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!]

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[As Mai tries to instruct the children in what to do now that they're facing a real threat, she's able to reply to Jonathan in between leading them around.] That's what we've been told. Their pollen causes people to fall ill. These masks are supposed to be able to withstand the pollen, but I don't want the children--

[She stops abruptly and rushes over to a curious young girl who is walking over to the flowers. Mai is able to grab her hand -- while still carrying a toddler -- and lead her to the middle of the tent.] No, you can't touch the flowers. Come over here with us. [Back to Jonathan.] Sorry about that. I don't want to expose the children to any more danger. They've already been through enough.

[The net is charged. If it doesn't repel the pollen, perhaps it'll simply gather it and stick it there, keeping it from coming within.

With a concerned look toward the flowers, he nods.] A flower is yet a living plant. It's something that carries life through itself, [he continues, hand crackling with hamon. It's a gamble, but if he can perhaps send an opposing charge of that 'life' through...

Perhaps he can make these flowers wither. It goes against everything he knows- to use Hamon to take life, rather than banish 'unlife'.

But if it works, it will also preserve it.] ...Is there perhaps a larger mask I could put on however? I fear it may not be wise even like this, to approach the flowers. [He doesn't say it, but 'like this' refers to his actual status as 'a bat in a human suit'; does it count as breathing the pollen if it's not technically his real lungs? He really doesn't want to test that.]

[Mai looks in wonder at the net, and then at the Hamon in Jonathan's fist. But she doesn't let it deter her from the situation at hand.] I think these plants are alive, but they're also linked to the Dragon's magic.

[She nods at his question.] Yeah, those who go out on the battlefield should have larger masks. [She turns around.] Hey, Takeuchi! Can you trade masks with Jonathan?

[He comes over, carrying a sleeping baby, and Mai helps him remove his mask. She hands it out to Jonathan, ready to give his back to Takeuchi. The man, on the other hand, is busy admiring Jonathan's handiwork.] I can't wait to see what else you can do!

[Goodness, he's never escaping this lot once this is all over is he-

Well. He nods, taking the mask happily for the swap.] It is at least worth a try- and if it does not work, then I can at the very least see about perhaps getting rid of these flowers using a more typical method...

[Ripping them out should be fine right? No? Hm.

Well for now once the mask is secure he approaches carefully. He doesn't want to stir up any pollen after all- once he can reach out to one, he carefully tries to fill it with hamon. To reach through it, and through the root network of the flowers connecting them- trying to overload them with the polarizing energy.]

[Takeuchi scrambles to get Jonathan's old mask back over his face -- he's seen first-hand what that pollen can do, and mixed with the Dragon's brainwashing wing scales, it's not a pretty sight that he'd like to avoid at all costs.

He and Mai, along with all the children, watch eagerly from behind their masks as Jonathan works his Hamon into the Bloom flowers. Their roots are in place only to keep them connected to the ground, not to sustain them, so they are easily filled with actual life force. The plant will begin to glow increasingly white as the energy flows through it, and will eventually burst into a cloud of petals and pollen.

However, signs of more Bloom flowers can be seen sticking through the bottom of the tent in spots, as well as dark spots indicating clusters growing on the sides and top of the tent can be seen from the inside. The others are only waiting to hear the daemon's tell-tale screech as it flies overhead, spreading its deadly magic over them...]

[Great! One patch is gone. Not so great....literally the rest of this.

Hm.

Looking seriously toward the others, he considers the options that they have.] ...If I were to go outside to defend the tent from there, would all of you feel safe?

[He still doesn't know if channeling hamon through the tent is doing squat, frankly. But at the very least being out there can give him a visual, something better to work with than 'there's another problem, time to fix it'. He hopes so, anyway.]

[Mai's eyes -- if they're visible from behind the mask's goggles, anyway -- grow huge at Jonathan's proposition.] You want to go outside, where that Dragon is about to rain its brainwashing magic down onto everyone?! I think not! [She chides him like she would one of the children in the tent: sternly, but not hatefully.

Takeuchi also shakes his head.] Yeah, I would also advise against it. It's too much of a risk, even with a mask on. If it flies directly over us, the amount of concentrated magic in the area will probably affect you. I've... seen it happen.

[He trails off, and Mai takes back over.] They may not look like it, but the tents are supposed to be enchanted with the same magic our masks are. So as long as we're in here, we have double the protection. Let's just wait until the Dragon flies over and the air clears out some. [She wants to apologize to Jonathan, but she has to be decisive, for the children's sake.]

[The boy whom Jonathan and Takeuchi have been helping tugs at Jonathan's pants leg.] Mister, there are flowers over there... [He points at a few pesky blossoms that have crept into a corner of the tent.]

[ah yes-

Well, he at least has the sense to flinch a bit at the reprimand.] ...Right. I do apologize for allowing such a key matter to slip my mind... [Admittedly he'd figured if he was going to be avoiding the pollen, that would do him fine enough...but there's a reason he asked for another mask after all.

...Even if those flowers are a concern.] I suppose I shall simply have to take these one at a time for now then- one moment...

[Well, time to overload this new patch!]

[Mai doesn't want anyone to play hero on her watch. Sorry, Jonathan.

As he turns to deal with the newest bunch of flowers, the children begin to murmur amongst themselves and some of them point up at the roof of the tent. A darkness is growing, definitely spreading quickly from one side to the other. Mai and Takeuchi look at each other, confident that they know what it is. Mai is the one to say it first:] It's the Dragon's shadow.

[But after a few moments, Takeuchi grows concerned.] That's unusual... It hasn't made any noise. It usually squawks as it flies over, right?

[Fatimah, the older girl who helped pass out the masks, gasps as realization hits her.] It's not the Dragon -- look! [She points to a glowing spot on the roof, where roots are trying to come into the tent. However, they seem unable to penetrate through something... Is it Jonathan's Hamon barrier?

By now, the roof is entirely covered, and the tent has grown considerably darker inside. Some of the younger children have begun to cry in anxious fear. If the little bunches of flowers give off a puff of pollen, imagine how much will spread through the air if all of these are overloaded at once?

All Mai and the others can do now is huddle together and wait it out. If Jonathan wanted to slip outside, now would be his chance.]

[That.

That's not good.

But he's noticing that the roots are at least having trouble.

Overloading these is going to be a terrible idea indeed- what needs to be done, is something to keep more from coming in.

Focusing as much as he can on his breath, he focuses on that barrier- rather than opposing the flow of the flowers, he'll work with it- make them part of the barrier wherever they are against it- lock them away, and in the process create a shield!

...

Whoever is outside better deal with things quick though. He isn't sure it's a good thing for him to be the last defense here.]

[The roots trying to break through into the tent begin to glow in response to Jonathan's use of Hamon on them. This reveals more roots than first thought, as they light up to show themselves all along the top of the tent. The sight, one almost like that of a starry sky, amazes the others. Takeuchi can explicitly be heard in excited whispers, talking about how cool Jonathan's power is to the children who are busy asking about what's happening.

And then, the flowers and their roots begin to flash white. In the blink of an eye, they explode into a puff of pollen and scattered petals floating through the air. Only the few bunches that had crept their way into the tent could be seen by those inside, but outside it looks almost as if it's raining orange. However, the pollen is still toxic and this detonation en masse has made the camp extremely dangerous for the time being.

Mai and Takeuchi are sheltering the children as best they can, unsure of what just happened. The children are too shocked to make a peep. It's a good thing they all have masks on, as coughing can be heard from outside their tent...]

[Oh god.

Oh no.

On the one hand it wasn't as if he could have done nothing. The flowers had clearly been creeping in in such a way that would have been devastating if left untouched. On the other, now they've gone off everywhere else if the coughing is any sign, and Jonathan is going white. Mai and Takeuchi can no doubt easily see the fear in the young man's eyes- the man who's barely any more than 20- and it is not a fear for himself but for all those within the tent.

The barrier is doing its job, certainly. It won't be letting any pollen in. But now Jonathan watches the entrance of the tent with a tension in his limbs, aware that they may now be stormed by something far more aggressive than plantlife.

He has no words.

He has nothing to say in his defense, nor anything that could be of use. The most use he can provide now, is making sure nothing gets in.]

[The moment she regains her awareness, Mai tries to leave the circle of people gathered in the middle of the tent to do something, but Takeuchi lightly grabs her by the arm and points up. There's an awe in his voice as he tells her,] The barrier has held. You don't have to do anything.

[She's still on high-alert, though, and so she starts ordering the children to come to the back of the tent, as far away from the opening as possible. Takeuchi sighs and gives in to helping her herd the children. When he notices Jonathan still standing there, staring in the direction of the entrance, he understands and moves over to him. With his back to the rest of the group, he pulls a pistol out from underneath his jacket and nods towards Jonathan.] I may be a medic, but I still know how to use a gun. Do you have something to fight with if it comes down to that? [He turns to look at the children and grits his teeth.] Let's hope it doesn't.

[Takeuchi continues to stand as a first line of defense near the opening of the tent, eyes constantly searching for any sign of movement. He's also expecting to hear the Dragon's war cry, but after some time, he ends up shrugging.] I still don't hear anything besides coughing. No Dragon, no fighting, no screaming. What is going on? [He wants to go outside to scout the area, but he knows it's dangerous and probably impossible to see through the pollen cloud anyway.]

Is it possible for the flowers to exist without the dragon? [Jonathan asks quietly, still keeping his eyes out for any movement. Briefly he turns to glance at the others, shaking his head.] My fists, for now, shall have to be my primary weapon. I am able to use a sword, but unfortunately I'm not trained with any firearms.

I suspect it should suffice all the same, [he admits, quietly thinking of what he has done with fists in the past.]

[Takeuchi's eyebrow raises at Jonathan's question.] That would explain why we haven't heard it. The Dragon could be dead by now, and this is just a residual burst of its magic. [He still tightens his grip on the pistol.] But that Dragon's magic turns people against each other, too. So I'm on the lookout for others... especially from Murakumo.

[He nods and smiles under his mask about Jonathan's weapon choice.] It's good you only have your fists, because I'm not wanting to kill anyone. Just knock them out before they get us. [And though he's trying to act tough, Takeuchi really is only a field medic who is currently trying to figure out the best way to use a gun to merely stun someone who is out to kill him. If worst comes to worst, maybe he can heal them afterwards?]

[As he's lost in his head wondering, the two men hear a yell from outside. It's definitely not a shriek of terror, nor a cry of pain. A shadow approaches from beyond the tent at a moderately fast speed, indicating running. The moment the tent's flap moves the slightest bit, Takeuchi tenses. When a masked head reveals itself, the medic rushes towards it with a battle cry.

It's pretty clear that the "intruder" isn't brainwashed into attacking them, and that Takeuchi's (metaphorically) jumped the gun. At least he didn't (literally) fire it, but this is still a problem...]

Hold-!

[TAKEUCHI NO-

Jonathan is fortunately quick to go after the Medic as well, if at least to immediately put his hand (foolishly) around the gun, and (more foolishly) get between it and whoever it's pointed at.] We cannot simply act without thought..!

[he said, acting without thought]

Huh? [Jonathan's quick action stops Takeuchi in his tracks, leaving him confused. He looks at the young man, down at the gun that's being gripped by both of them, then at the face in the mask standing at the entrance to the tent.] O-oh... Sorry. [He sheepishly looks down in embarrassment, lowering the gun.] I thought you were an enemy.

[The masked figure reveals more of himself as his body fills the entrance. The breath he'd been holding can be heard releasing itself through his respirator.] I'm glad this fellow here stopped you, Takeuchi. But I understand. [He shakes his head.] Anyway, I am here to tell you that the Dragon is dead. Those folks from the Academy killed it over in the forest. [He coughs a little from the pollen residue still floating around.] I think the Psychics are going to come over here and suck all the pollen out of the air with their wind magic, and then we'll be done here. Thought I'd let you know in advance since you have children to take care of.

[Takeuchi is still a little shocked from everything that's happened in the past few minutes.] I see... Thank you. [The other man leaves, and Takeuchi turns to the others in the tent, nearly yelling in triumph:] The Dragon is dead! But now we have to start cleaning up. Mai, I'll join you in a moment.

[He turns to Jonathan.] Thank you for stopping me. I nearly made a big mistake there. Actually... [He holds his hand out towards Jonathan for a handshake.] Thank you for all your help today.

[From behind them come the sounds of small feet shuffling around, and muted voices in questioning tones.]

[There is an audible sigh of relief, which melts into a happy chuckle. All is well that ends well it appears- though he'll be taking a good long flight to cool down after the air is clear, he's sure.]

It is the least I can do- I'm merely glad to see that things shall be moving toward recovery soon enough. I suppose I should go to regroup with those whom I arrived with, [he admits with a bit of a hum.] They'll no doubt be wanting to make certain all of us have come out of things well.

[Ah....but that said-] Though if I could... ...Could I perhaps say goodbye to the children?

[At the very least, that boy from before would probably appreciate it.]

[Takeuchi nods in response to Jonathan's question.] Of course! Stay as long as you'd like, or as long as you can before you're called back. [He gives a respectful bow.] It's been nice to meet you, Jonathan. [Exiting the bow, he's seen smiling under his mask.] And I hope you find someone to pass on your really cool ability to. [Once a nerd, always a nerd.] If you'll excuse me, I've got to help Mai. Please take care!

[The medic turns to join Mai in getting the kids ready to try to find their parents, or someone willing to take them in. The boy from earlier is standing a little away from the group he's been placed in, watching everything that's going on with interest, but still a little confused about it all. If Jonathan approaches, the boy will wave at him and smile.]

Of course! And...thank you, [he adds, quietly thinking of a certain relative of his.] I hope so as well. It was good to meet all of you.

[Things shouldn't be too complicated from there. He certainly takes the time to say goodbye to the children, in particular that boy he helped to begin with- 'Stay safe, and be well,' he'll say farewell with, before he finally does get called back- skies hopefully cleared, and mask returned.

A while after the fact, the team might receive a card wishing them further success in the recovery endeavors while thanking them for allowing him to help too! With an enclosed photo...of a bat?? Why a bat??

It seems Takeuchi will be left with a mystery.]

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battlefield: the enraged ones [open]

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Fun With Hamon: The Thread

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welp

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wraps this up with....a gift...