Randomguy

Spellcasters on the Misty Shores (Nasuverse RP set in America) [Closed]

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New Covenant Christian Academy

Gabriel looked at the badge 'John' had shown him. To the pastor, the card had indeed shown the name 'John Green from Child Protection Services'

"Whoa!" The janitor exclaimed in surprise. Turning to Derald, he then asked, "Child Protection Services? Is that why you were asking about Evan? Did his Mother—"

Gabriel cut him off, "It's not charitable to think ill of someone before even knowing the circumstances. Besides, while I did come here on the behest of Evan's grandparents, they have nothing but kind words for Evan's mother, Ms Fatma. Well, they lamented the fact that she isn't a follower of Christ, but that's beside the point. In fact, you can say the fact that they still trusted a non-Christian to care for their grandson, despite being faithful Christians themselves, is a testament to their trust in Ms Fatma."

"R-Right...I guess this really isn't my place to butt in," the janitor remarked, looking ashamed after being chided by Gabriel.

Gabriel then turned to Derald, "John, I'm not sure exactly what the circumstances are that merited the involvement of CPS, but I do believe I might have pertinent information regarding your case. Considering your position, I am willing to talk, but let us do it in a more private place. I'm really not comfortable revealing private information entrusted to me by Evan's grandparents somewhere people might overhear."

"Oh, I can unlock a door to a nearby classroom," the janitor suggested, before turning to Derald, "That works for you, sir?"

@Silverstein

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Amari Residence

"Priest? No, not really," the door responded to Winnifred. Then, in an almost conspiratorial manner, the door added, "When Ms Fatma went to the bathroom, those Mr and Mrs Anderson said that they were going to talk to a pastor anyway."

"Meddling in laws really is the worst," the door concluded with a sigh. It then continued, "But superstitious meddling in laws is even worse. I think they also talked about how the whole possession thing is because their son became an atheist despite being born to a cursed bloodline."

@wikkit

Amari Residence

Fatma nearly jumped in surprise upon finding a large dog after returning from Evan's bedroom, before she quickly regained her composure. It had been a while since she had anything to do with magecraft. But she knew enough that the dog was most likely a familiar.

Then, as Mimi explained how the dog would be able to detect magical energy, Fatma nodded, "All right. Well, I have to say that since I have a magic circuit, it wouldn't be out of the question if Evan also has one. I never really teach him magecraft, though. I mean, I was never properly trained as a mage in the first place. But I suppose it's a good idea to bring a familiar that can detect magical energy. I've already informed him that you will be asking some questions, you...can go and head to his bedroom. Oh, and uh...please don't mind the mess, I haven't had a chance to tidy up his room, with all these things happening. Before we moved here, he used to be more diligent in keeping his room clean...well, never mind. Please, go ahead. Just don't harm him."

Turning to Richard, Fatma then replied, "Tempting him? Not as far as I know. Anyway, while your colleagues are talking to Evan, if you have any other questions for me, I'll do my best to answer them. But umm..." Fatma then turned her attention to Winnifred, who was standing by the door, "Is...your friend all right? They've been whispering at the door."

@Digmata@wikkit@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

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Amari Residence - Evan Amari's Bedroom

As MiMi and Selene entered Evan's bedroom, the first thing they saw was a messy bedroom. Unlike the rest of the house, which seemed to be more of a 'could do to be more tidy, but its busy residence, did its best' type of mess, the mess in Evan's room was more of a mess that showed a clear lack of care. Textbooks were strewn about here and there. Near the closet, there were a pile of clothes that seemed to have been thrown to the floor while the owner was looking for a specific clothing article.

Selene's dog let out a low growl. It seemed like there were traces of magical energy.



Sitting on the bed was a boy who seemed not to have slept well in days, looking rather haphazard.

The boy then spoke, looking at Selene, "...He said that you're here to kill me. Is that...true?"
@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Ava Lane

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Ava restrained herself from sighing upon seeing potential 'seeds of conflicts' already brewing among the group. Particularly between Bug and Minerva.

Her thoughts about the leadership position remained unchanged. Whoever would be picked had their work cut out for them. In any case, after hearing the proposed strategy thus far, Ava figured that, as one of the senior pilots, she should probably put her two cents in.

"I think the general strategy that has been proposed thus far is sound. The details are still debated, but essentially, we agree that Sleeping Thunder's artillery attacks are their 'win condition' so to speak. That is not to say the other framewerks are not a threat, but Sleeping Thunder heavy artillery aside, our team probably has the edge in pure combat ability. Most of the combat units are assigned to Mango team, after all. In exchange, Team Apple has a more troublesome rear, with their support framewerks. Thus, our 'win condition' is to disable their rear support and Sleeping Thunder. Once we accomplish those two objectives, the frontline battles should go smoothly in our favour. To that end, we are to form separate groups with their own objective. Here is my proposal on how to split our group."

Ava had only briefly looked at the framewerk specifications, but she had a firm grasp of their capability. She might not be an engineer, but her knowledge of the workings of Framewerks was at a sufficiently high level, enough to write papers on them. [Academic: Framewerk Technology].

"First, the Frontline. Mother Goose is obviously going to be on the Front Line. It's the most heavily armoured and also the deadliest in melee due to its sheer size. It is also there to provide cover against an artillery strike from Sleeping Thunder. Partnering with Mother Goose in the Frontline would be 5Q-U1 Type D. It is also heavily armoured, and the Secondary Systems installed would make Mother Goose even harder to take down. Next, the backline. That would be Guinevere. Guinevere is a support unit, so just like how Mother Goose is a natural fit for the frontlines, Guinevere is a natural fit for the backline that supports the frontlines. The rear would be Cockroach, which, as Astolfo had proposed, would be our 'sniper'. In addition, though not technically in the rear, I believe that partnering with AA-XOTRY would be a sound idea. Traditionally, a sniper works in pairs with a spotter, so in this case, a scout-type unit like AA-XOTRY should fit the role. But furthermore, AA-XOTRY can run guerilla tactics against the target of Cockroach, serving as a distraction that would make them vulnerable to a sniper shot. Finally, Argo and my unit, Argent Wing, will make up the cavalry, whose job is to take out their support backline and rear. Argo will launch a frontal attack, whereas Argent Wings will use stealth mode to take out targets distracted by the Argo. My proposed order of engagement is as follows. After our scout, AA-XOTRY, finds the enemy's locations, the frontline and backline will advance, engaging Team Apple's frontliners. Then, the cavalry will move to take out the support, while Cockroach focuses on Sleeping Thunder. After Team Apple's support is taken care of, the Cavalry will move to engage Sleeping Thunder if it's still operational. Finally, all units will concentrate on the frontlines, taking care of the remaining members of Team Apple.."

Spellcasters on the Misty Shores (Nasuverse RP set in America) [Closed]

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New Covenant Christian Academy

Listening to Derald's newest question, the janitor frowned, "I don't know. I'm just the janitor. Why would I know those sorts of details about a 14-year-old? He's only in the Volleyball Team as far as I know."

It was then that someone else called out, "Excuse me. Did I hear you were talking about Evan? As in Evan Amari?"



The man who just spoke was a red-haired man with a goatee, wearing a leather jacket over a shirt.

"I'm sorry, who are you...?" the janitor trailed off, before he seemingly recognised the man, "Ah! Wait, Pastor Gabriel? Almost didn't recognise you in casual clothes."

The man, identified by the janitor as Pastor Gabriel, smiled, "Ahaha...well, this is one of the perks of being a Protestant priest, I get to go around in casual clothes when not 'on duty' so to speak. Anyway, I assume you go to the Church of Christ the Carpenter?"

The janitor nodded, "Oh, yes. I really like your sermon, Pastor. But, umm...what are you doing here?"

"Thank you for the compliments, but that's only thanks to the Lord," Gabriel replied with a smile, before continuing, "As for why I'm here...Evan Amari's grandparents also go to our Church. They told me something concerning yesterday, after the worship service. Apparently, his mother is not really fond of the Church, so I was hoping to be able to talk to the teachers here. Oh, of course, I brought a letter of introduction from Evan's grandparents."

Turning to Derald, he then added, "Oh. Forgive me, we haven't met, have we? I'm Gabriel Tucker, a pastor at the Church of Christ the Carpenter. And you are...? It seems like you were also asking about Evan?"

@Silverstein

Spellcasters on the Misty Shores (Nasuverse RP set in America) [Closed]

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New Covenant Christian Academy

"Dunno much about the Evan kid, still a freshman, you know? He hasn't been attending the school for long. Didn't hear much about him until the recent incident, though. So, probably not a troublemaker. Actually, Isaac also keeps his nose clean most of the time. Apparently, no one even knew he was cheating on his girlfriend until Evan blurted it out, so...Maybe it's just something the volleyball teams knew but no one else, who knows?"

Then, with a smirk, the janitor added, "Anyway...you asking about the parents, right? Yeah, they were called in all right, though only the Mother came, since she's a single mother. Man, the kid's mother is a real looker, though. From what I heard, single too, since her husband cheated on her. Damn, man, I wonder what the girl he cheated on her with looked like if he cheated on a wife that smokin' hot. Oh, yeah, apparently, rather than her kid getting into a fight, the coach told me that she seemed more concerned that the kid seemingly was able to blurt out that Isaac was cheating on his girlfriend out of nowhere."

@Silverstein

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Ava Lane

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Ava looked at the team composition for the practice match. She wondered if there was a specific reason for the team distribution. At first glance, separating the new twin pilots seemed to be done on purpose. Ava had not talked to either of them, but from what she had gathered reading the available information on their framewerk, the two seemed to be equipped with a combination function. Separating them would mean that both framewerks full potential would not be realised in the match, as they were unable to combine. That seemed like something that had to be done intentionally.

It also seemed peculiar that the support and disruptors framewerk were primarily on Team Apple, with the exception of Guinevere. Leaving her team, Team Mango, mostly with combat units and a scout unit in AA-XOTRY.

Both teams have the heavy hitters of Mother Goose in Mango and Sleeping Thunder in Apple. Although compared to Sleeping Thunder, Mother Goose was a frontliner who could also act as cover for advancing framewerks.

In any case, it seemed that each team were geared for a certain 'win condition.'

A commotion broke Ava out of her reverie, as she saw one of the new pilots on Team Mango, a gynoid that had been reworked into a combat unit, hugging Elora, who was on Team Apple, seemingly not wanting to comply with the training mission due to the possibility of harming Elora.

Ava wondered if its logic unit had been compromised or perhaps, unlike her body, it had not been reprogrammed for combat. This was, after all, a training simulation, and as a gynoid that had been repurposed as a combat unit, training should be something acceptable to her logic unit.

Seeing some of the other pilots trying to coax her out of it, Ava sighed. She should probably try to put it in terms that would be more 'logical' to the gynoid logic system.

"Stella," Ava called her name, before continuing, "Allowing Elora to participate in this practice simulation is within the parameters of your 'cutie patootie' designation. The designated cutie patootie in question is also a designated combat pilot. If you do not allow her to participate in this training simulation, then she will not obtain the necessary 'data set' to refer to in actual combat. If she does not have the necessary frame of reference in actual combat, then she will perform suboptimally in combat. If she performed suboptimally in combat, then the risk of her death is higher."

Spellcasters on the Misty Shores (Nasuverse RP set in America) [Closed]

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New Covenant Christian Academy

The janitor's eyes started to glaze over as he heard Derald's words and smelled the aroma of his cigarette ashes wafting from his scarf. Then, with a jovial smile, he replied,

"Oh, hey! Evan Amari? The Freshman, right? Yeah, I heard of the kid. I don't wanna gossip about kids, but man, these high school kids feel like they're living in a sitcom drama, sometimes, don't they? The kid got into a fight with a junior in the volleyball team last Friday. Dunno the details, something about starting position, I hear. The Junior, Isaac, said something about how Evan's dad can't even be bothered to stay with his mom. Then Evan shot back with how, at least his dad was loyal to his mom longer than Isaac. The kid then said something about Isaac cheating on his girlfriend with the captain of the girls' volleyball team. Anyway, fists went flying and then some of us staff who were here separated them."

@Silverstein

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Amari Residence

There was nothing that particularly stuck out to Richard. The Amari Residence was the typical middle-sized apartment room, with a decent-sized living room that included a kitchen area, two bedrooms, and a toilet. The house itself was a bit on the messy side, but it was far from being unlivable.

It was about what was expected from a house for a teenage boy with a working single mother who did not have a lot of time to clean and tidy up the home.

Rather notable, however, was that though there were photos put up here and there, there were only a few family photos where Fatma and Evan were in the same frame.

@Digmata

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Amari Residence

"Oh. A child psychologist..." Fatma remarked. She had never met a psychologist before, but from the professionalism and amiability displayed by this woman, Fatma imagined that a child psychologist was probably the sort of person MiMi was.

She then continues, "That's really great, I did think of bringing him to a psychologist, but with the supernatural nature...I'm not sure how I would be explaining that."

@PureWitch

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Amari Residence

The door replied back to Winnifred with an excited whisper, "Oooh! Looking for a juicy gossip, are you, darling?"

The voice appeared to have taken a feminine tone to Winnifred. One that one could imagine belonged to a noisy housewife in the neighbourhood.

"Well, you see—Oh, but you didn't hear this from me, okay, girl?—Up until a year ago, the Father was still in the picture. But, get this, he cheated on Ms Fatma there with a student, and they ended up divorcing."

With an exaggerated sigh, the door then added, "That's why you NEVER marry a man who is too handsome and also has a successful career as a professor in a Uni."

There really was only one 'Uni' in Millhaven, the Pacific Crest College. So most likely, that was where Fatma's ex-husband worked.

The door continued, "Ever since then, the only guests, really, were Mr and Mrs Anderson, they're the kids' grandparents from his father's side. The way I understand it, they thoroughly sided with Ms Fatma when that whole affair debacle happened, so they still have good relationships with Ms Fatma. Oh, but they just had this big argument last night, though. Mr and Mrs Anderson wanted to bring Evan to the Church to meet a Pastor—the kid is apparently possessed—Ms Fatma didn't want to, though."

@wikkit

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

“Well, it’s your choice. I don’t really mind how you refer to me as long as it’s nothing weird. If you wish to address me as senior, that’s fine as well,” Ava replied in response to Bugs’ insistence on using the term ‘senior’.

As with most things, Ava wasn’t generally the type to be concerned too much about the little things, such as the form of address. If Bugs wanted to call her senior, then so be it.

“In any case, I’ll show you around. I did come here to get into the simulator, but…” Ava looked pointedly at the engineer who was starting his work on fixing the simulator Bugs broke.

“I think it’s best to leave Andersen to his work and not disturb him. Besides, it’s good for you to familiarise yourself. I doubt that another mishap like the ‘shower incident’ will happen, but…as a new pilot, you should probably get better acquainted with the base, regardless.”

Ava then turned around, heading back toward the door “Well then, shall we?”

The two then spend some time around the ship, with Ava introducing the facilities to Bugs.

“Next, we have the hangar. There are Framewerks of various designs here, as each of the pilots has a huge spectrum of preferences, it seems. Yours is probably already brought here as well. Speaking of, which one is—“

Ava suddenly stopped in the middle of her sentence, seemingly looking at another girl around Bugs’ age.

“Oh, we’re quite lucky that another member of our team is here. I’ll introduce you,” Ava said to Bugs, before giving a small wave and smile to Elora, as she walked over to where Elora was.

“Astolfo, this is Elora Liu'un. Like me, she was part of the first batch of pilots assigned here. Elora, this is Astolfo Bugatti, one of the new pilots.”

Elora was standing by the side of Logic Diver up on the catwalk, examining the more intricate tech equipped to the back of the Frame when she blinked and turned to see Ava and Bug. “Oh, Ava. Um, hello…” She shyly greeted with a salute as the two walked up to her, her eyes on the new arrival with a look of wariness. She had nothing but respect and awe for the veteran pilot, having gradually become inspired by her professional yet somewhat affable personality during their stay together, and began to have more confidence in herself, even aspiring to be more like her.

“P-Pleased to meet you,” she greeted the man. She wasn’t quite sure, but there was something…off about him. Unlike Sparks, who was quite nice, Griff, who was very straightforward, and Arrish, whom she got to know better via their spar, Alfonso seemed standoffish, as if he didn’t really belong in this place. However, she hoped that by getting to know him better she’d get over that first impression, as she believed the best in others.

Astolfo kept alternating looking at the diverse scenes and Ava’s face, studying every inflection of her face. A red cold beauty was an unusual combination and it was somehow fascinating. He made sure to smile politely in between to mark that he was indeed registering the information she was so graciously handling, if only so being proper was something he had to do, lest he had to rise in arms once again against the system.

When both came to a halt, and an unknown member was invited to their socializing, Astolfo took a moment to examine her carefully. A young, spry girl, bursting with vitality and beauty, yet at the same time avoiding his gaze, like a trembling fawn separated from her doe.

Oh great, just my luck. It seems we have the “social withdrawn but skilled so we drafted her regardless type”. Oh well, when all you have is a hammer…Let us see if the situation can still be salvaged, lest she ends up in therapy, dead, or on a killer rampage.
His hand reached his chin as he offered the barest hint of a smile. “Elora, Elora, Elora…Lily. Lily of the Valley.” He added as he leant forward, taking her hand and planting a kiss on it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, for you are a sight for sore eyes, even if you yourself do not realize it.”

He then retracted. “I was hoping to see fellow pilots with rude and crude stares and attitudes but I am truly blessed with senior Ava and your company.”

Well in a sense, she “is” cute, but probably from unknown pedigree.

“No need to be so still. Just call me…Bug. My friends tease me with that.”

My enemies insult me with that, and now curse that I am as unkillable as one. He smiled once again.

“B-Bweh?” Elora visibly shook as her hand was suddenly taken, a bright blush on her cheeks as her hand was kissed. As her arm retracted, the back of the hand was stuck upright, as if paralyzed, before she finally brought it close to herself, holding it with her free hand.

“Well, I'm, uhh…” She was at a loss for words: even Arrish wasn’t that affectionate with her despite asking her out, so she found herself a bit out of sorts. However, as she was under Ava’s state, she didn’t want to be judged as socially inept by the person she admired, and so she gave a polite smile that visibly cracked from nervousness. “You are too kind…Bug.” Honestly, the nickname the gentleman gave was ridiculous, but Elora knew better than to question.

Elora’s flustered reaction prompted Ava into action.

“That’s quite inappropriate, don’t you think?” Ava said, placing herself between Elora and Bugs, her expression taking on a fiercer look.

Ava might not have talked with Elora much, but based on her minimal interaction with the shy girl, she doubted such close physical contact was something she was okay with. And certainly, her reaction just now seemingly supports that.

Honestly, she probably should have stepped in the moment Astolfo boldly took hold of Elora’s hand; there was a reason why ‘lacking in initiative’ was a regular line written in her assessment by her Commanding Officer.

“I’m not sure how it was in Yatalia or your previous post, but I would assume that such forwardness to someone you just met is neither professional nor good manners.”

“Oh uhh, well…” Elora muttered quietly as Ava stepped up, finding herself unable to protest against the interruption. While Bug did make her a bit uncomfortable, she could tell that he didn't mean to offend her, and it really was her own fault for being unaccustomed to more high-class etiquette. “It’s, uh…okay…?”

Ava sighed before relenting, “Well…if you say so.”

Honestly, she felt that Elora was pushing herself, but if the one affected said it was okay, Ava could hardly gainsay against that. Perhaps if she were more of a busybody, but that was as far as possible from Ava’s general approach to social situations.

Turning to Bugs, Ava then added, “Since Elora said it is okay, I suppose I jumped the gun. My apologies. Still…not everyone is accustomed to that sort of greeting here. In a military setting—as I’ve said—that was also hardly professional. So my advice is for you to keep that in mind, Astolfo.”

Astolfo looked at both, and how Ava moved hawkishly to defend her junior. It seems I touched a nerve, Ava. Your walls are not as impenetrable as you make themselves to be. Maybe inside those walls there is a girl as insecure as Elora but years of scars have hid it? Que sera sera…

“And that is why you are the senior and I am the irresponsible junior.” Astolfo smiled, offering a wink of complicity. “I do apologize, too. You are right in that regard. It is far too forward. But, then again, so are most people of our age, don’t we? I just couldn’t resist offering my best impression of a Yatalian prince so the ragazza would have something else to think… than whatever is gnawing on her mind anyway. Please be so kind as to forgive my indiscretion, it was in good faith.”

Well technically hoping that a mewling country mouse somehow gets so distracted she forgets to doubt herself counts as good intentions, right?

Ava sighed once more, “As I’ve said, Elora thinks it’s fine, so there is no issue here. But thank you for the consideration, regardless.”
He then offered a cough and straightened himself. “Professional it is. May I inquire what is the issue, fellow cadet Elora?”

As the tension that once rose between the two had dissipated, Elora found her polite smile starting to turn more natural, until it resembled a normal one. “There is, uh, no issue. I was just surprised.”

She briefly considered her next words. “Truth be told, while I do come from an academy most people would think of as prestiged, I never shared that sentiment myself. So to have someone treat me with such high regard…I am truly grateful.” She bowed her head with her hands on her lap. “Th-thank you for your consideration. I hope we’ll get along as p-part of the same squad, Bug.”

”I suppose you have a level of self awareness, congratulations you are not completely hopeless which is something that I can't to a certain someone.” the sound of a blunt assessment would through the conversation, revealing a yellow eyed woman approaching the trio as her pony tailed white hair waved around. Interestingly said hair is not purely white as the original brown roots remain visible like the last embers of a distant memory.

Minerva then glanced at Elora to the newcomer walking towards him as she crossed her arms to make an assessment. “So you're the guy who blew up a planet to solve the Duvallian Folly? I overheard it from the engineer who is still crying about that outcome, so I decided to introduce myself.” the girl spoke as she focused her new attention on the newcomer.

Elora’s eyes opened wide as Minerva entered the conversation, and then glanced with a befuddled look as she heard the outrageous claim about Bug.

“You may call me, Minerva, ” she spoke as the ball is now returned to his court.

Astolfo’s eyebrow twitched ever so slightly. You goddamn sloppy husky dog! Could you have some manners for once, you blunt woman? You’re going to unravel my rapport with the country…er…academic mouse if you deliver the news hot as they are. Oh well. No use in crying over spilled milk. He thought, while he offered his best used car salesman smile to the crude woman who had decided to butt in the conversation. He still focused on Elora for a briefest moment.

“I hope we do, Elora. I sure hope we do. One for all and all for one, was it? Excuse me for a second.” He then faced the newcomer woman.

I don’t think you and I will get along. “Good day to you, senior Minerva.” He paused and then let out a sigh. “Yes, I did blow up a planet. The Duvallian Folly screamed of the Gordian Knot problem, so I employed a Gordian Knot solution. It was… an enlightening exercise. And well, since we’re talking about simulations here, the sky’s the limit, isn’t it?”

Bug tilted his head. “But a kingdom that has been destroyed cannot ever be again, nor can the dead be brought back to life. I’m sure you know the quote, senior.” He offered a smile. “But the simulation actually circumvents that. Ironic isn’t it?”
Minerva would see the fake smile from a mile away, not that it really matters since she never cared about what others think of her. It is easier that way, less pain at the inevitable parting.

“Don't worry, I'm not here to condemn it as you say the Folly is a simulation. Minerva answered as a small smile creeped on her face. ”I suppose that you could call me curious, I mean to what kind of mind would resort to such extreme methods even in the veneer of virtual reality.” Minerva would pause her voice for a while before speaking again.
”You don't need to answer that question, I would like to figure out the answer myself. I must say, I'll be keeping an eye.”

She could see it, the desperation in his eyes as he tries to live despite the world calling for his death. How sadly familiar.

The dead cannot be brought back to life…well, that was certainly true. Now, if only the mere acknowledgement of it would have her brain magically stop conjuring illogical notions when she least expected it, Ava thought derisively.

In any case, it seemed clear to Ava that Minerva and Bugs were two people who would find it hard to get along.

It happened quite often in any squad. Some people were just incompatible. Hence, she felt mere combat ability was an inadequate measure to pick a leader, because they also needed to be able to ensure that interpersonal conflict between squad members would not affect battlefield performance.

There were certainly strong personalities in their group. Ava would not envy anyone who would be chosen as the leader.

Turning to Minerva, Ava opted to try shifting the subject of conversation, “I’m not sure how much you’ve heard, Minerva, but this is Astolfo Bugatti, a new pilot assigned to our squad. I’m showing him around currently. In any case, we wouldn’t want to get in your way. Did you come to the hangar for something specific?”

As the discussion once more turned up the heat with the arrival of Minerva, Elora found herself on the sidelines, observing as yet another confident woman stood up against the likes of Bug. A small part of her was envious of people like Minerva: to have such confidence, such a cool attitude…not to mention not needing a custom pilot suit to fit her properly, though the timid pilot did spot that Minerva’s suit actually was not part of any standard production materials. In fact, it seemed quite advanced with the inbuilt hardware, and entirely built for her form, down to the last detail…And as she realized that she found herself staring at her a bit too much, she averted her eyes with a little blush. To not seem completely faux pas, as she often heard her fellow students at the academy say, she needed to join the conversation.

“M-Maybe you wanted to see the Framewerks?” She gestured up at the colossus before them. “This is L-Logic Diver. She’s an intelligence-gathering Specialist model…and my friend,” she added with a whisper.

Astolfo maintained contact for a moment with the impudent woman, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Keeping an eye on me? How arrogant one can be? If anyone’s to keep an eye on me, those are the superior officers, not you. You’re not as great as you make yourself to be, you blunt sloppy brute. He thought, without saying much. He didn’t waste in taking the cues of Ava and Elora, and gracefully ignored the so-called antisocial woman.

“Hmm.” Yeah, this is probably what Lorenzo saw. Girl’s scared of her own shadow, but if she can consistently bring quality data…hmm. We’re starved for intel in this war and anything we can scrape can mean everything. “Looks like a funky egg on legs.” He said playfully as he leant on Elora’s ears.

“But a trained eye can see the oversized arrays, the massive scanners and the cloaking system underneath. It’s a great rig…but I did not tell you this. As long as you keep your wits and your comrades back you up, you can bring something interesting back home.” Bug whispered to her ear, an honest praise. They did need to keep this one girl in shape. Elite super pilot crude badasses were aplenty, but good intel officers? Those were rare beyond belief.

He then adjusted himself and pretended he hadn’t said anything.

Elora frowned as she heard her Framewerk being compared to an unprepared omelet, but then blinked as Bug then leaned over to whisper in her ear: it was a far more intimate exchange than the poor girl had mentally prepared for at the gathering, so she found herself looking down at her feet, trying not to shake. “Um…Uh-huh,” she hummed with a nod, and looked at the fingers she was twiddling in her arms. “I’ll do my best.”

”Actually no, I just found myself curious so I decided to go and see the new pilot for myself. If my memory serves me right there are also twins that just arrived here, I'll meet them in due time. Minerva replied to Ava before recalling how many times she talked to her.

It felt like a rare occurrence then again it's not like she could dictate other people's social life.
Her eyes briefly stared at Elora, noticing her stares and returning it with a brief glare of her own. She let out a sigh before beginning to walk away.

”I'll be leaving now, the leader selection is just around the corner and I want to make sure that I will be at my best.” spoke one last time before she leaves as sudden as she arrives.

Elora felt the stony gaze of the clone pilot, and felt herself shrink inside, awkward about the encounter as Minerva walked away, her footsteps clanging rhythmically on the catwalks. With a frown, she turned her eyes back to Ava.

“So, um, I won’t waste any more of your precious time,” she said in a self-deprecating way. “I hope the training mission won’t be too difficult,” she said with a bit of a cringe before giving a salute and turning to walk away.

That…could have gone better, Ava thought. She was also surprised that Minerva implied that she wanted to be the leader by ‘hoping to do well in the assessment’.

Ava had thought Minerva to be the sort that kept to herself, much like how Ava was.

Personally, Ava thought that Minerva was too brusque to be the ideal pick, but she was far from the worst choice.

Well, she supposed she just had to leave that to Lieutenant Ritsu and Professor Lorenzo.

She then turned to Bugs, “Well, those are two of the other pilots you’ll be working together with. Is there anything else you want to see in the Hangar? If not, shall we move on? I think we’re about done with the tour.”

Bug looked at Ava, for a brief moment as he hid his disappointment at the tiny support pilot scurried away. A fawn still, that one.”I see. What was that about a training to pick up a leader?”

“Ah. That. Apparently the Commanding Officer will appoint a leader to our squad after a scheduled simulation training,” Ava replied.

Bug looked away for a moment, thinking on something. His amicable expression became considerable darker. “What’s the old man’s endgame with this? He’s going to have all meatheads gunning for something they can’t handle. This is concerning…”

He snapped fairly quickly out of his trance before he looked at Ava. “Does senior Ava have any interest in leading?” He asked.

Ava shook her head, “Me? Not at all,” then with a small chuckle, she added, “I don’t think I would be a good fit. ‘Lacking initiative’ is a regular entry in my psych evaluation, I’m afraid.”

“I find it odd given your background, senior. But I shall respect your choice.” Bug sighed, wishing there was anyone half-capable around.

Putting himself forward was not what he had intended but if the leader was that sloppy husky dog of a woman, they all could die.”I guess we part ways now then. Thank you for your help.” He added, extending a hand to shake.

Ava took the hand, “Sure. I suppose I’ll see you around then,” she then gave Bugs a polite nod, before leaving the hangar.

@AtomicNut@Digmata@Ariamis

Persona: Black Crown

---

"Mediarahan!"

Whatever damage the group suffered from the shadow's fire attack started to disappear, as Lucrezia appeared once more, sending a wave of healing pulse toward the group.

As always, Signora was impressed with the power bestowed by the regalia while they were in the cognitive world. Never mind almost instantly healing burn wounds, but the fact that they withstand flames such as that with little issue was already impressive in its own right.

Following up from the Thespian attack that hit the lion in the head, Signora quickly drew several of her throwing knives, launching them at the shadow's face, particularly aiming for the eyes in an effort to blind it.

Turning to Noblesse, she then asked, "Noblesse, perhaps you could elaborate more on what exactly you did?" Signora called out to their leader, who had just done something peculiar by having his persona manifest some sort of parchment.

Given the context and what he said, if Signora had to guess, then he's preventing the shadow from doing certain things. But it would be nice to have confirmation so they could better adapt their battle tactics.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Ava Lane

---

"You...blew up the planet?" Ava repeated after hearing the engineer.

Certainly, that was a strategy, but not one that would be endorsed by any military leaders of the Federation. At least not yet. The war was desperate, but not yet so desperate that an entire world would be sacrificed just to slow the Cruxi down.

She hoped it would never reach the point where, in the ruthless military calculus, destroying a planet was considered acceptable.

"Well, I suppose he is right that there are no actual crimes here. Though 'beating' the simulation with a strategy that cannot be applied to real life seems to beat the purpose, but I digress."

Giving her new colleague a polite smile, Ava continued, "In any case, it seems you've already known who I am, but my name is Ava Lane. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Bugatti...if Ava remembered correctly, that was the name of the Yatalia Empire's royal family. Ava never met them directly, but as part of the 'elites'...everyone there was connected to each other through something or someone, so she at least had heard the name. Furthermore, they made intergalactic news when the ruling Emperor and Empress went missing due to a Cruxi attack.

First, there was Arrish from the Duval Family, and now a Yatalia royalty...money was not enough to avoid drafts, but nobles at their level were one of the few groups who had similar influence to Framewerk manufacturers in the current state of the world. Even if they joined willingly, the Federation would be very peculiar in picking where they would be deployed. Meaning, they would specifically be placed here for a reason.

Or at the very least, this project was important enough that they sent two nobles here.

Ava's thoughts were then interrupted by Bug asking her if she was willing to show him around.

Well, she supposed that was all right, given that they were to be working together.

"We're outside of the Federation's normal chain of command, so no need to call me senior. But yes, I can show you around Solaire. I was planning to jump into the simulator, but well...Anyway, are there any particular areas you're interested in, Astolfo?" Ava said, deliberately using his proper name instead of the more informal Bug.

This was simply just her being courteous, after all. She still did not intend to make friends.

@AtomicNut

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Ava Lane

---

Ava walked out of the classroom in a pensive mood.

Unlike one might have thought after being shown the horrific video of the Cruxi laying devastation, that was not the source of Ava's pensive mood. Rather, it was the small discussion at the end regarding the shapeshifting Cruxi assassins.

Ava had never encountered one herself, but she, of course, had heard of them.

And among all of the Cruxi's capabilities, there was none she feared more than the shapeshifting Cruxi assassin.

The reason was, of course, the existence of Luke Chapman, or rather, the existence of the possibility that a Cruxi assassin was impersonating him.

Of course, Ava realised that the possibility was rather low, near non-existent. After all, neither she nor Luke's father, Colonel Chapman were particularly important for the Cruxi to specifically impersonate someone to target them.

But the mere possibility terrified her.

It was easy to say, 'Well, obviously, I would just not believe it's really him. He is probably dead already'. Add to that the idiosyncrasies exhibited by the Cruxi Impersonator, there was no way she, who knew Luke intimately, would be fooled, right?

But just like she was cognisant of the fact that deep down she has the illogical wishful thinking of 'If enough Cruxi were killed, Luke would return' despite knowing full well it was a distorted mental state, and something she tried to suppress.

The human mind was a curious thing, able to believe in things even if they knew it was illogical.

If someone with his face and voice appeared before her, even despite the verbal difficulty, would she simply accept it as a 'miracle' and that his verbal difficulty was simply a 'medical condition due to the harsh condition he endured during capture'?

That terrified Ava because not only would it mean she would endanger the other, but it also felt like she was disrespecting her former lover's memory for accepting a fake that easily.

Ava sighed. She needed to clear her mind.

At times like these, she wished that framewerks were more like a personal vehicle one could operate freely. She had heard of people just driving around the city to clear their minds and to think. But obviously, she could not do that with military-grade equipment like framewerk.

Piloting a framewerk always seemed to calm her down, almost paradoxically, as piloting a framewerk meant she was about to enter combat. She heard it was rather common for those who had high synchronicity with their framewerk like hers, though. She had heard that some even needed to sleep in the framewerk's cockpit to feel safe.

Ava was not that bad, but she did feel calmer inside a framewerk. She had read various theories on how, with the most intriguing, yet bizarre one about how pilots with high synchronicity were reminded of being in the womb while inside a framewerk cockpit, and thus they felt safe.

That one was too far-fetched for Ava, but regardless, it seemed that it was a rather near-universal experience for those with high synchronicity to feel safer inside a framewerk.

Since she could not simply enter Argent Wings and pilot it on a whim, Ava settled on the next best thing, which was to do training simulations.

As she entered the simulation room, however, she saw that there was a bit of a commotion, with an engineer looking exasperatedly at a pilot she was not familiar with.

She did hear that they were possibly getting new members; perhaps this was one of them?

"Did something happen?" Ava asked as he approached the two.

@AtomicNut