Eisenhorn

An Unholy Mass: Warhammer 40,000 RP (Black Crusade Inspired) [CLOSED]

Viktor Slonov

Even the Law could be swayed, the incorruptible, corrupted. It was something even the high and mighty dared not consider, lest it worm its way into their heads as well. For Viktor, however, consideration had long since come and gone, though he had not quite yet thrown off the disguise. He still wore the badge of local Enforcers, though routinely dealt in bribery, turning a blind eye, and even the odd 'convenient' arrest. Minor ways to pad his pockets, improve his station, stepping stones leading ever closer to the abyss, though he knew none of this yet, all he had known was casual corruption. After he was officially relieved of duty, well, he and those more loyal to the credits than the Imperium had gone a bit mental, the badge still worn out of spite rather than obligation.

The idling truck, bearing the local noble's coat of arms as an impromptu, and false, badge of office, cast stark light onto the noble estate's front gate. While several men idled about, one stood out, one hand holding a vox headset up to his ear, the other resting on a slung combat shotgun. The man's form was hard to make out, dull green greatcoat concealing much until facing him square on, revealing a mix of carapace and flak armor, salvaged from otherwise more fitting people, the carapace only covering the vitals of his torso and upper legs. The sides of his head were buzzed, though the greying hair was slightly visible despite this, brown hair well kept on top of his head, swept to the side in one smooth motion. Abruptly tossing the headset of the back of the truck, he ran a hand through his ample beard, smoothing it out as he started walking towards the estate gate, noting how well the men followed his orders, one nodding as he approached. "Viktor, what's the word, we getting paid or we nailing that fat bastard's family to the gates next?"

Viktor, the man in the greatcoat, glanced at the gate. A younger man was crucified to it, still twitching and groaning, barely conscious, crude marks carved into his chest as he dangled and slowly bled, a drawn out execution. The sounds of continued looting, shouting, and the crescendo of a burst of gunfire from within the estate was slowly dying down, meaning Viktor's men were wrapping up. At last, Viktor smiled lowly and produced a dataslate, the glowing green indicating that the transaction had been confirmed. The man who had asked Viktor about pay in the first place was practically salivating at the prospective next payday, and what that could buy him back in one of the Hives on the planet. "Paid in full, once the others drag our employer's rival out here, I'll string him up myself. After that, well, time to see who pay's up next."

In practice, Viktor could not care less about the pay, not really. Every noble family he nailed to the gates of some private estate, every clerk who's card he punched a bit more literally than they might like, destabilized things further. Even a blind man could see it, the local Arbites crackdowns back in the Hive coming less often as they were so busy investigating the rash of violence in so many seemingly random places, and the sheer intensity and drawn out nature of such executions, that they were getting drawn away from the real problem. The main Hive would soon erupt into an orgy of violence, something that his employer's didn't seem aware of, only concerned about bumping off their potential rivals, by any means necessary. All it had taken was that one, desperate useless waste of flesh paying Viktor and his goons to finally set his planned revenge back into motion. His thoughts were interrupted by shouting, laughing, and the smell of freshly soiled trousers. The head of the family, it seems, was finally dug out of his little safe room. That Heretek code had worked after all, he'd have to 'lose' one of his men to that wretch in compensation after all. Still, once the man was dragged forward and forced to his knees, Viktor planted a swift boot into his gut to shut him up, the wheezing much easier to talk over.

"Stop trying to pay us off, it ain't going to get you anywhere. All you nobles, playing at leadership and pretending you have power, reveling in its empty promises. Look where all that power and prestige got you, so fat I'm not sure your concubine's guts can hang you long enough to strangle. Good thing I ran some spare wire through them, eh? Get him under the lamp post." The fat noble struggled and started shouting curses, how the other families wouldn't let this stand, how he had friends, allies in power, that they would all rot if they were lucky, yadda yadda yadda. The fat fuck didn't see his precious concubine's corpse under the lamp post, her guts spooled like rope, a grisly noose prepared already. True to his word, Viktor had one of his men run some cable through them since it was well know how hefty this one had gotten. He only stopped shouting and ranting when the lukewarm intestine was put around his neck, and with a grunt, Viktor hoisted him up, nailing the end into place with a stake. The man kicked for longer than he thought, and from the grumbling, several men had lost best on this too. Good thing Viktor didn't make blind bets, and he took satisfaction watching the life flee the man's eyes, the kicking dying down to twitching death throes, to nothing.

"Right, set the promethium trails and let the place burn, let's see if the pyre burns any higher this time. Leave the corpses here for the Arbites to find and panic over. We got our pay, and the sooner we get back to the Hive, the sooner you lot can get to spend your pay and I can get our next job in line." The men seemed keen to that, meanwhile Viktor climbed up into the driver's cabin, his second in command driving as the group tore off into the night, the looming Hive city, at least half a day's trip at speed away, still looked like it dominated the skyline. The XO rambled on about this haul and how far ahead it would put them, but Viktor tuned him out. Another job like this, and the whole rotten facade the Imperium had propped up, had convinced him to prop up for so long, would come crashing down. The Law and Order they so desperately craved, well, would vanish like the myths they were. Also he figured he knew which man to give to the Heretek, he'd gotten himself shot like an idiot by the estate's personal guards. He'd make a nice tribute to that Heretek, keep up his end of the bargain and all that. He had taken to enjoying his work now, more so than he ever had propping up the rotting house. Few more kicks, and it would go up like a damned funeral pyre. After that, well, he had enough credits stashed away to pay off a Rogue Trader he'd met and been bribed by he could hitch a ride with. Seems there was more to do for a man with talents like his, especially if he would denounce the Emperor. Sure, that was easy, what had that so called God ever done for him, really? Got him fired, that's what, just for making his own personal life a bit easier. And if he got to enjoy burning the whole rotten power structure down, well, all the better right?

Viktor Slonov
Chaos God: Undivided, for now.

An Unholy Mass: Warhammer 40,000 RP (Black Crusade Inspired) [CLOSED]

Alright, took me long enough, but got this knocked out, let me know how it looks.

CS

Even the Law could be swayed, the incorruptible, corrupted. It was something even the high and mighty dared not consider, lest it worm its way into their heads as well. For Viktor, however, consideration had long since come and gone, though he had not quite yet thrown off the disguise. He still wore the badge of local Enforcers, though routinely dealt in bribery, turning a blind eye, and even the odd 'convenient' arrest. Minor ways to pad his pockets, improve his station, stepping stones leading ever closer to the abyss, though he knew none of this yet, all he had known was casual corruption. After he was officially relieved of duty, well, he and those more loyal to the credits than the Imperium had gone a bit mental, the badge still worn out of spite rather than obligation.

The idling truck, bearing the local noble's coat of arms as an impromptu, and false, badge of office, cast stark light onto the noble estate's front gate. While several men idled about, one stood out, one hand holding a vox headset up to his ear, the other resting on a slung combat shotgun. The man's form was hard to make out, dull green greatcoat concealing much until facing him square on, revealing a mix of carapace and flak armor, salvaged from otherwise more fitting people, the carapace only covering the vitals of his torso and upper legs. The sides of his head were buzzed, though the greying hair was slightly visible despite this, brown hair well kept on top of his head, swept to the side in one smooth motion. Abruptly tossing the headset of the back of the truck, he ran a hand through his ample beard, smoothing it out as he started walking towards the estate gate, noting how well the men followed his orders, one nodding as he approached. "Viktor, what's the word, we getting paid or we nailing that fat bastard's family to the gates next?"

Viktor, the man in the greatcoat, glanced at the gate. A younger man was crucified to it, still twitching and groaning, barely conscious, crude marks carved into his chest as he dangled and slowly bled, a drawn out execution. The sounds of continued looting, shouting, and the crescendo of a burst of gunfire from within the estate was slowly dying down, meaning Viktor's men were wrapping up. At last, Viktor smiled lowly and produced a dataslate, the glowing green indicating that the transaction had been confirmed. The man who had asked Viktor about pay in the first place was practically salivating at the prospective next payday, and what that could buy him back in one of the Hives on the planet. "Paid in full, once the others drag our employer's rival out here, I'll string him up myself. After that, well, time to see who pay's up next."

In practice, Viktor could not care less about the pay, not really. Every noble family he nailed to the gates of some private estate, every clerk who's card he punched a bit more literally than they might like, destabilized things further. Even a blind man could see it, the local Arbites crackdowns back in the Hive coming less often as they were so busy investigating the rash of violence in so many seemingly random places, and the sheer intensity and drawn out nature of such executions, that they were getting drawn away from the real problem. The main Hive would soon erupt into an orgy of violence, something that his employer's didn't seem aware of, only concerned about bumping off their potential rivals, by any means necessary. All it had taken was that one, desperate useless waste of flesh paying Viktor and his goons to finally set his planned revenge back into motion. His thoughts were interrupted by shouting, laughing, and the smell of freshly soiled trousers. The head of the family, it seems, was finally dug out of his little safe room. That Heretek code had worked after all, he'd have to 'lose' one of his men to that wretch in compensation after all. Still, once the man was dragged forward and forced to his knees, Viktor planted a swift boot into his gut to shut him up, the wheezing much easier to talk over.

"Stop trying to pay us off, it ain't going to get you anywhere. All you nobles, playing at leadership and pretending you have power, reveling in its empty promises. Look where all that power and prestige got you, so fat I'm not sure your concubine's guts can hang you long enough to strangle. Good thing I ran some spare wire through them, eh? Get him under the lamp post." The fat noble struggled and started shouting curses, how the other families wouldn't let this stand, how he had friends, allies in power, that they would all rot if they were lucky, yadda yadda yadda. The fat fuck didn't see his precious concubine's corpse under the lamp post, her guts spooled like rope, a grisly noose prepared already. True to his word, Viktor had one of his men run some cable through them since it was well know how hefty this one had gotten. He only stopped shouting and ranting when the lukewarm intestine was put around his neck, and with a grunt, Viktor hoisted him up, nailing the end into place with a stake. The man kicked for longer than he thought, and from the grumbling, several men had lost best on this too. Good thing Viktor didn't make blind bets, and he took satisfaction watching the life flee the man's eyes, the kicking dying down to twitching death throes, to nothing.

"Right, set the promethium trails and let the place burn, let's see if the pyre burns any higher this time. Leave the corpses here for the Arbites to find and panic over. We got our pay, and the sooner we get back to the Hive, the sooner you lot can get to spend your pay and I can get our next job in line." The men seemed keen to that, meanwhile Viktor climbed up into the driver's cabin, his second in command driving as the group tore off into the night, the looming Hive city, at least half a day's trip at speed away, still looked like it dominated the skyline. The XO rambled on about this haul and how far ahead it would put them, but Viktor tuned him out. Another job like this, and the whole rotten facade the Imperium had propped up, had convinced him to prop up for so long, would come crashing down. The Law and Order they so desperately craved, well, would vanish like the myths they were. Also he figured he knew which man to give to the Heretek, he'd gotten himself shot like an idiot by the estate's personal guards. He'd make a nice tribute to that Heretek, keep up his end of the bargain and all that. He had taken to enjoying his work now, more so than he ever had propping up the rotting house. Few more kicks, and it would go up like a damned funeral pyre. After that, well, he had enough credits stashed away to pay off a Rogue Trader he'd met and been bribed by he could hitch a ride with. Seems there was more to do for a man with talents like his, especially if he would denounce the Emperor. Sure, that was easy, what had that so called God ever done for him, really? Got him fired, that's what, just for making his own personal life a bit easier. And if he got to enjoy burning the whole rotten power structure down, well, all the better right?

Viktor Slonov
Chaos God: Undivided, for now.

An Unholy Mass: Warhammer 40,000 RP (Black Crusade Inspired) [CLOSED]

Well I am most certainly interested, I'll be taking some time to brush up on some lore to see what ideas seem most solid and I'll have a CS cooked up sometime this week, once I'm satisfied with the condition its in.

Grimm Noir [Rebooting~]

Location: Haven Academy

Mentions: @PrankFox

"Still excited even after that doomsday speech we just got huh?"

"Eh? Oh, yes of course! Sure it should be concerning, but anyone who planned to take this seriously should have been as ready as they could be already! If a little warning like that spooked them, well, I guess they weren't going to be making it far either way. I'm not gonna worry though personally, right now it should be fairly easy. Go to the hotel, and wait for things to kick off proper. Might do some maintenance while I wait, I'll have to find something to do." Midori was caught mid stride, figuratively speaking, and practically rebounded off nothing to shift his focus on the one who'd made the remark to begin with. Tall, sturdy, brilliantly red hair and impressively blue eyes. Well dressed too, and Midori had to look up, as usual, to meet the boys gaze. He offered a warm smile as he finished rambling, however briefly, and extended his hand as he picked up from where he left off on his ramblings.

"Right, introductions, can't forget those! Midori Yoake, it's a pleasure to meet you! You definitely seem like you were all but built for this, I can imagine you'll go through the initiation with flying colors, you and plenty of the other people I've seen around already as well. I'm hoping anyone who sticks around is serious about this though, I don't want to see anyone getting buried, I mean who does right? But I'm hoping the scare speech was just that, to spook those who aren't ready or prepared for this, well, as ready or prepared as we can be given how little information there is floating around out there! We should probably get going though, don't want to be late, right? Can chat on the way!" It seemed, better or worse, Midori had decided he would be walking with this new friend to the hotel, after all, most of the folks seemed off put by his outgoing approaches. Someone approaching him first that didn't already at least know him was a pleasant change of pace, and it would no doubt become apparent the energetic young man loved to chatter.

Grimm Noir [Rebooting~]

Location: Haven Academy

Mentions: N/A

In due time the various newcomers and prospective students were properly ushered into the great hall, and Midori's excitement only grew. It was finally time to hear from the Headmaster, and there was a name he'd heard thrown around quite a bit once his interest in being a Huntsman began. Goldi Lockhart, apparently incredibly focused and cold, a figurative ice queen. Well he couldn't say whether he believed it or not, rumors were nasty things, despite how many peddled them, and he was more interested to see how the Headmaster carried themselves before making his own judgement. Way he figured, she earned her place as the first and foremost in raising the next generation of Huntsman and Huntresses, regardless of demeanor, that wasn't something you sort of accidentally fell into. The murmurings and whispering finally died down once everyone spotted the Headmaster and she began speaking, and had Midori's rapt, and full, attention. This was going to be a moment that lived in his memory for the rest of his life, one way or another, and he wasn't ever going to let himself forget it.

She began by reiterating how hard this life would be, something he'd been hearing time and again, over and over, from people trying to dissuade him, and all they ever did was steel his resolve further. This was no exception, sure it was going to be hard, but what worth doing was easy? If this hadn't been worth doing he would have given up long before standing here, and anyone else who was standing here should be thinking the same! Still, something caught his eye about her stance and gaze had lingered, pausing just long enough for him to wonder who had caught her eye. He hoped it wasn't Buff, poor Silme couldn't catch a break if he was already being singled out by the headmaster. He needed to figure out something that would stand up to the sheer abuse his friend put anything built through, he had ideas but it wasn't like he could do anything with them right now.

The solemn remark that she would be burying many of them and that, well, she would have to write home to their guardians about their passing would have been sobering for most, but Midori didn't let it dampen his spirits. It was going to be hard, sure, but from the few he'd interacted with, well, he wasn't going to let the idea of so many of the people around him living their last days get to him. No, he'd see the dawn and he'd most certainly see it alongside plenty of the others here too! Sure, they were inexperienced and new to the lifestyle, but what good was an initiation that killed off too many potential recruits? It was poor design to throttle supply that much, and he wondered if it was as much an effort to scare off those who weren't as committed or certain in their decision. A smarter man might worry he'd be proven wrong come the next day, but well, for now, Midori remained confident in not just his ability to pass the trial, but that of the others he'd dealt with. Silme and Artemisia could probably do this with one hand tied behind their backs, so he had a lot of work to do to get up to their levels!

As soon as the speech had begun, well, it was already over and they were being told to report to the hotel. Checking his pamphlet, Midori indeed found the voucher good for tonight at the Celestial Swan. That was...serious money for someone like him, and even if they weren't going to spend the night there, getting any time at all to spend there would be a grand experience! He grinned once they were dismissed, and decided there was no point just taking off alone, might as well find someone to walk and talk with! Maybe he'd end up tracking down Silme or Artemisia, or maybe a new friend. That would be nice, new friends were a welcome addition, especially since maybe he'd be lucky and meet a future teammate! With that he practically bounded off, seeing who he could end up running into and chattering their poor ears off. Running into was going to be figurative, but given the high energy the young man had, well, literally could be a possibility too.

Warhammer 40k: Enigmas of the Warp

"Necessary actions due to the universe we deal with. But for the sake of present company, yourself excluded, I won't continue. And as I said, Morgenstern, I will follow your orders regardless of personal beliefs in regards to your companion." Stukov did not like entertaining the idea of allowing a xeno into the group, let alone actually going through with it. That being said, he had explicit orders to behave and tolerate the xeno, so he would begrudgingly do so. Cogs outbursts and general demeanor were, well, jarring as usual and her suggestion towards alcohol, while sorely tempting, would have to be turned down. "Cogs, as tempting as it is, I don't drink on duty. Not a gamble I'm willing to take for when things go sideways to be drunk. And the odds of that happening, Smiles, are slim to none given current circumstances."

Frankly, Stukov wasn't a heavy drinker to begin with, given he'd seen what that particular coping mechanism did to some people. So he stuck to his less damaging vices, like a certain bitter stoicism distilled into a drink, and went about his business being the only sane person around in this retinue apparently. Cogs taking this all in stride was, well, not surprising in and of itself given she had to be missing a few gears up in that brainpan of hers. Smiles...had been off for awhile now, he wanted to blame the strange warp occurances going on for that, but those Throne forsaken eyes during the little trip through the warp lingered in his memories, though he kept those thoughts securely buried under quite a number of layers of nonsense and mental static. No need to make that read easy. Morgenstern had clearly lost it, buddying up to an Eldar Farseer of all things, but there really was little to be done for it right now, even as food was brought to the others, he ignored the meals. The mention of needing uplifted spirits got a snort from the man.

"Look Cogs, given current circumstances you'll be lucky to get civil out of me. And that was because I was ordered to be." Regardless it seemed they were determined to try and make fast friends with the xeno, and Stukov made no movement towards the food. Even if he was hungry, which he wasn't, there wasn't a chance that he would have the palette to even begin attempting to appreciate it, let alone completely do so. If he needed to, he could always wolf down a ration later, and he focused his attention on the plan for the rest of the evening. Wander the streets, indulge in the celebrations, head to this shop, and return to base. Great, he thought sarcastically, more nonsense while trouble remained on the ship. Still, he was not in much of a position to do anything about it so he would have to grit his teeth and make do.

"Wander like needlessly well armed tourists, visit some shop that, if we're lucky, is a front operation, and finally complete our objective. Sooner we get started, sooner we can be done with it." Stukov knew damn well he was stuck no matter what he did, short of painting the surrounding area with his blood and grey matter with a well placed shotgun shell, but he wasn't about to give the xeno the satisfaction of that particular outcome either. So he was stuck waiting for this night to be over with, even if something came up to interrupt things from going according to plan. He would be as ready as he could be, even with a broken pistol and limited remaining supply of blessed buckshot and regular shot as well for that matter. He still had a chainsword and knife beyond that, at least, so he wasn't completely out of tricks yet.

Grimm Noir [Rebooting~]

Location: Haven Academy

Mentions: @FrogRFlowR

---

Midori maintained his smile while putting himself firmly in the path of the lady he was addressing. Sure, he knew full well how infuriating being treated like that could be, but he really was trying to keep any trouble from kicking up on day one. Before the initial speeches and talks were done no less! No, no, he was going to do what he could to keep the peace, they were all here for the same reason after all! She seemed to be cooling off, relatively speaking, as he watched her gaze wander slightly. Probably processing his words, good, she wasn't the type to heat up and just, well, keep on cooking. That was a huge relief, the little tells were there that he didn't have to potentially brace to avoid being bowled over by someone fresh on the war path. Silme had been pretty rude, sure, but poor guy was the target of a lot of nasty words himself so he was going to stick up for him best he could. Even if that was just stopping a fight from breaking out so soon. She seemed nice enough as well, so no sense letting her run off into trouble so soon!

"Oh it seems that way, I know, but its reactionary. He's being treated awful, so it's only natural to react accordingly. Trust me, even with my less than plentiful dealings, he's really not that bad! I think you missed some context but, hey, you meant well so that's nothing to fault." Midori was the picture of a friendly, cheery young man, grinning even as she shook his hand a bit too strongly. His was surprisingly calloused, sturdy but not anywhere as overtly strong, plain indications of a craftsman of some variety prior to trying to be a huntsman. He seemed to be paying close attention to what she had to say, eyes practically flaring with light as she mentioned being from Atlas, all but bouncing where he stood with excitement. Sure, the odds of her having even ran into his mom, let alone recognize her, were slim to none but someone from Atlas attending here? He was practically ecstatic to have ran into her. Pretty much polar opposite of the response she got from Silme.

"You came all this way from Atlas, really?! Mom is working abroad over there right now Red, sorry nicknames are easier for me hope you don't mind, working with some of the weapons manufacturers over there to help with designs! Oh of course I'm stoked to try to be a Huntsman, its been a dream of mine ever since I got a hand on one of their weapons, and then when I heard about how they lived? Doing good for so many people, no matter the status or origin they came from? I did everything I could to make it here, literally, and there is no way I'm going to let anything get in my way of reaching my dreams! How is Atlas, by the way? I've heard it is far more uptight and regimented, not sure how some people could even live in that kind of life, let alone thrive!" The mention of Atlas seemed to practically set Midori's motor mouth off, rambling and prattling with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was taking the fact she was from abroad not as a concern but an opportunity to potentially hear about his mom, or more likely learn about the land she was working in!

Grimm Noir [Rebooting~]

Location: Haven Academy

Mentions: @FrogRFlowR@Raijinslayer

---

"Well you make a good point, maybe I should go with a cylinder, maybe a sphere? Not sure how easy gripping and carrying a sphere would be though!" Midori didn't even seem to be bothered by the remark, making a joke out of the whole thing, although that was all cut short by another prospective student, with brilliant red hair and she seemed to think Silme was causing him trouble? Oh he wasn't at all, but before Midori could get a word in edge wise, Silme took matters into his own hands, well hand in this case, and didn't really let the poor girl get a word in edgewise before heading off. Midori did call after him, subtly placing himself in the way between the young woman and the silver haired faunus as he departed.

"It was good seeing you Buff, I'll catch up later. Don't be a stranger!" The young man waved after Silme regardless of whether he'd see it or not before spinning on heel, offering the red headed girl a smile, probably looking slightly upwards at her given he was, well, pretty short for his age. He didn't mind, and it didn't bother him at all, but it was just the way things were. He extended his hand as he spoke to her now, part of trying to keep things from getting out of hand so soon after getting here, last thing anyone wanted was a fight breaking out after all!

"Sorry about that, he's really not that bad, he's just rough around the edges. First days nerves must be getting to him, I hope you understand? Never mind that all those awful things people keep saying when they think he isn't looking or listening aren't helping either. My names Midori Yoake though, it's nice to meet you! I know how that probably sounded but he wasn't giving me any trouble, I do appreciate what I assume was your concern though. Guessing from his remarks your not exactly from around here?" Midori was doing his best to try and smooth things out, as friendly as he ever was regardless of whether or not she shook his hand or not. He wouldn't be offended if she didn't, not everyone went for that sort of thing after all. His tone was also chipper and upbeat, as was his stance as he casually rocked from one foot to the other, almost like it was hard for him to ever stay in place or stay still for terribly long.

Grimm Noir [Rebooting~]

Location: Haven Academy

Mentions: @Raijinslayer

---

Midori had been practically bouncing from person to person, cluster to cluster, chatting with folks and pestering them with various questions about their weapons, who they were, and so on, when his latest victim person to chatter at got a moment's reprieve when an aquaintance decided to get the young man's attention with a remark on not expecting to see him here. The poor soul he'd been bothering had taken the chance to make themselves scarce, though Midori wasn't going to really worry about that. Instead, he walked on over to... Slime? No, no Silme! That was it, and Midori kept that light hearted grin on his face as he ignored the looks and remarks he had heard from before aimed at Silme. The comment on sturdy equipment got a sheepish chuckle and he scratched his head briefly, ruffling his hair unintentionally though it left it about as it had started.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything Buff, been my life's dream for quite awhile now. And you know the design was solid, but we just cannot get the materials to stand up to the sheer stress you put those poor tools under. Maybe Haven can help out with that and make it easier to get sturdy enough materials?" Midori treated Silme much like he treated most other people, tone friendly and just as open as ever. Sure, he saw the various looks and heard the remarks about the poor kid as he bounced around, but that didn't matter. They were all here to be huntsman and huntresses, and the nice thing was it didn't matter what got you here, if you didn't make the cut you didn't make the cut. He was pretty sure Silme would manage just fine, from what little dealings they had prior to running into each other again here, but it was always nice to see someone he recognized.

Grimm Noir [Rebooting~]

---

"Oh I've been waiting for this day for so long, I almost couldn't fall asleep last night. But here I am, Haven at last!"

The young man was metaphorically skipping up the long, some might find exhausting, flight of stairs, talking to himself along the way. He was practically bouncing with joy and excitement, beaming and humming happily to himself as he made his way upwards to the place he'd been dreaming of heading to, and doing everything within his power to reach, for quite a number of years now. Sure, he was as young as the majority that made it this far, but he wasn't going to let that discount the effort it took! He had to make his parents proud, for his dad who'd seen him off a few weeks ago so he could make the trip with time to spare and get a feel for the capitol, with enough funds stashed away for a rainy day. For his mom, who's letter wishing him the best and with some extra spending money tucked inside arriving only a few days prior to him leaving home for the foreseeable future. That extra money had to mean she was doing well with her contract abroad, hopefully between that and his own planned successes they could afford to get out of Kuchinashi and away from the people who had given them trouble for almost as long as he could remember.

With his wandering train of thought, Midori barely noticed when he reached the top of the stairs, stumbling as he tried to take another step that was simply not there for him to step on, though he shook it off with a trademark grin and chuckle. He had to pay attention, after all, who knows whether or not he'd run into one of his future teammates already! It was possible, and he'd hate to make a poor first impression just because he was almost day dreaming and ended up running headlong into someone or something! It was quite crowded after all, plenty of people around his age looking to make their mark and earn their place in the academy. There was a lot of people, sure, but Midori wasn't going to let that bother him. He knew his worth, and just how much he'd given in getting this far. Nothing like a little competition and reminder of just how desired these roles were to really reinforce how vital being a huntsman or huntress was. Being a bit early was nice for another reason as well, one that was a bit of a guilty pleasure.

So many new weapons! Midori had seen plenty of different components, styles, and designs working with his mom, but seeing so many different combinations, constructions, and design philosophies in one place was absolutely astounding in the best way possible. Given it seemed there was some down time before they were being ushered anywhere, well, that just gave the redhead time to promptly start wandering around, admiring the various weapons and equipment other would be students had brought with them, chattering at whoever made the mistake of actually listening or responding positively, or at all even, to his probing remarks and questions. Some might see it as trying to gather information on rivals, but for Midori, he just wanted to get to know all he could about the various weapons. Who knows, maybe there would be design ideas that he could adopt and modify into his own personal weapon, Promise, and improve overall! With a giddy, friendly smile he'd set to wandering and talking, chattering and enjoying being finally at Haven with so many others who'd, hopefully for the most part, genuinely earned their way here and not rode in on the coat tails of others.