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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 9, 2019 23:08:38 GMT -5
(Note: These are RP practices. I use them to practice styles of roleplaying different characters and see what methods I like using when dealing with characters, powers, power-scaling, abilities etc. I do them solo, but if people feel like practicing characters or are bored they're more than welcome to ask for permission to enter. Practices focus more on character interaction rather than brawling.)
The next day dawned. Dark and gloomy; much like the day before. Temperatures were not changing for the better and snow was at full swing. Nightmare for adults who still have to work, but absolute paradise for children who were guaranteed early and extended holiday from school. Children could already be heard outside; hurling snowballs at each other while keeping up with their piercing screams that could even wake demons up from the deep slumber. Not even snowstorm was helpful with silencing those little spawns of Satan.
"Uhh..." Alex muttered in his bed, still half-asleep.
He slowly but surely crawled out of the warmth and safety of his bed. He stood up and began stretching. Thanks to the warmth in the room he did not mind being naked waist-up at all. His apartment was heaven compared to some other places when it comes to temperature differences in summer and winter. "...10 AM... give me a break..." He muttered through his teeth after laying his eyes upon the clock. Thanks to that 'night shift' with Daniel and dealing with Glacies it was around 4 AM when he fell asleep. 10 AM meant he had only brief moments for himself- 1:15 PM marks the start of second shift for school and he has two combat classes for the day. That is not a good thing to have when you are tired as an overworked horse.
He slowly 'strolled' into the kitchen to start up some coffee. While waiting for the water to heat up he turned up the radio. He was hoping for some music to help wake him up while waiting.
"...that'll just put me back to sleep..." He thought, but didn't turn it off. After couple of minutes coffee was ready. Just like in every American show ever- there was a cup of coffee and a toast by it. All he needed were newspapers.
"...Mental note- don't listen to Daniel... man has no real job, works as a mercenary and has more energy than a pallet of Red Bull..." Alex thought to himself again while sipping the coffee and enjoy the toast. He was reading emails and text chats via his tablet on the side as well. Three messages and thirteen emails... it was not as bad as he thought. Most emails were from students he teaches- seeking information on literature, explanations on certain topics. After few minutes of typing all emails were answered. No difficult topics for the morning, at least. "... text from Lydia- tell Michael not to go near female showers... ooookay, next message... package pickup... the last one... oh, this one is from Maria- she wants me to bring the 'evidence' asap. Wait- how does she know...?" Alex was thinking while scrolling through his text messages. If Maria was referring to the documents Daniel found in the warehouse they raided then- how did she know about all that? Did Daniel tell her? It was probably for the best not to think about it- knowing her she probably has a way of reading minds.
"Ah, I did not expect you up by noon." Azrael's voice came from other side of the table. Alex did not even notice him. "It was eventful night. Perhaps you should sleep few hours more." He added.
"You know I can't- I have a combat class starting at 1:15. I need to be ready." Alex responded while finishing his sad excuse of a breakfast and shutting down the tablet.
"Understandable." Azrael said.
Hour and a half passed. Alex prepared himself a meal for the afternoon, took a warm shower, put some nice deodorant on and dressed himself. He grabbed his uniform after equipping the gauntlet and with that he was finally ready.
"Okay... I'll be off." He said.
"Perfect. Now that you are ready I think it would be great time to tell you. Alex..."
"Y-yes?"
"It's Saturday and it is heavily snowing." Azrael informed while sneering at Alex. "Oh... haha... thanks. Could have said it hour and a half ago, too."
"Could have." Azrael was very happy about this. Alex grabbed him and placed him inside uniform's pocket. Little prick. At the very least they had to make a copy of those documents and pay Maria a visit. Since Azure Rosemarie was involved in something with Glacies and both are important elements in Maria's research it would be great to take care of that. It might have been a bad start for the day, but it was still better than having to deal with classes after a raiding night.
And so... he was off...
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 11, 2019 5:36:08 GMT -5
Outside was nothing short of unpleasant. Temperatures rapidly dropped down overnight and what used to be a mild snowfall turned into heavy one and then, within minutes, into blizzard. Children called truce and withdrew from their intense snowball warfare running back to their homes in blizzard's raging path. Snow continued to pile up and, soon, traffic would be near-to-impossible. Weather report informed this situation would last for a couple of days; intense snowstorms.
Alex had just left his apartment only to be welcomed by the bone-chilling environment of the outside. Despite being accustomed to dangerously-low temperatures it was not to his liking to leave comfort and warmth of his apartment especially on a day where he did not need to worry about instructions or other obligations whatsoever. However, he could safely bet Maria did not concern herself whether he was comfortable with it or not. She is not the politest or most considerate of individuals. At this point he would not be surprised if she forced him to go outside in the cold to do push-ups. Despite that Alex considers her a valuable ally- she has resources, information and power. She was the one who protected Alex and his family when they were under numerous attacks and their lives were threatened; feeling indebted to her Alex took up her offer and became her subordinate in Esper, small specialized branch of an organization called Silver Knights.
Her apartment was about kilometer away from Alex's. On a nice day it would not be such drag, but through these conditions it would probably take extra fifteen minutes. "Hope she lets me borrow the copy machine since I walked all the way here." He thought. Few more steps forward and there it was. Tall and neat building; snow-white walls and spotless windows. Managed to near perfection- whoever owns this place must want to leave a good impression in this jungle of steel, stone and grayness. It is a good thing, at least- pleasing to the eyes.
Alex moved towards the door. "Hmm... it was room 58." He recalled and then pressed the button on the intercom. "Miss Zenovia, I have arrived." He said. There was no response, but he could hear a distinct *click* coming from the door. It unlocked. The warm insides of the building felt like heaven after spending half an hour in the cold, but Alex planned to waste no time with enjoying the warmth. He was planning to just get what he came for and go back home so he may enjoy the rest of the weekend. Upon reaching room 58 he gave it three loud knocks. |
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 12, 2019 5:53:31 GMT -5
Seconds later the doors opened...
Behind the doors stood tall and gorgeous woman- dressed in formal clothing akin to the office clothing style, long and mesmerizing white hair, pretty and yet ominous-looking face and a great figure. Her posture and facial expression appeared very professional and were radiating with strength and confidence. Her eyes locked with Alex's. She calmly nodded and then moved aside allowing her visitor to step in. As she moved aside it became evident her palms were blackened, dirty and greasy. There was pen ink on the sides of her hands, too.
"Welcome, Alex. I am pleased to see you." She greeted with calm and kind tone. |
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 12, 2019 7:02:57 GMT -5
"Likewise, miss." Alex responded in kind. Once inside the apartment he was greeted by a distinct combination of smells; ranging from smells of oil, metal and smoke to relaxing aroma of food coming from the other room and captivating scent of Maria's distinct perfume. He could notice amassed filth on Maria's palms- she must have been experimenting and tinkering with machinery again.
It was not Alex's first time here. Whenever Alex finishes a mission or finds anything which may interest her, Maria invites him- no, demands him to pay her a visit so she may inspect whatever Alex brings her or just to comment on his progress in terms of being a brawler and member of Esper as well as Azrael's progress and parameters. Despite it being a drag from time to time he prefers to come around from time to time to exchange information. Considering how helpful Maria tends to be he would feel like trash if he did not provide anything in return. Rarely, a case like this happens- mission and materials found in it are connected to both their interests.
Glacies is a target for both of them. Azure Rosemarie, too. Though latter remains quite a mystery to this day. Their whereabouts, dealings and everything. One day it all vanished without a trace. Learning any important information about them would be essential since those fanatics cannot be allowed to walk freely.
Alex opened up his briefcase and pulled out the documents and usb he and Daniel came in possession of. "Here they are- I have a feeling this will catch your interest. Though, you seem to have been working- care to take a break first?" Alex inquired. However, before he could say anything else Maria grabbed the content out of his hands. |
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 13, 2019 6:40:56 GMT -5
Maria placed contents of the file on the side of her worktable. One could see a gauntlet along with several other unidentified types of machines. Around them were numerous metal parts and pieces including screws and wires Maria seemed to have been tinkering with. Few sheets of paper were scattered across the table as well; these seemed to be blueprints of a brawling gauntlet and upgrades being installed inside it.
Maria headed to the kitchen and thoroughly washed her hands. She grabbed the contents and placed them on her kitchen table. "Please, take a seat." She offered before taking a seat herself and then opened up the file pulling documents out of it. Her eyes were moving left and right, her lips moving slowly. Alex made a valid point; after about 4 hours of continuous work with machinery it would have been good idea to sit or lay down for a while to regain energy and concentration. Still, she had plenty of energy left and curiosity was getting better of her. Considering Alex faced Glacies out of all people information he had retrieved were bound to be interesting. |
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 13, 2019 8:13:19 GMT -5
"Right." Alex replied and sat by Maria. She politely ignored his suggestions. Hard worker, as always.
Maria continued reading the documents without saying anything to him so he just sat there silently waiting for her to say something. About ten minutes have passed since then and even Azrael emerged from Alex's jacket to get some air. Thinking back at what he was able to read from the documents there was nothing about fusing Bakugans to mechanical parts. Documents were, mainly, about Azure Rosemarie and some minor details, seemingly not connected to what happened in the warehouse. "I haven't seen anything in the documents about it, but you should know- Glacies was using a new type of weapon. Costa brought a Saurus with cannons installed on its back... Maybe 'installed' is not the best word- more like 'drilled inside' Saurus's core." Alex explained recalling last night's events.
"It is a strong Bakugan, but- its talk, movement and fighting style... it all seemed so painful. Do you know anything about this?" Alex inquired.
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 15, 2019 23:33:54 GMT -5
"Newest 'tool' on the black market. Bakugans undergo a number of painful surgeries and result are amalgamations like one you witnessed." Maria replied. "Glacies happens to own two facilities which perform these surgeries. Jim Costa is one of the leading design experts in this."
Maria slowly continued to flip through the pages analyzing every piece of information she could find. Document was describing progress of research Glacies was doing on Azure Rosemarie as well as any possible clues and leads on Rosemarie's location. Several of these leads were exact same ones government and Silver Knights were investigating- there were some different inputs and theories about the whole case, though. Additionally, there were three leads which may not be found in Silver Knights' archives. One lead was pointing at Joseph Friedrich; former Silver Knight researcher- doctor and professor in human and Bakugan neurology and anatomy, social psychiatry and several other fields. Man of many interests who, one day, simply disappeared without a clue of his whereabouts. Considering his position, it was a big loss for Silver Knights.
Second lead was pointing at possibility that Azure Rosemarie members were able to find the extraterrestrial power and knowledge they were looking for since the day of their foundation. Lead suggests that whatever they found was the same thing that ended them and their organization. There were no major details, but there were some locations pointed out- clues Glacies found were leading to those locations. Perhaps one could find any remaining members of the organization over there. It would have been much easier if locations were just USA, but some were in Asia and Australia.
Third lead was a collection of rather 'bold' statements- pointing at possible involvement of the Order in Rosemarie's disappearance. Now, Order were some of the most powerful world's brawlers united in a common cause- to protect from itself; ranging from minor crimes to those of massive nature. Of course, it would be only natural Order ended Rosemarie, but- Order would not be able to make Rosemarie simply disappear from face of the Earth.
"Now, Alex. I believe I have found something that will occupy your time." Maria thought upon reading some of these leads. It would be in her interest for some of these to be investigated. Everything else in that document was knowledge either of irrelevant nature or something Maria was familiar with already. "Shall we have a look at this USB? I believe I have found something of interest to you." She said with delighted, yet ominous tone as her hand reached for the USB. |
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 19, 2019 4:44:36 GMT -5
"Sounds about right." Alex replied and scratched himself behind the ear. These things made sense, but at the same time- they didn't. Bakugans are not exactly the smallest creatures and to undergo these surgeries one needs wide area, massive machinery for performing the surgery, transport to deliver it and so on. Under watchful eyes of Silver Knights and Stronghold who practically hold the world in their hands performing these sorts of acts is a difficult feat. Glacies was not such big deal until recently and their numbers were confirmed to be only in hundreds. That poses a question- how are they, such small organization, able to perform all of this without being detected? Absolutely barbaric, yes, but whoever is the mastermind behind these operations must be using some form of 'cheat' to get around.
By the time Alex gave it a thought Maria had already plugged the USB in one of her laptops. She has like- fifteen different laptops and PCs for different things. It was much safer that way for her own content and exploring these, potentially virus-infested, documents. All of her devices are protected by Silver Knights, too- they have their own protective software which is deemed top-notch.
"Alright- what do you got?" |
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 21, 2019 2:34:08 GMT -5
Maria was scrolling through vast files and documents on the usb. The amount of valuable data stored in there was immense; there was no way she would be able to analyze all that by herself. She knew she would require aid from other members of Esper; possibly wider from other branches of Silver Knights. It would not be wise or legal to keep this kind of find for Alex and herself alone considering information in there could, possibly, reveal what happened to Azure Rosemarie and any other information known to them. Additionally, data about Glacies was plentiful so there was a possibility of gaining leads or even pinpointing locations of their facilities. If that happens- all of that vile machinery will be removed and no more Bakugans would be subjected to inhumane torture Glacies performs in order to gain more firepower.
"Ciphers, codes, softwares, maps..." Maria pointed out to Alex. "From what I see this usb involves both Glacies and Azure Rosemarie. I suspected they might have had relations before despite general belief two had entirely opposite views."
She continued to scroll through all the documents. The longer she was scrolling the more data was piling up. "There is too much for me to process on my own, I'm afraid. We will need to spread this across Esper and Silver Knights. Hopefully, if others deem it necessary Stronghold and Eden will be involved in the investigation." Maria explained. Look on her face was anything but relaxed; she was absorbing every piece of information she could by quickly reading the documents to find anything immediate she could change focus to while colleagues do the rest.
"This will be vital for our success." Maria's eyes and attention shifted from laptop to her visitor. She stopped with any further analysis seeing how going any further by herself would bear no fruit. "Outstanding find, Alex. I am proud. I will make sure you are properly rewarded." She commended with a faint smile. |
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 21, 2019 3:36:46 GMT -5
It was out of Alex's field of knowledge to understand meanings behind all the data he brought with him. He was able to put bits and pieces together, but it was not within his area of expertise. If anyone could put all of the pieces together that would mark a huge step in removal of these criminal organizations from the planet. There will always be crime, but the fact that Glacies is one of only three significant criminal organizations on the planet does have its importance. Minor organizations exist, but they have little significance and are easily removed. Removing a major one would bring turmoil and tip the balance between the remaining two.
Alex truly felt happy he was able to stumble upon such valuable materials- in these several years of working with Esper it was his first great accomplishment. "T-thank you, miss." Alex replied with a stutter finding it difficult to hide his excitement and appreciation for what Maria told him. "You have done plenty for me, already. Don't worry about it. Ah... anyways, got anything for me to do?" Alex asked trying to change the topic. |
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 22, 2019 13:22:04 GMT -5
"Not for now. All of this has to be analyzed first. I suspect a big operation to ensue once this has been handled. Plenty will be mobilized to take care of it- two of us included. I will keep in touch." Maria explained. With that she shut down her laptop and slowly stood up. There was nothing else for her to do with those files. Silver Knights, once they learn of this, will be all over it and then, hopefully, Glacies will be forced out of hiding and taught some hard life lessons.
Maria moved to the kitchen and started preparing food. All the morning work sure worked up an appetite. Despite being told not to skip breakfast she keeps doing it for the sake of work. That will eventually come back to bite her. "You can stay for lunch and keep me company if you so please." She said while pouring coffee.
While she continued working on food gray Bakugan orb rolled out from the hallway and flew up landing on the table where Maria was doing all the work. There was not a word from the orb. It remained still. |
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 22, 2019 13:48:51 GMT -5
"I would, but there are few things I must take care of first." Alex replied. He quickly pulled his phone out and scrolled down to check his messages. Apparently, Daniel already went to his apartment. He could not find the documents so he messaged Alex to see where they could have been stashed. Alex sighed upon seeing the message knowing Daniel should know better than to assume Alex would have the copy already after such rough evening and the weather outside. That bastard probably got drunk and forgot they even fought somebody inside that warehouse. Considering how much regard and care he is showing to Alex big brother decided to treat him in same fashion. "At Maria's. Got your file. Come over." He typed in and then shut his phone off. It is well-known to him Daniel dislikes dealing with Maria's lectures. Daniel may have that all for himself.
"Could I use your copy machine for these?" Alex inquired pointing at the files.
While that was going on Azrael left Alex's side in orb form and joined the other orb on the worktable. Two began to converse quietly. |
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 22, 2019 14:24:59 GMT -5
"Help yourself." Maria's voice came from the kitchen.
Bakugan on the table was conversing with Azrael. Her name is Steel Hydranoid and she is Maria's guardian Bakugan. It is unknown if she is a subrace of Hydranoid species or if she acquired her form and name by different means. She is a Dual Hydranoid, but her power is rumored to be far past that of Alpha Hydranoid. Dual form is strong on its own, but normally it is still considered too weak by Silver Knights to be in position of Maria's guardian Bakugan. This could be a good hint Steel Hydranoid is indeed in a different league. Maria simply calls her 'Hydra' which is way simpler and fitting. Not that this juggernaut cares how you decide to call her. Her orb looks shiny and polished; she must be receiving a princess treatment over here.
"So, Azrael- I sense progress within your power. Evolution cannot be far." Hydra commended Azrael's development. Her voice is quite gentle and her tone is calm. Occasionally, her talk comes with a faint hiss. |
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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 24, 2019 1:41:07 GMT -5
With approval he got right to copying. Luckily, Maria was not interested enough to question why he would copy such document- perhaps she thought Alex was going to keep it for himself. It only now crossed his mind that Maria might not have approved his actions if she knew he was going to hand over the document to Daniel and his 'private investigation organization' as some like to call it. Despite Daniel being a pain in the ass he and his organization helped Alex and Maria out more times than they can count. They have a good skill of shoving their noses where they do not belong, finding things and messing plans of those who tend to disturb peace, so Alex's money was on them.
This went on for a couple of minutes without any further exchanges between Maria and Alex. Their Bakugans were entertaining themselves with random conversations only Bakugans might find understandable and enjoyable. What Alex picked up from it was Hydra mentioning Azrael's evolution. To be honest Azrael has never evolved before. As a member of Siege race he is proficient in combat and martial weapons which brought him quite far without requiring an evolution to progress. There was no rush or pressure whatsoever, but it would be quite neat if he could evolve at some point- if they need to encounter Glacies again it would be beneficial to finish the job sooner than later. Azrael's job is somewhat difficult considering he can be classified as a 'tank' Bakugan and also happens to fight 1v1 most of the time, unable to utilize most tanking skills. It would be good if he could get any new abilities that allow him to excel at 1v1 combat. |
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 26, 2019 4:42:06 GMT -5
Several minutes have passed and Maria returned to her workroom where Alex was copying files he brought in. She knew he was fighting Glacies alongside Daniel- it was simple to conclude Daniel would get involved into the operation sooner or later. Maria does not mind such actions because they help her out deal with lots of trash without having to start up multiple operations all across the city. Only thing she minds in that whole mess is that Daniel often acts on his own so when he gets in trouble then he has to deal with it on his own, too.
"Alex, may I have a look at your gauntlet for a moment?" Maria inquired as she stopped by Alex.
She figured she could have a look at his and Azrael's 'stats' and see how well they have been performing in the past month. Maria cannot feel any power coming from Bakugans, but even she could do the maths and figure Azrael has been fighting for a long time. As Hydra mentioned, it should not be long before evolution. |
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