Fandom Death City

[Sir Les Paul]

Stage Name: The Dark Eye
Location: Behind Mystic Lounge
Partner: Morgenstern Stein
Tags: SavingStar RANGYOKU Phayne One Mean Ghost The Regal Rper Idea

"You're ignorance is showing, Jayson. Just how little you actually know is the most obvious thing I've picked up from this exchange," Midori replied. Again quick. Clean. Precise.

"You don't know anything about me, either. I'm a Branch member of the Hoshi. My nickname is the Dark Eye because I don't have the Star Eye my clan is known for. In fact, between the two of us, I think you're the one with the special eyes, so go on there. They're not just for looks, either. Star Eyes have all sorts of uses, although I'm not permitted to explain. What I can tell you is this: there's nothing special about being a Branch Hoshi. I wasn't afforded the same opportunities. I worked for them. I earned them. I wasn't born and told 'you will be a great Weapon someday', I was born and told 'you're a branch member with the weapon gene. We'll train you ourselves so you don't disgrace our family' because that's what you are if you're not from the head. There was no silver spoon, Jayson, so you can stop your act," Midori explained, delving into detail about his past again but more so dissolving that sense of entitlement that Jayson was so sure was there.

"And, to answer your question, yeah, it was wrong of her. Her method of charging her wavelength over time is a crutch. There is no actual benefit to it aside from the fact she can't do it without help. There is no combat situation where her technique is superior. The reason she does it, Jayson, is because she's still caught up in her emotions and dumbasses like you trying to defend her are going to make her continue to second question herself. At her best is capable of precise wavelength control neither Conor or Taz can perform; it's a Stein thing. But, right this moment, both Taz and Conor by far surpass her in her own specialty. Why? Because she uses crutches. Because her own guilt and self-doubt prevent her from doing what they do--nothing else. It's not a lack of skill or competency. But, you wouldn't know that, would you, Jayson? You haven't studied formal Plasmology 'til you arrived here, and all you do is fuck off. You have no idea how a Meister actually controls their wavelength or that enough negative emotions cloud their ability to perform," Midori explained, continuing his dissecting rant. And his theme of 'here's something you don't know' continued on, basically lecturing the other weapon with zero remorse.

"You make a lot of assumptions and try to sling these insults around, but honestly... you don't even know the context you're speaking in, Jayson. You're just speaking to hear you're own voice at this point. You don't have a real argument against me, you just don't want to hear anything I've said. But for just a moment, let's review. She flipped shit again and I told her that she needed to stop making excuses. Why? Because it's what she does. She uses crutches and makes excuses. I reminded her that almost everyone here has lost someone or something. I said that you get past that by realizing you're not the only one and that it can be done. I said that if words hurt you, then you may not be ready for the field. And, I said I'm not at all secure in the idea of going on a mission with half of you," Midori continued on, his tone changing now. Jayson had repeatedly actually ignored the points he made in favor of the emotionally charged element of the conversation. It was time he stopped that.

"If you actually listened to thing I said, Jayson, you wouldn't be acting like... well, like a little bitch. An ignorant little bitch, at that."

 

[The Regal Rper]

• The Great
• The Mage

• 
  
  Tazmuir V. Klovic​
  
  

  Mystic Lounge​
  
  
  
  
  
  All Taz could offer in response to Biyu's words was a half-grin. "...Heh", he chuckled and to his own surprise he found his heart wasn't actually in it. "Don't mention it." And if he was being honest, even if it was a kind gesture of her showing gratitude he sorta meant it. This was awkward enough, as it was. All his doubts had just been thrown in his face and now? Now he wasn't entirely sure how to feel. Or to be more exact, he wasn't sure of what it was he felt.
  
  So when he heard footsteps, Taz was more than thankful for a imminent distraction. At first, his eyes squinted, then they shifted to finally notice the new arrival. Muon? he heard Crowley say, attention shifting from Biyu and Kuro to their now re-grouping team, he looked back to the girl, squinted at her, to focused on his own observations to even care that Biyu's cell had just vibrated, and too unwilling to go snooping over her shoulder with a terrible itch of curiosity to see who had texted her. Instead he let whatever his partner was doing slip out of his thoughts while they refocused on the others. The only thing he got, was a bad vibe.
  
  In a usual scenario, he might've taken the opportunity to throw a sarcastic jab, maybe a bit of a intentional jeer to just stroke the flames and feed into the fire, after all if there was anything he loved more than proving his worth- it was starting a show. Whether it got him accolades or not, Taz loved to start a 'show'. This was one show, the upperclassman found he had no interest in being a part of. There were times when an 'actor' such as himself needed to know when his role in a 'scene' was needed, and as Taz noticed the clear tension in Morgenstern's muscles, the utter distaste written on Jayson's face every time he gave a glance a certain Hoshi's way, and the signs of tension that followed Crowley as he allowed things to play forward, Taz found one thing clearer than anything.
  
  He didn't want a role in that. Not at all. Whatever those three were dealing with while he hadn't been paying attention to Crowley and Midori's sudden departure, and whatever transpired had nothing to do with him. Getting involved considering he'd just been chewed out for being cocky? That would probably just exacerbate the whole thing if he jumped in. So no, Taz decided he was going to take a step back, a rare feat he scarcely used unless the situation absolutely called for it.
  
  This was one of those situations, and if Crowley was going to stay back and watch, then he would do the same...at least till his spotlight was ready. It was only Biyu letting him know that she would be leaving with Midori that actually got Taz's attention. "Oh? uh..." he glanced down at Kuro then decided that perhaps poking the cat with his foot would be a bad idea and not as funny as he thought, "yeah, sure." He said with a nod and wave of dismissal. "Do what ya--"
  
  

  "-- You honestly expect me to accept the fact that we will 'talk later?'"​

  
  He sighed and just looked at the ground. God. Damn it. He knew that voice. He'd heard it once or twice, on the few occasions back in their Beta year where he'd heard Stein had genuinely been pissed off. Back then, he ignored her. If she wasn't mad at him, he had no reason to care- right? This time, he didn't. Taz tuned his attention in fully into the whole conversation happening yards away from him and as he did he stayed seated. Listening to Stein list out the things that'd been done to piss her off, then listening to her defenses on how Midori's actions were ill begotten. Watching the whole thing unfold made his expression go from neutral, to the corners of his lips dipping into a frown. But it was Midori's jab at not just her, but all of them that really got a response out of him.
  
  "What the fuck?" Was the only thing he said. There wasn't anger, there wasn't shock- there was just surprise in his tone. Anger might've surfaced had he had the time, a rebuttal would've gone flying had he had the chance but alas, he never got to voice a single thought as the back-and-forth between Midori and Stein continued and all he could do was sit and watch.
  
  Sitting there, watching all this insanity transpire, Taz came to a realization as he watched Stein's anger flare and Midori's counters grow sharper by the second.
  
  Midori had a point that he could agree on. Getting upset about hard-cold truth, did nothing but make you look like an ass. He knew that well. He'd been on that side for six full years before it finally sunk in that he needed to start changing. And if anything, this whole scene unfolding before him was just proof of it. Well, it was till Stein played her trap card and dropped the bomb about the death of her last partner.
  
  That, that bit into Taz like a viper bit into the throat of its prey.
  
  It was only the ear-piercing noise of metal against metal that shook Taz out of his temporary daze from long since forgotten thoughts and feelings, that brought him back to a blinking return to the realm of the present.
  
  

  "You're wrong, Stein."​

  
  And when that statement was said Taz found his attention swivel over to Midori, listening to what he had to say before again his focus was brought into a new back-and-forth, this time with Jayson. Half-paying attention, half caught in his own thoughts, a realization hit Taz that had never hit him before. And that realization...made him look over to Biyu in a state of confusion mixed with understanding.
  
  Oh... tongue licked cracked lips, "....I see..." he said lowly. Then stepped into the conversation, by shoving Midori a few inches to his left with a shoulder.
  
  "Alright", Taz interjected before Jayson could get a word in, "enough's enough." He stated clearly. "It's time I step in here." Then running a hand through his black curls the rich brown meister shook his head in disbelief as thoughts formed and his recent realization became an epiphany. "I can't believe this shit..." he muttered under his breath, then looked back at Jayson, then to Muon before finally his eyes settled on Stein.
  
  "Midori's right." Taz said simply. And when he said that, he looked her dead in the eye as he said it. "I hate to admit it..." and his face cringed as he said the following: "but he's right... if you want to continue being a Meister, Stein....then you gotta move on Morgenstern." And it was the first time since they'd met he'd ever said her first name. "You gotta let this stuff go. You gotta let him go, if you ever wanna get stronger." Then strangely enough, his eyes, those bright blue orbs that shifted shades of blue when the light hit them right, looked at Jayson. "We all gotta let our shitty pasts go if we're gonna get better at kicking ass." A hand flopped to his side with a loud plop and hit his thigh.
  
  Taking a deep breath in, Taz sighed then shook his head. He wasn't looking at anyone now, he was just staring at the ground. Warring with himself.
  
  Incapable of believing what he was about to do, what he was about to say- a part of him, his ego, his safe zone, his strength, warned him-- Yelled at him actually that what he was about to do broke every rule he'd ever made for himself, breached the contract he made with his mom when he was six, and spat on his unwavering desire to never show weakness in front of anyone or others. What he was about to do was disgusting in every form of the word and as Taz stared at the ground his body went rigid and his face contorted as if he were being poked in a very uncomfortable spot with hot lead.
  
  This was going to be hard. But he couldn't call himself a demigod if he couldn't do something as simple as this. Admitting a weakness he'd thought he'd buried.
  
  "Okay..." he said, his eyes moved to Biyu then glanced to the others: Midori, Stein, Jayson, Muon, even Crowley, "I'm...I'm not the kind of guy who likes to admit his weaknesses." A heavy sigh escaped his lips, "but..." his jaw clenched and he took a few seconds to grind his teeth around before spitting out what needed to be said. "...but, two years ago....During the second term of my first year as an One Star Omega, I uh...I found out a partner I was uh... that I.....uh-- That I knew well, died. Her stage name was Queen Bee, I...heh, I just called her Bee." Rubbing the back of his neck, for a brief second, Taz wondered if he should bother. But one glance Biyu's way...strangely prompted him to continue.
  
  "....Look uh I'm not the kind of guy who cares about your sad stories. Everyone goes through shit, some worse off than others." He said bluntly. "But," he added, "I get it, Stein." And when he said that there was a small hint of emotion in his tone. "It's hard. It hurts. It sucks, losing someone you care about and not being able to do anything about it. When I found out Bee died? Well...I didn't cry, I didn't shout-- to put it simply, I lost it. My current partner at the time was a shy guy who was already hesitant around me 'cause o' my past behavior- but when I ended up getting it on my report for committing 'assault' on a injured student, Bee's former Meister, Kimberly? Well- Tim couldn't handle it and ended our partnership the night after I woke up from being knocked out by security. There was a restraining order the Academy put between me and her, I nearly got expelled, my own mentor came all the way from a long distance mission just to tell me he was and I quote: "Completely disappointed in me." ...so, yeah. I get it. We all, get it. It sucks. And look, I'm not saying you're at fault for it slowing you down. I may not look it, but I'm not complete asshole okay? No one's gonna be like me, we all heal differently. Some at slower paces, hell it took me till now to realize why I'd been avoiding partnerships even though I only meant to do that for a few months till I got my shit back together--" Pausing Taz sighed again. This wasn't about him. He had to remember that.
  
  "Look" he tried again, "I'm sorry about what happened. I am. But I gotta side with Midori..." his eyes glanced over to Crowley, "and the boss man over there who hasn't said a word to any of this. No one's saying you have to be like Aoi, no one's saying you have to be whatever this weird view is of a Stein is to you, which frankly I don't get but that's your thing, the point is, don't force yourself to be something you think others want you to be or force yourself to be this ideal being because..." he shrugged, he hadn't thought that far. "Because it's what society wants or whatever, okay, bad example-- Look at me for a good example, and I'm telling you all this right now..." -jabbing his thumb at his chest Taz grinned- "I don't give a crap of what any of you think of me as person. Frankly your opinions of me as a person are worth literally nothing, because they mean nothing to me. If you're going to critique me, do it with how I fight...even if it does sorta piss me off from time to time." Then he turned his attention back to Stein, "Oh, a piece of advice also Stein? Llearn to have tough skin. It helps when you got no one to defend you... Trust me", he added with his grin fading and an even grim nod, "it helps."
  
  Then looking at Crowley, Taz's brow took to the sky. "We done here?" He wanted to get the fuck out of here before someone started crying or more shit started up again.
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Mystic Lounge​
  Crowley​
  
  
  
  
  "Yes." He said silently in reply. "This class is dismissed." He said with a small, tight lipped smile meant simply for show, then with a wave of his wand the magical barrier flickered then disappeared. "You are free to continue your day. I'll contact you all again within three days time, for now...remember what happened today. As I'm sure all of you probably have a lot to think about considering what's been said."
  
  Looking around for a few seconds of silence, Crowley watched each and every person's aura with a keen eye. The twists and turns of Stein's, the chaotic pound of Jayson's, the mysterious shake of Midori's, the gentle ripple of Biyu's, the powerful thunder of Taz's and the light and wave shake of Muon's. Watching all those auras, observing their very soul waves, it was but a few seconds before Crowley blinked once again and the world of pure energy was closed off to his eyes in exchange for the realm of the normal. He nodded, then with a small bow, a tip of his head, he put the familiar on the ground and departed in a mist of flickering green light, leaving the words: "Goodbye and good day" on the wind as he disappeared.
  
  Today had gone better than he'd hoped.
  
  

Interactions: Phayne Idea Sir Les Paul SavingStar RANGYOKU

Mentions: N/A

 

[Idea]

Muon Yuki

​

It was a little disappointing when Jayson up and refused the chocolates. Instead, the boy gave me a struggling smile, and I returned a pout. He was STILL trying to hide he was hurting. Was he never gonna learn not to hide stuff like that from me? I raised my hand and flicked his forehead. I wanted to tell him that so badly, but with one hand busy flicking and the other busy holding up chocolates, I was not in time to before this other girl introduced herself as Morgenstern Stein. The silver hair sounded kind and gentle like those people that try to lure you in before introducing you to a cult.She complimented Jayson, and even suggested maybe she'd like to borrow him one day. I needed a moment to go over the words she just uttered. In my eyes, Jayson was free, and he had every right to be. If one day he decided he didn't want to work with me anymore, if he decided to switch partners, I'd bow and thank him for his service thus far, then go search for a new partner myself. I cared about Jayson, and I was his current master, but I didn't own Jayson and had no right to choose for him what he did. That was how I thought about it, that was my opinion on the matter. So then, why did it sting that way by the sheer mention of this girl borrowing him? Why did I have to breathe just a little heavier as I wrote my reply to that girl?

Thank you very much! It's very nice to make your acquaintance Should I call you Morgenstern or Stein? That name sounds familiar, now that I think about it... I think I heard about it from my mother, wasn't Stein the name of that famous meister who could change his wavelength or something? I guess it's a pretty small world, isn't it?

Though I had missed the start fo the argument, I could tell what came next wasn't simply out of nowhere, since right before me mister "Prince charming" from earlier went from 0 to asshole without a moment's waste. The guy began throwing jabs at Stein, and Jayson stood up in her defense after changing his mind about my chocolates. I opened the box for him to take a couple, still unsure of what changed his mind, until he stepped foward.. Arguments flew back and forth, claiming Morgenstern was full of excuses and her foolishness and that of those that defended her would get us all killed, while on the other side her right to make mistakes and her effort in trying to improve were good enough. That's about how much I was grasping, though it wasn't much at all. I wasn't here to see whatever sparked this, so it was hard for me to fully comprehend what was going on. Not that I would have been able to do much even if I did understand, since in the state those two were in right now I very much doubted they would be willing to read any word I wanted to put in from a sheet of paper. And so, sighing, I finally noticed Morgenstern's blood seeming to drip off her back. Upon closer inspection I came to realize she was in fact bleeding from her hand, and by the looks of it, it didn't start just now. Was she hiding it while she talked to me?

You're hurt! Let me help. And please tell me next time, don't hide this kind of stuff, it may be serious someday. Plus I'll get all worried and stuff.

That was all I could write if I wanted to hurry, so I took the note to Morgenstern, pratically shoved it on her face due to my irritation that she had tried hiding that she was in pain, and pointed towards the harm whose hand appeared to be bleeding. I searched my pockets and bag, taking out some pocket tissues, a bitof rope and one of those mini-sized first aid kits that probably would be worth more as wedding ring boxes. Even as I took all this to hopefully have Stein allow me to help, the argument between Jayson and Midori kept reaching my ears, and to my disgrace I couldn't entirely disagree with Midori. It was true I probably didn't understand the full extent of Jayson's capacity, his advantages and limitations. I might even come to cause our deaths, with my insecurities and all that. Knowing even that glimpse into Midori's circumstances, I couldn't really blame him for saying stuff like that either. But still, the biggest blow of all was not from Midori, but from my own partner's words, criticizing how he couldn't trust his partner (like I couldn't, even if Jayson didn't now it), showing disdain for Midori having been trained externally (like I had been). It was suddenly all falling down on me, like if I had been betraying Jayson all this time, or being the "Midori" of Jayson's life. Would he not be thrilled to on a mission with me?

Everything continued to escalate very quickly, until at last this other person who was yet to introduce themselves (to me at least) started talking. They didn't seem to have a care in the world, except being pissed off at something, but tney adressed Morgenstern directly. And when they told her she needed to move on, and that we needed to let go to kick ass better, then it clicked on my head, yeah, of course, we just needed to let it all go. Those bad thoughts were not something to think about now. A bleak future was not always without a bright today, and a dark past might still be overcome by the shine of today's smile. Today was all that mattered. Today, just today! Jayson seemed far from calm though, so I wrote note a note and tried to give it to Morgernsten.

You don't really need to be worrying about all that he is saying, if it's bothering you. Maybe he's right and we're dooming ourselves, maybe you could improve your mentality. But even if we die tomorrow, if you try for real, if you are trying to overcome things at your own pace, isn't today that really matters in the end? If what's behind hurts, lets share it and make it smaller, if what's ahead is scary that's a scare for the tomorrow us. Today let's hang in there, and do our best to be the best we can be!

With that, I turned torwards Jayson. I still didn't know how he'd react to that last "comment" Midori made, but I wasn't about to risk it either. With a grin, I rushed towards Jayson and tried to hug him from behind. If successful, I would cuddle and rub my head on his back, at once a distraction and a comfort that nomatter what was said, there was no need to worry. Right now mattered more.

Then the teacher interviened at last, though only to dismiss the meeting and saying we'd meet again in three days. He also told us to think about what happened today, but who had time for that. It wasn't like HE had time to interject at all until just now, so should we be spending our precious time doing what the teacher wouldn't? Or was this just me being lazy I should probably obey the teacher, even if it might be a bit of a pain.

Interacting with: Phayne SavingStar The Regal Rper

Mentions: Sir Les Paul The Regal Rper

 

[Phayne]

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.

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Jayson clenched his hand tightly as Midori shot off an insult, though chose not to bite the bait in this regard, one of the few instances where he was able to reign in any flare ups in emotion, alas even if he failed in that regard, any action he would have potentially taken was interrupted by Taz, who for the most part had remained rather silent so far.

....

"It's easy to say all that, its easy to blissfully talk about what can and should be done and its easy to stand there acting like you know everything!, You don't think I get it? You don't think I understand how important it is for Morgenstern to control herself?" replied Jayson, spittle flying from his mouth as he spoke, his gaze changing between Midori and Taz. "Not everyone responds the same, not everyone can overcome their pain and sorrow in the same amount of time!.. We are not fucking machines.." spat Jayson. "Lord only knows where I'd be right now if I didn't meet Muon, without her arrival I'd still be a fucking mess...my world literally stopped that day, the colors that painted our existence melting away into a blanket of grey... until.. until I met Muon" he stopped and glanced back at her to see that she was conversing with Morgenstern. "... it only begun to spin once more when we resonated.." a faint smile appearing across his face before he returned his attention to Taz and Midori."...I'm sure you know what I'm taking about.. I'm sure the two of you each had those important moments while you were grieving, when your worlds begun to spin once more and the color returned.." Jayson paused, slowly allowing himself to fall back into a sense of nostalgia, the moment where he resonated with Muon for the first time. It was like someone from above had shone a bright torch to his dark depressing reality, the sense of warmth and the sight of color returning to his desolate inner hell.. Jayson doubted he'd ever forget that moment, the instance in which he was saved from a spiralling fall of depression.

Jayson slowly opened his eyes, his vision slightly blurred as he let his other emotion take hold. "Look!, All I'm saying is that theres no need to be a dick about it!, There's no need to lament Morgenstern for being behind the rest of us sad fucks in terms of our personal grief!, Like Taz said, we all heal and respond and react differently... getting angry at her, questioning her in front of others and publically chastising her for it.. thats uncalled for, Thats what pisses me off!" The adrenaline was building inside of Jayson as he spoke, so much so that he was beginning to become less aware of his surroundings the more his emotions took hold of his actions. "You call yourself her partner, you act like you want whats best for her.. but the way you go about it.. I.. I don't see how that will help her long term and I don't agree with it.. you need to understand that she may need more time than the rest of us to get over that hurdle.. you've been in that position of pain and turmoil.. surely you can understand the difficulty it is in regards to escaping that hell.. " Jayson raised both hands to his hair and gripped the red strands tightly as he arched his back and stared skywards.

"ARGGH FUCK!" he screamed to the heavens, his hands now swinging downward as his whole body tensed, the swirling tempest of adrenaline and emotion that raged within himself beginning to dissipate as he 'roared'. It was during this period where he let his emotions 'escape' that he felt the warm touch of Muon along his back, the gentle sensation of her head rubbinb against his back causing him to turn his head and glance down behind himself, his eyes falling upon the top of her head.

"Muon.." he muttered, and it was only now that he realized his body was shaking.

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The Regal Rper Idea SavingStar Sir Les Paul

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Stage Name: The Dark Eye
Location: Behind Mystic Lounge
Partner: Morgenstern Stein
Tags: SavingStar RANGYOKU Phayne One Mean Ghost

Around halfway through Jayson's extreme ventilation, the internal give-a-damn switch hardwired into Midori flipped. He just... stopped caring. Morgenstern was too upset to deal with, Jayson was somewhere between too upset and too stupid, and quite frankly, he found himself having absolutely no benefit from this conversation. While Jayson broke down, Midori just waited. It was pathetic, really. Two members of his supposed team having these absolutely annoying breakdowns over such trivial shit.

Then Jayson was done, muttering on to Muon. Thank Death.

"You still don't listen. I told her we would talk later to avoid this exact public outburst. Let's recall, much like yourself, she threw a tantrum." Midori said, completely calm and in stark contrast to the breakdown Jayson was having. A deep inhale followed by a similar exhale followed. "This is about personal accountability, and plain and simple how she reacted was completely unacceptable; and, you jumping in to her defense is counter-productive. If you would have just kept your ignorant little mouth shut, damage control would have been so much easier. You alone have probably hurt my partnership here, and that in turn hurts the team," he explained in his calm, still condescending tone.

"You're projecting, really. You're still not over whatever happened to you and my criticism of her made you feel bad by proxy. That's all this is. You're not really defending her. You're just defending yourself. Think about it," he said, going forth with a harsh, cold analysis of Jayson and his entire interaction here.

Then Midori smiled. A cocky, smarmy smile. He nodded to Muon, then turned back to Biyu and Taz. He had no intention on actually staying to listen to whatever responses any of them had. Not at this point.

"Alright, Biyu, sorry for the wait," he said as he approached the duo. "Don't worry, Taz. This is strictly professional," he explained, cutting into whatever suspicious he might have had. "Let's go. I know the rendezvous point," he instructed as he walked off, back to the Mystic Lounge to get back to the streets of Death City.

Of course, before that, he had to shout his farewell to his partner: "Morgenstern. We'll talk later."

 

[RANGYOKU]

方比喻
BIYU FĀNG

♤​

LOCATION
Behind Mystic Lounge​

INTERACTION
Tazmuir V. Klovic
Jayson Killbane
Muon Yuki
Morgenstern Stein
Midori☆Hoshi​

MENTIONED
The Regal Rper
Sir Les Paul
Phayne
SavingStar
Idea ​

Tensions as high as they were by the time the exercise ceased, the prospect of a quarrel breaking out among the members of the ensemble was one Biyu had anticipated, particularly among the more antagonistic or more volatile personalities that were part of it. What took her by surprise was perhaps as to what it would prompt to come out of the mouths of its instigators, as well as those whom would attach themselves to the conflict at hand by that matter. Affairs that she would rather have it be discussed in private were suddenly brought upon the rest of those present, in a mix of heated emotions and harsh truths. Truly a spectacle to behold, if one were into such things, not much like herself.

Morgenstern had brought this upon herself, she could not deny it so. Jayson was quick to jump to her defense, all the while pushing forward his opposing beliefs in regards to those of Midori's. A thoughtful gesture, maybe, and one inevitable too but it was clear that his own emotions spoke louder. In the end, Midori, as she saw it, held the soundest of arguments, as bitter and fatalistic as they came across, even if he had not delivered them as calmly as he did. She held her tongue throughout the duration of this discussion, her authority here holding little to no legitimacy to possibly put an end to it. She wished she could be kept out of it entirely, but it was all too delusional of her, even without Jayson calling out to her actions prior to it in by accompanying Midori. She accepted his apology regadless, making it clear that she took no offense from it. Why would she? People were free to make assumptions as they pleased towards her, it was in their right, but it never meant they held true to to reality. She knew who she was and what her goals here were, that was enough. She did not need to give anyone satisfactions except that of her superiors. Ultimately, it was what separated her from the rest of those whom did not share her opinion on this, that and something else...

Taz's intervention was one certainly she did not see coming. It was oddly reassuring to hear that they shared similar thoughts on this whole affair, choice of word aside. Locking eyes with one another in fleeting instances, he would proceed to share his own experience with loss, Biyu felt her chest tighten up, assaulted by a sentiment she could not quite put it into words. Now, it felt personal. Impactful. Not only for what it meant for their own partnership, but also for how it led her to fully grasp a sense of anxiety that had lingered throughout this conflict. The fact that she was perhaps the only one whose past was not stained with the loss of a loved one. It was what ultimately what separated her from those around her, creating more distance than that of which she would purposely set on her own, part of the reason why she was so reluctant to pry into the matters of whom she could only describe as strangers, acquaintances at best. Not to use it as an excuse, or something that defined her entirely, her past was but something she was afraid to allow to control her.

She felt grateful once Crowley stepped in, even if compelled to criticize his delay at it. Shaking her head, concealing her loss of composure, the demon weapon was able to take her eyesaway from her meister, focusing again on what took priority before this. Right, the agency. We can...handle this on a future date. I must not rush this. She reminded herself that to become as close as the partnerships around them, it would have to be a mutual and careful process. It brought peace to her mind, as well as drive focus towards what was at hand. One last glance towards Taz's way was all it took. She would see this through, all in time.

But one matter took precedence before following after Midori. Giving a far from bemusing look at his little comment to his partner, she closed the distance between herself and his own, Morgenstern. Muon was certainly vastly better at comforting her, only adding more to how soothing of a presence she looked up to be in the group. Biyu imagined this would not be as effective as that of the older female's words and gestures before her but...she could not in good conscience leave this as it was. They were strangers as of yet, but she wished to changed that. Not just from the sense that she presented an obstacle for her to reach out to Midori, as Jayson had implied it before but because it was wrongful of her to judge the meister and her frustrations when... ❝I'm sorry.❞ She paused, taking a bow before staring into her eyes. ❝I too wish to become more than I am now...I hope we can help one another to do so in the future, if you'll allow me.❞ She quickly walked away, flustered at herself and somewhat fearful of a response to crush her in its wake.

Her hand softly touched Muon's shoulder on her way towards Midori, gracing her with a kind if apologetic smile, having to welcome her in such tenseful circumstances. Leaving her to handle Jayson, she proceeded forward, ready to follow the other demon weapon towards the location of their upcoming meeting with Akane☆Hoshi, refraining from saying another word the whole way over.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Stage Name: The Dark Eye
Location: Behind Mystic Lounge
Partner: Morgenstern Stein
Tags: RANGYOKU

While Biyu may have intended to remain silent on their trip through Death City, Midori didn't. Of course, he had the luxury of knowing how long they actually had to talk given their distance from the rendezvous point. That alone gave him a good idea of what, if any, topic he could bring up and have a sufficiently meaningful conversation. Before he started up any actual talk, he did make sure to attain a good distance from the Mystic Lounge. Open, relatively populous streets all heading North. North Death City had a lot to offer. A few clubs, more high-end markets, the best residential block in the entire city, and even an exclusive park with a monument to fallen Meisters. It did create an element of mystery in that there were a lot of places, both public and private, that they could meet.

"You probably don't think highly of me," Midori said in a nonchalant tone. He didn't look towards her. There did exist a specific undertone to how he spoke though. As if he meant to convey some deeper meaning. Something somehow more than what he said before; an impressive thought, given just how much he said. What made this different had less to do with quantity and more to do with content.

"I wouldn't, if I were in your shoes. I'd consider the branch we work for, although you may not have known. I believe my clearance is higher. Either way, it seems absurd that anyone in our field would behave anything like I did," Midori explained. This. What this was. His whole demeanor. It wasn't just that same cool, analytical tone that dissected Jayson. Whatever atmosphere this had, it was far more familiar. It was almost homely. And, it was out in public. Each word vague enough that a passerby would have no actual idea what they were talking about, but Biyu definitely would. It all fit together in the most perfectly hazy way.

"However, there does exist a rationale. Before that, I have to explain something else, though," he went on, leading to the whole point of breaking their otherwise agreeable silence: an explanation. "Since we met, this is the first time my partner and I have been in a group. I did not predict these reactions nor the actions that would cause them. The point of these groups is not just to garner experience in teamwork, but to desensitize some individuals to the shock of poor interpersonal interactions. If my interpretation is correct, how well we all bounce back after that exchange is what we'll most likely be judged on--not the argument itself," he continued explaining. And, his words became more and more familiar as he did. This type of analysis is exactly what the CIA often did. Instructors did it, too, but their department somehow made others feel like livestock more than students.

"My rationale for the behavior is twofold. Those few that know of our actual role assume quite rightfully that we act like automatons. While I'm sure everyone has an impression of me, I doubt there's any suspicion of what we do. The second, more important point, is that it became quite evident that to sincerely reach them, I had to fight fire with fire. Basically, you have to speak a common language, and sometimes that means unnecessary shouting and belligerence. I honestly have an extreme distaste for it, but if you reflect on it, what it rewarded was well worth it. Everyone had something to add and that gave considerable insight to each one of them. It's a great comfort knowing your partner, easily the most skilled Meister of our team, was able to overcome his emotions to actually side with logic," Midori explained, droning on as he guided her through the upscale streets of Northern Death City. It was actually quite impressive just how much different this part of the city was. In some places, especially near the park they passed, the streets were cobbled, thematic iron fences and lamp posts provided both function and aesthetics to the streets. Even the houses and buildings just plain looked nicer, and Death City itself was a fairly vibrant albeit eerie place to begin with.

"I'm not asking forgiveness, really. Just saying there's always a bigger picture," he said, wrapping up his whole speech. It was the only time he let his eyes fall on her. It was the only time he felt human. He said it best when he said people from their field sometimes felt programmed, like machines just doing a job. They had to, especially if they climbed the ladder. But that brief glance over was enough to show that last line was where his personal feelings really were. No one ever brings something up if they don't care about it and forgiveness was an odd notion to just drop. The idea of a bigger picture also fit the points he was making. That last, human comment had more coiled into it than his entire lengthy rationale. In a way, it was coy and manipulative...

...which is what one would expect from an Agent.

 

[Idea]

Muon Yuki

​

Hearing Jayson's comments about the time they resonated, the way he spoke of them was something I never expected to happen. We had talked about that day before, afterall I always insisted we needed to be open with each other about these things, but had never been so...passionate about it as now. All of it only made my eventual embrace of Jayson's back more stern and committed, trying to hold him from continuing to persuit a lost battle, while I myself was still fighting a lost battle of my own. The struggle of that urge that asked for the imposible, to reciprocate Jayson's words right there and then, with words spoken in my own voice. The urge to let myself believe such a thing was possible, even for a moment, so that I could use that moment to tell him how my own world's colors had flipped as I met him, how my path of footsteps lit up before me as we resonated, how he turned me from a vanishing ghost into somebody who was present.

Pushing my head against his back, nodding against his clothes, arms wrapped around his chest, thoughts directed to making this an embrance as warm as I could make it, a fraction of the warmth of the memories his speech had stirred in me. I could only hope this little I could do was enough to reach his within. I waited, and focused so hard I almost let go of the memory of the mental note I took when Biyu flashed me that apologetic smile, to later go and tell her she had nothing to worry about. When at last I felt Jayson had fully calmed down I let go, and after a momen's hesitation skipped around to his front, plucked out my notebook and began scrilling down a new message, glancing from time to time to confirm he wasn't going anywhere.

Jayson, thanks for looking out for her. That was really kind of you. So let's prove this Midori guy wrong! We'll let this matter go, and focus on becoming so great he'll be begging for forgiveness later. What do you say we pratice resonating a little later? Continue to paint this world with all kinds of colors, the two of us together. We still have a long way to go, but, we'll get there. Brush by brush.

Interacting with: Phayne

Mentions: Sir Les Paul RANGYOKU

 

[RANGYOKU]

方比喻
BIYU FĀNG

♤​

LOCATION
North Death City​

INTERACTION
Midori☆Hoshi​

MENTIONED
Sir Les Paul ​

To hope for the conversation in light of recent of events was perhaps too much to hope for on her part, in retrospect. Biyu had much rather leave it for another time and not delay this meeting any further, as she was not particularly the type to leave affairs on hold for the sake of others, unless it warranted one such priority over the other. Then again, she found herself intrigued by what Midori chose to go as a starter. If there was one thing she dreaded were assumptions in regards to herself. As a child, it out of nothing more than to a distrust for anyone around her but now? It came from a place of astuteness. Or that was what she would like to believe... But this was different, as this individual had done so time and time again. He was not one to throw off accusations as carelessly as his tone could imply. No, Midori had a point to this, she could tell it from the very beginning.

It was not any less unsettling to have him elaborate on his actions back there. It came from the fact that he too was aware of how big of an impact they had on the group and its atmosphere. Midori was not one to be driven by instincts, the way he handled his heated exchange with Jayson said as much, not to mention give some insight into what had brought him to confront Taz even before that. But most importantly, his usage o the pronouns of we and our in his speech. He had triggered a suspicion earlier as to his connection with the other member of the Hoshi clan, but to come out and put out in the open just like that did little to aid her regain what was left of her composure. It did not stop there, oh no.

Much like herself, Midori was doubtful of the intent of this arrangement, even if backed up by their sponsor's words on the matter, but given what could may very well be an agent much like herself agreeing to her claim and purposely acting upon it, it was somewhat troubling. So, he was willing to explore his partner's insecurities, quite possibly emotionally manipulating her and the rest of the group to prove a point? Furthermore, stating this in a tone as she could only describe as matter-of-factly, eerily familiar to her ears, much like that of times and times again being put through intense analysis and observation sessions. She felt her skepticism slip, just for a moment, as her mind would be overriden with convolutted thoughts. It was a bizarre combination of utilitarianism and recklessness that this unreadable boy instigated such conflict within her.

It was not as if his actions had no logic to them. Recalling back her conversation with Crowley, the necessity to pry open the walls that each of them built around themselves was all the more urgen if they ever hoped to work together, for their souls to resonate with all others and not simply between one partner and the other. Midori had taken upon himself to take that risk, one not without merit, she was in no place to deny him of that. His methods were not ones she could agree to, especially concerning her own experience with not estabilishing limits to own's discerns for the stability of others for the better of the mission, but as he had proven before, unanimosity was nothing more than an idealistic concept. It accomplished its purpose. It was all that mattered,no use delving further on it.

Locking eyes with Midori was an experience she could solely describe as confounding for Biyu. Here was an individual whom she appeared to share a somewhat of a kindred nature to some extent, made even more apparent by the possibility of too being part of CIA. But for that same reason, she could not bring herself to trust that gaze, not for a moment. Not to say it was a false idea he'd try to plant inside her mind in order to prey upon her own insecurities in past, this upcoming meeting with Akane could very well serve to cast away any doubt or any other such revolting feelings she had of his involvement with her own mission here. In time ... for now, she would reserve judgement. She stared right back at him, refusing to look away from his piercing eyes, firm in her silent acknowledgment of his explanation thus far, as well as there not being anything left to forgive. At last, her mind felt clear.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

• Part One
• Part Two

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Stage Name: The Dark Eye
  Location: Behind Mystic Lounge
  Partner: Morgenstern Stein
  Tags: RANGYOKU

  Such an awkward silence...
  
  She didn't say a word. No thought given form. The only gesture she made was an equally cold stare back at him. If anything, it was filled with question. It made sense. She didn't know what to trust. Not even herself. Her initial emotions. The afterthought. It was nothing less than idealistic for Midori to believe his words may have actually impacted her right that moment. In all reality, he hadn't even confirmed his place in the CIA; he just confirmed he knew of it, Biyu's place in it, and of course Akane leading it. That was a fair amount of information, of course, but until Akane or Lord Symmetry himself confirmed it all--it was just a giant mystery.
  
  Forlorn were the thoughts that he could persuade her. Then again, she wasn't another night of lustful fun, either. He didn't need her to listen to him and his words any time soon. Alas, it was time to move on.
  
  He gave her a simple nod, then looked forward. Her entire inquisitive nature shrugged off with a simple gesture of the head.
  
  It wasn't long after that the two arrived at one of the more upscale parks in Northern Death City. Cobbled stones, beautiful flowers, arranged bushes, even a fountain. It was almost romantic. Except for the fact Midori fell somewhere on the line between belligerent asshole and sociopathic secret agent. That did ruin the mood. However, this was the exact type of aesthetic Akane was for. Traditional. Natural. Oh, and nothing in the entire park screamed Akane like the cherry blossom trees. Unfortunately, it was not the season for their bloom, but anyone that had ever seen the trees once knew what they looked like. And, chances were, if you spent any amount of significant time around the head of the Hoshi, you had seen one of these trees.
  
  "So clichè..." Midori muttered as he stepped forward, off the cobblestones and onto the grassy area. They were off the beaten path, but not by much. Just a little further on a stone bench sat the one and only Akane☆Hoshi.
  

  
  
• 
  

  

  Akane☆Hoshi​
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Location Cherry Blossom Bench, Death City
  Tags RANGYOKU

  "I thought that once, too," Akane replied. It was impressive, albeit expected, that he could hear Midori muttering from that distance. This was undoubtedly Akane. His soul was utterly silent. Nonexistent. It wasn't even fair to compare it to Midori, either, because Akane had an aura about him comparable to beastly Professors such as Apex. Pressure without pressure. Stage fright without a crowd. Yet, despite the nervous anxiety it may inspire, it was calming. It was calm like a stable master to a horse. The sweet whispers to a wild beast that tame it into a benign pet. It was an indescribable presence that could only be explained by the person emanating it: Akane-motherfuckin'-Hoshi. "In fact, it wasn't until the last few decades I understood them," he explained.
  
  "Think about it, Midori. How often have you seen the blossoms rain down? Not after they've fallen nor when they're blooming, but the beautiful rain of petals. No need to answer, but I will tell you that until I made it a habit to watch them, I could count on one hand how many times I saw them. My mother made me come watch once. I didn't think anything of it then, but time marches on. I didn't see them again until I was in twenties... the first time I saw them, my mother wanted me to see the most beautiful thing she had ever. The second was because I wanted someone dear to me to see one of the most amazing things I could remember. Only in memory did I realized it. After that, I didn't give them a second thought until my mother died. I came to see them again. To relive a memory... I remember thinking that I should have taken her again before she passed. I still do," he told both of them. His voice was calm. The type of calm that left a chill to raise goosebumps. He was a natural narrator with his tone shifting through the gentle exposition to the melancholic end.
  
  At that moment, Akane looked over to Biyu and offered her an equally gentle smile. His eyes fell onto hers. One might expect the same intense effect Midori had, but no. No, Akane had soft eyes. Experience said that they weren't always so warm, but his gaze was perhaps the most relaxing thing she would encounter this evening. "You too, Biyu. It is not the Sakura, but what they mean. Think about it," he added in a more enigmatic choice of phrasing.
  
  He then stood. And, with him came that overwhelming aura. It was settling, though. Like the heat of an oven after its first wave.
  
  "On a more serious note, I should explain why I wanted to see you specifically, Biyu," Akane said with his same calm tone. Without a shift in tone still came an ominous atmosphere, however. The head of the CIA specifically wanting her? Whatever feeling that brought on was likely compounded as just under the robes Akane wore showed a slight tap of his foot and with it, a shockwave of wavelength shot out. It was intense, but controlled. Not like the shockwaves created by Conor when he dashed at Crowley. Those were untamed. This was potent and lingering. It wasn't uncommon, though. It was a field created to sense anyone around and if need be assure no methods of tracking or recording were being used. Many CIA members used it and comparably the shockwave created by Akane was gentle.
  
  "Lord Symmetry has came upon knowledge that up to three potential Kishin are possibilities in our future. Not Mock Kishin. Actual, fully-fledged Kishin. We know that at least one of them is likely a member of the DWMA currently and that the others have a high likelihood thereof. We know their genders: one male, two female. We do not wish to create a witch hunt, for lack of a better term, but we should stay vigilant. The Wise Ones have created a list of those we believe have a high likelihood or potential to become Kishin and we have grouped them with mentors we believe can handle them. You were paired with Tazmuir to watch him, but his nature doesn't place him high on the list. As talented as he may be, it takes a great spark for a Meister to transition into a Kishin without a corrupted weapon. That is why Midori was to watch Conor and Morgenstern. You have witnessed both of them, so I am sure that you understand why either of them could be the next Kishin. An unstable Stein is a dangerous thing. There is also a reason we don't generally allow those that possess a Strong Soul to become Meisters," he went on, going into great detail about the mission at hand. It was all coming together, too. The groups. Why these people, these toxic people, would be placed together. What the actual role of Midori was. What her role was.
  
  "Conor is no longer under our eye. As you know, he is under the tutelage of... Black☆Star," Akane stated with the first real divergence from his calm tone he had. There was an obvious element of frustration in his words upon bringing up the legendary Warrior God.
  
  "The list I mentioned is called the Red List, and Conor isn't just on it: he's near the top; and, because I sincerely do not trust reports from his mentor, I want you to watch him. It is no secret to me that the young Meister has kept in contact with you; and, that there appears to be some type of infatuation. Use this to your advantage, Biyu. Manipulative tactics are not beyond us agents--as you have recently witnessed. Keep an eye on Conor, keep him close, and make sure if there is any emotional instability, weakness, or signs of Madness... that you tell me. I do know that this is several stages beyond what you are ready for in terms of training, but I don't believe this will be outside of your ability. You did apparently seem interesting in pursuit of this interest, so I don't suspect there will be much internal conflict," Akane explained to her, getting into the finer details of what he actually wanted her to do. At face value, it was simple. It wasn't until deeper thought that the implications of this would come to surface, but that wasn't for this moment.
  
  "Do you have any questions?" he asked quite plainly after giving a short moment for that to sink in. Meanwhile, Midori simply waited. His arms crossed. Body language mute. Even he knew his place in front of Akane.
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

Spoiler: Notes

Future Akane is Byakuya. I'm shameless.

The "Wise Ones" are a group of elite elders that act as a council for Lord Symmetry.

The Red List is a direct reference to the Death List in the manga and is a play on words.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Professor Paul​

Location Machineel Workshop, Death City
Tags RANGYOKU The Regal Rper Phayne Idea SavingStar

The glare the dark-haired professor once had focused intently on Psi was now honed in on Crowley. Except now, it was sharper. Meanwhile, the normally well-composed Psi was disheveled from his scuffle with the professor. His vest had come undone, button-down was uneven and partially untucked, hair a new type of mess. He gave his mentor a slightly more inquisitive stare with his mouth slightly agape and his gaze considerably less imposing.

”What do you mean you sent him, Crowley?” the Professor asked, repeating the last line Crowley said after having let slip a slight chortle.

“Exactly what I said. I sent him. Psi, was sent by me to…” he paused and glanced at the disheveled boy “...well the idea was to test him but well...I didn’t think this would happen.”

Paul listened to what Crowley had to say. He was an adult, after all. The line ended there, though. ”Crowley, do you know what Psi does? I’d think a mage like yourself would, but just in case… he creates beams of solar energy, then blasts them in a fixed path. I can control a lot of things, but solar energy isn’t one of them. I had to dodge, Crowley,” Paul said with a particular emphasis on the mention of him dodging. To anyone else, dodging was an essential part of their skill set. To Paul, it was a chore.

”Let me repeat that for you: I had to dodge. I don’t dodge shit, Crowley,” Paul repeated, only adding more emphasis to this absurd notion of him dodging.

Absently twirling his wand, the redhead merely nodded in understanding. “Yes....although you have to admit it was funny to watch.” He added a slight chuckle, “Although in hindsight I probably should’ve considered a few other variables instead of just thinking you could simply adapt…” the wand stopped. “Oh well” he shrugged with a friendly smile, “guess we all learned something today didn’t we?”

Crowley was terrible at helping his case. The glare Paul had and the intensity behind it only worsened as the mage kept speaking. ”Yeah, we’re all gonna learn something,” he replied. Then his wavelength spiked and anyone that knew Paul knew this: what he could do with his wavelength was unpredictable. In the next few moments, his wavelength reached out to Psi, permeated him and began to cycle through him, empowering his own wavelength as if he had a connection to a weapon. Paul darted his eyes over at Psi.

”I’m curious, Crowley,” Paul said although he was really speaking to both of them, ”Are you as strong as your student if he’s empowered by me?” With that question, it became quite obvious what was about to happen. Psi smirked. He could feel a new, raw power running through him. Something that he could only compare to Eclipse, but even then, this was different. It wasn’t just the amount of stamina he had, it was a whole new level of output.

Psi flexed his muscles before taking a new combat stance. A simple one. A foot in front of the other, his hands placed above his waist with one closer in. As he did this, however, a barrier shot out from around his body and encapsulated Crowley, Psi and Paul. Meanwhile, Paul cupped his hands down and with another burst of his own wavelength empowered the barrier separately. It wouldn’t be an easy escape for Crowley.

Paul then gave Crowley a vindictive smirk. Psi was more focused. It seemed he had something to prove.

“Oh?” he hummed with a raised brow as eyes looked this way and that. “Well, I suppose we’ll have to find out? Won’t we.” He finished with a twirl of his wand. Then aiming his wand right at Psi, he fired a blast of concentrated energy. That blast of energy was met with a solar blast from Psi, the young man acting far more quickly than his mentor. This was the first real test. Psi could hold his own for a while against Crowley naturally, but empowered by Paul, it was a whole new field of play.

The beam was hotter. Faster. It was focused like a beam from the sun through a focal lens. Like a laser making its way through the skin of a patient, the beam cut through the blast Crowley had fired almost surgically and it showed no signs of stopping before it hit Crowley.

And like getting hit in the shoulder with a dodgeball Crowley stumbled a half-step back just as the first three layers of his own paper thin barrier shattered from the impact. He stumbled that half-step, then in a moment of short surprise at how quick three of five defenses had been destroyed he took two steps away then paused as two brows rose.

“....Hm….interesting” he said to his shoulder, but in truth he was speaking to Paul. “....I didn’t think it would be that strong to get through my defenses that quickly.” He glanced at Paul then at Psi. “I see you haven’t been slacking off Psi.” He grinned. “Excellent. This will be fun.”

Stretching both arms to relieve some tension, Crowley sighed, then looked Psi in the eye. “Let’s begin.” And the second eye contact was made his spell activated. While Psi saw one Crowley moving towards him, Paul saw the real Crowley moving towards him. One Crowley, the Crowley Psi saw, took one step forward, leaned into a crouch, then launched toward him with a pounce.

While one Crowley launched towards Paul at the exact same time as the one at Psi. Paul was well aware of the trick. He could sense it. Not just his eyes, but his Soul Perception. He could hear the tune of the magic. He knew the melody of the spell being cast. Crowley was starting off with parlor tricks. Paul concentrated his wavelength into an orb in front of him and launched it at the illusion sent at Psi and within a blink, the orb darted at the illusion and shattered it. Such was the skill of Paul.

Psi picked up on this. Once the spell was shattered, he became well-aware that Paul was the actual target. And that’s when Crowley switched. When the illusion broke, his eyes shifted to Psi and in a blink he was gone.

Then in a flash his wavelength appeared above Psi, just as he emerged with his foot moving towards head a second later. Psi reacted with a reflexive barrier around himself. Crowley would have landed that easily if not for the shattered illusion. Crowley wasn’t one to be underestimated; he was known for his feint upon feint upon feint.

In what could easily be the worst possible turn for Crowley, Psi activated Fengári. The glowing field around him shifted to a silvery white and the spherical battlefield changed entirely. With a shockwave intended to knock Crowley back, Psi coated the entire barrier in a thick, icy coating of his light and maintained it with relative ease due to Paul’s empowerment. In the next moment, dozens of spikes resembled stalagmites burst from his silver field all following a physical shield placed around Paul.

If this were a different enemy--a different mage--Psi would be in a clear advantage that he could start manipulating the spells cast, but Crowley knew all of his abilities. He was his mentor, after all. What he lacked in surprise, he made up for in raw power due to Paul, and perhaps there was some unpredictability in that.

Paul was impressed. He hadn’t seen these abilities from Psi at all. He didn’t know what they did or the difference, but he succeeded in creating an entire magical terrain and providing a physical shielding for an otherwise sitting target. ”Hell of a student you have there, Crowley,” Paul commented.

Crowley merely chuckled, “Oh I know. Never ceases to amaze me.”

Psi had different plans. Like a silver bullet, Psi dashed into one of his constructs, disappearing into it. A moment later, he appeared out of the surface of a nearby construct, launching himself at Crowley and throwing a solid right hook at his jawline. In the moment, there was next to nothing Crowley could do. Paper thin barriers couldn’t be formed fast enough. Any other spell would be absorbed or reflected--it was a waste of time. There was no actual magic being used on him, so his Shaman form couldn’t be activated.

That was that. Crowley took a solid punch to the face. Not just a solid punch, either. This one was well-enhanced. The blinding speeds of Psi made faster by the wavelength empowerment of Paul. It sent Crowley straight to the ground and sent Paul into a fit of laughter. A second thud was heard as Psi deactivated the sphere they were in and Crowley fell just a few feet further. Dazed was putting it lightly.

Paul, in all of his maturity, had but one comment: ”Dodge that, motherfucker.”

Moving his jaw slowly, Crowley merely nodded from his comfortable place on the ground. “Well,” though it sound like he said ‘Wall’, “I deserved that.” He said with a push into sitting posture. “Psi, well done. That was….very painful.” He rose.

Psi deactivated the rest of his magic, allowing the glowing white light that surrounded him to fade. He didn’t want to mention it, but he was still holding back. The moment Paul empowered him, he was immediately pushed past his upper limits. It became quite clear to him why a noncombatant earned as much respect as Paul did in a city full of elites.

”I did remove some of your options, to be fair,” Psi replied. Even in victory, he was fairly humble. The positivity was something Crowley embedded in him years ago.

”He has an interesting set of abilities. If I had to take a guess, I would say the yellow spells were his own and the white ones you helped him with,” Paul said. This was the failure of Paul, really. He didn’t know the names or actual mechanics of any of those spells, but he was capable of piecing together what they did and even how they came to be.

”Now that the testosterone is out of the air, I’m fairly sure most of your students just watched you get clocked. Are they the ones I’m teaching?” he asked. He gestured over to a group of onlookers that had gathered to watch. Not all of them were actually his students, but that was beside the point.

“You are correct, they’ll be the ones you are teaching.” Crowley responded with a nod as he moved towards the class. “Hopefully the past four day absence was a good refresher for you all.” He said in reference to the students. “In any case, I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Paul Kirkpatrick. Paul,” Crowley said with a glance the man’s way. “Stage is--”

“--Just call me Professor Paul,” he said, cutting off Crowley. He then added, “And, today, you’re mine. So Crowley, buzz off,” It was just the briefest of moments before Crowley was gone. And, by this time, any miscellaneous watchers went about their business. ”Just a heads up: I don’t do combat training, so don’t expect it. That said, c’mon, get chur asses in the workshop,” he instructed them after having unlocked the doors to the actual workshop. It was a large, newer building of steel and concrete construction, and upon its doors opening, a faint aroma of stale sawdust.

 

[The Regal Rper]

Tazmuir V. Klovic

Machineel Workshop

A grin. Wide and beaming Taz couldn't help it but grin. There was something satisfactory about watching someone you weren't to fond of getting the snot beat out of them by someone else that didn't happen to be you and if he were being honest, Taz had to admit he enjoyed watching the short but entertaining fight between the three almost as much as he'd enjoyed watching Crowley get slugged by his own student.

When the fight was over his smirk hadn't disappeared, in fact he widened it just a little so when Crowley glanced his way he could see him snickering just to spite him. Even if it didn't do anything to rile up the older man, it made Taz feel satisfactory when those pools of blue met his and saw the grin still etched onto his face. When Crowley finally vanished and the new man had introduced himself as 'Prof. Paul', Taz let his grin fade as he listened to what the instructor had to say.

It was only half a second after he'd moved to go unlock the doors to the workshop that he'd realized something important was missing. Something he hadn't entirely expected when he'd been told to meet up here today.

"W-Wait", he coughed and cleared his throat hoping no one had noticed his stutter. What was up with him recently anyway? Stuttering? Really? Why was that happening so often nowadays?

"What do you mean no combat training?" It was a dumb question but when Crowley had said they'd meet here he hadn't expected anything but that. Sure combat was his forte but there were....a couple other things he was pretty damn good at. Like...history.

He just favored combat more. Either way, when the doors opened and no one else seemed as forthcoming in entering, he decided to take the first step and just go right ahead in. Well whatever I guess he thought with a shove of both his hands in his pockets just as his foot passed the door's thresh hold.

Interactions: Professor Paul
Mentions: Phayne Idea Sir Les Paul RANGYOKU SavingStar

 

[Phayne]

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The last five days had been a topsy turvy roller coaster for Jayson, day 1 being the day everyone met up with one another and sparred, a day which all things considering had started off great, only to be ruined with the heated argument towards the end. The day after was awkwardly quiet, Jayson deciding to keep to himself for the most part; avoiding contact with mostly anyone and everyone at all cost. He had used the excuse of being fatigued from the day before to get away with it; though in reality now that he had had time to thing and adrenaline and testosterone had calmed down, Jayson merely went through the previous days events in his head once more, attempting to understand the otherside of the argument as well as fluster himself once he realized how he had been acting in front of his partner. Day 3 until today was business as usual, Jayson meeting up with Muon for some training.

As usual, their training revolved around two main area's of their partnership; the main focus being the method of communication between both parties. Considering Muon, their method of communication was vastly different to most partnerships; the solution coming in the form of mainly hand gestures and movements as well as a few visual queues. A plethora of movements that they needed to sync with one another and remember completely, less they end up in a dire situation.

The second part of their training revolved around their ability to resonate; the 'next level' of power that they when together possessed. For Jayson, this state granted him a far more volatile form; the tri-barrel handgun he had dubbed 'Cerberus Mode' which at present incorporated the best aspects of all of his standard weapon modes. With the multiplied level of power, it was important not only for Jayson to get used to harnessing the power but for Muon to get comfortable in wielding him when he appeared as such. Alas both avenues of their training had ended up wielding positive results not only for their individuals selves but as a distracting for Jayson; who still did not see any potential for him ever getting along with Midori.

...

Arriving at the meeting point Crowley had given them, Jason remained towards the back, standing in close proximity to where Muon was though his attention full directed towards the fight occuring before them; one of two unknown men sparring against Professor Crowley, the sheer 'quality of the fight' a whole other level to what had been put on show four days ago. As expected, Jayson had parted his eye patch the moment he had gotten to the scene; his right eye fixated upon the show and doing its utmost best to visually capture as much detail as he could. "Wow.." uttered Jayson as he remained transfixed, his jaw slacking ever so slightly as beads of sweat began to form along his brow. He couldn't tear himself away from the spectacle before him and like the crowd that was ever growing, he could only watch in amazement as these seasoned fighters fought. At the far back of his mind, Jayson had to wonder if he alongside Muon would ever reach a level of combat prowess that matched what he had just seen, to question whether the training regimen they had devised for themselves was going to be efficient enough to 'bump' them up to a higher level.

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"No combat training?" replied Jayson, no longer enamoured with the fight. ".. then what was the point of putting on the show?" he asked out loud, glancing down towards Muon in confusion. If there was to be no combat training, Jayson saw no merit in getting everyone 'pumped' with that ferocious display.

"I wonder what this Professor Paul is going to show us then.." muttered Jayson towards Muon, his right hand re-fixing his eyepatch.​

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The Regal Rper Sir Les Paul Idea

 

[Idea]

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Muon Yuki

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A new day, a new chance for new friends! After the confusion four days ago, it sure had been refreshing to get some time to just relax. I met up with Jayson, waving both my arms widely in his general direction, and moved in for a hug as soon as we got close. I handed him a small piece of wood with a few words carved into it and smiled, awaiting his response (and for the plate back, of course).

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Good morning! How are you doing? Did you sleep well?​

Whatever his answer, I sure was glad he seemed to at least be doing better. For the first couple days after that argument, he had retreated into his room like a fish out of water that just got dropped into a small but deep puddle. As we began heading for the meeting point of today, we passed by meisters of all ages, sizes and experiences. Each of them had a story to tell, and surely many had tragedies of their own we wouldn't even dream of by their faces alone. And each of those stories had to get them through each day. But how many would have told me their tale if I asked? How were each of them facing their own strengths and weaknesses, and their own tragedies? Distracted by this thought, I barely noticed the short-haired boy arguing with the green scythe held in his hand and his shoulder.

"Ow!" He said as he fell back into the floor. The scythe chuckled a little while the boy pulled himself up slowly and rubbed his nose, before finally glancing down to me trying to pull myself up as well. "Ah, I'm so sorry, I just kinda woke up to find my tv broken by his drunk ass, so I'm a bit distracted."

"Well, if SOMEONE had not hidden the remote, MAYBE-" The scythe began to protest as the boy picked him up.

"I only hid the remote because you never do your homewor-"

The boy suddenly felt a hand resting on his head, and the scythe witnessed my other hand laying upon the tip of his handle as well. I petted both, receiving a confused pair of looks (well, I imagine the scythe was giving me such a look at least). Following that, I grabbed my notebook and began scribbling down something, which I handed to them.

You seem like really good friends. You can get over a little something like this, right? You can get a new tv, and you can use the remote after helping with that. Good gentlemen such as yourselves don't need to argue over a little money or a bit of time.

"I mean...I just wanted to watch that Lonely Weapon show..." The scythe confessed.

"I know that. I got that record you know? I told you man!" The meister replied.

"Really? Are you serious? You're the best Mark!" With these words, the weapon shifted into his human form. "Just for that, I'll help carry it, no, I'll do it myself!"

After a bit more banter and a high five, the two got going to get that new tv. I opened my wallet and slipped a couple money bills into the meister's pockets, before smiling and continuing to accompany Jayson. Yep, that settled it, no? We all had our stories, we all had our tragedies. I knew that, and I'm sure the others did too. But so long as we could share them, and accept them, they would not hold us back. In a sense it was reassuring that I wasn't acting in vain. In those couple days Jayson was depressed, I still brought him food, drinks, two canvas and some paint, even those spicy chicken wings. In the meantime, I had done my best to keep my promise to him, that we'd prove that guy wrong, and praticed my magic on my own, in between checking in on Jayson and snooping around for information about those people we met, even if in the end I ended up with very little to show for it. Then finally Jayson was up to get to exercise our communcation and our soul resonance. I could barely hold it for a minute still, despite all the effort and training we put into it, but I knew we'd get there. We wouldn't have forever, but right now wasn't forever. Right now was just that, this moment, me and him partners and students, it was alright for us students to take a bit of time growing stronger. That's what we had classes for, boring or dangerous as they might sometimes be. On a whim, I grabbed Jayson's hand and pulled him to a short run to the meeting spot giggling the most a mute person could giggle, where seemingly today's class wasn't gonna be one of the boring ones, already starting with two of the teachers battling it out. Jayson seemed fascinated by this.

I held myself closer to him as the crowd grew and began closing in. Flashes of the day I met Jayson began flooding my mind, and I found myself attempting to grab his shirt as if I'd be swallowed helplessly by this wave of people gathering to see the bloodthristy match. From what I heard as the noises began to die down, it appeared as if most if not all of the crowd were students for this new teacher's class, in which surprisingly there would be no combat training. I shrugged in response to Jayson's comment, but decided to write down my thoughts to him anyway.

With this many people around, I wouldn't think we could reasonably hold a combat training class, otherwise we would all end up always bumping into each other or worse. From the smells and looks of it, I'm guessing some form of arts and crafts? It can't be that bad, just try to do image training like we did with the canvas yesterday!

Interacting with: Phayne

Mentions: Sir Les Paul The Regal Rper

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[Sir Les Paul]

Professor Paul​

Location Machineel Workshop, Death City
Tags The Regal Rper Phayne Idea

It was hardly hidden that the group was either curious or frustrated that there would be no combat training. It was also expected. Paul was a professor of advanced Plasmology and it was astounding how many students and even other faculty didn't seem to understand that Soul Studies and Combat could be exclusive. Then came Jayson. He had a solid point. Why have that display when there would be no combat? Around this time, the Professor smirked. The 'display' wasn't for them.

"Professor Crowley sent his protégé to test the waters, so I thought I'd give him a more personal taste of what I do," Paul answered Jayson as he heaved the workshop doors shut. The heavy, locking mechanism inside clicked closed a moment after and Paul walked forward, past the students, and flipped on a set of lights, revealing a glass window overlooking about eight wood-topped working stations and at least a dozen pieces of heavy equipment, mostly saws, beyond them, with the vision unfortunately blocked by a large board and desk between the stations and the equipment. Along the wall was an assortment of thick, burgundy aprons, a large foot-operated hand washing station, a cabinet full of safety goggles, eye washing station--everything one would assume out of a workshop like this. There wasn't any gimmick here.

"Get dressed. You don't enter without clean hands, an apron, and those goggles," Paul told them all, and leading by example insofar that he donned an apron, which had an odd scent of fresh citrus to it, and pulled a set of goggles out of their cabinet which upon nearing at a UV light in it. As he washed his hands, he went on to explain a bit further, "A little about myself. I believe I'm the only non-combatant Three Star in the DWMA, but don't quote me on that. I've ever been on one team, but it's a pretty famous one: Nautilus. I was the youngest guy there with no partner, but that's because you don't need one if you don't fight. We held a single choke point during an invasion outnumbered eight-to-one. If you studied your DWMA history, you'd know it was even named after us: The Battle of the Nautilus."

By this time, he had finished with his hands and was waiting for the group by the door. "I'm sure one of you cocky, little bastards is wondering why I'm telling you all of this, what it has to do with anything, and what do I even do if I don't fight. I'll level with you: I support. I can manipulate wavelengths, control entire chain resonances, grant unique wavelengths--the list goes. I make a group stronger by making each person in it stronger--which is probably a foreign concept to all of you right this second," he told them, pretty much filling in the gaps that were left behind. There was one other notable fact about this professor that differentiated them from a lot of others, including Crowley. He was incredibly straightforward. Safety first. An introduction first. Answered questions ahead of time. Didn't hold back in letting the three know what he thought right this second. It was polarizing in comparison to someone like Crowley--a professor full of pompous enigma.

 

[Phayne]

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"With this many people around, I wouldn't think we could reasonably hold a combat training class, otherwise we would all end up always bumping into each other or worse. From the smells and looks of it, I'm guessing some form of arts and crafts? It can't be that bad, just try to do image training like we did with the canvas yesterday!"

"Fair enough I guess" replied Jayson, glancing down at what Muon had written. "I guess this works in our favor though, since so far it coincides with what we worked on the last couple of days" chuckled Jayson, as he turned to scan the other faces in the crowd. "It seem's that not everyone has arrived yet.. I don't see Kuro, Biyu, Morgenstern or the jerk Midori anywhere..." he commented, only able to spot Tazmuir at the other side of the crowd. Despite pointing this out however, Jayson wasn't all that bothered by their absence. "Well, whatever.." he shrugged. Turning to face Muon once more "Shall we enter?" Jayson extended a hand out and offered a reassuring smile; one implying that he was over the events of four days ago.

"Professor Crowley sent his protégé to test the waters, so I thought I'd give him a more personal taste of what I do,"

"I See" replied Jayson, stepping forward into the workshop and out of the way of the teacher as he began to shut the large doors, in the process casting the room in momentary darkness; though that didn't seem to affect Paul as much as he easily made his way towards the light switch, the sudden flash of bright light blinding Jayson and most likely several other of the students; Jayson's right hand instinctively raising upwards to cover his face as he reeled back from the sudden assault of brightness. It was a while before Jayson had fully recovered from the blinding, his vision still blurred slightly as he examined the rest of the workshop.

"Get dressed. You don't enter without clean hands, an apron, and those goggles,"

Following Paul's lead, Jayson headed over towards the cabinet, brushing past a few of the other students as he did so. A few of the other students were still gobsmacked with the whole ordeal; their minds still processing the intensity of the fight; which after Paul's reveal turned out to be nothing more then a personal thing between the two teachers. Jayson sighed, shaking his head. Watching the teacher grab the neccessary equipment, Jayson mimicked the his actions, grabbing not only a an apron and goggles for himself, but getting one for Muon as well.

"Here" muttered Jayson, extending his hand out with an Apron and set of goggles for Muon. As Paul began to elaborate more about himself, Jayson could not help but overhear several other students begin to mutter between themselves.

'Nautilus?' queried one confused voice

'Oh my god, really? he's part of that famous group?' came an excited squeal from a girl in the back

'A..A..Amazing..' gasped an exasperated male voice.

'The Battle of Nautilus?! I've read about that!!' shouted another

Jayson on the other hand had remained rather unaffected by the revelation, merely leaning forward so that he was closer to Muon. "Have you heard of Nautilus?" he asked, his eyes scanning the various assortment of facial reactions from the rest of the class as they took it all in. "... were they really that famous?.. I've never heard of them" he continued, tieing the apron straps together. Satisfied, Jayson glanced down at Muon realising that all his questions would potentially hinder her progress with the apron. "Need any help?" ​

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The Regal Rper Idea Sir Les Paul

 

[The Regal Rper]

Tazmuir V. Klovic

Machineel Workshop

The battle of Nautilus Taz's brow rose as he passed Jayson and his partner. He did recall something about a group with that particular name somewhere in the banks of his memory. So this is the guy without a partner huh? he looked the professor over as he began following his instructions of getting gear.

Doesn't strike me as much he thought, but then shrugged not a second after as he ignored any other students around and got his gear, Then again Kuro and Crowley hadn't done much when introduced either.

Glancing through where they'd come to see if he'd get a peak of either Kuro or Biyu, Taz felt a hint of annoyance and disappointment at the concept neither would be coming. But then again, if they weren't he'd just have to keep going. Couldn't let hiccups or bumps slow him down like before. Had to keep moving if he wanted to get anywhere.

Grabbing the goggles and fixing it over his head then hanging it around his neck, Taz began putting the apron on as he listened to the professor talk. Till he said something that made Taz pause in the middle of his battle with the strings of his apron.

"Wait wait wait, you can manipulate and grant other wavelengths?" The look of complete skepticism was clear on his face. "What's that supposed to mean? Wavelength management and control, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But what do you mean you can 'grant other unique wavelengths'? That's just theoretical I've never heard of a meister or a weapon granting their partner a unique wavelength before, how do you do it? What's the trick? Are you using some kind of artifact to give you that kinda boost or what? Because as far as I know in the long list of Meisters, Mages and Weapons I've read about all those stories about some being able to unlock new wavelengths outside of the one they were born with, is just that.[/color]

"Their just stories. " I mean sure he'd seen the fight but he hadn't thought of it as anything more than a simple form of chain resonance that'd given that other mage kid, Psi his name was if he recalled right, a boost. Manipulating the wavelength entirely though by another Meister was a difficult feat, at least he imagined it to be.

Granting new forms of a person's wavelength that they weren't born with? Taz would call bullshit on that if this guy was just trying to play up what he'd been doing. He'd suspected he may have had some sort of anti-magical wavelength from the fight, but anything other than that? He had to be pulling their leg.

Interactions: Professor Paul
Mentions: Phayne Idea Sir Les Paul

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Professor Paul​

Location Machineel Workshop, Death City
Tags The Regal Rper Phayne Idea

The Professor watched everyone done their gear, most just waited for Paul to open the doors--just really interested in their own projects--and there were of course a few inspired comments. Any qualified instructor could supervise the workshop, so some of them hadn't yet met Paul. However, those students weren't the ones he was mentoring today. He took their comments in stride and focused purely on the three students he was to give a lesson to. It was really a favor for Crowley given his circumstances. One of his students requested a leave of absence, two were being reevaluated, and one was a True Mage--all complications that arose over the week.

Then Tazmuir rang in. Oh, the light in his eyes. It was a spark of curiosity. So much so that it bordered raw disbelief. There was more to that youth than the few remarking about the Battle of the Nautilus. "Alright, anyone not in my lesson today, get in the workshop," he said, ushering the doors open after unlocking a thick, metal bar on the door. The others walked in with a few stragglers, like the last few streams of water down a steel sink. This left the three: Tazmuir, Jayson, and Muon. The only three that really mattered for the day, anyway; unless some dumbass cut off his thumb.

"In every myth, there lies a kernel of truth. I'll be blunt with you: I cannot match every single wavelength out there. Another instructor, Apex, has a wavelength I can't recreate, nor will I ever. It's too far outside of the root harmonic of my soul," the Professor explained in a fairly matter-of-fact tone. His response to the disbelief of Taz was to treat this like any other lecture. A fact to be explained. "But, I can recreate many wavelengths. My root wavelength is the empowerment wavelength, and it works to great effect: you it was enough to take a Two Star Mage like Psi and make him a match for a Three Star instructor," he continued on.

For a brief second, the professor recalled that glorious moment Professor Crowley was decked in the face. In his short-term nostalgia, he commented, "Good times..."

A quick jerk back to reality and he continued his explanation, "We're pretty damn far beyond the basics I wanted to teach you, so instead of going into the theory, I'm gonna just show you the proof." And with that, he pulled out a short blade--a pocket knife of no real use in battle--and flipped it open. He then gently ran the blade down the topside of his forearm enough to create a small cut with negligible blood. It was apparent he was avoiding veins or muscles, and in fact, it was just shallow enough to be more than a paper cut. He folded his knife back up one-handed, then eyed down the group for a moment.

"Jayson, yeah? Only weapon here? C'mere," Paul instructed, more so commanded. He did just cut himself. As he was doing this, he effortlessly shifted his own wavelength and connected with Jayson. It was a new experience for the weapon, and one he could immediately notice. It was almost like when Muon was wielding him, except the connection only flowed one-way--to him. The flow wasn't electricity. It didn't crackle like Soul Menace. It was soothing, serene water. It was cool. It was calm. It was the type of water that never moved yet never became stagnant and lifeless. The type of water that could reflect the moon more clear than the sky let it shine. It was almost euphoric. It was also powerful.

"I get the feelin' you like provin' people wrong, so since Klovic there believes these are just stories, how about you heal this cut? Just put your hand over the cut and focus. Imagine putting aloe on a sunburn--and yes, I'm serious--aloe on a sunburn," he instructed further, this time a bit more detailed in what he meant. It was a weird analogy, but so was the sensation of a healing wavelength.

 

[Phayne]

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"I.. I.. don't.. like this.." muttered Jayson, his body tensing as he allowed the unfamiliar sensation to sweep over him. ".it.. feels.. weird". Unlike the mutual exchange between Weapon and Meister that Jayson had become accustomed to, this one way transferral of wavelength from an external source was completely alien to him; the sensation incomparable to that of when he first met Rosaria and Muon. Whilst soothing and calm in nature, Jayson could not deny that this invasive wavelength was overwhelming in power and despite his hesitance towards admitting it, he could not deny how helpless he felt when he attempted to resist this new feeling.

"I get the feelin' you like provin' people wrong, so since Klovic there believes these are just stories, how about you heal this cut? Just put your hand over the cut and focus. Imagine putting aloe on a sunburn--and yes, I'm serious--aloe on a sunburn,"

Jayson glanced towards Muon as Paul said this, before returning his attention back to the instructor. Whilst still odd, Jayson was beginning to come to terms with this new wavelength that was coursing through him; the surreal aura that washed over him slowly but steadily melding itself with his own wavelength. Cautious yet intrigued, Jayson hesitently extended his hand forward, towards the newly formed cut on Paul. As he did this, he could not help but feel an air of suspense intermingled with excitement and curiosity as the attention of the majority fell upon them, their eyes zones in on Jayson's hand and the cut, waiting for the inevitable.

"Like this?" mumbled Jayson, eyes fixated upon his hand and the cut that lingered beyond his reach. Almost immediately a cold tingle danced across his spine, Jayson's breath caught in his lungs as the peculiar sensation changed once more.

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The Regal Rper Idea Sir Les Paul

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Professor Paul​

Location Machineel Workshop, Death City
Tags The Regal Rper Phayne Idea

To say Paul watched intently would be a misnomer. Wavelength manipulation of this complexity was less of something to be observed and more of an experience. A sensation that even if Paul were to watch wouldn't allow him the same insight as to what was happening. For that precise reason, he extended the same alien wavelength to Tazmuir and Muon. Meisters as they were, he doubted their ability to truly see the subtle nuances that occurred with Jayson, but with his help, they could most definitely feel them--all without disturbing the weapon.

Paul felt more than just the wavelength. He felt Jayson's hesitance. He could almost feel the inner workings of the weapons mind. Without the details, without the names, with nothing more than intuition, he could feel how Jayson compared this sensation to that of a Meister and Weapon. An apt comparison, but not completely accurate. A lesson for another time, but what was important was that Jayson found a way to manage it. With this management came a slow build of confidence met with his curiosity, and as they developed, so did the awesome manifestation of skin being mended.

With the hesitance fading, the cool power ran through the body of the young Meister like a river carving its way through stone. It was slow, guided by Jayson and his raw willpower, but the truth was there: while Paul gave him the power, Jayson was the one controlling it. As more of the power flowed through him, the difference between this and being a weapon became more apparent. The cells in his body became excited. Each breath felt like inhaling cool, mountain air, and as the power grew, so did the chill. The cold, however, was not painful, but invigorating. Where fire may have been in his veins before, now his heart pumped the cool energy through every inch of his body. It was a cycle that continued the more he embraced the wavelength Paul provided. It was a power that began to truly manifest.

The very outside edges of the cut lessened in their redness and a bright blue light surrounded them. While the others saw it, Jayson felt it. This energy was an extension of him. Externalized wavelength was a rarity that often denoted great power as with Conor before, but this was different. This wavelength had a purpose. A design. This was the most unique quality to the wavelength, and one that would be next to impossible to explain with words. This wavelength wanted to heal, it wasn't forced or goaded. Jayson had but to guide it and embrace it for what it was. The healing wavelength was a power meant to do good, not fight evil.

"It has a mind of its own, doesn't it?" Paul asked, albeit rhetorical. Jayson likely only really knew what he meant. "You're still fighting it, that's why it's taking so long for such a small cut. The heart of this power is preserving life. Close your eyes, remember a time when all you wanted was for that exact moment not to end," he explained, tying into what he said earlier. The wavelength did have a will of its own and what Jayson needed to do was align himself with that will. That was the key between just guiding this power and actually using it.

Meanwhile, Paul lifted his eyes quickly to give both Muon and Taz a very distinctive look. A stern look. It was clear: do not disturb Jayson during this extremely pivotal moment. He didn't expect Muon to, but he wanted to prevent Tazmuir from an outburst given his fixation on the skill.