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[sub][@Pacifista][@Leotamer][@Riegal][@Patches][@McFazzer][@Drifting Pollen][@KRAZY J][@Er0r][@HeroicSociopath][@addamas][/sub][/CENTER]
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[HIDER]As soon as he finished talking, Boro was met with a smirked face from Yuki who apparently was giving him quite the glare. [color=6ecff6]"I'll go."[/color]

Boro's ears had twitched upon hearing Yuki's words; he knew immediately that a misunderstanding had taken place, but before he could clear things up, someone else stepped in. 

[color=58e593]"Oho, yes. That's me for one. I came on behalf of the Yuki's group."[/color] Akemi said as she pointed back with one of her vines. She looked back at him, seeing Yuki's conviction. [color=58e593]".. Of course, yes, I'll gladly step in for any group that still requires a tribute. Honestly, I'd reckon I have the least potential here, as far as powers, for a hero. That's what you were asking for, yes?"[/color]

His ears had twitched a second time. Boro wasn't sure whether he was being difficult to understand, or was everyone just trying to mess with him. Either way, his patience was definitely being tested. He took a deep breath as an attempt to calm himself down, but mid-inspiration, a shrill whistle pierced his ears, causing him to shudder.

[color=gray][i]"Oh god, what now?!"[/i][/color] Instinctively covering his ears, Boro immediately turned to Nori, face winched and teeth partially clenched.

[color=f49ac2]"Boro! What is your problem? Aren't you supposed to be our teacher? What does it take for you to get serious? You know what, I'm annoyed by your attitude-"[/color] Nori spoke quite loudly, and in her agitated state, emotions took over as she pointed a finger towards Boro. [color=f49ac2]"I challenge you to a duel! If I lose, I instantly get all the votes, but if I win... you let everyone stay!"[/color]

The surprises that day kept on coming, but unlike the previous few, this one was actually something Boro approved of. [color=gray][i]"Finally!"[/i][/color] Not exactly what he was looking for, but someone with a little confidence, who actually wasn't clueless, finally appeared. Boro's grimace soon vanished and was replaced by a smile. Nori's words had put him into a good mood; they were like a breath of fresh air to him. 

Boro's hand began to experience tremors as he reached into his pocket. His prior agitation, hastily turned into excitement. One would think that this sort of transition was more ideal, but Boro was a special case and this would only cause his previous [i]habits[/i] to resurface. Pulling out a cigarette and a lighter, he had no choice but to calm himself down.

[color=b16edd]"Why... are you wanting to kick some of us out already?"[/color] Reina had suddenly asked him, managing to look Boro in the eyes. [color=b16edd]"Is it something Tumble asked you to do? What's the purpose of it?"[/color]

Boro softly glanced at Reina before thin streams of smoke billowed from his mouth. With his shoulders loosening up, he managed to start relaxing and clearing his thoughts. His previous method seemed ineffective; I guess he expected too much from them. 

[color=a0410d]"M-maybe everyone. Th-th-th-this whole th-th-thing is a j-j-j-joke. Hu hu hu..."[/color] One after another, they continued. Boro turned towards Shouichi as he laughed. After hearing his [i]assessment[/i] of the situation they were in, he was fairly certain that whatever it was he had planned, wasn't working at all.

This would most likely leave Reina and Nori unpleased, but Boro just disregarded their questions and left them unanswered. Instead, he quietly contemplated on the ideas he observed from everyone so far. Self sacrifice, backing down when needed, standing by your ideals, and turning to optimism when faced with difficulty; all were values every hero needed, there was no denying that, but that wasn't what he wanted to see. 

[color=red]"Hey guys, why vote at all? If all of us refuse to vote then no one gets voted off. It's simple really but a duel would be awesome to watch. Anyone got popcorn? And I get to duel the winner!!!"[/color]

Boro signed heavily before inhaling through the cigarette held against his lips another time. Boro couldn't even find it in himself to get upset anymore. Not too long ago, he was no different from the ten that stood around him; he knew how it felt like to be in the position they were all in. It was frustrating to see them repeating the same mistake he did, but he couldn't blame them.

[color=gray]"I guess I was wrong then."[/color] Boro shrugged his shoulders, as he exhaled; the fumes that had been swirling inside his lungs dragged itself to the outside, escaping through his mouth and nostrils. 

Although quiet and wavering, a gentle voice had managed to get Boro's attention. Free of any unease, Boro gave off a vibe of positivity, despite appearing a bit uninterested in a way.

[color=8493ca]"Please, let's- let's not fight."[/color]  Shuko was trembling just a little, not looking anyone directly in the eye.  [color=8493ca]"We came here to learn to be better, didn't we?  Mr. Boro, I'm sorry."[/color]  Here she glanced at him, a slight gleam at the edges of her eyes, and cast her vote. [color=8493ca]"[i]None of us[/i] deserve to be here."[/color]

Averting his gaze away from Shuko, Boro seemed to have heard enough. In his mind, he had a fair understanding of the group and didn't care to go on any further. It looked like nothing they've said so far satisfied him.

Shuko was probably unaware of how Boro was reacting to her words as her eyes dropped to the ground, as if in shame. [color=8493ca]"None of us [i]would[/i] be, if not for Tumble."[/color]

And their it was. Just when he was about to give on the group, he was proven to be wrong. Boro let out a faint chuckle before turning his back to everyone and walking away. A few years back, until he came across Tumble, he was a nobody who despised the world around him. If it weren't for the opportunity that was offered to him, Boro would have already ended his life. The amount of gratitude he felt for Tumble was immeasurable, but he never told or showed her that. It wasn't because he lacked the chance to do so; it was just due to his pride. 

This was his only regret and Boro didn't want history to repeat itself; at least not on his watch. Fortunately, it seemed like he didn't need to worry that much after all. Unlike him, they weren't alone. As of now, knowing that Shuko was with them, was enough for him.

As he proceeded to walk away from the group, the encasement that surrounded them gradually lost its rigidity, losing its shape and spreading throughout the confines of the building. 

[color=gray]"Shuko, right?"[/color] Boro called out as he slowly vanished into the cloud of smoke. [color=gray]"Just believe in Tumble."[/color] His voice echoed before completely fading out.

It took just over a minute for all the smoke to have disappeared, and as expected, Boro was nowhere to be found. Now allowed to take a good look at the actual insides of the agency, it was surprisingly plain. The lobby was fairly large, but aside from that, it was nothing special. 

Leading past it was a corridor - equally as plain - that brought them to the briefing room, where a large oval table awaited. And seated at the head of the table, in all her glory, was Tumble. Well, in her current state, she wasn't as glorious as one would have imagined. 

She was asleep with both her head and arms resting atop of the table in front of her. A bit of saliva was trickling from her mouth; some appeared to have already dried. Her hair was untangled and unkempt. The blouse she wore was halfway from being fully unbuttoned. She was missing a shoe. And although faint, the scent of alcohol was definitely noticeable. First impressions were never Tumble's strong point anyway.[/HIDER]
[hr][hr][CENTER][h2]🆃🅷🅴 🅾🆃🅷🅴🆁 🅵🅾🆄🆁[/h2][sub][@Iatos][@Pirouette][@Orange Juice][@Jin Of Mana][/sub]

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[HIDER][color=6ECFF6]"I'm still a bit confused about why we're meeting here of all places."[/color] Leon was the first to speak up.

Tumble gave off a glare as she heard the question addressed to her. Honestly, Tumble was aware that this was her mistake and it was embarrassing, but she didn't feel like explaining, it was too much of a hassle. Before she could decide though, Ruby had spoken.

[color=Firebrick]"What? The park is a central enough location; large open space easily found on the map and in the city. Sounds like a strategic choice to meet at."[/color]

It would have been easier to simply agree with what the dragon girl had said, but that wasn't how Tumble did things most of time. Since she took on the responsibility to straightening these kids out, she had to become more [i]accountable[/i] for her actions. It was annoying, but that was the least she could do.

[color=fff200]"I had a couple of drinks."[/color] She scoffed at the young man while trying to maintain a straight face. [color=fff200]"You can probably figure out the rest ."[/color]

Before any unwanted uneasiness could build up, a gruff voice had suddenly interjected. [color=D2691E]"Get to the point."[/color] Obviously Murdok didn't have much else to say, wishing to carry on.

It appeared Ruby thought the same way. [color=firebrick]"If your idea of socializing translates to us fighting the others, then I have no objections. I have no questions that can't wait until later."[/color] she replied, her voice full of bravado now rather than insecurity. 

Kira frowned as the others remarked on the unprofessionalism of their supposed teacher. Of course, Kira had similiar greviances, but seeing as Tumble was already a bit uncomfortable, she opted not to speak about those. Though she did feel fairly good about being remarked as 'more capable'. [color=0054a6]"Fight them how? Just a straight brawl?"[/color]

Honestly, Tumble was relieved with how things were going; this just meant that it was less work for her.

[color=fff200]"I never said anything about a fight. Like I said earlier, its...uhmm...[i]socializing[/i]"[/color] Tumble knew she could do better than that, but based on how things were turning out, it didn't look like she had to.
 [color=fff200]"Listen up. I'm not gonna repeat myself."[/color] She wasn't talking to anyone in particular.

[color=fff200]"This'll be a chance for everyone to show off."[/color] Turning around, Tumble took a few steps backward, reaching for her bag and pulling out what looked to be printouts. She approached the closest one to her - Kira - and before tossing her the papers. 

[color=fff200]"The only difference, you're gonna one up 'em."[/color] What Tumble gave them were summarized reports on all the fourteen individuals that were invited and accepted to join the agency. 

[color=fff200]"So yeah. Get back to me after an hour."[/color] Tumble was proud of herself as her skills of delegation seemed to be on point. It was just right that she rewarded herself with a well deserved nap.

Ruby looked to the others, in an instant it had been decided and these three teens around her age had suddenly become her teammates. She was honestly too tired to question anything right now, and she was prepared to do just about anything for some sleep. [color=firebrick]"I'm Ruby, a fire dragon. I breathe fire, I fly, and if this was chess, I would fit the role of the Knight. That's about how I would assume you can best use my skills."[/color] she said as she walked up to Kira.
 
Leon followed, also moving up to Kira and taking a look at the dossier of info given about the individuals accepted onto the program. He was curious to see what his own one read, but that could wait until later. They only had an hour to prepare after all.

[color=6ecff6]"I'm Leon. I make things spin. I ain't played chess, but I guess I'd be the bishop?"[/color] He spoke, continuing the chess motif.

Murdok focused and spoke to Tumble. [color=D2691E]"What exactly are we planning for our opponents? Glorified games of tag are not my cup of tea, Tumble."[/color] 

Lying on the sandbox - it was cozier than she had expected - with eyes still closed and her back facing the four, Tumble responded to the monkey's question. [color=fff200]"Up to you; just go with whatever."[/color] She flicked her hand, as if gesturing them to shoo away. 

Standing upright, Murdok examined the papers given, taking a bit to even speak again. This time towards his newfound teammates. Specific, key information was glanced over on each file. Thus Murdok may have seemed to be carelessly scanning the information presented. 

Occasionally the gaze of Murdok shifted between the papers and comrades. Hearing the speak of capabilities and a bit of chess lingo. An almost goofy grin etched over his previously annoyed expression. "[color=D2691E]Call me Murdok, nothing else. What you see is what you get. As for board-games. I've got the callings, not to mention agility, of a king. But don't expect me to play nice with others.[/color]" 

The grin shifted to a smirk upon saying king. Only for his tone to get serious immediately after. "[color=D2691E]But, seriously. Clock is ticking. If we need to take this time to rest, or get supplies, let's get it done. I know I'm thirsty, so would like to solve that within the next hour.[/color]" Murdok didn't seem to be taking the whole thing seriously. Or he's oddly calm about being in a situation of four versus ten. Another cigarette was then ignited and partaken off.[/HIDER]