Fandom Death City

[RANGYOKU]

方比喻
BIYU FĀNG

♤​

LOCATION
Behind Mystic Lounge​

INTERACTION
Tazmuir V. Klovic
Conor O'Neill​

MENTIONED
The Regal Rper
Sir Les Paul ​

Unpredictable. Yes, a far more fitting way to describe such types as these two. Just stepping into their space, their territory, it was as if she was driven to a state of tension that would provoke her body to act accordingly. Even if they did not show it with their expressions, or even so much their body language, she was being observed … and most of all, judged. Taz, in particular, being her partner as of now, his gaze alone would burn as it fell on her, even if for the short amount of time for his interest on her to dissipate.

What was it this time? Her speech pattern, her choice of words, her posture … ahh, most likely the use of the surname, she recalled him stating his preference towards casualty. Why force it, she thought at the time and now, when I can tell you have so little faith in this to work out? She imagined it was just his character to decline her politeness, she should not think much of it. If so, I will be questioning it myself. I refuse. If this arrangement were ever to end, it would not be at her call to make, but that of the higher-ups, or Taz himself. It had always been that way. But I suppose I should make an effort to not antagonize him deliberately.

Before she could drift her focus onto Conor, he managed to pull her once again, posing a question that felt all too disingenuous just by his tone alone. It was her inkling of what was going on between these two just beyond a simple clash of male egos. She stared at Taz for a moment, renown for how piercing and unsettling it was, but for him, she could not help but think the effect was lost on someone like him. Just a thought. Somehow, she felt inclined to answer his inquiry, to not grant it the value he looked to find in it, as she personally thought for someone like Conor, it did not held much of an out-turn. An amusing, albeit slightly unflattering moment on his part. To him, praise might not mean much … she on the other hand … no, what was she thinking, he was not in his right mind, had she forgotten that?

Biyu was about to throw an unsuspecting glance at the autonomous meister to detect any hint of reluctance he could have towards her indulging Taz on the tale, when she felt it. It was for just a moment, a second, barely enough to consider it such. Catching her off-guard, his presence was felt twice and twice it reverberated within her. Her right side, her blind spot, if Conor was an enemy, if Soul Perception had not been bestowed upon her … what could it have been? The thought unsettled her far beyond her liking, her composed, serene expression now shattering before Conor. But, just like his attempt at showing off to Taz, it was gone before he could even care to process it. She instinctively took a step back, as if to secure her personal space, resisting the urge to give away her nervous tick and thus, how this had affected her. It was fine, she was fine.

❝Our first meeting was after the events that took place at the cafeteria. At the apothecary, to be more precise.❞ Building up the farce to negate disbelief in it, she proceeded with what was on her mind prior, assuming Conor was nonchalant enough to pull of … that. ❝He was induced in a state of clear lack of control over his words and actions. I took upon myself to make sure he’d stay secured during it. During that time, he …❞ She paused, clearing her throat quietly, finding the right words to describe it to make it less ‘scandalous’. ❝Made a flattering comment about my appearance. He’d later apologize for his behaviour, to which I never got to accept or reject it. As I told you, there really was no need for him to do so, although pleasant as the gesture was.❞

Regaining her composure, she moved her attention to Conor, namely his words. Beyond confirming his indifference in regards to the incident in question, she was taken by more so by the implications they carried. The way his eyes drifted towards Taz, she would assume it did had nothing to do with her. But Biyu was not so foolish as to not possibly read between the lines of what his desire meant for her in particular. Before she could grow any flustered by it, she dismissed such ridiculous of a thought. Conor was surely just attempting to get a rise out of Taz. ❝U-Understood. In my case, do not take it as a tactic to create distance between myself and others, rather it is pertaining to the way I was educated. But rest assured, I’ll make sure to respect your preferences, Conor. As I will do so with yours, Taz.❞ Liar. It crossed her mind right after including her partner in the statement. And she had let a stutter escape her grip on her demeanour at that. Vexing.

Listening in to his story of a recent clash between him and a meister-weapon pair was not one to evoke bewilderment out of her, not even taking in mind the files she was entrusted with on his case. Anticipation on his part to not draw concern from her when it came to his health was telling too. Of course, such a thing held importance to her, not just as his partner but as part of how her empathy would act upon. But his reputation did not precede him, no matter what the outcome of it turned out to be in the end. Although she could not bring herself to admit it, feelings that crossed her mind as she discreetly clutched her arms under her chest in an innocent arm folding, the story brought her a small peace of mind as well. It reassured her that she was not entirely unwanted as a step stone for Taz to become stronger. A faint smile, ever so rare on her delicate features, would come to adorn her even for just a moment …

To say she was expecting to partake in this relay of their recent affairs would be a deceit on her part, one could tell from her slightly arched eyebrows and the few blinks that accompanied them. It was cut short as she parted her lips, choosing her words carefully. ❝ … ‘Considerably tame’ is what I would use to describe my time since our meeting. In comparison to yours or Conor’s, that is. I dare say ‘dull’ even.❞ No action found in reports and research, I’m afraid. As interesting as it is to read on you both. She chose not to thank him on his attempt to draw her in the conversation. She imagined he would be troubled by it, seeing his reaction to her apologies earlier. Or his gesture could be in another nature entirely. Taz was … mesmerizing that way, just as Conor was. A quiet giggle, a surprising jest. ❝Would it be wrong from me to say on that note that I am particularly looking forward to whatever thrills this sponsor has in mind for us?❞

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Conor O'Neill​

Conor glanced over at Biyu for a moment. His ever-present Soul Perception wasn't what he was focused on this time. Instead, it was his own eyes and ears. This girl--this upperclassmen--seemed to be nervous. Conor thought he was being relatively smooth in how he transitioned her into the conversation, but perhaps it was a bit abrupt. That wasn't what was bothering him, though. It was her dismissal of him.

She seemed to be ignoring him. Maybe downplaying his comments? He wasn't sure. She danced around the subject as if it were the plague itself, and something about that baffled him. She continued on to explain how her time had been and that only confused him more. It was just such a brief gloss over events that Conor didn't give a whole lot of thought to until now. Just now.

His eyes squinted slightly. His eyebrows pressed together. For a moment, even his lips were left open as he listened if only out of his confusion. Souls, he could read. Biyu was a slightly different story. Once she finished, the next thing that escaped his mouth was pure instinct:

"D.. Do I have to be sober for it to count when I call you pretty?"​

For just a moment, Taz wasn't in the equation. In fact, Taz could probably read this situation far better than Conor as an outsider looking in--literally. Conor was legitimately confused.

The Regal Rper RANGYOKU

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Kuroneko

"If you're sober, it tends to come off as more genuine at least."

That voice seemed to becoming from right in the middle of the three, a lithe black cat now perched casually on Biyu's shoulder furthest from Conor. Had any of them the misfortune of blinking they would have missed his approach entirely.

You see, given all the talk Crowley had said about working as a group, getting stronger, and such, he had a bit of excitement to him, so for once the normally lazy feline was itching to get moving. As soon as Crowley had loosed his grip, Kuro had hopped out of his arms.

"Strike."

The second his paws hit the ground, that word passed Kuro's lips unheard all save Crowley thanks to the Mage's spell as he suddenly would have all but vanished from Crowley's sight. No doubt the teacher would know a shortened spell when he heard it. Though, given the spell had been shortened to just one word, it would be difficult to tell exactly what spell had been the foundation for it. Even still, the effects were obvious.

Just prior to reaching the group, he had exited the range of the concealment spell. As such, in the moment before he jumped, he seemed to appear from thin air as he slowed his momentum before taking the final leap up onto Biyu's shoulder. If any of them noticed him before he spoke up, that would be the most likely time. His mage soul would have revealed itself for just a moment by Crowley's feet, a flicker long enough for him to close the distance before he placed it once more under Soul Protect.

Now safely perched on the girl's arm, he licked his paw before grooming himself, smoothing the fur on his head as he made himself comfortable.

You see, Kuro tended to gravitate towards females. After all, they were the most inclined to pet him and give him ear scritchies, which he absolutely adored, particularly if the girl had well manicured nails. It was, in his mind, one of the greatest benefits to being able to take feline form, and one he took full advantage of.

"I swear, you will never see that boy move so fast as when there is a lady's lap or shoulder to occupy.." Chesh commented from his perch on Crowley's head. "Not that I can blame him, of course. Manicured nails feel heavenly behind the ears..." Chesh's concluded dreamily.

Once sufficiently groomed, a soft purr rumbled in his throat as he looked around at the group. His tail swished excitedly behind him, sometimes brushing against the girl's neck as he took stock in who comprised the rest of this group. Taz, well, he already had a bit of a history with that one: a rather amusing state of affairs, really. As for Conor, well, he only heard rumors here and there about him.

Oh yes, this was going to be fun. The only thing to make this better would be if he got some ear scritchies right about meow.

 

[RANGYOKU]

方比喻
BIYU FĀNG

♤​

LOCATION
Behind Mystic Lounge​

INTERACTION
Tazmuir V. Klovic
Connor O'Neill
Kuroneko​

MENTIONED
The Regal Rper
Sir Les Paul
One Mean Ghost ​

Of all the topics for Conor get stuck on as he listened in to her, it was that pertaining to an event she’d rather not press. For his sake, moreover, but it appeared the gesture that would come out empty in substance. Rather, the look of confusion on his face felt genuine the moment their eyes met. Driven into a scenario she could not back out from facing, just as those pair of blue orbs imprinted into her mind, she fell prey to her own timid nature.

Her body grew stiff, any sense of comfort she may have found as of late vanishing, it was as if it did not obey her from that moment. Mouth agape, soft pink lips dared to part and allowing her voice to disturb the tense silence that terrified her. She could feel the warmth slowly spreading across her cheeks, the tip of her ears, so very easy to spot across her porcelain-like complexion. ❝N-No …! That is … you were under the influence of substances and I … I should not take it as granted, that would be inappropriate … !❞

She could not even control the pitch of her voice, growing quieter, to a point of becoming a whisper, as if a bird losing its chirping. Biyu just could not make sense of his inquiry. Why would a boy like Conor be so vehement in expressing a sentiment that she was sure it was not within the implications of a conscious mind? A question founded in rhetoric, as she could not bring herself to believe he actually thought of her as … ‘pretty’. It was simply too of a bizarre thought to grasp for someone as insecure about oneself as her, more than anything considering his own case.

The intervention of an unfamiliar voice reaching her ears came to her as what one would find akin to a source of comfort, even if fleeting. It broke her out of it, drawing in its stead her focus towards an abrupt, slight weight against her shoulder. What she would be graced with once tilting her head to set her eye on it, was perhaps one most dear sight. The warmth of the tiny body, the lustrous fur tickling her skin, those adorable downturned-shaped eyes … fluster was replaced by awe, a burst within her heart that called out to her love for these wonderful creatures. A smile came upon her lips so very naturally, a sight to behold in of itself.

Little by little, however, it dawned on her, resisting the urge to pet the feline perched on top of her shoulder and indulge in something which she could not even recall the last time she had been allowed to. Cats were a thorny subject in regards to her. She adored them but it was a rarity for one to even so much be willing to let her come closer. But even so, she could not just ignore what had preceded this blissful of a chance. It had … talked? She did not dare voice such a thought, being the kind to think one’s scenario through.

Biyu was close to trembling in feverishness hearing Kuro purr and feel his tail across her neck, evoking a quiet giggle out of her. Oh, who was she trying to fool? Her hand reached for his ear, her discrete yet all the while manicured nails giving it soft scritches, giving in to his request just as much as in to her own soft spot. She was keeping a close eye on him to make sure he would not pull of anything … yes, that was it. Closing her eyes, the demon weapon tapped into her Soul Perception, as the most logical step to take to assure what in the world was this sudden presence that had joined them. Albeit never stopping petting him, going as far as to pull of a trick she had learned from one of her friends back home, allowing Kuro to guide her hand to indulge him on his preferred spots.

❝… A mage?❞

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Conor O'Neill​

CLICK.​

It was the sound of the camera on his phone shuttering. He never used it, so he never thought to turn the setting off. He actually found it annoying. A dead give-a-way to what he was doing. Not that pulling out his phone was the first thing that came to his mind anyway.

No. It started with Kuro. Conor followed the same set of logic that Biyu did: Soul Perception. When the talking cat answered his question--despite Conor still disagreeing somewhat with the answer--he peered at the soul of whatever creature it was. As soon as he did, Conor had to immediately agree. The soul was hazed. Difficult to see, at least clearly. It came off as a blurred human soul if anything, and at this range, Conor had enough confidence in his perception that this wasn't just 'blurry' for no reason.

However, far more important than the oddly talking cat, was a new display. Biyu shifted from her normal, anxious self to that of a giggling girl. She was smiles. She was bright. She wasn't flustered like a few moments before when he asked about his comment. She wasn't defending herself. She was just a cute girl petting a kitty, with all of the gleeful smiles and body language to go with it. She was almost a different girl, if only for a moment.

Then Conor put his phone up and looked back over his shoulder to Taz. "You know anything about a talking cat, Taz? It's got a weird soul signature," he asked, shouting back to Taz as if he knew something more about the situation than either of them.

The Regal Rper RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[The Regal Rper]

• The Great
• The Mage

• 
  
  
  

  Tazmuir V. Klovic​
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Mystic Lounge​

  
  
  
  
  
  Taz had to admit, even he wasn't sure why Biyu had seemed to gloss over the compliment. Well, that wasn't entirely true he had a good feeling as to why he just wasn't entirely sure if it was right or not. From their first interaction alone, Taz was pretty positive Biyu didn't have social anxiety or something close to it like Tim had, nor was she the type to flinch when talked to either. Probably has something to do with her training back home or something along those lines then. Either way he turned to cock a brow of his own as Conor asked his question. Sober or not, a compliment was a compliment and he sided with Conor there. Hell, even he had to admit she was a looker. And he would, when the time was right. May say it just to make her squirm., call it sick if you want but it was funny teasing the shy ones. Or at least the ones who thought they had everything together till they met a demigod like him.
  
  While he didn't share Conor's confusion or care to elaborate, had he been a different version of himself, he may have grabbed Biyu by the shoulders and shook her with as much disbelief as any high school girl would when asked out by the most popular guy in the school. To Taz ignoring a compliment was like ignoring a drink when you were dying of thirst, it was impossible. But what really mattered was the way it had been said. One thing was for sure, the talking cat and him agreed. Pausing, Taz's eyes honed in on the fuzzball he hadn't noticed a second ago.
  
  "What the fuck?" he muttered, then after a second of squinting, his eyes widened just a fraction and he realized what he was looking at. "....It's you..." the bitterness was hard to miss and his tone was so low it might've been hard to hear. But for that cat, Taz knew. Taz knew that mage could hear him.
  
  "Oh yeah..." Taz responded to Conor's question, though the sense of familiarity in his tone wasn't one of pleasantry. "That thing is a mage. I accidentally stepped on his tail one time on my walk back to my lodgings and the next thing I know, he's sneak attacking me just as I get into my apartment." The displeasure was pretty clear. "His butt's lucky I hadn't got into the shower yet, getting tossed outta my window would've been the last thing he would have to worry about if he'd tried that then." Although....hearing Biyu's giggles kinda put off his peeved mood. Snorting like a bull, Taz turned his attention down the pathway.
  
  Where is this guy? Taz thought with a frown, then quite suddenly his eyes rose- then without meaning to Crowley answered Taz's unspoken question. By literally popping in out of thin air right next to him in a silent flash of lime green that startled Taz enough to the point he nearly fell over, had his sponsor not grabbed his sleeveless jacket by the flap and pulled him back to a suitable balance.
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  
  

  Mystic | Louonge​
  
  

  Crowley​
  
  
  
  There was a three second warning before he actually appeared. It was intentional, to let everyone know someone was about to make an entrance. Teleportation tended to do that for mages. Moving from one spot to another with magic basically was like an announcement to strong sensory types where you'd be appearing next, especially if you didn't know how to diminish the amount of energy you gave off as you materialized in that spot. And while he knew how to do it, he didn't hide his presence like he usually would on a job or teaching beginners. His wavelength was like a distant whistle to Biyu and Conor who were mostly sensitive due to being Perceptionists, but to those that weren't paying attention? It would've gone right over their heads.
  
  Amused, Crowley released Taz the second his student had regained his footing then while backing away swiftly raised his left foot up to avoid Taz's incoming ankle trip kick from the surprised entrance. Before the Meister could turn to deliver a roundhouse backhand, thin fingers caught Taz's wrist firmly then using his own momentum against him, spun the boy like a top till he had done two twirls and came to a quick stop facing the wrong way.
  
  Taz's head snapped immediately in the sponsor's direction with immediate hostility, but the second he saw who it was Crowley noted how the boy seemed to calm and relax almost instantly before letting out an annoyed sigh.
  
  Seeing it made Crowley chuckle in good humor. Always good to see you on guard. If they'd been paying attention they would've noted his presence. If they weren't it was just something he'd have to lecture them on later. Either way, the purpose of entering this way had been clear. Teleportation was a common means of transportation among mages who knew how to use it effectively, especially for long distances. This was just his way of showing the current group, save Taz and Kuro, just what his classification was, right before he introduced himself.
  
  Taking a second to let his sudden appearance sink in, Crowley smiled at the group and said: "Hello! I am Isaac Crowley, this team's sponsor and your team leader / supervisor. It's a pleasure to meet you all today. And for the record, you may call me Crowley and only Crowley. As you can tell from my rather glittery entrance." He said then blew at a spark of green aethar passing by- "I am a mage or to be specific a True Mage. Now, before I go over some extra details regarding this group, I'm sure some of you may have....questions?" He finished with a smile that hinted more towards mischief than anything else.
  
  
  
  
  

Interaction(s): Sir Les Paul RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Conor O'Neill​

Conor felt it. The give-away. The technique being used here wasn't too different from his own, and with it the same weaknesses. Predictability. While magic wasn't nearly as clear to him as wavelengths, the soul of this practitioner soon followed. He was, without a doubt, a mage.

Conor turned toward them with his arms now crossed. The psuedo-flirtatious attitude he had with Biyu a moment prior was dead. Whoever this new individual was managed to put Conor on edge. A sharp edge given he got the best of Taz.

Razor's edge once he began to speak. Team leader? This was his team? Whose idea was it to pair him with a cat and Taz? At least it wasn't Kasper and Mina, but still. Rumor was that tons of Omegas and Elites were getting put on teams due to recent incidents, but this was all sorts of off. That all isn't what really triggered Conor, though. Crowley just explained that he was a True Mage. He wouldn't know a goddamn thing about wavelengths. This would be like Aella all over again. A lot of talk until Conor broke out his wavelength. What was the point of an instructor that could not teach him anything?

Conor wasn't having it. Not again.

"Alright, Crowley," Conor replied--making sure he was the first. Then came his release. He broke through the outer shell he used to repress his wavelength. Ten? Ten percent was fine. No, fifteen. Ten percent put him on par with Aella, if not a little faster. Fifteen would be enough here. The release of his wavelength sent out a ripple significant enough that the sensors would have felt it even without perception active, albeit most of them likely were just as on edge due to Crowley. The source of that ripple, however, was a bit different. The same blue flame outlined his soul as it always did when he released it. The excess energy he couldn't keep contained. It only lasted for a moment, though.

"Teach me," Conor commented. Before he was gone, that is. Another burst of his speed, but not the same parlor trick he used to get beside Biyu. No. This was his actual speed. Still blinding to the eye and disorienting to follow with perception. Conor charged a large dose of wavelength in his fist, leaving a neon trail of bright blue energy in his wake. A fraction of a second between him leaving Biyu and him arriving at Crowley.

Conor had full intentions on hitting this teacher. Hard. Not even just once, he was already charging another blow in his left hand. Conor stood by the belief that if his teacher wasn't stronger than him, he couldn't learn anything from them. And, a Mage had no place being his mentor. Conor didn't use Magic. He used raw, oppressive power.

The Regal Rper RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[The Regal Rper]

Mystic Lounge​

Crowley​

"Alright, Crowley," was all he needed to really hear. The second his eyes adjusted to look in Conor's direction he already knew what was coming. The second everyone else's eyes had made contact with his after his entrance, his spell had already taken effect and could so at any time. All he needed to do was activate it.

But since Conor spoke up, Crowley decided to refrain from the test he'd originally intended to explain and smile the moment he heard the word: 'Alright.'

To any other instructor Conor's tone was clearly one of disdain and on grounds for disrespect, to Crowley? This just brought back memories of when he first started training meisters back in Liverpool. That tone of disrespect may have upset him when he was an assistant, but that was years ago. And he'd gained a lot of experience teaching students of all types since then. And just like those that had used those very same patronizing tones on his own instructors back when he was still in the academy, like them, he too would teach Conor a lesson. Not just in respect, but not to judge a book by its cover. Doing that got you killed. And no one wanted that.

While Conor figured out how much of his wavelength he was going to use to deliver his strike, Crowley had already begun enhancing his body with his own magic. It took less than 3 seconds to gain that build up. Magic traded his strength for speed and senses; it doubled his reaction time, increased his agility, and chipped his enhanced strength by 17%, diverting it all to reflexes and the focus he now had on Conor's bright spark. By the millisecond it took for signals to be sent to Conor's body to move, Crowley could see everything in bullet-speed motion.

The interesting thing was, Conor was still fast. The bullet-speed effect was supposed to slow things down for being's who couldn't move above 1,700 MPH, which for most meisters, weapons or mages, shouldn't be extraordinarily difficult even if they didn't focus on speed and had the right training to adjust their bodies properly -Conor was moving above that- probably at about a rate closer to 2,500 - 2,700 and looked like he was doing an Olympic leap fast forwarded as he came in Crowley's direction.

Seeing that evoked a chuckle as Conor just appeared and began coming in for a strike. To the others his movements were blurred, to Crowley it was just watching someone who'd been fast-forward. It was a good thing he'd been paying attention. The kid may have completely surprised had he not. "Explains the arrogance, at least" and then with his position already changed and his body already moving, Crowley seemed to barely but easily dodge Conor's right jab. It passed right between his right shoulder and head that sent a draft, jostling hair. Then when Conor's left hook came in, Crowley ducked back and saw three strands of his red hair get cut by wind speed alone.

Before Conor could retaliate again, the mage was gone. Half way through a blink and he just vanished the next moment before appearing a couple yards away from the group of four, small sparks of green vanishing without even a trace. With his arms now moving behind his back, Crowley let his smile fall and gained a thoughtful look instead now that distance had been put between them.

"Hm..." the sound he made sounded like a mixture of amusement and a hint of surprise. "They weren't kidding when they said you were fast." He admitted then a hand moved up to his shag and his fingers combed it back, taking one or two red strays Conor had cut but failed to fall. "But I must admit, you would do so much better without the bit of condescension young Conor. It really doesn't do you any good. In fact, acting that way may just get you severely injured one day and you'll have no one but yourself to blame." He let that sink in for a second, then after waiting to make sure the other students had at least caught on to what had just happened Crowley continued, though always making sure the distance between him and Conor was the same as he paced back and forth keeping Conor's gaze in his sights.

"Now, don't get me wrong," he skipped over a defenseless pebble, "I can respect a student's methods of asking questions, but back there- when you were trying and failing horribly I might add to hit me, you were thinking something along the lines of: 'He's just a mage! Probably not strong enough to teach someone like me anyway so why bother', weren't you?" It wasn't a question he expected to be answered, when he already knew the answer. It wasn't uncommon for mages and meisters of the E.A.T or Magi curriculum to have disapproving opinions of each other when it came to pure skill. It was more common these days than it was before the war. After waiting a second for a response, he continued by starting with a small knowing smile.

"I'll tell you what Conor." Smugly tapping his cheek, Crowley looked the kid in the eye. "Why don't we sweeten this deal? If you think you can beat me after I just dodged your attacks, come at me. If you win, I'll make you the leader and I'll become the student. If I win, you'll have to apologize and accept the fact that I am here to stay." Clapping his hands together with a grin Crowley activated his spell and asked: "So, do we have a deal?"

Either way it didn't matter, the spell was already in effect. The central nervous system had been stimulated and with it came a twisted perception that only his target could see.

Affecting not just Conor, but everyone. Taz, Biyu and Kuro included, so at the very least- they could see what Conor saw and understand what Conor did when he did it. To them, Crowley was still standing there, waiting for Conor's response.

In reality, he had moved to the sidelines, watching and waiting to see just how things played out.

Interaction(s): Sir Les Paul

Mention(s): RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Conor O'Neill​

"You're wrong."​

Those words filled the air almost immediately after Crowley finished his speech. They were simple. Short. Yet, they conveyed everything that Conor meant. Crowley was only right about one thing: Conor doubted a Mage--especially a True Mage--could teach him. However, that wasn't due to power. In fact, the way Crowley spoke had Conor fairly sure that the would-be Mage mentor felt like Conor only cared about power. He couldn't be more wrong.

"Oh, and Crowley, I don't wanna lead anyone."​

It became abundantly clear that Conor wasn't the prideful punk that he was being played off as. He wasn't after leadership. In fact, Conor didn't like groups to begin with. Conor wasn't about to duel this instructor, either. If he lost--if--it would be due to some cheap trick the Mage used. Magic was like that, after all. Then Conor would have to lick his wounds and just go on without ever making his point. That wasn't a situation Conor was about to accept.

Regardless, Conor powered up. Fifteen wasn't enough? Fine. Twenty. No. Fuck it, new plan. Thirty. Conor's face warped into something almost feral as he had to begin forcefully exerting his wavelength instead of just letting it flow. And, did it flow. At fifteen, there was a blue flame around his Soul. It was potent enough that it wavered in the heat to any Perceptionist. What he had now was different. A roaring pyre of that blue flame. Static discharged off him visibly. Pressure was exerted around him; you didn't even need to be a Meister to feel this. As Conor increased his power, it became evident why a Strong Soul was called a 'Strong' Soul. This was stupid. This was inhuman. This is the force that Crowley just pissed off.

Conor stretched out his hands and curled his fingers in front of him. Blue sparks began traveling between his fingertips consistently, like plasma arcing between Tesla Coils. This wasn't just the output of Soul Menace. This was far more controlled. "You're a Mage. You have no idea what it's like to use this. What it feels like to have your Soul in your hand. Even a Weapon gets to feel their soul when they're held, but a Mage like you... you can't teach me how to control this," Conor told him. It was a clear answer. This wasn't about power. This was about control.

Then silence. The roaring that was Conor's Soul quickly fell quiet, as if he was in his suppressed state again. Except those sparks in his fingertips were still there. Now, they were weaving a bright blue orb between his hands. A visible one. A solid, visible, external portion of his soul floating between his palms, held together by his own wavelength. It was no larger than a baseball and even smaller than the soul signatures of most people, but the feat alone displayed what Conor meant even more than his words. It was never about power. It was about control.

Then another reality sat in. What happened to the power Conor just exerted? It vanished. The answer was simple. He concentrated it. The flaming wavelength that was once blinding to anyone nearby now had its entirety compressed into a bright, blue ball. That roar was now a high-pitched chirp. That pressure was no longer being forced on others, but instead, compressed into a single area.

The ball in his hand was a rough construct. It took him pushing himself to thirty percent, nearly his full power at the moment, just to make it. Even then, he wasted a lot of energy and it took time to weave. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't efficient. It was still, however, dangerous. In fact, it was arguably more dangerous than his own fists. See, those were attached to his body. Crowley might have thought he was fast a moment ago, but his body was still slowing him down. All sorts of factors due to his weight and surface area, but the ball in his hand had none of those. Furthermore, it was made with double the sheer power he was using earlier.

In short, this little ball was far, far faster than him. That was the point. The sphere in his hand, when launched, was faster than Conor could ever be, even at his top speed. And, once it hits its target, it normally packed a real mean wallop. Conor could crack boulders with his Soul Force, but this ball made them explode. Conor was real curious as to what it would do when--and if--it hit Crowley.

PEW!​

Time to find out.

The Regal Rper RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[The Regal Rper]

Mirage | Mystic Lounge​

Illusion Crowley​

"You're wrong."​

"IOh?" Perhaps, he just was. From Conor's own peers, he'd heard much. Most of it biased sure, a lot of it said for spite. But hearing those words from Conor's own lips was a turning point that told the mage, Conor was about to correct the things he'd heard from others and merely repeated back to him.

Seeing the ripple of air like heat on a desert sunny day was a sight to see. It was a rare sight for certain, but one that merely made Crowley shift his stance slowly growing more defensive instead of attacking as he watched Conor's wavelength crackle in the air like snakes of electricity all around.

Control huh? was what he thought from outside this world of lies. If it's control he wants I'll show him just what he's looking for. From the moment his speech ended to the start of it all, there was no change in anyone's reactions. ToriTori's illusion spell that'd been developed particularly for fights meant to get the upper-hand or advantage, showed its strengths now. The Crowley in front of them wasn't the Crowley they'd just met but none of them seemed to realize that. Well...not all of them. The feline mage might, soon enough, mainly because his familiar was still fixed to the real Crowley's side.

Right palm facing forward, left arm to his side, body facing his target, left foot upfront while right foot was back, Illusion Crowley watched and waited. He could feel the hum of static in the air as he focused on countless molecules responding to the force of Conor's wavelength, molecules he bent to his will with a simple spell that coalesced air into a single spot as he prepped for what he was certain would be an attack he shouldn't avoid, in fact as Conor prepared his own attack- real world Crowley, aided his illusion by prepping a strong defense. He could sense the pressure shift and change at the focal point of Conor's hands as he condensed his personal spiritual energy into a baseball then held that force of energy together with his wavelength. While Crowley was at a distance, the mirage of himself allowed him to hear and see it clearly. It reminded him strangely of a similar spell one of his classmates had made up a year before the war began and it made the illusion share his nostalgic smile in return as air gathered, condensed, consolidated, and strengthened through magic and magic alone.

Both palms faced forward like he was bracing against a wall, then Illusion's finger's curled, his arms parted just a little and just like that- he looked like a goalie. A goalie about to catch one helluva ball.

PEW!​

The sound didn't even reach his ears before he'd already started moving. To make this seem real -and prevent any property damage that would get paid from his own pockets- Illusion focused on every petrified bit of vegetation around them within a 5 meter radius and sapped their remaining mana into his arms, legs, and back, forcing his body to move faster but not fast enough to stop or even touch Conor's attack.

He didn't need to though. That's what the condensed blanket of air was for.

Like a net the Illusion caught it. In reality, Crowley had crafted a net of magic in the air in the exact same position as his illusion and was now working with him to keep their surroundings in tact.

That ball of spiritual energy, had other plans. Illusion got pushed back. His shoes made grooves in the ground and force, velocity, and motion pushed back fiercely against him. When Illusion caught that ball, it pressed into the shield of vibrating molecules and it sent sparks flying as the two forces fought against it. When Illusion pushed, Conor's power ball shoved.

It wasn't pure strength, it was the speed, velocity, and force it'd been shot at that made it difficult to contain. Crowley found himself a little surprised. He hadn't expected there to be that much power to it and he knew that if he tried to wrap the blanket around this ball and stop it, there was a good chance it would escape him.

Curling his body back to lean into the attack Ilusion didn't push back anymore, he felt his muscles ache a little as if he were there and he knew that trying to will his shield into a container was impossible, so he let it push him instead. Both Illusion and the power ball slid back like skaters on ice or dudes on roller-blades till he got dangerously close to one unsuspecting tree and their speed gradually began to decrease but not enough to keep him out of danger.

Then in a burst of strength, transferring all the mana he'd sent to his legs save 14%, Illusion curved that visible shield of air into a cone and with magic empowering his back, arms, bones, and strength he used the motion still pushing against him to guide that ball into the dirt, which left a football sized hole in the ground, inches behind him.

"Phew." Illusion sighed, sitting in the dirt. Had that hit a building or damaged anywhere else, he'd be out of a paycheck this month. Getting up he stretched, real world Crowley only rotating his arms to shake the hint of numbness that hit them. "Looks like my regular body still can't handle stuff like this for too long yet, hehe." But in all honesty?

That was impressive. Very impressive. More so than the speed the boy just displayed before. If he had tried to dodge that? His real body would've been in for a serious amount of numbness and the spell itself might've just weakened.

Manifesting a physical form with one's spiritual energy wasn't an easy feat. The focus required to make it corporeal and keep it corporeal to actually do damage wasn't easy either but neither was the reimbursement that came with doing it. Figuring it out on your own took trial and error, and he could see what Conor meant. If he'd had better control, he could've pierced through his shield in a few seconds. His natural body wouldn't have been able to handle it either. He wouldn't have died, but to say he wouldn't be hurt would be a flat out lie.

"Wow." Illusion said, and the amazement in his voice was real. He clapped. "Well done, Conor. Well done indeed. Splendid. It's been awhile since I got pushed that far, used way more mana than I thought I'd even need. Guess that's just the luck of Strong Soul users isn't it? But hey--" he stopped clapping and placed a hand into his jacket pocket. "Before I show you that I am very well qualified to teach you control, I'm going to show you guys something." Pointing at Conor with his other hand which still stung from that attack, Illusion guided their eyes towards a tree branch with his pointing hand.

The next time they blinked they saw Crowley and if they looked at where he'd previously been all they'd see is the smoking hole he'd left behind.

Real world Crowley, now just Crowley, waved at the students. His spell now broken. The only evidence left as proof of any of that happening was the hole Illusion had left behind after pushing Conor's attack into the ground.

Interaction(s): Sir Les Paul

Mention(s): RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Kuroneko

Unlike a certain someone, Kuro wasn't the least bit surprised by Crowley's arrival for obvious reasons. Frankly, he was too busy purring rather loudly and nuzzling his head into the ear scritchies to really pay much attention to Crowley's introduction. In short order though, things got just a bit crazy when Conor outright attacked Crowley. "He doesn't really think he can win, does he, Nyaa~" Kuro purred to no one in particular.

Even still, Kuro didn't expect to see Conor move quite so fast.His purring abruptly stopped as his eyes focused on the speeding meister. Had he blinked at the wrong time, he would have missed it entirely.... The entire first exchange lasted maybe a few seconds, but it was obvious Crowley was toying with Conor. As the young solo meister started charging his soul into his hands, Kuro's eyes narrowed. This was starting to get just plain ridiculous...

His tail curled around Biyu's neck almost protectively as his fur bristled. All of this sillly fighting was interfering with his ear scritchies dammit!

Yes, his biggest issue with this whole display was the simple fact that it distracted from getting his ears scritched. Beyond that, he really couldn't care less about the whole display, even if it was a bit entertaining to watch. Wait just a moment. Kuro's eyes narrowed. The Crowley Conor was aiming at wasn't the real Crowley. How did Kuro know that? Simple. Chesh wasn't with him.

You see, Chesh sticking around Crowley wasn't just for shits and giggles. It allowed Kuro to keep tabs on the teacher. Given Chesh hadn't returned to Kuro, it was clear to him that this was some kind of illusionary fuckery at work here, especialy when he pinpointed Chesh's location on the sidelines. As was often the case with such tricks, it was only effective so long as you weren't aware you were being tricked. For a True Mage, once you realized you were in an illusion, it was a relatively simple matter of flexing your magical muscles to break the illusion.

Thus, Kuro could watch what was really happening, that is, he could see the real Crowley on the sidelines pulling the strings.

This teacher was indeed impressive. Even still, his tail stayed curled protectively around Biyu's shoulders. Just in case things got a bit out of hand, he was ready to put up a barrier. Given how readily Conor flew off the handle, there was no telling if he would try and keep fighting or not after his spirit-baseball got deflected by an illusory clone. As amewsing as it was, it was starting to get old.

 

[The Regal Rper]

Tazmuir V. Klovic​

Mystic Lounge​

Taz had to admit, he hadn't expected this. Crowley sneaking up on his had caught him off guard, Conor launching off like a fucking rocket had thrown him for a loop. At first, he had no idea what Conor was doing. He had no idea why he was doing it either. It didn't baffle him anyone would attack a professor, he'd done it in the past and he'd done it to prove a point. That just because he was some kid they assumed to be fresh off the block, he was way more skilled than they actually gave him credit for so why was Conor bothering with this-- "Oh." He went silent.

That's why.

Maybe he and Conor had something in common. And that was not having their time wasted when it could be done making them stronger, better, faster, tougher. He got that. He could get where the kid was coming from. After that match with Aella, he could get why he'd want to test someone like Crowley. The guy didn't exactly look like he had a crap tone of muscle on that lithe body of his and he was a mage. Testing him made sense to an extent. So instead of saying anything, he watched. When Conor threw his fist at a speed Taz could just barely make out in the flare of neon blue, he watched, unperturbed by the speed at Crowley moved to match it. He already knew Crowley was quick on his feet.

The way he walked had already told him that enough on their first meeting.

The fight or rather the spar, continued and all the while Taz watched with folded arms in utter silence. His neutral expression breaking for a fraction of a second with brows angling in distaste when he felt the pressure of Conor's wavelength rise then slowly crumble and focus into a single point. That frown grew into a grimace the longer it took, till finally- the buzz that had been smacking his ears grew into a rather annoying high pitched chirp.

Increasing his internal wavelength, Taz focused the spiritual energy of his wavelength into his optic nerves and heightened his vision. It focused on the rippling air around Conor's hands, watched the electrical crackle of energy until that ball of spiritual agony made physical shaped itself into a baseball.

"..." His jaw shifted and Taz grit his teeth. He made a construct? A physical construct with his own wavelength?!, his grip tightened on a bicep and the slight pressure helped snap him out of the building rage. He couldn't believe. The very thing he'd been practicing, was the very thing Conor had pulled off in what a few minutes? Trial and error was there sure, but how much easier was it for him when he had a Strong Soul? How many breaks did he have to take just to pull that off for a couple seconds at a time.

If Taz hadn't been impressed at the boy's conviction and respected his determination he would've been furious. Seething with rage, all out of pure envy. When the shot disappeared Taz let out a heavy slow breath and in the process, released his concentration and returned his eyesight to its normal state. He didn't pay attention to the fight anymore, not that it would've mattered while being under the spell.

So this is just a taste of what a Strong Soul could do huh? And that irked him.

While he may not look it, Taz knew his history. His mentor and his mentor's partners had taught him everything he knew about history before he came to DWMA and continued from there. He could recall every important person back to when Lord Symmetry had been Kid the First with his classmates. And because of this he also knew of the samurai Black☆Star killed during the scuffle with Arachnephobia; the Strong Soul Samurai known as Mifune.

From what history said, Taz knew if Mifune were still alive and these two faced, the older man would win. Not just because he had the experience and had won so many fights with his unique swordsmanship, but because of the sheer level of difference in their wavelength control. Even when Conor was making that construct, Taz could see it. There was a slight struggle. Conor had to focus and put his time into crafting that attack, which meant the force and boom behind it would be lacking in exchange for speed. Which also meant on the field, it was useless and a waste of time.

Even if that was so, it bugged him. Creating a construct like that and keeping it physical-- he turned to watch Crowley deflect the attack just in time-- was a difficult thing to do. The best he could do was manage a construct for a few seconds at a close range distance. His constructs were extensions of his own body made physical for a brief second before dispersing. And even then he couldn't shoot those physical manifestations out at such speed without giving up all their strength and having them break apart before they even hit.

For one brief second Taz's eyes narrowed at Conor's back. He didn't like this, but he didn't care enough to complain. All he had to do was follow Black☆Star's example, and kick Conor's ass once he got strong enough to surpass him.

Once he was strong enough, then he'd go find her. He'd find her and get her to tell him everything-- the truth. Once and for all.

Following Crowley's hand, Taz looked up to see the real Crowley and blinked, a moment of surprise. He looked back to the spot the illusion had been and frowned. "Hmph", an illusion. Trick of the mind. Great, just what he needed. Guy had been giving them a show the entire time and he'd been to busy being bitchy to pay attention.

Interaction(s): N/A

Mention(s): Sir Les Paul RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Conor O'Neill​

"No, Crowley, I still don't think you understand," Conor replied. The illusion faded. So be it. Conor didn't turn to face him.

"I'm sure you have some neat trick. Some spell up your sleeve to make you stronger or faster, but the fact is, I will never have that. Neither will Taz. Neither Biyu. You're just showing off. The only difference between you and that pretentious bitch Aella is your magic," Conor explained. For such a young man--the youngest among the group assembled--his words were set in stone. It was crystal clear not just by the words he spoke, but the tone he delivered them in: Conor had no interest in what Crowley brought to the plate.

"You're a waste of my time. You can't help me. You can't even motivate me; you came into this off some report from some idiot that said all I cared about is proving how strong I am," Conor added before he started walking off. Not quite back the way he came, but in the direction of the Mystic Lounge itself. Well outside of the woods. "To you, to that cat, and to anyone that believes the only reason I exist in this world is 'power', you're a fucking idiot; and, you can tell them I said that," he tacked on before reaching the edge of the open area.

Conor was having none of this.

The Regal Rper RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[RANGYOKU]

方比喻
BIYU FĀNG

♤​

LOCATION
Behind Mystic Lounge​

INTERACTION
Tazmuir V. Klovic
Connor O'Neill
Kuroneko
Crowley​

MENTIONED
The Regal Rper
Sir Les Paul
One Mean Ghost ​

Distorted reading were certainly one to leave an impression on a Soul Perception user, be it whatever type one was part of. Biyu was no such exception to this concept. Much like Conor, she was confronted with a soul within the mysterious feline’s body that while resembling the characteristics of a human-type, she could not ignore the element of a phenomenon at play. This was already disregarding the contradiction of a human taking the form of an animal. A conclusion she drew came to her naturally, even if not grasping completely the extent of what Kuro was. The knowledge of Taz’s familiarity with the individual in question further proved to complement her absence of ill-will based on suspicion towards him in favour of an adoration for his kin of sorts. If he were to ambush her, he would have already taken the measures to do so, even more by the fact that he had wrapped his body around a very vulnerable location of one’s body. Once he took a human form, then inquiring his intentions and identifying him would come into place.

Of course, that did not meant she was absolutely detached from her surroundings. Particularly, the eyes of those around her and the reactions that came with it. She could not say which one demanded of her a more pressing reaction, Conor immortalizing this moment or Taz breaking out of his cool front to express a form of bemusement. She was just about to assert her contempt for such behaviour when … she was assaulted by traces of a wavelength.

It was faint, as if a humming reaching her ears, calling out to her. But it was there, drawing her focus towards the exact place none other than the one who had arranged this ensemble of sorts. At last, he was here. Biyu was brought to a halt the moment she laid eyes upon him. It was not his looks, nor his display of skill in disarming Taz before he could act upon engaging in physical touch, even if they were legitimate candidates. But the fact that she could no trace back a file within her eidetic memory to go off of. It was enough to unsettle her somewhat, given the role he had on all this. His introduction was a start, but its concision provoked her further. Mage, True or Dubious, did have a reputation for keeping up this air of mystery and secret to themselves, even she would argue the cat purring around her shoulders was no exception. Crowley’s attitude was the kind to have her take a step back in regards to strangers. The less professional can often be the more dangerous ones, she could recall her mentor telling her this on her own words.

Her analysis would be cut short, as she was yet again perturbed by the pressure of one’s soul around her. But this time, there was something odd to it. It was meant to be felt, meant to capture those who shared the ability to sense it in its grasp. It was Conor’s wavelength at effect. She had no time to fully process the meaning behind this before Conor cleared her curiosity and put it in actual words. In a blur, a flash, before her own eyes, she saw him make an attempt at striking his supposed superior. The sight evoked within her a sense of déjà vu, even if paling in comparison to this display. It served to prove her caution towards him before to not be unfounded on principle, as it could come to a point of barely being evaded by an instructor. She had to agree with Kuro on his assertion of the outcome of this makeshift conflict, however. Crowley not only had superior skills given his position, it was a given that he had done his research on each of those he had called up for this arrangement. Both saw their suspicions confirmed by the time Crowley proposed his deal to Conor. It took no genius intellect to perceive her expression as one to indicate how incredulous she found the whole thing. She refused to believe Crowley meant to uphold such terms quite so literally, most likely what prevented her from interjecting and expressing her thoughts as bluntly as she could muster. But the conflict did not cease, rather it built up upon this.

Elaborating on his intentions served to provide insight into his character in the case of Biyu’s perception of him, be it through his actions or his words. She could understand his reluctance in conceding not to the command but the guidance of a specialist that so far had proven to be of a spectrum that did not concern his. She was not so stubborn as to not admit she found herself enthralled by what a Strong Soul could do as a demonstration alone. Still, his argument of raw power being nothing if not subjected to control was one she felt inclined to concede to it. It was hasty, sure, a part of what made mages such a difficult of a subject for her was the extent of their abilities in terms of variables, not just when it came to deceive her own abilities such as with Soul Protect for an instance. But this test of Conor’s had a point to it, it was not the conclusion Crowley had appeared to draw earlier as he was quick to deny. Once the masquerade ceased with the reveal of all having been the work of his magic, earning a disdainful sigh from her. She would like to say she had been expecting it but she had been far too focused on his opponent to purposely suspect it.

At the very least, it had drawn to a close, it seemed. At last, she could take notice of Kuro’s tail and his body language, gestures she, even if perhaps inaccurately so, felt touched by. Softly, she gave him a few scritches as if to settle him down and express her gratitude with a faint smile.

Biyu did not take her eyes off Conor as he took upon himself to essentially cut down his ties to the group Crowley had assembled. She did not dare to act upon her desire, feeble as it was, to hold on to his arm to stop him for taking another step. It was his call to make, she had no place to judge his decision to refuse Crowley if he felt it had no legitimacy to his own affairs. No matter how extensive his file was, no matter how much one could tell from direct experience dealing with him, Conor knew himself better than anyone. His last words particularly stroke a chord with her, a strange sense of kinship found in them tying back to her own purpose in living … It was regrettable but an inevitable end all the same.

 

[The Regal Rper]

Mystic Lounge​

Crowley​

Such a disappointment, Crowley thought as he watched Conor go. His final statement aside, it was indeed a disappointment. It wasn't often one got to teach a young pup with such a strong spirit so it was a bit saddening to see him go. Conor may not have realized it, had he given this 'pompous trickster' as he'd once been amusingly told, a chance to show him what he knew he could've showed the boy that mages and meisters, weren't as different as one might be led to believe. Sure, in the syntax and mechanics of it all they were in two separate fields with some similarities, but fundamentally? At the root? Magic and Spiritual Energy weren't all that different in how they worked. To use magic you had to have control, too much magic into lighting a simple candle and you burned the curtains to the ground, too much of your will invoked into picking up a simple pencil and you either snapped it if you had the kind of practice behind it to pull that off or you shattered it. It was the same as utilizing your wavelength to increase your physical limits when you weren't used to it, which led to a sore body the next day and restricted movement soon after.

Control was a just as core a part of magic as it was of the wavelength, it was too bad Conor couldn't see it. Or was at the very least unwilling to listen.

Shaking his head with a disappointed sigh as the boy headed back to where he no doubt believed would be the faculty room or either Lord Symmetry's office to either complain or search for a new instructor or both, Crowley focused his attention back to the students that stayed and the ones that wanted his tutelage.

"Well you can't win them all, I suppose." He said sounding just a tad less peppier than he had been. "But!" His tone picked up and he turned his warm gaze towards the others from his perch on the tree, "No need to keep the other two waiting. In fact--" Crowley leaned forward dangerously over his perch and looked ahead. "Here they come now. Kuro, Taz, Biyu, I want you to meet Jayson and Maxwell." And the second he said those words, Crowley blinked out of existence and appeared a couple inches away from the others towards the mulch path from which he and Kuro had entered.

With an extended arm as soon as Jayson was in reach, Crowley pulled the tall teen to his side and patted his back warmly. Following behind him, dressed in white, black, and red- a formal uniform of DWMA student council group. Maxwell strode forward with a bag, eyes obscured by a sailor's cap and features tinted with a solemn air. "Why don't you two introduce yourselves hm? Go on, don't be shy. I'll explain everything once that's out of the way." And with one more pat of encouragement on Jayson's back, Crowley stepped back beside Maxwell, the latter whom hadn't said word to anyone, except a formal nod of respect to the instructor.

Interaction(s): Phayne One Mean Ghost RANGYOKU (Notif)

Mention(s): Sir Les Paul

 

[Phayne]

.

.

.

"Yo!" waved the red head as he stepped forward, urged on wards by Crowleys pat on the back; a rather cheerful grin plastered across his face as he stood there, looking more like a fool than he realised. "The name's Jayson" he continued as he glanced around and made eye contact with the trio opposite him. Biyu was the first to grab his attention; as any beautiful woman would when near a teenage boy. As their eyes made contact, Jayson couldn't resist but wink and nod his head slightly towards her; using the opportunity his nod presented to catch a quick close up of the rest of her features; though what ultimately grabbed his attention was unexpected.

Pausing for a few moments his eyes fell upon the cat nestled in her arms, the feline just didn't seem quite right with him and for awhile he couldn't figure out why. While curiosity did kill the cat; Jayson was pretty sure that his interest in this feline would prove to be harmless and thankfully for the cat it was just that. He spent several silent moments looking the cat over; his right hand at one point raising up towards his face and disappearing behind a thick plumage of red hair that covered the right half of his face. Appearing to scratch an itch, Jayson leaned in closer before finally ceasing his 'examination', the only iota of Jayson's satisfaction came in the minute change in his grin, though he quickly played it off by focusing once again on Taz. "Jayson Kilbane" he reiterated as he lowered his hand downwards and gestured for a hand shake; his first target of course the spectacled blonde haired boy.

Whilst the two had never actually met before, Jayson was fully aware of who the teenager standing before him was; one of the infamous troublemakers that attained 15 minutes of fame a few months back as a video went viral showing the Cafeteria Pandemonium or the Battle Royal as it was later dubbed. For the most part, Jayson did think that Taz was a bit of an asshole and the villain of that pantomime; though truth be told his opinion was largely biased against him due to his overzealous and distasteful approach towards Mina. Jayson felt a twinge of pity for the nutjob Kasper; having to watch his partner get swooned away, much less have it done in front of a crowd. Simply, Jayson could relate to Kasper's sudden burst of anger.. he'd probably have reacted the same had someone 'crossed the line' with Rosalia. Though that was all in the past now and no longer a real concern. Let bygones be bygones right?

"I'm the Demon weapon next in line to becoming a 'Death Scythe'. Pleasure to make your acquaintances" The grin never faded from his face as he kept his hand stretched outwards, awaiting his hand shake to be reciprocated.

.

One Mean Ghost (Mentioned) RANGYOKU (mentioned) The Regal Rper (mentioned) Sir Les Paul (Notification)

 

[The Regal Rper]

Tazmuir V. Klovic​

Mystic Lounge​

Statements were made, words were said, and Taz watched Conor disappear.

To bad he thought with just a small inkling of disappointment in his posture. Would've liked to spar with him at least once. "But!" -he shrugged- Turning his attention back to his sponsor. Kid's smart, he'll find his own way. And without anymore attention bothered on Conor, Taz gave Crowley all of his and then had it turned to their two new guests.

"Yo. The name's Jayson"​

Taz didn't given the redhead much of an answer save for a simple nod. While Jayson looked around and studied each one of them, Taz looked past him and focused on the one that had been shifting his gaze between him and Kuro since the moment he'd walked in. The upperclassman didn't even need to take a second to recall who it was he was looking at, he knew who that was the second he walked in. Max Holiday. And on cue the natural blonde looked the fading blonde in the eye, then narrowed his eyes in response, only to adjust his glasses underneath that stupid hat of his.

It wasn't until Taz felt a gaze in his direction that his eyes moved to look up towards Jayson. An act that made the muscles in his left eyebrow twitch when he noticed the difference in height. Chin level or not, Taz knew he'd snap at this dude if he made a single comment about their height difference. He wasn't in the mood for jokes after seeing what Conor had to offer and he wasn't looking to roll with the punches if someone decided to push him too far. Hearing Jayson restate his name in greeting, Taz let out a controlled sigh. It helped.

At least enough to quell the embers of his envy and calm him down a little. Getting worked up like this would get him nowhere, all he had to do was focus.

Yeah. He thought to himself, feeling the embers douse out to a small spark. Just focus and it'll all be fine. "Call me Taz." He stated with his shake and topped it off with a small smirk. A smirk he noticed made Max's jaw grit.

That cheered him up just a little.

"So," he moved away and turned his attention to Crowley, completely ignoring Max in the process, "now that introductions are done what were you going to tell us?"

AHEM​

Taz didn't smirk, but you could tell from the way he raised his brow in finally acknowledging the student council's secretary he was doing all this on purpose. "Can I help you?" was all he said. And he said it so innocently like he never meant any harm to begin with.

A fact Max knew, to be false.

Interaction(s): Phayne

Mention(s): RANGYOKU One Mean Ghost

 

[The Regal Rper]

Max Holiday​

Crowley​

Max || Crowley
Mystic Lounge​

"Yes, in fact you can." Max answered evenly, but despite his aloof tone the hints of frustration in his pitch and voice were pretty clear to make out. "I have yet to introduce myself, so if you don't mind--"

"But I do."

"--I'll get my part out of the way." The blonde finished, then removing the lolipop from his mouth he turned to gently place the sack he was holding down on the ground before bowing respectfully and removing his cap. "Maximillion Holiday, I am a scythe meister of the One Star Elite division and a member of E.A.T's student council. Although, not Jayson's partner I accompanied him upon Professor Crowley's request to engage in a small exercise during my free period. And" -returning to standing posture, eyes narrowed behind sunglasses to shoot glares at the cat and Taz- "let's just say I look forward to helping with this exercise. Sir?" the blonde turned to Crowley as he gathered his things.

Crowley offered a look of piqued interest as he studied the short interaction before lightly tittering and cracking a knuckle. "Thank you Max. Well then I'll make this brief. As Max said, I have an exercise to execute. And I want each of you to pay close attention because out of the 5 here, only 4 will be actively participating in this game. Biyu?" Crowley turned his calm oceanic blue eyes to her, "You will be playing an important passive role along with me. At least, for now that is. If I'm going to be this group's leader and if I'm going to teach you, I need to know what you all can do and I need to see it with my own eyes.

So here's what we're going to do." Moving forward and doing a 360 as he moved, Crowley scanned their area for a few seconds before he brought out his wand from the hiding spot in his jacket and gave the midnight blue device a circular that left a faint light green in it's wake. At a good football's field distance, several trees burned bright with their protective charms activating and their barriers connecting to form one giant rectangle that kept everyone inside in, and anyone unwanted, out. ""I'm going to give you" he pointed to Kuro, ""and you", he pointed to Taz, ""partners. But before I do that, Kuro", his eyes honed in on the purring cat. ""I'll need you to change back to your human form for this. It's best everyone see who you are before I begin explaining what exactly you, Taz, and your partners will be doing."

Interaction(s): One Mean Ghost Phayne

Mention(s): RANGYOKU

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Kuroneko

To be frank, it was hardly possible for Kuro to pay any less attention to the introductions. With his ears being scritched, the only thing he was paying attention to was his balance so that, in his purring, near-tranced state, he wouldn't accidentally find himself tumbling off of Biyu's shoulder. Frankly, he didn't care about Conor leaving. The boy clearly didn't know the faintest thing about what he was talking about. If he wanted to learn about control, there was no better teacher than a Mage.

Magic, at its very essence, was the study of control after all.

When his name was spoken, his eyes lazily opened to watch Crowley. So now he had to come out and show his human side? Damn... And Biyu had just found that spot behind his ear too. "We'll pick up from here later..." Kuro purred giving her cheek a nuzzle before hopping from her shoulder, his body changing in midair to his six foot tall human form. Even taller, of course, if you counted his ears. He blinked at Jayson and Maxwell, as if for the first time realizing their existence. Max, of course, he had something of a history with, the other one...

Who the devil was he?

"When did mew two get here, nyaaa~?" Kuro inquired, his head tilted off to the side with a confused expression on his face. It was difficult to tell if he was being serious or if this was one of his games, to be frank. Given the mischievous grin on his face, it was probably safe to assume he was taking jabs at the two newcomers. He glanced over at Crowley. "So this is kindnyaa like a game then." he clapped his hands together before facing Taz with his typical wide, playful grin. "Just to be fair, I'll give mew a handicap" He stretched his arms over his head, not bothering to specify exactly what handicap he was giving to Taz.

Knowing him, he could just be talking shit at this point...

"Do we get to pick partners, nyaa~? Because I want that one. He's probably less prone to friendly fire." He remarked, pointing to Jayson. About that history between Kuro and Max? It wasn't pleasant. ..

 

[The Regal Rper]

Max Holiday​

Crowley​

Max || Crowley
Mystic Lounge​

"Actually", Crowley commented, -Taz merely gave Kuro a disdainful snort- "you read my mind. Jayson is going to be your partner. Now Jayson, from what you just saw I'm sure you don't need any explanations to see Kuro here is a mage. A True Mage to be precise. Which means, he won't be able to wield you, which also means you'll get to show me what else you can do." And to add to that statement he winked, with his right eye. "You two will be working against Taz and his partner, Max."

In response Max merely leveled a cold stare in Kuro's direction then shifted his gaze to narrow his eyes at Taz. With only a second to waste, he sighed. Though it sounded more of relief than anything else. "I appreciate that sir."

Crowley merely nodded then twirled his hand as he turned to the blonde. "Did you bring them?"

"The items you requested? Yes, they are here" and to punctuate it, Max patted the black sack he'd been carrying. With a motion of Crowley's hand, Maximillion opened the sack and took out a dull gray colored ball with white lines circling its center. It was about the same size as your average tennis ball if only just a little bit bigger by a couple inches in diameter. "This right?"

Nodding, Crowley took the ball out of Max's hand and gave it to Jayson, leaving the remaining ball which was black instead of gray in Max's. "So allow me to explain the roles. First, the referees: Biyu and I are going to play the role of your referees. Most of the refereeing will be done by me, while most of the observation will be done by Biyu. And to elaborate here's what I mean. Oh and pay attention, I'll explain this only once."

He pulled out his wand, tapped the ball in Jayson's hand and said the names:"Kuroneko Blair, Jayson Kilbane." There was a brief almost camera like flash, then the ball turned red. Crowley didn't stop, he turned to Max and did the same thing with his wand tapping the ball in Max's outstretched hand. "Tazmuir Vice Klovic, Maximillion Holiday." Then with another flash, the ball turned green.

"What I did just now is activate this ball's magic enchantments. This ball is called a Tracker. Right now its in inactive mode. I'll explain to you a penalty when it's activated later. If you've read Harry Potter, maybe you'll get what I mean or maybe you won't. Point is, if you call out the name of someone on your team, this ball will immediately fly towards that person and it is up to them to catch it, dodge it don't see why you would but its happened, or lead it away from an opposing team. Think of it like a boomerang. You call out your teammates name, doesn't have to be their full name, could be their first name or their last- nicknames can work also, and this ball will go to them. For example", Crowley took the ball out of Jayson's hand and said "Kuro." The ball shot right towards the mage and without bothering to see if Kuro would catch it or not Crowley went back to explaining. Either way if he caught it, it'd tell him the kid was paying attention. If not, well, Jayson would have to help him. They were teammates now.

"Max and Taz your job is to steal Kuro and Jayson's ball. The same goal applies to Kuro and Jayson. When you steal their ball, it'll change into your color and when that happens you win this game. Know that I will and can, call this game to an end at anytime. Now then, time to explain a Tracker's active mode." With a flick of his wand the white lights that were a dull white became a clear white. Ten seconds later, there was a buzz and shock that bit into Kuro and Max's hands.

"That was at a subdued setting. The actual setting is a bit worse but nothing to worry about. To prevent you from hogging the ball to yourselves when you start or when you get into scuffles with an opposing team; those balls were made to shock players into passing it to anyone else on their team. The effect of how strong it shocks you disappears once it's been passed and it won't effect your teammates. But the longer you hold it, the worse the shock gets. At worst, it'll leave your hand pretty numb for awhile. I am telling you, not to do the dumb thing and hold on to it because you think you can handle it. You can't. Using protective spells won't help you with how these balls were designed and using your wavelength as a shield or glove, won't do anything either. This is an exercise to test your capabilities to work with others, if you don't participate then I will add a penalty for that particular player whether you win or lose." And just like that the friendly tone was gone and the business tone was up.

"So I advise you to follow the rules and don't push me to do that." He smiled. And for the first time since his introduction, the friendly air behind it was gone and it just made his warning clearer.

"Now, if you have a question? Ask. Biyu and I will go outside this barrier and watch you all. You have about a football field's distance to cover and as much space to use for your own pleasure. Until someone wins or until I say otherwise, this game is about you working with your teammates and stealing their ball."

With his explanation given Crowley waited for any questions that might come.

Interaction(s): One Mean Ghost Phayne

Mention(s): N/A

 

[Phayne]

.

.

.

Jayson returned his hand to the side of his body seemingly content with the introduction thus far. Whilst Biyu had remained rather quiet, Jayson was certain that she had at the very least taken the opportunity to remember his name and if that were the case, then that would suffice for now. He didn't expect a warm welcome nor was he saddened by the lack of warmness to their first meeting. It was to be expected.. he was the 'new guy' here. Bottom of the pecking order. From Jayson's perspective, the two of them had already established some kind of relationship or have spent more time with one another outside of this get together.

With his one visible eye, he glanced once more towards Biyu's direction and gave her a smile, waving his right hand ever so slightly before turning to his right and taking up a position opposite Crowley and facing him more directly now. As he did so, he couldn't help but notice the tension in the air as Taz and Maxmimillian exchanged words with one another. He had gotten the feeling that Taz was more concerned with Max from the beginning; that smirk that momentarily appeared as they shook hands obviously not directed towards Jayson. His suspicions were soon confirmed as they verbally challenged one another; Taz doing the provoking; no surprise there.. and Max the ever polished council member. Jayson couldn't help but laugh inwardly at how Max played off Taz's little challenge and simply kept it professional all the way through. 'Bravo.. Bravo!' Jayson said inwardly, silently mocking the act.

"....As Max said, I have an exercise to execute...."

An excercise? He figured as much. It wasn't all that uncommon for students to be coerced into taking part in such things during the first meet up, after all it was better for everyone here if they had an idea of what the other was capable of prior to actually facing actual combat scenarios. Rather then questioning the point of this or the actual excercise itself, Jayson simply peered over at everyone else once more; leaning forward from his standing position to observe everyone else from top to bottom. Very soon each and everyone of them would probably have to work or fight one another.. if he could so much as gleam a potential weakness or information that would aid him in their incoming task, then perhaps he could leave a lasting impression on them.

"I'll need you to change back to your human form for this. It's best everyone see who you are before I begin explaining what exactly you, Taz, and your partners will be doing."

"Oohh" he whistled slightly, the revelation that Kuro wasn't a simple cat had garnered his interest and it was now drawn towards Kuro specifically. As he watched Kuro react, Jayson lifted his right hand behind his crimson bangs and shifted the fabric of his eye patch to one side, spreading his fingers apart and watching through the tiny gaps between the strands of hair as the black cat began to stir. The flow of magic as Kuro shifted between forms took on a golden colour and almost blinded Jayson in the process, the flash exceeding that of a camera's. Satisfied, he lowered the right hand and whistled once more at the 6ft+ pony tailed man who had just appeared before them.

"When did mew two get here, nyaaa~?"

"A few moments ago.. whilst you were using your cat like charm to steal a few ear scratches" replied Jayson in a somewhat jokingly manner, though with Kuro's apparent lack of interest thus far, considering the nature of his question, he was confident that Kuro would brush aside his comment quite quickly. "The name's Jayson Kilbane... Demon Weapon extraordinaire" he added the latter part with a small salute however by now Kuro's attention had zoned in on Taz with the small handicap jab. "Tsk" clicked Jayson, as Kuro referred to him as 'that one'.

"

Now, if you have a question? Ask..."

Rather then letting Kuro's dismissive attitude bother him, Jayson instead chose to bottle in his comments and listen intently to Crowley's explanation. Actions spoke louder than words and it was apparent that he would need to do as such in order to get them to take him seriously. Accomplishing as such however would be rather difficult considering that out of the four he was at a significant disadvantage to the rest, considering he would be unable to utilize his full powers here. "Does the ball need to be in our possession before we say our partner's name? Or do we simply have to be the last person to have touched it in order for it to recognize our command?" inquired Jayson, as he stood next to Kuro, his right hand pointed towards the ball yet avoiding making actual contact with it. No point taking the risk of getting shocked while they stood there waiting for the games to begin. "..oh.. and what do the winners get as a reward?" he added, the cheeky grin once more spread across his face. "I'd rather it be something other than Catnip..." he jokingly added, raising an arm and placing it around Kuro, before dragging his new partner inward.

.

One Mean Ghost (Mentioned) RANGYOKU (mentioned) The Regal Rper (mentioned) Sir Les Paul (Notification)

 

[The Regal Rper]

Mystic Lounge​

Crowley​

"No", Crowley replied in response to Jayson's first question. "The ball does not need to be in your possession for it to track your teammate. And yes you must be the last person to have touched it for it to recognize your command. If you were to drop the ball and kick it away from an opposing team member, you could call Kuro's name and it would go in Kuro's direction as soon as you called 'Kuro'. So long as your opponents don't grab it or get a hold of it, you have a multitude of ways to pass the ball back and forth." And with that said Crowley turned his wand towards the mulch path and with a gesture the transparent green barrier flashed into existence then disappeared. Leaving behind it the shape of a door that opened not too far away from Biyu.

"Biyu, if you please will wait outside, I'll be with you shortly. I have one more thing I must explain to these four before we begin."

The dark haired Weapon glanced between the door, Crowley and the others, and with a nod and wave towards Jayson and the rest, she made her way towards the door.

Turning his attention back to the four, Crowley made a gesture with his hand beckoning them to get closer and when they did, he spoke clearly. "First things first. I'm going to put limits on what you all can do. Number one rule? Think of this as a sparring match. I don't want anyone here getting seriously injured and I don't want anyone here trying to get anyone seriously injured. That means for you two" he pointed at Taz and Max, "no soul force. For this game, I am banning any use of soul force or soul menace for offensive purposes, defensive is fine. That means, you cannot also cause Rejection. And since you two are partners and neither of you have your Weapon partners with you I assume you already know what that means."

Surprisingly enough, Taz was the one who looked a little surprise while Max was the one who frowned in displeasure. Apparently the student council member had had some sort of plan that involved a little soul rejection, seeing that though just made Crowley chuckle. "Yes, I expected that." He patted Max on the shoulder and turned to Kuro and Jayson.

"And you", he was looking right at Kuro. "This familiar of yours on my back? I'm keeping him. You won't be using him for this game if the others don't have their partners. It'd put you at an unfair advantage. And" his thin brows narrowed just a tad, "I am going to be watching you in how you utilize that explosive magic of yours also. I've interviewed every instructor you've had here in the past month when I was researching you all, and I've heard the gimmicks you get into. Keep it limited, Kuro." His point was clear, and he turned to Jayson and winked at the boy with his right eye.

"For you Jayson I have one rule- don't rely on your eye too much. You can use it sure, as I'm curious as to what the rumors say are true, but I want to also see how good you are without it. Now, if that's all, I'll be watching you from the sidelines. You may begin when I say so- for now, put some distance between yourselves and wait for my signal." Then without another word, he was moving towards the exit.

As Crowley moved towards the exit, Taz and Max looked at each other, then after a second of silence, they nodded solemnly in unison. Turning around to head towards the far left of their field, Taz moved ahead without so much as a word to the others while Max stayed behind for a second to wish Jayson good luck. He didn't really say anything to Kuro, more of just tried to ignore him if he tried to engage. Within a minute Max was heading towards Taz's position, where the dark haired assassin with faint signs of fading blonde dye was waiting for the student council member. Tossing the ball back and forth to each other the closer they closed their gap to converse.

Interaction(s): One Mean Ghost Phayne

Mention(s): RANGYOKU

 

[Phayne]

.

.

.

Jayson was a bit disheartened when Crowley blanked his question pertaining to the potential reward for winning. It never hurt to have a little more incentive to try a tad bit harder during any kind of exercise; the allure of a satisfactory reward often times enough motivation for that 'second wind'. Well, there was not much he could do if there wasn't a prize at the end of the drill, aside from sucking it up and dealing with the task ahead. Coming of as the intellectual type, Jayson figured that Crowley was counting on their male bravado to be all the motivation they needed to give it their all. What man took pleasure from defeat? Jayson sighed... his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. If this 'test' ended up becoming a test of strength over team work, than Jayson knew he wouldn't be able to hold out as long as the others potentially could.

Deciding not to dwell on it, Jayson removed his arm from around Kuros neck and took a few steps to the side, his right arm now raised all the way up whilst his left was crossed across his right elbow before swapping each hand around and repeating the process. A bit of light stretching to ease him into the whole thing.. last thing he wanted was to cramp up mid way. As he did this, his gaze wandered over to the departing duo, honing in on their backs as 3 faint red rings mere millimetres apart and of decreasing size began to appear just beyond his left eye; Scope like vision.


"Well then Partner, Any ideas?" he inquired, his stare fixed solely on the duo, watching for anything that could let slip their battle plan. For now, Jayson's main aim was to gather as much intel as he could.

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One Mean Ghost (Mentioned) RANGYOKU (mentioned) The Regal Rper (mentioned) Sir Les Paul (Notification)

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Kuroneko

As the ball shot towards him, Kuro rather deftly caught the ball with his left hand, his tail swishing behind him as he listened to what this game entailed. Oh yes, this was undoubtedly going to be quite a lot of fun. A smile curled over his lips, even as the ball zapped his hand. He tossed it to Jayson for the time being, watching as Taz and Max made their way to their side of things once the explanation was over. He didn't even seem to mind Jayson getting a bit chummy with him. No, he was too interested in this idea of a game.

"Well then Partner, Any ideas?"

Kuro's tail swished excitedly behind him at that. "Actually.... I do have one... How well can you maneuver in a fog?" Kuro asked, his eyes shifting to his new teammate as he started to make his way towards their own starting point. "Because.... depending on your answer I just may add some fun little additions to this game..." Kuro purred, tossing the ball back and forth to keep the two of them from getting unintentionally zapped.

A little chuckle sounded in Crowley's ear. "Oh I don't think you quite realize just what you've set those poor boys up for... I would say it's going to be quite a sight... Except... well.. it won't be all that much to look at." Chesh purred rather cryptically, even though he kept himself and his presence completely off the radar save for his voice. Of course, Chesh knew immediately what Kuro was cooking up. Though, the feline didn't think Crowley knew. Not that the man could be blamed, given Kuro's record only really mentioned him abusing his explosion spells. If you were to go off that, he would seem very much like a one trick pony, which, of course, would be quite a waste of a True Mage's abilities.

Perhaps that was why Crowley limited the explosions, to see exactly what else the cat-child was capable of....

 

[The Regal Rper]

Max Holiday​

Tazmuir V. Klivoc​

Max || Tazmuir
Mystic Lounge​

"How long have you known the cat?"

Max caught the green ball, spun it in the air with a toss and hurled it over Taz at an arc then whispered "T.V." The ball shot at an angle right towards Taz's back and with a spin, the assassin caught it in his left hand.

"About two years." The council member didn't sound pleased about it. Taz could see the look even through the glare of those sunglasses as he hurled the ball in a completely different direction clear of Max.

"Mill", the ball shot at angle right towards Max and with a duck and raised hand, he caught it with little effort.

"I take it those pranks you were telling me about then were no joke?" Taz snickered, Max scowled, and a ball was caught. "If that's the case then you're fine with what I stated before?" He tossed it and watched it go. Max moved after their green sphere seeing the possibility his partner had no intention of saying his name.

"...Yeah", the scythe meister said in a surly tone. "I'm fine with it." He sighed and caught the ball. "I'll take Jayson while you take that prankster."

Taz nodded. "So, Million." The ball shot after Max and to make things trickier, Max dodged. "What can you tell me about Kuro?"

"To put it simply?" He dodged again, then muttered "Taz" under his breath, the ball went in an arc, shot straight towards Taz, and Taz caught it without moving a muscle. Max stretched, At least that confirms my suspicion. "He's a prankster; jovial, mischievous, and from what I hear? Free-spirited and a bit of a slacker. One day when I found myself in the mage department on student council work, I went looking for the brat--"

"He's a cat."​

"--and when I heard he was at a sparring match after a challenge I had to see it for myself. I expected him to get whooped. And like I expected, he didn't. He was messing around most of the fight. Laughing, giggling, he even 'booped' his opponent on the nose!"

Taz's eyes narrowed. He booped him?

"He booped him!" Max answered the assassin's unspoken question. Then rubbing his temple and tossing the ball over to Taz he sighed a long exhale. "But...things changed quickly when his opponent got tired of the games and got serious. He started pushing Kuro back. Turning the tables on him, in a way, and it got worse when his temper got higher. After a few minutes I thought I'd leave, since I could tell who was gonna win. But one thing kept me from leaving. And it was the fact Kuro, was just taking it."

Taz's cocked brow prompted the scythe meister to elaborate. "Look, when you get pranked by someone like him for a couple months, you can tell when he's being serious and when he's not. You...just sort of know." He paused and his partner nodded that he understood. Max had to believe Taz did, after all he knew the guy had used similar tricks back in their Beta year. "When Kuro started pushing back? You could tell the difference in their skill. Can't believe he did that for one of the Star Twins also." From the way he said it, Taz could tell a hint of surprise. Whatever it was, he could tell it wasn't relevant so he didn't bother asking.

"Anyway, he's always been speedy. Speed is something you should pay attention to. He's not as dumb as he acts and he tends to like using this stupidly annoying zapping effect whenever he's in range. My best bet, watch for electricity magic. The second you hear buzzing, you get out of the way because right after that he'll use his next trick; explosive magic is something I recommend you look out for."

"Explosive magic?"

"Asked a friend about it once when he pulled that trick on me for a week. Nothing serious, just gnat sized shots anyway from what my friend Location is key, calculation must be on point. One slip up and it'll backfire, that and it takes up a lot on magic reserves the greater the location and when you're trying to condense or minimize the amount of air pressure, heat, and force that is released in the attack. How you'll manage to do that is up to you. I still say watch out, he's good at it." Max's eyes narrowed just a tad and a grimace formed. "Stupidly good at it." He un-clenched his fist and threw the ball to his left before whispering Taz's name. " Pretty sure you don't need me to say this but, I'll tell you anyway. Those ears on his head aren't for show. They're real. He's got pretty acute hearing, just like you if not better. Reflexes are pretty good also. Only ever gets close when he wants to and most of the time if he does take a note, he could be messing around. Can't say much on his actual strength, but I'm pretty sure in a physical match you'll be fine. You should worry more about the tricks he's got at his disposal and how he tends to keep a certain range between you. That's how he always escapes me at least, but hey" Max shrugged, " not as fast as you. I know you're more close quarters so--"

Taz merely snorted and . "Please." He stated wryly and he held his bitter grin. "Don't mockme. I'll take your word for it."

Sighing and running a lock of gold back, Max sighed. "Right." He glanced at the other two and noticed Jayson staring. Making a sign Taz caught, Max motioned with a head gesture to look and spotted the other two.

Taz merely nodded, already looking in the two's direction. He was just about to say something, till he heard ramblings that caught his attention, either way he didn't turn in the direction. He glanced the voice's way then turned his attention back to tossing the ball around as he paced. Doing a few tricks just as the first few words left Jayson's mouth.

""Well then Partner, Any ideas?""​

Taz didn't waste a second. He scratched a fake itch behind his ear then wiggled it with his fingers to get his message across. The whole time he'd done that, he'd upped his hearing by a few decibels just so he could hear Kuro and Jayson's conversation properly.

"Actually.... I do have one... How well can you maneuver in a fog?"​

Max cocked his brow, but didn't say a word as he motioned for Taz to toss the ball back. He did. They acted like they were still practicing, which they were. But most of their attention was focused on the conversation. Taz and Max paid heed to the following words like it was the bet of their life.

"Because.... depending on your answer I just may add some fun little additions to this game..."​

Without reacting on anything they heard, the two continued practicing different tricks with their green ball. Looks were shared, passing was made. And something had been decided.

They'd move up ahead a bit to close the distance just a little so it didn't seem suspicious. Just a few inches. Then the second Crowley said they could start, they'd close the gap and cut off any advantages their opponents had.

Interaction(s): Phayne One Mean Ghost

Mention(s):N/A