FRACTURE - it begins

[Weasel Overlord]

FrAcTuRe

A HolyLightning Production

brought to you by the fractured brains of Weasel and Crystal

The man was quiet, sitting almost entirely alone on the train that was making its way to sector six. His nerves were shot, and mind tired. Exhaustion brought on a couple of strange sensations, the most prominent being regret, paranoia, and anger. Slowly he sat up. His stomach twisted into knots when he saw the first stop coming. Why was he afraid? It wasn’t like he had anything to live for any more, ShinRa had made sure of that. His wife had conveniently disappeared after her public announcement of her distaste for the super-power, and his children soon after. Was he to be next? No, he would make sure of that. If he was going to disappear, he would do so with meaning, with justification.

The train slowed and came to a halt, and he got off. His chest was heavy and his heart sore. How he wished with all his heart things could’ve been different; maybe if Maria had just kept quiet, if his children had believed him that she had went on vacation… He wouldn’t be doing this; he wouldn’t have left Midgar to…

Oh well, it didn’t matter now. There was crowd in front of him, gathered in front of a man announcing the successes of ShinRa. So many people clapped and cheered, others just seemed to be half-listening, probably waiting for a train. Did the announcer really believe what he was going on about? Did he truly know anything about the dark company that took people and families away when they had a different opinion? Slowly, the distraught man, barely able to hold his composure, slid up through the crowd so he could clearly see the one supporting the monstrous industry.

His name was Ren.

He had a wife, and three children.

That day in the train station, he ceased to exist.

But he had “died” four months earlier, when his family had disappeared without a trace. So he didn’t care that the bomb strapped to his chest killed thousands, and rocked the surrounding sectors.

Ren was not the first to give his life to weaken ShinRa.

And he would not be the last.

***

“Sir the new sensors on the trains and border crossings have been successfully installed.”
The office was quiet; the ticking of the clock was all that dared make a sound after that voice had spoken. The blinds over the windows were drawn and standing in each corner were tough, intimidating people.

“Good.”

“They’ve already stopped ten infiltrators.”

“… Ten?”

“Yes sir.” The man talking bowed his head as the chair swivelled around. “All had explosives equal to the power of the Sector 6 bombing.”

“War…”

“P-pardon sir?”

The man, far older than the one reporting the information, stared at the assistant with cold, calculating eyes before rising to his feet. His suit was clean and crisp, a lovely white that contrasted with the dark tones of the office.

“They want war, whoever these terrorists are…” The man tapped the ashes from his cigar. “Eventually they’ll reveal themselves; it’s only a matter of time…” He snapped his fingers.

“We’ll increase the intake in the SOLDIER project.”

“Sir?”

“When they opt for war, we’ll be ready… Do you remember that suggestion a while ago? About the Academy?”

“Yes, you said it was-“

“I wasn’t aware,” he interrupted the assistant who was about to mistakenly make his boss look like a moron. “That there was a faction intending to wage war. Proceed with the plans.”

“Yes sir.”

-----

Cast List

Third Class
Nola ~played by CC
Lyra Ralen ~played by Samchu
Hagar ~played by Bear
Eden ~played by Kuro Espeon
Gil ~played by WO

Llewellyn Rose ~played by Fai

Second Class
Finn ~played by CT
Kite ~played by Classy
Kassie ~played by UC
Seth ~played by Becki

First Class
Creed ~played by WO

Ashlynn ~played by CT
Mathias ~played by River

-----

Creed

somewhere in the night

It was earlier in the morning than anyone had a right to be up, but Creed was in the practice rooms, sparring in preparation for the influx of new recruits they would be receiving later on in the day. They would be shown around by some of the Seconds who had kindly volunteered (read: been browbeaten into by Mathias), moved in to their dorms with the help of the same Seconds and Ashlynn, who got along somewhat better with the Thirds than Creed and Mathias did, and then they would be turned over to him, for the big old talk.

Every SOLDIER got the talk when they began their training. It was academy law that they be shown the ropes by one of the Firsts, and then plunged headlong into their very first lesson. Creed had noticed that the last group of recruits had been shocked at this deep-end treatment, but he believed quite firmly that it was the best thing for them.

And since it was his lesson they got first, he was obviously more inclined to agree.

He looked at the electronic clock numbers on the holographic wall and sighed. Almost time to leave. He tapped out a pensive tune with one of his claws, contemplating whether to run slightly late and run one final training simulation.

“One more can’t hurt,” he grunted, typing in the code for a high level Behemoth on the control panel next to the door. A brief flash of smile lit his face for a second as the room shifted into the Behemoth program - rocks now scattered the floor and the opening of a cave loomed at Creed as he tensed in expectation.

He was not wrong - a mighty roar sounded from the depths of the cave and the earth shifted beneath his booted feet as the Behemoth came crashing out into the open, blinking at the change in lighting.

Creed called upon his Hell Thundaga materia with a flick of his right wrist, sending a jet of lightning cracking into the Behemoth’s face. It shook its head in pain, eyes now screwed shut in blindness and an unhealthy colour tingeing its previously-purple skin.

Poison, wonderful! Creed flicked his left wrist and activated Berserk, and then his world was washed out with red as his blood rose. He felt the magic pumping through his veins - he felt invincible - and he yelled a challenge at the creature.

They clashed in the centre of the room. Creed sliced, then sunk the wicked red claws into its warm flesh to the knuckles, feeling the fur brush his skin. He bared his teeth, braced his legs and then was promptly knocked flying by the madly whipping tail.

He smacked into a boulder, the impact knocking his Berserk clean out of him. Scowling, he cast Regen, feeling its health wash through his veins like an elixir. He narrowed his eyes at the Behemoth and crouched, ready to spring once more.

Whirrr tick clunk.

Creed glared up at the face of Mathias. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

“You’re running late, my friend.”

“My friend?” Creed stood up and shook himself off. “Just wasted perfectly good mana on a Regen I don’t even need now.”

“You might need it if we have some lively Thirds,” Mathias retorted. “Don’t feel too sorry for yourself and your poor depleted mana stock.”

“I don’t have so much to begin with, you know.” Creed grumbled as he cleaned off his claws. “Don’t have to be there until midday. Why are you here?”

“Ashlynn sent me. Some of the recruits are a bit… over-eager.”

“How so?”

“Two of them arrived in the middle of the night.”

“Oh.”

“Ash showed them to a dorm.”

“Good.”

“Yes. Only now the higher ups have dictated that we’re to begin orientation earlier than usual, not like we don’t already have enough to do, so here I am.”

Creed closed the door of the training room behind them and frowned. “What time?”

“Ten.”

“It’s nine now.”

“I know. You’d better make it snappy, you stink of Behemoth blood.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me; I’m just the bloody messenger as usual.” Mathias stomped off, grumbling to himself.

-----

After a rushed shower and as quick of a breakfast as he could manage to fit in, Creed was stood dead centre of the courtyard as the new recruits started to file in. He eyed them as they walked - a sorry-looking bunch, but they’d learn.

He clasped his hands behind his back and stared straight ahead, just above their heads, unfocusing his vision and not concentrating on any of them.

They all lined up as they’d been told (or rather, snapped, if Mathias had anything to do with it), uniforms brand new and sitting rather uncomfortably on their new frames.

Creed suspected that they always chose him for the talk because he had the deepest voice that could go the loudest. You needed a loud voice as a weaponsmaster, to shout over the noise of clashing swords and firing guns. He imagined that he looked quite the intimidating figure in his trenchcoat, and that could also be part of the reason he was picked.

Either way, he sort of relished the chance to scare a few of the Thirds.

He rubbed the summon materia on each wrist pensively. The left had a slightly yellowed tinge, and the right was a darker red than most, swirling with near-black inside, and they lay inset into the wrist straps of his claws, pressed to the pulse point of each so that he could almost feel the raw power of the summons roiling against his skin.

He made a flash decision - the yellow - and rubbed it one last time.

“Attention!” he called, and the recruits, to their credit, stood up a little straighter and snapped their heads towards him in anticipation of his speech. Ashlynn stood on his right and Mathias on his left, and they both knew Creed’s tricks on orientation day - a smirk grazed the edge of Mathias’ lips, and Ashlynn was clearly trying to stop herself looking amused.

Without warning, Creed took one smart step backwards, flung his arms to the sky and yelled - a wordless cry that he knew sent shivers up people’s spines.

The sky darkened, and a bolt of lightning struck the ground between him and the line of recruits. Someone screamed, and Creed grinned and dropped his head down suddenly.

Right on cue, Quezacoatl soared down from the highest heights, took a lap around the courtyard - crackling as he went - and then swept low over the line of recruits before disappearing in an almighty crash of thunder.

Creed bared his teeth as the residual lightning crackled off his skin, and then looked up.

He always found that this was the best way to see which ones would cut the mustard - who would duck, who could cry, who would change their mind about becoming SOLDIER.

It worked every time.

-----

EDIT cos weas is a tard: INSTRUCTIONS!

Righteo! The two people I mentioned who arrived early can be any two of you guys - you pick! You can also be one of the fainters if you want, lol, it's entirely up to you.

Creed will actually do some more speeching, but I'd prefer if it you left that to the Firsts to write. After the speech, it's time for your first lesson - Battling with Creed! You don't have your weapons yet, so now's the time when you'll choose, and I'll set you up into sparring partners to see how you all do - some with Seconds, some with Thirds. Training will take place in the courtyard where you're all stood.

You can post anything from your arrival to the weapons training, but don't go further than the lesson until one of the Firsts posts.

[Bear]

Hagar (SOLDIER Third Class)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*crackle...crackle...brrrrrrrRAAAAAAAAAAANGGGG*

Hagar sat up in his bed with a jolt at the sudden eruption of his alarm clock. Rubbing one of his eyes, he glanced over at the clock, reading the large, digital display aloud to himself.

"9:17. I need to get ready for orientation."

Hagar had not gotten much sleep. After arriving a little after midnight, he had spent most of the remaining sleep hours stretched out across his bed, eyes wide open in anticipation. He could hardly believe it--he was finally going to begin his SOLDIER training!

"They said my uniform would be sitting on the...ah, there it is." Hagar said, noticing the hanging garments on the back of his door. He walked over and took them down off the hook, removing the thin plastic bag and lightly rubbing the material between his fingertips.

"It seems sturdy, but lightweight. I expect we'll be doing some fighting in these." Hagar thought to himself, beginning to strip off the shorts and tank top he slept in. He went into the bathroom to take a quick shower, but the entire time his mind was racing with questions.

"Man, I can't wait! I heard these guys train you to be the best! But what about the rumors? I wonder if any of the rumors are true...about the First Class teachers. I wonder if they are as rough and cruel as folks say they are? No matter, I must endure whatever they throw at me. I will reach First Class myself one day!"

Hagar's head was full of questions as he stepped out of the shower, dried off, and began to put on his new uniform. As he tightened the belt around the middle, he looked in the mirror to admire the final product.

"These are extremely well pressed and cleaned, and comfortable to wear at that!" Hagar beamed, glancing one more time at the clock by his bed.

9:44.

"Well, I'd better head down that way. I want to have a good spot during the orientation, so I can see everything!" Hagar said to himself, tucking his bedsheet under the mattress and heading for the door. As he exited and it closed behind him, his neighbor across the hall had apparently just done the same. He recognized them immediately.

"Hey, you got here with me last night!"

((Sorry kinda short, I gotta get to work. This can be whoever wants it ))

[Samchu]

Name: Lyra (pronounced Lie-rah) Ralen
Age: 18
Sex: Female
Class: Third
Appearance: Lyra reaches 5’4 in height and has the beauty of an upper-class upbringing. She has a soft, round face and emerald green eyes. Her hair is a pale auburn. She wears it short, which gives her face a slight masculine appearance, having it cut around the ears and ending at the middle of her neck. At the thickest point, her hair is probably about two inches long. She has an athletic frame but isn’t fond of showing it off, much like the sluttier versions of her gender she was forced to endure growing up.
Personality: Lyra was born with a rebellious nature that drove her parents crazy. She showed no interest in the social niceties of her class and the more her parents tried to push her towards it the more rebellious she became until the point where she began to reject all authority (which caused her to get in trouble with it on multiple occasions). Because of this there are very few people that Lyra will take orders from and only if she respects the person enough. That said, she has little difficulty in making friends with people who share even some of her interests but she isn’t likely to take any of their advice to heart either. Her greatest passion is for sword fighting. It is perhaps the one thing in her life that she takes seriously. Lyra walks her own path in life. Even if it’s one she’s not supposed to take.
Materia: Regen, haste, fire, quake.
Weapon: http://www.medieval-fightclub.com/im...hers-sword.jpg (A simple one-handed sword).
Relationships: I’m guessing she’d make a friend or two from the other thirds. Eventually…lol.
Other: Her parents threw her into SOLIDER as early as possible to try and ‘straighten her out’. Lyra herself isn’t all that keen on the idea…

Lyra
~~~~

"Miss Ralen. Miss Ralen please, it is time to get up."

I rolled away from the hand that shook me and buried myself beneath my covers. "They don't want us there 'til lunchtime. Let me sleep."

"Your Mother says that they have moved orientation forward, you are to make yourself ready immediately and present yourself downstairs for breakfast."

"Tell my Mother -"

"You would be wise to hold your tongue young Miss."

I rolled back and glared at Victor. He was the thorn in my side that I'd failed to outsmart for ten years. He just stood there, pristine and smug, a comforting hand on the new maid who had no doubt expected me to be more than willing to follow the demands of the one responsible for my existence. "It's freedom of expression. Deal with it."

"You are wanted downstairs." He steered the young maid from the room. "And do not think of trying to escape through the window; I closed it this morning whilst you slept." He escorted the girl outside.

"There are laws against that you know!" I shouted after him but there was no response. I hadn't expeted one anyway. Frustrated and idea-less, I tossed my covers aside and readied myself for the punishment ahead.

~~~~~~~~

"You're really going through with this?"

We had arrived whilst the day was still young. Marcus was taking my bags into the cell that was to serve as my room. My parents were waiting by the car, examining the exterior of the prison I'd been condemned to.

"You have left us no choice Lyra. It is either this or your Father and I will be forced to disown you and you know how the Martins were treated after they were forced to disown their only child."

"It is the only way," agreed my Father.

"I don't want to be here. I don't want to take the classes. I won't take them. I'll fail and they'll kick me out."

"There will be no 'kicking out'," my Mother hissed. "You are here until graduation, however long that may be. We have seen to that already."

"Then I'll do something so terrible that they'll have to get rid of me."

"You do not seem to understand the situation here. This is a military establishment. Anything you do outside of what you ask or what is expected will be punished in the harshest way possible."

I glared at her. "This is torture."

"No more so than you have been to us."

I shot her one last look of hatred then turned away. The bags were gone from the car, there was nothing left now but farewell. "I will make you regret this," I told them and stormed towards my fate.

~~~~~

Within an hour we had been assembled and marched into an open courtyard; screams in our ears when we stepped out of line or failed to walk as 'straight' as they deemed. We lined up like the condemned before a firing squad, our forms perfect just to put an end to the shouting (and to try and ease the headache pounding around my brain).

A man in a trenchcoat faced us and shouted for our attention. We gave it to him. He had the prowess of one who knew what it was to possess true strength and for that I gave him enough respect to give him my attention. However, what seemed like an obvious attempt to intimidate us by putting someone who looked the way he did before us made me question whether or not I would actually listen to what he had to say.

He stepped back and a bolt of lightning struck the ground before us. The person beside me screamed and I will admit the appearance of it made me jump a little but nothing more. His head dropped and I guessed what was to come. I had never seen someone use materia before but I had heard stories and curiosity drew from me a sense of anticipation the like of which I had never experienced before. Captivated, I watched as Quezacoatl lapped the courtyard and soared above us, shaking some, terrifying others and captivating a few, before vanishing from existence.

As some of the other recruits recovered, I eyed those who stood before us. My feelings for the act faded as I saw their faces. This had been little more than a party trick, an attempt to scare us, to lower our defences and place us in awe of those we would be expected to obey. Yes, Iwoul admit, seeing a summoning in person was more thrilling than I had ever imagined but the experience was past me. I had no interest in this 'academy' or its lessons, I didn't believe in its cause nor did I care about it, and I stood staring at the people before us, watching to see how we would react to their tricks, I thought to myself, If this is the best they've got. They'll be begging me to get out of here in no time.

[Bear]

13 characters
100 views
3 posts

This RPG has been open for a whole two weeks. Anyone else see a problem with one of these numbers? HOP TO IT!

[classy_cat18]

Sorry it took me so long! Bad focus and all that, heh heh. ^^;

Nola – Third Class

“Stand tall. Waver not in hesitation. Do not show fear.”

“Kite?”

“Hm?”

“Lighten up.” I punched his shoulder, not even giving a visible reaction from him. Life in SOLDIER had hardened him; before he joined he would’ve at least grunted in pain. “I don’t need you to tell me how to act.”

He hauled the rest of my things in the room and backed up to the doorway. “Are you sure you want to go through this?” he asked me, still using an unemotional voice.

I sighed and put my hands on my hips. “Brother, how many times have you asked me that question?”

He raised an eyebrow at me. “Was I supposed to keep count?”

“Yes, and that was your twenty-second time. From the time you decided to join SOLDIER about three years ago to just now. I’ve even counted the times you asked that in your letters to me. My answer hasn’t changed.” I grinned and patted his head, knowing that slightly annoyed him even if he didn’t show it. “Oh, and thank you for helping me move in.”

“I volunteered to help all the Thirds today.”

I noticed that he looked away as he said that. “Your superiors made you, didn’t they?”

He allowed himself a small smirk and put a hand on my shoulder. “Get changed. Your first lesson will begin in an hour.”

I nodded and pushed him out the door. “For the last time, lighten up!” I closed the door and eyed my SOLDIER uniform for the first time. At least it wasn’t a dress.

After a quick breakfast I joined the rest of the Thirds in the courtyard. There were a surprising number of females. I always saw SOLDIER as something most women avoided. But looking at them, I knew they were made for this. Especially the girl right beside me, who gave me a hard look before standing at attention like everyone else. I was the only that didn’t notice right away the three intimidating figures standing before us.

“Stand tall.” My knees were shaking and my feet felt like they were turning to jelly.

“Waver not in hesitation.” The tension could be thick in the air and I was almost ready to bolt.

“Do not show fear.” It was impossible for me to hide it!

I felt like such a rookie. Well, I was. But I didn’t look like anyone that would even consider joining SOLDIER, much less actually join it. Although the one in the middle, a tall man wearing a trenchcoat, didn’t look at me, I knew that he was far from impressed.

I took a deep breath and willed my legs to stop shaking, then put on a face similar to Kite’s usual expression. “ATTENTION!” the man in the middle snapped. At his command, I stood straighter and focused my attention at him. Now I knew his name since Kite talked about him. He had to have been Creed.

There was a look of amusement between the three Firsts. What were they planning?

As soon as I thought that, a bolt of lightning struck the ground between the Thirds and Firsts. Everyone except the bold girl next to me yelped in surprise. I had to stop my knees from shaking again. As if that wasn’t enough, a large bird swooped in from the sky and circled the courtyard. I was unable to take my eyes off it. My jaw was as good as dropped. The creature flew low over our heads, causing me to duck slightly.

I avoided eye contact with my superiors for a short moment, instead studying the bored look the girl beside me had. Honestly, does anything get to you?

[Crystal Tears]

I’m so late and I apologize, my life got out of control in a way (DarkestLight would know… lol) and I didn’t want to post in this. But I’m hopefully back now.

Finn Ansgard

The flash of lightning made most of the 3rds waver and duck, the summon hung above them, waiting in anticipation for the order to strike or one foolish student to think they were skilled enough to take on Creed’s summon. Some were backing away, realizing they weren’t going to make it in SOLDIER, not if this small introductory was any hint. Creed’s smirk was of pure amusement and satisfaction, though he saw the remaining 3rds as a challenge, some maybe needed more persuasion to leave, to see that they weren’t material for this program.

He did a slow circle to see them all, before facing generally away from everybody as the other 1sts walked away. It wasn’t their show anymore; it was only Creed now, which made the 3rds look incredibly nervous.

“I am Creed.” He began, snorting a little at a trembling recruit. “I outrank you; you do what I say.” He smirked darkly as various staff from the complex pushed out seemingly mobile wall of weapons. “Including attacking another SOLDIER..”

“Thirds pick from the left shelf, Seconds from the right.” The woman commander spoke up, Ashlynn, who, unlike Creed and the Mathias, didn’t look like much of a soldier and more of a pretty-little school teacher. The thirds didn’t dare to move until the seconds did, picking weapons similar or the same one’s they had before. Finn grabbed his simple yet extremely lethal short swords before falling back into place.

When the ranks were reformed, Creed cracked his knuckles and grabbed a spear. Slowly he walked forward to a woman, Finn didn’t recognize her, but the man beside him sure did. Kite, Finn knew him; they had sparred before another year and occasionally hung out during more relaxed classes. His body seemed to turn on edge as the hulking mass of a teacher neared the girl.

“What’s wrong?” Finn whispered.

Kite glanced at him before watching the scene. “… That’s my sister.”

“Name.”

“Nola.” She said, with a rigidness that would fit right in with the military, but it had that edge of nervousness and fear about it.

“Long-ranged weapon…” Creed noted the sniper-rifle in her hands as he twirled the spear tauntingly.

“Shit…” Kite growled quietly, attracting attention from the others. “She doesn’t stand a chance.”

“You want to help her?” Finn questioned.

“Of course I-“

“Then follow me.” He interrupted, slinking through the unmoving ranks.

* * *

“Tell me… Nola.” The teacher smiled. “What happens against close-ranged?” There was no time for her to answer, as Creed felt like demonstrating, he swung the spear and intended to slam the 3rd on the side of the head.

Only it didn’t hit her. Nola’s nearly-closed eyes opened wider and looked to the left. A slick blade had caught spear, keeping it firmly away from her head much to the surprise of Creed, who looked at the challenger with a smile as the entire 3rd rank backed up.

“Finn…” Was the only word he uttered, and the boy smirked.

“She wouldn’t have to worry about it, there would be someone watching her back sir.” They broke away and Kite emerged from the back, Creed look at them both and seemed almost giddy for this fight. He snapped the spear in half and twirled them both, ready and waiting for the challenge.

“The rest of you, sparring partners.”

Kite attacked first, running in from behind with his warfans. Creed spun one half of the spear over his head and smacked the boy upside the face, sending him reeling to the ground. Finn went in next, sliding in and deflecting what would’ve been a brutal hit to the stomach and going high for a quick strike to the tendons in the shoulder.

Creed caught it, blocking with the second half and kicking the 2nd away before whipping the pointed and rather lethal end of the weapon at the downed 2nd.

Only Creed was surprised when the spear end was sent careening out of the way by a flung sai (which was now embedded in a nearby tree). The student smiled, nodding to Finn who nodded back as he quickly leapt to his feet and ran to help the on-the-defensive Kite.

* * *

I tagged Bear, Classy_cat18 and Weasel Overlord. The others, you find sparring partners and due battle. Remember to make it even, no one is invincible. Others are also welcomed to help against Creed, but don’t expect us to win XD

Sorry if it’s a bit crappy btw, I’m trying to get back into it. Ashlynn post to come soon.

[Bear]

Hagar

TCHIINNNNNNNGGGG

The sound of metal impacting metal resonated throughout the entire area, sending a bit of a shiver down everyone's spine. Hagar had just involved himself in the battle against Creed, sacrificing one of his Sai to avert the large teacher's attention from Finn. As Creed turned and smiled at him, an odd pang of fear and excitement rattled through the core of his body.

"What have I gotten myself into..." Hagar muttered to himself, tossing his remaining Sai back and forth between each hand in anticipation. Realizing he should take advantage of the momentary lapse in attention, he charged Creed, switching the Sai to his left hand. Without a word, he reared his left arm back as if to swipe.

"Head on assault eh? You've alot to learn Hagar." Creed grinned as he readied a defensive parrying position. However, as Hagar began to bring his weapon arm forward, he halted it in mid-swing. Planting his foot firmly, Hagar used the remainder of his momentum to thrust his right fist forward in a quick and powerful jab, landing square on the bridge of Creed's nose. Hagar smiled momentarily at the success of his strike, but that smile quickly faded as the one on Creed's face grew.

"Oh I'm sorry, did you think you had caught me off guard?" He barked, bringing the back of his right fist around and bludgeoning Hagar in the side of the head. Hagar tumbled off to his left and hit the wall. Hard. Hagar felt all of his organs jolt as he impacted the wall, emitting a thud that seemed to shake the whole room. As the rest of the students stared, frozen in place, Hagar struggled to climb to his feet. Vision blurred and equilibrium dazed, Hagar tried to regain his stance. Creed just looked at him and laughed.

"Your attack itself wasn't too bad. It showed a bit of strategy. However you utterly failed in battle tactics. When attacking an enemy far larger than yourself, a lunging blow will seldom do any damage. Your attack might have worked on one of the other weakling Thirds, but against me it was completely useless!" He said, returning to his fighting stance.

"Now Finn, I believe we were in the middle of something?"

((Sorry so short, I have to get to work. I'll follow up later ))

[Kuro Espeon]

Sorry for the lateness. However, I've made the post nice and lengthy to make up for it. :3

Eden - SOLDIER Third Class
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eden stared down at the brand new SOLDIER uniform lying in front of her on the bed. Black with blue trim and a blue cape. She wrinkled her nose with a hint of disgust, already dreading how stuffy it was going to be in this outfit. She preferred clothes with more breathing room. ’Well, at least the color is all right. Better blue than something horrid like pink or yellow…’ Eden tended to be rather picky about color, since there weren’t a lot of things that went well with her pale complexion and bright red hair.

She sighed and, realizing that she couldn’t stall any longer, changed into her uniform. She and the other new Thirds were expected in the courtyard at ten for orientation so she didn’t have much time. For the first time since her arrival she started to feel the cold, unsettling grip of nervousness in the pit of her stomach. Was she really ready for this? Was she ready for SOLDIER?

As she fastened the last button on her coat, she glanced over at a thick metal briefcase that was sitting on the floor next to the bed. She was able to smile a bit as she thought about the item held within it.

***

“Think of it as ‘going away’ present,” said Baal, handing the case over to a surprised Eden, “A little something to celebrate your entrance into SOLDIER.”
Eden blinked as she gripped the handle of the case hesitantly, getting a sense of its full weight. It was heavier than she thought and she nearly dropped it at first.
“What is it?” she asked, examining the box from all angles while not actually opening it.
“It’s a weapon. Normally, new recruits are given their weapons at orientation, but I have already spoken with the headmaster and gotten special permission for you to bring this with you. It’s a new model I’ve been developing for Shin-Ra that uses Mako energy as its main power source. It hasn’t been officially released yet, but I figured, who better to Beta test it than my own SOLDIER First-Class daughter.”
Eden blushed. “I’m only a Third-Class…” she said softly, shuffling her feet.
“For now. But if I know you, my girl, you’ll be First-Class in no time. Straight to the front of the ranks! That’s my Eden!”
“Thank you...Father…” She blushed even more, her face now nearly matching the color of her hair. Eden knew that Prof. Baal wasn’t her biological father, but she was always flattered (and maybe a bit embarrassed) by the amount of confidence he had in her ability. It made her feel a bit guilty as well. She hadn’t told him that one of her reasons for joining the academy in the first place was that she hoped it would help her in her search for her birth family. She appreciated everything that Baal had done for her… but she still wanted to know. She needed to find out, and SOLIDER was her best chance.
“However,” said Baal, raising a warning finger, “You’re not allowed to open it until you get there. I want it to be a surprise.”
Eden nodded, momentarily speechless for once.
“Good luck. Be careful not to get yourself killed.” Baal waved at her dismissively and shuffled back to his paper-laden desk.

***

30 minutes later, Eden was out in the courtyard, lined up with her fellow Third-class, metal briefcase clutched firmly in her hand. She hadn’t quite known what to expect when Creed, one of the Firsts, had stepped forward. However, she was soon given a rather large jolt into reality as the summon beast, Quezacoatl, descended upon them suddenly in a loud crack of thunder. Eden muffled a yelped and had to keep herself from falling backward. Inwardly, she knew this must be some kind of test, and she told herself to stand her ground.

The summon was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared, leave a rather frazzled group of new recruits in it’s midst. Creed was smirking as he studied their reactions and Eden’s theory about a test was confirmed. For herself, while it had been surprising, Eden felt a strange sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins, filling her with motivation and a drive to work as hard as she could so that she would also be able to control a beast like that one day.

The announcement was then made that they were to pick weapons and sparring partners. As the rest of the Thirds moved forward, Eden held back. Ashlynn, the female instructor, approached her with a curious, but stern expression.

“Why haven’t you selected a weapon?” She asked. Eden hesitated before she answered, avoiding the First’s gaze.
“I, err… already have one.”
“Already have one?” She then noticed the case that Eden was holding and indicated with a hand gesture that she should open it. Eden laid the case on the ground and knelt down next to it, unfastening the metal clasps with a click. She flipped open the lid to reveal a strange sort of crossbow, made from a solid metal and painted dark blue with silver trim. It had no form of string or bow for arrows; instead it had long, narrow slot cut into the front, where Eden presumed the Mako energy shots would fire from. Along the top of the shaft there were two spherical indentations. Eden figured they must be slots for Materia. At the base of the shaft, the letters T.B. were printed in fancy, silver swirl; the brand of Prof. Teivel Baal of Shin-Ra. This seemed to act as a permission slip, for Ashlynn gave an approving smile. “So, you’re Prof. Baal’s girl?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“What’s your name?”
“Eden.”
Ashlynn nodded. “Well, Eden, Baal’s weapons are always of the highest caliber. Many of SOLDIER’s weaponry came from his laboratory. You should feel honored to have one.”
“I’ve…never actually used it. He just gave it to me before I came here.” Eden admitted. She didn’t want to make herself seem too high above the others. She was still a rookie like they were and she didn’t think it would help her make friends if everyone thought she was some kind of spoiled snob.
“Well then, you should be on an even keel with your classmates,” Ashlynn remarked with a laugh before returning to assist the other Thirds with their weapon selection.

When the ranks had reformed, the rather formidable-looking Creed had approached one of the other female Thirds, Nola. The moment he asked her about close-range attacks, Eden had a sinking feeling about what was about to happen. A split-second later it did, however, with not quite the same ending as she would’ve expected. In a ringing clash of metal on metal, one of the Seconds had jumped in and blocked Creed’s spear. Eden heard Creed call him “Finn”.

Eden stared wide-eyed at the scene, Finn’s vivid blue eyes flashing in challenge at the larger, more experienced First. Eden couldn’t help but admire the Second’s daring. He had stood up for Nola, even though she was a lower rank, in order to try and even the odds.

She let herself get so distracted that she jumped a little when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She spun around to see a girl only about an inch shorter than her with short auburn hair and green eyes, as well as a harsh expression.
“You. You heard Creed. Let’s spar!” The girl announced, almost as a command, and readied herself in a fighting position with her sword. Eden reacted as well, getting into a defensive stance with her new weapon.
’Well, here goes nothing!’ she thought.

I just tagged Samchu, btw. Sorry I didn’t actually start the fight, but the post was getting super long as it was. You can start the fight, but try to at least make it fair, lol. XD

[Pichu Luver]

Name: Mathias
Age: 42
Sex: Male
Class: First
Appearance: He’s the same height as Creed, though he always says he’s an inch taller (depends who’s wears boots that day). He is semi-muscular but you can tell he is not a ‘huge-ass sword swinging’ kind of guy, but built for endurance and getting the hell out of the way. He has longish blond hair that is just the right length to jab him in the eyes on a regular basis. Grey strands are starting to filter through it as well. His green eyes are very light, bordering on the greenish-blue colour for those who have taken a lot of Mako. When no one is bothering him he appears to be just slightly irritated at the world. Otherwise his face is full of expression, he doesn’t bother to hide what he’s feeling or thinking.
On the outside of his left arm, leg and part of his torso he is horribly burned. He also had a scar over his left eye and other such shrapnel wounds grazing his body; more on his left hand side then right. For these reasons it is very rare to see him in a t-shirt or tank top. So he does wear the school uniform (emerald green), minus the cape as he “doesn’t want to be choked by some idiotic fan-girl looking for a super-hero” and the gold parts are silver. Under the jacket he wears a silver long-sleeved shirt with an emerald green t-shirt overtop.
The shoulder armour is extended to cover part of his chest and back, it’s where his Materia is imbued.
Personality: Oh he’s an asshole and probably the biggest cynic/pessimist that SOLDIER has ever seen. Doesn’t care what people say or think about him. How he is, is how is he is so everyone can just deal with that. Doesn’t see the point in hiding what he thinks so he’s straight out honest (in the cruel way). That being said, he is the best at using Magic Materia that SOLDIER has ever seen, so he gets away with it. He has a great amount of scorn for those who use Summons, thinking it’s the lazy way out. He only respects those who prove they are good fighters. Even if you’re the best there ever was he‘ll find something to mock. Witty and sarcastic he is the king of the ‘your not sure if it’s an insult or not’ remarks. If you can run with or ignore his attacks on your character he is a great teacher. Deep down somewhere he doesn’t want to see his students blow themselves up or other such nonsense so he makes sure they don’t… with perhaps not the most morally or ethically correct ways. There is some merit to his method though, as no one who graduated from his class has ever screwed up a Magic Materia casting.
Materia: Take it as a given he has all the lower level elemental spells imbued his wand just for the class. He has to teach them so…
He uses on a regular basis (for the doom upon enemies thing), Hell Firaga, Hell Blizzaga, Hell Thundaga, Quakega, Graviga, Stop, Esunaga, Dispelga, Osmose, Full Cure, Full Life, Wall, Ultima, Phoenix.
Weapon: Usually a mythril wand (that all students FEAR to have pointed at them… lol) otherwise a slightly curved from tip to pommel 5 foot sword. Only a couple of inches wide, mahogany handle imbued with strength so it doesn’t snap and all that. Has gold runes encased in the metal and woodwork. Doesn’t use it often and it is rarely seen but Magic doesn’t work on everything. Voila.
Relationships: Quasi friendship with Ash. Open to others (doesn’t have friendships really though, just people he annoys more often then others… or respects in his own irritating way).
Other: Not allowed to teach or use Death due to legal reasons… Poison is questionable and Confuse/Beserk he casts for shits and giggles.
Never uses Pheonix and the only one who knows he has it is Ash. Phoenix is in his sword.

Mathias
~~~~~~~~~

“That man is overly fond of violence. I think we should we have him committed.” Mathias sidled up beside Ashlynn as mayhem proceeded around them. Well he tried to sidle, recent injuries had made it more difficult.

Ashlynn merely raised a brow at him. “Oh yes the sparring teacher should be committed meanwhile the man who killed a roo—“

“That!” Mathias raised a finger, “was entirely accidental, though in the current situation far more economical. Besides...they were irritating me. I was tired of being surrounded by idiots that day.”

She smirked, “yes... the students were the idiotic ones.”

“Are you insulting me? No... You couldn't possibly!”

She just gave him a look and Mathias gave a lazy salute. All the students (some with more success then others of course) were beating on each other. Some were limping, running or employing other means of transport to get the hell away from the madness. Obviously they did not feel like this was their kind of school. In the middle of it all was Creed taking on, well from Mathias' standpoint it looked like three or four students. He was positively grinning and Mathias rolled his eyes.

“Ahh, the smell of blood in the morning. So much better then coffee don't you think?”

“You're bored.”

“Well yes generally. They (he nodded at the surging, glinting, groaning mass of people trying to do each other in) oddly are smart enough to avoid us. And he said spar, I could swing my toothpick here (he patted his still sheaved katana-like-thing) but I might hurt somebody. Wouldn't want that.”

Ashlynn laughed and Mathias had a 'well its true' look. Currently they were standing beside the rack of weapons watching the fighting. Considering how close they were to it, no one was coming for them. They would get speculative looks of course but those were only the new Third Class peons. Seemed everyone only wanted to deal with one First Class SOLDIER this year.

So they stood there, chatting about non-essentials and wondering what new tortures they could put their students through this year. If the new students could hear them they would probably wonder at their ability to even hold a conversation; as Ashlynn was mostly insulting Mathias and Mathias was wisecracking back.

When the run-ies had slowed to one or two crawling off Mathias looked at Creed. He was still heartily enjoying himself but alas it was time to stop.

“Well I got better things to do then watch people die. Shall I?”

“Oh be my guest.”

Mathias reached into his jacket and pulled out his rather beaten up mythril wand. He could afford a new one, but why bother, worked just as well. It glowed a rainbow of colours with all the Materia it had in it. None of the spells he was about to use were imbued in it but by pointing it as he had his bit of fun was a good way to start the fear of it.

“You might want to back away from the weapons.”

Looking confused she didn't move until Mathias waved at her to get out of the way. Irritated, she moved and opened her mouth to retort when he pointed his wand at the assembled crowd. The Quakega Materia glowed on his armour.

“Swoon girlies.”

The ground abruptly heaved and rumbled under the mobs' feet and everyone stumbled as they struggled to remain upright. The two weapons racks rattled and their remaining wares started tumbling from the recesses. Mathias looked mildly pleased as the group collectively started to fall on their asses. But before they could do more then wave their arms and flail their legs in a mad fury to stay standing . . .

He froze them all.

With Stop Materia glowing brightly he addressed the crowd of modern art. “Ladies and Gentlemen if you're quite through with your orgy of murder and all thing suicidal (he paused to stare at the group taking on Creed) welcome to SOLDIER.” He jerked his head to the left. “If it's in your time slot my class is that way.”

It wasn't, but the old recruits would either straighten the new ones out, or leave them to it.

With that he used Dispelga on the crowd and most of them in some way or another kissed the courtyard stones. Creed was one of those of course still on his feet and he glared at Mathias. Ashlynn meanwhile was laughing.

“Oo I do believe big papa is pissed at me. Best be off; cure the louts if you would. The Cherub thing should be good for it no?”

With that he trudged off, feeling more then a few glares on his back. The musical tones of groans, grunts and cries of pain precluded any idiotic revenge though. For now anyway, by the time the year was half over someone would have tried something.

On this him and Creed were in full agreement. Voltage was a fun play toy.

Since I'm unsure how the school classes work, just get healed and clean yourself up a bit. Weas will hopefully tell you more.

*Stamps edit me on post*

[Weasel Overlord]

Well guys, I'm really sorry to do this, but me and CT have decided that since there's only been about 4 people replying out of, well, about 10, that there's not much point in keeping the RPG open and alive.

So alas, Fracture is closed for business. Maybe to get a remake later on, if we get the time, but don't hold out any hopes. *waves sadly*

[Kuro Espeon]

Nooooooo!!! ;_; And I was really started to get into my character too... *flail*