Arseno was currently perched on a rooftop, watching as some pedestrians walked by on the street. There weren’t as many recently, it was getting colder after all. And at this point he was starting to appreciate the long overcoat he had as a uniform. Though his ears were still exposed he remembered, shaking a bit as some wind rushed past him. Maybe he should get some earmuffs?
But he really shouldn’t be paying attention to that right now. He had to get better as a lieutenant and… he was trying to take his mind off of his brother coming into town. He had hoped that by going out to find someone to drain energy from that he would be at least a bit distracted for the night. Unfortunately it seemed to make him even more nervous, just imagining his little brother as one of those pedestrians innocently taking a walk while some negaverse agent swooped down to steal his energy or even… He shook his head. He wouldn’t think about that right now.
Besides, he was going to be promoted soon… sometime. It probably took a while for promotions to happen, he couldn’t imagine that the general-kings were just sitting around and twiddling their thumbs. And also, he really didn’t feel as though he should be promoted yet anyway. He had hardly done anything besides steal some energy, get in some fights, and almost have his own starseed taken by fellow agents.
He sighed, taking a step back from the edge before looking up at the sky, trying to get lost in it.
Another night spent out draining energy and grabbing a few starseeds, from those who only seemed to hurt society. It was a slow night, not unlike most, for the General. Some might say that it was due to the amount of time he’d spent in this war, doing the same things, and they would likely be correct. He had been sixteen when he joined and he was 21 now. There had been battles, big ones, small ones and other odd moments scattered about the timeline but over all it was the same night in and night out.
That didn’t mean he was any less alert, not when there were royals, knights, and eternals about. He couldn’t risk being caught by one of them. While he could hold his own in a fight he was still not as strong as them, oh how he wished he was though. He would like to smash his fist into the face of a royal, be it knight or senshi. That attack on them at the start of the year was still a sore spot for him, and not due to his own injuries or even those of his corrupted senshi. Rather his anger was still over the fact they had gotten down to their space and they had dealt them sever losses, both with energy and members. The thought alone had his right first balling up into a fist, right before it smashed into a brick wall.
Pulling his fist back, ignoring the pain, he stepped out of the alleyway. A few more steps and he could sense it - a lieutenant near by. Smiling the General picked up his face and teleporting to roof top level he took the time to look about for them. They were near, he knew that, he was sure they sensed him as well - they had to.
Turning, twisting, he couldn’t see the figure but he knew they were out there and he had an idea of which direction they were in. Heading off, pace quick, he had long ago mastered the roof top hop method of moving through the city so closed the distance quickly.
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Arseno had been lost in thought until he felt the familiar aura of a General. He wouldn’t have paid much attention but the aura was getting closer. He wondered for a bit if he was in trouble for something, wondering what he had done wrong. But there was really no point in worrying, he would know soon enough.
And he couldn’t run away either, that certainly wasn’t something you did to a General. So he stayed in his spot, and looked back over at the sidewalk below. He really didn’t feel that up to draining energy tonight. If he could transfer it to himself he would do so easily since he felt like falling asleep at any second. The stress he had been put through already made him want to sleep for a few days in a row.
So all he could do was wait for right now, wondering what the General wanted to talk to him about.
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The Lieutenant, which one unknown to the General, had not a thing to worry about even less when he did finally happen upon them. In fact, when he spotted them a smile came across his soft features. “Arseno…” He called out, shortening the others long name, a fondness coloring his voice as he approached.
“You’ve been well tonight?” He asked as he got closer, one gloved hand in a pocket of his coat. He would hate to find out the other had been roughed up by some senshi, or knight, he would have to hunt them down and deal with them - personally.
Coming to stand by the others side he knelt down and turned his pale eyes onto the other. “Katya told me you helped her - thank you. If I can do anything to assist you ever let me know - don’t hesitate.” The words were spoken softly but honest, he didn’t lie as he was honestly no good at it, he had nothing to hide from his Lieutenant and no reason to mislead him or lie to him. This was one of his own.
“You look tired.” The General said with concern now lacing his words, coming to kneel at the others side.
Arseno was snapped out of his staring at the familiar voice of his general and smiled a bit. Well, he wasn’t going to be snapped at at least. He turned to look at the General, still close to the edge and on his knees, hands in his pockets, though he quickly used one to wave at the general.
“I’ve been fine. Nothing has happened tonight.” It had been pretty boring for him recently concerning the negaverse side of his life. Though he did remember helping Katya out, though he was sure she could have handled it herself. He shrugged a bit at the mention of the rescue. “It was no problem, I just happened to have my door open at the right time. Though she was causing the man quite a bit of pain. And thank you for the offer.” He replied, nodding his head. He would take the general up on his word when he needed it and hopefully the other would follow through.
He sighed at the tired comment though. He was tired. He was tired and stressed and just wanted to take a vacation or something. Too bad the fall semester had just started. “Yeah it’s just… some family stuff going on and apparently I’m going to be promoted to Captain at some point.” Perhaps with a bit more power he would be able to protect his brother a bit better.
His brother had already arrived and had started school himself. Luckily he didn’t need much help with that, but it was starting to irritate Arseno slightly at having to field his brother’s calls and try to protect him at the same time from the negaverse.
“I’m not surprised she was giving the man quite the problem, she can be vicious when need be.” Shrugging his shoulders. Katya was typically rather calm, and without a doubt she was a bookworm, but she was also a cat and she served the Negaverse. She was not a cat to cross.
Letting his legs give out under him, as he sat himself down properly, he shifted so he face the other fully. “Family things tend to be the most stressing things people deal with...that and things which concern money.” The general said calmly, tilting his head as he looked at the other. “Need an ear to listen to you? Or is there anything I can do to help ease your stress?”He asked, genuine concern filling his voice. He didn’t like the idea of his lieutenant being stressed out, it wasn’t good for him, and not just because he was a fellow officer but also he was a student.
“That is good news, that you will make Captain soon. Perhaps a small party? Or dinner out? Something to celebrate?” He questioned the other. “Some way to relax, unwind, and celebrate the achievement.” He offered smiling brightly at hearing this news. This was good and he was obviously proud of the other.
“I’ll do what I can to help ease things for you. I know what school is like while balancing other obligations - it’s not easy. I think most of the Negaverse knows to one extent or another.” Most were young, many in high school or university. Surprisingly this war was almost entirely composed of young people - people under thirty. To see so many young people fighting...it was normal for him and didn’t bother him. The only thing which bothered him were the chibi’s - the babies. They were too young to be involved and yet they were.
Arseno decided to sit down too, and closed his eyes for a bit. Benitoite seemed to be someone he could trust, but could he really tell him about his brother? Benitoite was loyal to the negaverse first, and he doubted that the general would hesitate to do something if he was told to by the General-kings.
But… his brother was just a civilian after all, not a part of the white moon. So he might be able to be protected? Or at least he might not be targeted specifically? He sighed, this was giving him a terrible headache, and the cold air was not helping.
“My brother is just going here for school now, so I’m a bit worried about him here with all of these battles and youmai and stuff. So I’m just worried about him.” There, not too specific right? “I tried to talk my parents out of letting him come but I couldn’t exactly tell them the main reason, so they think he’ll be fine here, but I can’t guarantee that. So now I’m having to deal with protecting him too.”
He looked over at the general. “I guess, though I don’t see why I should be promoted yet. I’ve really just stolen energy after all, that’s about it.” He wasn’t really up for celebrating something in the negaverse, he hadn’t really met anyone in the negaverse besides his general that he felt that he could even talk to. Oh, well there was that one lieutenant, but that would be one sad party or dinner.
“Thanks. Though I’m not sure how much you could help, I mean the white moon might target my brother. Or even our fellow agents, and considering how much I’ve been targeted myself, he’ll be even more of a target.” He was pretty sure they had some writing, invisible to the both of them that just said “EASY TARGET” on them.
“Yokai?” He asked, not familiar with the word. “I can understand the worry, my elder cousin recently moved in with me as well. He’s from outside of the city.” And he had been worried, though he’d kept it to himself. He had not expected his cousin to be a possible knight, for the item to turn up, but he had done what he needed to do - to keep his family together. He wouldn’t regret it, though he did feel guilt...he did apologize to his elder cousin for it. He was going to keep Hudson close to him, and keep him safe. He didn’t mentioned this, for now, to the other. It wasn’t necessary.
“The best thing you can do is tell him that this city isn’t safe, that it is infested with terrorists, have him carry something on his person for protection. Perhaps suggest a self defence classes as well - so he can keep himself safe. I cannot promise anything but if I know his face I will keep him safe if I see him, and I will bring him no harm.” He would do that he could to help his fellow officer, to bring him some peace of mind. If it helped the other, if it reduced his stress - he would do what he could. He cared for those under him, especially those he brought in, he would help them however he could if it was within his power.
Anything which might hinder their performance would be removed if he could do it, if it was within his power, all in order to see to it that his officers did their best as an agent and as a civilian. Others, those who cared, would understand if it ever came up. Some people simply did not want family involved, it could be a distraction on a battlefield and a liability...a weakness. He knew he was going to have to work with that now that Hudson was involved, he would have to learn to work inside a battle and balance fighting and keeping his cousin safe - somehow. He feared the first time it was tested.
“The white moon isn’t likely to go for a civilian, not without reason. He should be safe from them, unless they target him to recruit. Again, you should talk to him. Don’t reveal yourself to him but speak with him about your worry and concerns. Being honest might help and ease your troubled mind some.” Reaching up to ruffle the others hair, a smile in place. “I have some other agents under me, people I’ve brought in, I plan to have a gathering soon. You should come, not to celebrate your promotion, but to socialize. We aren’t all about the war - we are all people as well. You can meet others who are of a similar age and see if you don’t find a friend or two in the group.” Or more, who knows. He just hoped, if he invited Sonya, she didn’t try and hit him or shout at him. She really didn’t like him, and he felt it.
Arseno felt a small smile forming on his face at his general’s words. “I could tell him there are terrorists though I would feel awful about lying to him. I think he would think I was crazy but… he would believe me all the same. He hero-worships me too much. I’ve been trying to break him of that but so far it hasn’t worked.” He replied, moving into a more comfortable position. He would have to tell his brother something, but he couldn’t stand the thought of lying to him, especially if Jason eventually found out he was lying. His brother would be crushed.
“If you could just… I don’t know, maybe make it so he’s less of a target? If I’ve been attacked so much then I know he’ll be targeted even more. It would lessen the stress a bit though.” And it would if he believed his brother would be safe, though he still hoped that his brother wouldn’t be recruited into any faction. He didn’t deserve to be forced into all of this fighting.
He looked over at Benitoite after the gesture of friendly affection. “I’ll join if you just tell me when and where and my schedule works with it. I barely know anyone in the negaverse right now, it would be better to learn who more of my fellow agents are.” He replied, looking forward to the possible get-together.
“You can show him the news, from here, it does make the news fairly often. So long as you provide him what information you can without outing yourself or hinting you know more than any normal person. Do what you must to keep him safe but also keep your position safe as well.” He offered as he went and removed his cape, gloved fingers moving with ease to undo the clasps holding it in place. Shifting he moved to use his cape as something to sit on, he didn’t need so many layers honestly.
“I will try to do what I can. I cannot promise a lot but I will let the rest of my team know, or you can when you meet them. That will be several members. I will also see if I cannot speak to a few others I know. I cannot guarantee anything but I will do my best. I do not wish my officers any pain or suffering.” He wanted the best for his officers, so they could be their best and serve to the best of their ability.
“Let me know your schedule and I’ll get the schedules of the others. I’ll manage to fit it in so everyone is able to come. I believe I have…”Pausing to think, ticking off names on his fingers - mumbling names...Huntite, Hudson (which was not an officer name but a civilian name), Hatsya, Valeria, Witherite...and a few others.
“I’ll do my best to set a good time for everyone. I think it’s best if you all meet. It will be someone who you can train with, and work with in a battle...someone to have your back. I want to encourage a sense of unity amongst my team.” It was long overdue. He would work toward that now and focus on team building...making them feel like a family as much as he could.
Arseno knew that his general couldn’t promise full protection for his brother but it certainly put himself at ease. He gave a small nod. “Whatever you can do, I’ll be grateful for it. I’ll try to warn him about what’s going on as much as I can. I just hope he isn’t attacked by a Youma or something where I can’t get to him in time.” Though he hadn’t seen many youma running around the city himself, so he wasn’t too worried about them, even if he himself had been randomly attacked.
However he now knew the routes to take to avoid the places more populated by youma and agents and he could convince his brother to avoid those areas. Jason wouldn’t question him. “I should be available on Friday nights and the weekends, I just can’t stay up too late. I’m really not a night person. But I’ll text you my schedule or something when you are thinking about doing it. I should mostly be free though.” He hoped he could make a few more acquaintances with the get-together. He hadn’t met anyone whom Benitoite had names, so they would all be new to him.
Feeling better, he stretched his arms a bit. “Thanks for the talk, I… needed it. I’ll make sure to talk to my brother about all of this.” He said, slowly standing up, his legs feeling a little stiff after sitting in such a position. He looked around a bit and then back to Benitoite. “I still need to steal some energy. If you want to come with me you can?” He wasn’t sure if the general would join him, and even if he didn’t he would go out and take some anyway. His mind was less muddled and he would definitely find a target now.
“It’s not a problem.” Nodding his head once to the other. “I don’t know what to say about youma, the only thing I can say is hope that he will use something near by as a weapon. Perhaps tell him to carry a small thing of pepper spray. I don’t know if it will work against a youma but it would help against others.” It was the best he could say, he wanted to offer the best options to the other. Anything in order to help Arseno help his brother, to keep him safe.
“I’ll keep that in mind and make sure it’s early. Maybe around dinner time so it’s something of a dinner party?” He wanted to make sure the idea was ok with the other, since he had a sibling living with him. He’d fit the time in for everyone - he would make it work. Benitoite wanted to get his officers together, they needed it as much as he felt he himself needed it.
“Alright, text me the information and I’ll get the info from the others and figure it out. If nothing else it’ll wind up a late night dinner party or something similar.” He had a feeling that the moment he mentioned this idea to his cousin the elder Evans would be excited and offering to bake for it, seeing as he himself would cook for it. His kitchen would be put to good use, though it was seeing more use since his cousin had moved in.
Standing as well, stretching, he nodded his head as he looked up at the taller male. “I’m glad I can help. If you ever need to talk I’m free to lend an ear - it’s what I’m here for.” Slate eyes were open and sincere, he was here to help the other as much as he could, as he stared up at the other for a moment before motioning for the other to lead the way. “I should grab some energy as well so lead the way. I’ll have your back tonight.” And any other night the other needed it. This was one of his and should anyway dare try and hurt those who were his...they would find themselves seriously hurt - or dead...likely dead. He would protect his own, not that he wouldn’t keep any officer safe...his were just...more personal.
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