daybreakacademy | battlefield: the enraged ones [open]

battlefield: the enraged ones [open]

Who: A. Anyone!; B. Mostly those who have shown interest in fighting the Dragon, but even if you haven't posted in the OOC interest check, feel free to jump right in anyway!

What: A. Let's talk about Heralds; B. It's time to fight a Dragon daemon!

When: Late June. A happens before B.

Where: A. The Iris Network; B. A small town found within the Mount Lebanon mountain range, Lebanon.

Warnings: There will be fighting, likely with blood and possible gore.

Note: Will match format!

A. UN: murakumo_emille | Subject: Heralds

A. Colleagues and Students,

I, Head of Research Emille, have been looking into the beings known as Heralds in order to prepare for our eventual showdown with Utultar. There are records of battles against a previous Herald, Xelvak, and we cannot forget that a baby Herald resides with us within the walls of the Academy.

Therefore, for anyone who has fought with Xelvak or Utultar, or have interacted with the baby Herald, I would like to hear your story. What was your experience like? What was the Herald like? How do you feel about the baby Herald that resides with us? Is it an abomination, or worth training to fight with us?

As for myself, I will admit that I am wary of the baby Herald. As long as it does not become a threat, it can remain with us, but the moment it becomes dangerous we will need to take action against it. Besides, I do not believe it likes me much. That is my opinion. What is yours?

--Emille

B. Codename: Sleepy Hollow

[One June afternoon, Emille receives a dire phone call from Murakumo HQ in Tokyo. They've detected signs of a butterfly-like Dragon daemon in Lebanon, and they're asking if she can mobilize a squad from Daybreak to nullify the threat. By the next morning, she and a select group of students are on a Murakumo-funded helicopter flight to the Middle East.

Upon touching down at the foot of a mountain range, they are taken in rugged ATVs to a small town within these mountains. The surrounding area is densely wooded, and snow-capped peaks can be seen off in the not-too-far distance. As for the town, it is a mess. It is obvious that something strange is going on, that a battle has been taking place. Burn marks can be seen on some of the buildings. Chunks of earth have been gouged out and strewn around. Small medical tents have been erected near the entrance to the town, with Murakumo doctors aiding wounded humans. And, of course, swaths of orange flowers have sprung up in various places, from the ground to the rooftops.

Emille and the group are greeted by a member of Murakumo as soon as they step out of the ATV. The uniformed, ventilation-masked man gives a quick debriefing: the Dragon daemon, codename Sleepy Hollow, has used some sort of ability like the shedding of its wing scales to turn the people of the town against each other, verbally and physically. Murakumo is currently working on providing an antidote to this problem, both for the victims and for those gearing up to fight the Dragon. Sleepy Hollow itself has been chased off for now, but it will be back anytime.

He then points to three stations: A larger tent set up next to the smaller medical tents where the antidote is being created, a small table with a nurse outside of the medical tents, and the biggest tent of all in the center of the town where the anti-Dragon briefing is about to begin.

Which station will you join? See the toplevels below for details!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[While carefully lowering them back down:] That cut you wanted me to look at's already started closing, it should be fine if she can leave it alone.

[When the next request is made, she glances off toward the indicated area. Pretty sure she's already spotted the man described to her, she responds:] Yeah, I can do that, just gimme a few. [Off she goes, not running because that's not safe, but still at a hurried pace because she knows the quicker she and anyone else in here can work, the better.

When she gets there, if he hadn't already noticed her approach and turned to face her then she'll be giving his shirt a tug to get his attention, otherwise she just parks herself right there in front of him.] 'scuse me, hey. My name's Becky and I'm here from Daybreak, I was asked to check with you about some test results?

[The attendant nods at the report.] That's good to hear. Thank you, miss. [The young woman's eyes are definitely droopy right now, so the attendant pulls away from her arms.] I'll work on getting the IV prepped while you're talking with the doctor.

[The doctor does need a shirt tug in order to get his head out of the data he's reading off a chart in front of his face and back to reality. At first he gives Becky a confused look, but nods his head in understanding once she's finished her statement.] I see. You're working with Reiko? [He flips some pages around and begins reciting data.] The young woman's panel came back mostly normal. No signs of any underlying conditions that could complicate treatment. However... [He looks at Becky with a bit of a frown.] She has increased hormone levels, which most likely signifies she's pregnant. Both mom and baby could be in danger. Please let Reiko know as soon as you can. Thank you. [He slightly bows in gratitude.]

[When he tells her that the results are 'mostly' normal, Becky knows that something is up. When he clarifies what that something probably is, she straightens herself up and keeps listening in case there's more, but then he tells her to go report back.

She doesn't want to waste time asking for further details, so she simply gives him a nod.] I'll get back over there right away, thanks. [Off she goes again, still not running, but at a quicker pace than before.

When she gets back to where Reiko has been working, Becky waits until she's finished her current task—knowing that interruptions or surprises could potentially cause major problems—and then speaks up:] Test results came back mostly normal. Mostly. Our patient here has elevated hormone levels, the doctor thinks she may be pregnant.

[The attendant Reiko is hooking the large IV bag up to its stand when Becky returns, after having successfully hooked the patient up to it. For now, the IV is only pumping nourishing fluids and antibiotics into the woman's body. The young woman seems to be asleep at the moment, her body finally worn down enough to allow her some rest. Perhaps Becky's healing also had something to do with it?

Reiko turns to face Becky, eager to hear the results. Her expression turns into one of slight surprise once she hears the big news, however.] Pregnant, you say? [Reiko looks the woman over with that information in mind.] It doesn't seem that she's showing yet, so she must be pretty early in her pregnancy. We've got to be as careful as we can with her, because her body's been through enough as it is with this daemon flying around.

[She looks at Becky with a glimmer of realization in her eye.] I know! Do you want to try and use your Flame power again while she's resting? This'll be your best opportunity to do so, since we don't know how long she'll remain like this.

Sure, I can give it a shot. I won't be pushing it too hard though; maybe around the same speed I was trying before. [She takes a seat next to the cot and then takes the woman's free hand into both of hers.

It's entirely possible that she is in fact partially-responsible for the woman finally being tired enough to rest; her understanding of how it actually works is that it actually speeds up the body's own healing processes, and quite some time ago, she had admitted to Ekkehardt that because of how it works, it can be potentially-exhausting to both herself and whoever she uses it on if she tries to do too much at once.]

Stop me if it looks like I'm about to pass out.

Edited 2020-07-03 17:08 (UTC)

Great. The antibiotics that are entering her system right now include an anti-inflammatory, so she shouldn't be as bothered by any itching sensation she might feel. I'll keep an eye on her anyway, just in case.

[Reiko moves to the head of the cot, ready to soothe the woman or grab her arms in case she snaps awake while Becky does her thing. After Becky begins her healing, Reiko cautiously breaks the silence.]

Would it be too much of a disturbance for you if we talked a little while you use your Flame power, or do you need to completely focus? We haven't even been properly introduced yet, and I thought now would be a good time to do so...

[She doesn't look away from what she's doing, but—] No, talking's fine.

I know I sort of identified myself earlier and all, but things were a bit, uh, busier at that moment, so I kinda rushed through that. [She'd given her nickname, which was at least something, but it wasn't a proper introduction.] My name's Rebecca Fulton and I'm a student at Daybreak Academy—been there since late September of last year.

[Reiko notices that Becky is remaining focused on her task and not lifting her eyes, which she understands -- she herself is watching the young woman for any sign of movement. She expects her to start lightly twitching in her extremities sooner or later as she subconsciously battles a natural desire to scratch, if their previous experience is anything to go by.]

Nice to meet you, Rebecca, or Becky, right? I am Reiko Ueda, member of the Murakumo medical staff for the past ten years. I actually began my medical training in the Japanese Self-Defense Force, but I was recruited to Murakumo after helping nurse daemon-attack victims back to health.

[A moment to make sure everything's still the same. So far, so good.] I must say, Becky, if you weren't a student, I would try to talk you into becoming my assistant. You've been so calm and helpful this entire time. Do you have experience in this field, or have you ever thought about pursuing nursing or medicine?

This isn't the first time I've come out somewhere to do my thing. [She had been part of the medical team for the mission that had ultimately led to the academy taking in Iriceli.] But most of my experience is either from helping my parents back home by using my ability, or from hands-on work in classes or volunteering at the academy's infirmary.

I've thought about sticking with it, but haven't really come to a decision about that yet. [She's had some people getting concerned that she's been making herself do things simply because she has the capability, rather than it being something that she really wants to do.] There's some other things I've thought about possibly getting into instead, too.

I see. You must have awoken to your power at a very young age, then, if you have this much experience with it. [A pause, then to clarify:] And I'm already sure that you're older than you look, since you've proven your maturity by the way you've handled yourself today. Plus the fact that the Academy has allowed you to come to a war zone helps your case. [That's all she'll say on that, unless Becky wishes to elaborate further.]

But now for a little advice from Auntie Reiko. [She giggles a little from the smallest smidgen of embarrassment, as she's never had a chance to say that but has always wanted to, towards one of her juniors. Reiko's only in her thirties at most, hence why she's just "Auntie."] Being in the medical profession is something that has to click with you, Becky. It's a hard job, and it's one that will most likely take over your whole life if you choose to pursue it. If you feel like you are following this path only because you have a certain ability, you won't get as much genuine fulfillment from it, and that will weigh you down. That said, what other kinds of things click with you that you've thought about?

It happened when I was seven, and on top of what it lets me do, it kinda stopped me from aging. That's why I still look like a kid here, eleven years later. [She's not going to go into anything about the incident that had resulted in said awakening.

As for the advice, it's stuff that she's heard before, phrased in one way or another, but hearing it yet again reminds her that she really should take the time to think about what she's doing with herself, at some point.]

Cooking and baking. A lot of what free time I get goes into that. [Well, that required no real thought whatsoever. Considering that she's explicitly identified it as a free-time activity, it has to be something she likes doing, right?] I haven't had any complaints about the stuff I make, yet.

Edited (fixing html) 2020-07-07 16:29 (UTC)

[Reiko listens with interest at Becky's explanation of her appearance, and a sympathetic frown crosses her face.] Oh, Becky... It must have been hard to try being a normal teenager while not physically being like one. I'm sorry.

[And yes! Advice received! Hearing about her likes puts the smile back on Reiko's face.] You can't go wrong with being able to make good food! It's probably a good idea to steer clear of being a nurse or doctor if you want to take that route. I can't speak for everyone in the medical field, but I know that I never have the time for working on my cooking skill. Thankfully our mess cooks are pretty talented.

[The patient's mouth opens slightly, and she quickly takes a deep breath before shifting her head to the side. She's finally entered a good sleep, which Reiko comments on.] I see she's feeling better enough to get a good nap in. It's fortunate that she fell asleep on her own, because after finding out that she's likely expecting, I wasn't going to give her any of the sedatives I'd originally planned to. [Oh, speaking of! She looks back at Becky.] I'm just throwing this out there, but... Have you ever worked with children at all?

Like closer to the age I look? Not a whole lot. Sometimes I'd get to see one that took a pretty nasty spill playing outside or something and just get them patched up if they could sit still long enough for it, but it's mostly been students closer to my real age.

Why?

[Reiko looks over the young mother-to-be with concern, then answers Becky's "why."] I'm worried about the orphaned children we treat and then leave behind after missions like these. The parents of a lot of the children in this town were severely injured or killed when the Dragon attacked, and my gut feeling says that things are going to get worse from here on. [Reiko's too low-ranking in Murakumo to be told anything about Nightfall, but the rumors have definitely reached her ears.] What if the end of the world is really upon us? Who will be left to take care of and raise the little ones left behind, even to do something as simple as clean and bandage their cuts and scrapes?

[She casts her eyes downward in an attempt to prevent any tears from welling up in them.] Sorry, this is something that really eats at me. It's probably because I'm a nurse and a mother, so I can't help but think about the children. [She gives a weak smile.] At least we can do our best to save this one, and its mother too. How are you holding up, Becky? She's probably nearly healed by now.

[While listening to Reiko's answer, a question begins to cross Becky's mind. It's one that she doesn't know the answer to nor does she really want to know, so it remains unasked, both for her own reasons and because she doesn't think Reiko needs that right now.

Being asked how she is snaps her mind back and away from that for the moment.

She lets go of their patient's hand.]

Feeling a little on the tired side here, so I'm gonna stop for a little so I don't run the risk of passing out on you. If you think she'll be fine, we should be good to go check on someone else in a few.

[Reiko can feel her heart sink in response to Becky's avoidance of her suggestion. Perhaps she's heard the same awful rumors of the end of the world too? And it's a shame for someone so young to have the weight of the apocalypse bearing down on her future...

In a way, Becky's spoken response also snaps Reiko out of the thoughts beginning to cloud her mind.]

Oh, yes, please, do what's best for you. [She can't help but look over the young woman, who is still asleep for the moment.] We should go check on someone else and let her rest, but... I really want to surprise her with the good news. Maybe it would make her feel better? [Reiko shrugs, trying to seem normal despite the uncertainty that's suddenly come over her, but she knows she's not fooling anyone.] Would you be okay with waiting a for a few minutes to see if she wakes up? Just a few, I promise.

[Just as quickly as she'd gotten away from it, that question comes back with a vengeance. She still doesn't want to ask it, but it looks like there may be no avoiding it now.]

Yeah, we can wait for a bit. [There's an obvious bit of uncertainty in the way she gives her answer, giving away the fact that something's started bothering her here; she seriously hopes she's wrong, but if the thought that's started crossing her mind is right, then this is exactly where she needs to be right at this particular moment.

There's a brief pause before she goes ahead and voices her concern.]

Reiko, what are the chances that she knew the guy that attacked her? [As an acquaintance? A friend? Family?

She seriously hopes she's wrong.]

[Reiko's eyes widen at Becky's question, and she finds herself speaking softly in return, simply because she doesn't want the young woman to hear any of this.]

I haven't been told any specifics, but from some of the things she screamed when she came to me... It's likely. My auto-translator wasn't able to pick everything up while she was hysterical, but I think she was calling a name. [She grows silent. It's painful to think about. The woman did kill him, after all...] But I don't think she realizes everything that's happened. That's why I want to tell her about her baby. Maybe a little bit of joy will cushion the blow when she finds out. But maybe it won't... [Reiko stops there because she can feel herself beginning to choke up.]

[Moments after Reiko's trailing off, the young woman begins to stir. She opens her eyes slowly at first, and then they snap open in fear. She scans the area and looks Reiko and Becky over. The wildness in her eyes from before is mostly gone, but one can never be too sure, so Reiko begins to get into position to hold her down if need be.

Still greatly concerned, the patient slowly and quietly asks, sounding as if she'd awoken from a century-long nap:] Where... am I? Who... are you? [She looks around some more, searching for something.] Where is... [Her voice fades out, unsure and tired. She looks back at Becky, her dark eyes seemingly pleading for answers or comfort.]

[The girl hesitates for a brief moment before starting to answer the first two questions; she doesn't know where to begin for the third.]

We're just outside of (insert town name here), my name's Rebecca and this is Reiko. [Fortunately the question of what happened hasn't actually been asked yet, because she's not entirely sure what to say about the situation at hand, unsure of how much she can really say with the Veil being a thing; "we think you were mentally or emotionally-manipulated by an otherworldly Dragon that hates humanity" isn't something you just say to someone.] You were hurt when we found you and we've been trying to help you.

[She gives Reiko a glance, an almost-defeated expression; she knows where the rest of this is likely headed and she hates it already.

She then turns her attention back to the woman.] How are you feeling right now? Do you remember anything that happened?

[The woman continues to look around, taking everything in as well as she can. Upon hearing that she was hurt, she lifts an arm to inspect it. She stretches it out and turns it around, and it looks okay. Any cuts that may have been on her arm were healed by Becky's efforts, leading the woman to wonder what was wrong.] I don't feel hurt... [Did she remember anything? It takes her a moment, but she gasps and trembles lightly before she responds.] I remember... being afraid. I don't know why... [She moans before raising her hands to her face to hide it as she sobs. Her mind won't let her recall what happened. It wants to spare her the trauma.]

[Reiko returns a similar look to Becky, frowning and furrowing her brow in concern, before patting the woman on the shoulder gently in an attempt to calm her down.] Shh, shh. You're okay. You don't have to think about it anymore. [As she continues rubbing the woman's arm, Reiko asks Becky,] Could you wet a washcloth for me? There's a drawer of them next to the sink. [Indeed, there's a portable sink set up on Becky's side of the cot. But before she can head over there, Reiko continues, this time in a forceful whisper.] And do you know of any way to distract her from thinking about what happened? It's too early for the big news!

[Taking a moment before doing what was asked, she replies, similarly-quietly:] Maybe we can try asking her about herself? Her name, what sort of stuff she does, just...get her talking about something?

[Then without really waiting on a response—partly in an attempt to keep the woman from wondering too much what they're saying to each other—she goes to the drawer, grabs two washcloths, and takes one of those two to the sink to get it wet. She brings both over, handing Reiko the dampened one while setting the dry one aside in case it's needed.]

Ah... [Reiko sighs. She doesn't want to upset the woman, but she'll do her best to keep her mind away from anything that would. As Becky is doing as she was asked, Reiko hesitantly begins to talk.] Well, Miss, surely you remember your name and age? [A sheepish smile.] It would definitely help to call you by your real name, you know.

[The woman's crying has subsided, but she is still sniffling and her hands are still in front of her face. Her reply is muffled:] Aline. I am nineteen.

[By now, Becky has returned with a washcloth, and Reiko uses it to wipe everywhere on Aline's face that she can get to in an attempt to wash off her tears. She continues.] It's nice to meet you, Aline. Did you know that Miss Becky here is about your age? She is!

[In an attempt to take a look at Becky, Aline removes her hands from her face. This allows Reiko to quickly wipe the areas around her eyes, which was her intention all along. Aline's focus settles on Becky, and it's different than the wild stare she gave her when she first awoke. This time, it looks like she's studying the younger woman, likely digesting and comprehending what Reiko said about her. Then, she slowly speaks.] Hello. How old are you?

[If there's anything that would work as a distraction, even if it turns out to only be a brief one, the question of Becky's age...is probably it.

So that's probably her job right at this moment, keeping Aline distracted.]

I know I don't look like it, but I'm eighteen. [Because she know it might be hard to believe, she's ready to pull out her ID to present that as her proof. She won't do so unless Aline does express any doubt, though.] My birthday was a few months ago, back at the beginning of March. When's yours?

[Aline's too spaced out to really care about verifying Becky's claim. Besides, the question posed to her immediately takes her mind off of that subject.] My birthday... I think it's in the fall. [A moment, then she begins to talk into the air, not directed to anyone.] Where is Fatima? I told her to buy some sugar for Mother... She's sixteen; she can go to the store by herself... I can't go because I don't feel good.

[She grows silent again, her outburst seemingly concluded. But no, she quietly murmurs,] And he... He... I don't remember... Do you remember his name? [Her dark eyes grow large in sadness and frustration. Reiko tries to calm Aline by stroking her hair, then posing a question to change the subject.] How do you feel right now, Aline? Do you still feel unwell?

[Aline tilts her head to the side, unsure of how to answer.] I feel... weird. My stomach... [A whiteness washes over her face as she suddenly leans forward on the cot, moaning. Reiko looks to Becky in surprise.] Please, try to keep her calm while I go look for a bucket!

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because I like this thread and want to see it reach a conclusion--

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