From Rifles And Roses, Chapter One

by **Sonitusia** » Sun Jul 05, 2015 9:41 am

Fauna Pool, Harry 'Harriet' Collins, and Gray Homegarde

As the song finished, Harriet clapped his hands together, impressed and happy with the song. "It sounded nice!" Gray sighed, putting his bass down, muttering, "If you call that good, I have bad feelings for your taste in music..." Harriet scowled, and playfully poked him. "It's good, and I know it! No question." This prompted Gray to smirk, but he didn't reply in any other way.

Fauna wiped the excess liquids that had gathered on the openings of her harmonica with a hankerchief, and put the instrument back into her breast pocket. She eyed Harriet curiously, sizing up the girl for why she would come along to this school. One, she wore a school uniform, though obviously not the official one that might be used at this institute. Two, she had a rather well built frame, so she must actually be very athletic. And three, she felt an aura of anomaly from her. A feeling that she was hiding something. But she decided not to ask.

Harriet caught the British girl staring at him intently, and blushed, wondering what would make her look at him like that. Trying to break the awkwardness, he asked, "S-So Fauna, what part of the British Army are you part of?" Fauna slipped out of her thinking smoothly, and replied, "I was originally a Sapper, and I learned to fix vehicles and cripple structures. I was once ordered to fix a main battle tank, the Challenger II, and that's when I signed up for the Royal Armored." Harriet nodded his head. "So you're a tanker then. What tank were you commanding?"

Fauna frowned, looking out the window before replying, "Well, I trained with a Challenger I during the preliminary testing, so I was supposed to lead a Challenger II afterwards. But as it turns out, I was told to join recon. Drive a Schimitar the blokes said..." She growled silently, obviously displeased with the decision. "I did the top of my class too, broke a few records to boot. But they didn't want me in an MBT for god knows why..."

She then looked back at the girl, and asked, "What about you? What specialty do you have?" Slightly out of ideas, Harriet had trouble forming the words to create his background. "Well... There's not much to say about me," he started, building the sentences in his head while speaking, "I learned self-defense from my father, and he taught me how to fire a gun, and other things." Fauna looked at the blonde, unimpressed. "Is there anything else?" Harriet nervously laughed. "Aha... Well, I'm actually quite athletic, and my father says my main strength is my speed of course." Fauna huffed, but didn't continue asking questions. I know there's much more than what she says...

by **The BranRiech** » Sun Jul 05, 2015 5:55 pm

These two were certainly interesting. Yulian didn't know exactly what to think of the two girls, but at least one of them seemed sociable enough. The other one kind of reminded him of himself when he was younger, back when people in his class would always make fun of him for the way he dressed, or what they thought about his orientation. "Planes are alright, but I like the idea of being underwater, I've always loved the water, so something naval would definitely be a part of my future." Yulian quipped, shrugging as Kylie responded with her lack of enthusiasm for being on the train. He looked her over and shook his head, hair swaying to and fro. "And ground . . . I guess if we pass the entrance exam, I might end up supporting you guys one day, if I get to be a submariner like I want."

Last.FM · by **Corrian** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 11:56 pm

"I hope that I'm not in the water. That would be a bad sign" Callandra chuckled lightly, amused by herself and her comment. Kylie was afraid of the water, but she didn't say anything, letting the two talk. "But that's cool. Submarines are pretty neat" She replied, nodding her head lightly. And they both simply nodded to the last part. But then Callandra got curious....

"So, why don't you want to be here? I figured everyone wanted to come here, so I find it odd that you wouldn't want to be here" Callandra asked Kylie. Kylie sighed, and replied.

"My parents forced me to come here against my will. They trained me to be a soldier, making me use guns, then entered me into here without my consent. I tried to get out of it, but the people here didn't even let me counter... So that's why I don't want to be here. Because I was forced to be here..." Kylie frowned deeply, and pulled her legs up to her body, rocking herself back and forth for a bit to try and not break down in fear.

Callandra actually looked genuinely surprised by that, that parents would force their own child here. Even she had standards. What did the parents expect to gain? Recognition for their family? Either way, while she actually did legitimately be a bit shocked by the situation, she wasn't one to feel sympathy for someone, because what was done was done and there was nothing you could do, or that she cared to do to change the girls situation, but nonetheless she could fake caring. "That's awful. I can't believe parents would do that. Meanwhile my parents didn't WANT me to go here, but eventually they gave in" She decided not to explain WHY they gave in and decided to let her go, since it pretty much involved her being a bit insane and she didn't really want to blatantly show the world that she was a little...crazy. Because the fun of it was hiding that fact.

by **Videssos** » Tue Jul 07, 2015 4:20 pm

In another one of the train's passenger compartments, Kaoru had decided to pass the time by reading a book, The Demon of the Lonely Isle, or "Kotō no oni," by Rampo Edogawa, as the vehicle moved on towards its destination. As usual, the black-haired trap was clad in what was nothing less than a Gothic Lolita maid costume. Of course, that made him stand out, even if he generally avoided social interactions. So far, though, Kaoru had managed to remain inconspicuous, somehow. Perhaps they thought he was weird, perhaps not.

Of course, no one else amongst the passengers, he believed, knew that he was actually male, and he saw no reason to correct them on their misapprehension. It created more trouble if they realised, he had noted in the past. Though there were both advantages and disadvantages to his femininity, and to being thought of as a girl by others. Sometimes people helped him when they might not otherwise. Sometimes they tried hitting on him, or going further.

Kaoru refocused his thoughts to the present. As it was, there wasn't much to do, other than read books or listen to music on his phone. The Partial usually labelled out interacting with people, since he wasn't particularly comfortable with such situations. Though perhaps partially being a spider didn't help. Recluse spiders... well, the clue was in the name.

Socialisation inevitably also meant relationships, with which he'd probably not had the best record. Said record either being somewhat lacking, or somewhat illegal and abusive. Though Kaoru didn't really know a "good" relationship with which to compare such things. Whilst if one were to bring up spiders again, the female recluse spiders tended to eat the males a great deal of the time, as did Orb Weavers, from which came the Darwin's Bark Spider. That didn't help, either.

Of course, though he would not properly admit it, he would not mind being hurt by a sadistic girl. As long as he didn't die, that was. Then he couldn't experience anything, any more. That had to be a bad thing, Kaoru supposed. Even if good and bad were subjective, and innately flawed concepts. It was hard to tell when to ignore them, and when to use them. Maybe people ceased to matter as soon as they died. Alternatively, they could still exist, as spirits, or as the aftermath of what they did, or the memories of them that survived. Perhaps it did not matter. One could spend quite a long time dwelling upon such philosophical matters, but for the time being, Kaoru returned to the book.

by **TriStates** » Thu Jul 09, 2015 8:01 am

2nd Lieutenant Sozin Yamagoto
Two Girls, One Sharpie

God, why? That was the question. At least for Sozin, as he managed to pick up what little honor he had left, and slither through the door opening that Lilliane, that witch, had left when she had exited the cabin. Half-heartedly, the Invictus Lieutenant trudged through the train, only to crouch in a nice secluded corner near the last car. It wasn't pretty! The aura of depression and suppressed anger that surrounded the teenager said as much.

Why should he have been subjected to such an embarrassing punishment? Him! An upperclassman, and an officer no less, over a mere misunderstanding. Hmnf! Its not like he had done it out of any real deviancy! There was hardly anything there to grope... Might as well have been air! The cadet would have most likely continued along this line of thought.

But then the world exploded, in a brilliant flare of raining glass, a roaring motorcycle, and a familiar face screaming,

"WOOOAH, MAYDAY!"

Staff Sergeant Alastair Lynch & Corporal Ylva Ueslute
Duffle Bag Dragging & A Soggy Bowl Of Cornflakes

Damn! I'm late for school!

The thought echoed through Alstair Lynch's mind for the n-th time as the Staff Sergeant serpentined through the Valston City mid morning rush. Looking into his rear-view, Al cringed inwardly at the sight in the mirror. Through his helmets face plate, a half-groomed and bleary eyed 19 year old stared back at him. One thing in particular, was the large crimson welt that he knew was on his forehead. A wound, truly, sustained in the line of duty.

In this case, a mad dash down the last flight of stairs of his apartment complex, that ended up with him macking out with the lobby marble floor. Maybe the only thing worse were the giggles he got from a group of Aer Vis hotties who had seen the whole thing. The sound of their laughter was almost sweet enough to make up for his looking like a fool. And to top it all off, here came the red light.

With a curse under his breath, the Sophomore Cadet brought his Norton Commando to screeching halt. The beast of a bike, no longer roaring, growled idly as both man and machine waited for the go signal.

Fuck all hell, he was behind schedule! A capital L-A-T-fuckin'-E!

While waiting, he might as well get on the horn with the person who usually had their priorities straight. Damn, she was supposed to have gotten him up today! She knew he had been dog tired from being out on summer maneuvers this whole week. The least she could have done was make him something to eat! Syncing his Net-Set to his helmet, hitting her well known number on speed-dial, the connection began to ring.

Once, twice, three times...

Women... seriously...

Ylva slowly opened her blood red eyes as the sun slowly shown through her blinds of her room and on to her slightly tanned skin. She yawned wide, revealing her wolfish fangs and rubbed her still sleepy eyes. She slowly sat up, letting her soft blanket fall off of her developed but fit body that was covered by only a bra and underwear. She climbed out of bed and groggily walked in to the bathroom with a towel and music device.

She plugged her music device in to a dock and played Last of the Wilds by Nightwish, a song she enjoyed for it's serene melodies, and then proceeded to undress before climbing in the blazing hot shower. She scrubbed her hair and washed her body thoroughly, feeling not only her body but her mind wake up. After her reinvigorating shower, she stepped out and dried herself off before wrapping the towel around her body and unhooking her music device from the dock.

Ylva then walked out of the bathroom and opened a window, letting the steam from her shower ventilate. She then proceeded to her dresser and pulled out a pair of underwear and slipped them on under her towel before removing said towel and putting on a bra then her school uniform, then her motorcycle bodysuit over that. She put on her motorcycle boots, fingerless gloves, and put her shoes in her backpack along with her other school things, before grabbing her helmet and proceeding out the door.
She walked passed her housemate Alistair's room and peered inside to see him deep asleep. She knew she was supposed to wake him up, but since he had recently come back from a mission she decided it might be better to let him sleep in. She crept in to his room as best she could, and examined his alarm before tampering with it to try and adjust the alarm, only to fail and mess it up in a way she couldn't understand. Instead she just decided to leave it and see what happened. Ylva walked out of the room and outside to where their motorcycles were parked, swung a leg over her midnight black crotch rocket with a custom paint job and climbed on before starting it up and revving it a few times. She pulled out of their garage and sped down the street.

A few minutes in to her ride, she stopped at a red light, and looked across the street and there was a small food place, and pulled in once the light turned green and she rode across the street. She walked in and bought a half dozen breakfast burrito's. which she placed inside her backpack for safe storage before continuing her ride out.
Not long after, as she was speeding down the street following a path highlighted in the H.U.D. of her matching helmet when suddenly off to the side she noticed that there was a call incoming by none other than Mister Lynch. As she approached another red light she reached over and touched a data pad that was on her forearm under her bodysuit sleeve to answer the call. She spoke with extreme femininity in her voice cause she knew that he was upset, and hoped that her voice could maybe defuse the situation;

"Afternoon sweetie, did you enjoy your peaceful rest?" She said, nervously bitting her lip.

"Don't get cute with me!"

Maybe that would have sounded more intimidating, had the words not sounded so silly from his full mouth as he scarfed down the remains of a Why-A-Burger breakfast biscuit. Truant or not, he need some man-fuel before showing up to class. Of course, after hearing that familiar tone, the pissed off in him dimmed to a small smolder.

Oldest trick in her book... and it still works, damn it!

That thought teased a wry grin from him, shaking his white-headed hair underneath the bike helmet. While he would never admit it, Alastair always had a soft-spot for that voice. Ever since it belonged to that squeaky, spunky little street kid he had help ex filtrate from depression-torn Berlin 13 years ago.

"You know MAC will tan my ass if he here's I missed the tour for sleeping in," the words were more of a grumble than the shout they would have been. "And on Grand Opening Day too!"

The sudden green light forced Al to step off his soapbox as he gunned the Norton, being the first to fly past the traffic lights and down the freeway. He had thought he'd seen killer traffic when he had been a kid in NYC. I mean, whats one of the first things you think of the Big Apple? Light traffic and Sunday driving isn't one of them. But Valston.. The city was straight out of the land of tomorrow, filled with more braniacs and eggheads per square meter than MIT had in alumni, and even they didn't have a solution for the horrific morning rush. The 'Indy Oh-Five-Hundred', as it was known by the tongue in cheek locals.

"Look, just make sure you make it Navarone before the new kids get there. Otherwise, I'm not the only one the Admin's are going to have words for. We'll take about this, later. See ya."

As he wrapped up the call, Alastair pulled up a interactive map of island transport and transit systems via app. According to this, from his current position, he could make the express as it passed the Valston MagRail station. Free-State Ordinance Law prescribed a forward moving speed of no more than 100 miles per hour when trams and trains were on approach to a station, instead of their usual of 300 to 400. But 100... He could make 100...

Revving the ignition, the Commando's engine roared as the digital speed counter started flying ever upward. Leaning inward, getting his body as close to the bike as possible, Alastair saw the first of his two targets. A highway railing. Under construction, and except for some warning holo-tape and a few construction-bots, completely open to the emptyness of a 50 foot drop. A perfect point to net some neccesary air. Thats when the second objective came into view. The 'Eureka Experiance' Express.

If I pull this off, Mac should give me a freakin' medal!

Grinning underneath the helmet, Al aimed his bike like a missile directly at the opening on the highway.

Of course, even I don't make it-

The sensation of flying, while not knew to him, was liberating nonetheless. Almost as much as the sudden clenching of his stomach as the pressure of falling began to be felt. The sight of the trailing express, car upon car leaving his intended point contact, added period to that sobering thought.

-then thank Ravencroft for tissue cloning!

As the last train car began to pull away, Alastair was now close enough to make out what was inside the large amber windows. One thing that stood out to him, was the curious outline of what looked like a pers- OH SHIT! THAT IS A PERSON!

"WOOOAAH, MAYDAY!" bellowed the 19 year old in his GTFO yell, hoping that the kids perception of what was where was higher than his own. The Norton pushed through the glass, wheels first. Man and machine made landing, hard, inside the now ventilated car, leaving skid marks across the expensively carpeted floor.

Ow, ow, ow, mistakes were made!

Both bike and biker came to a final and abrupt stop against the opposite wall, with a resounding dull thud. All was quiet, for a moment, before a resounding crash roused both people in the car, as the car's crystal chandler, fell from the ceiling. A final note on the crescendo of destruction.

"Thats coming out of my allowance, huh?" questioned Al quietly, to no one in particular, as he looked around in awe of all the crap he'd just wrecked.

"Yep." Came muffled agreement from underneath a seat. Sozin's refuge from the imminent, unexpected danger that had entered his car of solitude. Amazingly left unscathed, except for a slight fire on the headrest. Caused by a spray of fuel from the bikes punctured fuel tank, and electrical sparks from the busted chandler. "How bads the bike?"

"Kaput bro," whined Al, "It'll take me forever to get those dents hammer out. Ylva's gonna be pissed at the repair bill... Hey Sozzy. Think anyone will find out?" Asked Alastair nonchalantly as he pulled up the smaller officer from beneath his hidey-hole. Little fires had started springing up around the cabin, as sparks found pools of fuel.

"Yep... And don't call me Sozzy.." Answered Sozin, readjusting his glasses, as both Sergeant and Lieutenant stared at the wreckage of the Norton.

Then the sprinklers turned on. All along the train.

Hears to the new year... thought Sozin glumly, soaking in his uniform, as he and Alastair tried to discreetly make their way to the center of the train. Shrill girlish shrieks mixed with surprised manly yells as the whole express were introduced to a concept of Eureka. The Invictus Effect.

"Hey, what the fuck is that on your face?" asked Al, peering intently at the words scrawled on his friends large forehead. "Perv-a-tari.. sounds fancy!"

Sozin could only sigh, hanging his head dejectedly. "Got a hat?"

"Got something better," replied the already soaking Sergeant. Dipping his hand into his pocket, he produced a red bandanna.

"Joey." It was stated rather than asked by Sozin.

"Joey." Alastair confimed it.

JUL
Cheaper By The Dozen

When you think of JUL, the word cheery comes to mind. She was actually made for the perfect sunny disposition, that most humans wish they had, but never attain. Alas, we're flawed. Of course, the recent events that had just occurred were really, really, testing that programming. Beaming widely, her expression reminded Sozin of a human skull. He had seen his first real one in the ruins of the Akihabara, during the pacification of Tokyo, while Ravencroft STAG units were wrapping up the War. Right now, that expression was just as comforting as it had been back then. Not at all.

"So, allow me to understand. Because the Invictus officers corps forgot to send reminders to the other two non-commissioned officers leading the orientation, you decided that the best way to make sure you weren't late, was too-?"

"Instigate a vehicular HELO drop on a moving target, ma'am." The wooden expression that Alastair showed as he said those words would have made a Poker Champion sweat. It seemed that a instant criteria for making Invictus was the ability to bullshit in buckets.

"And whats with that?" asked the A.I., rather uncharacteristicly bluntly, at the bandana Sozin now sported.

"I believe its called, 'Swag'," said Sozin.

"Vehicular HELO drop.. Swag.. hmm.." The Artifical Intellegence seemed to sound out the words, as if tasting them.

She couldn't possible be considering that crap... could she? Questioned Sozin mentally. Of course, his face was its normal blank slate. No problem for him pulling that off, since him and that look where nearly one and the same.

At least the sprinklers are now all off. Thought JUL, as she turned her attention back to the two Cadets in front of her, standing at their most erect attention. How un-Invictus of them, she observed. The rest of the newly arrived kids stood behind them, soaking wet, each with a varying looks of malevolence, each shooting a death stare at either of the Cadets presently in front of them.

"Boys will be boys, I suppose." Declared Jul understandingly, nodding her head as if possessing some sage wisdom. "Its like I say in Home Ec: there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!" Much to the shock and disbelief of all present. All accept Alastair, who nodded along, as if it was only the right thing to do. Briefly bending to cheek pinch both Cadets, she turned up the heat on the trains A/C system, allowing for the billowing air to act like the worlds biggest blow dryer on the group of Cadets and prospects.

"Now, how about we get on with the tour, shall we?"

Seeing a raised hand among prospects, all of them having gathered in the central recreation area, JUL nodded to the girl who owned the hand.

"I understand that Eureka is a 'Stand Your Ground' Free-State. What does that mean exactly?"

"Excellent question. As you have probably heard, or read, our laws are different from the ones used in your origin nations. Very different. In our cities, if you were to shoot a criminal trying to steal your automobile, your television, or another private possession, you would not be jailed and charged. There is a full investigation, naturally- we are not the animals the media enjoys portraying us -but we do believe that a crime committed, is a crime committed. And that a person has the right to protect what is his or hers from unlawful search or seizure. Using any authorized weapon."

"How man children have been shot?"

"None, as of Eureka Public Mortuary Records, January 10th, 2025. All our residents Civilians and Citizens, naturalized or otherwise, are taught at home, work and at school that every action has an equal, opposite and balancing, reaction."

"You mentioned 'authorized weapons' ?"

"Rifle, pistol, knives, hands, fists, feet, teeth.. whatever happens to be on hand at the time. Our citizens"- JUL smiled -"are not cleared for nuclear weapons, yet." The two already minted Cadets laughed at the dark joke. Alastair, loud and proudly. Sozin, more of a chuckle. A few forced smile could be seen in the crowd, who for the most part, remained silent.

Turning to the window, they had just exited Valston City proper, JUL pointed at some points of interest. "Coming up, on our left is the first emergency telecom, on the highway parallel to us. You'll find them every mile on every major highway in Eureka. They are hooked directly to an Ravencroft Security Service HQ in whatever city or district the motorist is in, and each one is numbered and monitored by the Civil System. Pick up the phone, give that number, your name and operating number to whomever answers. Then state the nature of the problem, and a R.S.S. detachment will arrive promptly.

"That ain't anything new," declared a athletic-looking prospect. "Guv'ments 'cross the world done tried that before and after the war. Punks rip'em out and screw'em up."

"Sure, in other nation-states," stated Alastair, approaching the other kid. Putting his arm friendly like across the boys shoulders, the Sergeant continued, "But this, this is Eureka homie. Back were you come from, I bet punks like that are usually excused or at least given pampered treatment by petted judges, psychologists, counselors and petunia-picking social workers, huh? Vandalism, and the fucking up of property, is generally accepted as part of a dudes growing up-"

"Yeah, you're in no position to answer this question, Evil Knievel." Interrupted Sozin, brushing Alastair away, while he continued, "Like my ironic-incapable counterpart was saying, we here in Eureka do not subscribe to such stupidity. As you have been told, multiple times by now I imagine, that crime and lawlessness is not accepted here. We Eureka have zero-tolerance for it. Everyone, from toddler and private, to Veteran and Marshal, on up, understands this and has accepted it as part of their moral creed."

"What do you do with the ones you catch doing it, shoot them?" Sozin's first openly snide comment for today. Knowing Civilians, especially those from The World, he had expected it to come a lot sooner.

"No. That does not fix the problem, but ignores it for a simple solution, which is of itself un-Eurekan. We find the problem and correct it. Whether that be through counseling, due to problem being child abuse. Medication, if the problem is mental. Or Labor Brigades, if its just misdirected rebellion: painting buildings, working with the elderly, picking up liter, constructing munitions. Any type of service that would be beneficial to himself or herself and Eureka. Roughly, they will do 20 Eureka Sovereigns of work, for every Sovereign destroyed."

"Thats fuckin' harsh!"

Sozin shrugged his shoulders, "Price of being Paradise."

* * *

Before leaving the train, each member of the tour received an I.D. pass from one of the three upperclassman present, marked CIVILIAN-STAG PROSPECT. It was dated today, and electronically signed R. Ravencroft. The Institute logo was clear in the top right, with the Academy emblem on the opposite side.

"Please, do not lose your pass," cautioned JUL. "You children don't have permanent papers with fingerprints, pictures, and company operating numbers. Our equivalent of social security."

"Why are these papers necessary?" a student asked.

"The Isle is a very special place. Where innovation, creativity and ambition are truly boundless. As such, we are known to given asylum to many so-called "criminals", "agitators" and "traitors" from across the world. Individuals who, for whatever reason, have decided to not make tribute of their discoveries and creations to the State, and have been labeled the former as punishment. Some of the government forces from those nation-states have made repeated attempts to extradite them, and their property, illegally and undercover. While none were successful, it did make the Institute decided to take action, and establish a permanent I.D."

"Explain these IDs." asked by a preppy looking redhead girl.

"Each ID is numbered," Sozin stated. "The same number is one the person's bank account, school record, driver's license, home title and company file. That number, along with the other information, is fed into one of the many central computer banks, overseen by the Civil System. Along with that persons vital statistics, tracked minutely, any and all information on this person is retrievable instantly through a NetSet. Its very easily checked, and impossible to hide ones identity."

"Shit esse, whats next: Ravencroft brand tattoos?" It was said sarcastically by one of the more snarky prospects. A tall, tanned, dark haired Hispanic girl.

Emi Inachi resisted the urge to tell the crude woman to watch his mouth.

Sozin Yamagoto just grinned. "Its past 1984, esse. Besides, we prefer bar-codes." That netted nervous laughs from the prospects. No doubt, they believed it to be a joke. Right? The upperclassman, and the more perceptive underclassman, were among the ones left not laughing.

"Whats the penalty for carrying a false ID?"

Sozin's eyes were chilly as he said, "It's unpleasant. I hope you all have a nice stay at Navarone. It will be as nice as you make it."

Turning his heel in an about face, the two upperclassman present suddenly kneeled, getting into a weird crouch like position.Arms hanging over their bending knees.

"What are you two do-" Emi Inachi began, before the train came to a sudden, unexpected halt. All was silent, expect for muffled shouting and yelling outside of the train doors. The words were unintelligible, but the tone said someone wasn't happy. All the exits on the train suddenly issued a single, loud chime. The minute the entries slid apart, black gloved hands reached in through the doors and grabbed a hold of the people nearest the doors. Three of importance, were Sozin, Al, and Emi. Each was swiftly pulled through the doors and throw, out onto the cold concrete floor of what seemed to be an outdoor train- oops MagRail -station. A shadow fell on Emi, causing her to look up. She soon wished she hadn't. Seeing the motion of her looking at him, one of the young people who had tossed her from the train, he roughly picked her up, had her shoulder the backpack she had been carrying, and bellowed loudly.

"WELCOME TO EUREKA! NOW START A LINE, RIGHT OVER THERE!"

Speechless, and apparently not moving fast enough, the man shoved Emi in the direction of a large parade of students.

"ALRIGHT, PRE-TEST BEFORE THE EXAM, PROSPECTS!"

The loud decleration came from a Cadet who had climbed atop the bullet train engine. Walking the length of the train car, he continued, getting louder with every word.

YOU ARE NOW AT THE ENTRANCE, OF FORT NAVARONE PROVING CENTER. YOU ARE TO GO THE REMAINING 3 MILES, TO THE TESTING BUILDING AT CAMP CORREIGADOR! YOU WILL NOT JOG, YOU WILL NOT WALK, YOU WILL NOT CRAWL, YOU WILL. NOT. STOP. YOU WILL ONLY, RUN! PROSPECTS WHO FAIL TO REACH THE CAMP, RUNNING, WILL BE KICKED FROM THE PROGRAM. PROSPECTS WHO FAIL TO RUN THE 3 MILES IN 1 HOUR, WILL BE KICKED AS WELL. THE DECISION TO CARRY YOUR LUGGAGE DURING THE RUN, WILL BE LEFT UP TO YOU. CAUSE NO ONE ELSE IS TAKING IT FOR YOU."

Turning to both Invictus Cadets, the shouter gave a contemptuous smirk. The arm patches on his uniform were pictures of a snarling Hell Hound. A symbol of the Defion League.

"Good luck Innies..."

Hoping down from the engine in a single bound, the Cadet and the others around the station assumed a single file column, taking off at a fast run. Blazing a trail that the prospects and Cadets, should obviously follow.

Emi, mouth still hanging on its hinge, looked first at the departing party poopers. Then at Alastair and Sozin. Back at the Defion Cadets, then back at the Invictus Cadets.

"He's joking right?"

"Defion's don't do jokes." Sozin stated.

"Oh..."

"Kill.. me.. now.." gasped Emi Inachi. Sweat falling in streams down her face, the Cadet's hand brushed against the cool, clear glass doors of the Navarone main building. Camp Corregidor, as it was called.

"Its not... all that.. bad.." stated Sozin, looking similarly exhausted. "At least we.. made it.."

"Fuck-Suns-Fuck-Runs-Fuck-Doors-So-Thirsty!" The words managed to be almost coherent as they left Alastair's mouth. Pushing past both Sozin and Emi, the Cadet made a bee line for the one water fountain in view of the entrance.. Only to fall from tripping over the threshold. Stepping over his league-mate, Sozin took comfort by kneeling next to a window, and putting his face on it. Emi just tried to keep standing, leaning against a large decorative plant.

One by one, sometimes in small groups, the prospect kids made their way into the large air conditioned atrium. More than a few collapsed once they were inside the doors, rolling their hot and sweaty bodies across the cool polished floor. Those that managed to stay upright a bit longer found comfort in the variety of chairs and couches laid out in the atrium. For a while, there was a small fight for the bathrooms, as both boys and girls made a run for the stalls and the water fountains.

Breathing less hard than she had been, Emi decided Sozin had the right idea. Going to window next to the short, Japanese teenager, she kneeled and put her own face up against the window. Words cannot describe.. the beauty.. of a chilly glass pane! "You know.." began Emi, speaking to no one in particular, "this might not be so bad after all."

"Huh?" asked Sozin, not really paying attention.

"I said, it might not be all bad. Sure, your upperclassmen are assholes-"

"Thanks much-" interrupted Sozin, his eyes rolling.

"-and your laws are weird, your airships are crazy and your train rides suck-"

"I thought that last one would be a high point."

Emi's face got a pinched look to it,"Well, it did start off alright.."

"But..." filled in Sozin.

Turning to face him, Emi's face attained a stoney glare, "They're filled with perverts! Right after it started moving, this guy-"

OH SHIT! He had completely forgotten about that! So this, this was the girl who had fallen on him, and then proceeded to go all Exorcist! The mere fact that she was being civil with him, instead of pummling him into the ground, said she hadn't recognized him either. Readjusting his bandanna so that it covered both the words and a little bit of his face, Sozin continued to listen to her story, nodding and shaking his head to show he was paying attention, all the while planning escape routes from this position. If shit got hairy, he needed a trail to bail from, and quick!

"Well, I'm sure you won't have anymore problems like that here. Guy's probably gonna fall through the cracks or fail something, if he didn't get cut from the run already! Hahaha!"

Cheerful front was not his specialty, but it was probably the only thing going to keep him alive. Because this girl.. she could never find out. Ever.

by **Legatia** » Thu Jul 09, 2015 7:46 pm

Caia E. Savoy
Eureka Island
Fort Navarone Proving Center

The train ride was rather peaceful, aside from multiple girls shrieking, Gray crying, a motorcycle slamming into the train car, and numerous other completely normal train ride occurrences.

Another peaceful train ride occurrence occurred when hands darted out from the now opened doors, grabbing people close to the doors. Eventually, Caia was among those people herded out of the car. Cadets shouted orders towards her and the others, and quickly, she was joining a line- and instructed she had to run 3 miles, with her luggage.

This day can't get any crazier, can it? Caia's expression dropped immediately as soon as she heard.

Thankfully, she was far from unathletic- she'd done sports most of her young life, and was one of the best on her hometown swim team. She won her school's championships the final two years before she left to go to Eureka, the only school which dumps it's prospects from a blimp into the ocean to be rescued by a naval combat vessel, herded onto a bus, put on an elaborate train, and now making them carry every single piece of luggage they have three miles.

This wasn't your ordinary high school, after all.

Taking off her overshirt and tying it around her waist to once again expose her white-trimmed black tank top, she took a small band from her arm and pulled her hair behind her head, securing it in a quick ponytail. Shouldering her backpack, she nodded, before taking off.

About thirty-seven minutes and later, she finally completed the run- panting and gasping as she slowly halted. Almost instantly, she collapsed on the bench, exhausted.

by **Atlannia** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 12:47 am

--59 minutes, 37 seconds since the commencement of the run--

I'm...Alive!..Somehow...

Her legs wobbling unsteadily under her, Lilliane entered the cool building and immediately allowed her suitcase to fall from above her head where she had been holding it. It wasn't as though a three mile was insurmountable for her. In fact despite her short stature Lilliane was surprisingly athletic, something to do with her physiology. On a good she was sure she could manage three miles in well under an hour but she didn't register trying to run anywhere in a knee length skirt and while carrying roughly her own weight in clothes.

Well what else was she supposed to do? Unlike some people who absurdly decided to up and move to a new country with whatever they could shove into a backpack Lilliane believed in being prepared. She had packed only the necessities of course, her laptop and its assorted peripherals, mouse, headset, external hard drive, cooling pad. Several pairs of shoes including, somewhat ironically, a pair of pretty good running shoes the Defion fascists hadn't allowed her to change into. Several dresses and outfits for different occasions and a couple of winter coats, a swimsuit in case there was some sort of mandatory swimming program, she wasn't about to use some tacky uniform affair. Various shampoos, conditioners, skin care products and perfume. A couple of books in case the power went out, nothing too over the top there just ten or twelve of her favourite classics in tasteful leather bindings. Her Father's revolver and bullets for the afore mentioned. All in all Lilliane felt she had been quite conservative, although she supposed that if she had known she would be expected to run three miles with all of it then she would have left the bullets behind, there was no way this place wouldn't have bullets.

As soon as the suitcase hit the floor the short rabbit partial followed its example and collapsed on top of her luggage. One advantage of packing so many clothes was that her luggage ended up being rather soft and served surprisingly well as a makeshift mattress as Lilliane curled up catlike on top of it. She felt she deserved a break, having made it here on sheer force of will and a burning desire for vengeance.

Defion huh?..Hellhounds huh?..I'll show them hell...I'll...I'll eventually the softness of her suitcase and her tiredness overwhelmed her and Lilliane fell into light sleep, lulled by soothing images of Defion cadets being devoured by eternal hellfire. Her ears however, remained ever alert, swivelling and twitching whenever footsteps came too close or the volume in the room spiked

by **Videssos** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 2:56 am

The unanticipated indoors waterfall earlier, that had occurred due to something, or someone, activating the sprinklers, had forced a somewhat irate Kaoru to put his book back into his bag, whilst he himself had ended up drenched. The Gothic Lolita dress now clung to his body as he moved, the material unfortunately being better at absorbing water, than he would have liked. With the speech in due time, the air conditioning was activated, though it did little to help him. Somewhat more fortunately, his makeup was waterproof.

It was a good thing he hadn't brought much with him on the train, for when he exited, he found he was supposed to run three miles. Kaoru wasn't exactly a stranger to such things, though he hadn't before been given a time limit in which to run in decidedly wet garb, and garb that wasn't exactly suited for running, at that. Nonetheless, it had to be done. Though being soaked slowed him down, as did the choice of clothing, he pressed on. He did have an umbrella in his luggage, he mused, though he hadn't been expecting to have to use it inside the train itself. The other clothes he had brought with him were also amongst his belongings, as well as the books, a some knives and assorted weaponry that could be carried. Of course, running with all that would slow him down, and he wasn't exactly that strong, either. Still, he had probably brought less than some people.

Unlike some others, as they came to the finish, he wasn't particularly sweaty, though. The fact that his Gothic Victorian-esque clothes still refused to dry probably helped in regards to cooling his body. Kaoru probably would have proffered to be somewhat drier, though he wasn't exactly going to get changed in front of anyone else. His dark gaze quickly scanned his surroundings, as he took in the atrium of the building they had arrived in, as well as the predicament and plight of a fair number of the other arrivals. He neither complained, nor felt pity for the others. Though not exactly like this, he had survived far more troublesome situations in the past.

He noticed a water fountain nearby, which seemed to be a target for many of the arriving individuals as they finished the run. Kaoru decided to refrain from getting caught up in the rush, instead taking his bearings and trying to remain somewhat inconspicuous at the same time. Though that probably wouldn't work, considering Kaoru was in a Gothic Lolita outfit, which tended to stand out, and moreover, it was still drenched from earlier. His enhanced senses made that all too clear, with the sense of touch being one of the more potent ones the Partial possessed.

by **Sonitusia** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 4:41 am

Fauna Pool, Harry 'Harriet' Collins, and Gray Homegard

Once more, Fauna and Gray were drenched head to toe from the sprinklers upon the train. Fauna groaned, and muttered inaudible curses until they stopped. Gray just poker faced the entire ordeal, probably wistfully thinking about how to hunt down the person responsible. He also put the bass back into its case, lest he ruin the instrument.

Meanwhile, Harriet yelped when it started, and now had a taste of what the other students felt when they fell into the water earlier. "W-Well at least it's not f-freezing!" Harriet tried to say with a straight face, but he was now worried about how he was going to dry his clothes later. The other two just grumbled, and they exited the cabin to join the other cadets, who were being handed out their I.D.'s.

Then came the unexpected, where apparently a group had thrown the three out of the train along with the others. Before any of them could complain, the upperclassmen as it seemed they were told them to run, so run they did. Harriet had finally found his small suitcase, but Gray and Fauna, having not brought much in the first place, were the first to break out.

Several minutes in, and Fauna had somehow lost Gray along the way. But who she did see was something rather surprising, where Harriet had literally sped past her at an alarming rate, carrying the suitcase on her back, and waving at her before continuing. She wasn't fucking lying, was she?! The military trained girl did not waver, and continued to run at her normal pace, which wasn't Olympian speed, but it was to keep her stamina up while being quick at the same time.

Harriet on the other hand did not break a sweat, and arrived at the fort with a wind dried uniform. He wasn't a track runner for nothing, and he set the suitcase back down onto the ground. Checking his watch, he noticed that he had completed the run at a speed of 10km/hr, which was much lower than his normal marathon pace. Well I did carry a suitcase the entire way... He wiped some sweat that began to form, and stood a distance from the water fountain, where slowly the others joined. He also saw Fauna and waved to her.

Fauna was impressed by the girl's speed to say the least, and she saw right behind her Gray was finally in sight. "Great run, aye mate?" Gray tiredly looked at her, and just passed the girl to go straight for the fountain, drenching his head with a handful of water. "Great run indeed..." she muttered, joining the boy as well, but careful not to wet her uniform once more.

by **Altito Asmoro** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 5:24 am

Radiansyah Bagaskara

The train ride was not a peaceful ride, fights broke out, Gray cried, motorcycle rammed into the train, and so many other things that he didn't bothered enough to explain all of it in this post.

He was herded alongside the others, he noticed Caia but he didn't had the time to called on her as then he and the others were told to ran 3 miles, with their luggage on. Clearly, this couldn't got any better. The good news is, he is trained well to be able to run, but he didn't know about 3 miles. The bad news is, his luggage is not that small, but not big either. In any case after he found his luggage, he ran.

Finally arrived, but as tired as hell, he brought his body upon the water fountain, drenched his hands to the water, and drank himself as well as freshen himself up, running the water to his face. After finishing that, he noticed Gray, Fauna, and Harriet, but decided to looked for an empty chair, and sat there.

by **Atlannia** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:05 am

The ears twitched first. Then, like a mammal stirring from hibernation Lilliane rose to lean on one arm, blinking and grumbling under her breath.

"So noisy," she muttered, surveying the crowded atrium disdainfully. "Why couldn't more people have failed?" The room was surprisingly full, Lilliane knew she had been perilously close to the cut off so anyone behind here would be failing but it looked like the majority of the applicants had actually made it ahead of her. I suppose they wouldn't have bothered inviting too many people who would give up this easily reasoned Lilliane, noting the presence of the applicants she had clashed with earlier, the group she had mentally filed away as "the super friends" I suppose it was too much to hope for them to be out of my hair already. Actually that group looked infuriatingly unphased by the run, even Harriet, who Lilliane had assumed to be fairly weak willed, looked okay. Actually she looked like she could run another three miles if she had to...

WHAT IF WE HAVE TO RUN ANOTHER THREE MILES!? I'LL DIE!

The thought blazed through Lilliane's head like a lightning bolt. Even if they didn't have to run again an obstacle course or some similar test of physical ability wasn't out of the question, or even unlikely.

There's no way I can handle more of that dressed like this! More importantly my shoes will be ruined! Mournfully Lilliane looked down at her shiny black shoes. At least they had been shiny now they were covered in dust, scuff marks and looking generally worn. Sure she had packed a second pair of t bars for exactly this continuity but she liked the pattern on these ones. She wasn't ready to give them up just yet.

I'll just take something lighter out of my suitcase and change in the ba...damn Lilliane's expression fell as she caught sight of the densely packed crowd outside of the bathroom. A small horde of people were trying to wedge themselves into the facilities, presumably to use the sinks to freshen up after the rain, there was no way she'd be able to get to a stall and changing without one...

Unthinkable! Lilliane thought, somehow turning redder and shaking her head quickly. But if the bathroom was out then she had nowhere else to change, unless....

Surely not, thought the girl, her eyes drifting down to the suitcase she was currently sitting on, fingers steepled in thought. It is larger than me... But that's ridiculous! Isn't it? Surreptitiously Lilliane looked around. No one was paying her any attention. Most people didn't seem to have the energy to do more than try and cool down and recover their strength. If she moved herself into a corner and lifted the lid on her suitcase she'd be out of just about everyone’s line of sight.

I can't believe I'm actually considering this! But no one ever came out on top without taking some risks! As discreetly as possible Lilliane stood up and dragged her suitcase towards the corner of the room, as far away from most of the other people as possible, a feat that took most of her remaining energy. After a short break during which she sunk to her knees and panted for breath she opened the suitcase and began removing things, as though she was looking for something. When she judged she had cleared enough space and found the clothes she wanted Lilliane once more glanced around to make sure no one was watching her and then simply dived into the suitcase, zipping it up after her.

To anyone who happened to look over now it simply appeared as though a suitcase and a small pile of belongings had been left unattended. Of course if one looked closely enough the would notice that the suitcase appeared to be stretching, shaking and undulating slightly as inside it a tiny rabbit partial shimmied out of her rather dishevelled skirt and jacket and into fresh clothes. The procedure was rather undignified and certainly wasn't made easier by the scarcity of light and air inside the suitcase but fortunately Lilliane was quite flexible and she had already planned out what she was going to do. After a few minutes of squirming she was done and suddenly burst out of the suitcase like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Or, somewhat less romantically, like a face hugger bursting out of its egg sac. After gasping down a few lungful of precious air Lilliane regained her composure and stepped out of the suitcase, revealing the shorts and light blue tank top she had managed to change into. Nonchalantly she repacked her luggage and sat back down on top of her suit case as though nothing had happened, crossing her legs as she did so.

by **Shyluz** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 1:01 pm

Grayson A.K. Homegarde
Resident Estonian Partial

"I'm going to kill them. So many times. Slowly. Maybe watch as the drown in their own blood..." Gray said, huffing and taking gulps of water as Harriet stood next to the wiry boy.

Three miles wasn't much for Gray. However, three miles with eighty pounds of shit on your back and a pair of cracked glasses was a different story. That was the rough bit.

"I see, my dear friend, that you have found the magical power of teleportation. Teach me. I beg you." He said, between gulps of air.

by **Sonitusia** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 1:30 pm

Fauna Pool and Harry 'Harriet' Collins

"Run often, eat healthy, and above all, find the best posture between each step," Harriet replied, helping himself to some water, just for the sake of it. Fauna humphed, flicking some water into Harriet's face. "H-Hey!" He complained, stepping back from the fountain, pouting. "Go run some more, and then you can drink," Fauna replied, chuckling. "But I'm thirsty..."

by **The BranRiech** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 3:12 pm

It definitely wasn't the best of days.

Yulian pulled into the finish-building along with most of the others, in various states of dishevelment and fatigue. The clothing covering his torso was now wrapped tightly around his slim waist, his skin glistening with sweat. With his light backpack strapped around his shoulders, he thanked whatever deity was watching over them for his foresight to pack light, a simple backpack holding all he needed for his stay here, assuming he'd be given more by the school. His eyes were droopy, and tired, but he'd made it. "At least the state funding got me that far." He looked back, letting the cool air of the building wash over him.

"Now where are those two girls?" He mumbled to himself softly. Shrugging again, his lips pursed into a grin.

It may have not been the best of days so far, but at least most of the guys are cute.

by **Cerrania** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 7:10 pm

Johann Krieg

Fuck denim. Was the first thought that had - for lack of a better term - run across Johann's mind after striding across the finish line. He was angry. Not at those who had made him run - that was easy enough. He had finished the run in around 19 minutes, and was only slightly winded. He was rather angry at himself, however. Had he known the fucking academy would make them run, he would've worn shorts. To matters worse, his Beretta had been digging into his hip the whole time. He was lucky his long legs and prior experience had carried him across the finish line as fast as it did, because he may not have been able to stand the uncomfortable running for much longer. Now, he struggled to walk. Not because his legs hurt - at least in the traditional sense. His inner thigh was on fire, from the seam of the jeans chafing it the entirety of the run.

"Fuck denim." He said out loud in a whisper, entering the building. Letting the cool air wash over his face, Johann spied a boy who he recognized as Yulian. He had briefly bumped into him on the train, and now slowly approached the boy.

"You look like a mess." Johann jested, sipping water as he let his eyes flick over Yulian's form. Then, as if forgetting something, he capped the water bottle and extended his hand to shake.

"I'm Johann. Krieg. I think you're...Yulian, right? I saw you on the train, can't say why I recall your name, though."

by **The BranRiech** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 7:36 pm

"So just because a boy decides to take his shirt off, he looks like a mess?" Yulian's eyebrow raised slightly, swinging himself around as the boy's backpack slipped off his slim arms. "Mmm, but yeah, I'm not built for running." His hair swished back and forth as he shook his head. He'd definitely finished with time to spare, and he did feel fine, though a bit tired if anything really. Giving Johann some elevator eyes (Assuming he wouldn't notice), Yulian smiled.

"And yeah."

He smiled, wiping his hand off with the shirt wrapped around his waist. He extended it out for Johann to shake.

"Pleasure to meet you, I am Yulian."

by **Cerrania** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 8:04 pm

"I'm not complaining about the shirt Yulian. I was more acknowledging the copious sweat." Johann said with a smile, sipping his water. The boy was attractive, but Johann wasn't interested in intimacy...yet. He hadn't familiarized him with a single soul at the school yet, and Yulian seemed pleasant enough. Now, turning to walk away from the crowded lobby of the building, Johann assumed Yulian would follow.

"I'm glad I hadn't had you mistaken. And for someone who isn't built for running, you certainly finished in a respectable time." He said, grinning as he walked. Yulian, to Johann, looked like a runner through and through. And he didn't look particularly winded, but sweat had coated his entire upper body.

The heat does wondrous things. Johann said to himself, lacing even his own thoughts with heavy sarcasm. Such was the way of a Krieg. Finally reaching a place where he could relax, Johann nearly threw himself down on a set of stairs and sat, relaxing his cramped muscles. A long train ride, combined with barely any pre-run stretching, had killed his hamstrings.

Last.FM · by **Corrian** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:43 pm

The two girls got a bit of a surprise when they heard a crashing noise on the train, which clearly didn't involve the train actually crashing, then the water systems were activated. Kylie did one of those squeaks kids do when they get surprised with water, and Callandra seemed to generally shrug it off, but the both of them attempted to "escape" the water, as well as you could possibly do such a thing in this situation. Callandra got curious and investigated, and shook her head when she saw the scene of a maniac who had apparently crashed his MOTORCYCLE into the train. Some people really did like to show off and hope that would get them somewhere. Which as far as she was concerned, being a blatant idiot shouldn't get you any extra credit whatsoever, because she really didn't need show offs to be who she relied upon to back her up in a war. Especially failure of ones like this guy.

Then, they had all gathered about to listen to the AI talk again, and Kylie quietly muttered to herself something along the lines that sounded like "More like a dictatorship.." to anyone that would have been able to hear her, which was probably nobody really. Of course, different people had a different idea of what a dictatorship was, and Callandra thought this place was in fact paradise on Earth, not a dictatorship like Kylie appeared to think of it as. Sure, the place was strict, but as was said, that was the price for "Paradise", which is what set Kylie off to call this place a dictatorship under her breath. It was most likely a very good thing that nobody would be able to hear her, because that wouldn't likely go well for her...Or so she thought, anyway, not exactly having a high opinion on the place and all.

And not long later after a bit more of the tour, the train had come to a stop, and they were all forcibly grabbed out of the train and forced into lines. Callandra wasn't much trouble, being forced out or not mostly doing everything on her own. But Kylie was pretty much in fact manhandled into line, squirming and complaining the entire time. Then they were told to run for 3 miles in less than an hour. Callandra's immediate that was that was easy, even with her luggage. It wasn't like she hadn't trained for some ground warfare as well, despite being a pilot. And in fact being a pilot required a lot of physical training in itself. Even Kylie didn't seem to be too bothered by the idea, despite the fact that they told you to RUN, not walk, or jog. She could walk there easily, jog there somewhat easily. Running? Maybe not so much.

But by the end, they both managed to make relatively good time anyway. Callandra was one of the earliest arrivals, even with her luggage, wondering how some of these people were so god damn slow that she sat there for a good 30 minutes at least and people were STILL COMING IN when they were told to RUN the whole way, not go at walking pace. She wasn't the earliest arrival by any means, but one of the earliest, and she didn't seem too physically worn out. Her breathing was a little heavy, and she was definitely worn out, but not overly so.

Kylie on the other hand WAS quite physically worn out, even though due to her bear strengths she found that she had little issue with her luggage once she got used to it, though due to her lack of strength elsewhere it did get rather heavy, and fast. She was slower than Callandra with probably less luggage, and more physically worn out, but still managed to make it there faster than some of the slowest Cadet's. Callandra simply rested and caught her breath, and maybe got a drink of water, while Kylie did the full on face splashing and everything to cool herself down, catch her breath, and all that sort of thing after the race. Neither of them immediately bothered with getting into a conversation, especially Kylie, but Callandra wouldn't be against it if one did in fact begin.

by **The BranRiech** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 10:54 pm

"Oh trust me." Yulian smiled, almost appearing to struggle at making simple gestures. "I'm definitely feeling the three miles." He shook his head. "I sweat a lot too, need to shower next chance I get." The boy nodded as he followed Johann down the less-crowded hall, and to the nearly-abandoned stairs of the building. "Least this cool air is nice, nicer than the hellish train ride and run." He sat down next to his newfound comrade.

Blushing somewhat, Yulian undid the small knot of his shirt-sleeves, and quickly pulled the tight-fitting garment back over himself, of course, not before using the overshirt he'd been wearing to wipe himself down somewhat.

"So what are you here for then? I've spoken to a few others, and figured I'd get to know some of the people I might end up working with some day." His head tilted to the left, accompanied by the satisfying sound of his neck cracking. "Agh, I'm going to be a Submariner, by the way."

by **Cerrania** » Sat Jul 11, 2015 12:40 am

"I think they might hold a shower over our head as ransom for working and studying hard. I haven't heard a single mention from staff about the existence of them, so I'm starting to doubt there are even any on campus." Johann said with a chuckle, watching sweat drip from Yulian's pores before offering his water bottle to the drenched boy. He appeared to be struggling with even smiling and moving. He was definitely as much a mess as Johann had originally pegged him to be, though he wouldn't admit it now.

"I'm here to be an Armourer. I've always loved tanks, so I figured that would be the best designation to choose. Who else have you met? I'd love to be introduced." Johann said, flashing an eager grin. Though he was usually shy, he had decided that now - if ever - was the best time to begin making friends. Once again standing, much to the protest of his legs, Johann left his hand out to help Yulian.

by **The BranRiech** » Sat Jul 11, 2015 9:28 am

"Luckily, submarines usually are some of the nicest places to be, and . . . I don't really mind the isolation either." Yulian shrugged, commenting on his choice of study. "I mean, you're surrounded by water, so showers are at least a definite at some point in my future." He chuckled, accepting the water bottle greedily, taking several large gulps of it as he leaned back onto the stairway. He kept quiet on the subject of being an armorer, possessing no idea why someone would want to sit inside of a scalding hot, metal coffin on treads for a living. "And I haven't really met them either, but two girls on the train, I think one of them was a partial with a Panda, she's an armorer as well if I recalls correctly. I'm not much of a people-person, so I wasn't ecstatic to meet them."

by **The Burning Sun** » Sat Jul 11, 2015 12:57 pm

Hourai the Wolf

Hourai watched as Lilliane and SOzin exited the carriage - one, presumably, to find somewhere else to sulk, the other most likely headed for a secluded restroom to wash his face.

Sighing, she leaned against the wall, automatically mentally categorizing her potential foes. To her, Lilliane was just another arrogant aristocrat, all too ready to lie, manipulate, and backstab on some selfish whim. Sozin, on the other hand, was more interesting. She remembered him giving a speech at the checkpoint, and his distinctive age and attire clearly marked him as a second-year officer. Yet despite his position, he acted more like the lowliest of first-years than anything else. His quiet submission to Lilliane's anger, his sheer terror and placating nature, none of these belonged in men of authority.

In that case, he's probably being bullied by those above him. I guess a place like Eureka always had to have some power struggles, but...it still feels off. It'll take some time and much caution, but if I'm right, this could be huge. If I'm wrong, then...

Lost in thought, Hourai was only just shaken out of her reverie as the train came to a halt. Following JUL's instructions, she slowly made her way throughout yet another bureaucratic morass, eventually coming upon the Defion officer as he gave his announcement.

12 minutes later

Completely dry and only slightly winded, Hourai strolled into the base, nondescript gray pack slung over her shoulder.

Honestly, I don't know what that guy was going on about. Three miles is nothing for a wolf, or even a fit human.

Shrugging, she dropped her pack in the shade of a nearby tree, and went off in search of other cadets. When it became apparent that not only was she the first one to arrive, but that she had everyone beat by at least ten minutes, she shrugged once more, yawned, and, dropping onto the ground next to her pack, fell asleep.

Violet von Kanin

Isolated in the confines of their solitary carriage, the pair remained blissfully unaware of the events going on around them. Already accustomed to the city and its ways, the two were able to present their pre-issud I.D papers at the checkpoint and skip the line. Consequently, they ended up on the far edge of the crowd, away from the various other Invictus cadets. Like them, they were also subjected to the Defion officer's speech, though unlike them, Violet was more confused than anything else. Turning to Silas, she considered for a bit, then spoke.

"Three miles in an hour? I mean, it is kinda warm, and it is over rough terrain, but...couldn't we just walk that distance?"

Still slightly confused at the officer's apparent excitement over a simple walk, Violet took a moment to collect her suitcase, shrugged, and started walking.

by **Brechalht** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 6:48 pm

ignore

by **Shyluz** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 7:21 am

Hope Homegarde
Resident Moe Little Sister

Hope wasn't really exhausted after the short run. However, the group of people before her seemed to have a different idea of 'brief run,' than the short girl. In her arms, she carried two large boxes of stuff, some of it was Gray's, and the other box was hers. She approached the group, two girls, and one boy. The boy was wearing a red scarf and had blueish-black hair, and was bespectacled in oval glasses.

Wait. Red scarf, blueish black-hair? Oval glasses?

"Suur vend?" She said aloud, breaking the rather awkward silence. "Suur vend!" She said dropping the two cardboard boxes, and leaped, clasping her arms around his neck, the momentum spinning around his neck until she landed on the pavement on front of him.

"H-Hope?" He said nervously, rubbing his neck, which had just been commandeered by his little sister.

She gave a huge smile, and nodded enthusiastically.

by **Legatia** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 8:00 am

Caia E. Savoy
Fort Navarone Proving Center
Eureka Island

Caia had taken to wetting a handkerchief with a lukewarm water bottle she'd somehow come into possession of. She was having a tiny bit of trouble catching her breath. It wasn't everyday you ran three miles with luggage, you know. Man, this day was quite crazy.

"Suur vend?"

The girl jumped a little at the suddenness of the announcement. What was tha-

The girl suddenly repeated the same words, and Caia heard something hit the floor. She turned to look, and saw a young girl latched onto Gray. A girl that looked quite.. like Gray.

"E-eh, Gray?" She asked, approaching. "Is this your.. sister?"

From Rifles And Roses, Chapter One

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