RPG World of Remnant => The Vale Region => Beacon Academy => Topic started by: Moth on May 18, 2018, 11:35:51 PM
Title: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 18, 2018, 11:35:51 PM
The window's locked.
Prism's brow furrows from where she hovers in front of the window to team Casanova's dorm. She'd left it unlocked when she went to the library earlier that night, and now it was nearly 3 in the morning - the perfect time to sneak back in and try to nab a quick nap before waking up with the team first thing. Usually someone's alarm would sound before the nightmares hit, so it worked out about half the time. But Jocelyn or Amane had probably locked it up before sleeping, and as Prism stared through the window, she could see her keycard taunting her from it's place on her desk. Prism raises her hand to knock, but glancing in reveals the utterly comatose state of her teammates, she - she - She can't bring herself to wake them up.
Looks like she was locked out for the night, but that's not terribly unusual.
With a sigh, another light breeze kicked up, and Prism soars up to the roof of the building. Landing on the flat top of the dorm, Prism settles down with a light "thump", before sitting on the roof. Setting the drawstring bag on her shoulder next to her, she digs through it to withdraw a worn scroll and a pair of earbuds, popping one in before digging once again for a bag of grapes and laying back. She might as well enjoy her time outside - it was a nice enough night, mostly cloudless with the broken moon shining high above.
Time to wait it out 'till morning.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: L-Money on May 19, 2018, 12:28:45 AM
To the untrained ear, the grunting noises sounded... inappropriate.
Billy had lost track of time training, and throwing fits in frustration. She had snuck onto the roof to do some private training with her semblance so no one could see it. She had started when the sun went down. There was this trick her dad used to do with his semblance that she wanted to see if she could do, but all she got was a whole lot of nothing. His trick was that his semblance lasso was strong enough that he could pull himself to an object that was stationary and use that momentum to make himself faster. Billy couldn't do that with her semblance. She would hook the light rope around one of the pipes on the top of the roof and pull with all her might. Only instead of moving, her semblance lasso would break. There wasn't even a dent in the pipe.
Billy felt tears well up in her eyes. She cursed loudly not caring who heard.
Title: .
Post by: . on May 19, 2018, 03:37:33 AM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 19, 2018, 03:46:37 AM
Returning home late from a rather successful dance recital Calen was in a good mood. Clad in far more colourful clothing than normal, white jacket with flairs going down to his knees and an ornate gold trim over an equally gaudy red undershirt and his black slacks had orange-gold designs down the side of each leg. Together, although it looked quite splendid from the stage, it was simply too much in close quarters. Fairly tired from his day out as well as diet or lack there of Calen still couldn't quite go to bed yet, a curse from above had drawn his curiosity and Calen wasn't about to let his curiosity go unsatisfied. Shooting up to the source of the noise with his semblance Calen let is stage outfit flutter madly in the wind creating a comically, almost cartoon characterish, over the top entrance.
'Please be mindful of the smaller pipes ears young miss, what ever problem you have with it's mother I'm sure can be dealt with cordially.' Calen remarks, sarcasm dripping off every word as the gaunt boy smiles his best choir boy smile. Settling down on the half wall that surrounds their section of the roof Calen gives Amane a small wave and continued more seriously. 'It is pretty late darling, or early I suppose, I'm sure whatever you need to be done will be there to do in the morning... but that doesn't mean we have to meet it sleeping. What can I do to help?' Calen offered in uncharacteristic kindness. Like always Calen's action are never truly benevolent but he did understand if his more unsavoury characteristics were to be dismissed as rumour there would have to be at least as many positive as negative circling around the school.
Title: .
Post by: . on May 19, 2018, 04:44:58 AM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 19, 2018, 10:13:43 AM
Prism's zoned out, lost in the music emanating from her earbuds. Still staring at the sky, she doesn't notice the frustrated Billy or the arrival of Calen until a blanket's thrown over her shoulders - starting slightly, before watching Amane descend back to their room. She turns towards the source of the noise, watching as the poor girl is nearly moved to tears with her frustration, and Calen... tries to help?
Calen, that weird dude who insulted her that one time and tried to hide it. She still has that ringtone on her phone. Taking out her earbuds and leaving the scroll on her bag, she stands up and pads across the roof. She glances over to Calen once, barely repressing her snort at his outfit, before sliding in and placing herself just slightly between the newest arrival and the frustrated girl. "Um, yeah. Hate to bother your work, but what's up? Anything we could do to help?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: L-Money on May 19, 2018, 10:43:22 AM
Billy jumped when Calen spoke. Billy should have known people would hear her. As she tried to stutter out a sentence asking if Calendar or Prism saw her lasso but then, some guy, who looked liked he jumped straight from an ice skating anime and on to the roof, joined them. Just as quickly as Calendar was in her life she practically disappeared leaving behind a real rope and climbing gear. But Billy was touched by the other students kindness of wanting to help. So she wiped away the tears and nodded.
"I'm trying to do this trick with my semblance where it is supposed to pull me forward instead of pulling something toward me. And I- it- it's hard. I'm not even sure if it's possible for me." she explained. She looked down and took off her hat, messing with her braided hair.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 20, 2018, 02:31:25 AM
'I'm pretty sure we form teams of four but sweet dreams Miss Petrichor.' Calen calls out as Amane makes her way back into her room the second time. A strange, confused tenor dominated the gaunt boy's voice as his mind tried and failed to remember through the strange girl's semblance. Shaking his head to re-orientate himself Calen nodded a greeting at Prism. 'Good evening Mis-Prism.' Calen remarked before sparing a look at his fogwatch and correcting himself. 'Well morning I suppose but let's not bother with that quite yet.'
Springing up Calen approached Billy slowly and offered the girl a handkerchief. 'So what seems to be the problem? Can't make the rope strong enough or does it loose or dissipate too quickly for you to move? I'm not terribly familiar with construct semblances so you might have to use small words.' Calen smiled his most reassuring smile although his sunken cheeks combined with the surrounding darkness didn't help the affect.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 20, 2018, 10:17:27 AM
"Don't mind Amane, she kinda runs on her own agenda. And hey, you managed to remember my first name instead of just my last, I'm impressed" Prism offers Calen the explanation, a teasing note to her voice as he fixes his words. She takes a step to the side as he approaches, letting him offer Billy the hankerchief - but still staying within close proximity to the other faunus.
As Billy explains the problem, she thinks for a moment "What Calen said - could it maybe be like, and upper-body strength problem for you as well? Or can you not make it shorten to pull you, or...?" She lets herself trail off, gesturing for Billy to fill them in.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: L-Money on May 20, 2018, 07:30:47 PM
Billy started to feel very stupid.
"I actually didn't try running while I used my semblance yet... I've been trying to pull myself while standing in one spot with my semblance."
Billy started to laugh at her self. Man, she really was going at this the wrong way.
"And now I think I'm all out of juice for my semblance..."
She picked up the rope and weighed it in her hand.
"You know I don't think I've ever tried using a rope like this before. Yall know how to do it?" She asked letting her Vaccuo accent slip out.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 21, 2018, 04:35:26 AM
'My memory is one of my few positive traits.' Calen joked giving an exaggerated bow before nodding in understanding. 'I'll endeavour not to take it personally then but I'm sure we all have interesting team mates. I must say I was quite dismayed when I learned of the practice but it has grown on me some what...like a mould.' Calen continues smiling as he pockets the unwanted hankerchief.
Turning back towards Billy Calen gestured to the rope. 'Honda knot right? Had a bit of a cowboy phase when I was younger but lack the coordination for it. But it's not that complex a knot but....' Calen began before turning around looking in vain for Amane to ask a few questions about the rope, elasticity, friction, weight, blah. 'It might not be a 100% cross over given the rope isn't 100% your rope but it's better than nothing. Do you need a hand tying the honda knot? If your semblance always does it might to be quick to come to mind.' Calen offered hand outstretched.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 21, 2018, 11:44:44 PM
Prism takes a step back, gesturing for Calen to take the lead. "'Fraid that's not one of the knots I'm familiar with, but it is better than nothing, so it's a step in the right direction." She tilts her head towards the rope, thinking for moment. "I've had to borrow that from Amane on occasion - It's paracord, so it's pretty elastic, and fairly smooth too. Not sure how that'll compare to your aura constructs."
Her head then cocks to the side, thinking more about Billy's comments about her semblance. "It might be worth trying out moving while you use your semblance, it'd certainly offer more utility in battle - I can offer to spare with you sometime, if you'd like. Your semblance would definitely be interesting to go up against."
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: L-Money on May 23, 2018, 03:37:32 AM
Billy put the rope in Calen's outstretched hand. She sheepishly waited for him to tie the rope. It felt weird not being the expert at something that she uses half the time.
"Yeah, it is very stretchy. My lasso is pretty stiff compared to this one, but it'll do." Billy said to the two as she waited for the rope to get tied. "I've been told that I have to practice moving while in battle a couple of times. Can't be relying on the quick shot and cover for tournaments I guess." She says putting her hat back on. "So what are yall doing up so late at night?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 23, 2018, 08:05:57 AM
'Might also be worth keeping a rope or two on your person, don't want to run out of your semblance mid fight. I must confess I would be the first to take advantage of that in a tournament.' Calen remarked as he took the rope and started tying. Holding it openly so both Prisim and Billy could easily see it still took Calen three attempts to successfully link the multiple overhand knots together into an acceptable Honda knot. 'So yea there you go, the stopper knot is important but be careful it doesn't take up to much of the rope.' Calen explained handing the newly lasso'ed rope back to Billy.
'I had a dance show which went pretty late and then there was an after party but I had to leave before it got too out of control.' Calen responded straightening his clothes out. 'So do you want to continue trying out on the pipes or would prefer are more human target?' Calen offered finally gesturing at himself.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 24, 2018, 11:13:27 PM
"Speedy McSpeedster here is good if you want a fast-moving target, I'm good if you want one in the air." Prism helpfully adds on, flicking her wings out for emphasis. "I just don't sleep much in general, I was at the library before I came here - the window was locked to my dormroom and I left my keycard inside, but Amane left it open for later- so I'm fine, but probably won't be able to fall asleep anyways." She finishes with a shrug.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: L-Money on May 26, 2018, 12:48:07 AM
Billy looked at Calen's clothes and smirked. "Well, that explains uh... that." She remarked, nodding to his clothes.
After Prism explained why she was out there, Billy nodded sympathetically. "I know what you mean. Sleep doesn't come easy sometimes."
Billy gently took the rope from Calen. "If I'm going to do the running trick, I'm going to need to do it on the pipes. They are a bit more sturdy than people. I bet after a few tries, my aura will recharge and I can try running and lassoing yall."
Billy then turned and lassoed the pipe and tried the trick. She looped the rope around her waist, then tried running a semi-circle around the pipe. It would make a turn a bit faster but it also did strain her waist. She then tried running straight until the last minute and grabbed the rope, and swung around. It looked pretty cool.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 26, 2018, 09:05:03 AM
'There are a few tonics to help with sleep, some don't even include alcohol. I could craft one for either of you, it's not a significant bother.' Calen responded with some degree of concern. The gaunt boy had never had an issue with sleeping, in fact was a little envious of others darkness rebelling so openly against them unlike his own which always sat a little too comfortably silent.
Calen applauded softly as Billy landed the trick. 'Congratulations Miss Bone, a difficult maneuver to be sure but your hand stayed true. I'm sure it will serve you well in the future.' Calen remarked with exaggerated pomp. 'So how did the rope feel in your hand? How does it compare to your semblance?' Calen quizzed as he settled back leaning against the outer wall. An intuitive fighter Calen placed a significant weight on ephemeral concepts like the feel or texture of a fighting style and was always curious how other people interpreted it.
'Have you thought about leaving a key by the door, you could bolt a safe to a nearby wall and then you just have to remember the pass code?' Calen offered finally turning back to Prism . 'Or is there another reason you are so often left alone on your perch Gusty Mcbreezy.'
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 26, 2018, 03:28:13 PM
A cheer goes up as Billy successfully completes the trick, Prism's grin wide as the other fox faunus quickly mastered the new lasso. "Not bad, Billy! Sure picked up on it intuitively, too. Gotta say, that's pretty impressive sis! Let us know when you need those new targets." She takes the opportunity to plop down on the half-wall on the edge of the roof, stretching out the wings on her back as she continues to watch Billy's tricks with amusement.
There's a light snort at Calen's new nickname for her. "Turnabout's fair play I guess - though I'll pass on the tonic Calen, thanks for the offer. Get by fine enough, and only occasionally pass out from exhaustion!" There's obvious humor in Prism's last sentence, trying to bypass her apparent insomnia with a joke. "And I mean, I'm usually not too forgetful - just out late. No point in lying around for hours if I know I'm not gonna sleep, so I just spend it elsewhere, and usually more productively." The last part is added with a nonchalant shrug.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: L-Money on May 28, 2018, 10:52:22 PM
"I guess I have to pull and let the rope get pulled at the same time. If that makes sense. The rope is stretchier than my semblance. I don't know how to describe it, but the rope doesn't pull my whole body the same as my semblance does. The rope feels a bit stronger than my semblance for some reason. I don't know why, either." Billy replied to Calen as she gathered the rope back up.
"I don't have insomnia. Just the first mission jitters. Just practicing helps me calm down, when I'm doing it right. Heh." She says with a little laugh. She passes the rope to Prism.
"Tell your friend I said thanks. So I think I should get a little shut-eye before the sun comes up. It was nice meeting yall." She says as she tips her hat to the pair of them.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 29, 2018, 10:02:32 AM
'Another reason why it might be worth testing out different ropes, might be able to carry some of their attributes on to your semblance. However best to leave on a success, good night Miss Bones.' Calen responded giving Billy an exaggerated bow and flourish. The tiredness had well and truly sunk in for Calen and he slumped back deeper into the wall, being disappointed that Prism hadn't bitten back had robbed the gaunt boy of much of his enthusiasm still he couldn't resist one last chance for conflict.
'Well if you ever want a more direct way to exhaust yourself feel free to ask, it's only fair to give you a chance to change my ringtone after all. By the way I hope that isn't causing you any serious issues.' Calen remarked slowly stood, his thin body swaying in exhaustion. 'Regardless we should have a sit down later, you may be able to run on fumes but my team can barely deal with me normally and I would hardly wish to impose a grumpier version on them although it is unfortunate all of our discussions seen to stop just before they get interesting.'
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 29, 2018, 03:37:27 PM
"Will do! Hope you get the trick down proper, and sleep well." Prism replies, taking the rope and giving the girl a mock-salute with two fingers as she heads off to sleep. She turns to Calen as he speaks, tilting her head curiously at his words.
"It's proven occasionally awkward, especially when I forget to turn off the ringtone in class, so a rematch would be appreciated. I have a few ideas as to what we could match wits on at least. Though frankly, it may be best to wait until you can stand straight - I'm fairly certain you could be knocked over by a strict breeze at this point." She nods in Calen's direction, carefully keeping an eye on his swaying lest he fall over. "Besides, you know what they say - birds of a feather flock together, so it'd only make sense to come together again eventually, huh Mr. Shrike?" Her last words cause her to give something of a wiry grin, pleased with herself at the awful pun.
Title: .
Post by: . on May 29, 2018, 11:27:14 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 30, 2018, 06:11:54 AM
Until the cat comes. Calen finishes internally, lost for a few moments in thought. Thinking back to his 'flock' before ASTC, before Beacon caused memories Calen had hoped to keep buried to surface even if only for a moment. The gaunt boy knew he wouldn't sleep like this wrestling with himself, perhaps he should try Prism here's trick, exhaustion. 'And blood is thicker than water but the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.' Calen responded still half inside his own head matching Prism's phrase in similar but distinctly non-familial aspect. And like a magician snapped their fingers Calen was back, his eyes regaining their fierce almost hungry intensity.
'Well I'm interested Prisim and it's a still enough night so as long as your aren't tempted to play around with your semblance I should be safe enough.' Calen smiled, it was an odd expression on his gaunt face isolated solely around his mouth becoming only more obvious due to his almost glowing eyes. 'Considering you chose the challenge last time it is only fair that I have a turn. Wits are a good idea perhaps a riddle off? We could be ancient creatures long forgotten elevated far beyond the need for physical violence and instead settle quarrels with a quick turn of phrase and clever rhyme. Or... Calen paused dramatically. 'You are a marksman right? Or markswoman I suppose... let's go with sharpshooter. How about a little bit of target practice, the gym isn't fair and there is a coffee machine.'
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 30, 2018, 11:39:22 AM
Prism stares curiously as Calen seemingly disappears into memory for a moment, an eyebrow raising at the seemingly random quote. Note to self, don't make bird puns around Calen anymore. Her hand raises slightly, as if to wave in front of his far-off gaze - but it's lowered as his attention returns to the present, almost leaning back a bit at the intensity of his gaze. She simply nods in response to his proposed challenges, but the corner of her mouth quirks up at the proposition of a shooting contest. And coffee, too!
"You flatter me Speedy, but maybe that first challenge that's for another time. Target practice is a bit more up my alley, anyways." She hops up, stepping up onto the wall as she speaks."Should I nab my rifle, or do you have another idea in mind? I've got decent aim with a few other things - though if you'd really like to assure a level playing field, I'm sure there's guns we could borrow at the training range..." She drifts off in thought for another moment, before one last thing occurs to her - and turns to Calen, offering him her hand. "You need a lift down, or do you have a landing strategy?"
...another note to self, try not to make Calen smile.
Title: .
Post by: . on May 30, 2018, 01:32:43 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 31, 2018, 12:45:54 AM
(More than welcome although it's still pretty early in the morning)
'You delaying will only give me more time to think up riddles but then again who said a little challenge ever hurt anyone. But yes your rifle and anything you normally use to shoot.' Calen remarked as he stretched himself out. 'And I appreciate the gesture but I have to swing by my room to pick up a few things first, as gives me time to think up the specifics about the challenge.' Racing away with his own semblance quickly changed back into his normal suit, compete with green tie and matching hankerchief, as well as more importantly his knives. Spending a little extra time to brew some coffee adding copious amounts honey and kahula to keep himself awake and not have to drink coffee machine coffee.
Arriving at the shooting range there was a surprisingly a few people at the shooting range, including Prism's team mate Amane who Calen gave a polite wave, considering the sun wasn't up yet. Well considering they were all training to save humanity maybe it wasn't that surprising that people took their skills seriously. Sitting down at one of the nearby tables Calen poured himself one of his cocktails and started thinking about how the challenge would go. Any sort of conventional competition would leave Calen at a distinct disadvantage because of the innate differences between a sniper rifle and throwing knives as well as Prism's probable superior skill. No matter how hard he tried to think of a way to turn the challenge in his favour Calen was unable to without warping the definition of 'target practice' beyond recognition. It wouldn't be the first time the gaunt boy's over confidence had put him in an almost unwinnable situation but there are different ways to define victory.
Taking another sip from his 'coffee' Calen looked around for Prism, half-thinking he should call the faunus just to hear the ringtone once more.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 31, 2018, 01:41:38 AM
(Go ahead Inex!)
"Don't think too hard, you don't want to hurt yourself." Her final words to Calen are teasing, nearly in singsong before she turns away. Simply stepping off the roof with no regard to her own safety, her wings becoming a blur as she hovers down to team CASA's open window.
The sounds of high-heels clicking on the floor signal the hummingbird faunus' arrival, sliding into the chair across from Calen with an easy grace. There's a steel box strapped to her waist, and a drawstring bag over one shoulder with an oversized travel mug in one hand. It's apparent she's already found the coffee machine based on the rising steam from the rim. Prism looks surprisingly relaxed for being on a shooting range so early in the morning, and there's obvious confidence in her carry; but Calen's proven to be unexpected beforehand, so a certain wariness still remains in her expression. Regardless, curiosity is an insatiable thing - she can't wait to see what he'll attempt to pull.
She nods to Calen in greeting, casting a curious glance towards his drink. "I'll admit that looks a bit better than mine, mind if I your recipe before we begin... well, whatever it is you've come up with?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 31, 2018, 08:14:01 AM
Perhaps drugging her could have worked. Calen thought to himself with a half concealed smirk as he poured a cup for Prism when she sat down and another for Amane, gesturing for the other girl to join them. 'The trick is using your own beans, ground very finely then boiled and cooled along with the water several times, expensive and time consuming but it can win you a fair few friends even with a personality like mine. That and honey, cinnamon and something a little stronger if you really need to make an impression.' Calen responded happily passing one of the new cups to his companion. The coffee, cinnamon and honey did a lot to mask the smell of alcohol although it was still quite the throat burner if Prism(or Amane) would drink it. 'So I was thinking about our little challenge and thought of a few ways it could be more interesting. You see that range over there?' Calen began pointing towards a mostly abandoned range. 'It fires targets to try to mimic real world situations and might help me compete with these and to add even more spice the person not firing will ask a question when the target is fired and the person has to answer before their hands can leave their side. First on to miss three times loses' Calen finished drawing one of his overly large throwing knives and placed it on the table. A beautiful piece of metalwork the presumably bone handle had a series of bird carvings hollowing out the grip including a nest at the hilt. The blade had a golden filigree of similar pattern although the inscriptions got less and less common as they went up the blade leaving a single bird for a third of the blade next to a name 'Thran'.
Title: .
Post by: . on May 31, 2018, 04:11:31 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 31, 2018, 04:39:02 PM
The glass is drawn to Prism as Calen rambles and she nods in response, taking a sip - before immediately making a face and pushing it away, swallowing with a certain amount of concealed distaste. "More alcoholic than I anticipated. I'm afraid I'll need to pass, I'm something of a terrible lightweight." Her own hand reaches for her mug, popping the lid and taking a sip. Calen made cocktails, knowing Amane her coffee's probably from fuck-knows where, hand-ground. Prism had just made machine bought-coffee in the training range, before dumping in one of those five-hour energy things and probably too much sugar - it could only accurately be described as an unholy abomination of caffeine.
Well, to each their own?
Regardless, she reaches for the knife Calen set on the table, turning it over and noting the engravings. "The questions part sounds good - no holds barred, or any limitations? Also, pretty piece of work. You don't see throwing knives in action commonly. I have Hawk's Eye, but if we're going with closer targets, I do have..." she pauses for a moment, digging through her bag to withdraw a simplistic, but well-made slingsho "A bit old, but she's still perfectly viable. Got the ammo, too." A small pouch is dropped next to the slingshot, the clink from within signaling the presence of metal ammunition. "Sounds good for leveling the playing field?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on May 31, 2018, 08:07:49 PM
Calen grinned widely at Prism's discomfort as she pushed away the cup. 'My mother always said coffee should be ''black as hell, strong as death and sweet as love.'' She took that quite literally, guess it's a bad habit I've gotten into.' Calen responded still smiling as he reclaimed the two unwanted drinks. 'You are welcome to join us Miss Petrichor although you would be halving your team mates chances of winning but fair warning I'm not going holding back on questions so I don't need you to hold back on your choice of weapons.' Calen continued standing up with his 'coffee' in one hand and his knife in the other. Walking over to the proposed range the gaunt boy took another sip of his 'coffee' and triggering the launching mechanism with the same hand. With a loud clunk the target was launched from Calen's left, shooting away further down the range. Pausing for a second to mimic the question answer Calen managed to pin target on the right side of center, near the non-existent triple ring. 'So the longer you take to answer and the longer it takes you to aim the harder the shot is going to be.' Calen finished as the target came back around allowing Calen to rip the knife free. 'Any questions? If not, who wants to go first?'
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on May 31, 2018, 09:01:13 PM
Prism watches as Calen wanders over to the targeting range, before shooting a glance to Amane. She leans in slightly as he's turned away and distracted by the target, her voice dropping to a whisper that you need to be right next to her to hear. "Calen challenged me initially, I've got this if you'd like to opt out - completely up to you though. Besides, I'm counting on you to watch my back - he's got this... off vibe, and it'd be good to keep a spare eye on him."
She immediately straightens back up as he finishes his explanation, nodding as if she was listening intently the entire time during his demonstration. Sliding the bag of ammo onto her belt and standing up, she walks towards the shooting range before pulling Hawk's Eye from her belt and flicking a lever to turn it into it's primary form. It's thrown over her shoulder, already loaded in case a quick weapons change is necessary. "I'm calling dibs on first, unless either of you have objections. I'm assuming we're swapping rounds - and maybe the opposing person should pull the launch mechanism for the ease of the shooter?"
Title: .
Post by: . on June 04, 2018, 03:49:54 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 04, 2018, 09:42:41 PM
'Of course Prism I'll fire off the shot when you are ready.' Calen responded grinning as he moved off to the side, giving his opponent as much as she needed to fire. Taking another few sips from his cocktail the increasingly buzzed gaunt boy waited patiently for Prism to get ready, while offering a pair of ear mufflers to Amane. When the faunus was finally all set up Calen begun the questions. 'Ready? OK then first question, favourite colour?' Calen questioned then quickly triggered the firing mechanism.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 04, 2018, 10:51:55 PM
"May the best aim win." She nods to him, walking into place before tugging the flight goggles on her forehead down into place. Pulling a small steel ball out of the pouch at her waist, she can at least prep her ammo as the question is asked. With a thunk as Calen pulls the lever, her concentration on the target can almost be described as adorable. Tongue sticking out slightly as she tracks the disk, she listens intently to his question - huh, she would've expected something biting right out the gate. "White, blue, or green"
Snap. She almost immediately fires the shot, bringing the slingshot up and loading the ammo in a blur of movement, the elastic's sound signaling the ball was launched-
thunk
Contact!
Prism pulls back, the corner of her mouth quirking up as she catches sight of the impact mark. She managed a bullseye. Turning back to Calen, she raises her wings slightly in emphasis. "I've kind of got a color scheme to uphold, y'know how it works." Padding back over to where he stood and waiting while they switched places, she tilted her head as she tried to think of a question, before remembering his knife earlier. "Who's Thran?"
thunk
The target's been fired.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 06, 2018, 08:13:33 PM
'You could just choose one Prism, they won't get jealous.' Calen half-tutted as he swapped places with the faunus. Calen was surprised that his opponent had decided to stick with the slingshot, it did do a lot to balance the competition even possibly giving Calen the advantage as long as his own self-sabotage didn't do the gaunt boy in first. Placing his 'coffee' to the side Calen nodded to show he was ready for Prism's question. His smile faulted at the mention of his family although it could just be his focus but of course wasn't. 'Brother.' Calen answered quickly followed by a smooth movement sending his knife racing towards the target. Hitting the target only a few moments after it was fired, slamming between the non-existant triple ring and the bullseye Prism hit before on the left. Shrugging slightly at the worse throw Calen continued to explain his answer. 'I feel you two would get along quite well if you could hide those.' Calen finished gesturing at Prism's wings.
Settling back down near the firing mechanism Calen waited for his opponent to be ready. 'A slingshot is a unusual weapon, where did you get it?' Calen asked his reaching up to his 'coffee' but hesitating and leaving the drink untouched.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 06, 2018, 08:51:15 PM
Prism clucks her tongue at Calen's finishing comment, a look of slight displeasure on her face at the idea of hiding her wings. Regardless, she reaches for the pouch of ammo, rolling the little steel ball between her fingers, listening for the target to deploy - before she glances in Calen's direction at the mention of her slingshot, brow furrowing slightly.
thunk
"Dad." There's a thwap from the elastic as Prism sends the steel ball flying, hitting slightly off-center. Despite the successful hit, there's still a slight frown on Prism's face. "He was a weapons smith, wasn't hard for him to make a slingshot. Grew up exploring the woods 'roud the house and trying to hunt - I might've been the runt, but I was the only one with good aim, and the only one who could hit squirrels from a distance." She waves the slingshot slightly in emphasis, before swapping places with Calen once again.
Leaning on the wall next to the firing mechanism and waiting for Calen to ready himself, Prism ponders the next-question. It's kind of brutal, but it'll definitely distract him. "If your brother wouldn't have liked me because I was a faunus, what's letting you be so friendly with me?" Her gaze on Calen is cool but critical as the target is launched.
Title: .
Post by: . on June 08, 2018, 12:59:05 AM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on June 08, 2018, 01:54:30 AM
(OOC: Hope you guys don't mind if Smokey crashes the party, I like shooting guns)
Smokey enters the shooting range, fighting valiantly to stifle a yawn but ultimately failing. Why did Billy have to be so loud when she came in? Between her racket and the ever-revving chainsaw that lived in their dorm, Smokey had given up on falling back to sleep before his alarm woke him up.
Trudging his way in, he was surprised to find several people already there. He pulls out his scroll. Yup, it's definitely four in the morning. Looking back up, and noticing the strange garb one of them was wearing, he asks, "Uh, did I miss some sort of --*yawn*--party or something?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 08, 2018, 03:02:45 AM
(more the merrier)
Calen chuckled slight at Prism's question delaying both his throw and answer. 'Maybe I'm just not as good as taking lessons to heart.' Calen replied turning to face the faunus with a wide grin losing focus of the target. By the time the gaunt boys eyes were back on the target it was already out of his normal range, luckily everyone at Beacon was a little strange. A flash of forest green radiated from Calen as his aura pulsed down his body giving his throw super human strength actually managing his most accurate throw so far. 'Or perhaps I'm just better at hiding it than he ...was.' Calen continued his facade of ambivalence fracturing at the last moment. The downside of using his aura was the dagger was embedded much deeper than normal and it took Calen a fair few moment to extract it.
Effectively splitting the the target in half to reclaim his weapon, Calen looked around half apologetically although again the expression never truly reached his eyes. Settling back down near the firing mechanism Calen decided to continue to on with the father angle considering it seemed to do something and everyone seemed to have father issues around here. 'Does your father still work on your weapons? I imagine it could be quite useful to have someone like that.' Calen quizzed looking back at the newcomers and firing the target when Prism was ready.
'Well yea actually but we are continuing so feel free to join in big guy.' Calen responded offering Smokey one of the still warm untouched cups of 'coffee.'
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 08, 2018, 09:54:02 PM
Was.
That’s... alarmingly familiar. Let’s hope it’s the former, and not the latter - but keeping an eye on Calen is definitely the right idea.
Prism watches in curiosity as he uses his semblance in order to hit the target - smart, she thought she'd have that one. That's a technique she'd need to pickup soon. Nodding to Calen as she they swap places, she glances out towards Amane as she practices her cross-termination technique, and gives her teammate a thumbs-up before taking her place. Rolling the small steel ball between her fingers, his question gets him a slightly longer glance, staring for a few precious seconds as the target flies farther and farther away. "Nah, he's technically retired." Okay, so that's also technically a lie, but it's... well, it's not wrong, either.
The target's out of slingshot range.
Reaching down to the rifle at her hip, she brings the gun up and automatically sets it into her shoulder, bending to peer through the scope. One second, two seconds, she locks on the target -
Crack.
There's a bullet hole through the center of the target.
There's a smile on Prism's face as she pulls back, gesturing for Calen to swap places with her again as she walks back over to the firing mechanism. Smokey's arrival gets a little wave, taking the chance to explain the situation properly. "Nah, this is just what happens when people can't sleep. Watch out if you drink that by the way, it's alcoholic." She nods to the coffee Calen gestured to, before waiting while he readied himself. Might as well continue this line of questioning, it seemed to be working. "What makes you think we would’ve gotten along so well, if it weren’t for the whole ‘faunus’ thing?"
thunk
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on June 11, 2018, 01:18:47 PM
Smokey reaches out for the cup, giving a quick nod of thanks...
"Watch out if you drink that by the way, it's alcoholic."
Smokey pulls his arm back from the cup, giving the guy who offered a slight stink eye. "Think I'll pass in that case," he says, barely stifling another yawn. He makes his way to an open spot and starts setting up his targets.
Queuing up seven Beowulf-sized targets to move around at random, Smokey pulls out his revolver and loads it, taking a few long, slow, and deep breaths as he does. Feet apart, bend the knees, don't lock your arm, Smokey mutters under his breath.
After loading the last bullet, he he gives the console the command to begin the simulation. The targets start scurrying around in front of him, moving in random and confusing directions. He takes a moment to let the targets randomize their locations, before his aura envelops him.
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!* Seven shots ring out in relatively quick succession, the gun seemingly having no recoil whatsoever. Similarly, the seven targets now have a hole the size of an ursa claw in each of them. The first three targets were hit center of mass, but as the shots continued, he seemed to drift further away. The holes are big enough that they still would've almost certainly been fatal, but Smokey still clicked his tongue in disappointment. He's still a little sleepy.
Title: .
Post by: . on June 11, 2018, 06:20:19 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 12, 2018, 04:03:24 AM
'You are never going to let me have any fun are you Prism. Although it's nice to see you are no longer holding back.' Calen remarked laughing as his offering was rejected. 'Best of luck with your training then young master and well done, you shouldn't accept drinks from strangers.' Calen finished patting the shorter but far stockier on his head before returning to the game. 'Don't worry I understand what it is like to have busy family, I'm sure he is just dealing with other things.' Calen remarked with a sly smirk. The likeliness that a weapon smith didn't have enough time to make his own daughters gear was almost nothing meaning that there was something else there.
'Similar personalities.' Calen quickly responded, feeling back in control the gaunt boy managed his best throw yet, hitting the bulls-eye for the first time. 'Your both quite openly professional with a soft gooey-friendly center. It's a compliment.... mostly.' Calen finished swapping places again with Prism and then waited for the noise of Smokey's volley to fade before taking his turn. 'So if your father didn't make your weapons did you while at Signal?' Calen asked making the slight assumption that Prism went to Signal which wasn't as likely as you expected but he was confident enough to take the risk.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 12, 2018, 12:23:50 PM
"Didn't think you were the type for compliments, but thanks? I think?" There's almost a confused tilt to her head at Calen's words, but it's distracted by his secondary comment, before the corner of her mouth quirks up. He misunderstood her - and nothing throws Calen off like being put down.
However, that smirk is interupted by an audible sigh as Calen pats Smokey on the head, sliding herself between the two of them almost automatically as she and Calen switch places. Waiting for Smokey to finish shooting, she turns to address him before Calen fires the target. She's fairly sure this is the guy who fucked up one of the weight rooms awhile ago, so it might not be best to tempt his temper. "Firstly, before you punch him for the short joke, it'll frustrate him more if you just ignore him. Secondly, don't take too much offense to it. I'm 4'11" without the heels, so I understand better than anybody. Thirdly, wanna tell me more about that gun instead? It looks way to big to not have any recoil, so either you're using your semblance or I'm missing something." Her tone is joking towards the end, before she nods to Calen to fire the target - and tracks it carefully as it flies down the range.
"You misunderstood. Hawk's Eye was my dad's last piece before he retired, and I didn't go to Signal." She doesn't even look his way, before bringing her rifle up and firing - and the target's shattered with a satisfying crack, close enough to center to make Prism nod in satisfaction. She turns to Calen again as they swap, giving a little shrug in regards to his misunderstanding. "I'm self-trained in pretty much everything. It was more than enough to get me into Beacon, so take that as you will." Leaning against the wall next to the targeting Mechanism, she thinks for a moment about the question - a little unorthadox, but it'll definitely distract him. "What's the best embarrassing story you can give me on Setsuna Antiqua?"
thunk
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on June 12, 2018, 01:18:45 PM
Smokey ignored the pat on the head. Quite frankly, it was too early in the morning to get mad. Besides, he'd only known Calen for a total of less than thirty seconds, not even by name, and he'd already offered him a spiked a drink. It probably wasn't a good idea to give him any ground to work with.
Smokey started to reload, keeping his semblance active for the time being, when he finally noticed the tiny girl that had purposefully moved between him and Calen. And she's asking a lot of questions. "Uh, hold on, too many at once," Smokey started, barely stifling a yawn, "Alright, first, that was the plan. Second, I kinda noticed. Speaking of which..." Smokey looks down at Prism's shoes, "No offense, but I don't think heels are gonna do much for ya in that regard. Might as well just accept it and find something easier to move around in. Well, that's my opinion in any case.
Smokey finished loading his gun and input new settings into the console. This time, ten targets appeared arranged like bowling pins. They weren't moving, and the furthest back couldn't be more than fifty feet away. Smokey switched his gun into it's secondary form, and the chambers of the revolver extended into full barrels as the stock rotated and stretched back. He rested Matchstick's volley gun form against his shoulder and took aim.
Seven shots fired at once, and the targets were blown apart from top to bottom. Looks like the spread was okay at least, Smokey thought to himself. Finally deactivating his semblance, he turned towards the girl.
"And for that third question, yeah, it's a big gun. My dad made it, so it looks like we have that in common. Oh yeah, sorry for overhearing that part, but you weren't exactly subtle about it. But yeah, it was my semblance. Behold, the all-mighty power of not dealing with recoil," he said, finishing up somewhat jokingly. "Anyways, since I answered all those, you mind answering mine? Most people tend to start with their names before the ask a bunch of--*yawn*--questions, mind telling me yours? Smokey, by the way." Smokey extends a hand.
Title: .
Post by: . on June 12, 2018, 03:26:48 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 13, 2018, 09:40:29 AM
'I've been told that before although I prefer the term 'conservative with praise'.' Calen responding chuckling slightly to himself. The gaunt boy willingly backed down as Prism took the reigns talking to Smokey letting most of the conversation go uninterrupted until the mention of heels. 'Perhaps it's like wearing weights while running, if you can do everything in heels imagine how well you could do it in flats.' Calen interrupted more or less arguing for the sake of arguing. Although with the little interlude done it was Calen's turn to step up to the plate and the gaunt boy would get ready for a throw which would never come to pass. Laughing loudly Calen turned to Prism and remarked. 'Your Miss Antiqua's team mate right? Well there was this one time not to long ago, mission far down south securing some scientific equipment but our bullhead went down in a fight with a couple grimm. Long story short it took a lot longer than the three days we had planned which resulting in having to forage for food. An incident involving a completely innocent miss-identification of mushrooms left us rather out until we could sleep it off. In fairness to my team mates I won't go into details but I hope you are satisfied that certain child hood crutches were called for.' Looking back at the shooting range with the target long shattered on the opposite wall Calen shrugged before adding. 'Looks like you've take the lead Prism.'
'You shouldn't give away too much of your semblance Master Smokey, it gives us too much of an advantage if we would ever be asked to spar or compete in a tournament.' Calen explained half earnestly, the gaunt boy found finding out how and why others fought the way they did the third most exciting part of fighting. Which of course was half to point of this game between Prism and himself and of the topic of that game Calen waited patiently for his competitor to set up before the next question was fired. 'Well considering you caught me so distracted last time let's see if I can even the score board. First kiss?' Calen asked as he fired another target down range.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 13, 2018, 08:23:58 PM
There's a grin on Prism's face as Calen misses the target by flat-out laughing, distracted by her unorthodox question. Sometimes, the bitter approach isn't the best one. "Yeah, Jocelyn's on Casanova with Amane and I. And I just have - good luck catching up." Her tone's teasing, but she doesn't quite swap places with Calen yet - walking over to where Smokey and Amane were criticising her fashion choices.
Taking Smokey's hand, she gives it a firm shake once before introducing herself. "Prism Skylark, leader of team Casanova at your service. And listen, when you're my height, every inch helps - alongside what hat Calen said. I'm a terror in flats." Introductions complete, she nods in satisfaction, before crossing her arms as she continues to address the two. "Besides, the amount of times I've been mistaken for a guy is an almost-embarrassing number, so the heels are a nice tip-off. And blocking recoil like that must be nice, unless you're trying to get somewhere. I just do the windy thing." There's humor in the last part of her tone, swirling one finger in a circle as a light breeze kicks up, despite the fact they're indoors - a small demonstration of her semblance. Giving the two of 'em one final nod, she takes her place back at the shooting range, nodding for Calen to fire.
She snorts at Calen's question, tearing her eyes away from the target for precious seconds to shoot him an amused look - and notably, flushed lightly. Apparently that type of question is effective. "I dated this girl a year or two before coming to Beacon, she'd be the first." Her rifle is brought up seconds later, and she still manages to hit the target, though it's notably where the second ring would actually be - her focus was a little off at that. Maybe because she hadn't quite anticipated coming out this way to Amane and the others, but well - there wasn't enough time to fabricate a proper lie. She swaps places with Calen again, thinking for a moment of a question - well, he's the one who started it. "How about you, Speedy? Furthest you've gone with a girl, or guy or- well, whatever you're into?"
thunk
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on June 14, 2018, 04:49:31 AM
Three people addressing him at once, and they're holding conversations amidst themselves at the same time. It's too early for this. Trying to find his bearings, he turned first toward Amane, addressing her question. "Nah, that wasn't practice. I was just making sure the gun fired correctly and that the spread was even. If one of the barrels didn't fire or fired off-course, I'd have to perform some surgery. There aren't too many weapons with Matchstick's kick, so she needs a bit of extra attention. Practice would look more like that exercise I did earlier, but instead of trying to take 'em all out as fast as possible, you wait for 'em to group up and try and take 'em all out in one trigger-pull," Smokey explained.
Turning toward Prism when she shook his hand, he kinda just looks at her a bit confused when she mentions the "windy thing." It takes him a minute to connect the breeze inside a building to the swirling finger, but, in his defense, he woke up like 30 minutes ago.
Then finally looking up towards Calen, he remarks, "I mean, do you really think it's my semblance you should be worried about?" He gestures toward the gun in his hands. Well, his semblance is more powerful than he's letting on, but it's his one trick. Might as well try and keep some suspense.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 18, 2018, 09:09:57 AM
'Scandalous, Prism. How would my reputation recover knowing how deep worship of Venus went, being such a devoted worshiper myself it could only be all the way.' Calen responded in mock outrage once again needing to use his semblance to strike the target. 'Catherine Laurent, a grace that seemed almost supernatural and a laugh which could charm the dead from their cold embrace. Of course it was her brother I was more interested in but it turned out he was already married.' Calen explain shrugging slightly. 'You don't have to worry about your own reputation however Prism. Keep your carnal secrets, there are more interesting facets' Calen finished chuckling slightly both in regards to his own exaggerated pomp and Smokey's bravado.
'If the size of the gun decided fights then the world wouldn't need us, the 290 series Paladin's carry larger guns than we can heft, even someone with your.... low center of gravity. I would advise focusing on the things that make us different from the souless hunks of metal our northern neighbours deploy as a milita.' Calen responded coyly to Smokey's insistence. Although Calen did have a genuine dislike for over-reliance on technology including dust or guns a distinct part was agitating the other first year.
Taking a seat back by the launcher Calen spent a few moments thinking of an appropriate question before settling on his choice. 'What achievement are you most proud of?' Calen asked activated the firing mechanism and leaning back against the wall.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 22, 2018, 02:08:21 PM
There's a snort as Prism watches Calen pulse his semblance once again in order to strike a target, apparently amused by his answer. "You do seem like the type of guy to try to seduce married men - I'll let you decide if it's a compliment or not." Prism responds, moving to switch places with Calen, watching Smokey show off. "I'll admit it's a scary-looking gun Smokey, but it's always the person wielding it that makes it actually dangerous. Though you mentioned your Dad made it - does he make them for hunters, or something? If he does, he might've actually have known mine."
Leaving Hawk's Eye at her hip, Prism tilts her head as she considers Calen's question. It's not particularly invasive, but it does require some thought. "I'm going to say getting into Beacon, probably." She finally answers, before bringing Hawk's Eye up to her shoulder and shooting down the far-off target with a crack. Nodding in satisfaction, she turns back to provide further explanation. "Four years working two part-time jobs to pay for Signal's late-night combat classes, alongside teaching myself to shoot and staying on top of regular schoolwork. It got stressful at times, but I'm here, aren't I?" She shrugs then, switching places with Calen as she stares out onto the range before flicking the switch. "So how'd you get your knives?"
thunk
Title: .
Post by: . on June 22, 2018, 11:18:18 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on June 23, 2018, 12:21:54 AM
Look, I'll be the first to say that size isn't everything (also, what does my height have to do with anything?). But you can't act like it doesn't make a difference. Besides which, the gun is part of what makes me different. There isn't anybody in Beacon who can hit a target with this gun except for me, and any of those 'souless hunks of metal' that could would come with a very hefty price tag," Smokey said indignantly. He's very proud of his weapon, and he's going to make sure people don't just dismiss it as just another big gun. It would seem Calen had struck a sore spot.
"Yeah, my dad made it. He's normally contracted out by the SDC to make weapons for the Atlas military and a few specialists. I don't think I've ever heard the name Skylark, but Dad never really talked about competitors much. Does the name 'Emberstone Firearms' ring any bells?" Smokey asked. It'd be a heck of a coincidence if their fathers had met before, but Smokey found it highly unlikely.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on June 25, 2018, 10:45:27 AM
'It's a useful skill, although it does often come with complications.' Calen responded light halfheartedly at Prism's accusation of being the kind of person to house wreck. Turning back to Smokey Calen continued not so subtly digging at his fellow first year. 'I can understand the attraction of placing a price tag to my actions as a hunter but then again others strive to be priceless and I know which category I want to fall in.' Calen smirked happy to be getting such a clear response out of Smokey.
Calen nodded in begrudging respect as Prism listed off the sacrifices she had made to get into Beacon. Holding down a job of his own as well as volunteer work the gaunt boy knew how quickly they ate into your free time. 'And stronger for it Prism, or at least more tired. That has to be someones semblance, being stronger the more tired they are.' Calen remarked happily as they swapped places again.
Calen didn't even miss a beat with this question. 'First kill.' Calen answered not elaborating further as his knife struck the target unaided by his semblance this time. Not specifically a lie the response could quite easily be interpreted as something very different to the reality. Calen was a bit slower asking his question this time, thinking hard on what it would be. 'What is you biggest 'guilty pleasure?' Calen asked sending the target flying off once Prism signalled she was ready.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on June 25, 2018, 01:07:48 PM
As she switches places with Calen, Prism's brow furrows and there's a downturn to the woman's mouth at the mention of the SDC, but it disappears behind a look of contemplation as she considers what Smokey said. "Emberstone Firearms? Emberstone, Emmmberstone..." She snaps her fingers suddenly, a light of recognition coming to her eyes. "Actually, yeah! Dad would bitch about losing contracts with Atlesian specialists on occasion, and I remember him mentioning 'Emberstone Firearms' at least once." She explains, a complicated expression on her face. She's lost in memory for a moment, before nodding to Calen to let him know to release the target.
"Caffeine!" She chirps easily, before ringing her rifle up to shatter the target with a solid crack. "I won't lie, I probably drink too many energy drinks - my team's medic has tried to hide my stash before, but they usually aren't too hard to track down again." Prism explains, a bit sheepish as she rubs the back of her head. Instead of switching places though, she turns to Calen. "Could we put a brief hold on the competition though? I want to challenge that statement." She explains, nodding Matchstick in Smokey's hands. "I pride myself on my aim, so I'd like to at least try to land a shot with that gun of yours, if you're willing to let me try."
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on June 25, 2018, 11:29:48 PM
Smokey's eyebrow twitches at Calen's continued agitations. Deep down, he knows the Calen's just trying to get his goat, but he's doing a damn fine job of it! But Smokey keeps his cool for now, and takes a deep breath. Ya know what? I hope you do become an invaluable huntsman. I hope no one will be able to price your services. That way there'll be more money for the rest of us," he says sarcastically.
He was then about to load up his gun again for another round of target practice when Prism piped up. Did he hear that right? Smokey turns to look at her, and does a quick up-down of her tiny frame, and then just stares at her with a purely quizzical look on his face. And then he starts chuckling softly, steadily getting louder until it finally becomes a full-blown belly laugh that continues on for a solid 6 or 7 seconds. When Smokey's laughter finally dies down, he turns toward Prism and says while wiping a tear, "Oh boy, I needed that. That was good." He then sees the small girl's countenance. "Wait, are you serious? This gun will--ya know what? Why not? Here..." Smokey sets the gun down at the stand and brings up a new target, a single Beowolf not even 30 feet away. "You get a fatal hit on that with Matchstick, I'll buy you a dozen donuts. You get seven shots," he tells her, as he lays 7 rounds of ammunition next to his gun.
He then walks to the opposite side to an empty stand and casually leans against it, wearing a very confident smirk. "Tell ya what, I'll even give you a tip. She likes to jump up and to the right," he taunts. He doubts she'll make it past the third bullet before she gives up.
If Prism picks up the gun, she'll find that it's noticeably heavier than Hawkseye. Smokey leaves the ammunition out in the open so she can feel that the ammunition is equally as heavy, proportionally speaking.
Title: .
Post by: . on June 29, 2018, 04:27:36 AM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 03, 2018, 12:07:20 AM
'If that is what you think priceless means then there is no surprise that is you choice of weapon.' Calen remarks sitting back down before gesturing to Prism. 'But of course, I could use a break.' Calen finished picking up his cup of coffee and taking another sip. The alcohol was finally catching up with the gaunt boy and he would need to spread out his in take to keep intoxication affecting him too badly.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 03, 2018, 12:57:57 AM
"Try not to drink too much Calen, it's gonna hurt your aim." She teases, before leaning Hawk's Eye against the targeting stand. Walking over to where Smokey set Matchstick, she stoops to pick it up, making a slight humming noise at the weight of the gun. Heavy, heavier than Hawk's Eye even - but not something she can't handle. The ammo follows, deftly sliding the rounds into the back of the oversized pistol before closing the barrel.
"C'mon Smokey, you're not the only one who grew up around guns. Have a little faith." She playfully retaliates, raising Matchstick up to stare stare down the barrel. The gun's braced with two hands instead of one, steadying her grip. There's a quiet moment as her stance shifts to adjust for recoil, compensate for spindrift and kickback, then take a breath and hold it as she pulls the trigger-
ka-KOOM!
Prism almost immediately gets smacks backwards, hitting the floor with a painful thud. Her wings are splayed almost hilariously wide, and she's staring at the ceiling, not immediately breathing. She at least managed to keep her grip on the gun, but there's an awkward moment of silence as Prism processes what just happened, before taking a gasping breath, the wind apparently knocked out of her by the recoil. "...impressive kick." she manages to weakly utter.
To her credit, her aim wasn't too far off - there's singe marks along the right side of the target, even if the bullet impeded itself in the wall a ways away.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 03, 2018, 01:25:31 AM
"I know what priceless--ya know what, forget it, I'm not getting anywhere with you," Smokey sighed, signaling he's giving up his argument with Calen. He knows when something's going nowhere fast. Just look at his semblance!
Instead, he turns towards the tiny faunus that's about to attempt to hit a target not even a stone's throw away. She seems confident, and Smokey can tell by the way she loads the cylinder that she's no amateur. Unfortunately for her, it'll take much more than standard weapons experience to handle his gun. He has first hand experience trying to fire it without his semblance. The first time he tried, he shot out part of the ceiling in his dad's range and clocked himself in the face. The second time was immediately after that, when he accidentally squeezed the trigger again after essentially pistol whipping himself. He doesn't really remember the full aftermath of that, but he does know that he was forced to patch up two holes in the ceiling.
Those memories resurface as Prism lines up her shot, using both hands to hold the revolver. "I mean, I guess you can use two hands. I don't have to, though," Smokey snarked while pretending to check his fingernails. He doesn't even bother to look up at first when she gets blasted to the floor moments later. When she remarks about the kick, Smokey idly looks down. "Ya think so? Guess I shouldn't let you try and fire the other gun, then," he says, amused. His eyes then flick up to the target and--
Wait. What? Smokey's eyebrows go up slightly as he notices the singe marks on the target. ...Okay, that was probably a fluke. But maaaaaybe he should subtly check his scroll to see if any donut shops are open nearby.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 10, 2018, 12:07:01 AM
'It might hurt my aim but it helps answers come easier, might draw even.' Calen responded happily but did slow down his drinking anyway. Calen was on his feet the instant the gun fired and used his semblance to burst over Prism's wings to her crumbled form and offered a hand to get up, wobbling slightly himself. 'Try not to get knocked on your arse Prism it'll hurt your aim.' Calen mocked glibly. It was an impressive weapon however, even if Prism failed to hit the target the wall behind showed significant scaring. Calen grimaced internally imagining himself on the receiving end before turning to Smokey. 'You have a larger gun? Why don't you test that out?' Calen finished
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 10, 2018, 12:29:23 AM
"Oh, suck a fat chode Bojangles." Prism manages to utter in response to Calen's insult, apparently still a little winded to respond cleverly. Regardless, she manages to sit back up - reaching for Calen's hand and using it to pull herself to her feet, wobbling for a moment on her wedges before finally steadying herself. "...Thanks, regardless."
She spares a glance to Smokey, one eyebrow cocked at the mention of another weapon. "If this is your regular gun, I don't wanna see the other. Let's not bring that onto the court please." She mentions, before resuming her previous stance as she stares down the target. She just grazed it that time, she'll need to do better - but she won't be able to pull that off if she keeps getting knocked off her feet. "...hope you don't mind me changing it up a little, would you?"
At her words, there's a sudden gust of wind through the training range, culminating in a updraft around Prism - the woman's wings extend to their full length and become a familiar iridescent blur, coming to hover a couple of meters off the ground with help from the wind. The updraft then dies down, and Prism's wings are the only thing keeping her aloft, letting her hover nearly perfectly still midair. The woman brings the gun up again and peers down the barrel and takes a breath to steady herself-
ka-Koom! kakoo- ka-Koom!
Three shots this time, all in rapid succession. Prism's position in the air seems to help, managing the gun's recoil with the help of her wings. Despite her display of confidence with the rapid shots, Prism still unfortunately misses every single one - while the first two sail wide, the third manages to wiz by close enough to the target to further darken the scorch marks.
Slowly but surely, she's getting the hang of it.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 10, 2018, 01:38:58 AM
Smokey snickers a bit at Calen's and Prism's reactions to his statement about "the other gun." "Well, as much as I'd want to bring her out, unless anyone's willing to shell out 200 lien per shot, she'll have to stay hidden for now. Besides, I'm not 100% sure this range could handle her," Smokey responded. He wasn't exaggerating either. He knows that he's not the only heavy weapon user at Beacon, and this weapons range is a fairly state-of-the-art site, but there's still a good chance the Good News could cause some serious damage. And after being barred from the weight room until it's repaired, Smokey doesn't really want to risk losing the only other major stress relief he has.
He's knocked out of his thoughts by the sudden gust of wind that seems to blow from nowhere, and he reflexively activates his own semblance in answer. He didn't need it, obviously, and the gray haze surrounding his form disappears as quickly as it came. Curiously, his coat only billows after his semblance goes down.
Smokey watches Prism's plan of action unfurl. It seems she's more stable while she holds herself aloft in the air. "Seems," however, is the operative word. While it is indeed easier for her to stay on her feet-- er, on her wings?-- Smokey notices Matchstick's recoil still pushes her back. Yes, the force of her semblance counter-acts it, but as far as Smokey can tell, she's forced to use the wind reactively to stabilize herself. That means there's a slight moment where her position is moved back by Matchstick before her wings reset her position. If her position changes during the firing sequence, the chance of her hitting the target at all goes down tremendously. The fact she's scoring hits at all are flukes. Maybe it's time for a hint...
"That's a neat trick and all, but have you ever wondered why my symbol is a volcano? Eh, maybe I'm just projecting. Keep at it, you'll have those donuts in no time," Smokey said casually. Was that too much?
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 13, 2018, 07:03:44 AM
Calen raised an eyebrow at Prism's swearing. 'At ease sailor, you are on land now.' Calen mocked. Stepping away from Prism as she went for her second attempt using her semblance to provide more support against the recoil Calen carefully studied how the gun kicked back. Having seen the Faunus's semblance in action before Calen managed to remove the updraft from the action instead focusing on purely the weapon the gaunt boy came up with a possible solution. His own semblance could maybe cancel out the velocity behind the kick back for a few moments but there was no way a novice gunslinger like Calen could aim such a weapon by himself. 'I do have a suggestion Prism, perhaps I can be of some assistance in absorbing the recoil? At least until you've gotten more use to the weapon.' Calen offered at least seemingly happy to help.
If Prism accepts his offer Calen will position himself behind the faunus matching her arm positions letting the former aim while him prepared to activate him semblance at a moments notice. Regardless Calen turned around to face Smokey. 'Quite a funny catch 22, if you can't train then you are more likely to make mistakes in the field. Have you thought about going down to Forever Fall?' Calen asked, he didn't touch the volcano comment. Both not trusting himself to keep it straight and being a bit worried what it meant about what would happen to the range if Smokey decided to prove it was what he thought.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 13, 2018, 06:20:10 PM
Prism gives a disappointed sigh out of her nose as every shot misses, fluttering slightly lower before she lands back on the ground. The hummingbird faunus is staring down the target, wheels obviously ticking and turning in her head. The gun has a heavy kick, Smokey can only really fire it because he doesn't need to deal with any kickback. His symbol is a volcano, his semblance makes him literally rock-solid. So Prism would need to...
"...the offer's appreciated Calen, but I'm afraid my pride won't let me accept help until I'm at least on my last shot. If don't get these two, we'll try your way." She says, glancing towards Calen. The updraft kicks in again, and she rises a couple meters into the air. There's a new light to her eyes, and she pulls the gun a little closer, and a little tighter to her body. It's tilted downwards and a little to the left of the target, but her eyes fixate on the goal regardless. She stares down the barrel, takes a breath to steady herself, and...
ka-Koom!
At the same moment the gun fires, Prism's wings flick forwards, propelling her forwards against the gun's recoil. It helps her stay in the same place in the air in comparison to her prior shots, but the gun has it's unavoidable kick up and to the right, but she'd prepared to for that - and the result came in the form of a wicked smile blooming on her face as she stares down the remains of the target. The entire head and a good portion of the left shoulder are missing, causing the rest to crumple to the ground.
That wicked smile stays in place as Prism's wings slow their flutter, and she comes back to the ground. The gun's hoisted up in one hand to rest on her shoulder, the other on her hip as she turns to face Smokey with that same cocky smirk he wore earlier. "The only one in Beacon who can fire this gun, huh?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 13, 2018, 10:35:04 PM
"Uh, if I brought her out to Forever Fall, she'd probably burn a good chunk of the forest down, so that's a no-go, too. Fortunately, I only really need to hit the broadside of a barn, 'cause she's only supposed to be pointed at really big targets, like a Giant Never--"
Smokey's cut off as another shot from Matchstick rings out, drawing his attention back to the range. His eyes first notice Prism still in the air, and Smokey loses any air of concern he might have had. There's no way she could be stable enough in the air to hit anything. He confirms his theory by looking down range at the target. Yup, there's no head there, clearly a miss...wait.
Smokey does a double-take and looks at the now-crumpled target on the ground and mouths something to the effect of "what the hell?" before shifting his gaze back to Prism, who is now wearing a proud and triumphant smirk. Oh, she thinks she's hot stuff, huh?
Smokey starts to sport a look of slight annoyance, and says "Wow, you hit a non-moving target barely 10 yards out. And it only took you five tries, too. You must be so proud of yourself." He walks over to the console and starts inputting a new setup. "Tell ya what, though. Since you're so good, maybe you'd like to up the stakes a little bit. You got two shots left, how about double-or-nothing?"
A new target pops up, but this time it's 60 feet out and in a spot that forces a slightly different angle. It's still not moving, but the new position ensures that muscle memory won't help Prism in hitting this target, if she accepts the challenge.
Title: .
Post by: . on July 14, 2018, 08:54:52 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 17, 2018, 09:27:52 AM
'Then don't shoot at the trees genius, but if you are sure I'll leave you to your craft and barnyard sized Grimm.' Calen responded slightly annoyed. Most of that vanished when Prism managed to finally hit the target after however many shots it took. Although Calen is rather dismissive of the whole firearms thing the faunus's enthusiasm was rather hard to ignore completely. Cracking as small smile as Smokey increased the challenge Calen took out his scroll mostly to check the time and left Prism and Smokey alone for a bit and went back to his own practicing.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 17, 2018, 08:33:00 PM
The look of triumph on Prism's face falls as Calen and Smokey continue to banter, lowering the gun from her shoulder to point to the ground next to her. As Smokey's cut off, there's a visible change to the faunus' frame. Her back goes ramrod straight as her wings immediately pull in, she holds Matchstick just a bit tighter, and a tense look crossing her face before she takes a breath. She wouldn't admit to it, but there's a very slight shake to her entire body - it's almost as if she's afraid of something. She barely registers Smokey's challenge, though she at least acknowledges he's speaking to her by turning in her direction, and she starts to raise the gun with trembling hand as if to return it. "No, I'm thinking it might be best if we like, actually call- call it here-"
ka-Koom!
Prism's unsteady hand was just a bit too flighty - and apparently had just grip that was a tad too tight on Matchstick's trigger. The powerful gun goes off while it's still pointed downwards, partially obliterating Prism's right boot - and immediately causing her to shriek in pain and draw the gun upwards, where it goes off again from the sudden jerk. This shot drives the butt of the gun directly into Prism's face before the recoil sends her tumbling backwards to hit the ground, wings splayed wide as Matchstick's left on the ground, her hands going to cover her nose as she starts to curl into the fetal position.
Title: .
Post by: . on July 17, 2018, 08:51:29 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 18, 2018, 12:23:45 AM
Confused, Smokey raises an eyebrow at Prism's sudden deflation. "Uh, are you alri--" Smokey is once again cutoff by Matchstick's retort, but this time he jumps in surprise. "Jeezus fu--" the gun goes off again, this time blowing a hole in the ceiling, causing a light amount of debris to fall. Seeing the gun start to fall to the ground, Smokey dives to try and catch it. It's ungraceful, like a middle school belly flop competition, but he does manage to keep the gun from hitting the floor.
He spends a few seconds looking over it and making sure it's undamaged before turning to the culprit, visibly angry. "ARE YOU DENSE? DID YOU SERIOUSLY NEVER LEARN HOW TO HOLD A GUN? EVEN WORSE, DID YOU SERIOUSLY HAVE YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER OF MY GUN? I HOPE IT CLOCKED YOU GOOD, 'CAUSE YOU DAMN SURE NEED SOME SENSE KNOCKED INTO YOU," Smokey bellowed right into Prism's face, completely oblivious to what really caused the episode, before getting back up to his feet and dusting himself and his gun off. Holstering it, his head scanned the room observing the aftermath of Prism's and now his outburst.
Smokey took an audibly deep breath. Great, he'd lost his cool again. And from the looks of things, he doesn't think his temper will go back down anytime soon. Best course of action right now would be to leave. Fantastic. Why can't he make any friends?
His expression still soured with a glaring frown, Smokey storms off from the shooting range.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 18, 2018, 08:17:04 PM
'I wouldn't suppose you would like a proper drink now?' Calen remarked as he took two cylinders of ice dust out of his pack and wrapped them in cloth. Parsing one to Amane Calen set his second pack on Prisms injured foot. 'Can you calm down please? Only one of us here deliberately shoots themselves in the foot and it isn't the bird' Calen continued not looking up at Smokey as he turned to leave the shooting range. The lack of blood meant the worse hadn't happened, She must have gotten her aura up before the blast cut through her clothes.' Calen thought to himself, impressive reaction but considering how on edge she had gotten just before her aura may have been up before.
'If she is unresponsive I can carry her up to sick bay, it's probably just a concussion but that means she should be resting. And the shooting range isn't the best place for that.' Calen offered after fastening his ice pack over the injured foot. 'Or maybe just her dorm, you two are in the same team right Amane?' Calen asked. The whole episode was very unexpected and Calen was replaying the event back in his head trying to find a trigger but wasn't successful given what he had to go on. At least I technically didn't lose our challenge. Calen thought to himself taking some small solace still the disappointment sat heavy on his chest of a lost challenge, well there is always next time.
'If you have somewhere else to be Master Smokey don't let us keep you but don't feel obliged to leave. Even if it only to have another voice explaining why you weapon has left holes in the shooting range, and not on the targets.' Calen called out hoping to catch the fellow first year before he got through the door after noticing the chunky lad wasn't nearby.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 19, 2018, 03:41:29 PM
Prism's ears are still ringing as Smokey begins to bellow, causing the small faunus to flinch. Drawing herself into a tighter ball on her side, the hummingbird's wings slowly creep up to protect her small form, as if to shield herself from the words. It's an honestly pitiful sight, and lasts until Smokey starts to storm away - and Amane approaches to crouch down next to her team leader, when Calen then drops the icepack on her foot.
Giving a long groan as an immediate response, Prism goes to pull her wings flat against her back before slowly starting to sit up, reaching out to use Amane's shoulder as an anchor. There's another moment or two of quiet as she gingerly reaches up to feel her nose before flinching at her own touch, hissing slightly. "I'm okay... I think? Nose hurts like a bitch, n' I think my leg isn't doing much better. Got aura up just in time, thank fuck - don't think I'd have a right leg anymore if so." She carefully answers Amane, going to rub the back of her head at the impact as her words slur ever-so-slightly. "Dunno' bout a concussion, we'll needta' see, I guess. Thanks for the icepacks though."
Prism needs to blink a few more times to clean the fog from her eyes before she notices Smokey's storming away, and Calen's taunting him as he goes. "Holdon, Smokey! At least lemme know if Matchstick's okay, n' lemme like, give you my contact info or whatever! If she needs repairs, the bill should at least be on me, yeah?" She calls out, her voice a little clearer. There's an honest tinge of shame to her voice as she speaks, trying to make it loud enough he can hear it as he storms away. "I'm sorry I like- dropped your gun. I- well- I got distracted when I heard something that... kinda brings back bad memories. Put me on edge, was gripping the gun a bit too tight cause y'know', flight or fight instincts, hah, bird puns," She says, a hint of humor creeping into her voice, before resuming the remorseful apology. "Point was, you were right, wasn't thinkin' bout how I was holdin' it or anything, was just trying not to freak out and ended up too twitchy. So yeah, least lemme like. Pay for whatever repairs she needs. Please."
Apology clumsily finished, she turned her attention back to the two who were more concerned over her physical well-being than she actually was, going to fold her left leg under her while keeping her right extended. She at least doesn't need to use Amane as an anchor anymore, and can lean back on her own hands, offering Calen a lopsided (albeit slightly dazed) grin. "The offer's appreciated Calen, but I'm not that helpless - n' did you seriously think I'd let you off so easily? C'mon, we've still got a challenge to finish."
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 20, 2018, 01:52:16 AM
Smokey had half a mind to keep going as Prism made her babbling, slurring apology. All things considered, he's tired, cranky, and his gun just caused significant damage to the establishment for the second time since he started attending Beacon. The last thing he needs to happen is something else that makes him fly off the handle.
But, well, it's maybe, probably, just a little bit his fault as well. After all, he let her use the gun knowing full well what it could do. So, Smokey did the only thing that made sense to him: he let the gun decide.
Taking out the revolver once more, he examined matchstick for any marks, scratches, dents, or any other form of damage. He checks the moving parts, shifting the gun between its two forms a few times and rotating the chamber around to make sure it spins properly. The entire process takes about a minute, and, depending on who you are, it could very well be a somewhat uncomfortable silence.
Ultimately, the gun is undamaged. Any misalignments present are either negligible or easily fixed with minor tweaking. Prism's lucky. Turning back towards her, and the two tending to her, he sighs and says, "Don't worry 'bout it, she's fine. You should probably head to an infirmary, though, just to make sure you're alright."
Title: .
Post by: . on July 20, 2018, 02:48:06 AM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 21, 2018, 07:59:32 AM
'If you are confident in continuing then sure.' Calen responded a little be amused. Untying the ice packs Calen offered the Faunus a hand up shooting a sideways glance at Amane. Being her teammate the other huntress in training go ahead was all Calen needed to offset any responsibility he felt. But then again Calen could hardly complain about pushing on passed when it would be reasonable to stop and offered the Faunus his shoulder as an aide if Prism needed it as he made his way back over to the targets. 'Trust you remember the rules? You did hit your head pretty hard Prism.' Calen remarked, there was a touch of genuine concern under all the mocking.
Anyway it's your turn to ask so I suppose you will have the benefit of watching a master at work first.' Calen joked as he set up behind the console. Well and truly tipsy by this stage Calen still wouldn't be 'drunk' until the day started proper. The thought drew not a little bit of concern from Calen who relied on his good relationship with his teachers to cover for his racist and otherwise 'disruptive' antics but that would be an issue for future Calen with present Calen focusing on the competition.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 22, 2018, 12:01:41 AM
There's a bit of a dopey relieved grin on Prism's face as Smokey returns, offering him an apologetic smile. "I'm glad she's okay. God knows my shit would practically backflip off the handle and into the fan if something happened to Hawk's Eye." She replies, looking up at him.
It's undeniable that Prism's a bit more clutzy than normal as she stands up, taking Calen's hand as she returns to her feet. She wobbles for a second or two as she gets her bearing, taking a hesitant step - then decides to forego pride in favor of not falling over again as she places a hand on the taller man's shoulder. Even if Calen means well, its a bit awkward, especially with a height difference that's greater than a foot."No worries, Bojangles. My balance might be a little off right now, but that doesn't mean my memory's any worse. Thanks for the concern, though. I honestly would've thought you'd be happy to have me concussed." she playfully answers, nudging him with her wing as she returns to the console.
Leaning against the console, Prism considers for a moment before reaching out to flick the switch. "So why're you trying to become a hunter?" She finally asks, before pulling the target with a familiar thunk. "Feel free to answer too, if y'all want to share for sharing's sake." Prism says, glancing in the direction of Smokey and Amane.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 22, 2018, 01:37:47 AM
Smokey watched the other three absent-mindedly, as he was far more concerned about how he was going to explain how the holes in the ceiling aren't his fault. Judging from Prism's character, or at least what he's seen of it, it doesn't seem like she would lie and pin the blame on him. Calen might, perhaps. Smokey can't really get a good read on the guy, but he wouldn't put it past him. The other girl, well, he can't really get a good read on her either, but she seems to be in good with Prism, so chances are she'd take Prism's, and thus Smokey's, side in the matter. He should be alright, but this probably won't be good for him either way. Maybe he should invest in a practice pistol, just so things like this stop happening...
"So why're you trying to become a hunter?"
Smokey's brought back to reality with that question, but then immediately sinks back into his thoughts. The image of a man growing old and sick, withering away before his very eyes, filled his vision. A corrupt mega-corporation pulls strings on the man's limbs, moving him as if he were a puppet. There's a piece of paper, official, notarized, and binding, that has two significant markings. The first is a signature, that of Lucas Emberstone. The second is a number.
"Money," is all Smokey says, his eyes cast to the ground.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 22, 2018, 08:37:15 AM
'A victory against an unprepared opponent is no victory, it's lazy on both sides. That's all life is a series of challenges and cheating your way past them isn't going to help you in the end. There, in the end, will be a challenge we can't overcome and such a good death can't be cheated.' Calen explained as he led Prism over to the console. She wasn't likely to understand but that never really matters to Calen, no one ever seemed to understand even the nonracist elements of the Shrike's philosophy which were as clear to Calen as gravity. Calen grinned slightly at Prism's question and let Smokey answer before himself. 'Irronically I have a debt as well Master Smokey.' Calen answered throwing his knife just barely clipping the target as it left his range. 'Although mine isn't financial, not to brag but I'm good. Really good and having the skills to save others while not doing anything is wasteful. And a wasteful life is a failed life.' Calen explained offering his hand again to Prism incase the Faunus needed help again stepping into the range proper.
Regardless of the huntress-in-trainings response, Calen took his place by the console again Calen thought a short while for an appropriate question. 'And this is open to both Amane and Smokey as well of course but what would make you stop being a hunter?' Calen asked firing the projectile with an exaggerated tiny touch on the button.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 22, 2018, 09:03:43 PM
Prism's attention isn't initially on Calen as she quietly hears Smokey answer, turning her head in the direction of the gunslinger. Prism hesitates a moment as she bites her lip, considering something, before throwing caution to the wind. "...SDC?" She carefully asks, voice quiet, before turning back to Calen.
"...So what you're saying is there's no honor in victory over someone who can't even defend themselves? I think? And like- if you're gonna die, you might as well die with few regrets?" She questions, trying to dissect his peculiar explanation. "Cause that's what I'm getting at least, but I'm not too sure in this state." She concludes, using Calen's hand to totter her way into place in front of the shooting range. There's a moment as she sways, before sighing and sitting down, going to unlace her heels. "I'm pretty sure that counts as bragging Calen, but it's fair enough. Least you're doing it for good purpose." She says, yanking off the 4-inch wedges with a grunt. "Sometimes I don't know if I'm here for a good reason."
With that, she stands back up - only four inches shorter - and waits for Calen to fire. She doesn't even blink at his question. eyes tracking the flying target instead. "Death." she answers, before reaching for her slingshot and withdrawing a smooth metal ball from the pouch at her waist, letting it fly with a fwap as the elastic snaps. She isn't terribly centered, but she manages to land the shot fairly off-center, which is frankly good enough. Nabbing her shoes and padding back over the console, she leans against it again as she gestures for Calen to walk to the range. "What's the moment that made you want to become a hunter, or what solidified the decision for you?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 22, 2018, 10:16:55 PM
"..." The mention of the dust company only receives an even deeper scowl as a response. It only lasts for a second though, and Smokey fills his end of the silence with a relatively uncharacteristic sarcastic quip, "What do they have to do with anything? Bag a few big Grimm, find some rich bimbo to sponsor you, and you can retire at the age of thirty. Think that answers Calen's question, too, so there ya' go."
"Also, think he's talking about the concept of noblesse oblige. Ya know, he's capable, so he's obligated. Though, you were right about one thing: that's definitely bragging," he continued, forcing a change of subject, at least until Prism asked her next question.
Smokey contemplated Prism's question. This one he could actually answer straight. "I saw a bounty board for Grimm once. There's some big numbers out there. You can make a lot of money real quick if you got the stones."
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 23, 2018, 09:24:45 AM
'Is that the phrase? Noblesse oblige, we never had a word for it. It was just what was done. But I wish you the best of like with your bimbo hunt, my advice would be widows to each their own.' Calen responded exaggeratedly pronouncing 'noblesse oblige.' 'Honour is a bit of a weighted term but it some ways, like how a hunter may honour a deer with a clean kill but none of that chivalry or bushido stuff. But yea close enough. And that's a good answer' Calen continued turning to face Prism. It was interesting that this exercise was to find out more about Prism but instead he was getting more of an insight into Smokey. No one ever wants money, they want what you can buy with money and this combined with a father is weapons manufacturing as well as hostility to SDC the rest wasn't hard to piece together.
Taking his place at the range Calen was initially off-put by the duel question but quickly made a decision. 'Easy, seeing my parents move.' Calen answered, his eyes widening as if lost in memory even as he sent his knife hurling straight into the target with a satisfying thunk. 'You might have thought me braggadocious before by these two... it's hard to put into words. Such perfect grace, lightning speed, and terrifying strength. It was a privilege beyond measure to be taught by them.' Calen continued wistfully, using his family's definition of a hunter to get around telling the story where a stranger saved his life.
Calen sat by the console pondering his next question before deciding to try to take a different tact. 'Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?' Calen asked thinking that often how one interacts with others tells you more about them than interacting with them directly. 'Again all are welcome to throw their answers out, loudly if possible to distract Prism here.' Calen finished finally triggering the firing mechanism.
Title: .
Post by: . on July 23, 2018, 08:01:44 PM
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Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 23, 2018, 11:13:23 PM
Prism's quiet for a few moments as the target flies far, before very faintly answering. "My dad." Reaching for Hawk's Eye, she brings it up track the target almost automatically - still managing to shatter it, even if the shot was very off-center. "Moved to Vale from Menagerie with nothing but my mom, a couple hundred lien, and the clothes on his back. Built a business as a weaponsmith up from nothing, till he was a go-to for a lot of famous hunters. Unfortunately, that's a delicate field..." She cuts herself off there, shaking her head. Apparently she said a bit more than she meant to.
Walking over to the console, Prism gestures for Calen to take her place as she responds to Amane and Smokey. "Huh, well there's something you two have in common. Liking, or causing big explosions." She says, leaning against the console. "And honestly, I can't blame ya' - being a hunter's good pay." There's another beat as she waits, trying to think of a question, before she reaches for the console. "Funniest thing that's happened to you after moving in with four strangers?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 23, 2018, 11:53:54 PM
"Huh, that's a good question. I don't think I've ever thought about it, to be honest," Smokey half-lied to Calen's question. It's true that he never really considered the question before, but he could pretty easily think of an answer. Problem was, that answer had a bit more baggage than Smokey was willing to share. Besides, it's not like he's competing in this weird game.
There was a bit of familiarity in Prism's story though. Maybe not quite as "bare-bones" of a start in the Emberstone version, but there was definitely a good bit of overlap. Interesting... Still, sounds like there's a lot of baggage for Prism, there, too. Best to stay out of it.
Prism's next question brought a very different image to mind. The first day he met his team, he may or may not have pointed the biggest gun in Remnant at one of his teammates. It was funny to Smokey, sure, and the three present have already seen his short fuse in action. But they don't need to know just how short it is. The compensation jokes alone would be unbearable. Instead, Smokey shrugged and said, "Kinda only just met my team, nothing stands out yet. Hell, we haven't even had our initiation yet, so..." A believable lie, if there ever was one.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on July 28, 2018, 06:03:32 AM
'It's the little things like how they deal with school work.' Calen responded, taking a little too long thinking about his answer so he needed to use his semblance to still hit the target. 'All the excuses people come up with not to do things we all know we all have to do is always quite amusing.' Calen explained, trying to take the middle road between easy to explain and not to compromise to his own image, his reputation as the team trickster was well deserved and being the team cook gave him plenty of opportunities to play out his role. Shaking his head as amusing situations replayed themselves inside his head the Calen stepped away from the range.
Calen smirked slightly given everyone's responses, only Prism seemed to be answering even slightly genuinely and even then there was clearly something more there. It was becoming a funny type of game, with everyone carefully stepping around their own personal triggers. Regardless they were still informative in their own way and Calen settled down to ask his next question. 'Favourite team member?' Calen asked gleefully, interested if Amane being present will change Prisms response at all.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on July 30, 2018, 02:48:18 AM
Surprisingly, it doesn't take Prism long to answer. "Jocelyn," she says, bringing the rifle up to fire off a shot and turn the target to pieces - not even bothering with the scope. She nods in satisfaction, before turning to Calen. "One has a poorly-concealed faunus fetish, and this one-" She nods to Amane. "Though I ate bugs. Currently, Jocelyn's the only one who hasn't had some racist caricature about me yet." She explains, though her tone is very obviously friendly and teasing - it shouldn't be taken seriously.
Prism walks back over to the console, changing places with Calen before glancing to Smokey. "Quick tip: figure out everyone's bathing schedule, and fast. You don't want to get stuck late for class just because one of your teammates takes forever styling his hair." She offers - it should be clear to Amane who she was talking about. Turning back to Calen, there's a moment of quiet before she manages to come up with the question. "What's led you to use the weapons that you use and fight the way you do?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on July 30, 2018, 03:24:38 PM
"Favorite team member? Hmm," Smokey contemplated. Let's see, how does he feel about his team right now? Mikado's a bit of a prick, so not him. Billy just woke him up in the middle of the night, so he's not happy with her right now, either. That leaves...
"Gonna have to nominate our 'Fearless Leader' Serin Avery for that honor. At the very least, man's got the stones for the job," Smokey concludes. Serin jumped in front of the barrel of the Good News, probably the most destructive weapon in Beacon, with almost no hesitation. Even if the gun wasn't loaded, that still took a lot of guts, so Serin has earned the title "Fearless Leader" whether he likes it or not. Plus, he called Mikado a dick to his face, which is definitely points in Smokey's book.
Smokey makes to comment on the bug-eating, but stops and wisely closes his mouth. He, too, could've sworn that was a thing, but it was probably best to look that up in his own free time. Instead, he answers Prism's other question, "Easy, because I can."
An actually true answer, this time, but still not the whole story. Although, this half-truth was brought on not because of concerns of privacy, but brevity. The real answer would probably warrant a 10-page essay on its own. After all, why would a huntsman of the modern age forego a sword, or any form of melee weapon? Why would someone who uses guns get so close to a fight? It's too early in the morning for a sleep-addled Smokey to properly address these issues. Besides, his current answer is completely true: he, and no one else, can.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on August 01, 2018, 09:13:37 AM
'Faunus fetish? I didn't know that was even a thing.' Calen responded with genuine confusion. Calen more than most was aware of the depravities the human mind was capable of but finding sexual attraction in wings or strange eyes or additional ears was beyond even his experience. 'Honestly I'd rather people spending too long cleaning themselves than not enough, Anna is blind but that doesn't excuse the state she leaves her hair most of the time and both Setsuna and Teddy believe in those 8-in-1 body washes. Luckily I have a place in the city for when we get on each other's nerves too much.' Calen responded, his voice quickly turning from confusion to annoyance. It was clearly something that irked him greatly.
'Training, years of it.' Calen responded quickly, showing some of that training hitting the target dead center as it sped away. 'I am from a family of hunters but I didn't touch a weapon of any kind until I was old enough to attend Signal. Before that, it was all about understanding how my body moved, how to maximise its effectiveness and then I built my style from the second I laid my hand on my glaive.' Calen explained grandiosely, it was a strange training regime but it ensured personalised styles and prevented any weaknesses getting passed down.
Calen thought for a few moments before asking his own question. 'Do you ever think there will be peace between the humans and Faunus?' Calen asked as he fired yet another projectile. Substantially more open-ended than his previous questions Calen was still interested in how Prism would respond, not that he particularly cares one way or another but getting another Faunus's position could be interesting.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on August 01, 2018, 03:42:06 PM
"You would be surprised at how much of a thing it is, and thanks to humans liking to loudly proclaiming it in the streets, I can confirm it through first-hand experience. Unfortunately." Prism states, airquoting around the word thing. "But if you're looking for someone who spends an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom, let me introduce you to Coco sometime. He owns more hair accessories than any of the girls on Casanova." She answers, before glancing Calen up and down. "...you actually might be able to help him with his fashion sense, his wardrobe consists of all the same shirt. And hey, it's nice to meet another glaive user at the Academy. It might be nice to spar sometime.
Taking her place in front of the console, Calen's question catches her off-guard enough she stares for several seconds. "...not in our lifetime, no." She finally answers quietly, before bringing up her rifle to successfully shoot down the far-flung target, before turning to face their little group with a fairly serious look in her eye. "The Faunus Rights Revolution was only 40 years ago, and veterans of that war are still around today. It's definitely possible, but complete, total, and lasting peace? it's going to take way more than 40 years to erase a history of slavery. All we can do is lay the groundwork for a better future."
With her surprise monologue delivered, Prism wobbles back over to the console as she contemplates her question. "...what's your plan, once you graduate?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on August 01, 2018, 07:29:02 PM
Smokey just raises an eyebrow at Calen's question. As an Atlesian human, Smokey never really noticed any overt discrimination against faunus. He's aware of the White Fang, to be sure, but as far as he's concerned they're nothing more than a small time terrorist faction making mountains out of molehills. Any points they might've earned with him by hitting the SDC are docked because of the fallout his father had to deal.
Personally, he's never had a problem with any faunus, and he doesn't think any faunus had a problem with him for simply being human. As far as he's aware, there isn't any major conflict between faunus and humans. But, simply for the sake of answering the question, he says, "Eh, get a common enemy that provides a big enough threat, and you'd be surprise who you find in bed together. But I doubt that's a good solution, all things considered."
In response to Prism's much simpler question, he simply says, "Like I said, make money. Find a bounty board, take the biggest one, point the big gun at it, and head to the bank. Hell, I'm hopin' to get a head start of that while I'm here, if I can help it."
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on August 06, 2018, 07:45:44 AM
'Of course I would be happy to help Master Coconut in any way I can although the more exotic hair products are a little out of my experience. We could go shopping I suppose, we are blessed and restricted by male fashion is far more uniform than your own Prism so we should be able to find something. I am always interested in finding new sparring partners, perhaps next time your dreams can't find you we can put that time to better use,' Calen responded his mood lightening considerably. Striving to become one's perfect self was core to Calen's very being and it was a sensibility he tried to instill in everyone around him. As superficial as it may appear your perfect self is never wearing bad clothes is it?
'If the Grimm isn't enough of a common threat it would have to be something pretty impressive, even Vale and Vacuo attacking together only ended their slavery.' Calen responds to Smokey before turning back to Prism. 'Setting up for the future is a noble goal I suppose but you'll never know how much set up is required, unfortunately, the more direct strategies have been tainted somewhat but we will see.' Calen continued clearly hinting towards the White Fang. Military action was something that Calen completely supported, justified or not the strong deserve to take what they will from the weak.
Calen set himself up for Prism's question which initially caught him off guard. Luckily Calen recovered well. 'Like I said before to pay off my debt.' Calen answered before sending another knife thudding into the target. 'No additional information there I'm afraid, you'll have to use another question on it.' Calen teased happily swapping places with Prism again. 'How about...favourite school subject here at Beacon.' Calen asked alternating from harder hitting to simpler questions.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on August 09, 2018, 11:21:09 PM
Prism makes a disgusted face at Calen's mention of the White Fang, sticking her tongue at the concept. "Those 'more direct strategies' are just glorified acts of terrorism. Don't ever assume that people like the White Fang stand for the faunus' concept of equality - they're the outliers, not the majority." She replies, her tone cold and serious. "Until a mutual ground of recognition of either species as people are built, then I'm not sure what thread would ever be enough."
Her second monologue over, she swaps places with Calen, watching the target fire off with a new steadier eye than beforehand. "Aura studies, probably?" She answers, raising her rifle to shoot down the target, nodding to herself in satisfaction. "Doctor Sophos is probably my favorite professor, so it's always an enjoyable class with him." She finishes, before swapping places with Calen again.
"So where and why do you dance, Calen?" She asks after a tentative moment thinking of the question, before the target fires off. "Sorry Smokey, Amane - dunno if this one is as applicable to you two, unless either of you feel like busting a move suddenly."
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on August 10, 2018, 01:01:39 PM
Smokey remains quiet as the discussion over faunus equality gets a bit heated. He was just trying to make a comment, not stir the pot, but he supposes he should be glad the argument isn't directed at him in particular. It's too early for political discussions.
Which is why Calen's softball question comes as a welcome relief, and answers relatively quickly. "Introductory Dust Chemistry. Figuring out the most over the top ways to make giant monsters explode is just a good time all around," he says, trying to inject a bit of light-hearted humor into the conversation.
As far as Prism's question goes, Smokey just says, "That's okay, you can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind." 'Cuz your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance, then they're no friends of mine.
Title: .
Post by: . on August 13, 2018, 03:05:21 AM
.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on August 13, 2018, 09:17:47 AM
'One person's terrorist is another's freedom fighter. Your forefathers didn't build a mutual ground of recognition, they fought a war against slavery. There was a boy in the town I grew up in, when he was in his early teens he killed a Faunus. Snapped his neck. In a moment, a husband and father were gone. And what was the boy's punishment from the local authorities? Nothing, nothing until the White Fang arrived at took everything from that boy. How is that not justice? How is that not equality?' Calen responded with the ghost of a smile on his lips. Talking about his past in the third person always gave the gaunt boy a rush but here and now? Talking about this and taking into account what Prism was? It took all of Calen's willpower to not giggle.
'That's two questions.' Calen began his left hand moving up his back to retrieve a second dagger. 'Sarcoline's studio and I love how it makes you move.' Calen sent two daggers at the target spinning away at each answer. The first one was on target but the second only barely clipped the target before continuing down range. 'I suppose that makes it two love to you Prism.' Calen remarks letting a full smile out to make it easier to hold on in the future. Two applications of his semblance sent Calen dashing to his knife and back in mere moments but the exertion was catching up to him. Several semblances uses, lack of sleep and food, as well as the alcohol, was having a serious impact on Calen's continuing ability to perform. But then again Calen had never let something as silly as not being able to do something stop him from attempting to. 'But it is good exercise and there are plenty of cute girls so I could introduce some if you like although I should warn you, dancers tend to be a bit of a handful. Calen joked, clearly short of breath.
Thankful for a couple seconds of rest before asking his question Calen stretched out the time as much as he could. 'Having to choose one or the other do you think you are too controlling or too trustful?' Calen asked again triggering the firing mechanism and sending the target flying down the range.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on August 14, 2018, 11:18:50 AM
"...Calen, in what twisted universe would you consider that equality?" Prism asks, sounding legitimately concerned. "That's not justice in any sense of the word, that's just fucking horrible. The kid obviously should've faced some form of retribution, but like - in the form of jail time or something. And the concept of taking revenge on innocents is abhorrent, especially if they weren't the ones to stoke the actions of that kid. There's just- so many other factors you need to consider in that type of situation, you can't make a snap judgement like that and call it some gross, malformed version of equality." She finishes, looking on at the man with something almost resembling pity - who the hell taught him to think that way?
Prism sighs to herself, and watches quietly as Calen manages to miss the target after throwing both knives. She would've celebrated, if she weren't so deep in thought. There's something about that story that story that seems familiar, as if she'd heard it long ago. She spends a few silent moments pondering it, before jerking up in response to his after he dashed off to retrieve his weapons. "Hmm? Oh, sure. If you've got a performance coming up, just let me know when and where and I'll drop by."
She walks up to the targeting range then, swinging Hawk's Eye off her shoulder as she glances towards the rest of their audience. Amane's lost in some tower defense game, and Smokey - Smokey gets a shake of Prism's head at his horrible reference, despite the smile on her face at his words. "Hawk's Eye doesn't have quite the same boom as Matchstick does, but I can understand the appeal."
Taking her place at the range then, she carefully listens to Calen's question, tilting her head as she considers it. That's actually a good question - and one kind of out of the blue, frankly. "Too controlling, probably? But that's literally part of my job description as a leader, so I like to think it works out." Bringing up the rifle, she scopes in on the target and shatters it with a satisfying shot, before walking back over the console.
...she still can't shake the feeling she knows his story from somewhere. "Where'd y'all grow up?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on August 17, 2018, 04:16:23 AM
Smokey eyes Calen somewhat suspiciously as he brings up a casual murder of a faunus. There's no evidence, or anything remotely incriminating about the description of events, but as far as he knows, nobody just casually makes up murder stories like that out of the blue. Not to mention, it happened in his hometown? And the way Calen talked about the White Fang's "justice" and "equality" was just eerie. But in the end, that's really all Smokey gets, an eerie feeling. Perhaps he should pay more attention to this conversation...
When Calen finally asks his question, Smokey doesn't answer verbally. Instead, he ponders for a moment, and then shrugs. He doesn't really think he's either one. He tends to be a DIY kinda guy, so as long as people don't get in his way, they can do whatever the hell they want.
It's only when Prism asks her question that Smokey finally speaks up, but only long enough to utter one word. "Mantle." There's not really much more to say, but he's slightly more interested in Calen's answer. He's never heard a story like the one Calen described, but he might have heard of a White Fang attack on a major settlement.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on August 21, 2018, 10:38:42 AM
'But are they innocent? If you hide someone's crime are you at least not in some part guilty? When the police do their sham of an investigation and they don't come forward isn't that an admission of guilt? Keep in mind you are expecting the same state that allows storekeepers to bar Faunus from entering to be the sole arbiter of justice. And if you can't expect justice from the state, from Mistral, should you really be that surprised people take it upon themselves to do what won't be done for them.' Calen responded by choosing his words carefully. It was clear he had aroused everyone else's suspicions and although to a degree that was the point to this degree was unexpected.
'We just finished up our last show so there won't be another for a while but sure, I'll let you know when we next perform.' Calen continued, always eager to have a large audience. Stepping up to take the next shot Calen had recovered slightly and had the advantage of expecting a question on this topic. 'Little town in Amina, we called it Reflection.' Calen answered using a nickname only the locals would immediately recognise before sending another dagger straight into the target. 'There where these trees around the town and in the winter they held to frost which bathed the city in strange reflected light.' Calen explained but also further confusing the matter, although these trees were present around Nevah there were several places in Amina with a far higher concentration of the trees.
'Considering this seems to be getting slightly controversial how about, what is the opinion you've disagreed with the most people about.' Calen asked now remaining standing, as long as he didn't have to use his semblance for a while he should be OK, if not... well the shooting range isn't that bad a place to sleep, is it?
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on August 22, 2018, 09:46:41 PM
"I'm not surprised, it's just - that's never how it should be done." Prism responds, annoyance evident in her voice. "Calen, here's the important question: whoever this kid was, do you know if they actually meant to kill the faunus? Was it an act of racial terrorism, or just some freak accident? The debate of morality surrounding this entire conversation depends on it's origins - everything depends on context." She answers, before stepping up to switch places with him.
Prism tilts her head slightly at his response to where he's from, making a quiet mental note to dig around a bit about that. Smokey's response reveals he's from Atlas, which - in retrospect, kinda makes sense. He hasn't chimed in on this entire conversation yet, so he probably wasn't one of the racist Atlesians, since he had no problems with her or Billy, just one of the incredibly ignorant ones instead. And those could always be educated, so Prism had no beef to pick.
Calen's question isn't unexpected, and Prism answers quickly enough. "One guess, faunus rights." she replies, coolly staring down Calen before bringing her rifle up to shatter the target. "I was the president of my high school's faunus rights organization, which probably won't come as a surprise."
She pads back to the firing console then, pulling her scroll from one of her pockets and whacking it against her hand a few times to get it to turn on. While the old piece of tech booted up, she briefly considered her question - they had been getting fairly heavy recently, so something to break the tension might be in order. "Best part about Beacon, as a school, so far?" She asks, before pressing the button to fire the target with a thunk.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on August 25, 2018, 07:33:21 PM
Smokey is not the type to get in to political discussions. They always tend to make him mad. When he gets mad, things tend to break, including him if he's not careful. But the "is the anyone really innocent" argument is bullshit. That's the argument bad TV villains use to confuse heroes with poorly written motivations. It's also the argument that opens up a lot of opportunities to pick a case apart.
"You're right Calen. Hiding someone's crimes does make you an accomplice. So why don't you come clean and tell us who did it? And don't try and bullshit me by saying you don't know, because I'm pretty sure you do. You identified the perp as a young boy in his early teens at the time of death, you identified the method of murder as a snapped neck, and implied that the boy is still alive when you said the White Fang 'took everything from' that boy. That sounds like pretty intimate knowledge to me." Prism can try and be as subtle as she wants, but Smokey likes to handle things with the direct approach. Of course, considering the context of this statement, Smokey ignores the questions of their little game.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on August 26, 2018, 07:59:44 AM
'You are going to have to explain to me how someone can accidentally break someone else's neck.' Calen laughed stressing 'accidentally.' 'Masochism and fetishised pacifism are all fun in the bedroom my dear, I'm sure it made your horse friend very happy, but it quickly becomes weird outside that and they aren't particularly good qualities in an activist. There were people who made this 'violence is never the answer,' to be frank, bullshit before the Greyed War. Sure the Faunus were being raped, beaten and hunted down like animals but maybe they can win the respect of the humans and they will realise they are real people after all. Racists know the Faunus are people Prism, they just don't care.' Calen continued the laughter in his voice giving way to open disdain before turning to Smokey. 'Oh as long as you are 'pretty sure' Master Smokey and very well I might know their name but after someone has been punished are you actually an accomplice by not naming names? The point is it isn't an uncommon story. How many predominantly Faunus miners do you think died getting your father the metals and dust he used to make weapons for the very people all but killing them themselves?' Calen mocked mostly dodging Smokey's question with one of his own.
With that and a self-satisfied smirk, Calen took his place at the firing range and waited for Prism's question. A more softball one, probably aimed to calm down the situation but that wasn't going to be something Calen was going to allow. This was just getting fun. 'To perfect myself.' Calen answers simply. 'It's the only thing worth pursuing.' The gaunt boy added as he quickly sent one of his daggers burrowing into the heart of the target just as it was shot out. Satisfied with the throw Calen quickly took his place by the target and waited impatiently for Prism to be ready, Calen has his own softball questions although they may be more than they initially appear. 'Easy for easy I suppose, most cherised childhood memory?' Calen asked slyly before triggering the clay pigeon machine again.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on September 03, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Prism listens to Calen’s response carefully, the only sign of her slowly-growing fury being the red flush to her face at his flippant comments about her personal life, and the way her eyes narrow as he goes on and on. She takes a breath to steady herself, before flinging her rifle over her shoulder. ”Calen, let’s keep whatever weird fantasies you entertain yourself with out of the discussion, please?” She asks, waving one hand in the air, as if to dismiss it. “I’m not going to pretend that there haven’t been times when violence was the right answer, because that was literally the entire Faunus Rights Revolution, and that was only forty years ago. The entire point of what I was saying though was that innocent people shouldn’t suffer, and somehow you missed that entire message.” She deadpans, staring him down. “And c’mon - you’re seriously giving more credit to ignorant people than they deserve. I can tell you from some very literal experience that plenty of people view us as nothing more than animals, and it’s a ridiculous fucking stereotype to overcome.”
Prism blinks a couple times at his answer, visibly confused. ”I asked what the best part of Beacon was to you, not what you’re attempting to accomplish here, but that counts enough I guess. And I dunno, probably learning to fly?” She raises her rifle and fires without bothering to scope in - causing the target to shatter a ways down the range. Walking over to the console, her stare is still icy. “Now why don’t you answer what Smokey asked? Consider that my question too.”
thunk
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on September 05, 2018, 12:55:32 AM
Smokey's face remains mostly stoic as Calen prattles on, even as he tries to drag his father into the mix. He doesn't say anything, doesn't make a move, just seemingly listening. As far as appearances go, Smokey looks as calm as can be. But beneath that stoic countenance is seething rage.
Calen had made a mistake bringing up Smokey's dad, and he wanted nothing more than to drive that gaunt, drunk face into the dirt in the moment Calen made his implication. But Smokey restrains himself, as he recalls a conversation his father had with him years ago.
"But Dad, he was lying! What was I supposed to do, let him get away with it?"
"That's not an excuse, and you know it. And because you reacted, they're going to say the same things again tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that. You can't let them get to you like that, Smokey."
"So what was I supposed to do, then?! Let him keep talking?"
"Exactly. You knew they were lies, right? All you have to do is let him talk, and his own mouth will get him in trouble sooner or later."
At the time, that conversation didn't make any sense to him. Hell, part of him still disagrees in some regard, but right now that conversation seems strangely applicable. Calen hadn't outright lied, so much as avoided the question. Taking a moment to think about it, he'd probably hoped his father would be good enough bait to throw Smokey off the trail. Unfortunately for Calen, all that did was tip Smokey off that he needed to be on guard. And looking more closely at Calen's statement, his refusal to answer is all the more telling.
Smokey could call him out now, realistically speaking. By implying his father is killing faunus second-hand, Calen had opened a Pandora's Box of possibilities. For instance, following his logic, anyone who had used any form of Schnee dust had contributed to faunus murders. But, well, Prism has asked her question, so for now, Smokey will wait and listen for his response.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on September 06, 2018, 02:59:04 AM
’So you do agree that in specific situations the more direct …modes of protest are if not better at least acceptable? And innocent people suffered in the Faunus Rights Revolution as well, no war is without collateral damage either directly through overly enthusiastic soldiers or indirectly through refocusing of government funds or even the grimm being attracted to all the killing. If intent is what you are wanting to prove then you will never get it, even in a genuinely just court intent is difficult to prove, and I do understand your line of thought, I even empathise, it’s just wrong.’ Calen responded glad the conversation is picking up steam despite Smokey remaining mostly silent. ’Also do you honestly believe that thinking people will take advantage of a group’s outcast nature from society is giving them too much credit but entire kingdoms somehow convincing themselves they aren’t people at all isn’t? Hate and fear motivate racism not ignorance, just like how we once believed women had smaller brains or homosexuality was mostly targeted at children. We had been doing dissections for centuries, we knew there was no serious difference in brain size but the truth doesn’t matter. And yes very well I will bow to your personal experience receiving about racial abuse as long as you bow to mine about giving it, and which do you think is more relevant in this discussion?’ Calen finished making it rather clear that he does or at least did habour some anti-faunus sentiments.
’Oh was I not clear enough? I meant how Beacon allows you to perfect yourself; professors, libraries, that sort of stuff.’ Calen continues to explain himself, a little embarrassed at having misspoke. Taking his place at the shooting range Calen was expecting a difficult question but Prism did quite out do herself, Calen was clearly getting under her feathers. Perfect. ’And I honestly don’t remember who that kid was.’ Calen responded sending his knife into the target as it shot away. ’Sometimes I remember bits and pieces, some specifics but try as I might I can’t know who he was.’ Calen ‘explained’ being a lot more careful with his not directly answering the question this time round. Calen then swapped with Prism in his way to the firing array. ’How do you deal with failure?’ Calen asked keeping his knife out and kept fidgeting with it as their conversation progressed.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Siuwa on September 06, 2018, 09:47:28 AM
The target shatters in the air before Calen's knife made contact allowing it to fly through freely. Catalina walks in from just inside the firing zone to more closely among the group, having listened in for a while and fired the shot that stole the hit. "Circumvent the element that caused the failure. Oh, am I not supposed to fire before answering the question?"
Cat was not sleeping well, the flight to Amity Colosseum in Atlas for the tourney being so close. So he went here doing some practice and voila, people with an ongoing topic he's really into. "Violence only works when it's self-defense, or it will just perpetuate the myth of danger. The motive behind hate if not personal stems from the feeling of difference. It's the feeling of alienation that provides the fuel of hate and breeds fear of the unknown. They are not one of us, they do not think like us, they value things differently than us. That makes one hate and fear. That's why we hated homosexuality." Cat spoke with disappointment and frustration, having had to deal with people like those he described before. Then it turned to condemnation as he went on, "If it's neither, then it's either spite, which is just not the case for people have enough to worry in their daily lives, or greed. The country did not manage to convince themselves Faunus are just animal because they are stupid or trolls, it's because it works out for them. Keeping the Faunus there in near-slavery provide them with cheap menial labor and plenty of Dust to run their military-industrial complex, it's greed. It makes more money, armies, and technologies. As long as the number ticks up, they will be all to happy to continue. They can't be just convinced or educated, they have to be exposed. Same deal with discrimination of women back in the days. Also, while the court aims for justice, it does not obsess at the truth like maths or science does, just 'good enough to not ask ridiculous questions' will do when it comes to law. There might not be a better substitution, but that is not ideal."
"Now, hello again Calen, and would you please explain how exactly does this game of yours goes?"
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on September 09, 2018, 01:09:26 AM
“Oh my fucking god.”
The anger bubbling right beneath the surface comes to a boiling point with Prism as she’s interrupted by a total stranger, whirling on her heel to stare him down as the hummingbird physically grows larger - every feather on her wings poofing up, making her appear just that little bit larger. “M’kay, listen to me you random-ass dipshit, who apparently thinks it’s perfectly appropriate to burst in on a conversation between strangers without even bothering to fuckingintroduce yourself. Firstly, violence does not only work in self-defense - for every goddamn faunus that fought not to be confined to some tiny little island off the coast of Mistral, you’re disrespecting a legacy that’s been fought in blood and tears for the necessity of assuring our fucking freedom. Violence in times of oppression is necessary, despite all it’s fucking tragedies. Secondly, you’re both right - hate stems from a combination of ignorance and greed, which tend to combine into this nasty little cocktail of letting people get away with fucking warcrime-worthy exploitation as those in power convince themselves we’re not really people!! That misinformation fucking spreads, rendering entire populations convinced that we’re just animals and painting violent pictures of faunus who simply want to mind their own business - which leads to further fear and hatred while they take advantage of something they view as just a resource! It’s a self-perpetuating cycle, if y’all haven’t figured that out!” She finishes, stomping her foot in emphasis at the last words. “And what’s this bullshit about hating homosexuality? For fuck’s sake, I’m bisexual! Don’t have your ignorant ass make assumptions like that!”
The hummingbird gives a few angry breaths after the end of her tirade, before an especially deep one gives her the wind she needs to keep going - whirling again to stare down Calen. “Thirdly, you living embodiment of a limp dick who literally just admitted to being racist, I don’t think anybody can really trust your viewpoint on this entire matter, at like, all? You repeatedly dodged questions until I cornered you between your pride and your desire to win, and honestly, I still don’t think you’re telling the truth, since that excuse of yours barely counts as an answer - especially with all those details about how the kid snapped his neck you gave us.”
She stares him down as he asks his question and the target fires. She barely takes her eyes off him to transform her weapon to it’s glaive form with a flick, before swinging it through the air and sending a massive aura crescent flying down the range - slicing the target clean down the middle.
Glancing to see the results of her efforts, the clean slice of the target is satisfying enough her feathers lie flat - but not before pointing the sharp end of her glaive directly towards Cat, sending that glare towards him. “You, introduce yourself.”
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on September 10, 2018, 11:39:18 AM
Taking the time to actually listen to the responses, including the strange newcomer’s, had proven to be a very wise choice. Not only listening, but he also tried to understand the intent behind the words, too. When Calen had tried to incite Smokey’s anger by bringing his father into a discussion about murder and justice (which is the only reasonable explanation he can think of), the bastard had only succeeded in tipping Smokey off. There was clearly more to Calen’s intentions than what was said, and “this” game was merely a Freudian excuse.
Unfortunately, that realization might’ve come too late. Prism, who up to this point had been advocating non-violence and discussion, had snapped and been reduced to shouting, name-calling, and saber-rattling. Granted, Calen wasn’t the one to set her off, but it was probably only a matter of time before he did. So, although Prism’s only real crime is describing Calen’s redeeming qualities, she needed to calm down.
Which is why when she points her glaive at Cat, she’ll quickly find the blade pinched between Smokey’s glowing index finger and thumb and unable to move. ”Yeah, yeah, we get it, you’re big and scary. How ‘bout we don’t point weapons at people, alright?” Smokey says.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on September 11, 2018, 06:38:50 PM
Calen sighed, breathing hard knowing that he would have to use his semblance twice again to reclaim his knife as it sailed through the now empty air as Catalina had shot the target first, effectively losing him the game. Breathing very hard as he returned Calen was about to introduce Catalina, Prism and Smokey to each other before he was caught rather off guard by Prism’s outburst. If you can’t win, ensure no one else can either. Calen thought to himself echoing a lesson his mother had taught him a long time ago, one which permeated much of Calen’s actions.
’Now who is bringing up their fantasies Prism? But by and large I agree with you, violence shouldn’t be restricted to self-defense, you’ll always be at a disadvantage that way. But it’s meaningless to concern yourself with small-minded racists and ignore the institutions that protect them and encourage them, there will always be bigots just like there are sexist and homophobic people now but without legal actionable power, they will just be noise. as I'm sure you have experienced in your personal life.’ Calen responded simply.
Calen leaned back against the wall, trying in vain to get his breath back. ’Anyway introductions, the person you are pointing your glaive towards is Master Catalina Glenn, the person doing the pointing is Miss Prism Skylark and over here we have Master Smokey Emberstone. But yes a simple game one asks a question then launches the target while the other fires at the target, unable to move until having answered the question. First one to miss three times loses, speaking of which you just cost me my third miss Master Catalina so what is your prize Prism?’ Calen continued as jovially as the exhausted boy could manage. The game had been fun, Calen had learned a lot about his fellows and planted several false seeds in their minds in return, some truths had come out as well but overall Calen thought he had won the informational aspect of the game. Still Calen was happy to continue the questions but the rules of the game had to be obeyed, otherwise, there was no point to these proceedings.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Siuwa on September 13, 2018, 10:19:53 AM
...
Catalina listened to Prism's explosive response and other's added points. Yeah, right, there's one big deal. "I should make myself clear, I have never subscribed to the idea that homosexual people are somehow different from anyone else bar their preferences. I was trying to use it as one of the examples of how xenophobia can cause racism. As for the situation where violence might be justified, I would have added the defense of and fighting for rights into the list but that opens up another can of worms. For example, what is an oppression? How do you expect to respect someone who killed and/or will likely kill your family to what is essentially furthering their own interests? Because that's how it felt to some of the people whose slaves demanded emancipation. It's not only that what is right, it's also about how people felt. I'm not going to doubt the objective effectiveness of the Faunus Rights Revolution, but it did leave a poor taste in some people's mouth and it's not just the slavers."
"Anyway as Calen said I'm Catalina Glenn, nice to meet you both and sorry for the intrusion Miss Prism, and if you would be so forgiving to let me join with one miss, to give back Calen the fair chance he deserved?" Catalina lightly bowed at the apology. He also spoke in a much more humbled tone then he is on the current issue, because he has something to ask of her: he is interested in joining the game.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on November 27, 2018, 04:45:22 PM
Prism pauses for a moment as Smokey pinches the tip of her glaive, stares for a moment, and then sighs to himself. He’s not wrong - the new guy’s interruption didn’t deserve to have a weapon pointed at him. She tugs the weapon once or twice to at least signal she wants to remove it from the man’s immobile grip, before it’s transforms back into a simple steel box she slings behind her waist. Prism likes to pride herself on her self control, but after getting clocked in the face with a massive gun, listening to a creepy dude imply he knows more about some family’s murder than he should, and probably getting a concussion - well, she’d let her temper get the better of her. She lets Calen respond as she takes a few slow breaths to calm herself down, before starting from the beginning. ”Right, uh. Sorry about that Catalina - Cat? You didn’t deserve to be snapped at, much less have a glaive pointed in your face. It’s been a long night, but that really isn’t an excuse - so, yeah.”
Secondly, Calen - you’re actually right, as much as I hate to say it.” She admits, turning to face him. ”But it’s something that needs to be addressed on both levels. Institutions need to be dealt with in order to assure the perpetuation of classism and racism doesn’t continue, but the education of small-time racist and bigots is still important, because it’s one less person who agrees with those types of values. You can’t have one without the other, because those bigots support and form the institutions. Micro to macro scale and all that. Man, I really shouldn’t be doing doing this with what’s probably a concussion.” She finishes, rubbing at her forehead.
As she finishes her reply to Calen, she turns to Cat again to listen to his next point. She crosses her arms as he begins to speak, talking about the definition of oppression, the “bad taste” the Faunus Rights Revolution left in the mouth of some people, about how the people who enslaved faunus feelings should’ve been considered - and before she can stop them, the words are already leaving her mouth. ”Before we continue - Cat, I’ll put this politely and ask you to reexamine your words. The Faunus Rights Revolution happened so that the rights we earned would be upheld, and so that we wouldn’t be confined to Menagerie. You’re telling me that faunus shouldn’t have fought and rebelled to insure they weren’t isolated for the rest of the world, because they should’ve thought about how humans felt? About how the people who initially enslaved them felt? Because to me, you’re basically stating the faunus shouldn’t have fought back against the mistreatment we endured.”
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on November 28, 2018, 11:04:56 AM
Smokey waits a bit before releasing Prism’s weapon, mostly to make sure she won’t turn around and swing it at him. It looks like she’s regained her composure, though, at least for the moment, so he deactivates his semblance and watches the gun go back into storage. Jeez, when has Smokey ever de-escalated a situation? If he’s having to play the voice of reason, something ain’t right.
And he has an idea of what that something—or rather someone—is. Smokey looks over at Calen, who is the primary instigator as far as he’s concerned. Prism may have gotten her feathers unruffled for now, but it’s only a matter of time before he gets everyone riled up again. Now that he thinks about it, it didn’t matter if Calen’s murder story was true or not: its sole purpose was to get everyone’s goat. And Smokey fell for that hook, line, and sinker. He’s not going to let that happen again easily, though.
Noticing Calen’s condition, an idea pops into Smokey’s head. ” I think Calen should take the “L” on this one. He looks like he’s about to pass out,” he says to Cat when he offers to join the game. Turning to Calen, he adds, ”No offense, you should probably go get some water or something, sit down for a bit. I ain’t tellin’ ya’ to leave, but it looks like you should sit out this next round.”
As far as the political discussion is concerned, Smokey doesn’t really care. On one hand, he totally gets the whole “non-violent solution” thing Cat’s going on about. War kills people and all that. On the other hand, some people won’t listen till you punch them in the face. And if someone tried to enslave him, someone would be dead in a ditch. Still, Smokey doesn’t have a dog in this fight. The only reason he was riled up before was because he had a sneaking suspicion Calen was involved in a murder.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Siuwa on November 29, 2018, 05:02:02 AM
Cat doesn't know the full story of Prism's encounters before he showed up, but it would be rude not to accept that explanation. "I understand. I am at least partially at fault after all."
Cat nods to Prism simply stating the obvious solution of 'why not both'. "So, large-scale international social engineering. Diplomatic pressure from the top down and education from the bottom up. On a personal level. refuse purchasing 'blood Dust' and contact your local representative. Join protests and write a blog, or at least share one on the internet. Sometimes it takes just one viral social campaign to change the entire society on the views towards a subject."
Catalina silently inhales as he failed to simply join the game and put the Faunus thing to be a side discussion, but he argues his points nonetheless. "No, you’ve mistaken the conclusion. The Faunus Rights Revolution is fought for equality, not supremacy or extermination. Meaning, after the dust is settled and the rights enforced, you are still going back home, meeting the same people you did before the fighting, sometimes even people you once pointed your gun towards. Dehuman- depersonalization is a strategy favored by war propaganda throughout history, but all it does is let people fight harder, not reconcile their differences and admit where they have done wrong, which was the actual goal back then. If the target is to coexist peacefully and fairly with who you are fighting, then it follows that how the other party feels should be taken into consideration on the peace table. This is also the reason why the 'collateral damage' by 'overly enthusiastic soldiers' is an unacceptable endeavor even in a war of conquest and chemical and biological warfare in no circumstances whatsoever: the aim is to defeat the combatants to achieve gains, not to inflict mass suffering; that would be an absolute atrocity both in humanitarian and utilitarian terms. Therefore allow me to reiterate what I said, that even in an open rebellion such as the Faunus Rights Revolution the feeling of the party you are fighting against is important. For one it can allow the belligerents to reach peace more easily because it is more likely to be acceptable when it's understood that's it's not personal and for another, it avoids leftover tension and resentment when the war is over. Therefore, fight if you have to, but treat your enemies like they are someone you fight because you have to, not some sort of monster that you just throw aside,"
Catalina’s expression turned stern, “And I’m sure you never did this, but never compare a person to the Creatures of-” Cat wanted to finish the sentence but realized what he meant probably goes without saying.
Then he deflates again, “Sorry, but I probably have strawmanned you there. I shouldn’t have implied that you thought the slavers as inhuman.”
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on December 04, 2018, 05:22:36 AM
’I appreciate your concern Master Smokey but I can assure you I’m only 60% likely to pass out.’ Joked Calen. Smokey very much had a point, although neither Calen or Prism were in particularly good condition Calen was definitely doing a worse job of hiding that fact. Although suggesting a drink might not have been the best idea as Calen made his way back to the table, stumbling slightly, to retrieve his ‘coffee.’ The alcohol was doing a lot to smooth over the pain Calen was feeling but he knew that would be temporary. It might be a good day to call in sick, he was ahead on school work and there were all sorts of stuff he could get up to in his team’s dorm alone for an entire day.
’I appreciate that Prism but I’m afraid the same can’t be said for myself. Individuals are a symptom, a possibly deadly one sure but again I know the people who hate the Faunus enough to seriously hurt one aren’t likely to be swayed by logic or facts. What education do you think you can provide which will be more impactful than massive institutions which in a very real way control our day to day lives? How many ‘Racists destroyed by facts and logic’ compilations will you need? Hundreds? Thousands?’ Calen argued but clearly not taking it particularly seriously, starting to have a little trouble maintaining eye contact because of his drunkenness although luckily for him at least he words had started to slur. ’Although if you are having trouble with the pain I do have something that might help with that.’ Calen remarked pointing at the second cup of ‘coffee’ Calen had poured which had remained untouched since the time he first offered.
’There are real consequences for every action you are going to ever make in your life Master kitty cat. A people trafficker probably uses at least some of their slave money to better their family but do you think about that if you had the power to bring them in? The issue is there will be consequences by writing a blog or exerting diplomatic pressure if those consequences would prevent your action you would never get anywhere, not that writing a blog would do anything in the first place. Furthermore, people use chemical and biological weapons all the time, what do you think pepper spray is? Liquid plastic? But you are right the slavers shouldn’t be compared to the Grimm, the slavers are far worse.’ Calen remarked his voice rife with condescension as Catalina tries to argue his point. It was an odd position to hold and Calen would be interested in listening to Catalina explain it further but then again there is probably a reason why he hadn’t heard of this even growing up in a family of turbo racists. It’s a bit silly.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Moth on April 21, 2019, 05:11:40 PM
"Don't drink that, Cat. He's spiked it." Prism answers, letting her weight lean on the staff of her glaive as Calen bumbled his way through another reply. As much as she enjoys arguing politics, doing it barefoot at 4 am with a likely concussion probably wasn't helping her case. Likewise though, she couldn't just let Cat's rather... peculiar take... go unfettered. She had a bit too much pride for that.
"Cat, while your system works fantastically in a vaccuum, you're not thinking realistically." She answers, settling in for the long haul. "Never once in history prior to Greyed War or the Faunus Rights Revolution did humans even think about what the faunus were thinking, or what they felt. What was important was the cheap, easy labor and the debasement of a species that held the same level of intelligence that humans had, in order to retain the power structure they'd grown so fond of. Humans have literally done everything that you've claimed is so unrighteous in the drive to oppress my species - collateral damage by overenthusiastic soldiers, mass slavery, all of that stuff - with the goal of achieving mass gains through inflicting suffering that the absolute last thing the faunus should be focused on is how humanity feels, considering that every inch of freedom we've gained has come at the cost of bloodshed from your species' hands. So like, jesus, dude, we did exactly what you claimed and fought we because we had to, because you guys were the original monsters."
"And Calen's arguing for the sake of arguing now, so he's getting ignored. Prism finishes sighing to herself.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: ReaperJoe on April 21, 2019, 10:45:31 PM
Once again, it has to be reiterated that Smokey is not particularly politically inclined. He never really studied the Faunus Rights Revolution, and most of his opinions on Faunus in general had been built from personal experience. And Smokey's personal experiences consist of fighting and avoiding people. In short, Smokey does not have a strong opinion on the Faunus one way or the other.
So, the fact that Smokey sees a flaw in Cat's argument does not bode well for his position, though he's not quite sure how to go about pointing it out, especially since Calen and Prism jump on other more relevant issues. But he can't keep his mouth shut on this one, for some reason, so he starts talking, "So, uh, let me speak from personal experience here. When I'm fightin' somebody, I don't give a rat's ass about their 'feelings'. My only goal is to put them down and make sure they don't get back up." he pauses for a bit, thinking about where he's going with his argument.
Eventually, he speaks up again. "If anyone tried to put me in chains, I'd blast 'em faster than you could say 'Beowolf Bait'," he says, his tone deep and serious. Smokey's never been one for mincing words.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Siuwa on April 22, 2019, 12:17:48 AM
Common sense, drink from your own servings and don't leave drinks unattended. So Cat only peeked at the drink once and drank from his own bottle of water.
Cat has to turn his brain gears for a bit before coming up with a response, because they are correct. "I'll take your word for it, Smokey, but what if the person you are fighting is not just some random person? What if it was someone you care about? I am not saying you should fight any less fierce for your freedom, and I won't deny that greed prevented humans from basic morals, not until the Great War and the Faunus Rights Revolution. The absolute last thing the Faunus should be focused on is how humanity feels, but it is a thing both Faunus and Humanity have to go over at some point, simply because we will live together in freedom. But that's not until you have taken back your deserved freedom, whether by force or peace. Is that an acceptable position for you?"
"And no, pepper spray and tear gas are not actually used in wars precisely because they can be classified as chemical weapons, they are only riot control agents for that reason. I'm not sure why you think he's only arguing for the sake of arguing, Prism but I'll say that the people traffickers' families are absolutely taken care of by welfare programs if they are eligible, and I dare say that this money that are wrongly made is put into good use." Cat still feels like he should engage with Calen despite what Prism said, ignoring people is a not a good way to get points across.
Title: Re: Stargazing [Open]
Post by: Kingnoname1 on April 24, 2019, 12:01:02 AM
Calen tutted as Prism continued to technically incorrectly accuse him of spiking the coffee. 'I made the drink and choose to put alcohol in it, that's not spiking that's called having fun, it's unfortunate you are so new to the concept M.. Prism. We should rectify that sometime maybe with a less political topic of conversation.' Calen remarked with a sly smile, personally, there was little more that Calen would like to do than talk about something clearly getting under someone else's skin outside of perhaps fighting but it was clear the topic had lost its appeal to most here. It simply wouldn't do for Calen's ego to be refused and as such, even in his drunk state, Calen was in touch with the undercurrent of the conversation and knew when he had pushed a little too far. Calen did also smile widely as Prism said 'you guys were the original monsters,' in his opinion she was very right.
'Remind me never to get in a fight with you Master Smokey I feel I wouldn't do well with you as an enemy.' Calen laughed and patted Smokey on the pack in response to his perhaps a little overly dramatic sentiment. Not that Calen minded at all, however, prone to flights of overly dramatic sentiment himself it did a lot to form a connection where there might have never been one. 'I think the point everyone is making Master Cat is that all of this worrying about feelings and whatnot come after, a fighter lives in the present not just for their own safety as to avoid distractions but also because in that moment the present is all that matters. And it appears we are in agreement there' Calen intersected hoping at the compromise seemed adequate for all parties involved.
'I never said they were used in war I simply said they were used, if it is wrong to do something in times of war then surely it is also wrong to do it in times of peace... or civil unrest because obviously there has to be a reason to use the chemical weapons in the first place. My point was that there are circumstances in which we allow the deployment of chemical weapons and most of us don't question it despite all knowing it is a war crime. Perception of right and wrong have as much to do with how well someone can keep themselves ignorant of the subject matter and said consequences as they have with genuine morality.' Calen answers Cat in a much more straight forward manner than he normally does.
Calen laughed a bit at Prisms accusation that he was simply arguing for the sake of arguing, she was right of course but sometimes being right meant very little if everyone else was wrong. 'You aren't entirely correct Prism but there is definitely a grain of truth there. I am simply involving myself in the conversation to be polite rather than any genuine interest on the matter. But it does seem to be a topic that is drawing out a fair amount of aggression, that isn't always a bad thing of course but it isn't the best at four am and me being the only one drunk, perhaps a topic change is in order?' Calen asked happy to let the conversation slip back into less dramatic topics in the suspicions on him also lessen,