"It's nothing important." Ayaka quickly replied, nonchalantly lifting the bag, "Just a bundle of fabric and whatnot."An adorable bundle of fabric. She thought, quickly moving the bag out of grabbing distance.
     "I've been thinking of improving my combat attire, as well as some casual apparel." Did that sound normal enough? Best to just change the subject, and luckily enough Iron took the bait.

     Unable to resist a groan at his claim of jealously Ayaka sniffed, "I feel no such thing nor do I feel the need to participate in such fruitless excursions for the sake of vague romantic attractions." Who needed relationships anyways? True, Isabelle and Iron weren't on the unattractive side of the spectrum but Ayaka had always seen them as allies at the very least.

     The red tinge spread slightly to her cheeks, tinting them a healthy pink as she entertained other thoughts despite her stony expression. She'd be lying if she said she didn't ever think about dating, but that was not on her immediate concerns as of late.

     Wait...did she just fall for her own diversion?

     She cleared her throat once more, wondering if she needed water, and said, "So, considering Iron's so out-of-character performance, I'm guessing Isabelle was right. What do you plan on doing next, though? If you're planning on buying stuff for the dorm I guess I could assist. If not, I'll be one my way if you two want to be alone again."

     Maybe she should buy some other stuff to cover up her initial purchase. It was another matter altogether to hide the damned doll later...Claim it a gift for a relative? Maybe? Anyways, whatever choice they made she had to get her story in order.
   
     

     It took a while but Kei finally managed to get through the lock, having the other students look for one piece of junk or another or for her key that she supposedly dropped. In one swift motion, the thief spread some of the dust on the floor on the lock, pressed a laminated document she snagged a while back against the scanner, then pressed her palm against it.

     The door opened with a mechanical whir and the simple yet annoying obstacle slid away to allow the students in. Sorry guys, Kei thought, but there are more important things at stake than their silly mission. She slipped in, wondering if the door closed automatically or not, but it stood open while the others were busy doing...well nothing. If they saw her walk in they wouldn't be none the wiser anyways. She- er - he was an employee here. At least on the outside.

     As Kei stalked through the suspicious caboose she heard muffled sounds of arguing just ahead. The room was lined with sheets of steel way too heavy to be moved individually and had a few deactivated Atlesian Knights just standing at ready on the sides. An alert would probably cause them to hop back into action but as it was they seemed content with just staying stiff as statues. Kei thanked her luck that the lock worked, otherwise she would have to deal with getting caught on top of being shot at by the train's security detail. Another door barred the way and it was just as locked as the previous one. Another splash of dust and the same trick later she got through and walked in to sounds of...was Professor Nox yelling?

_________________________________________________________

     "I will NOT participate any further in this project, Jonathan!" Despite his wiry frame the Professor stood firm and slammed a fist against a large white pod behind him. It looked like an egg flattened on one side, resting on the floor supported by several mechanical arms, wires, and large amounts of tubes feeding fluid and power into the device.

     "A theory does not give right for experimentation of living, breathing subjects!" Nox continued, "We don't know what would happen if a person's aura can handle such strain, nor can we measure without further research. I dropped this years ago because of that and even you supported my decision!"

     Jonathan smiled. "See now, William. That's where you're wrong"

     "What? This is clearly an aura pod, that means you have someone inside!"

     "Some thing, William. A vegetable has no emotions nor can it feel pain. Not that it was a person to begin with anyways. Nobody is going to miss a Faunus-" Jonathan practically spat the word, "Not to mention White Fang scum. Just because you're desperate to feel the same way as them, to feel emotions the same way, doesn't mean you should get in the way of progress William, not when you've contributed so much to this endeavor. Perhaps in the future we can even create devices capable of enhancing conscious, living souls. Think of the possibilities! Every person has the potential to no longer fully rely on mechanical weaponry to fight Grimm and terrorists alike. All it would take is a simple machine-"

     "And huge amounts of dust." Nox cut in, "Just give me the plans, I need to see everything before I make my decision..."

     Jonathan's thin lips stretched into a smile once more, "Now that's the William I know. Professor Ovid would be glad to hear you've come on board."

     "I haven't agreed yet, Jonathan. I'm merely interested in the schematics."

     "Of course."

     A loud crash echoed throughout the chamber, and Jonathan pulled out his scroll. Atlesian Knights all throughout the car sprang to life and and started marching towards the source.

     Jonathan stood straight, raising an eyebrow at Professor Nox. "I'm sure it's nothing. But we can't be too sure."

     Nox could only scrunch his eyebrows at the words, taking his hands away from the machine before pulling out his own scroll.

 ___________________________________________________

+1

Approved

Bird boi has feather throwing knives? Approved. Well as is at least. DM me if you plan on making changes or not, then I'll rererereview

"Well, whatever you preference I guess I could always brew something if need be." Shiroe said, tilting his head at Lilla's question. "No, not a person. It's a type of herbal infusio- it's the type of tea." He sighed. This team is going to take a bit of work to get used to.

     It didn't take much longer for Shiroe to prop the chilled cookies into the oven and set the tea on the table. The aroma of bergamot filled the air as Shiroe begun pouring tea into four different tea cups. His personal cup was white, with a silver trim and a rather modestly decorated base. His cup for Reggie was there as well, a deep purple with gold engravings almost, if not as fancy as his own garments. Unfortunately the cups he brought out for Lilla and Akel were simple modest whites with not particular decorations on them as of yet. He hoped he could find proper ones for them soon enough.
     "Please, help yourselves." He said, taking his side nearest the kitchen area while he sipped on his freshly brewed tea. Goosebumps ran across Shiroe's neck as the strong aroma of the tea filled his nostrils, it was a while since he last had such a powerful aroma. Perhaps it would not be to his new team's liking as well. he did not, in fact, add sugar or whatever cream to the tea pot sitting on the table. Who knows, maybe they're used to bitter stuff.

     Just to be sure, Shiroe started rummaging about the cupboards for his store of sugar and cream.

"Then I guess I won't be getting an answer." Ayaka couldn't help but scoff to hide her disappointment. This far into the tourney and that was all he had to say? Pathetic, and as she thought he was nothing but a stone- no, a pebble in her path.

With the short respite that she got she was ready for another wave of attacks and her hand itched to let loose her blade. It was evident that her opponent was buying time. Evident that he needed a set-up for his attacks. But no matter how long he waited, how long he schemed, there was a difference between fighting, and simply playing a game.  To Ayaka this was no game.

Energy rippled through Swallow's Bane, humming like a fine tuned string, begging to be released, singing for freedom. The power, just like her motivations, came from her and her alone. She relied on no one, not even her team, and she believed that if she failed, no matter that cause, it would be on her and her actions alone.
Just a little longer, Ayaka thought, caressing the handle of her blade. Just a little while more. The moment would present itself and she'll end the fight as swiftly as she would a swallow in the wind.


Aura:72%
Status: Winded, Blade charging for several turns. Patient.