[center][color=c0c0c0][b][u]Slayer[/u][/b][/color]
Level 4
Day 2
Location: 
[@Zarkun] [@Majoras End] [@Tenma Tendo] [@ONL]
[b]Experience: [color=black]||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||[/color] (0/40)[/b]
Word count: 726[/center]

One by one Slayer's new companions honored his request and gave accounts of themselves.  First, the unassuming youth spoke up, and he regaled the group with a synopsis of his past.  Injustice turned many to a life of crime, but from Akira's speech about the Phantom Thieves, it appeared that he and the compatriots he left behind worked in the shadows to serve the light, so to speak.  Much to his chagrin, Slayer did not immediately comprehend every last detail of the explanation, but he found no reason to doubt the boy's character.  The vampire watched with fascination as Akira retrieved and put on a mask that transformed his appearance in such a flashy manner that Slayer could not help liking the cut of his jib.  Every inch of Akira -no, Joker- oozed 'classic rogue', a perfect blend of style and pragmatism.  [color=c0c0c0]”Looking dandy, Joker!”[/color] he remarked after the young man's explanation concluded.  [color=c0c0c0]”From the sound of it, your versatility will be a valuable asset to our team.  Welcome aboard!”[/color]

Far more garrulous than his rough exterior might imply, the Heavy spoke openly, giving an account of his origin before introducing his weapon.  The merest look, and attention to the big man's manner, told Slayer that Sasha might as well be the love of his life.  [i]A simple man, strong and true,[/i] the gentleman summarized, though he cast an awry glance at the sandwich that Heavy produced from his pocket.  [color=c0c0c0]”...How long has that been in there?”[/color] he murmured.  Though a massive amalgam of bread, cheese, vegetable, and meat, Heavy attacked it with gusto, and it was no more in a matter of seconds.  His description indicated that it possessed healing properties, which would be very useful.  [color=c0c0c0]”I daresay my strength at close quarters combat plus the power of your weapon will be a lethal combination.  ”[/color]

When her turn came, Six told without words of a horrific nightmare.  From the outset Slayer received from her an uncanny feeling, that something was off or wrong, and now the riddle was solved.  Even if he didn't catch every word, it was clear that she'd suffered much, even to the point of doing things that some would call monstrous.  Yet here she was, sane and baring her soul, and the gentleman was not inclined to pass judgment.  Along with these, he noticed her nervousness.  After a few moments, when he'd thought of just what to say, he addressed her with a pleasant smile on his face.  [color=c0c0c0]”It speaks to your spirit that you survived such torment and are able to share it with people you've barely met.  Nobody escapes unchanged dark ordeals, but many who fight monsters become monsters themselves.  You, however, seem to have risen above the darkness, ready to take on the mantle of 'hero'.  I am grateful to have you with us.”[/color]

The end of the new group's meeting coincided perfectly with the Headless Horseman's next announcement.  At his bidding, the heroes and monsters on board the train assembled their teams.  With no mention of any battlefield, Slayer raised his eyebrows.  [color=c0c0c0]”We're fighting in here?”[/color]  A moment passed before he shrugged.  There was enough room, and less distance for foes to dance about in made him a more potent force.  Without delay, an opposing team approached his, and Slayer stood so that the mummies could depart.  Expression neutral, he studied the four potential enemies as he listened to their leader's introduction.  [color=c0c0c0]”Sounds grand.  I didn't exactly get enough action in my last fight to warm up, so this will be a fine diversion.”[/color]  Not long after, the barrier-encapsulated battle began.

At once, the four enemies attacked, and Slayer sighed when the werewolf leaped at him.  [color=c0c0c0]”Just the fellow I hoped to avoid engaging.”[/color]  The gentleman barely raised his arms in time to block Warwick's wicked-fast slashes, but just as he expected, the augmented beast's nasty claws raked through the fabric of his sleeves and across his skin.  Wincing, he backed up while the onslaught continued, hoping to lull Warwick into a false sense of security.  When the moment seemed right, Slayer ducked out of the next attack with a Dandy Step, then shot forward with an upward flash kick followed by upside-down roundhouse—a Crosswise Heel.  With any luck, the sudden attack would catch the beast off-guard, and pop him into the air for a combo.