-
Stepping off the transport, Martin and his mother look around in awe at the surroundings, for different reasons - Blaze because she had lived her whole life in the deserts of Vacuo and never imagined a place like this, and Martin because he was excited to be back in Vale, and permanently this time.
"C'mon, Mom, let me show you around," Martin said, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement. "Well, uh, the parts of the area I got to see at the tournament, anyway." He pulled on his mother's arm, but she didn't budge. Her face was a strange mix of wonder, hope, and dismay.
"I hope I made the right choice coming here..." She pulled a small picture of Cerise out of her pocket, and looked at it with sadness.
"Hey, I've got my friends looking out for her, they're good at what they do so I'm sure it'll be alright." He pulled again, and this time, reluctantly, Blaze followed, putting the picture away. "Hey, you remember that girl I was telling you about after I got home from Vytal? Sakura? She had her main shop somewhere not too-too far from here. Or there's the hills, great view of Beacon from there. Or what about a walk on the docks to catch some of that sea air and relax? Oh, I did find a great place to grab a bite to eat while I was here, if you're hungry."
"My, Martin, you're full of energy today," Blaze laughed. "But I really should be getting to the shop, I have to do a final interview before I've officially got the job."
"Hey, I'll walk you there, and point out the places I remember on the way," Martin enthused. "This place has some pretty cool sights, I think you'll like it here."
((I have no idea if LuckyStar/Sakura is still even here, because it appears their last post was last year at Vytal, hence my decision to not head for the shop just yet :p ))
-
It usually took Saffron a few days to get accustomed to being in a new place but Vale had always been different. Remaining a midpoint between the extremes of all the other Kingdoms made it feel like a second home which she never really left. Still this was the first time she would be here as part of the Atlas delegation. Tugging on her uniform nervously Saffron continued wandering around the city looking for a dust shop. She had long learnt that Atlas customs held on to her dust whenever she travelled for weeks at a time and wanted to be fully stocked for whatever training was in store.
Curiosity caused her to poke her head into the local soup kitchens and she how they differed from home. Saffron's Atlas uniform drew a lot of unpleasant stares so she quickly moved on but still caught a glimpse of the man serving; young, pale, extremely thin but serving with a smile and those around seemed appreciative.
Continuing on Saffron finally stumbled on a dust store; giving a sigh relief she walked in, greeted the owner with a wide smile, and started browsing their wares.
-
Martin walked into the store, ushering his mother in. "Well, this is the place," he said.
"Thank you, Martin, I'm glad you were around," Blaze replied. "I might have never found my way here on my own, these streets are so confusing.
"Yeah, lucky I was here last year for the tournament, right?" Martin laughed. "Anyway, guess I'd better head off, don't want to miss my first day at BeacOOF!" His statement was cut off as, upon turning to leave, he literally bumped into what one might describe as a brick wall of a woman, with hair almost as red as his own, and nearly falls back onto his behind. "Sorry!" he said sheepishly (sounding very much like a male version of a certain person who does't exist in this worldline).
-
He has got to see me. Saffron thought to herself as boy slowly but steadily backed into her. She could probably dart out of the way but it would of likely make more of a commotion so instead she place her hand firmly on the boys shoulders and carefully moved past him.
Smiling at his sheepish apology Saffron responded softly as she walked past. 'That's OK young man, best of luck at Beacon. Maybe I'll see you there.' Saffron then collected several vials of wind and fire dust and continued to the counter to pay.
'So what took you two out of Vacuo?' Saffron asked the boy and who she assumed was his mother while she waited to be served.
-
Martin thought about whether it was in his best interest to be completely candid with this (somewhat intimidating) complete stranger, but in the end, decided that between 'seems nice' and 'everyone I met here last time was pretty cool', it probably was a good idea. "My mom got a job offer - right in this very shop, in fact - and I tagged along because I made some friends here last year when I was in for the Vytal Tournament and thought it'd be a chance to see them again," he replied. "Not to mention getting away from a few bad memories." He looked her over, noticing distinctive signs of 'home' (or possibly some other mainly-desert area - Menagerie?) amongst the signs of other, further places. "What about you? Or am I mistaken that there's some Vacuan history in your life?"
-
'Close.' Saffron smiled. 'I'm originally from Menagerie but I did spend a bit of time in Vacuo when I was young so I might still sound like one. I think it's how I roll my 'r's.' She then slightly stiffened her quills preempting his likely second question. 'But currently I live in Atlas so I understand that sometimes it's time to move on.' Saffron continued gesturing to her uniform.
Paying for her dust Saffron started to load her hatchets. Locking the loading stock back into place she gave a satisfied grin to the boy's mother and her server before turning back to Martin. 'So if you were in the Vytal festival last year I suppose that would make you second year? I've heard a lot of good things about Beacon I'm sure it'ill be a good fit.
-
Martin's eyes widened at the mention of Menagerie, and further at the sight of the quills. "That is... awesome!" He grinned. "I mean I've met faunus before, but I mean, usually just like cat, or dog, or monkey, or hare, fox, that kind of thing, common stuff. This is definitely a first." His expression hovered between excitement, embarrassment at his outburst, and a general 'should I ask if I can touch them?' look.
"Yep, second year, though," he smiled slyly, "between you, me, and the people who saw me at the tournament last year, living in the mean streets of Vacuo has given me plenty of out of school field experience, if you get what I mean." He stod as tall as he could, puffed out his chest, and did everything he knew how to make himself look just that little bit tougher than he really was. His mother, meanwhile, laughed faintly from behind the counter, having just finished her final interview and started her job just in time to catch her son's display.
-
Lix usually never had much of a chance to explore the town of the Vale colony, being only able to see it from way of there beyond Vale walls of the Reinhardt castle. While it may not be outside of Vale in terms of geographical terms, but being sheltered there most of her life meant she is as new to the land of Vale as a foreign student. Regardless at least Lix knew how to read her copy of 'A traveler's guide to Vale' and it came with a complementary map. Lix sighed as she finally reached her destination, a shop.
Most of the time, Lix never used the powdered version of dust unless it is for her shield, which in it's yellow box form hung and weighed down her belt to a loop side. But interested in seeing prehaps if she could use the tiny particles of crushed up Dust crystals to use the effects of her semblance. Not only will it boost her combat capabilities, it would make her stuff last longer based on her theories. Now it is just a matter of application. Adjusting her belt, packed and loaded with crystal canisters the size of a firecracker, she steps it to find two strangers conversing with the shopkeep happily smiling.
Lix looked around in awe before approaching a glass contained which held sealed vials of dust powder, her left hand glowing a bit thrlugh her dangerous looking glove. Lix then dashed towards what seems to be a glass display of crystals, but was disappointed. Reaching into one of her pockets of her belt, she pulls out a canister and shakes out a crystal, long like the canister itself and then compares it, and hust as she suspected, smaller. Lix reseals her canister before approacbing a dust dispenser and staring at it in awe. Looking around, unsure of who to ask, she looks at the faunus and waves shyly towards her before mouthing with an inquiry on what this machine do.
-
Saffron raised an eyebrow at Martian's reaction. It wasn't one she was used to, fear or annoyance or grudging acceptance maybe but never something so joyful. 'Well here I am. An Echidna Faunus, in all my glory.' Saffron laughed before turning to the door, her nose twitching as she sensed another person entering the shop. A little girl it seemed, a bit overwhelmed by the store dashing from display to display. There is a charm to their innocence I suppose, I wonder if I would still be like this if I had stayed with my father.
Noticing the girl was having a bit of trouble and the staff seemed busy with other customers Saffron deftly made her way over. 'So is there anything new in Vacuo, I haven't been there in years? I think there still is a bit of a grudge between the two kingdoms.... I'm so sorry where are my manners, my name is Saffron de Cortez. May I ask yours?' Saffron asked Martian as she slipped away towards the girl.
Grabbing another container Saffron mimed out the action of transferring the dust to try to help the little girl out and pointed at the labels on each tube stating their type. Saffron then tossed the container to the girl and gave her a reassuring smile.
-
Martin observed the silent exchange between the two, smiling, before answering, "Martin. Martin Roja. And this," he said unslinging the red and black blade from his back, "is Gradus Bellum." He gave the weapon a short practice swing, before he caught his mother shaking her head out of the corner of his eye. "Uh, yeah, guess I should probably be a bit more careful with that," he said, strapping the blade back into place. "I can show you better, if you're interested, somewhere... less likely for things to get broke or people to get hurt," he laughed. This Saffron seemed nice enough, Martin imagined he could trust her.
"As far as Vacuo goes, there's rarely anything new there," he laughed again, a little less cheerfully. "Sand, sun, the academies, bandits, Grimm..." His face darkened somewhat on that last word, but he quickly forced himself to brighten as much as he could. "You know, there's a few things I'll miss, but for the most part, good riddance to that sandy sauna." He wasn't being entirely truthful, but something about his demeanor gave off a vibe of 'I don't want to talk about it'.
-
Lix watched as the faunus stepped over to help her. How nice she thought. Lix watched the faunus girl, who clearly looks older and more feminine compared to her lack of curves. Finally understanding how the dispenser works, she formally bows and smiles with words of thanks. Seeing how she was being nice, Lix took a guess that maybe she knew more of Vale then she looks. Then something flashed and it caught her eye. Lix raised an eyebrow, even though she was staring at the direction where Martin is, her lack of male awareness blinded her of his existence. It was then she rubbed her eyes did she see him again. But her interested was not on Martin, but the blade he wielded on his back. Approaching it, forgetting that he was there, she leaned close and stared at the sword. Simply it looks like. Lix reached out to grab the hilt but her hand instead presses against Martin's chest and she jumps back with a small shriek.
Upon realizing her mistake, the Reinhardt girl begins to bow profusely in apology and for once she audibly spoke, "I-I I am so sorry! I am s-so sorry! I-I have this personal p-problem um um...I am sorry I apologize! Upon my pride as a Reinhardt I am one hundred percent at fault for what happen please forgive me!"
-
'Nice to meet you.' Saffron answered turning back to face Martian. She was apprehensive when he drew his weapon but assumed it was just his nerves playing up because he is in a new city and talking to a stranger. The girl seemed to be getting along fine so Saffron nodded, 'Sure Martian I'd be interested in seeing what you can do. I feel the same way about Menagerie, I miss it maybe in the first and last few seconds of every day but most of the time I’m glad I moved on.' Saffron decided not to press the Vacuo thing, she was still curious but understood there was going to be stuff this Martian wouldn’t tell her right away.
As they walked out Saffron was tapping away on her wrist console so she didn’t notice Lix reaching for Martian’s weapon and was silenced by her overreaction. When Saffron recovered herself she opened her mouth to speak but decided against it, I’m sure Martian has this under control. So instead she just backed away slowly to stand by the door.
-
Martin tenses at the sudden contact, completely unexpected as it was, but calms when the girl goes into full flustered apology mode. "No, no, it's alright," he said in his best soothing voice. He still looked confused, and briefly glanced over to where Saffron had been with a 'help me' look on his face, but too late, the faunus was already gone. He called out after her, "Alright, see you around! It was nice meeting you!" Turning back to the smaller girl and the situation at hand, he stuck out his hand to ofer a handshake. "I'm Martin. I'm actually new in town, though I was here briefly last year for the Vytal tournament."
-
Lix looked down and fingered her wavy hair apologetically before taking Martin's hand and gave it a firm shake, just like how she was taught. The girl looks up before clearing her throat, her eyes still shifted to the blade but focus quickly back to Martin. The Vytal Festival piqued her interest.
"Ooh! You fought in the Vytal Festival! That's cool! Um... right introductions! My name is Lix Reinhardt! I'm rather new as well to town... Um funny thing js that I'm actually born jn Vale, lives in Vale, but not in Vale as you might think... Ever saw a giant castle in the distance that looks like it makes the peak of a mountain? Yeah... Having a family castle is weird a life..." Her attention then shifts to Safforn and she skips over to her and gave her a hand shake as well and bows. "And thank you Miss? Ma'am? I don't know but thank you! I have never seen such a cool thing in my life! A dust dispenser? It's like learning how to extract crystals like these!"
Lix quickly produces a canister and shakes it a bit to show that there is something inside before stuffing it neatly in her belt pockets.
-
"A castle? I can't even imagine," Martin replied in awe. "So either you've got a big family, or a lot of empty rooms, I guess, huh?" He laughed. "Anyway,
it's nice to meet you, Lix."
-
'Saffron is fine, no worries about the dispenser everyone has a first time after all. But Reinhardt... I've heard of that family, recordings of old Vytal festival matches often find their way around Atlas Academy. You come from a strong line if their performances are anything to go by.' Saffron responded studying Lix a bit closer, intrigued at the differences with that family. But I suppose I look nothing like my half-brothers or half-sisters so maybe it's not all that special. Saffron continued internally
Saffron noticing the store filling up and becoming a bit self-conscious about taking up space near the door way she tried to move their talk outside. 'Maybe you should pay for that before the store gets too crowded, and then we could even help figure out what to do with them while giving Martin here an audience to watch him show off. I remember there being a park nearby that could be a good place if neither of you have any more business hear.' Saffron smiled.
That was a bit as an assumption I suppose, maybe living the a castle has left her ignorant of dust in stores but it still has a place in her arsenal. Saffron thought to herself as she played over their interactions again in her head.
-
Lix turned to Martin and bows her head in embarrassment while muttering under her breath something about having a very big family. Nontheless she smiled at the idea of someone being interested in her place. Well it belongs to his mum and dad for the time being until she is older enough. But Saffron's comment on her family line made her go red.
"O-oh! Right... My family used to take part in those back in days... They still do but being 'The Shields of Vale' meant only the children can go while the adults manage airships who come in and come out for the festival. As for the strong part... Um... yes... a very strong line..." Lix cleared her throat before looking at Martin with a smile. "Yeah let's move to the park, I want to see what else is there to Vale after moving to Beacon~"
-
"The park sounds great," Martin smiled. "Vale seems to be a pretty lucky place for me, every time I come here I end up meeting some cool and interesting people. Wonder if living here is going to change that..." He approached the counter, wanting to let his mother know where he was going. "Hey mom, I'm gonna go relax at the park and chat with my new friends," at least he hoped they would be friends, "for a little bit before I head to Beacon to check in. Have a good first day, don't overwork yourself!"
"Alright, Martin, have fun," Blaze replied, and moved off to serve her next customer. "Just don't wait too long, don't want to miss your first day, right?"
"Alright, ladies, now where were we?" Martin grinned a cheesy grin as he returned to Saffron and Lix.
-
When Martin walked off Saffron turned to Lix seeing that she seemed bothered Saffron place her hand on the girls shoulder and tried to comfort her in a soft and sypathetic voice. 'You are more than welcome to come of course but if you don't feel up to it don't feel obliged on our account. We have just met after all, it's not unreasonable to be cautious.'
Saffron was back to all smiles by the time Martin got back however, giving a bemused snort to the idea she was a 'lady' by all but the most derivative definitions. Opening the door Saffron stepped out on the the street ruffling her hair, scratching the base of her quills, before turning back to gesture her companions to follow her. Giving another glance to her console Saffron said. 'I've got a park just a few blocks over, should work unless there is somewhere in particular people want to go?'
Because Martin seemed not completely willing to talk about his past and Saffron was still a bit unsure about Lix she decided perhaps keeping the subject on her might be best until they get to the park. 'So do any of you have any questions about Atlas? I'd be happy to answer them. My adopted homeland has a poor reputation but they are good people... well most of them anyway. Saffron asked her grin growing.
-
Atlas. Lix admitted to herself, there are some nice people in Atlas. Especially those who want to cross the bother into Vale. The Reinhardts have cousins there too. The Gungnirs. Fierce, stinky breath, foul mouthed, they live in the cold of Atlas as amazing mountaineers of the country. But Lix is not going to ask about the family blood in Atlas, but rather something she has been curious about the whole time.
"What kind of Faunus are you? And speaking of Faunus... It is rare to see a faunus from Atlas..." Lix said,
being careful about her wording as she had some semblance of the discrimination being stronger there, somethings she wished being well read did not bring.
-
"I mostly just know Vytal Island and the area around the docks, so if you have somewhere in mind, that's all good with me," Martin said. "I don't really know all that much about Atlas beyond the stories, like the whole 'the academy took over the military, then the military took over the country' thing, which I guess I'm probably over-simplifying, and, well... the shameful institutional racism." His eyes darkened. "I just, I can't understand the whole 'if it's different,
it's lesser' mentality. But yeah... that's completely off-topic, and probably not a topic you really want to be talking about, I'd imagine... Sorry."
-
It's never what's the highest mountain in Atlas? Or how is the food? It's always personal questions. Saffron thought to herself as she mentally composed her answers, slightly regretting bringing up the topic in the first place.
'We'll get the easiest one out of the way first, I'm an Echidna Faunus.' Saffron began, once again stiffening her quills. 'As for Faunus in Atlas, there are actually quite a few, they just mostly work in the dust mines rather than in more recognisable positions like combat academy students or diplomats.'
'As for the Atlsian political system, originally, when it was still Mantle, the political system was an elected council just like it is here in Vale. With the fall of Mantle however the capital moved to Alsius Academy and the infrastructure which had grown out of it during the Great War which was then renamed Atlas. People still live in Mantle by the way, it's just used more for housing miners and weapon tests now. But yea the holders of power in old military complex now capital were well military and as such rather than democratically electing council members they maintained their power through military rank' Saffron continued not really looking at either companion, instead the passing buildings or her console.
'Institutionalised racism is definitely present, although getting better, but it's not really about being different. It's not being called animals or half-Grimm or whatever. It's about that the kingdoms, particularly Atlas, relying on a cheap source of labour. That means, it's not about fear or hate or anything so exotic or meaningful that is keeping us from true equality. It's money plain and simple.' Saffron's smile turned sour for a moment as she focused on Martin but she quickly brightened up. 'And I don't mind talking about it, it's the only way things are going to get better after all.... well the only way which is worth it anyway.'
-
Lix listened to Saffron talk about Atlas, and she felt kind of bitter for asking such a personal question as she followed the echidna faunus through the foreign streets. But another questioncame into mind as they walked after Lix eyed an ice cream stand. Facing the faunus again, Lix asked with a very curious tone,"Is the ice cream in Atlas good?"
Lix then blinked before muttering herself as she blushed. Perhaps thst question was a bit too random. Lix racked her brain, she needed better social skills in life. The girl has no confidence in making friends at all in society, it is more like friends make her.
-
Martin had to laugh at the sudden awkward innocence of that question. Clearly not a mocking laugh, as his face stayed warm and friendly and the laugh was equally warm. "I never would have thought of that one, you know?" He smiled. "But now I kinda want to know too."
-
Joining Martin with a deep laugh which continued for some time before Saffron managed to calm herself down. 'Well I don't think there is really such a thing as bad ice cream.' Saffron answered still chuckling softly. 'Although it is rarely the weather for it I guess it's just another one of those crazy northerner things, eating ice cream when the temperature outside is colder than the treat itself.'
Turning the last corner to the park Saffron made her way to a bench with a pod, not dissimilar to the beacon lockers.Taking out of the locker an old twelve string guitar Saffron sat down and strummed a few cords before look back at her companions. 'So Martin, what did you want to show us?' Saffron asked patting the space next to her for Lix to sit down.
-
Lix laughed, she could actually understand that idea. Whenever it was winter in Vale the Reinhardt castle will be freezing cold if it was not for the many heaters laid strategically about the building. However her younger brother had an odd habit of eating ice cream while sitting in the snow on a cliff looking over the forest and beyond. Lix then raised an eyebrow as they approached the park. There was a pod there, kind of like the Beacon Rocket Lockers, just there. But it seems Saffron was the owner and Lix was surprised to see it was a guitar inside. Seeing the signal, Lix dusted her dress and held it as she sat down before nearly laying it out on her lap, flicking her head as to get a stray strand of loose hair away from her face, looking curious as to what Martin wanted to show.
-
"Alright," Martin said, unslinging the blade from his back. "I introduced her at the shop, but now's the time to show her off a bit. This is Gradus Bellum." He made a couple of quick (very quick, for the size of the sword) test swings, before tapping a button on the hilt and spinning it like a staff while it began its transformation into polearm form. "The base two forms - which I just showed off - are kind of a family heirloom, the sword form goes way back, and my grandpa was kind of a weapon nut -
which I guess I inherited a bit of - and stripped it down and added the polearm form. I myself," he continued, "added this." Tapping another button on the polearm's shaft, he tossed it gently into the air as the weapon contracted, unfolded, opened up at one end, and fell back into his hands in a less bladed/pointed form.
"This is a 7.62 caliber, mid-long range, battle rifle. Or, as I'm sure I've heard somewhere before, 'it's also a gun'." He gave a short laugh, and resumed. "All three of the forms have gotten me out of some scrapes both at Vytal, Shade, and in the deserts of home." He shifted the gun back into polearm form, did a short demonstration of staff/spear combat kata, snd shifted it back to sword form to sling back on his back. "You may be wondering why I'm showing you all this," he said quietly. "Well, I like my friends to know what I'm capable of, and my opponents to know what's coming. I'm honestly hoping you two will be both of those, my grandpa had a saying, 'you'll never know another person as well as when you meet them on the fields of love or war'."
-
Saffron sat still during Martin's entire speech her facial expressions shifting from bemusement, to anticipation and then to apprehension. Placing the guitar carefully on it's back on the bench Saffron stood up and brushed herself off before turning to face Martin. 'Which one of those makes it more likely for me to get a box of chocolates.' Saffron remarked with loop-sided smile.
Drawing one of her hatchets, Saffron held it in two open hands so both Lix and Martin can see them clearly. 'Regardless, so you aren't at too much of a disadvantage these are my weapons, I have four of these hatchets which together I call Black Blizzard. In the head of the axes lies a quad-barrels shotgun which normally fires dust augmented slugs. Their secondary form are boomerangs but their shotguns are still active in this form controlled by the console I have here.' Saffron explained, pointing at the inbuilt barrels, showing a slug which glowed blue, how the hatchets looked in their boomerang form as well as pointing to the console on her wrist.
Sheathing her weapon Saffron looked at Lix and gave her an encouraging smile so she would hopefully have a bit more confidence if she would like to share.
-
Martin stared intently at the display of Saffron's weapon(s?), amazed by the craftsmanship and technical impressiveness. When she finished, his mouth was somewhere between 'agape' and 'grinning madly'. "That... is... AWESOME!" He rambled for a moment, a mostly-unintelligible rapid-fire burst of words, but every now and then something snuck through ('awesome', 'guns', 'does it come back', 'aiming', and such), before regaining composure. "Sorry, I just kinda lose myself when I see cool weapons. Always had a thing for great workmanship and function, and yours has that in spades, as far as I can see." He turned to Lix with as charming a grin as his excited, geeked-out self could muster. "No pressure, if you don't want to show off that's cool, but I'd sure love to see what you've got." Realizing how that could be taken, he stammers a bit before correcting himself, "I-I-I mean, I mean your weapon!"
-
Lix barely understood Martin's showcase, mostly because it was mind boggling mechanic stuff only her uncle Eugen would understand. Lix however tried to look not so confused as she nods at certain points of his presentation, and at least Martin did not delve even deeper into the mechanics.
The girl then jumps in her seat when Saffron stood up. Wiping her brow she listened to Saffron, which was much easier to follow compared to Martin's. However something told her she would have a go as well, when Saffron smiled at her small stature. Lix gulp before taking a stand herself and after adjusting the neck area of her shawl, she grabbed hold of the metal box that hung on her belt before flickking a switch with a small click, and it a short birst of movement from the box it revealed itself to rhe two as a large heater shield but small enough for Lix.
"Well um... obviously it is a big yellow heater shield that is made from you know stuff. Anyway um... It has dust functions to charge an impact hammer at the end here, as you can see by that protrusion. Just be careful its sharp. Anyway um... It's a pogo stick as well... Yeah and.." Lix drives her shield into the ground and leans on it, and took off her left hand glove. "This is Incutio, my main weapon of choice... N-not much really other than it uses dust crystals rather than dust powder, a large chunk too. But the main reason... Is my semblance, it can draw energy from dust crystals..."
-
Martin listened intently, the corners of his mouth turning down when Lix's descriptions got vague but returning to full-upward position quickly upon hearing some of the interesting features. "Pogo stick, huh?" He grinned. "Pretty cool stuff. And that glove... I mean if it wasn't for the fact that it sounds like it kinda relies on your semblance to really do much, I'd say I wanna have a closer look, 'cause that sounds pretty impressive. Never seen a weapon, or semblance for that matter, that actually harnesses dust in its crystal form. With an ability like that, plus the whole castle life thing, I guess it kinda makes sense why you looked so overwhelmed in the dust shop."
-
Ah the old Freudian slip, poor kid is probably feeling a bit overwhelmed as well. Thought Saffron as she phased out during Martin's two rounds of fanboying but was quickly brought back into focus at the mention of semblances. 'You don't have to go into details Lix if you don't want to, in fact it would probably be safer if you didn't. I'm sure neither Martin or I mean you any harm but it is still a bad habit to get into talking about your semblance to basically strangers.' Saffron warned protectively as she sat back down and picked up the guitar.
Strumming a few cords Saffron turned to Lix and asked'How about you tell us about what you want to do with the powder you brought, it's true they tend to be more explosive but crystals have their benefits to.'. Saffron's mind whizzed trying to remember all the dust lessons she had had on the subject in Atlas in case there was any questions.
'I'm always up for a fight though Martin but we should probably have it another day, we don't want to bore Lix with our boorish ways' Saffron grinned, smiling wider at her simplistic play on words. Or maybe I am being over protective, she is a huntress-in-training and maybe some adrenaline might help with her nerves. Saffron thought as she studied the little girl once more.
-
Lix looks down at the lack of enthusiasm from the two, but she guessed she deserved it for her poor performance. Lix looked up again when Saffron took interest in her semblance. And she sounded rather protective about it. Lix rubbed the back of her neck and gave an awkward laugh. Lix puts her glove back on and went on to answer Saffron's inquiries.
"Um well one is for my shield, the impact hammer still needs dust and um I hope they don't mind..." Lix lifted her shield up before leveling it slightly off the ground. Flicking a switch and a loud pound came from Lix's shield's impact hammer giving the dirt a large puncture before placing her shield down and using the hole as a stand for her shield. "Another is a theory of mine that is based around my semblance, which was only a recent discovery and d-don't worry ma'am... I trust you both, you were nice enough to showcase your weapons anyway and mine lacked... flare. Anyway um so I can use dust crystals, and dust powder is just grounded up dust so they could be less... explosive. Well that's my theory, the ability to utilize dust so I would not need to always to rely on dust crystals for my abilities. After all um... Dust crystals are explosives themselves in their natural state. My semblance kind off... turns them into ticking grenades after using them once a duration is up... Incutio fires them away from me and warns me when said time is up." Lix then jumps at the idea of a fight. It would be interesting. Lix then shakes her head in response to Saffron's want to do it next time. Clearing her throat, Lix never thought she would do this but she was boring enough with her presentation so the idea might lessen the tension.
"I, um... Princess Lix Reinhardt of the Reinhardt castle... Wishes to see your battle... yeah... j-just so it..." A big red blush went over Lix's face before she hid behind her shield in embarrassment.
-
How can this girl be so ridiculously adorable? Martin thought to himself, wearing a goofy grin. "Well then, if Her Highness requests it, then so be it," he said with mock formality - even throwing in a little bow. "A quick match before I go to Beacon to check in shouldn't hurt. That is, if Saffron's up for it."
-
'Born ready Martin, do you wear any armour? If not we can get started here and now, we have the space.' Saffron answered reaching again into her pod for a series of thick metal plates which she placed evenly around her uniform. When the last one was placed they quickly entwined to construct Saffron's plate armour.
'There is nothing wrong with simplicity Lix, it's what you can do with them which matters. Thank you though for trusting us. It sounds like a fascinating semblance, one I would like to see in action after this. Saffron continued as she mulled over the 'princess' title. Heiress's she had seen a lot of, too many, but this was her first princess.
Maybe it's just a ceremonial thing, like the General's Own units. Didn't Vale lose it's king at the end of the Great War? Saffron pondered as she drew her hatchets and started bouncing on the balls of her feet, ready to lunge forward at a moment's notice.
-
Lix took up her shield and shifted it back to its box like form before taking at seat back at the bench, bring her shawl over her face in embarrassment of what she said, and what the two were teasing and interest in her abilities.
-
"Ready whenever you are," Martin said with a confident grin, drawing his sword. He smiled in Liz's direction before turning towards Saffron. "Just say the word."
-
'Remember I have a year on you so don't let your pride get you injured before the first day of school. My CO wouldn't let me hear the end of it.' Saffron warned as she backed away and gave Martin some space before the fight starts.
'OK then, let's see what you have got, little man.' Saffron remarked as she turned back to face her opponent. About fifteen meters away Saffron shifted both of her hatchets in her hands into their boomerang forms and threw them at Martin. She then dashed forward, already with the second pair in hand ready to let loose a volley of hatchet strikes.
Saffron's Battle Data
2x4% Boomerang throws
-
Lix watched, her eyes trained in their movements. Lix took her scroll out and tapped a few commands. If there was anything different about Lix's scroll, it was modded with several combat based commands and apps meant for analysis and more. Lix took a picture of Martin and Saffron before watching the scroll process it. From there it gave accurate data of their aura gauges. Lix then smiled, now she has two new game characters to use for her scroll action 2d fighting game. Lix continued to be quiet and observant, wondering what Martin's next plan of action will be.
-
(Sorry for the delay, been at a friend's place for the weekend+ for his birthday)
Martin sidestepped one boomerang, only to step right into the path of the other. He raised his sword to block, but not fast enough. The weapon makes contact, and he steps back from the impact.
(Aura at 96%)
"I've fought people more experienced than that," he smirked. 'Course I didn't win then, but I'm not telling her that,
plus maybe the implication I'm tougher than I look might shake her a bit. He pushed the button on his weapon, spinning it like he showed in the earlier demonstration, and once the transformation was complete he used it like a pole vault, flinging himself into the air towards Saffron with his feet outstretched.
(Polearm-propelled flying double kick - 5% aura damage)
-
Saffron caught the kick on the flat of her hatchets. Bending her knees and otherwise compacting her body to get under Martin and push up to flip him. If successful, Saffron would plant her food in the middle of second year's exposed back and try to stomp him into the ground. Regardless of the outcome Saffron immediately understood Martin's superior reach means that she needed to remain close to her opponent if she was going to do damage. Already mostly forgotten the boomerang which missed continued it's return journey along the same basic line it left. Kid's got spunk, it's been a while since another student attacked me head on, let's see if he has a brain inside all that heart. Saffron grinned as the fight unfolded. Regardless this is going to be fun.
Saffron's Battle Data
5% Stomp
4% Boomerang
Aura: 96%(Some damage of the kick negated by block)
-
Lix sat at the edge of her seat, the fiery fight getting hee excited to see more action from the two. The girl shrinks back to the back of her seat and check the gauges. Still both at above 90% in their auras. Her attention shifted back to the fight, seeing how the teo will progress.
-
Martin embedded the point of his polearm into the ground, using the strength of his arms and upper body to keep himself vaguely airborne after Saffron's first move. As such, he managed to avoid the stomp, but left himself very open for -
Impact! The boomeraxe hit home, striking his lower (left) arm, causing him to release his dominant (also left) hand and lose his balance. Thinking quick, he used the momentum to try to turn the misstep into an attack of opportunity, bringing his foot down in an axe kick aimed for the top of Saffron's head. He follows through, once his feet are planted on the ground, by shifting his weapon to sword mode, and slamming a fire Dust cartridge into the hilt. Immediately the blade glowed red and leapt into flames, as he (semi)gracefully brought his body around on one heel, swinging the sword across Saffron's midesction. "Guess I forgot to mention that part," he said, with honest apology in his voice. "Honest mistake, wasn't trying to hold anything back. I meant it when I said I like my opponents to know what to expect."
(EDITED TO ADD:
Aura: 92%
Axe Kick: 3% depletion
Blazing Sword: 5% depletion)
-
Boy's got his core strength down, that's for sure. Saffron thought as she stepped in closer, avoiding the axe kick and raising up a hatchet for another strike. Plans of course all changed when Martin's weapon was engulfed in flames, a moment's hesitation was all that was required to put Saffron on the defensive against Martin's new weapon. Grinning at her opponent's apology to show there was no bad feelings Saffron got back to the difficult task of blocking a sword with an axe. Interlocking her axes Saffron managed to catch the sword in the haft's of her axes, her aura preventing it from cutting through. Sliding her left hatchet down the blade to try to hook around the cross-guard for a disarm attempt. This was augmented by Saffron spinning around and kicking Martin in the chest helping her push back Martins sword away from him.
Saffron's Battle Data
Kick 3%
Aura: 91%(Most of the fire sword attack was avoided but still takes damage from her fingers getting burnt.)
-
Well - this was unexpected. The axes found purchase around the guard of the sword, and Martin felt the grip sliding out of his hands. At the last possible second, he pressed the button to begin the polearm transformation again, which would, if his opponent didn't catch on, do one of two things: either the guard retracting would pull the axes out of her hands (or just enough to give him a moment to collect himself and consider options, or so he hoped), or would cause the axes to lose their grip and send Saffron stumbling backwards. In doing so, though the extending hilt/haft allowed him to (just barely) keep his grip on his weapon, the accompanying kick from his opponent caught him off guard, and sent him sprawling to the ground. To Martin's dismay, the fire Dust clip chose that moment to eject (as the polearm form had no Dust function, and the clip was spent besides), and dropped on his forehead. Well, that'll leave a mark come tomorrow, he thought, as if the rest of this fight wasn't going to do that already... Haven't been this on my toes since Vytal. He told his opponent as much (or at least the last sentence). "You're giving me a run for my Lien, Saffron. Atlas must have some good teachers." He grinned broadly, and dropped to his hands and knees, assuming a runner's start pose before lunging head-on at Saffron full-bore.
(Aura: 88%[the clip hurt a bit :P]
Lunge: If you've read Martin's bio, the fact that I haven't put a % depletion here should be the clue as to what I'm planning, but I'll be messaging Kingnoname1 to clarify a bit, since the result depends on Saffron's perceptiveness)
(EDIT: I sent the message I mentioned in the last bit, but I don't know if it didn't go through, or if the site has stopped tracking 'Sent Items' for some reason, or if I'm just being stupid and not clicking something to have a copy saved to my outbox or something...)
-
Extending the greatsword into it's halberd form caused Saffron's axes to lose their grip and her to shoot backwards because of the momentum from her kick. 'Likewise, your reaction speed is particularly impressive.' Saffron replied to her opponent's compliment as he seemed to charge towards her. Her electro sensors picking up the change in density and a single slug confirming that it was in fact an illusion which was charging her.
Letting the illusion wash over Saffron kept moving dashing around both collecting her boomerangs and making it harder for Martin to launch a surprise attack. Semblances out it seems, well let's see what he can do with it. Saffron thought as she danced around.
Saffron's Battle Data
No attacks made
Hatchet one has fired one out of four slugs
Aura: 91%
-
From the branches of a nearby tree, Martin watched Saffron 'sniff out' his illusion, so to speak, and silently cursed as she kept herself moving too fast to get a bead on. He slammed an ice Dust magazine into his weapon - now in gun form - and fired a single shot where (he hoped) her feet were about to land. This oughtta slip her up, if I timed it right...
(Aura: 88% (no change)
1x Ice Dust Round (no damage from the shot, potential minimal - ~1% - damage from a slip or slamming into an ice spike)
Position potentially revealed, if Saffron was paying attention)
-
Biting down on her tongue to contain a swear as her boot became incased in ice Saffron quickly had her guns out. Following the sounds Saffron let loose an inital volley of three slugs into the tree. The slugs were augmented with air dust to hopefully blast Martin out of the tree. Keeping her shotguns trained on the tree as she approached Saffron would continue firing if she saw movement again.
Saffron's Battle Data
3x3% Shotgun slugs, damage is unlikely due to cover.
Both in hand hatchets have two out of four shots left
Aura: 90%
-
Martin's descent from the tree was graceful - until the last moment. He landed squarely on his butt, and yelped in pain. He did, however, manage to catch his weapon that the assault had forced him to drop, inadvertently tapping the button to shift it back to sword mode and ejecting the Dust cartridge. Scrambling up from his forced seated position, and brushing dislodged leaves off himself, he charged towards Saffron, moving side to side in a serpentine pattern while doing so, and upon reaching his destination, swung his sword upwards.
(Aura: 87% (the tailbone bump)
Upward slash - 5%)
-
Keeping up the volley as Martin charged Saffron let loose another four rounds before being forced deal with Martin's sword. Her foot still encased in ice Saffron's options were limited so she tried to halt the upward sword swing before it hit anything vital with an X-block with her hatchets. Unable to bring most of her strength to bare because of her locked in footwork Saffron had to dig into her aura supply to augment her block so Martin didn't break through.
Saffron's Battle Data
4x3% Dust slugs
All in hand hatchets are out of ammo
Aura: 86%(Blocked the sword but took aura damage to augment block.)
-
Martin sidesteps the first slug gracefully, but took the brunt of the remaining three. He grinned as Saffron's axes held his sword in place - exactly what he had expected her to do. He quickly converted his weapon to gun form and, using the stability Saffron's own block had provided him, fired a volley into her midsection.
(Aura: 78%
Unaugmented volley: 6%)
-
Locked in place Saffron was forced to take the brunt of the volley Saffron abandoned her right hatchet and used the now free hand to grab around Martin's rifle, using that to pull the rifle, and him, closer. If successful Saffron will strike out with a series of short, fast blows aiming at Martin's upper body and arms with her remaining hatchet. While she was still stuck to the ground Saffron couldn't afford to let Martin slip away again and therefore did everything she could to maintain her assault even if she couldn't even establish forward momentum.
Saffron's Battle Data
Hatchet strikes 3x4%
Aura: 80%
-
Martin reeled from the blows, managing to avoid the last one by sheer luck, being that he 'tactically dropped' (read: 'tripped') over a loose stone. Nearly losing grip on his weapon, he barely managed to keep hold, switching it to polearm mode with the tip pointed towards the ground behind him and the butt of the shaft aimed for Saffron's midsection. If she managed to dodge the pole, he would use the momentum to carry him into a kick.
(Aura: 70%
Pole thrust: 4%
Kick: 5%)
-
Busy trying to cut her foot free with her last remaining hatchet Saffron took the pole arms hilt strike on her breastplate, grunting as the strike took the air out of her lungs. Now with most of her foot free Saffron managed to duck under kick and stamping down with her free foot, using a small burst of her aura to strengthen the stomp allowing her to pull free. Picking up her spent disregarded hatchet Saffron hurled both empty hatchets in their boomerang forms while making a dive for her other fully loaded weapons.
Saffron's Battle Data
Boomerangs 2x4%
Aura: 74%
-
The hatchets both struck home, throwing Martin for a loop briefly. When he recovered, he saw that Saffron had gotten free, and was once again about to be in possession of her other hatchets. He used the moment's distraction to attempt to reposition, and brought the polearm down in a long arc towards his opponent.
(Aura: 62%
Arcing swing: 6%)
-
Too busy rearming herself to avoid Martian's strike Saffron reeled back from the force of the blow and backed off quickly. Taking a few moments to regain her breath Saffron grinned at her opponent.'OK Martin, you've earned it. The gloves are truly off.' Taking one last deep breath Saffron dashed forward and appeared to begin her assault again. However the first strike was a feint with her right hatchet to get an air dust slug off from her left hatchet at close range to put Saffron's opponent immediately off balance. The rest of the assault was much the same simply with the ferocity turned up a notch with another air dust slug intermingled to keep up the pressure.
Saffron's Battle Data
2x2% Air dust slugs
2x4% Hatchet swings
Aura: 68%