Welcome to Gaia! ::

Leucite had thought long and hard about the next Training Corps session. While he had been thrilled to see some of the recruits were firmly grasping the need for teamwork, he felt that perhaps the message needed a bit more of a push. Granted, he could not blame them. The Negaverse tended to breed an almost insular attitude at times, and even Leucite found himself patrolling alone more times than not. Not that patrolling was something that was excessively required of him now that he was a General, but he was not a leader who would order subordinates to do things and not be willing to do it himself.

To that end, he had come up with what he felt was the ultimate plan, and so, he had sent out the messages to all of the attending Training Corps Members.

“The next meeting of the Training Corps will be a field exercise. You are all to gather at the Hall of Shadows this Friday, at 7 pm. I will provide more details then. Do not be late.”

Leucite had of course, arrived early - Two hours early in fact. He had taken the liberty of also bringing along several backpacks, more than enough he hoped for all of the attendees when they arrived. He had already called Iudicael, to his side. They were about to enter the Rift, and what better companion for the trip than one of its many denizens?

Turning himself, and ordering Iudicael to sit, Leucite faced the walkway leading to the entrance to the hall that now stood at his back, and waited for his recruits to show up.

Seraphinite didn't always show up to these classes--but he did always damn well make sure to alert Leucite when he couldn't, and did make sure his a** was at the training outside Negaspace as Jericho at least.

Now the youth entered soundlessly as was possible for one of his stature and weight, taking in the view of the Hall of Shadows with careful skepticism. Youma were not a favorite thing of his, and the prospect of delving into their domain--yes, their domain, he wasn't about to be stupid enough to assume it would every be anything but that--put him on edge.

He arrived a few minutes before the appointed time, not wanting to take the chance of being late of all things, and wasn't surprised to find another was already present along with Leucite--and his personal youma. And packs. What, were they going camping down here?

Seeing the other Lieutenant go down on the knee in front of Leucite made Seraphinite's brows snap together, a deep frown marring his face before his expression smoothed back over into its regular resting ticked off expression. Bowing at the waist instead, he greeted Leucite with a... well. What he considered to be a much more appropriate greeting. "General."

And that was it, just like that he straightened and crossed his arms loosely, waiting for the next instructions, the next info. Only to find himself soon half-assaulted by a damn pixie. "Get off me."


---


"Oh you're no fun today." The chipper and snickering comment came from a nearly giggling girl in a dark brown and bright pink uniform, complete with tassel hanging from her ears and at her shoulders. Spectrolite had all but ran down the portion of the Hall of Shadows--not really run, but well. Her heels had gone clack clack clack pretty fast for a walk. Right before she tossed her arms around the upper arm of the other Lieutenant in green, because he was the only one of her rank whom was familiar.

And it was really fun to poke the bear getting close to two feet taller than her.

Removing herself from Seraphinite's immediate space, she faced Leucite--the other familiar person, but definitely not her rank--and bowed deeply, her voice losing it's laughter as she addressed him. "Sorry if I'm late, General Leucite."

Spectrolite was new. Ish. She'd barely been active for a month as a new agent, but she was excited to be there. Her bright blue eyes darted around the Hall, taking in everything she could, a million questions popping into her brain and it took a lot to not spout them off. Especially when she saw the bags. And the youma. The desire to pet it was immense and almost physically hurt. It was a monster hound. Those were her favorite creatures. In stories. This was real and right there. But she restrained herself by standing straight and locking her arms behind her back in a pose she'd seen soldiers take on TV. Kept her from bouncing around at least and definitely kept her from inching closer to offer her hand for the youma to sniff.

But didn't keep her from constantly flicking her eyes towards it.

"Were we supposed to kneel like that? You should know better than to set bad examples for newbies." Though her question and semi-jab was directed up at Seraphinite--whom sent her a rather exasperated look, that she didn't remotely acknowledge for what it was--her voice likely carried a little.

The clicking of heels had accompanied her arrival, while trailing behind her was long pink hair, Valeria's eyes scanning the area and taking in the few other officers here before moving on to the backpacks and then the youma. That...she wanted to keep away from. She had heard from Benitoite that youma did not like corrupted senshi, something which made her uncomfortable and wonder if that was some sign that she and other corrupted senshi shouldn't be here - in the negaverse. She had no intentions of leaving, at least none at the moment, but it made her feel unwelcome if the youma didn't want her around. Some of them, from what she knew, weren't the most intelligent things and yet they didn't like corrupted senshi and where a threat to those like herself.

She was, thankfully, early in arriving and was able to find a place to stand and wait to find out just why they were here and what tonights plan was.

Hadn't he mentioned something about youma and going into their domain? Somewhere between the notice on the meeting, and what it pertained to, and now she had forgotten that and the reason was likely all the baby sitting she'd done. It wasn't just baby sitting but cooking for the younger members of her family, taking them out to Christmas shop for their parents and other elder family members. She was good with tending to the herd of children in her family, very good, but it still effected her and not remembering the details here was a result of all the childcare she provided for her family.

Watching the others arrive and interacted she silently stood there, nervous, as she looked from the General's youma to the entrance to the Rift all the while hoping she could keep close to the General in the hopes he would assure her safety by his presence.

Moving some of her long hair from her face she glanced about. Would any other corrupted, like herself, turn up? Would she be the only one in a senshi's uniform here tonight? She really wished she wasn't, she wished she was close to the others who served chaos and yet wore the uniform of a senshi.

(Open for interactions.)

As Stibnite spoke, Leucite finished his mental coundown of the time, and decided that this would do. He assessed the assembled, and his assessment was similar to Stibnites. A Smaller group would ensure that there were less stragglers to have to round up. Less potential for someone to get lost or separated or... taken.

This was a risky venture on a good day with trained people. Leucite had once spent a week in the Rift. It had been a wonderfully transformative experience - but it had worn him down, and his recovery had taken some time. The last thing he wanted was to lose an unprepared Lieutenant to the wilderness. The corrupt was also going to be an issue, but Leucite was certain between Stibnite and himself they'd be able to get her through without too much trauma... probably.

Raspite's bow had not gone unnoticed. Clearing his throat, expecially when he caught Spectrolite's remarks, he looked down at the Lieutenant. "Raspite, you know me well enough to know that I do not need such a show of loyalty... Reserve such things for the General-Sovereigns, or Metallia." He continued. "I am an officer same as you, I hold no sovereign title, a simple salute will do."

Seraphinte got a nod in reply. "It is good to see you finally make it to an actual class, Seraphinite... Here I was worried I would be tutoring you solo until your promotion." There was no humor in his voice, even though the word implied the intent. No, Seraphinite needed to learn that he could not go this alone. It was good to see him come to a class, even if it was one of the more dangerous ones.

His gaze then fell on Spectorlite. He had recruited her because she had been easy to do so. A potentially blank canvas to paint as he would. A blank clay block which to hopefully mold and temper to its true potential. His concern now though, was her complete seeming lack of fear, or maybe respect, toward his youma. They were about to enter the very place where youma walked free of any control, The girl needed to learn - and quickly - that youma were not mere trifles.

"Spectrolite," His voice keeping the same hurmorless tone. "Do youma interest you?" He asked, the query kept open. "We are about to enter their domain. I would advise you to keep your eyes open... but your hands to your task."

He said no more as he turned his attention next to Lopezite, who he was glad to see had learned their lesson from before. "Ah, good to you make it on time." He said with a nod. "It is heartening to see that tardiness is not a habit you wish to make."

With that, his gaze fell on the last arrival, the corrupted sesnhi with her long pink hair, Valeria. She would be the truly difficult part of this venture. Had it just been officers, he would have been a bit more hopeful about their expedition. But with the senshi? Well... He did enjoy a challenge.

"Thank you for joining us, Valeria. I know that you have probably been warned that youma are not fond of senshi - corrupt or otherwise - but I can assure you that anything you have been told pales to the reality." It was his will alone that kept Iudicael from attacking the senshi even now. But Lecuite had long subjugated the youma, and Iudicael's loyalty was absolute.

"Now then, each of you gather a pack. Inside of it you will find a pickhammer. Today's Field Exercise is going to be gathering Rift crystals. We will then bring these back to Negaspace - and use them in the construction of ornaments that we will sell during the Christmas season. The proceeds will of course go into the Negaverse funds, as will the energy the ornaments will collect for us from unsuspecting shoppers."

It was a solid plan, one that Lecuite was quite proud of. Even if it rankled him a bit to use his favorite holiday to glean energy for the Negaverse, he had decided that such things could simply not get in the way of progress.

"Now then, everyone, follow myself and Captain Stibnite... Stay away from the walls - especially you Valeria - if you are grabbed by the guardians of the hall... I'm afraid there is no saving you."

With that, he began his march through the archway, leaving the bags for the assembled to pick up and carry with them. He continued through the hallway, not stopping until he was on the other side, inside the wide, cavernous expanse of the Rift.

And there he waited for the other to assemble. Watching as they made their way down the Hall of Shadows.

Knowing the General held the same...worry? Or at least concern as she did made her feel both more worried and also safer in some sort of odd mix. The fact he'd told her that what she had been told would pale in comparrison to the truth was...scary and worrisome for the corrupted senshi. But knowing he knew the risks and was not telling her to leave - to return home assured that he felt he could keep her safe. She didn't think this General the sort to put her at such risk if he didn't think himself capable of keeping her safe.

Nodding her head to his words, to show she both had heard him and understood what he was saying. "I had been told...and I will keep away from the walls." She really did not wish to find out what the actual truth was, what horror she as a senshi would face. She knew that she was corrupted, so did the youma no doubt, but the youma wouldn't care about her status. They only cared about the uniform she wore now...and the uniform someone had worn in the past and that her starseed still said senshi - chaos infused or not.

"I was told they do not like cats either, even ours. It is true - yes?" She had heard it but wished to confirm it. Would a youma also harm one of the guardian cats...and was it due to their size or because they had once served order as well? "Is it for the same reason as myself or because they are an easy target? I assume for the same reason." As the instructions for the evening were given she went to collect a pack for herself, ever observant as pink eyes kept flickering to the youma at the General's side. She had no doubt he could, and was, controlling it but it was best to keep her eyes on the youma anyway. She would have to be alert and on guard the whole of this trip and she knew it - it was a test for herself.

"Would it be best if I stand nearer to you General? As I've heard the higher in rank the more control one has over the youma? Or somewhere in the middle of the group?" In order to keep as safe as possible. She wished to know what was best for her and for the group as a whole. If there was a place that was best, or anything else she should know, she would appreciate it. She didn't want to make this harder then possible, or put more of a risk on those around her.

The faintest amused smirk flitted across his lips, barely more than a crook at the corners of his mouth, before Seraphinite's expression smoothed over once more. It wasn't that he intentionally was missing all the classes. He wasn't finding the smoothest time balancing his civilian life with the quotas set by the Negaverse, never mind anything beyond that. An aspect he aimed to change soon, to be sure.

He said nothing to the General's remarks though, only nodded his head a little in acknowledgement. It took a large bit of restraint though to not send a glare towards the kid beside him though at the commentary towards her. And then restrain himself from making visible movements away from the corrupt senshi that had joined them. He stayed still, keeping the outward signs of his displeasure at this development hidden. It didn't matter to him if senshi were viewed as helpful assets to the Negaverse. A senshi was a senshi in his book--and not to be trusted. The scars on his chest from the last time he and Jet had encountered that White Moon and Dark Mirror senshi were only the most recent reminders to why their lot weren't meant to be allies.

He focused on the instructions given by Leucite, a brow lifting once only at the eventual use of the crystals. It felt... peculiar to use this particular holiday season for obtaining energy for the Negaverse, but really... The sensation was shrugged off quickly enough, pushed to the side for a moment as he simply made the decision to ask a few questions on the plan.

Soon as he grabbed a pack and started to follow the General and Captain, his long legs made it easy to catch up to Leucite. "General, a question concerning the ornaments?" Waiting until he had the permission, he made it quick and to the point. "Will these ornaments have a limit to how much energy they can collect to prevent draining someone to the point of incapacitation or death?" His concern was blatantly that. But if the ornaments were not an extreme risk--that is, on a wider scale, accidents always could happen--then his qualms were nullified. The Negaverse needed energy, and the funds would be of use. "I can't imagine numerous deaths connected to a fundraiser would lead to a promising reputation for future endeavors," he added, in perhaps his first show of grim, dry humor. Or. Any humor, on that note.


---


If anyone had any negative responses towards her behavior, they were ignored blatantly by the bright-eyed lieutenant. Well. Almost all of them. The look from Raspite in their general direction got a shrug and an amused, suppressed smile marked by pursed lips from Spectrolite. What? Hey, she was just asking... She was new. For all she knew, it was the common practice--but the General's words made it clear such was not the case. Problem solved!

Which speaking of the General's words... Her attention snapped forward immediately, the smile vanishing as she listened to the directed commentary towards her. "Yes, sir," she answered automatically when questioned, before her teeth clicked shut and she listened to his um... advising orders.

It was really hard to not point out that maybe some people learned better with a more hands-on approach... but as brazen as she was, even Spectrolite had some sense of when to keep her trap shut. Like. Right now.

Instead she listened to each of the comments made towards those in their small group, giving a particular look of interest at the lone senshi in their midst. So did that mean they had youma-bait with them? There were some really fun pros with that... and some not so fun cons. And some fun cons. But that depended on your relative view of the situation.

Quickly snatching up a bag of her own when prompted, Spectrolite didn't linger in the Hall. Even as her eyes zapped around, taking in every detail she could, as quickly as she could. Slowly, she made her way up towards where Leucite was, waiting till the General wasn't speaking to anyone else before piping up again. "General Leucite, is it really so bad I think youma are cool? I get they're dangerous and could way too easily rip me up, but it's possible to restrain them, isn't it? At least to a degree? Has the limit to how far a youma could be restrained, even tamed, ever been pushed? Like, numbers at a time, or even to what they could be used for in the field?" They were genuine questions of someone who had way too much of an interest in kickass creatures. But they were also the questions of someone who did know the risks involved, at least from what little she'd learned of the creatures thus far.

How much had others in the Negaverse already put into learning about the youma? And where exactly could she get her hands on some of that info already gathered?

His only response to his questions being dismissed for now was a faint incline of his head. Yeah, annoyed him, but was hardly the place or position to argue. Instead he walked on in silence. He focused on the walk through the walk, his pale eyes darting from the steep incline to the area around him.

The idea of going into the caves, searching for Rift Crystals and ideally not having to fight off youma... well it was far more interesting than the other classes, he'd admit. At the mention of going in pairs, he noted with a silent groan how the damn pixie stepped closer to him--and when she spoke to the Corrupt he wanted to throttle her.

Silently, he moved off towards one of the nearby caves, trying to ignore any agent presence that might have followed him--far more interested in keeping an eye out for any youma that might have made the area home.

He took out the pick they'd each been given in their packs, and worked at some of the different crystals he found, putting them into his bag as he went. Not a bad number for the first area...

[Crystals: 6]


---


Her cheeks puffed up at being waved off, but Spectrolite at least made sure she was well out of visual range for both the General and the Captain before she let the expression slip. By the time she was no longer ducking behind the far taller, and broader, Seraphinite, her expression was excited.

The Rift was so cool! And so many crystals! If they weren't the kind to drain energy she'd ask to keep a fragment, but that was out of the question due to their properties. Sadness. Hearing the assignment, and the orders to stick with others, she made one big sidestep right on over to the only other person she knew in the group, ignoring the sudden tension in Seraphinite's body when she did. But there was the notion of the possible youma-bait around.... er. Senshi. "You can come with me if you want, miss?" Spectrolite had leaned a bit more towards the corrupt senshi, friendly smile on her face. "I'm not the best fighter or anything though, so might not be the best person to chill with down here."

Yeah no. Spectrolite had extremely little knowledge of how to even throw a punch. Her weapon was a toy and that was just hilarious to her... but hey maybe if the youma had a maw that could fit into one of her plastic rings, she could muzzle it if it got too close to the senshi..?

Soon as Seraphinite began to walk though, she skittered after him, not wanting to be separated from the one familiar face she knew. It was so cool to poke around the cave, and her eyes almost glowed themselves in her awe of the place as she set to work collecting some crystals. She found a good few, which was awesome! And they looked... so weird...

[Crystals: 6]

He kept moving through the first cave they were in, relying on touch and the dim lighting from the crystals to light his way. He kept pausing now and then to listen to the sounds echoing around, trying to pay attention to any signs a youma might be incoming.

His press forward at least got him a few more crystals, before he looked into the darkness in the cave and decided this was deep enough in this one. Best to start looking elsewhere. There were plenty of caves around the ravine...

[Crystals: 9]


---


Spectrolite yelped as she... tripped. She tripped, and huffed and hissed a bit, getting to her feet and rubbing at her knee. It was so dark in here... and after poking through her pack she confirmed that, nope, no flashlight! Ugh why??

It was with a hell of a pout on her face that she inched deeper into the cave system, not at all trusting the gloom and the limited light of the crystals to guide her. Only got a few more crystals for her trouble, and when Seraphinite began to make his way back out, she was only too happy to flee with him.

[Crystals: 8]