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The concern everyone showed him made him embarrassed. Molly eventually let him go in lieu of following after Candace, leaving Otto to try and pretend he didn't just have a panic attack. He turned away from Wilson and the others, rubbing his face. Trying to put himself back together. If a surprise hug put him in that state, how was he supposed to go back on missions? He was certainly a mess.

Otto waited in line with the others, intently playing with his bangs and ignoring all others around him. But he soon caught word of what was going on up front. Their weapons in golems?

<>

Oh no...

<>

This sounded like a bad ide---

<

Otto's turn came. The wrist cuff. And then... the body of his weapon. It was the most surreal thing he could ever encounter. With a shaky breath in, he turned it on. Green eyes flew open, a toothy grin spread across the golem's face.

Tenya was here.



"OTTO!"

"I---"

The dropbear leapt from her place and bounced up and down. "THIS WILL BE THE BEST DAY EVERRRRR~!!!"

[[EXIT]]

Clerise blinked owlishly. How was she to know what Sasha meant! "Whirligirl?" she called, but uh.

...Her fellow life trainee had checked out. Balthazar, at this point, had wrestled Clerise's phone from her, tapping at it with remarkable precision.

"I didn't know you could text," she muttered, nudging his shoulder.

"Me either," he replied honestly, shrugging.

Clerise eyeballed Nona, laughing as Balthazar shrieked, scrabbling away, holding the hunter's phone close to him, as if it would protect him.

"Well," she murmured, leaning down to nose against Nona's neck, nuzzling it before delivering a bite, dragging her teeth along the skin there. "Seems like a good a plan as any for a fake body, Nona. I hope Sasha will forgive us~"

Her reaper tapped away, hissing at her with lips drawn back, revealing his very human teeth. "Roar says he's in the cafeteria," Balthazar muttered, still snarling.

He does not like ANY of this. At ALL.

But Clerise? Her eyes light up as she slides a hand up Nona's back. "There's someone we've got to meet. Follow me~" She pulled them both along, practically skipping to the cafeteria.



[[ clerise / balthazar exit ]]

Testing was one aspect of Deus Petra actually didn't mind. Although the side effects were usually strange and dangerous more often than not, it added a variety to schedule she craved, and satisfied her innate curiosity in all things technologically described as 'Dues.' From and outsider's perspective, Deus Ex Machina would most likely be described as one long, unending battle with the forces of evil to protect the human race, but in reality, this really wasn't the case. On the contrary, life at Dues was largely monotonous and uneventful. This was, of course, excluding those occasions where trainees were called upon to eradicate an invading species of FEAR creature which had slithered into one of the more abandoned areas of Deus, mere bottom dwellers who had likely escaped from the Life labs at some point and hadn't been large enough a problem for the Hunter Leaders to track them down. Mostly, life in Dues consisted of chores, or training. The observation decks. Minipet duty. If you were particularly useful at something of consequence, specific experimentation within your division. Every so often they were assigned external missions, but as with most life in Dues, more often than not it was nothing particularly dangerous. Often it was the retrieval of artifacts.

In truth, Petra's day generally went something like this. Wake up. Gym. Death Division training. Sparring. Lunch. Observation duty. Death Division training. Sleep. This was, of course, ignoring those rather frequent occasions she encountered Robert throughout the day, and they appeased their insatiable appetites.

So when the text came that morning, offering the chance not only to explore another interesting matter regarding Dues' ever-expanding and often inexplicably complex technology, Petra figuratively leaped at the chance. Although she continued about the day in the same manner she always did, gym division training sparring lunch, in the back of her mind she was pacified by the thought that after she completed what she felt was her duty, she would be free to interest herself in whatever they were attempting to test. Interestingly enough, the days in which testing was offered were often those which her colleagues and superiors often were puzzled by her behavior, which was usually 'curious'; Petra was very infrequently, if ever, described to be actually upbeat.

Stepping silently into the Life labs, the Death trainee paused momentarily just inside the threshold of the automatic door, watching the process with which the other trainees were adhering to. There was quite a long line, something she both found unexpected and yet particularly puzzling; whether or not this was due to the fact that for full fledged hunters it was a mandatory assignment, or whether it was merely the product of the price inflation resulting from the recent battle, she wasn't certain, although she had an inkling it was the latter. Some, she was sure, just had an interest in this sort of thing, or at least wanted to deviate from the mundane and/or life-threatening existence which could be somewhat maddening, but how many of those there were, she would never know. She certainly wasn't the social type, and her curiosity lasted only as far as that single thought. Regardless, Petra accepted it as at least a chance to familiarize herself with the procedure, watching with unyielding blue eyes as the band was placed around the hunter's wrist, the individual then moving deeper, into where the pods were.

Curiously enough, when they returned, it was always with a golem. As to what purpose this golem had, she hadn't the faintest idea. Even as the line continued to move, steadily and with an unseemly amount of organization, with none of her other 'friends' (if they could be considered such) nearby, she was unable to determine the purpose of the golem who followed as the test subjects exited.

Right up until her own pod opened. And her eyes met the steel ones which could only belong to the cold, conniving, destructive voice in her head.

Stepping from the pod, the tall, black-haired demon focused his attention solely on the girl who stood in front of it, his hands sliding effortlessly into his pockets. There was no love in his eyes, nor was there disdain or reservation, only a minimal interest heavily imposed upon by a look of unadulterated boredom.

"Hello sweetness."

Dakota had heard something about weapons testing and had run to the life labs, slapping 500$ down for some kind of bracelet. He had barely listened to all what the techs had said though and idly played with the bracelet until they were led to the pods.

<>

Apparently Chama had been paying attention while Dakota had been distracted. He was surprised when a pod opened up, Chama's voice instantly shutting off with the flick of his bracelet. Inside the pod was a body showing off some kinda of fiery spirit. Wings uncurled around bright red hair, gold lips and gold eyes as his weapon took a step down, standing in front of him with a seductive smile.

"Well...I didn't think I'd actually get to see you like this Dakota..." Chama had a sly movement to her as she slid her arms around Dakota's neck. "Now we can do all those things that you seem to think you need other ghouls for!"

"Chama!?!?!" Dakota squeaked as he looked at the Phoenix. Even as his hand brushed her firey wings, he felt no pain as she practically purred in his arms. "Er...I thought...Okay...Well..."

"Don't worry Dakota, I'll make sure that I make this week...MEANINGFUL for my little hunter." Chama winked and then wrapped her arm through the younger hunters. "Shall we go? I am sure I have some other weapons that would like to talk as well..."

Dakota just merely swallowed and nodded, he really hoped that she didn't get ahold of Molly or Clerise while she was out. AS it was she was already sending death glares at all the other female hunters...

Er...This was going to be a hell of a awkward week.

Really? They had the gall to ask for that much without even giving a reason 'why' and 'what' it might be used for? Of course, the fact Infinity was here, with said money ($500 dollars, really?!) meant she clearly was somewhat...curious and willing to deposit the money into...whatever Deus used it for. So she waited in the godforsaken line. Glared at the wristband cuffed to her wrist when she placed the money on the table. And just stalked towards the helpfully labeled 'WEAPON PICKUP HERE' room - or lab - they directed them towards.

"Wha..." Fini just held out her arm, staring stupidly at the tech that grabbed her arm and did whatever. Wait, what the hell? "Huh....?" Not her brightest response.

And then she saw Him, as the tech oh so helpfully just jammed his finger against the 'ON' button and motioned for the next person.

Thus, Fini found herself face to face with...with...

"Oh you have got to be ******** kidding me..."

"Well helloooo precious."

The cackle that rang out just had her groaning. This was just some cruel form of punishment for them all, wasn't it? It had to be! There was no way the male standing in front of her could be...Vashi. No. Effing. Way. She stared at him, long hair reaching down to his lower back, even though it was pulled up in a ponytail. His ears were slightly pointed as well, with thin horns curling back over his head. Strange markings that looked almost like stitch marks along the corners of his mouth. And his eyes! They were a striking deep amber-gold that glowed slightly.

"Enjoyng the view...?" Vashi teased, curling and uncurling his fingers and flashing Fini a devious grin. Complete with point fangs. And a swishing tail. He had a tail. "If you're curious, I'll let you touch me."

Cue the first of many facepalms. And Fini just grabbed the vârcolac's arm to drag him out.

"Ohohoh, feisty are we? I can't wait!"

"This...is going to be hell."

They exited with Vashi just cackling in a deep rumble that sent the hairs at the back of ones neck standing on end.

[Exit!]

Hazel was lining up behind the other hunters, some she recognized, some she didn't. Unsure if she was fully healed enough to take on whatever this test was, but her spirit was willing enough to face it head on... and, hey, five hundred wing wangs? Money is money and she needed the extra pay. So, why not, right?

At this point, she got her fancy wristband, filled out some forms and walked off into the drop off room. When the techie asked for her arm, Hazel obediently raised her tagged wrist. "What are-" and before she could finish her question, a pod was instantly opened, catching her attention faster than the red dot of a laser pointer. The pressurized air released into her face. It was very familiar to Hazel's decently recent second awakening... but this time, she wasn't the one in the pod.

There stood a much taller humanoid than her, black skinned, long flowing silk-like hair and a majestic looking horn on his forehead to boot. Hazel wondered how the horn managed to fit in the pod for such a tall creature. Not to mention the freakishly long horse legs. Though that brings back memories of being kicked to the face by that goat-legged ghost. She was almost scared to press the button on her wristband. What would happen if she did press it? Hazel looked around at the others but ended up shrugging and pressed the button out of curiosity anyway. This was a controlled area right? What could go wrong?

"Ah," Sabin opened his eyes and looked down to find a whole head of frizzy carrot-colored hair invading his personal space. He gave Hazel a snooty look on his face, "You are much smaller than I thought." He carefully preened the little moonie trainee with his thumb and index finger, pulling out a used gum wrapper. "Not surpris-"

"SABIN?!" Hazel shouted at the demicorn. She recognized that voice, and with that stupid attitude, she was sure it was him. It was clear that she was more excited to see him than it was for him to see her. "How did you get in there? And how did you become like this? And when did you have long, flat hair? Such boring hair. You're boring me. I'm bored."

Sabin's mouth gaped open with a disturbed look at her, confused as to what to say to her. What was he to say? She was asking questions he didn't have the answers to. "I-"

"Hey! You look much different from what I had imagined you being. I thought you'd be, I dunno, cooler..." she stared up at him, tilting her head to one side. She imagined him looking more terrifying. Probably more mangy, and just absolutely full on wild beast kind of look. However, he was more clean cut, almost regal.

"Hazel, did you really think-"

Before Sabin could finish another thought, "HEEEYAAAAAH!" Hazel had lunged at him, climbing him like a cat up a tree, slowly making her way up to his shoulders, and uncomfortably slung over his shoulders like a neck pillow. His face scrunched every time she dug a foot into his body, "Haz-" Sabin began but got kicked in the gut, "Hazel, I-" another kick to the chest, "HAZEL, IF YOU COULD JUST-" kick to the face.

Finally resting and expressed a very unamused face, Sabin was unsure why he was even tolerating this. It was obvious that Hazel was having a blast though. "Sabin, you should carry me around, we could be, like, a- a- giant force to be reckoned with!" she threw her legs around his shoulders, pointing forward in no particular direction, "GIDDIYAP!"

Quietly Tori had been reading a book when she had gotten the text, she had been curious about what type of tests that could be done to there weapons and even with getting paid Tori didn’t know if she wanted to go or not. Aklin was more curious than his Hunter was at these tests.

he asked but was a little smug about asking all the questions as he totally would do it and Tori knew that he would.

Alright, Lin we will go. She answered with a sigh as she did not want to be bombarded with lots of questions especially the ones that made her uncomfortable to answer. Putting her book down on her desk and she grabbed her jacket and headed out her room to the room indicated in the text.

Once in the Labs, Tori walked to the indicated room to see that there was a line that had been formed. Making her more curious to what was up and her weapon just more excited that he was flopping around in her mind and Tori thought that was strange as mostly fighting got that type of reaction out of him or asking those acquired questions. Waiting her turn in line which was a little boring and thought it would have been nice to bring a book to read while waiting Tori thought. A poke from her weapon brought Tori back out of her thoughts since it was there turn next. Giving her arm when asked for as a wristband was attached to her wrist and then Tori was extremely confused when told to go pick up her weapon as she didn’t know what was ment.



Well what if something goes wrong or…



Alright, Lin. Tori replied as she rolled her eyes at her excited weapon as it was just strange for her to have Aklin is such an excited mood when not sparing or battling. Following the arrows were Tori was suppose to pick up her weapon and when looking into the room to see pods in there that she got just a little more curious. Listening to what the tech was saying did Tori get nervous as she always liked having Aklin in her mind as it was a nice comfort and she hesitated a little in pushing that button.

Aklin said in an excited tone.

Alright. Tori said as she then pushed the button on the wristband and the tech was right once pushed she couldn’t hear her weapon any longer. So Tori waited by the pods to see what would happen as she grew more nervous about the whole thing and she didn’t like being alone.

Webbed hands grabbed the side of the pod as Aklin pulled himself up onto his feet and wiggled his webbed feet. Smiling as sea-green eyes met with her amber eyes as he smiled. Rushed over to his hunter and gave her a big hug and Tori was just stunned. “See I told you that you had nothing to worry about and this is just the coolest thing ever, Little filly! We are going to have so much fun!” Aklin said as Tori did relax and hug her weapon back.

“Your right it is and nothing I ever dreamed of happening,” she answered as she pulled away from Aklin to get a better look at him as she grumped a little as she had thought he would be shorter since he was a head taller than she was. Tori also wondered to what his definition of fun was.

“I’m not what you thought I look like when I was a student,” he chuckled as he started to pull off his shirt.

Tori just started at Aklin as he was pulling off his shirt and she rushed over and pulled it back down. “Keep that on,” she said nervously.

“No, I want to go swimming and it will only get in the way,” he answered as he pulled away from his hunter and quickly pulled off his shirt and chucked it into Tori’s face and chuckled too that had a horse neigh quality to it.

Tori was now a little embarrassed to what Aklin just did as she pulled the shirt off her face and glared at her weapon. “Put this back on and behave,”

“Nope and your going to have to catch me if you can,” he said as Aklin turned and walked off quickly as he wanted to see the ocean with his own eyes even if this was a golem he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to do so and he just loved to tease Tori too as he was going to have so much fun with this.

Huffing slightly as Tori chased after her shirtless weapon.

[Exiting]