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Post by Lana De'Lancey on Jun 18, 2012 12:56:34 GMT -6
"Computer. Record message."
The computer whirred and beeped. A silhouette in the tower's security room had pressed a button, and now the screen read off Enter Message. The silhouette raised a large, metal-clad fist to a mouth, cleared their throat and leaned a bit closer to the microphone. "All new Titans, report to the practice arena. A bot will lead you there." The figure released the button, leaned back and typed in a long code copied from the paper in front of her; instructions for a cleaning bot to play the message to anyone who unlocked the door with a key, then hurry to the practice gym. The figure stood, adjusting the pretty white dress protected by neatly polished and shined metal armor. The figure was a woman, or a girl. At only sixteen years of age, Ilduig Orm'gha'oow Vor'que (which translates to Lana De'Lancey) of Samrakest had become the leader of the Bismark branch of the Teen Titans, within good reason.
Samroanians were known for their fierce battle tactics and merciless fighting spirit. Lana was a wonderful example of a good Samroanian, and she was determined to whip her branch into shape, to make them powerful and fierce. They would destroy opposition; that was her simple wish.
It was a wish that would take work. Lana had not yet met her teem of heroes and heroines, but today was the day. When they arrived, the bot would greet them, and lead them to her. She would meet them in the practice gym, exchange the necessary earthling greetings as well as a formal Samroanian greeting, then request to preview the extent of their powers, their style, learn their weaknesses for review, so she could learn to cover them and protect them.
Basically, she was going to spar with them.
Leaving the security room and shutting the door behind her, the thick, thudding footsteps caused by her armor marking her pathway. It took her less than a moment to make it to her target; the practice gym. With a diverse array of workout tools, the gym was fit for any type of human, mutant, alien or cyborg. Lana herself had already played around with several of them, putting them right back in their original places.
Of course, no one fought to their full potential in a sparring match. Lana's solution to this was simple. They should be arriving one by one; as such, Lana would simply hide herself away, lay in wait, and attack while they were least expecting it. Then, once she'd assessed their styles, she would halt the fight and properly introduce herself. That was, of course, the typical Samroanian way of doing things.
That in mind, Lana opened the doors to the practice gym wide, opened her left palm and, from the symbol in the center, pulled a large broadsword, decorated with the symbols of her family, tribe and planet. Standing to the left of the doors, perched upon a large stack of weights, she lay in weight for the first of her teammates to arrive.
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Post by Justin Pryce on Jun 18, 2012 16:53:43 GMT -6
All new Titans, report to the practice arena. A bot will lead you there.
The message rang through Justin's ears and repeated until finally a bot in the tower had arrived at his room. It was simple, a little rolling machine that would lead him where he needed to go. However, where he needed to be was right here. Any way I can put 'a rain check on it, bot? he asked, amusing himself with the idea it would talk back. Hey, at least he was talking to it. Of course, he wasn't talking to a living creature, which was where he choked. His only language for the living happened with his fists. Well, more specifically, his wings, talons, claws, and the other array of beastly things he could conger up.
His eyes gazed at his bags, still unpacked. All of his stuff would have to wait, apparently, because the bot kept replaying the message until he had shown interest in leaving his room. Alright, alright! He sighed, setting the clothes in his hands down, stripping himself of his sneakers to walk alongside the bot. Shoes were only for formal things. Why walk everywhere when you could fly? I'm following. Following. Justin Pryce is following, for goodness sake. He whispered, and finally the bot refrained from repaying the message.
He led the Aussie to a large gym, and paused at the corner before completing a turn and disappearing back down the hallway he'd just come down. His gaze wandered back to the gym. Guess this is where i'm 'spossed to be. He murmured, crouching down at the entrance on the other side before bursting forward in a flash of fur and scales into the gym, immediately starting to run laps as the manticore's heavy paws thudded against the ground, creating a hearty amount of echos. The only thing that was left in his spot were the remnants of a sole T-shirt. Might as well get some training in until whoever is leading this place needs me. He thought to himself, scorpion tail flexing as he ran. |
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Post by Lana De'Lancey on Jun 18, 2012 17:25:51 GMT -6
Lana didn’t have to wait long for her new arrival; he came through the doors soon enough. He might have even already been in the tower. Lana might’ve questioned the security systems if titans didn’t have keys. She could watch quite easily, considering she wasn’t actually concealed. She made a quick mental note before starting the attack. He was unarmed; which wasn’t good. Lana could not morally justify the use of her own weapon against an unarmed opponent; even if he simply fought with his powers alone, she would have to go it without her weapon. He crouched, and Lana’s eyes widened slightly. Is it possible that he has sensed me somehow? she wondered, excited and thrilled. The ability to sense one’s opponents was very useful on the battlefield. Then, his human form folded into that of a beast; a mighty beast, the likes of which Lana had never seen, not even on her home planet.
Interesting, she thought, smiling.
Unfortunately, her assumption of his excellent sensory talents were wrong; dead wrong. He began to sprint around the gym. Lana wanted to groan; he hadn’t expected her, he was simply training.
It is still not as bad as it could be, she decided. Plus, the addition of claws meant he was armed; and as such, it was justifiable to wield her sword. That in mind, she decided to delay the inevitable no longer; she leapt from the equipment, sword flashing in the florescent lights, and landed in the midst of her path, sword readied in an offensive strike. The first move is yours, she thought, adjusting her stance to a defensive position.
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Post by Justin Pryce on Jun 18, 2012 18:13:49 GMT -6
Justin kept his nose sharp; he knew he wasn't alone. As soon as he'd entered the room, when he started running... it gave him a chance to survey the area as well as get the scent of the giant gym. During such, he had detected someone. However, the lion's head refused to look in that direction in hopes that his awareness of someone somewhat hiding wasn't to be detected. When the first move was made, and the person in hiding was revealed, Justin skidded to a stop, immediately casting his eyes in that direction with a look that gave away no surprise at her arrival.
The lights shone on the sword, giving it a glimmer as she held it towards him in an offensive pose. Even if no words were spoken, it was clear that they were about to fight, no.. spar. Fighting was reserved when there was a clear purpose and a clear antagonist. Sparring was reserved for self betterment, and despite Justin's problem with communication, he was ready. The lion's face gave a grin as the pads beside his nose rose into a smirk as his breath came out in ragged huffs. Now yer speakin' my language. He breathed eyes unblinking.
He tried to figure out his course of action. He was purely offensive, and tried to stay away from defensive tactics. However, this was usually because most of the people he fought didn't have swords, which meant extra reach. If Justin was anything, he was a smart offensive fighter. Defensive though was a different story. He didn't run away from fights. He finished them. But this brought up another problem, should he change into something that could fly, or give him more reach? No, the element of surprise was best, especially if she wasn't aware of his shifting. For now, the manticore was the best bet.
His tail unfurled and prepared to strike as Justin ran forward, paws thudding against the ground, claws extended. He created an eerie percussion when running in somewhere that echoed. The creature let out a roar before thrashing his tail, sending a few spines covered in a scorpion toxic before performing a feint and jumping to the side to attempt to slash at her leg before jumping backwards to circle around her, like the predator he was. Or at least, what he fought as. The manticore was all about power and speed. |
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Post by Lana De'Lancey on Jun 18, 2012 23:22:03 GMT -6
Projectile spines, Lana noted. She didn’t note any odd colorations or such, so she left the observation as that alone; spines meant to stab and harm enemies. Lana sliced these with the sword. Two passed the blow, and Lana blocked them from hitting her face with her left gauntlet. They hit the steel and fell away easily. Simple tactics, but an overall strong fighter. Reliant on brute force. If he’s thinking things through, I cannot tell.
The spines might have been easily evadable, but the feint caught Lana by surprise. She’d leapt back a bit to avoid the carnage, but ended up playing into his han- er, paws. The paw caught her on the back of her calf, knocking her knee forward and making her lose balance momentarily. As it stalked around her, she regained her balance, once again taking the defensive stance, positioning her sword between the two of them. It is a good start, she thought, but I need more. Tightening her stance and drawing herself higher, Lana readied herself for the offensive. His offensive abilities may be great, but what of his defense?
Swinging the sword behind her for a stronger swing, she rushed towards the beast, angling herself to head him off in his predatory circling. Leaping at the last moment, she aimed a relatively simple attack his way; to him, it would appear as if she were aiming to slice downwards cleanly. What he didn’t know was that, if he didn’t move in time, she would merely smack him with the flat of the blade and turn him loose to fight further; after all, the purpose was to learn, not to harm.
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Post by Justin Pryce on Jun 19, 2012 3:30:45 GMT -6
Two spines out of, er, however many had shot out, as well as a good fake slash that would have probably destroyed someone's knee or calf had he been truly fighting. So far, he hoped he was doing well against this girl, who was probably some up-to-do in the tower. By the way she was fighting and evading, Justin couldn't help but get the impression she was testing him. Probably seeing where he'd fight in the team, or just check his overall powers. Well, perhaps he'd change in a moment when the time called for it. If she was testing what he could do, he better show her enough to satisfy her.
His paws weren't thudding, now they were calculated strokes of his muscles as he circled around her, but took a step back when she started to rush him. His heartbeat raced and his eyes darted to the side before he turned his eyes back to Lana and she was right on him. The sword would have hit his frame if he hadn't erupted into a flurry of feathers and talons. The blade missed, but only because Justin was now in the air. The Gryphon let out a cry, a piercing shriek that translated to more of a battle cry as his wings pounded at the air, flexing his talons and tail to get a feel for Gryphon instead of Manticore.
When he was in the air, he circled the gym to catch speed and then rounded a corner to face Lana. His speed increased as he started to dive bomb, wings pressed neatly against his back as he changed the situation back to where he was in the offensive. Now she could tell his only defense was evasion unless it was within combat. He had no defense tactics, save beat the heck out of whatever it was. When he got close to Lana and her swords reach, the mosnter gryphon spun, tail spinning as he took back to the air. He couldn't tell if his metal tail brushed against Lana or not... However, he was missing lots of armor. What WOULD have happened was his tail would have slammed into the person and close range while Justin's body was in the air so he could take to the skies without worry for his tail. He circled round before performing a flip and landing on the ground across from her, slitted eyes watching her every move. |
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Post by Lana De'Lancey on Jun 19, 2012 8:34:04 GMT -6
He dodged the blow, shifting forms and taking to the sk- er, ceiling… air? …He flew; that was what counted. Interesting, she thought, his defensive skills are weak. We’ll have to work on that, else everyone will be playing shield for him. His second form- third if you count the human form- was just as impressive as the first; this one seemed more like the beasts on her home planet, for some reason.
She braced herself as he began to dive at her, putting the flat of the blade between herself and her opponent. Except, he hadn’t fully attacked, simply whipped around quickly. The tail was coming at her fast, now, and Lana’s eye twitched. She ducked quickly, and could feel a disturbance just above her scalp where it had just barely missed her.
He landed, in this third form, and simply began to watch her. She stayed in a defensive stance for a moment longer before truly deciding enough was enough. Lana raised her blade, then lowered it, it’s tip making a small dent in the gym floor. She bowed as low as she could with her hand keeping the blade still. “It’kefethnrol danonta che voaul’itu.” She opened her eyes and looked back to the beast. Translating, she repeated, “It is a pleasure doing battle with you.”
Standing straight, she held her sword horizontally with her left hand on the tip. For a moment, all the beast would see was Lana stabbing herself in the hand until it became apparent that the sword was disappearing. Within half a minute, the sword was gone, and Lana was officially unarmed. “I am Lana De’Lancey. I am to be the leader of this team; of Tower VIII. I hope for us to be in good graces. Welcome to the Tower,” placing her right hand on her metal breastplate, she used the other to lift her skirt in a curtsy of sorts.
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Post by Justin Pryce on Jun 19, 2012 22:02:56 GMT -6
Justin's eyes scanned the arena for anything he could use for the next bout of blows, especially since he didn't have any of his armor on. Luckily for him, the armor stayed while shifting from creature to creature, though it disappeared when transforming into Fenris wolf, which wouldn't give him much room to move in the gym, despite it's size. In legend, they chained it up because it was getting to big to the Gods. And that was pretty big. His mind was going off track, but luckily for him Lana was retracting from the fight. Justin guessed she was finishing. He gave a click of his beak and waited for her to speak while she held her sword.
She spoke to him, but he didn't understand what she said until the translation followed slowly after. When she said she enjoyed the small battle, the Gryphon merely dipped his head and closed his eyes before laying down on the ground, crossing the bird raptor claws infront of him. His tail curled around him and his wings folded as she pierced herself in the hand. His eyes widened with confusion until he realized that the sword was disappearing into her hand instead of going through it. Interesting power. He thought to himself before paying attention once more.
So he was right, she was an up to do, she was a leader. Interesting. Justin lowered his feathered head to a lower station to show respect before he opened his beak to speak. His voice was deeper as the Gryphon, but still held the same accent it normally did. Very well. Good to be here. He stated simply, before standing up and unfurling his wings. He passed a lick on his paw and rubbed it against his face, cleaning off a bit of the sweat. He wasn't much for socialization, or words. Don't talk much. I let my claws and wings do the talking. But I'll follow. he stated. She wouldn't have to worry about him disobeying her or anything. |
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Post by Lana De'Lancey on Jun 19, 2012 22:53:49 GMT -6
Lana recognized and appreciated the slight inclination of the gryphon’s head; even on her planet, that was a sign of respect and submission. For some reason, she’d expected him to phase into his human form before speaking once again, but it seemed this was not the case; he replied in his gryphon form. “You can speak in this form,” she said, more of an observation than a question. “I still have much to learn about you, it seems, though the fight did help.” Lana nodded to this new member, “I will understand should you choose not to socialize. I do, however, request your name.”
With only a slight pause, giving him time to reply, should he choose, Lana continued. "I will try not to impose upon you too many regulations. I simply request the tower be kept a clean environment. Also, I hope to start sessions of training in this room daily, so we may begin to develop bonds and styles as a unit, rather than as individuals." She paused once more, thinking of information to add. Coming up empty handed, she gave the slightest of smiles. "Should you need any sort of assistance or information, you may ask me. If you wish to depart, you may do so now."
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Post by Justin Pryce on Jun 20, 2012 7:49:10 GMT -6
Justin watched her every move, and slowly began to relax when he was absolutely positive that the fight was over and this wasn't another test. Not that he minded, but it was good to be on guard occasionally, rather than playing with a ball of string in the corner, or preening feathers right before an attack. When she observed his talking, he nodded. I am limited to three monster forms, and they grant me the ability to speak. Not that I use it much. But I am glad ya understand. Justin Pryce is my name. He rasped, clicking his beak shut with a small 'tck'.
He listened to her regulations, which seemed sound. He was relatively clean, just a messy unpacker. But once Justin was settled in, it would probably be the cleanest bedroom in the tower. Since he was so large in beast forms, he enjoyed a clean floor so he didn't step and rip a shirt with a talon, or knock something over. It was merely a precaution he took, as opposed to just being plain OCD about it. The training sessions were also a nice touch to the regulations. I can comply with that. He nodded once more to add emphasis to it. She paused, and he stood up, stretching his body and arching his back. His metal tail whisked back and forth. Looked like theyw ere done.
I'll letcha know. I'll go ahead and head out, cuz there's someone else here you can test. He murmured, tilting his head to the side. In the bedroom wing. he reconfirmed, before turning back into shirtless Justin, hands shoved in his pockets as he walked out. He gave a slight smile and a wave before disappearing back out of the room, heading towards the bedroom area himself. |
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Post by Lana De'Lancey on Jun 21, 2012 22:17:37 GMT -6
Lana listened to the creature- Justin, she learned- as he spoke. He complied to her regulations, agreed to come to her with any questions, shifted forms then left, leaving her alone once more. Lana said nothing more, letting him go. Adjusting her breastplate, she frowned slightly. Someone else here? In the bedroom wing? How odd. Hadn't they received her message? Perhaps there is an issue with the bots, she decided.
She was hesitant to follow Justin to the bedroom wing. After all, what if someone was on their way? She would hate to leave someone lost and confused simply because she wished to sate her own selfish curiosities. I will... wait, she decided finally, getting a leg up on the equipment and once more heaving herself onto it. She sat this time; legs crossed, and drew her sword from her hand, laying it against her lap, looking down and looking at the engraved symbol for her lost tribe. She closed her eyes, visions of her past flashing before her eyes...
...but none of that mattered now. Now was a time of transition; from a bitter loneliness on a planet that was not her own to being something... more. A leader. A warrior. Just like I used to be, she thought, a small smile lighting her face. Lana leaned against the wall and cast a curious glance at the door below. Would others arrive, she wondered?
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