#and now I am like all pondering our genetic makeups again | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

flutteringphalanges · 4 years ago

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Summary: It is public knowledge that Zoe Van Helsing is the last of her blood line. Not to mention that, in a sense, Count Dracula is too. However, after an unexpected night of passion, both their lives dramatically change when Zoe becomes pregnant. Two unconventional parents, one extraordinary pregnancy. What could go wrong?

Rating: M

Pairings: Zoe Van Helsing/Dracula implied Agatha/Dracula

Read on FFN and AO3

A/N: So sorry for the delay. I had a lot of unexpected things going on in my life. This chapter goes out to @mitsukatsu. Happy belated one year friendiversary! I’m so glad we have our friendship! Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! -Jen

Chapter Nine

Zoe found it rather unusual that the hospital decided to discharge her in the wee hours in the morning. Perhaps they needed an extra bed or just saw it fit to let the scientist go before the “morning rush”. Whatever the case, she wasn’t one to complain. Lying on her back, propped up on some cushions from the sofa, she stared upwards towards the ceiling, hands resting on the visible slope of her stomach. Tired. Nauseated. She just wanted to fall asleep and yet, her mind still reeling from the overload of new information prevented her from doing so.

“I can’t guarantee that it won’t taste dreadful seeing as it came from a can, but you need something to settle your stomach.”

The scientist didn’t turn her head to acknowledge Dracula as he strode into her living room. For some reason she had yet to put a finger on, Zoe had agreed to let him come in. Just for a few minutes. A few minutes that had turned into over an hour. Now the vampire had basically made himself at home in her own kitchen. As he went to place the bowl down on the coffee table, her eyes immediately flew over to the stack of documents the hospital had allowed her to keep. The lab results that could easily hold the keys she needed to begin unlocking the twins’ genetic codes.

“Careful!” She snapped, lunging forward to gather the papers as if they were some sort of precious artifact. “Do you realize how important these are?! The last thing I need is for them to be damaged.” Zoe eyed him incredulously, holding the documents close to her chest. “What even is that?”

“A proper acknowledgement of thanks would have sufficed.” The vampire exhaled, setting the dish down after a long moment. “And it’s some vegetable soup I found canned in your cupboard. Highly doubt it holds the nutrients your body needs, but in such a short span of time, it’s the best I could’ve come up with.” Dracula eyed the papers she clutched tightly. “Might I inquire what it is that you are doing? Or rather, plan to?”

Zoe seemed to ponder the idea of humoring him with an answer. “Research.” She responded curtly. “Which is why I cannot risk having anything spilling onto them. And besides,” the scientist frowned. “I am not hungry.”

Dracula’s lips pressed into a thin line as he eyed the scientist with visible annoyance. Taking in a deep, unnecessary breath, he forced a smile onto his face and pulled up a chair beside her. Zoe eyed him suspiciously as he folded his hands onto his lap.

“Two boys.” He mused, nodding at the idea. “It is a very welcoming thought knowing that the Dracula name will be continued.”

“The two chromosomes that determine the sex of our two babies should be the least of your concerns right now.” Zoe commented with a frown. “What should really be on your mind is what lies in their genetic makeup. Their overall DNA construction.” When she caught Dracula smiling, her frown deepened. “What?”

“You said our babies.” He replied with a smirk. “It’s nice to see you’re getting used to the idea of the two of us.”

“There is no two of us.” She replied point blank. “And if you continue to press my buttons, I can assure you there will only be one of us.” His continued look of amusement only made her blood boil hotter. “Why won’t you just leave? Your mere presence in my house right now is giving me a headache and I’ve already had one hell of a night.” Zoe gave a nod towards the door. “If you hurry, you can be back at your flat before you burn into a crisp.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?” Dracula chuckled. “Sometimes I have difficulty telling your regular attitude towards me from your hormones.” He watched as Zoe reached for the television clicker that sat on the table with the intention to beam it at him. “Alright, alright…” He gave in, holding his hands up. “I suppose I’ll leave you to your own devices, but only because you are in need of rest.” The vampire offered her a smile, though he did not receive one in return. “Get some rest, Dr. Van Helsing. I’ll be seeing you at the Harker Foundation soon enough.”

“I’ll wait for that with bated breath.” Zoe muttered, rolling her eyes. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Her eyes followed the Count as he made his way towards the exit, narrowing when he turned his head as if to say something.

“Rest well, Zoe.” Though his voice lacked any insincerity. “I mean it.”

Zoe said nothing as he turned away, opening the door before slipping out into the night. She listened for his footsteps, half expecting him to waltz right back into her home. When she was certain that he was gone, the scientist sighed and allowed her shoulders to relax. It had been quite the long night to say the least and the need to clear her mind enough for her to focus was at the top of her priorities.

“If I go as far to boldly assume you and Count Dracula are becoming closer, would that be a correct assumption?”

Zoe’s facial features tightly scrunched in aggravation as Agatha’s voice met her ears. Maybe if she ignored her. Maybe if she didn’t look in her direction. Perhaps the ghost of her great, great aunt would disappear. But despite the wait, the silence, she could still feel the specter’s presence.

“You are entering into dangerous territory, Zoe. You truly have no idea what he is capable of. While he acts as if he cares, the vampire is very skilled in the art of manipulation. If you fall into his trap, digging yourself out is nearly impossible.”

“I am far from having any relations with Count Dracula.” The scientist grumbled, opening her eyes but keeping them averted from where Agatha stood. “And I can handle myself quite well, thank you. I’d much appreciate it if you’d just go away.”

“Whether you realize it or not, my intentions are for your very own good. Your sanity isn’t in the strongest of places and it wouldn’t be right if I were to pass on without keeping an eye on you.” She paused for a moment before adding. “And Count Dracula.”

“You being in my life right now is what is making me insane.” Zoe countered with a long sigh. “Having to deal with a vampire AND a ghost is just another layer to the tipping tower of my anxiety. Not to mention I’m dealing with pregnancy on top of that.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Now please, I beg of you, leave me be. I need time to think things over.”

“I’m concerned you’re growing fickle with your loyalty to the Van Helsing name.” When Zoe didn’t respond to this, Agatha merely sighed. “Tread carefully, Zoe. Do not let what grows within you change who you really are.”

The scientist chewed on the inside of her cheek in a strong attempt to not respond. It would be wise on her part to not fuel the flames with her rather...pesky and persistent ancestor. After a very few, long moments, Zoe turned her head in the direction of where Agatha should’ve been. Just like Dracula had, the woman finally had the decency to leave. Exhaling, she rearranged her stack of papers and set them off to the side.

“You are causing me quite a lot of drama.” She mumbled, placing a hand on her stomach. It still felt kind of silly addressing them. It wasn’t as if they were even born. Yet sometimes it was oddly comforting. “But I am going to look on the brighter side of things and assume it will be all worth it in the end...I hope.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Zoe caught sight of the bowl of soup Dracula had made for her. Pursing her lips, she gingerly lifted it from the table and studied it carefully. Deep down, she knew he wouldn’t dare do anything to it that would harm her--or his offspring for that matter. And it did smell rather pleasant. Stomach rumbling, Zoe picked up the spoon. As she took in a mouthful, surprised at how good it tasted, she made a mental note to not let the vampire know she actually enjoyed it. He didn’t need the extra ego boost.

“We’re going to be okay.” She mumbled, looking down at her stomach. “The three of us…” Zoe took in another spoonful and glanced towards the paperwork. “I’ll make sure of it.”

XXX

Due to her doctor’s recommendation to take it easy as well as the unfortunate matter of cutting into her sick days, Zoe finally returned back to work at the Foundation. Though facing Bloxham was not the most pleasant of things to look forward to, the scientist had grown rather restless at home. There was only so much she could do research wise without a lab and no one to trust to know her secret.

Zoe frowned softly as ran her hand down the very visible bump of her stomach. Just in the past several days, she had begun to really show. Something she felt a little self-conscious about. Carrying twins made it look like she was much farther along than sixteen weeks. It still felt surreal that she was nearly five months along. How time had seemingly flown, slipping like sand between her fingers.

“Zoe, it’s wonderful to have you back!”

The warmth and welcoming sound of Jack’s voice greeted the scientist’s ears as her former mentee strode up and pulled her into a gentle hug. Out of all things, it was rather pleasant to see him again. He was, after all, one of the very few she could call her a true friend. Upon stepping back, the young doctor’s eyes scanned the woman over.

“You look great.” He commented, offering her a genuine smile. “It’s been rather dull without you here. Not much excitement.” He paused. “And Count Dracula hasn’t exactly made his presence known since your absence.” Jack shook his head at the thought as if trying to clear something from his mind. “Anyway, how are you feeling? Dr. Bloxham didn’t force you to come back, did she? You’re sure you feel alright to come back?”

“It’s lovely to see you too, Jack.” Zoe smiled softly. “And yes, I feel perfectly capable to return to the Foundation. I just needed time to recuperate. Doctor’s orders, not exactly what I had intended. But to maintain a healthy pregnancy is more important than my addiction to work.” She chuckled at that. “Good to know I haven’t missed much. There were moments where I had my concerns about how things were functioning.”

“Well, if you need anything, anything at all, just--”

But Jack was abruptly cut off by the clean, swooshing sound of two sliding doors opening. Both he and Zoe turned their head to see Bloxham entering the room with her ever present unreadable expression. Her eyes briefly flickered over at Jack before focusing on the other woman.

“Dr. Van Helsing.” She nodded, her tone flat. “I’m glad you’ve seen yourself fit enough to return to work. Your lack of participation has been noted but...excused.” Bloxham’s attention turned to the file folder of papers Zoe had tucked underneath one of her arms. “And those would be?”

“Prevalent to my work with Count Dracula.” Zoe said, trying to remain unsuspicious as she readjusted them in her grasp. “Nothing of great importance. Just something I had on hand while I was at home.” If her boss only knew what the contents within were. “I’m assuming that the Count will be paying us a visit later on tonight as per scheduled?”

Within the last several days, Zoe had received over a handful of texts from the vampire--of which she replied very few to. Just enough to keep him out of her hair. Since the hospital fiasco, this would be the first time in weeks they’d be face to face. A twinge of nervousness panged in the bottom of her stomach as Bloxham threw her a quizzical look before relaxing.

“See to it that tonight’s session meets our highest expectations. Due to your...holiday, we’ve lost valuable time with Dracula. It is unknown how long his willingness to come in will last.” Bloxham’s lips pursed together as she grabbed her magnetized badge. “I look forward to your findings, Dr. Van Helsing. Do not let me down.”

Zoe hadn’t realized she’d been literally biting her tongue onto the faint, metallic taste of blood met her taste buds. She ground her teeth as Bloxham walked casually away well aware that Jack’s eyes were on her. Exhaling, she turned to the young doctor.

“Well, that was friendlier than she usually is.” He attempted to joke, giving her a reassuring smile. “At least she didn’t chew you out. Why just last week, Henderson in forensics dropped a bunch of the new vials the Foundation had ordered and from the earful she gave him, I was convinced he was on his way out the door jobless with a box of broken glass.”

Not that she intended to let anyone near her experiments, Zoe made a mental note to avoid Henderson’s clumsiness at all cost. The last thing she needed was for all of her important work to go to waste. Vials were one thing, but what they would hold was a completely different matter.

“I’m going to go get situated.” She said, feigning a small smile. “I think it’s best I dive back into the thick of things. After all, I might as well busy myself before my version of Interview with a Vampire tonight.”

“Nice touch, Zoe.” Jack laughed. “Never took you for a movie type.”

“I suppose I’m full of surprises then.” She responded, unbeknownst to Jack how true that statement really was. “I’ll be seeing you then?”

“Bloxham has us all working overtime.” The young man answered. “So the chances of us crossing paths today are inevitable.”

“Good then.” Zoe nodded, clutching her documents. “I look forward to it.”

XXX

Though it wasn’t much, the small office like space designated to her personal belongings proved to be usable enough. Zoe exhaled as she sat down, pushing aside the clutter that had begun to build on her desk. Setting the folder onto a cleared spot, she opened it carefully. Still crisp as the night she had received them, Zoe peered down at the test results from the night at the hospital.

The hardest part of being homebound for two weeks was not having the access needed to further her research. Yet, Zoe was smart and resourceful enough to scour the internet for something, anything that would prove of use to her. And as luck would have it, she had found a possible piece to her ever growing puzzle.

“Cell-free fetal DNA…” She muttered, looking from the sticky note where she had scrawled the information down and then back to her computer screen. “Possible specimen matter. Requires blood to be drawn from the mother which, when tested, allows one to extract fetal DNA presented from the placenta that has been dispersed through the woman’s bloodstream.” The keys on her laptop clicked rapidly as Zoe’s eyes remained fixated on the screen. “Subject One: Dr. Zoe Van Helsing.”

Zoe leaned back in her chair and studied the text on the screen. Experimentation. It was something she had considered but never when it came to her being the subject. Absentmindedly, she placed a hand on the apex on her stomach. Going about this was going to be hard. Not to mention very difficult seeing as it was a top secret project. Especially since subject two’s involvement was undetermined at this point. For all of this to work, she would need his full, committed participation.

With a long sigh, she returned her fingers to the keyboard. “Subject Two: Count Dracula.”

Obtaining a blood sample from him would be the easiest part. Her reasoning for doing so she could fabricate. Zoe had all of the equipment at her disposal, it was just a matter of finding the time to use it for her own devices. A knock came at her door, causing the scientist to snap back to reality. Quickly stashing away the documents into her desk and closing her screen, she straightened up in her seat.

“Come in.”

The door creaked open to reveal one of Bloxham’s head guards. Zoe tried to ignore the pounding in her chest as he cleared his throat. Surely he had no idea of her plans. No one did. So why exactly did it feel like every artery in her body was about to burst?

“Dr. Bloxham wanted me to tell you that Count Dracula has arrived.” The man said, his tone emotionless. “I’ll be the one to escort you to the room.”

“Right then.” Zoe sighed, standing up slowly. “If you don’t mind me requesting privacy after you doing so, I believe it will be best if he and I were alone. He seems to be more willing to offer up information when it is just the two of us.” If any of this were to work, she’d need that in order to speak to him. “You may wait outside of the door if need be.”

The guard narrowed his eyes but gave a nod of confirmation. Slipping a voice recorder into her pocket, Zoe trailed behind the guard feeling slightly winded. The pregnancy was starting to take a toll on her whether she liked to admit it or not. As the guard slid the access card through the slot in the keypad, the thick metal doors glided open to reveal the familiar room with a table situated in the center.

“Ah, Zoe, so wonderful to see you again.”

Dracula sat at the opposite end of the table, his dark eyes fixed on the scientist as she stepped into the room. Motioning for the guard to exit, Zoe strode forward and took her usual spot across from him. She could feel his eyes taking in every inch of her body, focusing mostly on her stomach before they finally met hers.

“It’s been awhile.” He commented, leaning against the table. “I was beginning to grow concerned after I learned about your medical conundrum. I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

“Yes.” Zoe replied, straightening up. “I’ve been taking it easy.”

“Always good to follow a doctor’s order. Or rather, in today’s age.” He gave a small smile that Zoe struggled to tell was genuine or one of judgement. “So, what do you have planned today? Shall I give you more history about my existence, or have you something else in mind?”

“I require another sample of your blood.” She said, watching him carefully. “It’s for an important matter.”

“Color me intrigued.” The vampire said, resting his elbows on the table. “What exactly are you looking for this time? You aren’t going to lose them again, are you?”

“This is for an important matter.” Zoe said, a hand resting on her stomach in an attempt to give him a silent cue. “Your willingness to provide me another sample would be greatly appreciated and would prove vital in the cause…” She racked her brain, trying to think of a reason in case they were being monitored. “...A cause in learning more about your physiology.”

Dracula was silent for a moment. “Take what you must. I suppose it is for a good cause after all.” His eyes returned to her stomach. “I’m hoping you’ll keep me updated if you find anything of interest. You know I am a man of science.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.” Zoe nodded, relieved by his compliance. “Allow me to grab some vials.” Hopefully Henderson hadn’t destroyed the lot. “I will return momentarily.”

Dracula didn’t reply as Zoe made her way across the room and to a metal tray that had been set off to the side. There was no needle this time, it would prove useless as it had during their first attempt. The vampire already had his wrist exposed by the time Zoe returned to his side. Her stomach crawled as he drew his sharp nail across the pale skin creating an open wound. Holding the vial carefully, she collected the dark blood as it dripped down.

“Is that enough?” He asked, sounding surprisingly genuine.

“For now.” Zoe replied, quickly placing the top on and giving it a few turns. “Thank you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” The vampire smirked softly, his skin already knitting back together. “I am at your service after all.”

Their eyes met, neither of them speaking. Something within Zoe began to stir that, at first, she thought was merely heartburn. But the longer they looked at each other, she came to the realization it was butterflies in her stomach. Feeling the heat rush to her cheeks, she bit down on her lip and immediately turned away. No, this was not happening. It was only hormones. Bloody hormones. She certainly wasn’t having the tiniest amount of feelings for him.

“I should go and take this to the lab before it expires.” She said quickly. “You can see yourself out, I presume?”

“Usually I am escorted so it isn’t a problem.” Dracula chuckled. “Same time as always?” He paused, causing Zoe to feel that much more uncomfortably hot. “You know how to reach me in case you require some personal assistance sooner.”

“That won’t be necessary.” She replied, clearing her throat. “I should really be going. Good night, Count Dracula.”

Before the vampire had a chance to reply, Zoe had already made her way to the double doors and exited the room. She said nothing as she brushed past the guard. Her mind was reeling so much so she hadn’t even realized she’d made it to the lab. Finally stopping to catch her breath, Zoe noticed that the area was vacant. With a sigh of relief, she made her way over to one of the counters.

FRAGILE. DO NOT TOUCH. She hoped this would keep Henderson and any others from messing with the contents. Looking over her shoulder, she quickly began to rummage through one of the drawers. Producing a long needle, she swallowed hard, slightly ill at the thought of what she was about to do. Despite the cancer and the various blood tests, her hate for needles had never lessened.

“I’m only doing this for you.” She mumbled, glancing down at her stomach before preparing the needle and syringe. “This better work.”

Tying a band around her upper arm, she felt around for a good vein. Taking a deep breath, she plunged the needle through her flesh and watched as a vial began to fill with her own blood. It was slightly lighter than Dracula’s, something she made a mental note of. Once she was convinced she had enough to work with, she removed the needle and topped the vial.

FRAGILE! DO NOT TOUGH. She scrawled upon the sticker, hoping that it would prevent others again from messing with it. Eyeing both vials, one belonging to her and the other to the vampire, she pursed her lips, turning her head to glance over at the slides and a nearby microscope.

Pulling out a voice recorder, Zoe cleared her throat before pressing record.

“Monday, April 25th. Experiment One. Testing cellular immortality.”

#Dracula #Dracula 2020 #BBC Dracula #Zoe Van Helsing #Agatha Van Helsing #Gemini

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zenlesszonezero · 14 days ago

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#Zenless Zone Zero #Miyabi #Harumasa #HoYoverse #zzzero #zenlesszonezero #Mobile Game #Anime Game #Gaming

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littlemisssquiggles · 6 years ago

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RWBY Musings #71: Golden Boy. Imagine if…Oscar gains the power to control the Winged Beringels created by Salem?

Since folks are enjoying my Dark Domain Arc musing ideas, let’s keep the ball rolling with this third instalment in my series. I was doing a bit of research on the Wizard of Oz tale in terms of its plot. Those of you who are more familiar with the classic story might remember an artifact called the Golden Cap. Those of you unfamiliar with the Wizard of Oz might ask what this is. Allow me to tell you the story:

According to the Wikipedia, the winged monkeys originally started out as free creatures not living in the jungles within the Land of Oz. They were a rather carefree bunch and were also quite mischievous by nature. One day, the King of the winged monkeys pulled a prank and tossed a richly dressed man into a deep river, ruining his handsome costume of velvet. The man, whose name was Quelala was good-natured and did not mind the prank. However, his fiancée, Princess Gayelette was infuriated by the prank because the day the monkeys played the prank just so happened to be the same day of Quelala and Gayelette’s royal wedding. In Oz, Gayelette had ruled Oz’s northern quadrant, called the Gillikin Country and lived in a small palace made of rubes. Princess Gayelette had also practiced real magic and was sorceress in her own right. As punishment for their prank, Gayelette cursed the winged monkeys by making them all the eternal salves to the Golden Gap---a wedding presented she had originally prepared for her beloved husband to be.

The Golden Cap, as described, is studded with real sparkling diamonds and precious blood red rubies that ran entirely around the caps 24 karat solid gold brim. The curse of the cap allows its possessor to command the winged monkeys exactly three times whenever they speak the cap’s magic incantation aloud. When the words were spoken, the winged monkey had to immediately stop whatever they were doing at the time and assist their master at once.

Quelala used the Golden Cap only once, commanding the winged monkeys to stay away from Gayelette and her kingdom. The winged monkeys did as they were instructed and disappeared for a very long time. Eventually the cap was discovered by the Wicked Witch of the West who then used the cap’s power to compel the winged monkeys to help her conquer Oz’s western quadrant, the Winkie Country and enslave the native Winkies. Next the Wicked Witch used the cap to drive the Wizard of Oz out of her territory when he attempted to overthrow her. The final time the Witch used the cap is to capture Dorothy Gale and the Cowardly Lion, ordering the winged monkeys to dismember and destroy the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman in the process.

The third user of the Cap was Dorothy herself during her adventures in Oz. Eventually Dorothy gave the Cap to Glinda the Good Witch of the South who ruled Oz’s southern quadrant, the Quading Country. In the end, Glinda gave the monkeys the Cap as their own, finally breaking the curse and setting them free.

I bring this up because there is a theory that’s been buzzing in my head for a while ever since the reveal of the winged Beringels in the V6 finale after credit teaser.

We know that in the RWBY universe, Salem represents the Wicked Witch of the West just as how Ozpin is technically the Wizard of Oz. Now we have the winged Beringel Grimm as the flying monkeys.

As I explained, the Golden Cap was important to the winged monkeys’ part of the story in the Wizard of Oz. It’s what condemned them to be the minions of the Wicked Witch of the West. I’m not saying that the CRWBY Writers have to follow everything from the Wizard of Oz. After all, in the RWBY-verse, Salem created her version of the winged monkeys. Nevertheless, I don’t want to assume that the Writers would leave out an intricate detail to the winged monkeys.

So then I started pondering. Without being too literal, how can the Writers incorporate the Golden Cap into the series? That’s when it hit me.

What if...Oscar will be RWBY’s equivalent of the Golden Cap? What if…Oscar will gain the ability to somehow tame the winged Beringels, relinquishing Salem’s influence over than and bringing him to his side so that these particular Grimm obey Oscar’s command?

The Golden Cap is made of 24 karat gold. Oscar’s named is an allusion to the colour, oscar gold.

The Golden Cap was an artifact crafted from magic. Oscar is technically magical himself or at least has the potential to use magic being an incarnate of Ozma and as seen by Professor Ozpin before, all Wizards of Light ultimately inherit Ozma’s magic. Therefore Oscar is destined to become a wizard and magic user.

Rubies and diamonds were part of the design of the Golden Cap. Ruby Rose is being eluded to be an important character in Oscar’s story. Not to mention that Ruby’s own name and signature colour is ruby red. She also has silver eyes that shine like diamonds. Perhaps it is with Ruby’s help that Oscar either awakens this unusual ability or at learns to master his magic.

I know all three of these details seen minor but I think Oscar being the personification of the Golden Cap could be excellent for his story. While I doubt this will be his semblance, I’m more leaning towards taming the Beringels being an ability Oscar gains after he awakens his magical abilities.

Maybe that’s part of Oscar’s destiny. Maybe he’ll ultimately become such a powerful wizard that he’ll become capable of taking control from Salem when it comes to her handle on the Grimm under her subjection, starting with the winged Beringels. Throughout RWBY’s plot, it has been mentioned that Salem is the Grimm’s leader. She is the one currently controlling the Grimm. It has additionally been noted that she creates her own Grimm as we saw with her creating the winged Beringels.

It is never explained exactly how Salem controls the Grimm. However given what was revealed in her origins from the Lost Fable, perhaps the Grimm saw her as an equal since she was technically reborn from the same toxic Grimm pools that spawn the Grimm.

The easiest hypothesis to state is that Salem probably controls the Grimm through magic. The Grimm Pools spawn the Grimm and Salem then uses her magic to shape them to fit her chaotic design

I’d like to think that what Salem uses to control the Grimm would be considered dark magic: the power of destruction. My theory is that I believe magic in the RWBY verse is a mix of everything---both the elements of nature (basically all the elements we’ve seen in dust form like fire, water, earth, lightning, gravity, etc.) in addition to the power of light which symbolizes creation and darkness which symbolized destruction.

Magic was the God’s gift to humanity along with the Four Relics as a reminder of the ideals the Brothers shaped the Remnant under and it was those same ideals they governed their greatest creature---Man---under. It was through the element of darkness that the God of Darkness first created the Grimm. The Grimm are creations of darkness yet the element of light---the power of creation--- destroys them. Creation can be bred from darkness just as destruction can come from light. I dunno I just found this minor titbit oddly fascinating. Light has been depicted as the power of creation and preservation while its counterpart has been described as the opposite.

Yet the point of destruction in light and creation in darkness hasn’t really been delved into or at least it wasn’t highlighted as much. Not sure if folks may agree or disagree.

Yes, the Grimm are monsters of destruction but…they are creations as well. They are the creations of the God of Darkness just as much as the all the things that the God of Light created to populate Remnant with life.

The light creates but it also destroys. It destroys darkness. It destroys the Grimm.

Back in V1, Pyrhha told Jaune that the huntsmen are the light training to fight the Grimm who are the darkness. According to Pyrhha, the Grimm aren’t capable of producing an aura like the huntsmen or any living human being because they lack a soul.

‘Aura is the manifestation of the soul. It carries our burdens and shields our hearts. Have you ever felt like you were being watched without knowing someone was there?

…Uh…yeah?

With practice, our aura can be our shield. Everyone has it, even animals.

What about monsters?

No. The monsters we fight lack a soul. They are creatures of Grimm. The manifestation of anonymity. They are the darkness and we are the light.

Right and that's why we fight them.

It's not about 'why'. It's about knowing. Understanding both dark and light helps us manifest our aura. Everyone has some of both. By baring your soul outward as a force, you can deflect harm. All of our tools and equipment are conduits for aura. You project yourself and your soul with fighting...'

This is what Pyrhha explained to Jaune. However looking back at this season, especially volumes later, I am left with these lingering questions. How was it determined that the Grimm lack no soul? What determines something has a soul or not? What determines something is a living being? What makes a soul? How is a soul created?

'... Aura is a manifestation of the soul---a life-force that runs through every living creature on Remnant…’

Again, I have questions. The Grimm are alive, hypothetically speaking. They move. They breathe. They do not bleed but they do feel some semblance of pain and anguish. They have some degree of intelligence with enables them to adapt to their given surroundings and environs. They may not share the same genetic makeup to classify them as humans or even animals.

Yet, the Grimm are creatures. They are alive and by my understanding, if something moves and acts like it’s alive then doesn’t that qualify it to have a soul or some impression of it? Something that drives them. That gives them a purpose. A not so good purpose but a purpose nonetheless.

You can also make the same argument about the robots and other forms of artificially intelligent machines in Remnant. This is why I’m super excited for the Atlas Arc. In RWBY V3 C6, General Ironwood informed Pyrhha that Atlas has been studying aura from a more scientific standpoint for years. How it works, what it’s made of and how it can be used.

According the General, Atlas has made significant strides in their aura experiments, discovering a way to capture it. Personally I am most looking forward to this part of the Atlas Arc. Not only will it most definitely involve the Man with Two Souls with Oscar’s shared part of the story with Ozpin, but through learning more about aura, it can help provide answers to the points I brought up in this post.

Penny Polendina was the first artificial being capable of producing an aura. But how was this even possible? Aura is a projection of the soul and has been described as a life-force that runs through every living creature on Remnant. How did Penny, a theoretically non-living being gain a soul to produce an aura?

Did Atlesian scientists design methods to extract the soul of a previously living person and implant them into synthetic body? Or…did they figure out a way to artificially preserve and/ or clone the soul of another person? Or, in the rare cast of Penny Polendina, was she just a computer who became so intelligent that she practically developed a soul on her own?

I mean, in the fairy-tale of Pinocchio, Pinocchio was just an ordinary puppet made by a woodcarver who wanted a son and it was through the power of the Blue Fairy that Pinocchio was brought to life. Perhaps that’s Penny’s story as her character was inspired by Pinocchio. What if…Penny’s father was a scientist who recently lost his daughter and unable to come to terms with his grief, he made robot replicas of his precious baby girl. But no matter of how many times he tried, he could never bring back his daughter---not even artificially. I mean, he could make a robot to look like her but it could never be her. The robot didn’t have what made the daughter her. It never had her soul or a soul to begin with.

Imagine if…one day General Ironwood entrusted the scientist with the Relic of Creation so that he may run tests on the mysterious artifact to figure out how it ticks and it is through the scientist testing the Relic that he discovered the Blue Fairy---the being of the Relic who used her powers to bring Penny to life. My hunch is that Penny was animated through the power of the Relic of Creation.

I once shared a theory in a RWBY Quote about the Blue Fairy possibly being the personification of the Relic of Creation. After all, since Jinn was the being of the Relic of Knowledge created to aid humanity in their pursuit of knowledge; who’s to say they’re aren’t other beings within each relic.

While I’m unsure who the beings of the Relic of Destruction and Choice might be, I’m going to bet and say that the Blue Fairy is the being of the Relic of Creation created to aid humanity in their pursuit of creation. This would also peg the question of, is Atlas using the power of the Relic to make all their technological advances?

If so, then I don’t think Oz would be too happy with that if discovered true. After all, Ironwood is supposed to be safeguarding the Relic and keeping it a secret from others who might wish to abuse its power yet…he’s doing it himself? I actually quite like the idea of Ironwood abusing the Relic’s power to advance Atlas. Could provide some good salt and pepper for more tension between the General and Ozpin since, when hasn’t Ironwood backstabbed Ozpin and done things behind his back? Hmmm?

Because quite frankly, what are robots? The creations of man designed purely to serve out objectives they were initially programmed to perform. They’re technically not considered to be lifeforms since their bodies are purely synthetic and therefore only exist to perform the tasks their creators designed them to do.

Now why does that sound familiar? Oh right, because it’s the same for Grimm. The Grimm were creations of the God of Darkness designed to destroy the God of Light’s creations. They are not considered lifeforms even though they share the same origins as Man. According to humanity, the Grimm only exist to perform the task they were made to do---destruction of all life.

Destruction is all the Grimm know to do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be some kind of advocate for the Creatures of Grimm who are basically RWBY’s version of monster fodder.

However, I’m starting to develop an interest in learning more about the Grimm and how they function, y’know what I mean? The Grimm exist to destroy, yet they are creations themselves. They’re not considered precious lifeforms worth preserving like humanity but they are indeed alive.

It is said they have no soul but…again, if Atlesian scientists still have questions about the soul then how can it be derived that the Grimm have no soul? I mean, they’re more alive than machines, that’s for sure.

Group that together with the fact that it has been almost impossible for the Grimm to be studied since according to World of Remnant, Grimm in captivity don’t last very long. This in turn leaves questions left to be answered about the Grimm.

All we know is that the Grimm are basically made of pure darkness, born from the Grimm pools in the Land of Darkness. In spite of this, they are still creations. Creations of destruction.

They are also not entirely brainless either since some Grimm have been noted to have some degree of intelligence when you consider how some of them have managed to adapt and evolve to outlive others.

When you really start to think about it, Grimm are basically no different from machines. They were made to destroy and that’s the only instinct that lives in their coding.

But…what if…someone were to, let’s say, change that about the Grimm?

Robots are created to perform specific tasks but even robots can learn and evolve beyond what they were originally designed to do. I mean how many times has the whole artificially intelligent android becoming far superior/rising up against its creators been overdone in sci-fi?

Machines can also be rewired from their original programming to follow new commands and instructions. I mean, just look how easily Arthur Watts’ virus easily took over the Atlesian soldiers and Paladins back in V3. Watts changed the programming of the machines and turned them against the very people who made them.

So…why not do something like that with the Grimm? The God of Darkness created the Grimm however Salem took control of the Grimm following the Gods’ departure from Remnant.

I’m not sure how she did this but I have a sinking feeling it has something to do with magic. After all, Salem is one of the two known magical people who survived the Fall of First Remnant. The Grimm probably serve Salem because she is the closest entity in strength to their original master. Either that or Salem uses her magic to control the Grimm.

I mean, we did see her create the winged Beringels. Salem used the Grimm pools to spawn Beringels and then used her magic to grant them wings. All in all, magic is what Salem is using to tame these monstrous creatures.

So…again, who is to say another person with magical capabilities can’t control the Grimm as well? Rewire their original programming? Change them from creations of destruction to, not necessarily creatures of preservation but just creatures who exist freely in Remnant but not seek to destroy it and its inhabitants.

Perhaps…Oscar Pine will become that person. Maybe the Winged Beringels will have a King---an alpha who leads the pack and acts as conduit through which Salem can command the others. In the Wizard of Oz, it was the king of the winged monkeys who caused it and its fellow monkeys to be cursed to the Golden Cap in the first place.

Maybe it will be the Alpha of the Winged Beringels who Oscar first tames it even and it’s through this creature that Oscar learns more about the Grimm and magic itself.

Plus I really love the idea of Oscar gaining a winged Beringel that he treats like a pet. My boy needs an animal companion, dagnabbit. I don’t care if it’s a Grimm that was sent to kidnap him. As a matter of fact, Oscar befriending a flying monkey would be the cutest thing ever. I would actually adore if Oscar befriends the Winged Monkey Alpha and even names it ‘Al’ short for Alpha. Plus I really just wanna hear Aaron Dismuke call something ‘Al’ for obvious important reasons.

Magic was the gift of the Gods. It’s was a tremendous power that they shared with humanity. The same power that Darkness used to create the Grimm. The same power that Salem is using the control the Grimm.

A power that Oscar now has the chance of obtaining. I like the idea of Oscar awakening his magical potential and using his power to change the Grimm.

I do think Oscar will become the Golden Cap. Even if Oscar doesn’t gain control of all the Grimm, I do love the idea of him taming the winged Beringels at least since it matches the source material.

Perhaps Oscar along with Ruby will be captured and forced to have their own solo adventure surviving the Dark Domain and it will be Oscar taming the winged Beringels with his newly awakened magical powers that takes the two home, returning them to their friends.

And once the winged Beringels help Oscar and Ruby reunite with their comrades, Oscar will set the Beringels free. Or…even better, what if the heroes end up returning to Vale following Atlas Trilogy (and the standalone Dark Domain) and Oscar leaves the winged Beringels in the servitude of Glynda Goodwitch.

I mean, in the Wizard of Oz, the Golden Cap was given to Glinda the Good Witch last and it’s Glinda who set the monkeys free. So perhaps in RWBY, it’ll have that reference where Oscar tames the winged Beringels with magic and leaves them in Glynda’s care so that the monkeys would serve Glynda and be used to help her repair Beacon Academy. Or…something like that, I’m not sure.

I’m not a writer for RWBY but I think this could be pretty cool. I’d love to see Oscar become the Golden Cap of RWBY and become more adept in the use of his magical powers. Even if Oscar never awakens his semblance, I’m definitely looking forward to when he realizes he has magic.

Who knows? Maybe Oscar will be a more powerful wizard that his predecessors. Though Ozpin mentioned his powers dwindling, I have a feeling that with Oscar, he will be stronger. The strongest of them all. Great and powerful with a Silver Eyed huntress as his closest confidant (and love interest) and an army of winged Beringels now tamed to follow only his command.

I also love the idea of Oscar’s magic becoming superior to Salem’s. I mean…Ozma did succeed against Salem the first time. If it weren’t for the God’s immortality, Ozma would’ve defeated Salem centuries ago. Ozma’s magic bested Salem’s. So this gives me hope for Oscar being just as strong in his magic. Even if Oscar never uses his magic to tame Grimm again, I’d be more than satisfied if he just ends up taming the Winged Beringels; bringing them to his side.

As we saw, Salem’s got a full army of these creatures. This is why I can’t wait for Oscar to grow stronger enough magically to pull that entire army right from under Salem’s crooked nose. It is a day this squiggly proud Pinehead will be waiting for. Make my precious freckled farm boy the Golden Cap…or Golden Boy. Either works for me.

More Squiggles’ RWBY Content

~LittleMissSquiggles (2019)

#rwby #oscar pine #ruby rose #rwby salem #glynda goodwitch #general ironwood #rwby theories #rwby musings

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carterthornton · 7 years ago

Text

The Third Wave | Chapter Eleven: Mark Development Class

"Arrghh, damn..." Aiko cringed as Dr. Baxter plunged a needle into her forearm, sapping blood from her veins. "What's this for?"

"I'm trying to determine whether you're a Productorem-type," Dr. Baxter replied, removing the needle from Aiko's flesh. "From the genetic material I've gathered from Yuko, I've identified an unknown energy in her tissue."

"Tissue?" Yuko remarked, standing behind Dr. Baxter and watching the procedure. "I have-?"

"Whatever energy is within you has somehow reconstructed the molecular makeup of the metal that comprises your body into a sort of synthetic tissue that acts and behaves similar to human tissue." Dr. Baxter elaborated, walking over to a very complex machine in the corner of the room. "I'm trying to determine whether it is you or Aiko that radiates said energy."

"What's that?" Aiko inquired as she got up from her seat, traversing the equipment in Dr. Baxter's intricate, private lab to examine the large device he was tinkering with.

Dr. Baxter unscrewed the sharpened point from his needle, taking care not to contaminate the sample, then he did the same with Yuko's syringe; it was filled with her liquid metal blood, and it was just as viscous as Aiko's. He plugged both syringes into two of four injection valves in the large machine, and it sucked the samples in immediately, processing them. Dr. Baxter moved over to the terminal attached to the machine, feeding the computer unknown algorithms through the keyboard. After finishing this, Dr. Baxter pressed a red button right beside his keyboard, activating the test. The contraption whirred and buzzed, running the samples through a series of tests, eventually slowing to a soft hum as it spat out the results onscreen.

"Hmm... intriguing," Dr. Baxter scratched his chin at the data presented. "It seems you are in fact a Productorem after all— a new Subclass of the Energy Class."

"Really?! So... what now?" Aiko wondered as Dr. Baxter continued to examine the results.

"I catalogue the Mark, and then name the newly identified Subclass," Dr. Baxter replied as he grabbed the piece of paper that the machine spat out of a slot just below the keyboard. "Firstly, I shall name this newly identified Subclass. Perhaps... the Channel Subclass? Yes, that sounds like an appropriate name." Dr. Baxter nodded, writing the name down on a nearby piece of paper. "Next, I'll leave the Mark naming up to you. So, what'll you call your Mark?"

"Um... gee..." Aiko shrugged her shoulders, deliberating over the hefty responsibility.

Aiko wanted the name to mean something, to both her and to Yuko. Thinking back to all that Yuko has done so far, Aiko focused in on the memory of her holding the butterfly. Yuko's purity and curiosity rekindled Aiko's passion, and she was grateful for that gift, but she just couldn't extrapolate a name from any situation they've been in so far. Aiko dug deeper, eventually coming across a single, simple word. It didn't mean much to Aiko when she heard her mother say it long ago, but now it somehow felt important, like it needed to be said aloud.

"Musubi..." Aiko muttered, envisioning her mother on the cottage balcony, breathing in the brisk morning air as the gentle wind tossed her hair about. "We'll call it the Musubi Mark."

"And what does that mean?" Dr. Baxter raised an eyebrow at the odd name.

"I'm not sure yet..." Aiko shrugged her shoulders, the image of her mother imprinted in her mind. "It just feels right."

"Okay then..." Dr. Baxter tried his best to hide his skepticism, but it bled out from his expression profusely. Sighing to himself, he shooed Aiko and Yuko towards the door. "Now, off with you. I have a class to get back to."

"I, um-... thanks for helping us, Dr. Baxter, but you didn't answer the question I had asked earlier..." Aiko reminded him.

"Oh? What's that?" Dr. Baxter said, grabbing the mug full of coffee off a desk by the machine.

"What is Yuko, exactly?" Aiko asked; she knew those words were on the tip of Yuko's tongue, but she didn't yet have the courage to say them aloud to anyone other than her. "And when will Yuko stop transforming?"

"Yuko will cease her metamorphosis once the material in her body is as close to real human tissue as possible. She won't become organic, but she'll be very close." Dr. Baxter answered, taking a sip of his coffee. "Oh, and according to the test results, Yuko has a DNA structure quite similar to yours."

"Wait, what are you saying...?" Aiko took a moment to digest his words.

"It appears Yuko is your sister, Ms. Schmitt," Dr. Baxter clarified.

"S-sister...?" Yuko turned to Aiko, pondering over the word for a moment. Then, suddenly, she threw herself at Aiko, hugging her with vice grip arms. "Your my sister, Aiko!"

"What?!" Aiko's head shook violently in Yuko's grasp as they both twirled around. "My sister?"

"I know who I am now!" Yuko giggled as she held Aiko tighter.

"Th-thanks, sis..." Aiko wheezed as Yuko kept a firm grip on the small of her back. "Can you put me down? You're-... ugh... oxygen..." Aiko's face rapidly turned purple in the clutches of her giant metal companion.

"Oh! Sorry!" Yuko blushed as she placed Aiko back on the ground, dusting her off politely.

"It's okay," Aiko insisted as she caught her breath, looking up at the clock. "The period's almost over! We should head back to let Ms. Wendell know we're alright; she's probably worried sick."

"Yeah!" Yuko nodded; her tone was fresh, bubbly, but it didn't seem as innocent and childish as before. Regardless, it warmed Aiko's heart to see her newfound sister so content.

With Yuko by her side, Aiko opened up the door leading into the hallway, giving Dr. Baxter a wave before leaving. "Thanks, Dr. Baxter! See you next period!"

Dr. Baxter sighed as the door closed behind them, and he slowly sipped his coffee, sitting down on a stool nearby. "Yeah."

Aiko remained silent for quite a while as they walked through the mazelike school, turning corners and climbing stairs to reach the gymnasium; they only had five minutes left in the period, but it wouldn't have been right to just leave Ms. Wendell guessing and not inform her of their return. As they turned down the last hallway leading to the gym, Aiko slowed her pace, sighing heavily as she stared down at the floor. Yuko kept as slow a pace as Aiko, remaining beside her at all times.

"Is something wrong, Aiko?" Yuko asked her sister, who simply glared at the ground in silence.

"Um... yeah," Aiko nodded as she ceased walking entirely, lifting her head to meet eye to eye with Yuko. "I want to apologize, Yuko."

"Apologize? For what?" Yuko wondered, raising an eyebrow as she moved closer to her companion.

"Treating you like an object. I'm sure I didn't realize it before, but-... I do now," Aiko shook her head, breaking eye contact with her sister. "You aren't just some thing. You're just as human as I am."

"Aiko, you don't-... I'm not-," Yuko cut herself off a couple times, letting her head hang as she remained silent. "Aiko, I may look like a person, but-."

"Don't," Aiko interrupted her, sick of hearing her self-loathing attitude. "Even if you still believe that, I'll defend you anyways. You're no golem, you're my friend (and evidently my sister). And no matter what others might think of you, you'll still be the same Yuko to me."

Yuko's body had changed dramatically within the period. Although her transformation was nearly complete by the beginning of Fitness Class, Yuko's hair hadn't been completely fibrous. In the end, her silver hair was as sleek and as realistic as a normal woman's head of hair; it was no longer tied into a pony tail, instead, it cascaded freely like a waterfall. To boot, Yuko's build had also shifted. Her proportions had evened out entirely, and she no longer appeared like a bodybuilder, but an athletic young woman. Although she still had extremely prominent muscle showing in her gym attire, she wasn't as swollen as before.

"Aiko..." Yuko's heart tightened as Aiko's words flowed into her, and she embraced her sister, letting her curtain of metal locks fall forward over Aiko's shoulder. "Thank you."

"Yuko... crushing me again..." Aiko coughed as Yuko squeezed tighter.

"Oh, sorry!" Yuko blushed as she broke away, running into the nearby women's washroom. "I'll go change! Tell Ms. Wendell I'm alright!"

"No prob," Aiko nodded as she entered the gymnasium. "Meet out here once you're done." She stopped for a moment, going over the period's events in her head; the sheer absurdity of every new dilemma baffled her. "My sister, huh...?"

****

Aiko and Yuko followed the first-year students into the training grounds, and they lined up their neat rows in front of the main teaching staff, who stood at the other end; leading them was Northstar, who awaited the students with a wide grin on her face. Without any of the second or senior year students, Aiko's class was dwindled down to no more than forty.

"Hello, you fine young recruits!" Northstar's voice was booming and heroic. "Welcome to Mark Development Class! Here you'll be taught by our core teachers— The Big Four! I'm sure you've already gotten to know them pretty well!" Northstar stood aside, letting Dr. Baxter, Ms. Steele, Ms. Wendell, and Ms. Fawkes bask in the applause from the students. "For all you fast-tracked newbies, Mark Development Class is a course where we help you unlock the limitless potential of your Marks! It's high-octane, action-packed, and it's all about teamwork!"

"She should be the voiceover for action movie trailers." Carlo joked, giving Aiko a nudge.

"Yeah, she certainly knows how to work a crowd," Aiko nodded. "I assume that comes with her job, no doubt."

"Please, group together into your respective teams! Class shall begin shortly!" Northstar shouted as she turned to the teachers, planning with them carefully.

"So, what's gonna happen now?" Aiko asked her fellow team members, adjusting the same uncomfortable jumpsuit from combat training as it rode up her bottom.

"There are some options— around four: Gauntlet, Race, Dueling, or Rescue are some I can think of," Carlo answered.

"Quiet! Northstar is about to speak!" Maeve hushed Carlo, to which he stuck his tongue out at her as she turned away.

"She seems awful serious... more so than usual..." Aiko whispered to Yuko.

"Maeve sort of scares me," Yuko said, feeling the heat that Maeve gave off.

"She always gets this way during MD Class. It's best not to get in her way, or she might make a scene," Jace added to their conversation. "For all of us, don't piss her off. You seem like the type of person who doesn't roll over easy, and she hates that type of person most of all."

"Why this class?" Aiko wondered.

"Her father, Delvin MacDonnell, is the police chief of the Greater Victoria Detachment— the highest ranking in the country. She's got a reputation to uphold. And to add to the anxiety, footage captured in this course has the potential of being viewed by some of Canada's most elite teams," Carlo explained, directing Aiko eyes over to the two swiveling cameras on either side of the training area. "If they like what they see, they may favor a student for the recruiting process once they're out of the academy."

"So it looks like we'll have to bring our a-game then, huh?" Aiko said as she looked over to Yuko, who gave her a smile and a thumbs up.

"Students! We have come to a consensus! Today's training session shall be... Dueling! And not just plain old bouts between teams! In order to learn and grow as a team, you have to understand a fellow teammate's abilities and strengths, so that's why today's class will be focused around dueling amongst fellow teammates! Now, activate the rings!" Suddenly, four separate plots of the training ground— around twenty by twenty foot —rose from the ground, forming large dueling rings.

"What the-? We never did this last semester!" Carlo began to hyperventilate. "What the hell's going on?!"

"Relax, Carlo, there's forty-five of us first year's. There's a chance we won't get placed in a ring," Jace attempted to calm the neurotic, green-haired man, but he couldn't help it.

Admittedly, Aiko couldn't help but feel a little on edge a well, what with all the glares from Mura and Maeve, who both seemed eager to test her mettle. In her mind Aiko prayed for mercy, but upon hearing Northstar call the names of the first teams to fight, her heart sank.

"In ring number one, Team Number Twelve!" Northstar announced with all the gravitas and charisma of a wrestling announcer. "Please, go to your ring and hear what your judge has to say."

"Oh no, no, no, no..." Carlo began to chew on his nails unconsciously as they made their way to the ring on their far left. "Please, have mercy."

Luckily, their judge was Ms. Wendell, but that didn't make their situation any easier to digest. They each lined up outside the ring, waiting for Ms. Wendell's first pick of the bunch.

"Okie dokie, artichokies! Let's have some good fights!" Ms. Wendell raised her hand, deciding which two combatants to pick first. "I'll have... Mura and Jace!"

"Son of a..." Jace's face went totally blank as he crawled into the ring with Mura.

As the two fighters took their place on either side of the ring, Ms. Wendell began to recite the rules of the bout. "Okay! This fight will end once the opponent is pushed out of the ring! The time limit is three minute, and if the time expires before one of you is ejected from the ring, the match will be declared a draw. Does that sound fair?"

"Yes," Mura nodded, bowing to Jace before going down into a ready position that only a martial artist would know, a dragon stance. "Good luck."

"You too..." Jace sighed, cursing his big mouth for being so optimistic earlier.

"This'll be good. Mura and Jace both have Marks capable of trumping the other," Carlo began to calm down once the intensity of the fight pulled him in. "I'm excited to see what Mura can do."

"You mean you haven't seen Mura fight before?" Aiko asked Carlo, watching as the two fighters prepared themselves.

"Well, not exactly. She just never exerts herself too much. Mura is pretty reserved; she never uses any more power than she has to. Out of all of us, there's no doubt she's the smarter fighter." Carlo calculated.

"Ready? I'd like a clean match, you two. No use of excessive force to the head or chest, please. I'd like to not fill Ms. Fawkes' office today." Ms Wendell stepped back to the very edge of the ring, leaving space for the fighters to spar. "Three... two... one... fight!"

Neither fighter moved an inch once Ms Wendell began her timer; they simply stood there, waiting for the other to make a move. Eventually, Mura saw a twitch in Jace's expression, and she dashed to the side, catching him off guard. Mura formed bubbles of white energy around her feet, pushing her at incredible speeds around the area; they even allowed her to push off the air itself, ricocheting like a bullet. Jace braced up, raising his arms to guard.

"Mura's fast, but Jace has a pretty sturdy defence when he uses his Mark; it'll be hard for Mura to press him back," Carlo commented as Mura used her energy on Jace's chest, trying to blast him away. However, this barely moved him an inch.

"If Mura is as smart a fighter as you claim her to be, she might have something else up her sleeve," Aiko pointed out, paying close attention to Mura's face; she was running the numbers on Jace carefully before attacking again. "She's trying to figure him out."

Jace realized what Mura was trying to do, and he charged her before she got the chance to figure out a strategy. Alas, in his heavier state, Jace lacked any measure of speed or agility, and the ring cracked beneath his hefty feet as he ran. Although surprised by Jace's initiative, Mura wasn't even grazed by Jace's offensive, and she leapt over him, countering his rush with a burst of her energy to his back. The counterattack drove Jace forward, disturbing his control over his own momentum, and he neared the edge of the ring. However, just before he fell off, Jace put extra weight into his arms, anchoring him to the ground before he could advance any further.

Wheezing, Jace lifted his extremely heavy limbs, taking his place back in the center of the ring. He waited for Mura to make a move, but she gave him nothing; she simply glared at him with her visible eye that wasn't hidden by a wall of hair. He grimaced as he heaved his arms around with all his strength, and as he took a step, his stamina began to wane more and more.

"That Mark of his is powerful, but it also has major drawbacks. His body may not be affected by the pressure, but he has severely hampered mobility under the weight of his limbs," Aiko pointed out to Carlo, who nodded in response.

"You're pretty good at this. How do you know so much?" Carlo asked.

"I'm kinda a nerd for this stuff," Aiko chuckled, her eyes still glued to the fight. "Let's see what she does."

Mura ducked, sweeping her leg across the ground in Jace's direction. Jace avoided the white streak of energy released from the bubble around Aiko's foot, jumping over it. However, just as he lifted himself in the air, Mura went in for another blast; her first attack was just the set-up.

"Foolish..." Maeve scoffed at Jace as she watched Mura push against his forearms with a burst of her energy, causing the weighty limbs to pull him out of the ring.

"Arrggh!" Jace scowled as he fell onto his back, Ms. Wendell rushing over to him.

"Jace, are you alright?" Ms. Wendell asked as Jace's ability wore off, prompting her to help him back on his feet.

"I'm fine..." Jace coughed as Mura approached him, putting out her hand.

"Then the winner is Mura!" Ms. Wendell proclaimed. "That was great, you two!"

"Good fight." Mura said with a blank expression as Jace sighed, shaking her hand politely.

"Yeah, you're pretty good..." Jace nodded, a little disappointed that he couldn't keep up with his opponent.

"And to think she's still holding back..." Aiko muttered half to herself as she watched Mura exit the arena.

"Okay! That was a good first fight, but we've still got a few more to go!" Ms. Wendell cheered, raising her hand once more to select the next two fighters. "And our next combatants are..."

"Please no, please no, please no..." Carlo crossed his fingers.

"Maeve and Aiko!" Ms. Wendell said excitedly, to which made her way into the ring immediately.

"Maeve and-..." Aiko's face flushed white as Maeve passed by, sending a cold air her way as she locked eyes with Aiko. "Oh... oh no."

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