#crossfists 01

[hanabisays]

BATTLE AT THE COLISEUM

@pratisodha -- @hollowfaith -- @crossfists

Wow, her team looks real strong. While part of her is excited to have found a team to be a part of, there's a small sense of pressure. She won't let them down.

"I've never been in a group battle before," She admits with a light laugh. It may have sounded funny. OKAY, she's nervous, alright? Speaking of nervous, she can't help but side-glance at the man with blond hair.

HOLY SHIT THAT'S THE ANGEL THAT'S GIVING MISTER ITADORI A HARD TIME.

There are two people here she's familiar with. The angel that gives Mister Itadori a hard time and Mister Klaus. She finds herself hesitant to turn her head to look up at---is he a robot? When hazel eyes meet the Omnic's, she cracks a friendly smile (as NON-AWKWARD as possible) and bows her head.

"U-Uhm! So I'm Hanabi! I don't have much going for me, really. I wanted to try my hands at the different tiers to kind of sharpen my skills! Uh, uh...." And this is why she never did like standing in front of people when doing her presentations at high school OR college, "I'm a shaman, errr, kinda. In a sense. It's complicated BUT I can use any sort of weapon as well as control things with my mind! AH, Like you, sir!" She gestures POLITELY at Aurelius with a big smile,

"But I'm also very good at hand-to-hand---" The young adult lowers half her body in a respectful and gracious bow, "Thank you for having me a part of your team I won't let you down."

[punisheye]

Wow, that's a big fella! Well, they're the same size, actually, but he's also not used to meeting guys his size. Interesting teeth, too. Also, he knows his employee, who also keeps getting mistaken for him. Happened the first time they met, and customers keep asking if they're brothers and if it's some kind of family-owned business...

Well, if he knows Steven... actually, Wolfwood wouldn't be able to point him in the guy's direction because he has no clue what he gets up to after work.

"Yer not the only one," he replies with a wave of his hand. It's not as annoying as it used to be; besides, he knows how frazzled this guy must be on his first day. Wolfwood also met up with the wrong guy on his first day, too, in his confusion.

This one's name doesn't ring a bell, though. If Steven's mentioned him it probably flew over his head.

"Yeah, that's everyone's story— yer in the middle a' somethin' and then the next moment yer here."

Or you die and wake up here thinking you're in Hell, in his case.

"I know yer guy, though. Work with him here."

"Oh, Steven-" No, not Steven. For a moment, from behind or a side profile, perhaps, but not at all. It was more than apparent the more he approached, that certainly while this man had a resemblance to to Steven at first glance (and perhaps he was simply looking for Steven, and so it would definitely make sense if his eyes played tricks on him), he didn't look much like him at all once Klaus approached.

He was compiling a mental list of the differences, but certainly staring after calling someone by somebody else's name could be considered rude.

"My apologies, I briefly mistook you for someone else." He gives a small half-bow, hand on his chest before standing upright. "I have just arrived here, you see. And, well, I suppose interdimensional spaces have occurred before..." He trails off slightly, turning back to the matter at hand.

"My name is Klaus Von Reinherz. I was looking for my companion. I could have sworn we were just together in a meeting, and I simply woke up here."

@punisheye

[ostentumm]

Oliver is looking up at this stranger like they're by far the coolest thing he's ever seen in his 16 years of living. There's no concept of personal space at this moment. "You're so huge. I would've mistooken you for a monster."

@crossfists

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Aurelius had made private conjectures about the men in the painting, but it was far more fulfilling to meet and speak with one in the flesh. He was quite pleased to find that this particular specimen wasn't one of the despairing, sniveling examples of humanity, but something that came closer to embodying their nobler qualities instead.

It was, in short, quite easy to be charmed by this man if he so wished. More so when the gentleman introduced himself, and—

"Klaus..." the familiar name slipped past his lips unbidden, wreathed in genuine warmth and affection. Realizing his slip, Aurelius deftly slipped into a more professional smile and inclined his head to accept the greeting.

"Aurelius Vane-Tempest," he replied in pleasant tones.

"Please, think nothing of it. I stand in admiration of your character in the face of such past tragedies. Indeed, the fault is more mine as one who sought to linger and—dare I say?—pry."

The subtle admission of fault on a first meeting was quite unusual for the angel, but who told the man to share a name with his most favorite person in the world? As he had yet to disgrace it with his actions or his speech, Aurelius was all too happy to indulge him.

The scene settled into his stomach like a rock, the scene continues, a tableau of the hospital on display, the being stepping out of the hospital. A painting of that first Blood Breed he and Steven had encountered after falling into Hellsalem's Lot.

"I...Suppose I had underestimated the reach of their knowledge." The words come unbidden - he rarely underestimated much, but it seems he certainly had not considered how much these people may know about them, when they already had the power to drag them across time and space. "I suppose I have not appropriately considering the extent to which this dimensional space goes. Ah-"

He turns to face the man at his question, and then turns back to the canvas. The centerpiece of his 'gallery' was himself and Steven falling into the place.

But...To the side were the others. The members of Libra. And so he nods, firm - less unsteady than he had been. "Of course. If not for everything that had happened..."

"I would not know the people I know. We would not have spent the time we have together." And he certainly would not trade that for anything - through tears and blood, they were doing the right thing. Protecting who they can.

But, ah, he realized he was being quite rude, and turns to the gentleman who had comforted him. A hand on his chest, he bows slightly. "Forgive my rudeness, my name is Klaus von Reinherz. I apologize that you had to see such a display in this museum."

[hanabisays]

"Thank you for sharing," To both Aurelius and Ramattra she nods. Just like Klaus though, she can't help but feel a little something with Aurelius' honesty of not trying. It's okay. She will still count on him and she's sure he won't want his teammates to lose. Something tells her that he's a rather prideful guy. Losing wouldn't be an answer in his book!

...

She hopes.

Her attention is back on Klaus when he shares. Blood manipulation is something she's familiar with but isn't able to do herself. well, not in the way Klaus could use it. If she were to summon any spirits, that would be an option now, wouldn't it?

It comes as a surprise for Hanabi when Klaus asks her to be the one to direct them. "Mister Klaus..." She's nervous actually. What if she starts their formation and everything goes to shit?

No...She can trust that they'll be able to handle it. They have each other's back too! She wouldn't let anything awful happen to them if she could help it.

"If Mister Aurelius doesn't mind, I'd like for you to be mid-range and all the while you can focus on healing those in need. Mister Klaus can focus on getting up close and personal! Mister Ramattra, if you don't mind lending us your power in long-range attacks? You mentioned being able to create barriers and use long-arranged fires. I think with that, things will be okay. If Mister Klaus needs it too, you could help in fighting at close range as well.

Even though I'm good at fighting up close as well, I don't think it'll be a smart idea depending on what we're up against," she admits with a bow of her head. "In that case, I, too, will focus on long-distance attacks. I'll be summoning extra pairs of hands as well as using telekinesis to offer more support in attack. I think we'll be well-protected and we'll come out as winners."

@pratisodha @hollowfaith @crossfists

Luckily, he rarely makes any expressions, so his displeasure and judgement at the man talking about not being inclined to try didn't quite show on his face. A quick exhale, and he regains his composure, and considers their weaknesses.

It would be best for him to work at close ranged, with others providing auxiliary fire and support. He had no issues with that. Describing his weakness was...Potentially problematic, and entirely not necessary unless a very specific situation occurred.

Although it certainly made him feel boastful to say he didn't quite have any apparent weaknesses.

"I am durable, but not invulnerable - while my durability is superhuman and I can withstand most attacks, I will succumb to my wounds eventually. I cannot heal myself, so that presents an additional concern." That was a good way to put it, he believed, although he doubted anything in this arena would push him that face.

"Additionally, I utilize my own blood for my abilities. While losing some can provide additional material, it also means I will be starting at a loss. Still, with the abilities stated, I should be able to do more than well on the front lines with the proper support."

"That being said, I would like to nominate Miss Hanabi to be our leader. Please direct us where we would be best suited." While he was used to taking the leader role, the girl seemed a bit at a loss to be around superhumans.

Having her direct the battle would, he imagined, give her a confidence boost when it went well.

@hanabisays > pratisodha > hollowfaith

[hanabisays]

It would be weird if she were to admit that she'd seen the angel with Eiden on more than one occasion. Would probably sound like she's been stalking and so quickly she shakes her head and focuses on the others as they introduce themselves. Aurelius, Ramattra, and Klaus ... they are certainly a force to be reckoned with. She can pick up on their energies as being something fierce.

The thought of anyone dying or being gravely injured during the battle is something that does concern her. She's worried, to say the least, but holds that feeling to herself. "We'll make sure that we have this in the bag." She instead will sound confident! Not cocky, but having a bit of confidence that everything will go well is the best kind of situation. "Did we want to share each other's weaknesses? I know we went and talked about some of the things we can do, but I think we can also share our weaknesses just so we know what to look out for and protect each other even better! I'll go first," if only to quell anyone's concern about exploitation. "I am only human so I don't have any special abilities that allow me to heal and I'm not STURDY like you guys. So, while I am very good at hand-to-hand and can hold my own at close-ranged attacks, I am definitely more susceptible to getting injured."

yeah, the thought of anyone getting hurt is scary, but she can't pretend it's not going to be the case of them not getting injured.

@pratisodha -- @hollowfaith -- @crossfists

"Klaus von Reinherz." Placing a hand on his chest, the large man offers a bow to the rest of his group. "A pleasure to meet you, Ramattra, and to see you both again, Aurelius and Miss Hanabi." He doesn't smile, despite his polite words, his expression seeming to remain neutral despite the situation.

"I have been competing in the Coliseum battles since they began, as, ah," well, he would be far too embarrassing to admit that he was so deeply depressed that this was one of the few ways to feel connected to his old life and perhaps get out of the house. "Well, I have been competing in quite a few competitions."

One must remain stalwart, of course.

"I have extensive combat experience against myriad types of entities of various sizes. I am also able to engage in a combat style taught to me as a child. I use my blood to both attack and defend." ...To people not from his world, surely this would seem quite strange.

"I am also quite sturdy and my strength far outpaces any human. Allow me to be your shield, if need be. I am no stranger to the...Feeling of being pieced back together, so it is a burden I've no concerns bearing."

@hanabisays -> pratisodha -> hollowfaith

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Art was something Aurelius had infinite patience for, depicting in music, verse, or paint the messages that spoken words failed to convey. There was a deeper message buried within it—a sort of silent appeal to the soul, if one could only decipher its contents.

Coming upon the limited time gallery in the Tempus Museum had been a delight to him; more so when he grew to learn that these weren't creations from some fanciful mortal's imagination, but factual depictions of different worlds and lives. The warmth of a family, the tragedy of separation, youth, old age, love, loss—nothing had even been so colorful a palette as the range of human experience, a thing he could appreciate even if he couldn't relate.

He had passed by the impressive painting of the shattering city a few times—having mistaken it for a part of the island at first because of its modern-styled buildings. But that hardly fit the theme for the rest of the exhibit, and so he'd waited patiently until the man who could answer his questions appeared. The stranger was quite tall—but, Aurelius reasoned, it would likely take someone with the will of giants to survive in a place such as that.

"They know enough to bring us here; it stands to reason they've learned about our pasts as well." Striding across the hall, he sidles up to stand before the man, following his gaze to the disaster on canvas.

"Even in depictions of tragedy, one may find triumph. Would you agree with me on that statement?"

What a fascinating place. While there were fairs to be had anywhere, rarely did any place have a full scale festival across all parts of the island. He found himself exploring it further, some with Steven - he still wished to track down Leonardo - but during the day he found himself with so little to do, he continued to wander.

A museum would be of great interest - hopefully a display of local customs. If he could learn more about this place, it would be of great help to figuring out how they could return (or if they could, it seemed that others believed there was no way out).

But the sniffling in the museum made him nervous. Someone was walking out, red eyed and wiping at their face. Was the history of this place so horrid...?

Not that he would say much. Not that he would say much, when the large painting of the room he entered showed a city schisming into two. A still image of two men falling between worlds.

"What...Is this place?" Is all he could manage to ask as a display of Manhattan breaking to become Hellsalem's Lot displays on the canvas. A scene too familiar for him not to recognize, even as a third person observer. The tall man couldn't help but stare up at the painting clearly made for him, his question echoing in the room of the event he had stumbled into.

"How would they know about..." (Our lives?)

@hollowfaith

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Was this going to be a show-and-tell session before anything else? Perhaps this was how humans cooperated. Seeing as how the human girl was turning out to be the most fragile member of the group, Aurelius humors her request with a wry smile.

"I dislike vulgar people. They make me physically ill."

"I also find myself disinclined to try my best on most days, including this one." He pauses to skim the stands again, pouting when a second sweep still reveals no Anghelescu in sight. Perhaps he was running late.

"Although I can hold my own in hand-to-hand combat, I prefer mid-range to long-distance attacks. My primary weapon is a spear, but my flight and natural abilities expand how far I can actually reach."

He pauses for a moment, then suddenly unfurls four golden wings behind his back.

"I suppose these are a weak point as well, though revealing them should make me easier to spot for teamwork purposes."

And make him more visible to his partner in the stands which was of course, very important.

@crossfists ➤ @hanabisays ➤ @pratisodha

It would be weird if she were to admit that she'd seen the angel with Eiden on more than one occasion. Would probably sound like she's been stalking and so quickly she shakes her head and focuses on the others as they introduce themselves. Aurelius, Ramattra, and Klaus ... they are certainly a force to be reckoned with. She can pick up on their energies as being something fierce.

The thought of anyone dying or being gravely injured during the battle is something that does concern her. She's worried, to say the least, but holds that feeling to herself. "We'll make sure that we have this in the bag." She instead will sound confident! Not cocky, but having a bit of confidence that everything will go well is the best kind of situation. "Did we want to share each other's weaknesses? I know we went and talked about some of the things we can do, but I think we can also share our weaknesses just so we know what to look out for and protect each other even better! I'll go first," if only to quell anyone's concern about exploitation. "I am only human so I don't have any special abilities that allow me to heal and I'm not STURDY like you guys. So, while I am very good at hand-to-hand and can hold my own at close-ranged attacks, I am definitely more susceptible to getting injured."

yeah, the thought of anyone getting hurt is scary, but she can't pretend it's not going to be the case of them not getting injured.

@pratisodha -- @hollowfaith -- @crossfists