Lloki

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

'Benjamin', like Henri, had been keeping to himself mostly while seated in the middle of everyone. Discretion and observation were his strengths, after all.
It was funny how the restaurant had his cover name as its own, and while enjoying the food, the agent had an inner celebration of his own. A celebration of his newfound freedom, or funeral of his old life, either way, he was alone, but not. He just had to do it this way. It wasn't like he could tell them after all, about who he had been, and who he did not yet know he was. Like two other members that would show up later, Lukas valued security, plus more security. Unlike many others, Lukas could sense incoming threats towards them, and as he sat perfectly relaxed, eating his mexican dish, 'Benjamin' was like a human watchdog, though no one knew that yet. If he was relaxed, there was good reason to believe no harm was on its way, and he was relaxed.

Between his cheese stringed bites however, he sometimes paused, and while both times were obvious, being a hero and a devil entering, the second time he suppressed a whole bunch of reactions, seemingly just eating, and politely using a napkin.

When the caped hero of patronism had arrived, Lukas had quietly added him to be his clown for the 'party'. It was funny, Lukas was having his own party of liberation, and now The Liberator was there. It was too perfect. 'Benjamin' coyly greeted the hero with a nod, as he was a man in demand of respect, and clearly with more important people to talk to first, so Lukas simply continued his meal while listening. As he had thought of Everett as a clown just now, too, he thought it better to wait for a better mentality before greeting him fully.

When the horned lady arrived, Lukas was glad he had kept calm, and not alerted the group just because he was overwhelmed by her confusing energies. After all, he had not sensed harm, just an intense shift between a general energy of malice and mischief, like an oven that burned just a little too hot against Lukas' passive ability about twenty seconds before.

He'd had to force himself not to move when sensing the group scattering on the roof. That was before Baalphegor had made her presence known to the group. Lukas had been right to trust the lack of harm in her energy. 'Benjamin' offered a small appreciative smile when it was established in the group that they were hers, and for the sake of protection.

Lukas found a sense of calm in the pieces put together now, and watched as the charming cape and horned beauty became the center of the conversations. 'Benjamin' had put Marble back into its sheath under his upper arm long ago, and looked at desserts while spying the group. He was baffled by the display of weakness from some, and amused at the reactions from the seemingly more professional ones. What a colorful group he had come to witness. Why did Henri watch the TV when he had a comedy right here? 'Benjamin' had greeted every new member with a polite nod, and minimal smiles, and left the proper welcoming to Myron and Callie, or the royal siblings. He was no one, after all~ Just a mercenary or volunteer with a Noble Arm.

Furthermore: Lukas kept his amusement hidden as the devil and her maid argued over a piece of chocolate. He wasn't sure he missed the life of a servant, after all, though he missed that special bond. Lukas, "the ownerless", as he suspected his 'dad' would call him now, couldn't help but ponder who his new master could possibly be.
Callie was kind, but firm, and strong. Smart. The devil was painfully tempting. So much he didn't dare think of it. Cape Everett was admirable, but less likely to accept a side kick like him. Plus, Lukas wasn't sure how he would fare in a cape. He had watched The Incredibles, and Edna's warning. Nope.

Lukas entertained himself with the thought of being in a console rpg game, where he could choose between two powerful directions: renegade, or paragon. He admired the cunning Baalphegor and The righteous Liberator, but who to start a conversation with? Freedom had felt confusing, stressful, and lonely, even in his short period of time in it. Feeling ambivalent about his next goal, Lukas huffed a deep sigh with his arms crossed, for the first time risking cutting someone off, or attracting attention. He was thinking; deeply, until he suddenly answered Baalphegor seriously "I think I'd start a farm." 'Benjamin' waited for the skepticism, or ridicule, as he did not look like the farm type. It was a joke, and he made it obvious with the way his blue eyes glinted, and was ready to sparr the idea with any who wouldn't believe he could.

He would much rather talk about chocolates and music, though, as Lukas loved the two. His taste was obvious due to his white, though recently dirty, daft punk t shirt. He looked like a punk, metal rocker to begin with anyway. And by how a plate of churros with extra chocolate sauce was served on the table in front of him, he definetily liked chocolate.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

'Benjamin' nodded politely to Callie about talking, and having his brain picked, later, and tagged along. He understood they wanted to know him better, though he could not help staying alert.

Having sat down with the group, 'Benjamin' shifted uncomfortably at the fact that he was filthy around a dinner table. He spent two seconds adapting to the fact that they all were though, and that they were in fact in a casual diner. With a sudden relief he decided there was no need for finesse. He listened keenly to Callie. 'Benjamin' sat across from her, and found comfort in the respectful distance the volunteers gave each other around the table. It was an odd bunch, but a bunch that caught his curiosity in many ways.


After Callie had talked tactics with the sword wielding members, the calculated raven hair leaned back relaxed and chuckled softly amused while spinning his gleaming black finger knife in his right hand. He was finally opening up, and said friendly "I must admit, I did feel a little intimidated when you summoned all of your grand weapons." He thought some humor might break the ice, and seemingly found just as much companionship or comfort in his Noble Arm as Callie, and possibly others, did. The Daft Punk fan spun the knife around once more as easily as if it was part of him, and said "All I got is little Marble, here." With his left elbow relaxed on the back of his chair 'Benjamin' smiled sheepishly, and opened his right palm so they could better see the shimmering black finger knife. Shaped to his hand, and sensually deadly with its sharp curves and creative edges.
The agent awaited the group's response to his humble entry to the conversation.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

Benjamin smiled softly at Callie as flying through portals looked fun, almost like a fond memory. After she landed and finished talking, he asked seriously "What measures will be used to retract information from our newest captive?" Glancing around the group, Benjamin explained simply "I was in her mind...And while I know her weaknesses, and how to reach further in, to get whatever you need, I am curious whether a simple shift of her motivation, young as she is, or friendly approach from us, can make her an ally." With a simple tone he added "Or make a trojan horse of her..."

Benjamin expected the group to understand what he meant, not only strategically, but also moral wise. He could scramble Feng's mind, give her orders, and unleash her upon the enemy. A simple payback. Though something about Benjamin seemed to be preferring the kind way. It should ease their minds a bit.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

Lukas, or Benjamin in this case, offered his full attention for a spot where he could help, while observing the group with the intention to learn, both team work, and them as individuals. He had time for a soft smile to the girl introducing herself, before looking expectantly at Callie as she said she knew where to find a healer.
Whether the raven hair was silent due to being shy, or lacking in either confidence or powers, was hard to say, though his burning desire to be of importance was clear as day. He had proven he could take care of himself, at least, though he was hesitant to open up, about his powers, and himself. Stepping up to Callie as she seemed to have a plan, Benjamin made it clear he volunteered to help, or at least hear her out. With this many people, Lukas was not comfortable, nor used to, speaking.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

Once Feng got contained into the shield of Myron, Lukas could finally let go. He sighed deeply, and bowed his head with relief as he was no longer inside her head. Marble disappeared, and deactivating his powers Lukas tried to shake off the throbbing in his head before standing with a small stagger. When approached by the guy who seemed to have the same powers as the attacker, Lukas didn't move. The trained, raven haired assassin listened intently, and nodded in gratutude for the compliments. He said properly, hiding just how disturbed he was with the whole situation "Certainly."

He didn't like presenting himself to new people the way he was now. He suspected he, as well as half their environment, smelled burnt, and he was covered in dirt. Lukas didn't like having his hair undone in public, either, and took a quick look around for his black hair tie. Suspecting it had gotten burnt to crisp by the meteorites, he did his best to hide a pout, though as he tried pulling his hair back, he mainly looked annoyed at the entire encounter with Feng.

As he couldn't make himself any more presentable, without his powers anyway, Lukas approached Callie, whom he suspected would start informing everyone about what to do. Lukas hoped it wouldn't take too long until he could shower and rest. It had been quite a day.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

As the three people were freed from their horrendous fates, and Feng started screaming for her own, Lukas realized he still maintained the mental link. Panting, he remained with her through her panic, to figure out what to do with it.

While letting it be up to his group, he maintained the link to be a tool for them, and to learn, for himself. If a clue to saving her would present itself, Lukas could try it through his powers. It was obvious Lukas was still using them, by how undisturbed his stare on her was, though if no one had figured out his powers yet, or had a clue to save her, all he could do was watch and feel Feng fade.

Even though he had shielded his eyes momentarily from the light erupting from the collision, and was horrified at the sight of three people randomly falling out of her shield, like long since captured zombies, Lukas had instinctively held on to her mind. While keeping his eyes sharp on her like traps ready to shut her down should she look inside them, he could only wait for a new piece of information to use on her senses in the meantime, like before. At the moment, he only knew her weaknesses. He did not know anything about why she was fading. Could it help her turning herself into matter again? He could freeze her mind, through eye contact, in case it was somehow her consciousness or subconsciousness doing the fading.

Can I help her? Can we help her? Do we want to? She is a villain after all. But I do not care. I am waiting for orders. Lukas' mind went. Lukas wanted to be useful after all. He wanted to be liked. He wanted friends. He would help in any way he could, or drop her if that's what gained him points.

Sweating and panting Lukas stood on standby, ready to create illusions or voices inside Feng's mind to help, or release her forever, and move on. The first two things on Lukas' mind after all this was over, was chocolate cake, and becoming religious.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

After another tumble and skid to the ground, Lukas felt Feng falling for one of his illusions. Like a spider sensing its web tingle, Lukas scrambled to face in the direction of Feng, and crouched like a hunter. As the team all around him started to cooperate on leveling the threat, and protecting each other, Lukas could finally work safely. As Feng was obviously panicking out there, Lukas instantly sharpened his focus on her, so to keep her fractured reality going. It was as if he'd unleashed a beast though, and with such a weak leash, he couldn't start tugging for control to help Cristina, or anyone, just yet.

It was terribly difficult to get a better hold on her under the loud and chaotic circumstances. Without eye contact, even more so. The villain was ferociously attacking the young TFO agent while screaming, and Lukas, like everyone else, could only rely on Cristina's resolve while preparing their attacks.

Lukas' advantage was that Feng had already fallen for his simple tricks, and as her growing distress became Lukas' fuel, his illusions would only grow stronger, if undisturbed, that was.

Still crouched, Lukas started the second phase of his combo. By pressing his spread palms against the ground, Lukas grounded himself, and by clenching his jaw shortly, he brought focus to his powers. While also using more illusions of sound, Lukas knocked on Feng's mind to learn more of her. Her shield bashing against Cristina's sword would sound like familiar cuttlery, and when Lukas noticed the team sending Henri rushing towards her while still occupied, Lukas caused her to hear a distant scream of pained hunger, in a direction that would make her turn her back on the charging hero.

It was all Lukas could do at this point. He could only hope Henri would make it.

It was because Lukas chose to trust in those around him, and because of his own mental resolve that he was not surprised or distracted by all the colorful elements thrown hither and thither all around him. The teleporting bullets as well as live ammo being shot through the air apparently from nowhere would have to be dealt with later. For now, he needed to keep Feng occupied, and that was it. He hoped for a reward later. At the very least.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

It was sweet of someone to think of Lukas as brave, though Lukas never considered himself that. It was a waste of time, as well as an unfamiliar feeling. He had no business caring about what people thought of him anyway, when his powers were all about schemes, tricks, manipulations and lies. Those kinds of powers did not fit well in a thirty meter circle wide dome, with balls of fire hanging from the ceiling, and large weapons swung by larger than life heroes.

In the chaos, Lukas only had enough time to make himself invisible to everyone, and not a particular set of people, as he started running, rolling and dodging to avoid being collateral damage to both friend and enemy. "God, fucking damn it..." He cursed in a tumble where his hair bun came loose. Someone might have heard him curse under his breath on that close call, when coincidentally getting passed, or passing by him. Before they could get too distracted by it, Lukas let his team mates see him crouched down at one of the edges of the dome, panting for his life. He wanted the near accidental murdering of his person to stop by reappearing, though he did so as a transparent ghost like figure to let them know he was still in stealth mode. The illusion that let only his allies see him could break and reveal him to Feng should the others make it obvious he was there. With everything else going on though, he doubted that would happen. He had probably not even been seen by everyone yet.

Even though he was thoroughly embarrassed by his near death experiences, and completely out of his element, the Daft Punk fan kept his concentration on Feng while creating simple and short lived distractions to protect the others while they were fighting. The seemingly laid back raven hair seemed to be planning something towards Feng, though a slight wince in his resolve proved he was not exactly looking forward to pouncing her, like he seemed to be waiting for while pouncing around for his own protection. He was like a passive panther waiting for his chance. The main reason for his hesitation was his fear of the shield Feng was carrying, as he'd learned it captured people. They were screwed though, and if no one did something soon to subdue her, they would be Feng's personal barbeque. Sometimes charging the lion's throat was better than running in the range of its claws.

The space was small. They were many. If they could herd Feng close to either Lukas, or Henri, they could gain some form of upper hand. Should Lukas get behind Feng, he could stab her with his fingerknife, Marble. It was small, but efficient. Lukas could further penetrate Feng's mind with unchallenged touch, and it might be all over.

Meanwhile, sweat was trickling down his neck as he struggled to get a grip on Feng's mind. It was impossible for him to create an environment based on what he suspected was a hunger based anxiety for her. He could make the weapons into food, but Lukas was far too busy to concentrate at the moment to make Peony's sword into a sausage, and its flux to gravy. Maybe later.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

The violent intent from afar hit Lukas' already opened senses so hard he jolted before the impact hit the ground outside. The tremor of the impact sent him down into a controlled crouch in order to keep his balance. As he did not want to spend his newly found freedom dying under a rooftop, among strangers, Lukas quickly got up, and dashed towards the exit. His Noble Arm, Marble, gave him the speed he needed to grab his bags and make it outside in matter of seconds. He wanted to figure out what he was up against before deciding whether to run or stay. He knew through Marble in which direction to go, and when ending up outside with other volunteers, Lukas threw his bags on the ground nearby after skidding to a halt. The threat was a sole girl, surprisingly.

The eclipse was, for some reason, terribly uncomfortable for Lukas. Nevertheless, with the alias of Benjamin among the Task Force, he stood battle ready. As the invader made her undermining and playful villainous speech, Lukas glanced around for anyone who might charge in. Surely there had to be a few foolhearted heroes among them that could work as distractions while he went into stealth mode? In the meantime he sharpened his senses to learn what the shield wielding girl's intent could truly be, and who might be her target, if she had any, or several.

She gave them time. Why? Was it to play? Or was it because she truly didn't want to attack? Was someone manipulating her? Lukas would carry sympathy for that, naturally, having been rather manipulated himself up until that day. The crazy girl with a literally ground breaking entrance, could also be stalling for someone else, and simply wait for them to make their move. Lukas would learn something about all of that very soon, assuming their invader had a soul.
Usually the intensity of his target's commitment to their actions, measured up against the level of severity, would reveal whether their actions originated from their own accord, or by others. Lukas dabbled in those kinds of manipulations himself, after all. The less a person wanted or was capable of doing something, the harder it was to make them, thereby, the commitment in their soul would be weaker than what their action would assume. Basically Lukas searched for knowledge about whether this maniac of a girl was bluffing, or if she was being serious. Mass murder and mass destruction was kind of a big anouncement, and it was rather close at hand.

The one or the other would determine his oncoming strategy.

If the loud surprise from earlier, changing daylight and unknown enemy wasn't enough to challenge Lukas' mental concentration, a burning meterorite suddenly hovering above the building, only meters away from him, did the work. "Oh! Fff..." he cursed under his breath when staring up at the burning ball of destruction, realizing that this girl had the power to control not only an eclipse, but burning meteorites as well. He feared what else she could do, so he slowly backed from the hot immensity hanging in the air. Even though he sensed no immediate danger, that could quickly change, and Lukas was not keen on testing whether he could outrun or block burning balls from space. How many could she summon anyway!? While at the mercy of one crazy terrorist, who probably caused eclipses in her spare time, Lukas felt rather inferior. He struggled not to run, and cursed inwardly; He knew something insane like this would happen when involving himself with other Noble Arms. Stupidly insane powers! He had always thought, and would so haunt them all if he was going to die under some dumb burning meteorite!

As the invader continued to hold the thing off though, the steady flow of information continued to come to Lukas, having only been slowed for a handful of seconds due to the fearful distraction.

Lukas waited impatiently for someone to charge ahead, so he could perhaps find his way to her, and grab a hold of her mind. He got murderously fired up by the thought of controlling, or paralyzing someone this powerful. If Lukas was correct in suspecting the enemy's show of might originating from a childish form of superciliousness, it would prove easy to get into the control panel of her mind, but if her audaciousness was rightful to her powers, and her intelligence proved far more than a mere spoiled psychopath, he'd have a challenge.

Lukas might look unarmed, but his professional stance and sharp focus on the situation expressed he was ready to receive orders, or give them. As a trained agent, Noble Arms Master, and opportunist, Lukas was ready to help despite the horrifying scenery of a burning meteorite, an ominous eclipse and the girl's grinning confidence from behind her massive shield.

Suddenly from behind our dashingly handsome raven haired hero:

Peony cleared her throat. “…Um… There’s a lot of civilians around. To evacuate, I mean. W-We’ll need at least twenty.” She said in fluent Chinese.

Lukas understood chinese, but wasn't sure the enemy did. For their sake, he hoped she did. Did they perhaps know each other? Lukas' confusion was kept behind his halted breath for a moment, until the newly arrived girl with too big of a weapon, started negotiating with the other girl with too big of a shield. Should the fireball wielding teenager get insulted by the demand of more time, Lukas was ready to get the hell out of their way, because suddenly Lukas found himself in the middle of the three massive energies. To his right, a burning meteorite. At his front; A maniac probably lacking a healthy hobby. And behind him; a well meaning hero.

Lukas started to mourn his hopes for cake. Why couldn't he just have gone somewhere else for that cake? Maybe cake would be his only dying wish...He thought miserably. Slowly turning his head to look at the seemingly kind girl, wielding an intensely magnificent sword of rainbow goo, Lukas gave her a horrified look that silently said "What?!" Meanwhile he lifted his hands disarmingly so the enemy would not perceive him as a threat, and while having his head turned to look at Peony, he suddenly struggled to hold back a giggle. As the sudden smile forced its way through his forgiving face, he seemed to be amused by her attempt, though also admitting to himself he would probably have tried something similar. He couldn't help but admire her attempt, and spent a moment collecting himself before facing the enemy again.

Should no one else intervene, or otherwise engage Lukas in something, he would slowly continue seeping information while stepping aside. Just in case the invader got mad at Peony, and decided to drop the whole sympathy thing for civilians. Madness was never predictable, after all. Also, should their new heroic arrival decide to use her hovering droplets of rainbow plague, Lukas did not want to find out the hard way what it felt like.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

Already having dropped his bags by the door nearby, Lukas slowly gathered with the crowd. He discreetly found his way to the back of the room to listen to the speech, and observe. After a minute or two he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, and paid close attention despite his apparent skepticism. He quickly got a shallow overview of what kind of people they were. He found the addition of color, in contrast to the underworld he'd worked in previously, refreshing. Though he would not underestimate them, and knew fully well this was just another power source seeking pawns to do their dirty work. As the speech ended, Lukas curiously started to be on the lookout for potential, like strength, or power.

When answers were expected from the group of volunteers, Lukas remained silent. The laid back undercover agent, or more precisely; ex undercover agent, was quite the opposite of a public speaker. He didn't even consider his own opinion on the conflict, other than who might win, and thereby, which side to pick. He would pick the winner, or at least someone powerful enough to provide safety. The corners of his lips tugged slightly upwards as the feisty girl, who probably could use a hairclip or two for her annoying bangs, spoke. He liked her. She was simple, and straight to the point. Honest. Honest people were fun to drop into the stiffling air of politics. Lukas had so many good memories of that.

Forsaking any kind of fun for now though, Lukas started looking for a potential protector. Old habits died hard, but this time Lukas would at least be able to choose for himself, from a global pile of potentials. "See? You know it. Without a proper master, a tool is useless," ringed through his mind, and he shook it off before taking matters into his own hands.

Ruining his short lived inner peace, Lukas charged his Noble Arm. Unless anyone in the room had Noble Arm powers that could pick up the use of other Noble Arms, or the like, none would notice Lukas' scan. His powers were that of the mind, so all Lukas would seem to be doing, was concentrate on the serious matter at hand. While his small finger knife of a Noble Arm appeared in its sheath around his ankle, under his jeans, his gaze scanned the crowd as they spoke. He would intuitively understand which ones in the room carried the strongest malevolent intention, if they had any, towards any others in their shared space. Should their goal be elsewhere, he would only understand there to be a goal. Not who or where. The closer the person would be to the act, location and, or, target, the stronger Lukas would sense it.

Humans were so beautiful with their violent nature. Their anger and hatred spiking into violent impulses, that sadly would too often die before they could even be considered a thought, due to the human race's philosophic and ethical evolution. Triggered enough, though, these emotional impulses often did become unmistakable desires and wishes, followed by meticulous or desperate plans of actions, that would span from a day to several years; then, hilariously ending with devastating guilt and regret.

This was Lukas' world.

Suddenly a woman, apparently named Callie, had such an odd energy that Lukas blinked confused, and even squinted to try and decipher it. He quickly let it go, though understood it had been directed at the person on the podium. It bothered him a short while until someone else caught his attention.