Temperance II :: Lit|Future|Yuri|Het

[Coleyoly]

Table of Contents

I. Introduction, Detailed summary, Links
II. Encyclopedia of Temperance and Gaia
III. Rules of Play and Profile Skeletons
IV. Character Database
VI. Available Positions and Registered Pairs
VII. The Dice Pools & Notes from Coley
VIII. Current Events

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I. Introduction, Detailed Summary, Links

In the far future, year 7099, on a planet not so unlike ours by the name of Gaia, females with the spark are sent to Temperance Facility to embrace their destiny. Here is where they learn how to access their powers through gathering in pairs; only by the help of another potential can they cast spells, operate certain vehicles, and summon beasts from an other realm. Where alone they could only fail, with their partner they can eventually develop into the Guardians they are meant to be.

Temperance nurtures a potential’s social environment, enabling them to find possible partners that could be with them for the rest of their lives. They also focus intensely on sharpening a potential’s abilities. It is important to develop them into strong young women, as the planet is constantly bombarded by insistent, dark creatures called Shadows that threaten the lives of families, friends, and cities.

Let me ask you this, my friend: Do you have potential…?

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Detailed Summary

Girls from ages thirteen to eighteen are accepted into the academy after being tested for the spark. Being accepted into this facility is of great honor for families and the students. Upon arrival they are inserted into public dorms and enrolled into classes that involve specializing in spells, vehicles, summoning, and operations. These public dorms have one large lounge room, a dining lounge, one large bathroom, three kitchens, and many bedrooms with bathrooms branching off from the main room. Their roommates are considered their pairs initially, but potentials can pair with anyone to see whom they’re most compatible with.

This is important, because potentials cannot access their powers without a partner to act as a catalyst.

It is widely known that the more they appreciate their partner, the better their abilities and powers become. Their abilities are also very reliant on their talent, skill, and determination as well. Regardless, if they’re indifferent towards their partner they’ll use only the power of their own will. Depending on how they feel about them beyond that point could mean disaster or absolute success.

Shadows are often spotted at the academy and are rarely dealt with by professors and staff. They prefer to allow the students to take care of them, encouraging them to grow with experience. They are mostly weak creatures and can’t cause a whole lot of harm. However, when stronger and more malicious shadows show up on scene and the students find themselves unable to handle them, higher officials will step in.

The school is also home to the Guardian Headquarters, located in its own building on campus. Students are allowed to associate with these Guardians, and Guardians are more than welcome to assist with the students. Sometimes Guardians will take the older girls with them out on runs to see their progress. These older mentor's jobs range from political body guards, spying and espionage, backing up the military, and cleaning out shadow nests.

OOC THREAD

Acerbus Rising | Temperance II

Glaston's Ambition | Temperance I

Temperance Wikia

[Coleyoly]

II. Encyclopedia of Temperance and Gaia

Underlined words are terms one should be familiar with when entering the roleplay. Italics are tips and fun facts, and are not necessary to read.

Council: The main governing body of Gaia. Though they do not command the country directly, their control over the activities of Temperance and the guardians ensure they always have at least a final say. Like any other organization with power, there is corruption if you know where to look for it. How deeply embedded it is, however, is the true question.
Athena is the head of the council. Her age is unknown.
Relena Saint Mantis (played by Jehui) is a member of the council.

Dual Vehicles – Vehicles (bikes, cars, boats, planes, etc.) designed specifically for the use of Potentials and Guardians. Equipped with weapons and can only run when accessed by pairs.
The most famous DV designer's name is Azura Renge who works for Renge Corp. They supply nearly all of the DVs at Temperance.

Guardians – Graduated women with official partners, in charge of taking care of the cities in the area and mentoring students.
Jobs range from political body guards, spying and espionage, backing up the military, and cleaning out shadow nests.

Operations – Not directly related to a potential’s power. This course is used to teach them how to be resourceful in the event that a pair is unavailable. From stealth, weapons, and strategy this class covers it all.

Pair or Partner – A group of two potentials or guardians who work together to access their power. Anyone can be your pair, but it’s never set in stone. It just depends on who is available and who you work best with.

Potentials – Young women with the ability to use power when paired, attending or due to attend Temperance academy to develop into Guardians. Ranges from grade one to five depending on age.

Shadows – Beasts born of negative energy, spewed out from dimensional rifts to cause mischief, attack and possibly kill depending on how strong they are.

Spells – Elemental or powerful gestures of magic produced when with a pair.

Summoning – A specific type of spell cast by a pair to summon a mythical beast. Players, you can summon whatever you want but you both must roll a ten-sided dice. If you both get above 5, you can summon a dragon or a more powerful creature. Other than that, use your judgment.

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Further information can be found in the T:/Character Database

[Coleyoly]

III. Rules of Play and Profile Skeletons

This is a literate roleplay. Proper grammar and sentence structure is required, and please watch your spelling.

Even though this is a quality over quantity roleplay, please do mind that you do NOT post one-liners.

Seek out play opportunities. In a lot of RPs you find a dozen people not interacting because they want people to come to them. Be the aggressor, it will make this place much more exciting!

Pg-13 and below. No sexual scenes in this thread or you will be banned.

No godmoding. No matter who you are, you do not have the ability to do everything. Only the Players or myself can tell you if you can kill a character.

Homosexual and heterosexual characters are welcome here. Although this is a yuri-based RP, male characters are allowed. Males are normally city boys or maintenance and personnel for the facility.

You can play more than one character. I don't care how many you have, as long as you're properly posting replies to everyone who replies to you. ^__^

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Profile Skeleton

Remove and follow the instructions between the parenthesis. ( ----x---- )

PM me your skeleton, titled 'Temperance'

[b]Player:[/b] (Your user name.)
[b]Name:[/b] (Their name.)
[b]Age:[/b] (Age of character)
[b]Gender:[/b] (Female, Male)
[b]Sexuality:[/b] (Hetero, bi, homosexual)
[b]Position:[/b] (Potential, Professor, Guardian, maintenance, personnel, citizen, etc.)
[b]Specialties:[/b] (Spells, vehicle, summoning, or operations. No more than two, if you're a potential).
[b]Appearance:[/b]
(Picture, or link to picture if the image is too large.)
Eyes [ (Color or unusual shape) ] Hair [ (Specific details) ] Skin [ (light, medium, dark) ] Height [ (Petite, average, tall, 5'6", etc.) ] Clothes [ (Describe casual wear for them) ] Markings [ (Tattoos, scars, piercings, etc.) ] Other [ (Extras) ]
[b]Personality:[/b] (A few sentences.)
[b]History:[/b] (A few sentences. You can make it unknown, but you need to write enough so that we know you're literate.)
[b]Other:[/b] (Other stuff we missed.)

[Coleyoly]

IV. Character Database

Due to the overwhelming amount of profiles Temperance has received, a new thread had to be created to keep the pictures and character profiles neat and tidy. For example profiles, a list of all the characters and their information, please hack into T:/Character Database

[Coleyoly]

VI. Available Positions, Registered Pairs, and Mod Courses

(Assumed) Headmistress :: Natsuki Kuga and Shizuru Viola

Spell Instructors :: Jelena Taurus

Dual Vehical Instructors :: Julianne Bordeaux, Zakuro Takahano

Summoning Instructors :: Zaira Taliba, Hakuhime Massan

Operations Instructors :: Freya Ahlberg

Medical Doctor :: Lindsey McNeil

((Note that there can be multiple instructors, as they work as departments))

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Current Pairs

Note: BOLD text names are Guardians. Pairs with ????? currently do not have a pair.

Alestia Languin :: Lindsey McNeil
Amber Grayson :: ?????
Brieanna Carlyss :: Dallas D'Aubigne
Camilla Everette :: Raleigh Der Malian
Dominique Garfield :: Taith Turunen
Etien Titania :: Maria Ashcroft
Freya Ahlberg :: Jelena Taurus :: Zaira Taliba
Hakuhime Massan :: ?????
Iliya D'Aubigne :: Remy D'Aubigne
Jaqueline Khachaturian :: ?????
Jules Allen :: Relena Saint Mantis
Kamiko Hamasaki :: Shannon Hallard
Karelineo Kuscherri :: ?????
Kaynen Duvall :: Gwendolyn Blysse
Leena Corbik :: ?????
Lindza Owens :: Lyriana Couse
Malwyn Carmineo :: Terresha Sikanda
Megan Young :: ?????
Sakura Ashcroft :: ?????
Torrin Berne :: Zakuro Takahano
Vanessa Vladof :: ?????
Vesper Diboriem :: ?????
Zonia Rasm'ssen :: ?????
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[Coleyoly]

VII. The Dice Pools & Notes from Coley

This RP has been built and designed with an optional dice-rolling system. This system takes a little practice and may be difficult to grasp at first but I can promise you, the players, that I have simplified it down to the greatest extent of my abilities. If you want to participate in the dice-rolling system, but are insecure with your abilities, head for the Temperence OOC link on the first post of the thread. My deputies or myself will happily assist you, and you can practice in there. biggrin

The following link brings you to the Temperance Wikia, Dice Application page. This is a safe link and covers the basics of the battle system. Use this step-by-step list to make your posts. If you find that you are still having difficulties, please consult a veteran of the thread in the OOC or e-mail me directly.

The Dice Pools, Temperance Battle System

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This RP was born from a mix between Mai Hime/Otome anime, Simoun, and Special Agent Kurau.
I'm proud to say that this RP is very popular due to its dice-rolling system.
I will throw shadows at loners, because you're technically breaking the rules. ;D

[Coleyoly]

VIII. Current Events

The events of the Holiday season are over, leaving our players back to their daily lives. We re-enter the play about one week later when the potentials are back in school. Spring is fast approaching, and to say love is in the air would be an understatement. It would seem that many potentials have fallen head over heels for their partners and devote much of their time getting to know them. As for our professors... Well, our wonderful triforce-lovers seem to be taking a break from one another for the time being although the love is there.

Jelena, her heart completely broken seems to be losing her touch with the students. The council, concerned with her recent behavior have forcefully replaced her with a more suitable teacher 'until Jelena can prove herself competent enough to regain her position'. This teacher is Karelineo, the bloodthirsty Guardian.

Almost immediately after her dismissal something strange began spreading through Temperance. A 'kissing game' if you will, that left some consumed by darkness and others confused as hell. Jelena, as their leader, makes plans for their first order of business: driving the immune from the island campus of Temperance.

Two weeks went by after that day, a pleasant passing of the time as the world around many potentials and sparks began to change. Classes continued normally for everyone, although the Facility was smart enough to know that letting students out for the Simone holiday in a timely fashion was imperative to a safe and good learning environment. When vacation was looming on the horizon, many students began to lose focus and made things around them devastatingly more concerning; and let's not forget that Natsuki and Shizuru Viola enjoyed THEIR alone time, as well!

But some students are entering new stages in their lives: Dallas Van Laar finds herself entirely adopted by Iliya and Remy within a few days of the initial filing of the papers. In those short moments she and Brie had moved into the apartment in the Guardian's tower on campus, to their own room. Dallas and Brieanna have spent the last week and a half learning how to live with concerned, loving, and somewhat perfectly peculiar parents.

Freya, Zaira, Jelena, Wendy, Kaynen, Leanne, and Chloe continue to adapt to their new family setting, although recent events have encouraged some teasing for Wendy and Kaynen. It's been interesting to learn how to get used to a small, medium, or large body (Leanne, Chloe, and even Kaynen, respectively) standing at the master bedroom's door murmuring about nightmares and tearfully asking for comfort. Leanne almost always went to Zaira, curled up at her side or on her chest to snuggle into her favorite 'pillows'. Chloe liked to lay with her head tucked under Jelena's chin, ear to her heart and body tucked to her side. And Kaynen, who had to be coaxed, normally slept at Freya's side with her face buried away out of shame and looking small under Freya's arm. Some nights they would have all three in the bed, others they would merely have two, sometimes one, and sometimes none. On the evening of Simone the three of them went to sleep together and woke up alone for the first time in three days.

Shannon's legs were becoming more and more reactive with each passing day, Kamiko's sleep-induced healing accelerating the progress a little night by night. And every afternoon Kamiko would come with Shannon to the medical wing for more tests, with their hands and fingers entwined for comfort. Ever the loyal pair, Kamiko stayed by Shannon's side every moment she was able.

Torrin finds herself in a strange new position: a model figure partially considered a big brother, a papa, and an intruder in the home of her found love, Zakuro. Many nights she found herself coming over to the apartment to read the kids to sleep or wrestle with Freddy to tire her out. She found herself loving the times she spent with each child, even Kavi who glared so intensely through her soul. Most of all, she found herself spending the night more and more often to sleep in Zakuro's bed, eased into a frustrating sleep induced by heated kisses they shared.

Camilla and Ray bask in the new revelations of their love, spending time together nurturing both their emotional and physical attraction for one another. A healthy relationship for the both of them, it should come as no surprise to find so many people rooting for them from the sidelines.

Speaking of love, for the oldest members of our group it seems as though it was there all along. Relena finds her affection with Jules, and it is with sincerity that they explore this blooming relationship.

Needless to say there are many characters with which many things are happening. Love is heating up here at Temperance, as well as this adorable construction of family. And it couldn't have come at a better time: For today is the second day of Simone.

Yesterday was considered more low-key and involved giggling gifts shared between friends and lovers. Today the families were coming in, dressing up for an afternoon to evening party to celebrate such a beautiful day with the children who honor them.

Families have been arriving all morning to meet up with their potentials in Temperance City. The entire facility has been put to use for the celebrations, as the lounges have actually been expanded to accomodate the many people coming and decorations added to add a festive air. People and students dress up for this event, not in their uniforms but of formal and beautiful clothes of their home countries.

Previously, in Temperance:

A neighboring country by the name of Glaston issues an extensive attack on their greatest opponents in their ambition for more land and more power. With the assistance of a dimensional tearing device, an ancient artifact, and a large army, Glaston almost caught Temperance in a corner with their well planned and very well executed attack. What they did not anticipate was the strength of students at the facility, whom they hadn't kidnapped, who combated the wave of shadows sent to their home and defeated them.

With Rico-kun's urgings (Kamiko's giant lion summon), a team of sparks and a mechanic was formed. They drove across the city, battling shadows and soldiers alike to reach the Military base. Single-handedly, they rescued the kidnapped sparks and liberated the military base.

These words don't seem to adequately convey the strength and power that went into this teams efforts.

After liberating the base, our heroes traveled the distance to the mountain's cliff where the dimensional tearing device and ancient artifact were placed. After defeating the surrounding enemies, it was Jonas who disabled the device, and Jelena who removed the evil artifact.

Through their actions, they turned the tables on Glaston and managed to save Temperance. This roleplay takes place two weeks later, a short time before the Temperanian holidays.

[Coleyoly]

After the team's successful rescue of their friends, liberation of their military, and shut down of Glaston's elusive dimensional device, many of them fell to exhaustion. Upon awakening they come to find that the facility, although well defended, in shambles and in need of reconstruction. Thus the Headmistress Natsuki and Shizuru decided that the students were in need of a vacation, both in light of the dorm's destruction and the recently finished battle on home territory.

While on their two weeks vacation, Glaston received a severe reprimand from the surrounding nations in the form of restricted trade and boycott of their goods. All high ranking officials involved in the attack and alive were arrested on Temperanian land, and interrogated for confessions. This information was passed between Temperance's allies, gathering a ring of anger surrounding the landlocked Glaston. Facing some of the largest, most powerful countries on Gaia reducing their food and financial stores, and aiming the bigs guns at their borders, Glaston was forced to disband their government and allow their entire country to be pieced off and merged with its neighbors. The country of Glaston existed no longer.

The facility was rebuilt good as new and students were being welcomed back with smiles. A specific team of specific individuals were informed that on the Monday of their return, that they report to the auditorium in dress uniform for the medal ceremony. This is where we find our characters, both potentials and Guardians alike, attending the ceremony either on the stage or in the audience.

"Dallas Van Laar, Brieanna Carlyss, Kamiko Hamasaki, Shannon Hallard, Torrin Berne, Raleigh Der Malian, Camilla Everette," Natsuki Kruger announced each name slowly, distinctly over the microphone. Every syllable was spoken with the epitome of pride as the young headmistress straightened her body. Each person was met with a ferocious, excited round of applause. Shizuru was at her side, pinning upon the chest of each potential a medal. "Relena Mantis, Iliya Zlatkov, Remy D'Aubigne," More medals, shining beautifully in this light. "The facility's very own Freya Ahlberg, Jelena Taurus, and finally the only man to receive this medal without a military rank, Jonas Parker.

"For bravery and going above and beyond the call of duty, all of you are awarded with this medal. You are shining examples of the facility, the council, and the citizenship of Temperance. Congratulations, we are proud.

"In celebration we are hosting a party of sorts, with musical entertainment from Van Laar's own brother, Tyrone Van Laar." A sea of squeals was her response. "Thank you ladies and gentleman, I hope you have fun today."

A standing ovation ended the ceremony.

[Coleyoly]

Dallas Van Laar

Her dorm had been totaled in the attack, and after waking up in the hospital after the black out, she was promptly told that she was to go home and enjoy some vacation for her efforts. Dallas had felt the stab of unease shoot through her gut, but knew she couldn't voice concerns about her home life, especially when the dorms were destroyed. So she went home, pale-faced on the door step with photographers taking her picture and thanking her for all of her hard work.

In all of the papers she didn't look like a hero returning from a victorious battle. She looked like a prisoner going to her death sentence. The events during her vacation are too sickening to mention, but on Monday morning she showed up at the ceremony without a scratch or a bruise
anywhere on her body. And although her eyes were haunted, she looked very, very handsome in her dress uniform.

Her father, in the audience, had said so too.

What could have been the proudest day of her life, Dallas was a walking ghost as she stepped up to the podium to receive her medal. Her expression was stony and withdrawn throughout the applause.

Allen Van Laar was staring right at her, clapping slowly for his daughter's triumph.

Freya Ahlberg

After the battle Freya was perfectly fine, if a little exhausted. With the help of a few others, she cradled each person and lay them in the back of the larger machines, making sure they were covered and safe.

Her return to the facility was spent partially watching over Jelena as she restored, spending some time with Zaira, and assisting two Guardian pairs in taking care of the orphaned children of Temperance. These children had been kidnapped by Glaston, after they noticed how the Sparks were glowing in the night. They were rescued, but now could not be adopted by normal families.

Feeling a connection with them, she spent a lot of time caring for them. Out of all the children she felt a very deep bond with two sisters, a four and a six year old, who she felt the deepest connection with. Today they were in the audience, dressed up and looking up at her adoringly, their hero. The blond smiled gently to them, lovingly.

To her, Chloe (the six year old) and Leanne (four) were her children. It was in the connection.

Taking a small bow, Freya stepped down from the stage and walked into the audience.


Iliya Zlatkov

After it was all over, Iliya managed to stay awake only because she didn't extend her energies too far. Remy was exhausted, but refused to fall into the darkness until they were home. After securing her lover into bed, they both fell asleep for the next few days. Upon waking, Remy didn't let her out of her sight, not even for the slightest moment.

Although Iliya felt smothered, she decided to give her wife the time. Besides, it was nice having the vacation with her lover beside her, snuggling and... Well, doing other things.

This medal was unnecessary since they were guardians, but to please the press and the Council, they stood side by side with proud smiles on their faces and in their uniforms.

Iliya waved to the crowd.


Kamiko Hamasaki

Kamiko was in a coma for an entire week. After the battle was over she was inside the medical wing, sleepily regarding everyone circled around her bed. Much of the remaining week was spent sleeping, or being in the most relaxed and calm state humanly possible. When she woke up she remembered everything, with the exception of killing the captain.

That was conveniently wiped from her memory, although she was still plagued by nightmares for some time of all the blood and death. She was currently spending time with a counselor to come to terms with the event.

She was preciously nervous standing on stage in her petite little uniform. Kamiko stood rather close to Shannon, sweetly embarrassed by all of the eyes on her. The only reason she could stand on this stage right now was knowing her family would be in the audience, and her partner was right beside her. When all was finished, she let out a deep breath and smiled weakly.

"That was scarier than the big shadow." She tried to joke.


Torrin Berne

Torrin was completely fine after Kamiko healed her up, but she was a little sore. After a day's worth of rest she was right back out on the streets, helping to clean up the mess Glaston had left behind. Mostly rebuilding people's homes, Torrin had become quite a handy little carpenter with her brothers. The majority of five homes had been fixed up by the seven of them in the span of two weeks. The teen had felt proud of herself then.

She felt more proud right now, standing amongst her heroes with a medal on her chest. In the audience her brothers were making a huge ruckus, making her ears burn hot with embarrassment.

But they couldn't help it, they were proud of her too.

"Damnit you guys," Torrin wandered down to them from the stage. In her greenish and pink pants and jacket, she looked extremely handsome; even had some swooners in the audience. "Would you knock it off? This is supposed to be an official ceremony..."

"Right, right, whatever sis." Her oldest brother teased.

"Guh..."

[Miavonni]

Brieanna Carlyss

Brie's consciousness remained on vacation for a good two days after the return to the facility. She was in a bad state on her return - the nurses had insisted she be admitted to the intensive care portion of the facility, for while Dallas and Brieanna's healing spells had kept her alive for a long while longer than she would have otherwise, Brieanna had taken far too much punishment for her body to take, and she had quite a bit of internal bleeding that neither of the pair's healing spells had done anything about. And so she'd only been released from the hospital wing a week after her entrance, then informed her dorm had been wrecked in the attacked - her personal effects and clothing being destroyed in the battle. The loss of her possessions hadn't been nearly as bad as the fact that she'd lost what she viewed as her home.

She never even got a chance to talk to Dallas before the redhead departed the facility.

After actually discovering that their daughter was alive, through the newspaper, her parents had invited her home - though whether it was to associate themselves with the fame or to actually be kind Brieanna wasn't sure, but she knew which was the more likely for them. She was then given leave to go home shortly after this invitation. Brieanna then finally severed ties with her family once and for all, they had abandoned her when she was in trouble, and so she wouldn't return to them - her break was spent at a homeless shelter under an assumed name. She was not very publicized even after the events in the city, and so she was never accosted, nor given any special treatment, she was merely another girl without a home to go back to.

The ceremony was something that made Brieanna distinctly uncomfortable - she was no hero, she didn't deserve a reward. If anything she'd been more of a hindrance to Dallas and the rest and she should be punished because of that. But she stood onstage, dressed in her best and freshly washed (albeit having had to use the communal fitness area showers). She accepted her medal in silence with only a slight bow to acknowledge the headmistress and the crowd afterward. She didn't expect to see her family in the room watching, nor were they, and she didn't need them to be. She knew she was alone now and she was fine with that.

After the ceremony though, Brieanna felt awkward in the massive meeting hall, being introduced to families and friends of the other heroes. She didn't have anyone to introduce, and she knew none of the others would want her hovering around their groups, and so she merely drew back to the edges of the room, watching and waiting for it all to be over so she could return to her room.

Terresha Sikanda

Terry was returned to the Temperance facility along with Malwyn soon after the final Glastonian defeat, still wounded by her final mad rush at the soldiers. She recovered quickly though, and after her first day of release she had rented a hotel room off the facility grounds to try and recover mentally from what she had been through and what she had put her best friend, her lover, through.

Eventually though she had approached Malwyn at ther pair's private home and attempted to repair the damage her argument had done. A tentative peace had been reached, and so the pair had been warily living together since then.

The awards ceremony was a strange time for Terry. She was never one for big celebrations or awards ceremonies, but she recognized what these people had done, and she was grateful - if they hadn't succeeded she and Malwyn would very likely be very dead. And so she moved around, spreading congratulations to the award winners and, of course, stuffing her face at the table laid out for the banquet and even getting just a -little- drunk at the open bar.

[Aidenzyx]

Shannon Hallard

Every now and then, baby blue eyes gravitated towards the shiny medal somewhat crookedly attached just above her left breast. She was not the only one who received such recognition but she never expected to be granted such acknowledgment. She was happy enough that she had helped in defending the Academy from the wave of attacking soldiers, assisted in liberating a captured military base, freed a fellow potential from her mental prison and helped locate that sinister and device used to control an artifact that brought over a mass of shadows to their side of the world.

It had not been an easy battle. Looking around, she felt even privileged to stand in line with these women. Who would have thought? Then again getting here required a lot of blood – gallons of it really – sweat and of course tears. None of them had been prepared for what they had to go through but looking back at now, Shannon saw the whole thing as a different way of learning things. After all, one had to be creative when dealing with moving, breathing and in most cases thinking enemies.

It was not fun, hell it was not. If being in the thick of the battle was bad enough, being at the aftermath was just as worse. She was worried like hell, now she knew what Kamiko felt like, for her pair who had remained in a restorative sleep for days. Now she understood how Kamiko had felt after that incident. It was nerve wrecking. Shannon knew Kamiko would be alright but she would feel infinitely better if the girl woke up. She was spared some worry because she had been asleep for nearly three days.

The morning that she woke up, Shannon received a call from her parents and she could just hear the relief in their voices. She had been wary about informing them of her involvement but she was sure they’d hear of it anyway. It was better that it came from her. They ended up, alternately that is, screaming at her ear for nearly an hour. She could not blame them really. She wouldn’t have been able to stop them from worrying even if she tried. They told her they would try to get back to the city as soon as they can. She looked forward to seeing them a little early this year and she would definitely introduce her incredibly adorable and cute pair.

Speaking of pair, ever since that power surge she’d received from Kamiko… Her back had been hurting. It took some effort for her to even be here today. She had consulted with the Academy’s doctor and even she was scratching her head. The urge to just curl into a ball was always there but she really could not let it affect her that much. She had no intention of getting herself back in the infirmary, at least until it got too unbearable.

With one hand gripping an arm rest and the other clenched tightly on her lap, Shannon listened and remained seated with her back stiffly straight and she was managing a smile as to not alert anyone most especially her pair on how much she wanted to go to bed and just sleep the pain away. She noticed that when she slept, it did not bother her. Perhaps it was because of whom she held helped push away the pain. She was beginning to think she did not escape all that battling unscratched. It was a scary prospect… And to think, she would be spending time with her parents and quite possibly away from Kamiko after this ceremony. She wondered if it was possible to knock herself out by magic until the Academy was re-built.

Shaking her head, Shannon abandoned her thoughts in favor of replying to Kamiko. “And you survived it.” The young seer chuckled, giving the younger girl’s cheek a few soft pats. “At least we weren’t prompted to speak.” She added moments later. It was only then would they have a problem. Shannon was the person you’d ask to speak in front of a large audience.

Jules Allen

Watching from the sidelines, Jules kept her focus on the women and young women that had been awarded. She had not been given the same acknowledgement but she was not after such a thing. She was more than happy to have been a distraction or rather among the last line of defense against the shadows. Although they were greatly outnumbered and she did have to bow out of the fight for a while to heal her wounds, she was up and running again not that long after all.

As if she was going to let those darned things carry on destroying the city. With Karel hacking and slashing not far from her and the freed Temperanian soldiers as their back up, they were barely able to keep the shadow mass back. She had injured herself quite extensively as she had not gone into berserk mode a mere one time. She had entered that state a total of three times. By the time the third time ended, Jules was barely able to stand. The medics were able to restore her to full health though but she was still required to go back for regular check-ups. It seems she had pushed her body a little too far this time and they were afraid that she might collapse at anytime. They worry too much; she’s not going to go down just like that.

Jules would be among the few that would remain the Academy to make sure that all work done would be done correctly. She hoped that the reinforcements to be done would be up to par. She would feel infinitely better once the everything was re-built. After all, the Academy was her home. Her family would not recognize her anyway and she was not prepared to provide answers to what happened to her.

[Jehui]

Jelena Taurus

The time after war was filled with a silence that Jelena desperately wanted to break but didn’t know how. Any personal inquiries regarding the whole situation were explained with a few short words about fear, without detail, and nothing else. To be truthful, it wasn’t prospect of death that scared Jelena: her family had a long history of dying far too young as it was. In fact, Jelena had accepted the fact that there was a high possibility of her dying as a fairly young woman; she just expected her death to occur in a hospital bed.

Freya and Zaira had been patient with her, never pressing her to answer things she didn’t want to talk about, from how she was affected, to the meaning behind the new tattoo she now sported on her arm. Jelena was determining whether she loved them more for it, or loathed them: she felt she would never open up until she was given the right push. Of course, in this unchartered territory, Jelena didn’t know how to breach the issue.

Hiding out in her office, which seemed to be her safe haven from the world, she looked at all of the pictures she kept in that crisp white envelope, careful not to make the edges any more ragged than they were. After all of the fighting she remembers passing out and not waking up until days later. Now she fought sleep, partially because her imagination liked to wander, but mostly because she had become a notoriously light sleeper. The quietest noises could wake her now, and it took her forever to fall asleep again. Jelena had also made a habit of keeping daggers within arm’s reach: under her pillow, on her night table, and a few on her person. In fact, a visit with her brother and a few incidents had Josif telling her she was “on edge” and should probably do something about it. Jelena had yet to listen as she twirled a dagger in hand. She had more in this room, and her eyes narrowed at the door as she noticed the knob turning silently. Jelena let her arm move back, prepared to throw the dagger just in case…

Come on, this had to be just someone who honestly saw her slip away into here and hole herself up. They were just asking her to return to the festivities, festivities about celebrating an event that Jelena wanted to purge right out of her mind. It wasn’t someone sneaking up on her. No one was going to do that again.

God, all of this paranoia was going to be the end of her.


Relena Saint Mantis

As a seasoned soldier, battle and killing wasn’t new to her. As a mother, having a newly born soldier in your family was. It was something that for the past few weeks worried her. It had seemed that when the war ended the true trials at home began.

From her natal family dismissing her quietly yet again, minus her sister whom no one was able to get a hold of, to her finding peace in the fact that her adopted son, his wife to be, and her youngest adopted daughter had accepted her. Well, Arainia did until she realized what war was. Then she began to spite Raleigh for it.

Raleigh who had already suffered so much, and certainly didn’t deserve Rainy’s age old bitterness. Relena ended up sending Brieanna to Aiden and Vala while the violence between her other daughters grew, and the people who came by her house or called to thank her and her family became a persistent buzz in the background that slowly drove her mad, never mind Ray-Lynn who could never handle these things to begin with. The final nail in the coffin seemed to be her rage when she finally got a hold of her sister, a therapist, who did a few more sessions with Ray and politely handed her a dreaded slip of paper that Rel couldn’t make herself read. She had reluctantly picked up the prescriptions, and without a word to anyone; she took Ray-Lynn in the dead of night and decided they needed their own vacation from everything and everyone else.

So it was by no surprise to her that she had gotten so many curious stares, and questions of their well being when she returned. Relena now sat at a vacant table in a forgotten corner, with three chairs in a row to her right. She seemed by herself until somebody came close enough to see that Raleigh was quietly resting, her head on her mother’s lap, and her body uncomfortably strewn on the chairs. Relena had spotted Brienna in the crowd, but due to her current preoccupation, she didn’t rise to go see the girl and apologize. Instead, she just heaved a sigh and let her hand run through Ray’s dark hair.




Raleigh Lynnette Der Malian

Heading away from Grandma Nadine’s mountain cabin, which still smelled of her and seemed like her even though she had been dead for five years, was hell. Ray was scowling the whole time back, definitely displeased. This place was far better than home and Temperance was at the moment.

For starters, there was tension at home. Being locked up in that cell was hell: it was dark, and she had just felt so trapped. She spent most of that “war” feeling useless to the efforts of the others, but Ray-Lynn had let it pass and not cause a problem. No, the problems were her idiot sister who just had to make everything a big deal, and those stupid people who kept calling and coming by. The problem was her Aunt Sarja who thought that just because the war shook her up she should feel bad for killing. No, she was not remorseful about killing those soldiers because, really, they were doing it too. What made her more wrong than them? The fact that she was successful? What a crummy way to decide who was right and wrong. Sarja got quite a bit of Ray’s piece of mind for her suggestion after that, the thought that maybe she didn’t understand the concept of life and death properly. Even though Sarja tried to be professional, Ray knew the woman had been shaken by her “Violent Outburst” and the bruises she now sported. Ray had never felt so belittled.

Now they were at Temperance Academy, which was what she dreaded. She was sure the others thought she was strange, or “retarded” to use that idiot Arainia’s favourite word for her. Ray imagined Torrin or one of the others ostracizing her about how she’d never make a good guardian, and probably drag her partner down. In fact, the first voice that came to mind was none other than Acey’s, telling her just that about a year ago, that Ray was holding her back. Hell, even her mother had doubts, and that just fueled Ray-Lynn’s ire to prove them all wrong.

These thoughts were what rolled in her head, even when the medal was pinned to her chest and they were congratulated. Raleigh didn’t care about stupid formalities, and she felt that everything that happened was forcing her to stare at her own failure. She hated it, in fact, when she felt no one was looking, she actually unpinned the medal and stuffed it in her pocket, reminding herself it was there by purposely pricking her thumb with it on occasions as she pretended to be asleep for Relena’s sake.



Malwyn Carmineo

The tentative peace that had been achieved by her and Terresha at the moment, while mentally and physically unsatisfying was something Mal couldn’t bring herself to breach at the moment. She was all too worried when she had woken up in that hospital room, and often spent days by Terresha’s bed until the blond woke up herself. Then Malwyn suddenly had cold feet about facing her.

So it was with a sigh of relief when Terry had done the honours. She wanted to hug her blond and kiss her senseless right then and there, but she was forced to subdue her emotions for now. They had to take it slow or end up wiping out on the same slick of oil all over again.

Which is why as she watched Terresha have more alcohol than she would normally be in agreeance with, Malwyn just merely sat in her little corner of things, watching. She wasn’t going to chastise Terry, no; instead, she was just going to step in if she was needed. So for now, she would watch all of the heroes as they socialized, unsure as to whether or not she should approach them, even though they were all friends. It just felt so weird… and after everything that happened between she and her blond, Malwyn just didn’t really feel like talking to anybody.

Perhaps it was because she was watching, but she noticed something that no body else had seemed to. It seemed the usual escape artists were nowhere to be found. Robjn Torr – Jelena as she preferred to be called these days was gone. So was the young Der Malian.

Oh wait, she took that back. Ray-Lynn was with her mother, and fast asleep too. An endearing smile pulled at Mal’s lips. Perhaps the trip home from wherever the hell Relena decided to take them (And Mal was still pissed about being woken up so early by worried Guardians to go look for her) was too much for the girl. How cute.

[Grey_Kitsune]

☯ Camilla Everette ☯

She didn't feel quite the same after the battle, Camilla feeling that she needed to wash the blood that seemed to never wash away. The stench of blood and burnt flesh stuck with her for the remainder of the week, no amount of scented soaps and oils erasing the smell from her memory. She told herself to work through it and that's exactly what she did.

Along with Torrin and the others on the restoration team, Camilla did what she could to help around, though a handsome Irish woman was intimidating to work under. Several times she nearly got a bop to the head when the red head teased her friend till she was red eared and had her fists flying. With several homes built, Camilla and her aching back didn't stop to rest much, taking time between visiting Shannon and Kamiko in the hospital or knocking out at the empty dorm room at Temperance. When she slept, her dreams were mostly spent fawning over Raleigh. She'd cling to her pair with little intention of letting her out of her sight or even an arms length; She wanted to be selfish, keeping her love all to herself. Her note explaining her sudden trip to her grandmother's was left on the side table.

"Hey, does anyone want to go out to eat? I'm staaarving." The redhead whined as she stepped off the stage,ready to pull the pin off and throw it at her two mothers and delinquent father. She was glad the three didn't charge at her after the ceremony, but with a cautious look around she relaxed. A grin played on her lips, as she took hold of Raleigh, wanting to grant her several congratulatory kisses and maybe a few naughty words to whisper into her ear. Hanging on her pair, the loving girl blew into Raleigh's ear teasingly, "My Ray, I've missed you so much. I couldn't stop thinking about you. I wish you had taken me along instead of leaving me. I was so lonely... And we might need to get you a new set of sheets.."

҉ +Jonas Parker+ ҉

In the sudden slowdown in the after math of the battle, Jonas was more than happy to help out with restoration team if he wasn't charged assigned to repair the totaled DVs in the attack. Spending much of his time with a cold one, some take out, and the recovered machine he labeled as the Deus ex Machina, documenting his findings in a journal that he would later turn in to the council.

Maryl never seemed to leave him alone, the brunette doing what she could to help him around the shop. Every so often she'd try to make a pass at him, but the law conscious geek kept a vigilant stand to reject her approaches. Till he was finished with his project, she would have to wait for him to take her out on the date he promised, or rather was forced to promise. Days passed quickly and Jonas' found that the girl was picking up on some of basics in his field. In the back of the young man's mind, he thought about the future, wondering if Maryl was really going to keep chasing after him. Maybe then, he'd considered her, but she needed to experience a little more time finding her pair if she intended to be a guardian.

The last one to be awarded, Jonas wasn't as enthused by the ceremony. The medal on his chest was different from those with the spark, the emblem a shield with the Crest of Temperance. It wasn't long after he stepped off the stage that he removed the medal and stuck it in a case which was shoved into his pilot jacket pocket. The starry eyed brunette was waiting with a large box in her hands, holding it up to Jonas when he approached her, "H-here. I thought... You'd like somethin' to remember me by."

Jonas was puzzled for a moment, but he realized that she must have been going home with her parents. He put on a weak smile and opened the round box and pulled out a leather hat with a braided lace that wrapped around the base. Maryl stared intently at the redhead, Jonas nodding and putting on his gift. "I like it. How do I loo- Hey, don't laugh at me!"

"Hee hee, y' look lika goof when y' have it tilted back that far. Lemme fix it," the little brunette tiptoed and tilted the hat forward before she pulled the brim down to kiss the older man. This alarmed Jonas, not expecting such a sudden kiss. Quickly retreating, the girl ran off with a blush, turning around to wave, "You can keep the hat too!"

"Jeeze, that girl," Jonas grumbled as he tipped the front of his hat and hid his eyes behind the brim, "Doing what ever she wants. And that was my first too...Goddesses, I'm pitiful."

☆ Zaira Taliba ☆

To see what happened while she was away, Zaira wished she had been able to predict such events. She blamed herself for not catching onto the invasion, but gods were only so generous to those that were granted sight into the past, present, and future. Jelena's unbalanced behavior was concerning to the seer, the usually cold woman breaking down whenever she thought of it. Freya gave her comfort, her words calming worries, but it never removed it completely.

Two children were now in her life, little Chloe and Leanne were tiny sparks that lit up her life. Her girls brought her happiness and hope. If she was only able to spend more time with them. Zaira's work hours grew longer than usual since she had been reactivated. Her talents were hard to come by, so she was given the duty of using her clairvoyance to scan the city and its borders for a few hours, then move on to training her now permanent assistant, Wendy. Juggling those activities along with paperwork regarding their mission, establishing the creatures summoned, and passing work off to Jonas, who had brought to her attention some old practices that even she didn't dare to learn in detail.

"Oooh, my head. These bloody noses are starting to be a pain," Zaira groaned as a tissue was stuck into her nose by her freckled assistant who tended to her while she was using her sight. Unable to move at the moment, Zaria bit her lip before deciding that it was time for an IV pack. Wendy was quick to act on the command her master gave her, almost to the point that she was predicting her next task. It was really just her preparation, the girl having everything needed at hand.

"Master, don't you think it would be better if you let me do the mission while you go to the ceremony? I'm sure I'd be able to handle it if I'm allowed to access the crystals," Wendy suggested in a worried tone, Zaira shaking her head. "You must let me--"

"Wendy, dear, my family is there... as is everyone of great importance to me. I cannot rest during this moment. A seer must be vigilant at such times. If there was to be another attack at this moment when everyone isn't prepared... I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Nng." A pinch in her arm told her that the irrigation needle was stuck in her arm. She relaxed, her breathing slowing down, "Besides... You're still not ready. The crystal may amplify your power, but it will also drain you to a point where you'll probably black out."

"I... understand. Can you... see the ceremony?"

"It's coming to a close. I'm glad they're all safe. And Jelena is fine as well... Why don't you go see your family?" Zaira opened her eyes, the sandy haired brunette shaking her head, "Hm?"

"I mustn't leave you in such a state. I'll be able to see them from here." Wendy replaced the rag on Zaira's head with a fresh one. Zaira smiled and nodded ever so slightly.

"Very well... We'll make sure Temperance is safe for everyone."

[Tempus_Glacia]

-Vesper Diboriem-

Through all of the commotion that had taken place, all of the fighting and destruction, loss of lives and property, and a whole slue of other things...everyone seemed to, what was the word? Vesper wasn't even sure how to describe it. The feeling in the room containing the ceremony...There were mixed emotions. Amusement, pleasure, pain, worry...It wasn't that Vesper could see or really feel these things radiating off of other people, it was just how the room was. No explanation, really, just...

She shook her head, smiling despite the unease she felt. She had spent the entire war (from what she had heard, it was a war, not a battle,) in the dark. Not just lack of information, but she'd literally been in the dark, completely. Without being able to see what was going on, and not being told anything for that matter, she hadn't had a clue as to what happened or how she could have helped until it was too late. This had upset her a great deal at first, but now? Now she was just glad to have those who could come back, back home. This caused her smile to broaden a bit, and as the applause turned into cheers around her, Vesper's eyes widened a bit. She'd apparently missed whatever it was that had last been said.

A soft sort of noise left Vesper's lips and her hand reached out to touch the wall she'd been supporting herself against. With great care she navigated the edge of the room, her free hand stretched out in front of her as she went so that she wouldn't just run into someone at random while walking. Occasionally her fingers would touch and arm or a back, but they seemed to pay her no mind and navigate away as soon as she touched them. When she got further along, her hand found a stationary figure lurking back against the wall. Her brow creased a bit in curiosity, though rather then feel up along the arm to find a face, she withdrew her hand and offered Brieanna a sheepish smile. "Sorry 'bout that..."

((She doesn't know who she touched, but uh...s'ok. xD))

-Satomi Luren-

Well wasn't this perfect? After everything that had happened, everything she and Gayle had gone through, there were medals passed out and where were they? Stuck out in the audience, watching. While Tomi was very much aware of the fact that she and Gayle hadn't done much of anything while tryng to assist the others during the raging battle, it still stung quite a bit to be standing there, having watched the others receive medals while her and her partner received nothing.

This very thing is what had the redhead frowning. Her arms were crossed over her chest in a very defensive sort of way and her eyes were narrowed nearly to slits. The cheers and applause that broke through the room didn't touch her. It skipped right over the top of her head to the girls around and behind her. Why should she applaud? Well, she knew why. Those women saved the school, and they deserved every bit of credit they were receiving, but that didn't quell the green-eyed monster currently dwelling inside Satomi's chest and mind. Not in the least little bit.

"What a crock." she hissed, shaking her head and turning on a heel. Everyone was still gathered around, chattering and exclaiming how excited they were about the celebration, and how they were so proud. Yada, yada, yada. It was all just becoming noise to her. Even if everyone else was going to stay and celebrate, Tomi was just going to go back to her room. Getting away from everyone sounded good, after all, she didn't want to end up making a scene if approached by the wrong person or set of words.

[Whispering to Roses]

Emilie Leanna Hoft

Don't touch the delicate little thing, please. Her skin may tear. Poor dear, so alone, so very frightened and intrigued in her seat. Take care to step to the side, dear sir, as you walk away. Don't bump into her either. She may bruise, and a bruise would mar her beauty. Just sit there, please, and watch as these women, these powerful, beautiful, yet tired women walk across the stage, their eyes full of hope, full of energy, full of happiness, full of hollowness, full of death.

Each girl looked on as the shiny medal was pinned to her breast, and each father, friend, worker, mother whispered amongst themselves. Oh, she looks quite handsome, that one. So small is she there! The bravery, the skill she brought into the war. Did she not have children? My, my...

Go on, look up, Emilie, but not too long. You may burn from the sun. Now the audience stands and applauds, cheers rising up, cheers of joy and pride. Be careful now, my dear. Stand quickly, but not too quickly, she may hurt herself. Why stand anyway? She is too small to peer over the many jostling shoulders, too small to notice the women walk off the stage. She only knows that they are excused when many people begin to push past her into the aisles.

Move now, dearest. Her hands may chafe anyway from the clapping. She walks into the aisle and away from the throngs of people, her eyes wide, scared, all too scared. But soon--you are excused, ma'am--she will find someone and ask them about this Spark that had been discovered in her. All too soon.