Novus 10, 7 AM

Skydocks

Normally on these early mornings Rheia would curse whoever thought it was a good idea to wake up at this early hour. But given the mission they had taken on - disrupting the Arcana - waking up this early made sense. It probably wasn't a very good idea to try and raid them in the middle of the day - not unless you were supremely confident in your capabilities and firepower, and had quite a bit of extra support on the side.

So instead of grumbling about the demonic heads of Beacon, Rheia remembered what she was doing, got up, showered, dressed, and gathered her weapon - the Werkzeug. She made sure it had a fresh tank of liquid matter - the thing was extremely efficient, but it still needed fuel - then clipped it to her leg.

The Skydocks were cold at 7 AM, but at least the sun was rising. The airships in front of them looked less like transports and more like dreadnoughts; all four of them could likely lay siege to Vale with some success if they worked together. She'd be stepping on one of these in a moment and heading off to what was essentially war.

The look on her face was grim, but determined. This was what she had signed up for. This was her duty as a Huntress.

She would save the day, or die trying.

edited 6th Dec '15 10:38:34 AM by SpartyMcFly

Novus 8

Yun nodded. "Right, by majority vote, we will be investigating the villages." He said. "Let's tell Ozpin about our choice. then prepare for the trip."

Novus 10

Team SIGL stood at the Skydocks alongside the others, ready to depart. In light of the cold Novus weather, Yun had worn a slightly thicker shirt under his jacket and had a scarf wrapped around his neck.

After Alexia spoke with Hope, Yun stepped forward and hugged her. "Good luck on your mission, Hope. Love you." He murmured, before releasing her and rejoining his team.

Novus 9: Preparations

Grigori grabbed all he can fit into his coat: Squall, his weapon, lots of bullets, conventional and dust-infused, a cloth to wipe any blood off the halberd, and most importantly, to him, a small note book and a pen. From what he heard, this was going to be a long day. He just hoped that his dorm really were the huntsmen and huntresses he heard so much about.

Novus 10: Departure

At 7 AM, his team is at the skydock with four large war-like ships, acting as transport. Only in Atlas, he remarked to himself. After Alexia had said her goodbyes to Alfred and Noa, he looked at them, and then to Stormer, and then to the ship.

This is it, the first mission. Helluva way to start the week.

edited 6th Dec '15 11:18:44 AM by Ore-O

Novus 10: Divergence

Pius stood at the skydocks with Alexia, watching in an impassive manner as she gave her farewells to the classmates she was closest to. He sighed; he'd done the same albeit much more briefly to his siblings, refusing to disclose much aside from a promise to inform them of something when he returned.

Something big is happening today, he determined. Whether on our mission or the other teams', our battles will not be the same after this one...

Elevator Action

"Y'all figger it out. I gotta—I gotta do somethin'." Ayers said to his Team, then crossed the elevator to settle next to Lucas, arms crossed. "So hwut's yer beef, y'all? We got some time."

Ayers sighed in relief when his call went to voicemail.

"Hey, Chiharu..." He paused. For the first time in a long while, Ayers was facing something he wasn't sure he'd survive. Well, part of him said so, at least, behind the boundless blithe confidence. "Just callin' to say I had a great time on our date. Um, Huntsman life's hard. I dint talk much about it when we wuz on our date cuz I wuz so into hwut y'all wuz sayin', but now I oughta let y'all know. I'm gonna be away fer awhile. Phone reception'll prolly suck. But, um. If I make it back. When. When I make it back, I'd love to take y'all out fer dinner agin sometime. I'll, um. I'll call when I git home and we can work out a time. Arright, bye."

He clacked his Scroll shut and walked back to Hope to bap her on the shoulder when Alexia said whatever she was saying. "Don't worry, ma'am, she ain't comin' back any worse fer wear, I promise." He clanged his fists together. "And, uh..." He pressed his thumb and forefinger to his forehead. "Blessin's'a Solus upon yer journey."

Novus 8 – a while later

After the mission choice was reported to Ozpin, they went back into the elevator. Unfortunately, Lucas ended up being approached by a certain leader whom Lucas was still ticked off at for prior comments.

I can’t afford to be antagonistic with anyone here, though, Lucas thought to himself. And I certainly can’t be brooding over a classmate’s caustic comments during such an important mission. Might as well try to get some answers from him now.

“Was there a reason for implying I couldn’t fight without Carol’s help, Ayers?” Lucas said, trying to keep a calm but stern tone as he glared at him.

Might do a Chiharu post later...

edited 7th Dec '15 4:36:53 AM by Aquatica1000

Elevator Action

"Hwut?" Ayers frowned in confusion. "That wuzn't hwut I wuz sayin' at all. Y'all, yer fine, and I oughta know as much as anyone yer tough as nails." He rapped on his shoulders. "Y'know? I wanted'er to come cuz I know she's super violent an' strong, and fer that same reason I ain't so hot on you'n she in a relationship. Power imbalances'n all that stuff, same problems I had to think about when wuz I datin' the man takin' care a me right after my accident."

edited 6th Dec '15 10:01:18 PM by Taco

SKYDOCKS

Jack stood, he wore his sleeveless hooded jacket, the sign of the Wild Hunt emblazoned on his back as he wore his gauntlets, Killian's ax slung over his shoulder. He sighed, walking over to Ayers and putting a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

8th, planning

Not really thinking about whether or not he wanted to go anywhere, Glen just nodded and said "Aye, if you're all in agreement, then that's our mission."

8th, Debt

Glen was shocked, though he did his best to hide his expression.

By all rights all three of those before him should have wanted him executed publicy, if not sent on a suicide mission or ordered into forced servitude. Being shown mercy in this situation was just something that The Highlander simply could not comprehend.

Flinching slightly as he was ordered to leave, Glen nodded before quietly rising to his feet. Shifting awkwardly back and forth for a moment after rising, Glen muttered "Apologies, but there is one more thing I hae tae do before I can leave."

Drawing Biorgadh Glen said "Apologies, you may find this a wee bit barbaric, but I hae tae do this tae finalize our pact."

Outstretching his left hand, the Highlander bowed his head before beginning to rhythmically murmur something in his native tongue <"The terms of this Blood Debt have been agreed upon. I swear upon my honour to The Swordbearer, The Lover, The Elder, and The Architect, as well as those I am indebted to that I will not falter in this duty."> upon finishing, Glen repeated his words once more, this time in the common tongue.

After a brief pause, Glen murmured "And now, tae hold myself tae this oath, I must leave myself with a permanent reminder of my penance before those I am indebted to an' before The Four" Raising Biorgadh to his left hand, Glen clamped a hand down upon the blade before quickly yanking Biorgadh out of his left hand, slashing his palm open in the process. Gritting his teeth to avoid showing any pain, Glen sheathed the dirk once more and murmured "That was the Barbaric part."

Turning to leave, Glen quietly said "Please dinnae judge all o' my people by my actions alone."

10th

Shaking his head at Ai's offer for a group hug, the Highlander muttered "My luck's been shite o' late, dinnae want tae rub it off on you lot."

The Highlander was going into this mission nearly unarmed. He couldn't bring himself to wield Tàrnach anymore, considering the weapon's bloody history. As for Mors, Glen had come to realize that carrying an ancestral sword that his former clan had deemed stolen by him made him feel wrong inside, but he couldn't bring himself to not have it on his person. So, Glen had opted to simply wield his targe and dirk for this mission. If worst came to worst, he could probably improvise some sort of large bludgeon to defend himself with, but he was hoping it wouldn't come to that.

edited 11th Dec '15 2:44:16 AM by Eachiunn

Skydock

Ayers turned around with aching slowness and flicked his hat up to look at Jack, cynicism writ large on his face. He crossed his arms. "Whether'r not I'mma listen's an entirely other question, but yeah, y'all can talk to me."

SKYDOCKS

"I know our relationship was essentially us assfucking one another, but I'm sorry for being a cunt to you afterward, alright? I'm just saying good luck." Jack pat Ayers shoulder, turned and began to walk back to his team.

Novus 8

"Alright then, it's decided we'll go after Alexandros" Al inhaled and exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose for a few brief seconds then looking at his teammates again. "All of you, no fighting unless we need to, alright? Save your anger for Alexandros for when he starts the fight himself. I know it's hard but we won't get anything if we try to attack him. Understood?"

Novus 10: Departure

Alfred looked at the planes from the dock. He stood there, watching them in silence as the others talked. His stare was vacant and distant.

Alfred looked at the planes from the dock, he stood there, watching them in silence as the others talked, the man's stare was vacant and distant. He was lost in thought, he was uncertain about how to feel going against Alexandros. He should've just let it go by itself, like always, letting the waves pass you by and hope they won't wash you away, but this time he couldn't help but feel disconcerted by these turn of events. He asked himself why he even voted for anything, he should've abstained or voted for where he saw the most people go, somewhere safer. He cared more about his life than stopping a megalomaniac after all.

And yet he chose to chase after the manipulative douchebag. Everything he did in relation to him... Surprised the knight. He spoke out loud, he showed anger when he should've been serene and stoic, and now he chose to encounter the man, with only his team. Instead of fight some Grimm or deal with Shane with 2 other teams. All of this was just confusing

And then Lexi spoke to Al, catching him by surprise in the middle of his thoughts. He shook his head to get out of his day dream fully, scratched his hair awkwardly and finally replied to her in a quiet tone.

"I lo- Eh.." the knight put his head down, sighed, looked up at the princess and spoke. "Good luck to you too, Lexi. And as for my safety, you don't worry, I'm experienced in dealing with assh- I mean, jerks, I won't do anything rash with Mr. God-Complex. You... Go do what you're set on, but keep yourself safe alright? Promise me that"

Novus 8: The Debt

Lucretia barely even reacted, except for a small frown of disapproval. The Queen was used to dealing with the proud people of the Highlands.

Her daughter, by contrast, looked shocked and appalled.

"You did not need to do that." Lucretia simply stated.

"In any case, I suggest getting that treated as quickly as possible. Your Aura alone may not be sufficient."

As Glen left the royal women's presence, Erin finally ventured to speak.

The Queen and the princess. They are my...mother and sister?

There was clear hesitation on the last words.

Novus 9: Mia and Ai

Mia didn't surface from Charisse's mind for a good few minutes until suddenly, things in the room started floating.

"I'm not nervous." Mia replied without emotion, fixing Charisse's eyes on an empty corner.

Another long stretch of silence.

"....I'm scared." she finally admitted, voice breaking.

"I'm going to see Mama again...but there are so many things that are uncertain. Do I...even know her anymore?"

Novus 10: Skydocks

Carol is not at the Skydocks, Aqua.

Alexia smiled slightly at Ayers's declaration.

"I know you'll take care of her, Sir Ayers. You're a great leader...I trust you."

"That goes for Sir Remus and Sir Yun as well. Sir...Sir Glen too. And Pius, of course."

She smiled at each in turn, ending with her dear childhood friend.

"You'll keep everyone alive."

She giggled at Ai's suggestion of a group hug, but it was forced.

"Before we leave, promise."

And then Alfred spoke and the princess had to stop herself from flinching at his aborted sentence.

She tried to focus on the fact that he was worried about her.

"....I'll stay safe, Alfred. I promise."

"....You won't lose your source of income."

What?

Alexia's eyes widened in shock and immediate remorse. She had spoken without thinking. What was that?

That doesn't sound like me! it was so...bitter. Why...why did I say that?

She shook her head rapidly. "No, no, I didn't mean that! I'm sorry...I...oh..."

Novus 10:Something something Al is a douchebag

Alfred stared at Alexia, he was frustrated by now, and he showed it very obviously in his expression.

"Is that really how you think I think of you? You think I trust you, that I became more honest and vulnerable with you than anyone else because I'm afraid I'll lose my job? My meal ticket?"

"Well, no, I would not. Just to make it clear, if I only thought of you like that... If I didn't trust you or care, then I wouldn't drop any mask at all, like I'm doing now. Alright? Now stop thinking that. I can't take you putting thoughts into my head. Just..." Al stopped, closed his eyes and took a deep breath, he needed to straighten his thoughts, but it was just hard.

In his brief pause, Alfred pinched the bridge of his nose, inhaled and exhaled again before looking into the princess's eyes. His eyes showed 2 major emotions again, anger and confusion. It was pretty obvious that he was yet lost in thoughts. "Words are cheap, give me a chance to prove it to you. After this whole fiasco. Because I can't take YOU thinking that. But I can't do much about it with this big thing on the horizon. When we're all back here. I'll show you you're more than my source of income. Alright?"

edited 7th Dec '15 3:06:27 AM by LiorVal

Novus 8, Somewhere Else

"You seem upset, dear." For someone of his choice of weaponry and his mannerisms, Star had an uncanny ability to appear in the wrongest places at most inopportune times. Now he just strolled from behind of Urujauni, something of a knowing smirk on his face.

"Don't tell me Strength's... illtimed opportunism got to you that harshly."

Hope figured that she could actually got off her bum and do something useful for once.

Her sights were set upon the prosthesis Alexandros gave her. It was clean, but she had no need for a leg just yet. Instead... she would make something out of it that could help her.

She consulted with her mother and they both agreed that integrating it into Anima would be the best choice ergonomics-wise. There was never enough gun, apparently.

Rather than making it a separate item, it was placed somewhere on her armor's chest level. The caliber wasn't too big and the fire-rate could use some work, but it was mostly a back-up weapon made for advancing slash surprising an opponent.

Plus, a part of her really wanted to clip Empress with one of those bullets. It would make for some truly cathartic experience.

Hope refrained from making remarks. Something about the group hug wouldn't be right.

She smiled back at Alexia. "Back to you. We'll all get back in one piece, that I promise."

Then Yun approached her and she felt something of a heavy stone in her throat. They... haven't spoken much recently and yet, his heartfelt declaration of love made her... feel kind of awful. She was a bit of a bad girlfriend.

"...I love you too. Come back safe, you dummy." She buried her face in his shoulder. She missed this, such embraces. They felt... they felt right.

Lexi's words caught her off-guard, but it seemed like Alfred was determined to prove her wrong. For your own sake, you better hold on to your word.

Novus 9: Mia and Ai

Ai automatically counteracted Mia's Semblance with her own so that she could remain sitting on the couch. The tea she had brought with her, however, started floating in blobs of liquid straight out of its cup.

"I can't say I know for sure, Mia. People change, and usually with good reasons. I'm barely the same person I was four years ago, but parts of who I was are still in here," Ai said. She tried to scoop tea back into her cup to no avail. "To be honest, I...I'm kind of in a similar situation. I haven't seen my mom face to face in a while, so I'm a little scared of seeing her again. I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but..."

Ai settled for holding her teacup under the liquid in anticipation of it falling down when Mia deactivated her Semblance.

"She's—your mom's—uh...still a redhead. So that hasn't changed," Ai said. She chuckled. "Immy said that your mom visited your, uh—" Ai paused. "Your grave. So she definitely still cares about you. That hasn't changed either."

edited 7th Dec '15 5:06:06 AM by opnerf

Ayers's fingers clinked and groaned as he flicked them around in irritation. He'd had a lot of words for Jack before this moment. Same went for Alexia, actually.

Instead, he just tipped his hat to the both of them. "Much obliged'n happy trails, pardners. Don't gitcher selves killed."

Novus 10

Nearby Yun and his goodbyes, Geki knelt, clad in his favored armor. His dark blue eyes were closed and not an inch of his body seemed to be moving. His war club, Momotaro, lay within reach, the simple peach charm shining in the weak sunlight. Its attendant heavy sack of heavy Dust rounds was nearby as well, along with a lightly-furnished survival pack.

And on his lap, stark against his dark green hakama leggings and glinting from fresh polish, was one of his most prized possessions, carried reverently from its shrine. The ancient war mask of Geki's ancestor, Benkei Shirobara, was ready to ride to battle.

edited 7th Dec '15 7:20:47 AM by KR_Vandal

Novus 8

"...If you're worried that I don't have any consent in the relationship, you shouldn't be," Lucas responded. "She can get a bit carried away at times, but for the most part if I ask her not to do something, she listens."

I'll do a Novus 10 post once I figure out what to do since Carol's not there.

Elevator Action

Ayers sighed, arms still crossed. "Well, just worried is all. I ain't particularly keen on them royal-types, so I gotta worry if'n one's gittin' all possessive of someone. Y'all don't never hear of any random-ass farmer goin' nuts'n startin' some evil empires, but y'all hear of royalty doin' it all the time, fer a reason."

TANG Discussion/Back Then

"Yeah. Ahm right fer once, ain't Ah?" Noa said with a smarmy look on her face, clearly enjoying the small victory over Al before they moved off. "Catch ya later, Lexi. Got some things on mah mind fer next time."

As they left, Noa gave the team leader a rather playful elbow to the ribs.

"Like Ah said, fuckin' whipped." Noa did give him a lopsided grin, though. "Not ta say Ah don't understand. Even she wasn't no princess, Lexi's got dat fire Ah like. Lucky fucker ya are, don't be rubbin' it in mah face now."

For a brief moment, there was this terribly dead look in her eyes, before she laughed it off.

"Let's get ta business, no more talkin' 'bout Lexi. Like Ah said, path's up ta ya. Yer the brains o' this outfit. Ain't nobody plannin' like ya, not 'less Ayers stepped his shit up since last time Ah saw."

Novus 10/Right Now

The day had arrived. Noa yawned, having spent the last night repairing some damage to her leather jacket. Anything to keep her mind steady was great, really. It was time for them to part, and goodbyes were being passed around.

"Ya shouldn't be so trustin', Lexi. Can't be relyin' on mah charity forevah." Noa's grin was somewhat hollow, but she still nodded. "But Ahm gonna keep Bug safe. Don't worry 'bout 'im."

There was a sort of wickedness in her eyes as she saw the scene unfold, but she hid it with the brim of her hat. Only one person might've said goodbye to her, true. Alexia did leave her with something better than mere words, though.

edited 7th Dec '15 11:25:39 AM by D4C

Novus 9 - Ai and Mia (Charisse is there too)

While Mia talked, Charisse slowly raised a hand and cupped it around her cheek. Honestly, it was a pretty strange sight since she was technically doing it to herself, but that wasn't all that important.

"Mia.. it'll be fine.. honest.." She whispered, when she had finished speaking. "The weird thing is going to be explaining that you're a ghost and possessing somebody."

Novus 10 - Skydocks

When Ai left her bed, Charisse flailed her arms in the direction that she left in for a few moments before giving up and rolling over. "Can't we go another day? I'm still sleepy.." she muttered, rolling the blankets around herself. Eventually, she got up and got herself dressed. Mistral was a much warmer country than where she was going, so she really didn't know what to wear. She picked out a brown turtleneck sweater, put it on, then dressed herself like normal.

Then she looked at Ai putting on several layers. So she put a second sweater over her first sweater and thought herself finished.

While Ai left off to join the others, Charisse went and prepared herself something to eat. With some minor aid from her semblance, she cooked what looked like several parts of multiple different breakfasts before shoving them all into one large pancake and running off to meet them.

Half of it was in her mouth when she wrapped her arm around Ai to let her leech away her heat. Some syrup dripped down onto the floor as she hungrily consumed her monstrous chimera of a breakfast dish. Charisse gently scratched Ai behind the ears, making sure not to use the hand that had previously held the pancake.

By the time Ai asked for a group hug, she was done with it. Her hands were sticky, but she had planned for this. She took out several towelettes and wiped herself off with them, shoving them into her pockets when she was done. Then she gave Ai a hug.

"I don't know if anyone else is going to join in but.. I'm here."

Novus 8'

Silvia liked the idea of investigating the Arcana, and doing so would distract her of the issue of the danger they faced, and the most direct solution to that problem.... She nodded at the other's suggestion.

Novus 10

Silvia was also dressed warmly today. Her wings were folded in on her body, trying to keep her body . She stood nexts to Geki, hoping that they would be protected from the heat.

"So how are we gonna..." Silvia shivered. "Go about this in-investigation?" Silvia said.

Novus 10th

Medus walked bay the arguing group on his way to the airship, it was plain as day based on Lexi's expression that she had said the wrong thing. The rocker reached over and grabbed a hold of the back of her shirt as he walked past. "C'mon, Princess, you can patch things up once we get back. And I can spend the trip out telling you what you did wrong instead of cuddling Ieria, like I planned to." He said wearily as he began dragging the slight girl.

Debt

Glen nodded and muttered "Aye, will do" in response to the Queen's suggestion of getting his wound treated. It was a lie, but he figured it was the best way to keep the situation calm. So much as even staunching the bloodflow in after agreeing to a blood pact would be considered cowardly and dishonourable by The Four and his ancestors, so Glen didn't even consider it. Disinfecting the wound, on the other hand was generally agreed to be okay.

Dragging himself to a bathroom, Glen pulled a flask of alcohol off of his belt and quickly began to wash his wounded hand in it, once again not showing any pain. As he did so, the Highlander finally responded to Erin.

Aye, that they are.

Picking up on Erin's hesitation, he added I'm sure they're much more pleasant when I'm nae around.

After an extended bit of silence, Glen thought over just what had happened and realized he was incredibly disappointed with the outcome.

Slamming a fist into the sink, Glen snarled "Dammit! Could they hae nae forced me into servitude or sent me on a nigh-fatal mission as penance?"

Glen didn't care that he was effectively talking to himself at this point, he needed to air his grievances and what better way to do it than when no one (except Erin) was listening.

"Wi'out a Clan tae honour, my life does nae hae meaning or purpose anymore and I just dinnae ken what tae do!"

Slumping into a corner and resting his head on his arms, the Highlander quickly addressed Erin ...Sorry about that. Recent events hae got me flustered.

After another extended pause, the Highlander added Been thinkin'. Nae, tae impose anythin' upon you, but I'm goin' tae hazard a guess an' assume you're probably gettin' tae be a wee bit bored cooped up in my head wi' nothin' tae do but speak wi' me and see what I'm seein'. So, just, let me ken if you want tae meet anyone or go do somethin', think one o' them movin' picture places has somethin' you might want tae watch, dinnae ken.

edited 8th Dec '15 1:43:18 AM by Eachiunn