the explosions, dozens of which now appeared around the monster. Adrian hesitated, then turned away. He couldn't help here. Hadn't he already proven that? He was just a liability. Face twisted in distaste, he picked up a long, twisted pole and wielded it as a makeshift crutch, hobbling away from the battle. Besides, he justified to himself, surely these people could take care of themselves. They seemed so much more well-prepared that he was, after all.

He glanced back at the situation and spotted two new arrivals. Adults, this time. For some reason, Adrian felt more relieved, though he couldn't quite understand why. It wasn't as if age would make you less likely to be eaten by whatever that thing was. Then one of the men simply stepped forward, drawing the monster's attention just by existing. The other man flew up into the air and dropped down onto the monster from above like some sort of bird of prey. Instead, Adrian realized as he stared in absolute shock at the lack of effort they displayed, age apparently turned you into a pair of absolute badasses.

 

[vxnilla]

hashimoto kiyoshi

scroll! ​

His blade was barely enough to give the monster a flesh wound (though he wondered what word would be appropriate in this case, considering that there was no actual flesh over the eyes), but at the very least, it seemed to be a decent distractor. A bit pitiful, for a skill he'd spent over a decade perfecting and a weapon forged with the finest craftsmanship to be reduced into distraction, little different than the rocks that were hurled moments ago, but he'd gladly take what he could get. Even his dear father could not have prepared him for facing such a beast.

Still, if his only contributions were saving an innocent child from being crushed and managing to distract the monster to such a degree that others could inflict more significant damage, then so be it. It was far better than being useless.

The rest of the battle unfolded so quickly he struggled to keep up. Desperate attempts to damage the monster bore fruit when flames erupted over its back. The entrance of three other individuals—all looking to be around his own age and yet infinitely more experienced with monsters of this nature as well as their own powers—seemed to turn the tide, and Kiyoshi took several steps back to ensure he was fairly out of range of its rampage; to do as little as he had and be accidentally crushed underfoot was perhaps the singular most embarrassing way he could think of dying.

In the next instant, however, all the damage it previously bore vanished. It opened violently crimson eyes and roared, body healed and in as good of condition as if they hadn't been there at all, and Kiyoshi gripped the hilt of his sword tighter—an ultimately useless gesture, but in a situation like this, what else could he have done?

Thankfully, the arrival of two adults on the scene—teachers, as one of the girls introduced—boded well for them. They carried themselves with a confidence and brutal efficiency that spoke of years, if not decades, of this line of work, and he only had to glimpse the slightest example of them in combat to know that they outclassed perhaps any fighter he'd ever seen.

Surely, they had no further need for his skills, which were pathetic compared to theirs.

He spotted the progress of his various comrades; it was fitting, wasn't it, to call them comrades? He may not have interacted with them in any significant capacity, or even spoken to them, but trying to bring down that monster together must have bonded them in some way. They were steadily fleeing the scene—a choice which was looking more and more attractive by the minute.

His careful gold eyes landed on the figure of one of the rock-throwers; Kiyoshi recognized him as one of the two who'd been in direct danger of the monster's lunge (and one of the two he failed to portal away). The dark-haired boy was leaning heavily on what looked to be little more than a glorified stick. With only a second more of deliberation, Kiyoshi conjured up a portal in front of him, stepping into it neatly and re-emerging next to the other boy.

"Would you like some help?" he offered. He had enough energy in him for several more of those portals, and without the stress and pressure of a behemoth affecting his composure, he would trust in his abilities a lot more. "I believe I might be of more use than your crutch, if you'd like."

OldTurtle​

 

[LoliCowboy]

Nora Glass
"Why struggle?"​

location: somewhere new

condition: disoriented

tags: none

outfit: baggy sweater, sweatpants

Run, run, run. Always being told, never asked.

Nora knew that getting riled up about something this small, this inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, was pointless. But even as she struggled to her feet, limbs shaking with that sharp aching cold edged with the harsh bite of terror, she felt the twinge of irritation pulling at her guts. In that brief moment of change that had dragged her to wherever the hell here was, she had felt... different. Not powerful, per se, but she had had the notion she could be. But she had been a useless, panicked mess. Had that instinct been wrong? Looking around her, she saw an explosion of raw power. Lights, portals, the roaring creature. Perhaps power was such a commonality in this world that the iota she had was simply inconsequential. Was she doomed to always be a failure?

She wanted to scream. For a variety of reasons, of course. Not the least of which was the hulking beast that still posed plenty of threat. It had healed itself. It and the newcomers seemed evenly matched, but for how long?

Run, run, run.

She growled, each movement an effort as she fought her body's sudden and surprising urge to tear itself apart at the seams. She needed control. Again, much easier in games, with their keybinds and preprogrammed limitations. But one foot landed surely in front of the other, carrying her away, away, away. She found herself in an alleyway, where she pressed herself against a concrete wall, fingers bent as if to grip its rough surface. Anything to keep her here, keep her together.

She wished for home. She wished for void. She was nothing, nothing, nothing.

And yet.

Through all the terror and frustration she had, indeed, felt a raw power. And with that came a kind of primal joy. She wasn't ready to give that up. As frightening and confusing as it was. She would harness it and make it her own. She would fight. She would finally find her place.

And she would have a damn good time doing it.

She closed her eyes and let the distant sounds of fighting flood her senses, and waited for the quiet to come.

codedbycrucialstar​

 

[OldTurtle]

Adrian continued to limp along, leaning heavily on the long metal rod. Sir Polealot, as he'd come to refer to it as, was rather ineffective as a crutch. The rough, twisted surface of the metal bit into Adrian's palms harshly and he had to pause every once in a while in order to adjust his grip and avoid falling again. This was honestly more trouble than Adrian had expected. Even so, the sounds of the battle had not yet abated, and so Adrian continued to stumble forward slowly, Sir Polealot in hand.

Adrian flinched and stepped backwards as a strange, pale light appeared in front of him. Just like the one that had taken away the child from earlier, he recognized. Though it didn’t really matter. Adrian shifted his weight to his right foot and raised his makeshift cane, leveling it at the strange light, which quickly expanded into a circular opening in the air about Adrian's height. If whatever came through was hostile, it’d have to deal with the pointy end of trusty Sir Polealot, disregarding the fact that neither end was pointy. Suddenly, there was movement along the surface of the blue disk and Adrian prepared to bash the emerging creature.

"Would you like some help?" Oddly, the strange, blue-haired creature spoke. Adrian supposed it wasn't a hostile creature then, but rather a person. He lowered the end of the ever-bloodthirsty Sir Polealot back to the ground and leaned back onto it, already feeling the strain of standing catching up to him.

"I believe I might be of more use than your crutch, if you'd like," blue-hair stated. Adrian continued to stare at him. This wasn't anyone he recognized from the fight, no. Most of them had been girls and Adrian felt that he'd remember any hair like this, regardless of the chaos they were mired in. Could he trust him? Maybe. Adrian hadn't seen blue-hair personally, but he was probably the one who'd taken the kid away. Assuming blue-hair wasn't some crazy kidnapper who used monster attacks to cover his crimes, then he seemed trustworthy enough. Besides, Adrian realized, glancing down at his feet, he didn't have many choices left. As wonderful as Sir Polealot was, Adrian wouldn't be getting much farther, especially given that he'd lost a shoe somewhere back in the mayhem.

Realizing that he'd spent an inordinate amount of time just staring, Adrian hurried to cobble together a response.

"Yeah, that would be... appreciated," Adrian replied. He shifted his grasp on Sir Polealot to his left hand and proffered his right. "I'm Adrian."


vxnilla

 

[Dawnsx]

The beast moved to attack Eiichi again, but a retreat though his pocket space wasn't necessary. Using his command over the earth, Mitra leapt into the air and landed a well-timed kick into the Poex's head, then another to its face. The force of the strikes sent it bowling onto its side, kicking up a dust cloud over the area. Eiichi's eye lit up at the opportunity. Without wasting a single second, he disappeared into his pocket space and reemerged next to the Poex's head. Undaunted by the proximity and the rumbles from the Poex, Eiichi planted both hands on its nape and focused. Floating shards of glass materialized out of thin air, their numbers multiplying until they encapsulated the Poex from the neck up. Sweat beaded at his forehead as the Poex shifted to get back onto its feet, and he subconsciously gripped its fur to avoid being thrown off. Breathe. With another shuddered breath, the shards tightened around the Poex's head.

And it disappeared.

Just like an elaborate magic trick, the Poex's head was gone. Blood gushed out from the ragged flesh of what remained of its neck. The rest of its body, which had been on the verge of standing up, fell back down onto the ground and went slack. Almost immediately, a metallic stench wafted through the air. Eiichi furrowed his brows and back away a few steps to avoid the worst of the smell and to avoid the blood that had begun to pool on the ground, but the Poex itself was already disintegrating.

Eiichi produced a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his face dry. Perhaps not the best occasion for him to test out the new technique that he has been working on, but he ought to use it in a battle at some point. A calculated risk was all it was.

Pocketing the handkerchief, he nodded at Mitra to acknowledge a job well done and walked up to his charges.

"Cleo, Elise, Junhwa. I commend you for keeping civilians safe, but I'm sure that you know that this doesn't change the fact that you've disobeyed instructions to steer clear of the Poex," Eiichi said, just out of the earshot of Mitra and the civilians. Consequences will be delivered, but he could save them the embarrassment of being reprimanded in front of bystanders. His gaze hardened as he continued, "Understand that it isn't you job to hunt down the Poex. You've grown capable, but not ready," he eyed Cleo, as though daring her to refute. "Next time, it could be a level E threat, and we might not be there as reinforcements," Eiichi paused, and he closed his lone eye as he released a breath. "We don't need another tragedy."

Letting his words hang in the air, Eiichi moved on to the civilians. He didn't know if they had been caught in the crossfire, or if they'd been foolish enough to fight the Poex. Either way, it was the Hunters' responsibility to get them a medic.

If he recalled correctly, there were seven of them. The blonde young lady was not faring so well with her injuries. The redhead made a futile attempt to hide and was lightly wounded. He could see the silhouette of one of them hiding out in an alleyway a ways off. The rest were sporting light or no injuries, and the only two young men were speaking to one another-

Eiichi's thoughts skidded to a halt. There, on the blue-haired's neck, was a distinctive marking. As to not alarm the young men, Eiichi slowly walked up to them, his gaze never leaving the mark. It was the same as the one that he'd seen on his students, no doubt about it. A civilian trying to mimic...? Unlikely. It was never publicized that Otherworlders had the marking, for the exact reason of preventing anyone from posing as one. Still, he had to be sure.

"Your marking," he spoke, pointing to the young man's neck, "May I-"

A trill from his phone interrupted him. Brows furrowing, he picked up impatiently.

"Hello? ...Miss Ceciline... I understand."

Shoulders tense, Eiichi hung up and faced the civilians. The call essentially cemented these children's identities as Otherworlders. Joy.

"Those of you who have... Appeared in this place, please remain where you are," Eiichi called out, loud enough for those further away to hear. It wasn't so much as a request as it was a command. If any of them tried to escape... Well, they would not fare well in this world alone.

Nano SilverBlack vxnilla mindheist

 

[PixelSymphony]

~Frederika von Eisenhart~
-- Forlorn Student Athlete --

Status: Wounded
Wearing: Torn School Uniform
Location: Unknown

---

She saw the tail whip up, attempting to strike her at any moment, and yet it failed to land; how had this happened? The feel of her ad-hoc lance connecting left her with little time to wonder, as the sharp tip tore through the monster's outer lining of its eye, spilling blood and temporarily blinding the creature on this side. But to her horror, Frederika saw the monster splay its jaws wide, intending to end her with a single bite. The timely interdiction by a mysterious girl saved her from this untimely fate, but Frederika's near-miss with the monster's mouth had not spelled the end of her troubles; as the white-haired girl rocketed in with her explosive kick, the sudden pressure wave threw off any hope of a clean landing.

Dirt spat up from the ground as she hit terra firma hard, rolling some feet before coming to a stop bloodied and bruised. As the battle continued to roar around her, she lay still, the world swaying and swimming in her vision as her concussed brain tried to recover. Above her, she saw the monster rear back from the continued attacks of the others, and as it wavered in place, for a moment it felt as if they may have turned the tides. But then just as quickly, the creature did... something, and everything they'd fought to do seemed to disintegrate instantaneously. This cannot be the end of it... we have all struggled so valiantly... The creature adopted its predatory pose, and Frederika prepared for the worst.

The explosions that rocked the creature back from its attempt to attack were instantly recognizable to Frederika, as they were the same ones that had saved her from a grisly fate at the jaws of the beast. The white haired-girl... she thought, looking up to see the monstrous being surrounded by a perimeter of white orbs, which detonated at the slightest touch. As the muscular blonde's vision began to clear and some degree of control of her body returned to her, she rolled over to see the girl from earlier clearly concentrating on forming explosive after explosive. What ARE these powers that I bear witness to this day?

“All of you, get away from here! Jun, help evacuate them. The girl with the street-sign, she’s wounded-"

Straßenschildmädchen... wunderbar. This is what I am to be known as. Very well then, I cannot allow this to pass. With renewed focus, she dragged herself to her feet anew, reaching for the signpost that had clattered away from her when she had landed in a heap. She waved off Jun's approach. "Tend to the others. I will survive my wounds. And let it be known I have a name-"

At this moment the arrival of the teachers halted her speech, and and as Frederika turned to watch the creature be handily taken apart by merely two individuals, her earlier haughtiness was, at least for the moment, trampled into the ground. Formerly considered among the pinnacle of athletes and students, she was now nothing more than a little fish in a very, VERY large pond. It was an unsettling feeling, and yet, it was a challenge as well. As the familiar feeling of a trial to overcome welled up inside her, it excited her, even as she continued to profusely bled, though not nearly as much as the beast as she watched its grisly demise.

As the strange carcass began to dissolve, Frederika turned back, having seen enough strangeness to fill a lifetime. For the first time she gazed upon the other outsiders, people who, just as she had, seemed to have been brought here not of their own volition. What was it that had summoned them to this place, and why them in particular? And why had it summoned them into a fight they seemed destined to lose? These thoughts weighed heavily upon her as the adrenaline from the fight slowly started to subside, and as it appeared one of the teachers was approaching the group, perhaps she would gain an opportunity to find answers.

Indeed, one appeared right off the bat as the tall teacher who had done the deed of killing the beast seemed to take particular interest in the marking located on the back of the blue-haired member of their impromptu group's neck. As Frederika herself glanced at what the teacher seemed to be gazing at so intently, to her surprised she bore witness to the very same tattoo that had appeared on her back that one fateful night. "What..." Her curiosity was now piqued, and as she looked over to the others, she saw the same marking on the red-haired girl's inner forearm.

As the teacher called for them to remain in the area, Frederika's ice-blue eyes swung up to address him in return, as she swung the signpost up, around, and planted upright into the ground beside her, still gripping it. Her words came out assertively, the tone even but forceful. "What is going on here? Why do we all possess the same tattoo? And why were we summoned to fight a beast beyond any of our capabilities?"

 

[vxnilla]

hashimoto kiyoshi

scroll! ​

Kiyoshi blinked in surprise at the weapon that was leveled at him when he stepped out of his portal. He supposed he should have considered how sudden and threatening his appearance might have been, but he didn't feel too foolish: after coming out the other side of a battle with a monster the size of a small house, he'd happily take his chances with this (frankly) sorry excuse for a cane. (Which was as much a cane as it was a weapon, and that was to say not at all on both accounts.)

He considered gently pushing it aside with one hand, but it proved to be unnecessary, as the cane was dropped back to the ground to be used for its intended purpose, and a less defensive posture adopted, upon Kiyoshi's offer of help. With a cursory glance, he noted the lacerations lining the other's arms and legs, as well as the unpleasant discoloration and swelling of his ankle.

Silence held for a moment or so more. Kiyoshi stood patiently, sympathetic to the fact that a) if he himself didn't look strange, likely his hair did, b) they had both just come out of a battle, and disorientation was to be expected, and c) the other likely hadn't seen him before, considering Kiyoshi had stayed farther back than the others. Still, he was about to start shifting slightly, if only to alleviate his own feeling of awkwardness a little, when there was finally a response.

"Yeah, that would be... appreciated. I'm Adrian."

About to provide his own name in response, Kiyoshi balked at the hand that was extended to him. No doubt, there was a noticeable second or six as Kiyoshi mentally fumbled for the proper response—he was used to bowing in greeting, but he'd seen a handful of movies where they'd done this, and it was expected for him to react in kind. Right? He had no better option, after all, so after hesitating he reached out gingerly to clasp Adrian's hand before releasing it. He hoped the other boy would be kind enough to not remark if he committed a grievous faux pas.

"A pleasure to meet you, Adrian, though I would have preferred the circumstances to be—less life-threatening." His lips curved in a smile, revealing a brief flash of white teeth. My name is Kiyoshi. Now, allow me assist as promised."

He turned to do just that, portal beginning to manifest, but before he could, they were approached by another man—one of the two adults, with the jaw-dropping battle prowess. Out of instinct Kiyoshi bent at the waist, before he remembered Adrian's greeting and considered that perhaps it wasn't customary here, and so he came out of the bow prematurely. It mattered not; the man was pointing at Kiyoshi's neck, and with a jolt he remembered the visibility of the marking there, and the warmth and glow of it prior.

"Your marking... May I—"

Unfortunately, the question wasn't finished before the other adult had to take a phone call. Kiyoshi did his best to not listen in, but he couldn't help himself from picking up on the odd phrase here and there, though the attention was no longer on him as they were all given instructions to remain where they were. "Those of you who have... appeared in this place—"

Kiyoshi blinked. What this meant was that most everybody here (excepting the adults, and the later entrants to the battle perhaps) were in the same boat as he, and that apparently it was known. Was it something that had happened before? His mind swirled with questions, but he kept quiet, trusting that it would all become clear to him in time. He was uncomfortable demanding anything of figures of authority, even answers, and he still remembered how the man in front of him (and his colleague) had so quickly brought down a creature that all their combined efforts could not. Kiyoshi did not wish for that same force to be turned on him if he spoke out of turn.

Not everyone shared his same reservations, apparently. The tall blonde girl, who (from what he'd seen) was a praise-worthy warrior in her own right and had suffered the most damage of their small group, asked, "What is going on here? Why do we all possess the same tattoo? And why were we summoned to fight a beast beyond any of our capabilities?"

Well. Just because he didn't voice the question didn't mean he wasn't keen to hear the answer. His gaze flicked over to Adrian apologetically. The portal had long flickered closed behind them, but he was willing to bet that it was a smarter choice to hear what was to be said before he warped both of them out, especially considering that one of the—teachers, was it, had come up to them specifically.

OldTurtle Dawnsx PixelSymphony​

 

[mindheist]

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[div class=tag]mentions[/div] SilverBlack Dawnsx @ everyone
[/div] [/div] [/div] [div class=right] [div class=scroll] Among one of the most dreadful Poex Jun has ever encountered were those with regeneration abilities, and even for one who had relatively recently found joy in challenges, the young man could feel a spike in panic both in the air and in his chest. Today truly was a day of misfortune, first with the interruption of his breakfast and now with perhaps one of the hardest Poex types to defeat, and the adrenaline rush had only strained his patience, with Cleo telling him to tend to one of the injured civilians while the latter refused the help. Hell, it'd be a lot easier if everyone would just quit being stubborn, though knowing Cleo has more than confirmed that was almost impossible.

Just in time as his companion could bury herself deeper than she already had, the arrival of two familiar figures caught Jun's attention, and almost instantly a wave of relief washed through him. As always, the professors proved to be as reliable and relatively well-timed.

What the twenty-one year old hadn't expected, though, was the scolding he received following the defeat of the Poex.

It took all of his willpower to resist shooting a side look at his fellow second generationers, and it was only after he mumbled back a "Yes, Professor Kikuchi" that he finally gave in and mumbled a "Better us than nothing" to the girls under his breath once the teacher was out of earshot. Their interference or not, a Poex sighting could lead to a tragedy. No doubt the professor was looking out for them and no doubt their lack of experience even after these years at Vehemen failed to guarantee their safety during any conflict with Poex, but to be scolded when even some experience could at least protect some civilians in the absence of the hunters... the thought left a nagging feeling in his chest, a bad taste in his mouth, and so Jun shoved the thought to the corner of his mind just as Professor Kikuchi's phone rang, only for his voice to chime once more followed by a series of questions from the injured blonde girl who had earlier refused his assistance.

"Tattoo..." Jun muttered to himself. The word rolled easily off his tongue, and his voice raised gradually in volume as he carefully tested the words escaping from his lips. "Summoned... And you have, the same tattoos? But you can't have.... unless, you're not from this world?"

A chill coursed through his body, shiver wracking down his spine as a thought struck him with the intensity of a freight train.

"... The Third Generation?" [/div] [/div] [/div] [/div]

coded by shady.

 

[SilverBlack]

Location: Vehemen Hunter Association
Time: 15 minutes ago

“Someone else will take action. The meeting will proceed as usual.”

The alarm came and faded after about five minutes. After that, only the soft sounds of the air ventilation fan could be heard in the background. It was only a couple seconds later did the man sitting at the front of the table spoke, his voice deep and husk, tone serious and solemn.

The room they were in was huge with no windows, decorated in nothing but cold colors along with the lights above. It was, precisely, a meeting room, with nothing but a long rectangular table made of pure gray marble placed in the middle, where about a dozen people sat around. Every seat was filled except for one. Instead, on the table in front of that chair was a hologram screen with its source coming from a phone that was laying below it. A man could be seen through that screen, sitting in his own armchair with a woman standing next to him.

Despite the alarm sounding off about the Poex’s appearance in Raevedel Square, no one moved. Especially after the man sitting in the front had said that the meeting would go on as usual. He had an earpiece on one side, as if listening to some orders given to him himself. It would appear obvious that he only told everyone to stay for the meeting after someone told him to say so too. The man cleared his throat, his icy blue eyes settled upon the hunters sitting in front of him on both sides. “To continue on where we left off--”

“Excuse me,” a feminine voice cut in, a hint of coldness and displeasure could be heard as she interrupted the man from going on further. “But I don’t think it is exactly the right thing to do to leave the citizens in danger while we proceed on in a meaningless meeting like this.”

“The meeting is not meaningless,” the man replied slowly, a slow sigh escaping his lips. “To strengthen the barriers--”

“I believe we, as hunters, have made our point quite clear,” the source of the feminine voice stood up from her seat, a hand slammed down onto the table. Her eyebrows were furrowed in frustration--this meeting had gone nowhere since it started 30 minutes ago. Her bangs slid down to her forehead a couple of times, but she tucked it back behind her ears. With every movement, her long, black hair swayed about from her long ponytail.

“If this Hunter’s Association has begun to take inhumane measures to keep humans’ safe, then I don’t think we can stay and work for a place that lives on ironies and contradiction,” she spoke haughtily, proud in her own words, firm to her beliefs. She was about to move from her seat when a force suddenly grasped onto her, and she found herself not in control with her own body. Obediently against her will, the hunter--her name would come to be known as Ying, and simply as Ying-- sat back down into her chair. Her fist clenched in anger but she did not say a thing.

A lad across from her, the one sitting right next to the hologram, observed all of these with only a dry smile, finally realizing the situation. “Man~I know I expected this but~” Looking toward the solemn middle-aged man at the front, the lad simply chuckled. “We walked right into a trap didn’t we, Mr. Gunshi…”

Mr. Gunshi, his full name Huoin Gunshi, did not look back toward the lad. Instead, with the well-known monotone voice that he was known for, he explained the situation quite briefly. “Boss has allowed me to use my powers in this room specifically as to prevent anyone from leaving, as this meeting is indeed necessary. I apologize for the forceful tactic, but we would need full cooperation.”
“Getting ahead of ya self, aren’t ya,” a third male spoke, slamming his feet onto the table, a cigar between his lips. “Ya think ya so powerful to bind ourselves here now? Ya can control Ying only cause she still weak as hell.”

“I am not weak,” Ying protested.

“Oh yeah? Shut up, yar nothing but a Daisy.”

“Enough,” Mr. Gunshi stopped the two just before the argument could continue. “I admit I am not yet powerful, but to go against my words is the same thing as going against the Boss’s. I believe we are all loyal here.”

The previous lad laughed, taking off his round glasses briefly to clean it with his cloth as he spoke. “And Gunshi, you’re too loyal. You’re like a dog. At least Ying’s cute here. You’re just...A pug.”

“I mean...A pug is cute too.”

Someone said something but it was ignored. Silence fell upon this room.

“Vince, you haven’t spoken much yet about this matter though. What do you think? About the barriers?” Aside from the original couple, as one of the hunters around the table began to direct his attention at him as well, everyone followed their gaze toward him too. It was true, he had been pretty quiet before the alarm set off and the group started bursting into a rather amusing quarrel--so much so that he couldn’t help joining in. The lad blinked, realizing that he had put attention onto himself now. After a moment or two of hesitance, he put his round glasses back on.

“I’m actually a bit more concerned about what’s going on at Raevedel Square,” he said sheepishly.

“Please allow me to leave, Mr. Gunshi,” Ying firmly stated.

Mr. Gunshi frowned, looking at the group of disobedient hunters in front of him. Although there are obviously more hunters than just this dozen of them, they're the ones who have been the most influential in Praeces so far. Recognized and looked upon by the civilians, in classes all Daisies and above. They’re the ones the Boss had taken a keen eye on and specifically picked out from the rest as to allow them to give their opinions on this matter.

This meeting was originally designed to discuss on nothing but one topic: the desire for volunteers to donate supernatural powers in building a stronger barrier for the country with their magic. Except, supernatural powers could be linked to a human’s life, and donating essentially means to sacrifice oneself for the sake of the country. And while the words “volunteer” and “donate” are used, who knows when it will become forceful? After all, who will be this willing to give up their own life--even when the need becomes necessary?

The Boss is just concerned for the future, Houin thought. However, he understands everyone’s point of view, especially with Ying essentially already assuming that it’s going to be a forceful thing one day to outright disapprove of this idea.

He cleared his throat. “There should be more than enough hunters outside of this meeting to defeat that Poex. It is merely a level C.”

“Just a level C is something easy for some Lilies and Roses to say but ya’ve gathered pretty much all of us here and prevented us from leaving. The rest of the upper class hunters are kinda all out of the city,” the man with the cigar from earlier snorted. “Bet it’s fun to watch those Grasses and Dandi’s get tramped on though, if they are even brave enough to volunteer to fight.”

“Aw, don’t say that about my ex-students, Travis,” Vince jumped in, golden eyes showed hints of irritation beneath his glasses. “I trained them well.”

“Sure sure, ya part-timer. How does it feel fawning over those adorable students and teachers that catch your eyes? Illegal perv.”

A light blush dawned onto the tip of Vince’s ears, as if that attempt of an insult had done nothing but ignited some sort of excitement to the lad, like turning on a switch. The topic had only made him flustered, and the tips of his lips crept up into a smile. “...I mean...Elise is super cute...Ah, but so is Jun! And Miss Ceciline! But, I think...u-um...Eiichi? Mitra? T-They’re like, the best? Like, they’re soo….”

“Stop, you sound disgusting.” Travis could feel the goosebumps creeping up his skin.

“....Vehemen Academy,” as if tired of all these childish quarrel, Mr. Gunshi cut in quietly, forcing the conversation back onto the right track. All the hunters who had been silently entertained by the comedy show Ying, Travis, and Vince had been putting up finally turned their attention back to their supposed vice lead, who had only spoken two words. His exhausted eyes showed a sign of gratitude at the respect he had finally gained again. “Vehemen Academy is rather close to Raevedel Square. If anything, my dear Principal, would you like to take action? You are not bound by my powers, after all. Besides, all the professors should be back by now.”

The Hologram screen has finally been noticed. The man behind the screen cleared his throat. He has dark, long hair that is brushed back, with a small curl in the end. A smile hung upon his lips, the way he talks is as polite as it is insincere. “Don’t worry. It has all been taken care of. Miss Ceciline next to me has just updated me on the situation.”

“The ability of those eyes to see matters three to even four miles away has always struck me as incredibly amazing,” Ying’s small comment praising the powers of the vice principal of the academy was left lingering in the air in the meeting room un-responded. However, as if the woman had heard it herself, the dyed gray-haired lady standing next to the principal leaned down just to look at the hologram and gave her a wink.

“Did she just wink at me---” Vince squealed.

“Not at you, asshole,” one of the hunters in the room answered before Travis could smack Vince down.

“It appears,” the Principal, who would later introduce himself as Darwin H. Orven, ignoring the pointless chatters on the side. “That due to the lack of brave, strong hunters to interfere with the fight and the rest being bound inside the Association building, seven determined individuals had volunteered to take on themselves.”

“Oh?” That seemed to have caught Mr. Gunshi’s genuine attention, if not for the rest of the Hunters, not minding the little diss thrown in from the previous remark. “And who are they?”

“Complete amateurs who don’t know what they’re doing,” Principal Orven said quite bluntly. “However, Miss Ceciline did see something quite interesting on one of them.”

No one asked what it is, but they anticipated for the man to continue speaking, attentive eyes looking forward to the rest of his words. Darwin Orven had always liked this attention. His smile widened, accompanied with his narrowed eyes. “The marking.”

“....Marking’s...Don’t tell me, Otherworlders?!” Ying exclaimed, slamming a fist onto the table, eyes sparkled in deepened interest. “This soon? It’s only been two years.”

Travis yawned, scratching the back of his head, smell of tobacco oozing out of his mouth. “We lost four of them due to the Fangen Incident, I won’t be surprised if the whatever magical forces controlling this go like ‘hey let’s bring in more cause Praeces getting more f*ked up day by day.’”

Darwin clapped his hands twice just to bring everyone’s attention back. “Our three lovely second generations then jumped in to help and dear Professor Kikuchi and Mitra also appeared. The Poex has been put to rest now thanks to all of them. I’ve told Miss Ceciline to contact Kikuchi to keep the...Third generations there, it’s most likely the rest of them have markings on them too. I am planning to bring them back to my academy, as I’d done so in the past.” A small pause before the principal settled on calling them by the third generation, the man nodded to himself. Unlike the others, he’s in the comfort of his own office, with Miss Ceciline reporting to him everything that’s been going on in the square while the meeting was downgrading into a mess.

“As usual, jumping quick to the action,” Mr. Gunshi remarked with an emotionless face and a set pair of dead eyes. “Then, is the problem solved now?”

“Aside from the possible rising new problems of the media asking why VHA did not intervene and let a couple of civilians fight in the beginning--yes, the problem is solved,” Darwin Orven sighed, his smile as pleasant as ever. “I shall let Miss Ceciline settle the rest of the issue.”

“Now, let us return to our purpose of this meeting.”

He ended the topic on that note.

 

[SilverBlack]

Cleo Donovan
Location: Raevedel Square ​

The way the fight began and ended for the Professors was of no surprise to watch for Cleo. She had asked Elise to cover her before, but at this rate with the two professors easily confronting the Poex, they’re pretty much safe even without her barrier. No longer involved in the fight, boredom casted upon the white-haired girl’s eyes. She took out a cigarette, lit up the tip, and inhaled the pleasure of mint tobacco.

Nonetheless, the fight was still entertaining to watch. Despite the little amount of effort the two professors seemingly gave for this Level C Poex, Cleo still managed to catch the sign of a small struggle as Professor Kikuchi unleashed a new skill in defeating the monster. Taking more advantage of that pocket space, huh. Cleo blew out the smoke from the cigarette, letting it dangle into the air, holding the cigarette between her index and middle finger as she watched on. “Heeeeh,” she exclaimed softly, a smirk on her lips. It was always cool to watch someone fight with some new technique.

“Know your limits,” she remembered Eiichi Kikuchi saying to her early. “Psh,” she had snorted in response, shrugging it off as she retreated as he had wanted her to. She did know her limits fairly well, but the world revolved on breaking through those limits. It’s been awhile since she put in that much effort--to be involved in a fight that would take her that much effort to do so. It’s a valuable experience, she could say, already missing the field assignments that they went on sometimes in the past before the summer break came.

And there it went, the Poex vanishing into the air upon its defeat.

Then, as expected, Professor Kikuchi walked up to them. Just before the man began his words, Cleo turned around and walked away, because everything’s to be expected--another unnecessary scolding, something she had long to not bother be annoyed about, as she had believed it was part of the professor’s personality trait to begin with. Though, it would be false to say that she didn’t lend an ear still to hear his words even without facing him. Her eyes, however, were directed at the rest of the seven individuals at the scene, some of them wounded.

Cleo observed them, her eyes narrowing. They shared a similar air around them--an air that was different from this world’s. The aura around them, the atmosphere, the confusion on their faces. These were all too familiar, she could remember herself having those same things, those same expressions, just two years ago.

...For real? Another group of Otherworlders, in just two years?

She was hesitant to think of this possibility as she wondered who they might be. Enough history lessons forced into her brain did let her remember the minimal detail that the gap between them and the First Generation was at least ten years. But now, so soon? She watched as one of the lads introduced himself as Kiyoshi to the wounded male holding the pole for support, listened in briefly enough to also learned the male’s name as Adrian.

In the background, she heard Elise’s apology to Kikuchi’s scolding and Jun’s little diss in response. Eiichi Kikuchi’s last couple of words, to not repeat the tragedy, left a stronger impression in her head. She did not bother to choose to think harder about that.

“Hmmm~” Instead, she hummed, curious. Her expression hinted of increasing excitement at the seven people in front of her. Why now? The question repeated in her head. The possible transfer of new seven people from her old world was way more entertaining to think about rather than Professor Kikuchi’s couple of words. Her confirmation that these rookies were in fact Otherworlders was reassured when Eiichi noticed the marking on the blue-haired lad, Kiyoshi’s, neck after ending his mini lecture, as Cleo followed his gaze briefly.

Then the phone call from Miss Ceciline. Cleo grinned. Definitely. They are Otherworlders. The smell of mint tobacco grew even more pleasant.

"What is going on here? Why do we all possess the same tattoo? And why were we summoned to fight a beast beyond any of our capabilities?"

As one of the girls called out, holding her wounded body up daringly as she spoke directly toward Professor Kikuchi, Cleo recognized her as the sign-girl from earlier. She did not wait for the history professor to give his typical stern response. A small whistle of amusement escaped between her lips from the white-haired girl as she cut in. “That’s true,” she said. “The last part’s interesting. I don’t remember having to fight a Poex when I got here,” she looked toward Elise and Jun, confirming the thought.

It was true. When they came here, it was random enough but it was peaceful. No immediate fight. In fact, they even each appeared in their own random place in this huge city and lived among the chaos and confusion for a bit until someone somehow managed to learn about all of them and came to pick them off. Then somehow, they were all seated in some random principal’s office of some random academy, and were suddenly bombarded with knowledge and a new reality that didn’t make sense but were forced to face. Now somehow...They’re still here.

“But that aside, we should be coming from the same world, hopefully,” she added in the end. Cleo smiled, her fangs obvious when she grinned. “Welcome to Lumen now, guys.”

The last couple of words are directed to all seven of them.

At that moment, a long, black car came into view, taking its time to drive into the Raevedel Square. It resembled a limousine, new and shiny. It pulled over just one meter away from the two professors, and settled down in front of the students and new Otherworlders.

The people inside the limousine seemed to take their time. Soon, the door opened, and a woman stepped out from the passengers’ seats. She was licking her finger, as if finishing off some bits of a dessert, but regained her posture as soon as she had her light, blue eyes rested on everyone above her.

Thin, rectangular glasses sat lightly on her slightly perked nose, her lips were a nice purple pink from her lipstick. She had her hair, dyed gray, tied up into a bun, and it fit her rather well. Her facial features resembled that of a typical, beautiful woman, though the curves of her body further contributed to her attractiveness. The woman had her arms crossed in front of her chest as she studied her surroundings, her gaze fixed on where the Poex used to lay.

“Someone, go pick up that Lux, please,” she said politely. As soon as she said so, the man from the driver’s seat exited the car and went to retrieve what seemed to be a dark, black rock that was the only thing left from where the Poex used to be. The rock emitted its own mysterious glow.

“Oh, look at so many of you wounded,” the woman proceeded to remark at the group, but despite the exclamation she didn’t really seem to care. “Cleo, Jun, Elise, good job. Professor Kikuchi, Mitra, we thank you for hunting the Poex down. The rest of the Hunters were bound in the VHA for a meeting that the boss did not intend to end.” She shook her head gently, frowning herself. “I apologize for getting so many people involved. You guys must have helped a lot too, and deserve some gratitude,” addressing the group briefly, she paused. “You all must be the Third Generation Otherworlders.”

A pause.

“My name is Ymir D. Cecilline, you may all just address me as Miss Cecilline. You all will probably refer me as the vice principal later on. I have come here to pick you up and bring you guys to where you should be. So if you all may please enter the limousine...There are healers inside who will treat your injuries,” she spoke as professionally as it was distant, as if not intending anyone to squeeze in any questions. Ultimately, deep inside, she’s just too lazy to answer any of them.

“I will be sitting at the very front, right next to the driver. If you guys have any concerns, there are those upperclassmen who can be of assistance to you,” she gestured toward the three second generations. How convenient for them to be here.

Then, as flawless as she was in her white business attire and white high heels, she turned sharply then entered the car herself. The limousine’s engine remained on, the passengers’ doors remained open, as if even the car itself was beckoning them to enter.

The secretary--or rather, the vice principal, was as spontaneous and confusing as ever.

They all eventually would get on the limousine, along with the rest three second otherworlders, sitting together in the passengers’ seats and experience a short time of some luxury as orange light illuminated the inside of the car, with the healers sitting quietly on the very edge contrasting the light with green hue emitted from their hands: healing powers, taking effect as soon as someone’s within that range of light. As soon as they all settled down, the car would begin to drive, and they would be left by themselves to converse and ask questions...With the two professors there with them, as well.

Cleo waited a bit near the end to enter, waiting for most of the others to get on first. Then, when standing right behind her is Professor Kikuchi, she made a super mini orb on the tip of her fingertips that burned her cigarette into ashes, blown into the winds.

It was as if she chose now to respond to Professor Kikuchi’s scolding earlier. Her tone was a little deeper, more serious, perhaps.

“When we got there, a child was under the Poex. Seven pure rookies who don’t know how to fight were desperate to save the kid,” she paused. “Elise saved one of them as soon as we arrived while I was evacuating the citizens nearby. Without her, the girl could’ve died. One of those rookies was smart enough to teleport the kid away. Then it became inevitable to fight against the Poex going insane.”

“The broadcast announced the Poex’s appearance at the same time as the alarm. We were all notified. Eiichi, if you want to scold us for our actions and prevent another tragedy from happening, perhaps you and Mitra should’ve come sooner, just like how the rest of the hunters should have, wherever they are now,” she exhaled, and the mischievous grin slipped back onto her face as she turned sideway to look at her history teacher. “Isn’t that right, pro-fe-ssors?”

“Same thing for that plant teacher. Ah, no, that’s our science teacher,” After sharing her own piece of mind, Cleo proceed to step into the limousine with her mouth still running. However, what followed her words was none other than her usual casual rambling as she ended the topic and sat down with the rest, directing the conversation away. “Good to see ya, Jun, did we interrupt your breakfast time?” Realizing that it’s only till now did she actually greet the other, she teased with a grin, patting Elise on the shoulder to indicate her as an accomplice. Then, she looked to the rest. “Let’s share names too before you ask questions. Driver! You may drive the car away now before Professor Kikuchi gets on!”

It’s worth noticing that she addressed the professor directly by his name when no one else’s listening, but at least, she was polite enough to return her formalities despite her joking nature to ditch one of the professors behind. Not to mention to stop smoking inside the limousine.

----
Mentioned/Interacted: @ everyone (briefly) Dawnsx mindheist Nano

 

[PixelSymphony]

~Frederika von Eisenhart~
-- Third Generation? --

Status: Wounded
Wearing: Torn School Uniform
Location: Unknown

---

Frederika pivoted in place to face the white-haired boy whom she'd waved off earlier, peering intently at him as she caught his remark. The Third Generation? Of what? Before she'd even had a chance to process this thought, the white-haired girl who'd saved her from the maw of the beast chimed in with her own dialogue, leaving Frederika even more perplexed. Lumen? Wait, "we"? Struck dumb as her mind raced to try and make some sense of the few scraps of information she now possessed, she could do no more than stare silently at the white-haired pair, a look of intense confusion plain as day on her face.

Fortunately for what remained of her sense of pride, the vehicle's arrival broke the awkward tension and shifted the attention away from her mute state. As she bore witness to the figure exiting the vehicle, her decorum formalized and polite, yet with an undercurrent of dismissiveness, there was no question that this was clearly someone who exerted greater influence then could be wasted on just this small group. Frederika's best guess at her identity was an administrator of some variety, a suspicion which quickly bore fruit as the voluptuous woman revealed herself as a vice principal. But of what? And why was she so interested in them? Her words were honey-scented, but the adage of honey and vinegar drove Frederika to caution when they were bid to enter the limousine, even as they were offered the promise of both a desired location as well as medical attention.

The tall, muscular girl had wanted to question nearly all of what she had just heard, but true to her intent, Miss Cicilline disappeared into the front of the elongated vehicle without a single glance behind. Now Frederika was convinced something untowards was going on, and had half a mind to turn down the offer. But as the combat high finally faded and she was left to experience the full sensation of having been gored by a ten-story tall creature, there was no denying the slim pair of options she realistically had; either get in the limo and finally get her wounds treated, or very likely succumb to them in short order, alone and from what she could tell in a very unforgiving world. And so, begrudgingly, she filed into the long black vehicle, leaving her first weapon, the signpost symbolically marking the spot at which her life had taken a sharp turn into the unordinary.

~~~

As she sat in the passenger compartment, the engine rhythmically rumbling and the others having begun to converse, her thoughts turned towards again attempting to piece together what she had learned so far, in an effort to at least maintain some grasp on the reality which now surrounded her. The white haired girl... she said that when "they" arrived, they didn't have to fight a... Poex, was it called? So these beasts are common enough to have been given a name, and judging from the proficiencies in which were on display and the titles of "vice-principal" and "professor" that were used, for some manner of combat academy to have been developed. Her eyes swung over to the trio of advanced students. The vice-principal referred to them as upperclassmen, so they must have been here for some time, but again, the girl said that they originally "arrived" like we had.

She looked between Cleo and Jun, as the former seemed to be cajoling the latter while dragging the third girl of their group into the conversation. They clearly possess a manner of bond befitting of those who have been through great displacement themselves, and the boy was taken aback by the concept that we might be the Third Generation, so... does this make their cohort the Second Generation? Something told her this was very likely true, but for the moment it would merely have to remain a conjecture, as she was still very suspicious about this entire situation. None of this answered why they, the Third Generation, nor the Second Generation were brought here. Even if the other group's arrival had been peaceful, what had prompted it at all? And if there was a Second Generation, was there a First Generation? Would they know what caused this as they were the progenitors? Or were they the cause of all of this in the first place?

With new questions merely taking up the space that had been occupied by her now previous questions, Frederika felt little additional relief about the situation she'd been thrust into. The healing magic had indeed repaired her wounds beyond compared, but could do little to allay the mental assault of information she was now bearing. With a dull groan she leaned forward to massage her temples, hoping the physical pressure would take some of the edge off. There is little that can be done at this point. Better to conserve your strength for now; there are many future trials awaiting in this world, very likely beginning the instant you step out of this vehicle. If you wish to succeed, you must continue to change from your old ways...

She gave herself a small nod and rose back up to her previous sitting position, proper and stately as it was even with her uniform torn asunder. Addressing her fellow third gens, she began quietly, almost surprisingly unsure of her words as she spoke for the first time inside the car. "To... those of you who were beside me during the battle, you have my gratitude. I fear I know few of your names, only that we have been thrust together by circumstance." She continued as she looked out the window at the passing scenery, which as they departed from the city, began to fill with trees and other foliage. "This world I fear possesses danger of a greater magnitude than anything I could have ever imagined. I do not know what fate awaits us in this strange land, but I suspect it awaits all of us at once, so I hope I am able to prolong our existence for just a little long than were I not here." She paused. "For any who would wish to hear, my name is Frederika von Eisenhart."

 

[LoliCowboy]

Nora Glass
"Why struggle?"​

location: car

condition: exhausted

tags: none

outfit: baggy sweater, sweatpants

Nora rubbed her raw fingertips, slightly bloodied from where they had ground against the rough wall. Somehow, aside from some bruises, her only real wounds. Her mouth twisted. She felt like... a coward. But they had been told to run, and they had, had they not?

She shook her head, pale hair dangling into her eyes. No use concerning herself with it now. What was done was done.

She had emerged back into the square at the sound of tires against pavement, after the abrupt end to the sounds of combat, and found herself ushered into a well-lit vehicle. It seemed that introductions were being made. She debated staying silent, for a time. She hadn't failed to notice how people's gazes slid over her like water, how no one had inquired about her condition, her disappearance, about anything. It seemed almost... supernatural. She chuckled to herself, then.

It seemed most things here were.

However, she felt the need to join in. If only for a moment. These people were her only chance at understanding where she was and what had happened. Surely there was some value in introducing herself. Not getting attached, mind you. Never getting attached.

Her hand wandered to the tattoo on her neck, a commonality among many of them there. Her fingers left slight smears of red across her skin there as she pulled away and looked at Frederika - the tall girl, the strong girl, the brave girl - so unlike her, no? She shrugged.

"I'm Nora. Glass. Won't say it's nice to meet you all, because today has been rather shite in the grand scheme of things, but you all seem like decent people to be stuck in this mess with, so..." she trailed off. First impressions had never been her strong suit. Another shrug as she slumped back into her seat and stared blankly into the middle distance. Damn, she was tired. But at least she felt... composed? No, maybe not the right word. But not like she was going to fall apart, be that emotionally or quite literally.

codedbycrucialstar​

 

[Nessi]

Hanna would watch as the professionals dispatched the monster with ease, which put Hanna at ease. She would return to where the beast once was, apparently it was called a Poex, and from the way these pro's were talking about it, it seemed to be pretty common. The blonde haired girl seemed to have made it out ok, and for the most part, Hanna was fine, though she was pissed that her shoes were beyond repair.
"300 dollars just destroyed..." Hanna murmured to herself. She would be helped into a vehicle with the others who were thrown into this strange world. Hanna noticed that everyone had a tattoo, which was strange, because Hanna never had a tattoo in her life. "surely I don't have one too," Hanna said as her hand went to her back. Low and behold, she too had a mark. Hanna made a mental note to ask someone about that later, maybe one of those professors had the answer for her, She would have to wait and find out...hopefully. And then the blonde girl started talking, she spoke very properly and seriously, Hanna was getting those leader vibes, which she didn't mind at all. She seemed nice enough, and was defiantly strong enough.Her name was Frederika von Eisenhart, which was way to long for Hanna to remember, and in her head dubbed her as Fred. Hanna would stick her fist out towards Frederika for a fist bump, "nice name, Mines Hanna, Hanna Aldrin, no need to thank me, just doing what I thought was right." Hanna said with a nice big genuine smile. "without you, things could have ended up being a lot worst than they were" Hanna said with a bit of a chuckle.

 

[OldTurtle]

Adrian looked at blue-hair in bemusement, still holding his hand out for an unusually long time. The other boy was still silent, as if taken aback by the hand. Shifting his weight again, his eyes narrowed as blue-hair finally shook his hand, albeit with clear discomfort. Hm? This was certainly unusual. Admittedly, Adrian's offering of a handshake hadn't been exactly completely benign. In the end, he wouldn't mindlessly trust a stranger who could just teleport around with little to no warning. He wasn't that foolish - not anymore, at least. Usually, Adrian was steadfastly against trying to read people, but given the unusual circumstances, he was willing to make a concession. There was just too much about this situation that made him nervous.

But he'd gotten nothing. While Adrian hadn't put much effort into trying to read blue-hair, he should've still gotten something from the hand-to-hand contact, especially since he no longer had gloves to shield himself. But no. Not so much as a vague tingle. This was certainly new. And very suspicious. Yet despite recognizing this fact, Adrian couldn't help himself from getting curious. Regardless, he bit back on the urge to push a little harder as this mysterious blue-hair spoke again.

"A pleasure to meet you, Adrian, though I would have preferred the circumstances to be—less life-threatening," he smiled. "My name is Kiyoshi. Now, allow me assist as promised."

Blue-hair - no, Kiyoshi, Adrian reminded himself - began to turn away, that same unearthly light reappearing and taking form near him. Or it would've, had the other person not approached them. Kiyoshi half-bowed jerkily to this man, recognizably one of the two adults. Perhaps this was the cause of his hesitance earlier? Either way, it was of little importance and Adrian swept the errant thought to the side. The older man pointed at Kiyoshi's neck, drawing Adrian's gaze to the spot as well. What is this? What is this?

Unable to believe his eyes, Adrian blinked in a futile attempt to clear his vision. It can't be. It wasn't possible. But it was. His right hand flew to his left side, clutching at the area in shock. The marking had always been a mystery to Adrian. He'd long since discredited the ideas that it was a scar, birthmark, tattoo, or anything else like that. It had simply appeared one day and stayed there. No doctor he saw was able to explain it away either, but as it never really caused any pain, he'd eventually just let it be.

Of course, he did have a vague idea of what it was. It was just too suspicious, given the timing between the marking's appearance and that of his powers. Oh, and how about the fact that it glowed whenever he used his powers? Yeah, that was a bit of a dead giveaway. It hadn't been obvious in the beginning, as Adrian wasn't in the habit of using his powers while shirtless - or doing much of anything shirtless, for that matter - but he'd have had to be a whole new level of unobservant to have not noticed after this long. And to see this now. Here. Wherever here was. That was a different sort of unexpected than he'd experienced so far.

"Your marking... May I—" The adult in the vicinity didn't finish whatever question he was asking, instead choosing to receive a call. The man spoke little, leaving much of his conversation up to Adrian's imagination. Hanging up the call, the man turned to speak again. "Those of you who have... Appeared in this place, please remain where you are."

You'd find no complaints from this corner. Adrian leaned onto his right leg more as another twinge of pain worked its way up his left. He wasn't really going to be going anywhere, especially now that Kiyoshi's portal-thing had faded away. And appeared? Well, that was one way to describe being here. Adrian still hadn't forgotten that he didn't know where here was. He glanced around at his surroundings, this time without the panic and giant monster getting in the way of his thoughts. Not, he realized, that it helped. If the square had any recognizable features before, it certainly didn't now, the monster and the battle having decimated most of the area.

"What is going on here? Why do we all possess the same tattoo? And why were we summoned to fight a beast beyond any of our capabilities?"

Starting in surprise at the unknown voice, Adrian turned back towards the others to find that another person had joined them in the time he was looking around. Sign-girl, he recognized, though she certainly looked worse for the wear. Ouch. Adrian almost felt his injuries hurt less as he saw the condition she was in. How was she even moving around like that? And -- wait, what did she say? We all? Did that mean that what Adrian suspected?

Well, this just became far more concerning. How wonderful. And what's this about summoning? Did he miss something? Biting his lower lip at all the questions he had, Adrian refocused on the conversation, this time promising himself that he'd pay attention.

"Summoned... And you have, the same tattoos? But you can't have.... unless, you're not from this world?"

Another unfamiliar voice drew Adrian's attention away, this time a boy with silvery hair. Seriously, what is it with people and their hair today? Wait, no. Off-topic. Bad Adrian. And let's back up a little now. This world? That simultaneously answered many questions Adrian had and brought up a whole host of new ones.

"... The Third Generation?" silver-hair continued, looking as if a ghost had crawled up his back and whispered a limerick into his ear. Third? What's this about now? Finding himself mired in a swamp of questions with only Sir Polealot to help but nothing to hit, Adrian hoped desperately that someone, anyone, would bring answers for once.

“That’s true,” a third new voice cut in. “The last part’s interesting. I don’t remember having to fight a Poex when I got here,”

There we go. Maybe some answers. Adrian turned again to face the newcomer, whom he recognized as the short girl with the explosions.

“But that aside, we should be coming from the same world, hopefully.” Explosion-girl grinned widely. “Welcome to Lumen now, guys.”

You know what, whatever. At this point, Adrian was lacking the brain capacity for new questions. He glanced around, now noticing that at some point, six others had joined the little gathering, including the other adult. Adrian scrutinized them, searching for the marking that he was told they all have. No dice. Either everyone else had their markings hidden in some way or he was getting paranoid.

Now a long, black limousine approached, its tires crunching on the small pieces of rubble still strewn across the pavement and coming to a stop near the two adults. Its surface was so new and clean, Adrian could practically see his own reflection in it, a stark contrast to the devastation lying around them. Before he could admire the vehicle for long, the passenger's door opened and a women stepped out. The well-dressed woman surveyed the small gathering and their surroundings dispassionately.

She didn't address Adrian or the others first, instead instructing the driver to retrieve something from the Poex - and what might Lux be? - and only then turning her gaze to them. She spoke with a detached air about her, as if this were just another task on a very long and very boring to-do list. Despite that, the woman gave out a fair amount of information. More questions too, but Adrian was more than sick of those. Miss Cecilline, as she'd introduced herself, returned to the limo just as suddenly as she'd appeared, and leaving them with a rather suspicious invitation to enter.

Adrian was pretty sure that this was shady. Instead of a white van and offers of candy, he got a classy limo and offers of answers. Well, he knew which one he'd prefer. He filed in with the others, sill gripping his trusty sidekick Sir Polealot. He collapsed into a seat with a sigh and, with a start, realized that his ankle was suddenly paining a lot less. Likely due to the people with the glowing hands, Adrian surmised. And to be honest, that was far from the strangest thing he'd seen today. Turning away from his observation of the strangers, he managed to catch the rambling of explosion-girl. If silver-hair was Jun, then that made the other girl Elise and explosion-girl Cleo.

"Let’s share names too before you ask questions. Driver! You may drive the car away now before Professor Kikuchi gets on!” she called out, finally looking at the Adrian and the others. It was sign-girl who spoke first.

To... those of you who were beside me during the battle, you have my gratitude. I fear I know few of your names, only that we have been thrust together by circumstance. This world I fear possesses danger of a greater magnitude than anything I could have ever imagined. I do not know what fate awaits us in this strange land, but I suspect it awaits all of us at once, so I hope I am able to prolong our existence for just a little long than were I not here. For any who would wish to hear, my name is Frederika von Eisenhart."

Well, alright, there's a name. Hopefully, Adrian would be able to remember it properly. If there was one observation he could make about Frederika, it would be that she was formal. More so than anyone he'd ever met before. Adrian absentmindedly tugged the wrappings from his forearms. Whatever the glowy people were doing, it was certainly helping. The various small nicks and cuts were already mostly healed. Another voice piped up, drawing Adrian's attention away from his healing arms.

"I'm Nora. Glass. Won't say it's nice to meet you all, because today has been rather shite in the grand scheme of things, but you all seem like decent people to be stuck in this mess with, so..." the lanky girl slumped back into her seat. Adrian blinked at her in amazement. Somehow, he'd almost forgotten she was there. It wasn't as if he'd forgotten how many people there were, but he'd just... didn't notice her. He frowned at the thought. Well, he was tired, after all. Running on adrenaline probably wasn't doing him any favors either. He turned towards the next speaker.

"Nice name. Mine's Hanna, Hanna Aldrin, no need to thank me, just doing what I thought was right." The dark-haired girl offered her fist towards Frederika for a fist bump with a smile. "Without you, things could have ended up being a lot worst than they were."

Adrian supposed that it was his turn now.

"Adrian September," he introduced. "Pleasure to meet you. Wish it was under better circumstances, though."

Well, that went well. Kinda. At least he hadn't managed to trip over his words. That was always a plus.

Nessi LoliCowboy PixelSymphony SilverBlack mindheist vxnilla @IhopethatwaseveryoneImentioned

 

[Nano]

Elise Friedhelm.

After the monster let out its final, guttural roar and swiftly dealt the finishing blow by Professor Kikuchi, Elise breathed out a sigh of relief. Having confirmed that the ordeal was over, the girl removed one of her hands from her shield and gently placed it upon the wall she had summoned to separate the civilians from the Poex. Ripples formed from where she had placed her hand, and the barrier shattered into thousands of crystalline shards before quickly dissipating completely.

However, fate allotted the 2nd generation students little time to relax. The moment their history teacher pulled them to the side, Elise swallowed nervously in mental preparation for a good tongue lashing.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly with her head hung. However, she didn’t bother to recite the words that she’d never act so rashly again. She wasn’t the type to make empty promises. Though her reasoning was likely far less heroic than Cleo’s, should an identical situation arise, Elise would repeat her actions again regardless. If a friend were to dive headfirst into danger, she wouldn’t hesitate to follow. She was through with leaving her important people behind and regretting it.

Before the glint of defiance could visibly enter her eyes, Elise’s attention was pulled elsewhere by the shocking revelation that the group of “civilians” they had just assisted were, in fact, Otherworlders. A new generation had appeared, after a mere 2 years, no less.

Elise held her shield with a vice-like grip, knuckles turning white as the blood gradually drained from her hand. Seven. Just like the way they once were.

She could feel her heart’s thunderous pulse all the way down to her fingertips. Swallowing down the terrible feeling that had wedged itself in her throat, she made rather poor attempts to settle down that cacophony of chaotic emotions.

“Calm down. Calm down.” she whispered to herself. Her tightly shut eyelids quivered. The Poex has nothing to do with that incident.

This wasn’t the world rejecting the very people it had forcibly summoned. However, her own words faltered upon recalling the sight of the scarlet beads of blood trailing down the fair skin of the tall blonde girl within their group. The Otherworlders could have died again, only this time, they hadn’t even know why or for what.

To this day, she still wasn’t sure what to make of the Fangen Theater Incident. However, the current series of events was beyond excusable. Whoever or whatever kept porting them over to Lumen should have had any other time or place to summon the 3rd generation, so why had it chosen for them to land right in the warpath of a Poex? Was it just toying with them? Enjoying their confusion and despair? The coincidental lack of response from the professional hunters was all the more unsettling.

The suspicion which threatened to show on Elise’s face didn’t abate even when Vehemen’s Vice Principal made her appearance, lauding her friends and the professors for a job well done. Fortunately, her words needed not to be expressed, given that Cleo had already said much of their collective qualms in a reversed scolding of her own towards Professor Kikuchi. The white-haired girl could have afforded to word her complaints less blunty, but that's besides the point.

“Oh, right,” Elise’s ears turned red when Cleo had tactfully reminded her of their recent trespass against Jun. “Sorry. Did you at least get to finish? Umm, I hope it wasn’t your favorite.”

God forbid if it were something like a crepe, a hundred apologies might not be enough.

Elise averted her gaze away from Jun and suddenly found a newfound interest in adjusting her hairpin. However, her right hand dropped as soon as it touched the velvety white petals. As per usual, Cleo always had new ways of expressing her lack of respect for her professors. On the other hand, she wholeheartedly agreed that introductions were long past due.

“To... those of you who were beside me during the battle, you have my gratitude. I fear I know few of your names, only that we have been thrust together by circumstance. This world I fear possesses danger of a greater magnitude than anything I could have ever imagined. I do not know what fate awaits us in this strange land, but I suspect it awaits all of us at once, so I hope I am able to prolong our existence for just a little long than were I not here. For any who would wish to hear, my name is Frederika von Eisenhart."

The tall blonde, freshly introduced as Frederika von Eisenhart, was the first to accept Cleo’s prompt. Though, as indicated by her prim posture, her introduction—or rather speech—was shockingly formal for someone their age. It was reminiscent of the businesspeople her mother always talked to, even.

"I'm Nora. Glass.”

Elise visibly jumped, completely missing the rest of the next girl’s introduction. Be still, my heart. She could almost feel it thudding against her sternum. If she thought about it, it was true that she had counted seven 3rd generation otherworlders back then. However, Nora’s faint presence or lack thereof had caused her to completely forget about the girl’s existence. She herself had been a fellow greyman, but wasn’t this level of fading into the crowd unscientific?

Eyes still wide, Elise nodded dumbly at the following two members of their small congregation of otherworlders who were visibly far less shaken than she. Hanna Aldrin and Adrian September. Right, those were easy enough to remember.

Seeing no one else made an immediate move to introduce themselves next, Elise offered the group what hopefully appeared like a reassuring smile. “I’m Elise. Elise Friedhelm. Things are usually more peaceful than this for us students. Usually…”

Ah, she accidentally repeated that word. It wouldn’t make them too nervous, would it?

SilverBlack mindheist @

everyone​

 

[xXx.lovely.xXx]

Ravyn shakily made her way over to the group. The monster, Poex? as they called it, was dead. She felt numb. Her jeans were slightly bloodied from skinned knees, her wrist was sprained, her new jumper was destroyed, her shoes were long gone, but her hair still looked great. She barely heard the gangster looking girl speak. Only bits and pieces of information entered her swimming mind. They were on... in... Lumen? They were 3rd Generations? What does that mean? Everything was extremely confusing, but she had to keep a pretty face as she called it. There was a limousine. Fancy. A pretty woman. Miss Cecilline. She followed the other 3rd Generations? into the car. People began introducing themselves.
German blond- Frederika von Eisenhart.
Quiet girl with virtually no fashion sense- Nora. Glass.
Athletic girl- Hanna Aldrin.
Cute guy- Adrian September. Cute guy, cute name. Nice.
Skittish looking 2nd Generation? Upperclassman?- Elise Friedhelm. It was usually more peaceful. Usually. Very reassuring.
Guess it was her turn. Ravyn shook her loose, red curls out of her face. Her New York accent had softened out with practice but was still noticeable.
" I'm Ravyn Bellanova. "
She flashed a charming grin. Pretty face. Pretty face. Don't let it show that you'll probably be traumatized for the rest of your life. Things were great. Life was great. She'll probably never see her friends, overbearing sisters, or puppeteering parents again. Pretty. Face.
" So, um, quick question. Where are we going?"

 

[Dawnsx]

Eiichi regarded the blonde girl neutrally even as she planted the signpost straight into the ground. Some sort of strength-enhancing ability wasn't out of the question, but the fact that she still had so much fight left in her despite her wounds... A general physical-enhancing ability maybe? Eiichi filed his guesses away for the future, but didn't bother answering the feisty young woman. If the Vice Principal herself was coming, then everything will be—should be—clear later on. Either way, there were too many uncertainties around the situation right now to come to any conclusions.

Eiichi remained silent for the duration of the wait, his own thoughts swirling as he listened to Junhwa and Cleo's musings. If these children really were Third Generations, why now? Were they brought here as "replacements" for the Second Generations that were lost in the tragedy? Or was the timing just a coincidence?

Too much has happened in the last two decades. Poex falling out of the sky, then Otherworlders appearing out of thin air... What did this all have to do with each other?

The group was in disarray, and the tension in the air was palpable, but thankfully there was no attempt at an escape by the time a familiar limousine pulled up. A look of contempt flashed across Eiichi's eye as the Vice Principal stepped out of the vehicle. Nevertheless, he lowered his head when Cecilline thanked him and the others. But the perpetual disdain that Eiichi felt for the woman threatened to bubble back up again when she ushered them into the limousine without offering a single explanation aside from the confirmation of the newcomers' identities. The responsibility of answering any questions (as though they had any more answers than she did) was flung onto the Second Generations while Cecilline herself retreated into the front seat.

Still, Eiichi didn't protest and watched as everyone filed into the vehicle. When Cleo was the last student left, she spoke in a low tone of the circumstances before he and Mitra arrived. The Third Generations fighting to save a child, his students struggling to save them, and the jab at his and Mitra's late arrival. Throughout her speech, there was no indication of any reaction from Eiichi, but he returned Cleo's side-eye with one of his own.

When she finally slipped into the car, his stoic mask slid off, replaced by something akin to weariness.

These children, both his students and these newcomers, were much too eager to risk their lives for the innocent. He could understand it somewhat; having the power to help the weak, wanting to use those powers and feeling the obligation to do so. Eiichi would certainly do everything within his ability to ensure the safety of civilians, but he had limits. He didn't value the lives of civilians over his own. He didn't value their lives over his students', because he never became a Hunter out of noble intentions. No, he chose this way of life to escape one that he found more agonizing.

Then again, his students didn't choose this way of life either. They were thrusted into this world by chance, and never given the chance to choose whether or not they want to act as the supposed messiahs of this world. Yet they did what they believed was right, and they would throw themselves headfirst into danger if it meant saving the life of even one person. Eiichi looked up at the sky forlornly and quietly wondered if it was youth and naivety that drove their actions.

From inside the car, he could hear Cleo jokingly asking the driver to leave. Smoothing out his features, Eiichi entered the limousine and sat down. Introductions went around as though they were at a social mixer. Once it was his turn, Eiichi inclined his head and spoke smoothly, ”Eiichi Kikuchi.”

After his short introduction, Eiichi looked out the window and resolutely kept himself out of any conversation unless addressed directly.

 

[vxnilla]

hashimoto kiyoshi

scroll! ​

So much was happening at once. Kiyoshi didn't consider himself a slouch when it came to what he had upstairs, but even he was getting drained, and more than a little frazzled, trying to keep up with everything. The monster, the teachers, the shared markings, Lumen, words like "Third Generation" being thrown around ominously— Maybe his capacity for processing the unprocess-able was worse than he thought, but the fact remained that he felt ready to shut down. He wanted to retreat into his head and leave some barely-functioning vestiges behind, to work like an automated voicemail:

This is Hashimoto Kiyoshi, he is currently very tired and half-hoping this was all some a very intense dream sequence. Please leave a message after the beep. He'll get back to you, after things start making sense.

When a limousine—a limousine, of all things—rolled up onto the battlefield, he found himself with even more questions and not nearly enough answers. A lovely woman stepped out; although Kiyoshi might not have a fully-working brain at the moment, his eyes worked just fine, and so even he could appreciate her objective beauty. But something about her tone, clipped and clinical, put him on edge. As a result of his upbringing, he had an instinctive weariness of all authority figures, the two teachers included, but he felt even more distinctly uneasy with her. Miss Cecilline, as she introduced herself, with the almost flippant way she remarked on their wounds—as if one of the girls hadn't suffered an injury severe enough to kill most small animals—and the briskness of her tone.

He supposed she assumed they knew what the words "Third-Generation Otherworlders" were supposed to mean. He understood all those words separately, sure, but strung together like that? He hadn't the faintest idea.

But he was nothing if not afraid of questioning authoritative adults in any capacity, and so he asked nothing and simply filed dutifully in the limousine. If he were driven off to be slaughtered, then so be it. He had no energy left to resist.

One of the girls, fair-haired and experienced, suggested they share their names (and also said a lot of other things, the majority of which flew over his head). He couldn't recall if she gave her own, or if he had simply missed it, but before he could even entertain the idea of asking, the introduction circle had begun. He struggled to gather the remaining dregs of his higher-level thinking and pay attention, so that he wouldn't be caught in the terribly awkward situation of working alongside the others (as it looked like he might be) for months and months, not knowing their names, and then feeling like it was too late to ask.

The formal blonde introduced herself as Frederika. Another, whose presence he did not recognize although he felt certain that she had been there during the battle, called herself Nora; the dark-haired one with red eyes was Hanna. The young man with the impromptu cane was Adrian, who Kiyoshi felt certain he would remember if only because he looked to be the only other male besides himself. A blue-eyed girl who looked no older than himself introduced herself as Elise, and offered the assurance that "things are usually more peaceful for us students. Usually"—which didn't instill in him a whole lot of confidence, but he thought it was sweet of her to try. The red-haired girl said her name was Ravyn, and the teacher who had so efficiently dispatched the beast and then later come up to Kiyoshi, was Eiichi Kikuchi.

Kiyoshi resolved to call him Sir unless explicitly prompted otherwise, and even then only Mr. Kikuchi.

When the silence stretched, he took that as a sign that it was his turn. He cleared his throat softly, mouth suddenly dry, finding himself as uncomfortable as ever with having the weight of more than two people's attention on him at a time, and said, "My name is H—" Suddenly, he recalled the introduction order of most European countries, and realized that most everyone in the car had introduced themselves with their surname last, and he hastily cut himself off to revise, "Kiyoshi Hashimoto. I am honored to meet all of your acquaintances."

He inclined his head, grateful for the split-second reprieve it gave him.

 

[SilverBlack]

Ymir D. Ceciline
Location: Passenger Seat/Inside Limousine

Sitting in the passenger’s seat at the front, Miss Ceciline let out a soft sigh as she waited for the driver to situate himself before he started the car engine. The Lux that she had requested the driver to get is now in her hands, in which she took a quick, careless look at, then had it secured away in a tiny metal box that was placed in the small surface between the two seats.

The car engine was already on, though the youngsters were still getting onto the limousine at the back. Loosely, despite the appearance of someone who doesn’t care, she still kept a careful eye over them, making sure that all of them are getting onto the limousine one by one. If one was to look carefully, an unnatural violet hue was hinted in one of her eyes that were otherwise green in color. In the vision of that particular eye, she had contorted the field of perception, expanding it to a full 360 degrees to see what’s going on behind her outside the limousine. It’s a convenient power, really. If not for so, these third generation Otherworlders wouldn’t even be noticed as quickly.

Cleo. Professor Kikuchi. Mitra. In her mind, she casually noted down everyone who’s getting into the car. However, just as she’s about to count one more, as there should be seven third generation otherworlders, she halted abruptly.

There’s no one there.

She recalled what she had seen during the battle, remembering clearly the presence of seven individuals who were later identified to be the third generation otherworlders when she first looked over at the group themselves. Ymir D. Ceciline was quick to identify the one who had not yet gotten onto the limousine--the girl with the firearm, wearing unfamiliar school uniform. By that time, the door to the limousine was closed, and the car was about to leave.

“Wait,” she ordered, and the limousine stopped immediately. Her eyebrows furrowed briefly, and she closed both eyes. Her vision expanded to miles away as she viewed from the top, eagle vision allowing her to use her ability to the extreme as she forced herself to check into all the areas nearby, as far as her eyes could see.

No, the girl was nowhere to be seen.

Miss Ceciline opened her eyes, squinting at the pain from how dry it is. She blinked a couple of times before taking out a small handheld transceiver. Her tone was flat but serious as she spoke over it.

“One of the third generations has vanished. Please dispatch a search team.”

An outburst of reactions were transferred over in mixed signals from the other end. “Already?!” was heard multiple times, along with a couple other words of “they’ve been waiting…” and “hurry…” Though the woman ended the conversation as soon as the order was made.

“Drive on,” she finally said, her lips forming a tight, thin line. The appearance of the Third Generation---not only had the academy and the hunter association learned about it, they must’ve noticed it too.

And this time, they had taken action even faster than them.

 

[SilverBlack]

Cleo Donovan
Location: Backseat/Inside Limousine

The introduction went around in a nice little circle.

Cleo Donovan sat straight up in her seat as everyone introduced themselves. Frederika whatever, was it--she scratched the last name because it was for sure something she wouldn’t remember. The girl’s extreme etiquette displayed in her small speech caught her a little off guard, for she hadn’t met someone this serious in the longest time now. Automatically, she granted herself the assumption that the girl had probably come from a rich family and attended private school, taught to behave a certain way as she grows.

If that’s the case, then they would be similar in some ways, although Cleo had clearly turned down that toxic life halfway through.

Hmm, either way, it’s interesting.

Nora Glass. She noted the second name down. “Ah, you’re that girl that’s barely noticeable,” she had commented when she introduced herself. Now that she looked at her, she’s relatively tall.

Actually, Frederika--or Fred, that’s much easier---is tall too. Her eyes followed as Hanna Aldrin, the third girl who shared her name, went to her for a fistbump. The girl seemed fairly playful and open herself, and Cleo always enjoyed people with such personality.

Adrian September, naturally tall (as well), good features, decently built. Then Elise--her small failure of an attempt for reassurance that only put on another mask of anxiety over their faces. Ravyn followed next, a cute face with red locks, nervousness hinted behind her pretty smile. Eiichi Kikushi then spoke up, as stern and shy as always. Kiyoshi Hashimoto introduced alst--he gave off a rather traditional air, a different type of politeness than the one Frederika had displayed.

A new group of Otherworlders, a mix of different types of people, linked somewhat by fate--if such absurd word exists, to be brought to this world.

She waited till everyone gave their names before she said hers. “And I’m Cleo Donovan,” she introduced shortly, and in regards to Ravyn’s question, she only grinned mysteriously--if not somewhat mischievous--with the vaguest of a response. “Well, you’ll see soon.”

By that time, the limousine had turned a couple corners. Busy streets and busy people could be seen through the windows. Occasionally, one could notice the different cameras flashing at the limousine, as if desperate to capture pictures of the people inside. Cleo was in fact slightly surprised by how well the group took in on the situation around them, no one showing visible panic of suddenly being thrown into a new world.

With those thoughts in mind, there was a brief silence after the round of introduction before Cleo’s attention finally shifted, noticing the lack of another name, the absence of one another person.

“Hold on, one of us didn’t get on,” she voiced out, her eyebrows immediately furrowed. Right, how come she only noticed it now? During the battle, there was one more girl who was engaged in the fight, the one who fired bullets at the Poex’s eyes. How come nobody noticed? It seemed as if it was only now that they remembered. After a certain time passed. She was about to say something more, before the medics who had been silent throughout the whole ride spoke quietly.

“Miss Ceciline had already dispatched a search team,” the man said, the green light emitting from his hand grew dimmer as everyone’s wounds seemed to be readily healed now. A small earpiece was worn on his left ear, where he listened to the orders from the woman at the front. “She would like you all to know that no actions will be necessary from your sides unless spoken otherwise. For now, she forbids any interference. Things over here will proceed as usual. Everyone, please stay calm.”

Cleo’s eyes glinted briefly with annoyance, but to listen to the authorities was occasionally the only best action to take for now. For two years, she has understood Miss Ceciline’s personality all too well by now: if she doesn’t want questions or comments, she will have zero tolerance for it. And she’d made sure that everyone understands that when she has zero tolerance for something, it’s definitely zero tolerance. From the way she’d made the medic deliver her words, it meant only one thing: no more questions about this matter. It will be handled privately and they need not bother themselves with it.

For now, delivering the Third Generation Otherworlders to their destination is still the top priority.

She did wonder, however, if the vice principal had only remembered about the girl right now as well, or did she know about it all along and still let the limousine drive away.

However, the girl’s disappearance, as sudden as her appearance into this world--could only mean one thing. For a brief second, a worrisome gaze caste over her eyes as she looked at the otherworlders.

Third Generation...Huh. It’s not gonna be an easy one.

----

After a small amount of time, the limousine would proceed to drive through a wide bridge, not particularly long but not too short either, that’s made of white marble stones. It crossed over the huge lake underneath, which extends seemingly infinitely on both ends. A quick check on the time would reveal that it’s 5:00PM in the afternoon, with the sun showing its first sign to set behind the horizon. After the limousine passed through the bridge, the sight of a grand, gigantic building would easily come into view on the other side of the tall, black iron gates that blocked their path.

Though, the gates opened after a couple seconds, barely any squeaking voice made as each gate door swung open, as if welcoming them in.

Set several stories high, it is a remarkable architecture that is somewhat Victorian-fashioned, though mixed with some modernity. A giant mansion in itself, its walls were creamy white in colors, which contrasts sharply with its dark-colored roofs with tips that pointed sharply up toward the sky. It stretched in both ends, taking full advantage of the tremendous width space that the field it was built upon has. The limousine would drive on the light red concrete ground that served as the only pathway connecting the end of the bridge to the entrance of the building, the surrounding gray concrete made this path standing out in particular. There were trees planted on both sides, bushes lined up neatly behind the trees. Some flowers bloomed around them, adding a range of cute colors to the otherwise plain green and brown.

The limousine would drive on until it circled around the huge fountain located in the center of this huge campus ground, finally stopping itself right in front of the entrance of this building. A couple staircase up, and a large set of double doors--a dark blue-ish gray with complicated, artistic carvings decorated along the surface would enter their sight. Above the doors, the giant letters “VEHEMEN” could be seen in golden brown.

The Vehemen Academy building was always a little too extravagant for Cleo’s liking.

On both ends of the front campus were smaller, rectangular buildings that stretched near to where the gates were. The dormitories.

Shortly after the limousine stopped, the doors also automatically opened, a sign for everyone to leave the vehicle. At around the same time, the double doors of the front entrance to the building also opened, and a single man stepped out.

His dark hair, fairly long, reached down to his shoulder, slightly curling at the end. The hair was brushed back so a clean forehead could be seen. He wasn’t necessarily tall, but is above most women by a head. The man had a clear set of light blue eyes that gazed down at the limousine and the people who had exited, turning briefly to look at Miss Ceciline stepping out herself, holding the small metal box with the Lux inside with one hand.

A smile hung upon his lips as he walked down the couple of steps and made his way closer to the group. He’s actually already in his late forties, but a healthy lifestyle and regular exercises had kept his features rather young and handsome still, unleashing a unique aura of his own.

Upon seeing him coming down, Miss Ceciline walked up to him first, whispering a couple things into his ear. He listened, then nodded. “That is quite alright,” he responded to the last couple bits of her words with a laugh. “I was too eager to meet my new students so I came down myself to greet them myself.”

“If you say so,” Miss Ceciline said, then, before taking his side and looked back at the students. She would’ve preferred that if anything needs to be explained--especially something as big as this- that it is explained in a more appropriate setting in-door, where everyone could perhaps even take a seat. However, when the principal’s own eagerness takes over, any place could become a lecture hall.

The man cleared his throat, and looked to the group.“This must be our Third Generation Otherworlders,” he mused, hands behind his back as he spoke. “Welcome to Lumen.”

A couple words repeated from what Cleo already said, then a pause followed. “I suppose I should introduce myself first. My name is Burel F. Rolvel, I am the principal of this academy--Vehemen Academy, to be precise.”

“For starters, I thank you again for sacrificing yourself in the battle earlier. Those monsters, as you all would probably be familiar with calling them by the term ‘Poex’ sooner or later, are all over this world. Without your assistance, multiple innocent citizens could probably have been harmed. Now, I suppose all of you must be pretty confused. Why were we suddenly sent here? Why do we even have powers in the first place? Why were we fighting a monster that popped out from nowhere? What’s this place, what’s Lumen? There’s too many questions for me to answer all of it at once, so for half of them I expect you all to learn the answers slowly yourself as you enjoy your stay here.”

Principal Rolvel cleared his throat.

“As some of you probably figured by context, you have all been sent forth into this world as Third Generation Otherworlders. Third generations, because you all are the third group of young adults that came from another world, brought here with supernatural powers already wielded inside each of you. Otherworlders, because we are not familiar with the world in which you all came from. Whether or not you came from the same world our dear Second Generation’s--as you guys could now direct your attention to Cleo, Elise, and Jun over there--also came from or not, or whether there’s only another world out there, or multiple of them, we don’t know. Therefore, your existence in this world has been simply labeled as Otherworlders, separated by generations. Of course, we are still trying to learn about your world, so feel free to share with us anytime, anything you know.”

“The only differences we figure out for now is that in your world, supernatural powers do not exist. You all live in a world that’s plain and ordinary, but safe. It is a world without monsters, a world that we are living in constant fear with.”

“We are not sure why Otherworlders like you have a strange marking, we are also not sure why, if you guys come from the ordinary world that supposedly should not have magic, that you all have supernatural powers. In fact, the presence of you all is still as much a mystery as how you view our world. However, after the First Generation marked its heroic tales in this world with their great deeds in saving us against the mighty monsters, ah, and this world’s called Lumen--” he stopped himself right before he could mess up the rest of his sentence, then continued. “We’ve been expecting more guests like you. Guests who have the potential to make an impact on this world more than any of us could. Over time, we just believe that you all are the Chosen people.”

“Now, what to do with people like you? Much like the First Generations, who eventually revealed themselves as Otherworlders after mingling in with this academy for awhile, we believe that it is the most suitable to also take you all in as students of this academy. This academy, the Vehemen Academy, is an academy for hunters. Due to the monsters--Poex, to be precise, that constantly disturb and endanger the lives of our people, the academy is built to train brave individuals to become fighters capable enough to defend this country and eliminate the beasts. After graduation, many also choose to work as professional hunters for the Vehemen Hunter Association, but that’s a whole long explanation for another day.”

As he spoke, Principal Rolvel grew more and more absorbed into his own words. It was a long speech, really, but one he expected them to listen to, if they want even the smallest answers to the confusing situations they’re in.

“With that said, it has become our custom to bring otherworlders like you in as our students. Although there might be things that are going on in your original world, now that you’re here, we ask sincerely for your assistance to work alongside us to defend this country.”

A fine conclusion, or so he thought to himself. He once again settled his gaze back to the group. “Do we have any questions? Unfortunately, no, we do not know a way to bring you guys back to your original world.”

He answered a question he believed everyone would be thinking himself first.

--
Mentions: @ everyone

 

[Dawnsx]

"Well, I believe I've said everything that needs to be said. Once again, welcome to Lumen, and welcome to Vehemen Academy!" Principal Rolvel finished with dazzling smile. If there were any heavy expressions among the group, he certainly acted as though he didn't see them. He clasped his hands together, smile turning just slightly apologetic, "I'm sorry that you were all brought here on such short notice, but I assure you, the school staff and I will make this a fulfilling experience for you. If you have questions later on, I'm sure our wonderful teachers here-" he gestured towards Mitra and Kikuchi, "-and your upperclassmen will be happy to answer them. With that said, I think I've kept you all standing around long enough! Go check out the dorms and get some rest! You'll need it for the new semester tomorrow. Oh, and Professor Kikuchi and Professor Mitra, I would like to have a word."

His tone was still jovial and friendly, but his words left no room for argument as he forcibly dismissed the students. Turning on his heels, Rolvel walked back into the main building. Ceciline hung back and pushed up her glasses.

"The Principal is a busy man, so unfortunately he wasn't able to stick around for long. But once the school year starts, you will be seeing him around," she said lightly. "Since that's all settled, the Second Gens can show everyone to the dorm. Since the building that the Second Gens are staying in have mostly empty rooms, you will all stay together. You will need key cards to go to the third floor, where your rooms are located," she distributed said key cards among the students, then nodded in satisfaction. "That will be all for now. Have a good night."

Just like the Principal, Ceciline hardly spared the group a second glance before following Rolvel into the building.

Realizing that the Principal's speech was all the explanation that they were going to get, Eiichi closed his eyes and prayed for strength and patience. There was only so much nonsense that he could handle within a day, but feeling some sympathy for the students, he offered a half-hearted consolation, "We don't plan on having you die under our watch, so long as you don't cause trouble or run off."

With that, he followed his superiors into the building.

Regardless of how the group is dealing with the barrage of new information, the Second Generations would lead them to the dorm building. Their living space was on the third door of the building, and once they exit the elevator, they would be met with a suite. Near the elevator was a coffee table with a sectional couch big enough to seat six, and three matching fabric padded armchairs. There was a television in front of the coffee table, and if any of the students were to turn it on, they would see themselves on the news. Footage of the earlier battle would be played, with the broadcaster speculating the identities of these civilians who engaged in battle with the Poex. They would note the arrival of the Second Gens and professors of the Vehemen Academy, and hypothesize that these young men and women were new students of the school.

On the other side, further from the elevator, was a large dining table and an open space kitchen. Down the hallway were two bathrooms, and additional bathrooms would be available on the second and first floor. There were five doors to the bedrooms. In each bedroom, there was a low table and two bean bag chairs. To the right of the door was a bunk bunk , and two writing desks on the other side adjacent to each other. On the desks were the students' schedule for the new semester. At the foot of the bunk beds were two closets, each with a pristine uniform inside.

The new semester would begin tomorrow, and the opening ceremony would begin at 8 AM. Until then, the students have free reign in their dorm.

(Mentioned Nano )

 

[PixelSymphony]

~Frederika von Eisenhart~
-- Vehemen Academy Student --

Status: Nominal
Wearing: Torn School Uniform
Location: Vehemen Academy, dormitories

----

So many things had occured within the last few hours that Frederika's mind still reeled to process it all, even after everyone was introduced. She remained silent through the presentation from the principal, thinking quietly as some of her theories were confirmed. The girl who went missing... there's too much protocol, too much preexisting structure, not enough panic. This has happened before, hasn't it. She gave a slow tch under her breath. Three hours here and nothing becomes clearer. Maintain your wits about you, Fredi, even a school such as this is going to be fraught with danger. The remainder of the presentation was uneventful; while her sudden enrollment into a completely unknown Academy was certainly different, the actual act of being an academy student was obviously not, and soon she found herself standing in a group with the others in the dormitory lobby, seemingly just a normal group of students moving in the day before classes began.

Frederika thumbed the call button placed nearby on the wall, and the elevator doors parted in half with a small ding upon completion. The interior of the elevator was pleasant but simple, browns and pastel greens intermixed with stainless steel accents on the more touch-intended surfaces. A column of buttons arrayed neatly on the interior by the door with a small scanner nearby; assuming that the operation was similar to the hotels she had stayed in athletic meets, she gave a wave of her ID in front of the scanner. The small plastic square lit up green, apparently satisfied at her identity, and with a tapped of the button for the third floor, they were off. As the doors slid open again revealing their new living quarters, she stepped into the furnished living room, her eyes sweeping back and forth as she took in details about where she and, presumably, the other newly-minted Third Generation Otherworlders would be staying for the near future. Satisfied with the apparent familiarity of the fixtures within, she continued inwards, tossing the ID onto the dinner table with a small flick of her wrist as she began to actuate the room's various features, toggling the light switches, running the tap, pressing down on the cushions, before crossing her arms and taking up a position nearby. "Very well, everything appears to be in good order. This will be a suitable room."

She thought for a moment, before walking over to Hanna. "I believe this is what you were looking for, yes?" she said, finally raising up her own hand to return the fist bump from earlier.

 

[LoliCowboy]

Nora Glass
"Why struggle?"

location: the Academy: dorms

condition: tired

tags: none

outfit: baggy sweater, sweatpants

Nora threw herself down onto the couch with a heavy sigh. She didn't much care whose roommate she ended up being - goodness knows, despite the introductions, the information seemed determined to squirm out of the grasp of her mind, and names and faces swam in ill-remembered flickers of image and sound through her mind. It seemed that few noticed her anyhow, so disputes with a roommate were unlikely to crop up. The corner of her mouth twitched up into a slightly manic half-grin. She needed a distraction. She gravitated toward the television, which she flicked on, hoping for comforts similar to those she had enjoyed back home. Home. Would she ever get back? She realized, with an odd twitch in her gut, that she probably didn't want to. She had the same creature comforts here, and some distinct advantages. Advantages that she needed to grasp control of, but advantages nonetheless.



Comfort neatly evaded her, however, as the Poex appeared onscreen. She glowered at it, and debated turning the television back off, but figured that the action would make her discomfort obvious to those around her. As much as she seemed to go largely unnoticed, she doubted that interacting with their environment would as well. She drew her knees up to her chest as she settled back on the couch, noticing the camera's refusal to follow her movements, she appearing only as a flicker of movement at the edge of a frame, a blur of mist the clouded the battlefield and disappeared abruptly. She watched the others mill about, and absently drummed her fingers on the armrest.

codedbycrucialstar

 

[Nessi]

It took Hanna a few moments to really soak up the situation that she was in. She was now in a world that she couldn't walk away from. This meant a few things, she wasn't gonna be arrested, which was great and all, but now her mother was alone. Hanna's mother, who was the kindest person in the world, at least, for Hanna, was alone. And she had no way to contact her mother either, such fun. And now she was being told that she was to be a hunter! Hanna's day could legit not get worst. I play basketball for Christ sake! Hanna screamed in her head. She took a deep breath, telling herself that everything would be just fine.

Hanna would revive her Id, and head straight over too her room, hoping that her roommate was someone chill and didn't mind her waking up early to get her morning workouts in. but before she could enter her room, Fred came out of her room. She walked up to Hanna, and lifted her fist up towards her. "I believe this is what you were looking, Yes?" She asked Hanna. It took her a moment to realize that she was talking about the fist bump from earlier that Hanna never received. "that's what I'm talking about!" Hanna said excitedly as she pounded that fist. "guess were rooming Frederika, Hope you don't mind me waking up early to work out!" Hanna Joked.

 

[xXx.lovely.xXx]

Ravyn stared out the window, amazed by everything. The girl, Cleo, her upperclassman..?, whatever. Her vague and mysterious response added to the twinge of worry nagging at Ravyn's every thought. A student was missing? So many things were happening. Then the bridge and the academy came into view. Her jaw dropped.
" Holy cow..."
Vahemen Academy. So it was a school. The principal, Rovel she believed, seemed nice enough. Ravyn kept a mildly disinterested look on her face through the whole presentation thing even though she absorbed every single word. They were to attend this Academy. That shouldn't be too bad, but the prospect of being a hunter and fighting these beasts, the Poex.... that was another think. Ravyn was not a fighter. She was a popular girl, an airhead, a cheerleader, not a monster hunter. She could move things with her mind, sure, but this? So many other more qualified people could be 'blessed' (more like cursed) with magical abilities. She kept her racing thoughts to herself and hid her concern to the best of her ability. One thought kept nagging at her subconscious: there was no going back. They were trapped here.
Things were moving so fast. Now they were getting IDs and settling into dorms. The German girl, Frederika (that's a mouthful) was thoroughly checking the place out. She and the other athletic girl were going to be roommates, apparently. Roommates. Ugh. After a lifetime of sharing a room with an annoying, self righteous sister, Ravyn was hoping to be in a room by herself. Guess not. The quiet girl, Nora, turned on the TV. Ravyn sank into one of the armchairs by the couch. Why not. She needed a distraction anyways. She frowned at the sight of the Poex again. Re-watching the battle, a thought struck her. They all could have died. But they didn't.
"Well, I guess we're famous now."
She turned to Nora, flashing a charming grin.
" Nora, right?"
Not waiting for an answer, Ravyn continued.
"What are you thinking about this whole.... I don't even know what to call it. Our 'Awakening'? Whatever. How are you holding up?"