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Idirian chuckled softly, lacing his fingers between hers. “Yes, I had a good time,” he admitted, smiling at her. Honestly, he always had fun when he was with Noa. Her wiggling eyebrows had him smirking and thinking about when they got back to her place. “You can always ride me, beautiful,” he said with a wicked smile. It had been so long since he'd felt comfortable enough with someone to flirt and tease like this. He was happy for the first time since before his mom died, and he had Noa to thank for that.
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Hunt. Feed. Stalk.
This is what was needed tonight after being wounded by a senshi. Not enough to send them back to the rift to recover but enough that it was time to find a meal. It was late but the youma knew people would be wandering. This was the best time, the easiest targets as they stumbled drunkenly through the streets to their homes.
Black paws seemingly shifting beneath a black mist made little noise as it approached the distracted pair. Getting closer, so very close while sticking to the shadows in the alley, places where its form seemed to fade out of solidity all except for its eyes.
The fact they were close together just helped as it coiled its tail and lashed out at the pair, seeking to grapple one or both. If one got away that was better, it could hunt and have a bit of fun. It was better that way even if the gash in its side still ached.
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Well that got her to blush a bit.
“That's not what I was talking about Idri!” Noa snorted anyway. “Piggy back rides are definitely rated G for general audiences and lemme tell you, riding you is not a rated G activity sir. Think of the children! Good lord grandmas would be clutching their pearls!” Especially if…Well she's not going to go there about piercings. Either way, she could see that they were almost to where her apartment would be, no she wasn't excited for very adult reasons…Not at all. So imagine her surprise when she heard what sounded like a whip before she was grabbed by the ankle and dragged backwards. “What the ********?! IDRIIIII!!!” Okay so nevermind the fact that she was about to be flashing whatever was grabbing and dragging her into the pits of hell [or so she assumed], just what the ******** would do such a---
Noa looked back and screamed her head off, forcefully tugging her ankle back to get away from the creature that looked like it would fit well in the Aliens universe. There was definitely a hentai for this that she did NOT want to be a part of, especially since the creature looked like it was going to eat her as soon as she got close.
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Idirian couldn’t help but snicker at the blush on her face. He loved making her blush. “I know what you meant,” he laughed softly at her description of grandmas clutching their pearls. She wasn’t wrong, considering his…additions. He was almost tempted to just scoop her up and run to her apartment, but before he could act on the impulse she was gone. “NOA!” he yelled, turning and running toward whatever the ******** that thing was that had his girlfriend. It definitely wasn’t anything he’d seen outside of a horror movie, but he wasn’t about to let it eat Noa.
He looked around for anything he could turn into a makeshift weapon, spotting a pipe half hidden under some garbage. Grabbing it, he ran toward where it had a hold of Noa and struck at the limb that held her ankle. “Let go, you b*****d!”
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Running his thumb over that coin in his pocket, the one that hid his rank and allowed him the peace of wandering and being underestimated, Chalcanthite was out only to settle some things throughout the city. He needed to set up some dead drop areas for the upcoming holiday, places with supplies if any of his time were caught out by that unaligned magic that plagued the city in fall and winter. He’d been about to move some bricks to place a first aid kit behind them, ones that were marked with clear paint that would glow under a black light when he heard the yelling.
He didn’t feel any order members nearby, nor any senshi but he could tell there was a youma nearby. While he liked his own well enough, he hated when some of them sought to cull the herd as it were. Moving quickly, calling for his own youma so he could have access to a better weapon for this, the weapon that came wasn’t a bow this time but that rapier.
“I think you should go back to the Rift, there are better times and places for things such as this.” All it took was a quick slice and the tail that had grabbed the woman was severed, a soft ring coming from the crystals on the rapier as he held it pointed at the youma’s core. Pulling the coin from his pocket he dismissed it to the rift so they would be able to tell he was a General in case he hadn’t gotten his point across before.
“I need not ask again I would hope? You would do better to find someone to work with if you wish to cause trouble. I expect better.” Giving them a cold look, not hesitating as he stood his ground and towered over the thing as it tried to back towards the shadows. “No I think not, time to go.” With another quick flourish, the youma was dusted and he sent his rapier away before turning to look at the pair.
“Are you quite alright? Both of you?” Keeping a bit of distance as he looked at the pipe, he would rather not have to explain to his fiancé why he had bruises if the man decided to turn it against him.
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Noa was petrified. But that aside, she watched as some tall dude came by and just straight up sliced the thing holding her. The small woman didn't waste time scrabbling to get up and making her way towards Idirian with a quickness, especially in the heels she was wearing. She looked up at the stranger[why was everyone taller than her?] with a bit of a frown, tilting her head to the side. “T-Thank you…Uhhh just…What was that?” Before she could hear his answer, something caught her eye. A small little pocket watch. How peculiar….Her legs started moving before she could register what she was doing, the watch calling her somehow. All she needed to do was touch it. Noa didn't question how that popped into her head, but she would roll with it.
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Idirian didn’t back up when the man came right up to the creature and sliced the thing holding onto Noa. When she was free, he caught her in his free arm and turned them so she was mostly behind him. Strangers always made Idirian wary, and this situation was already freaking him out. The guy was so calm in the face of the creature, using a weapon that felt so out of place to turn it into dust. Just what the hell was going on? He’d lived in this city his entire life and never once had he encountered something like this.
He let Noa ask the questions while he stood ready with the pipe gripped in his fist. And then she started walking off. “Noa?” he asked, trying to keep an eye on her and the other man at the same time. “What is going on?” he asked, anger and confusion coloring his voice.
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Keeping his hands visible Chalcanthite had an idea of what might have almost just happened and was quite glad the man had stopped her. Idri sounded like a nickname so he wasn’t about to assume that would be something he could call them. It made things rough but after taking a moment to figure out a proper order, he did finally start to explain.
“A youma, something that goes after people. Normally they tend to work alongside others but sometimes they get off their leashes so to speak and need a bit of discipline.” They were supposed to listen and follow orders and he found it bothersome when they didn’t do as they were told. “I would say you are in the clear but…” Trailing off as he eyed where the woman had almost walked over to, he then returned his attention to the taller of the pair.
“There are things in this city, well this world overall but either way it takes a special bit of power to manage them. Things that lurk out of the corner of your eye or even invaders of a sort but mainly I do believe that you both are in need of a bit of assistance.”
“While I would refrain from assuming names I would for now like to ask if you both would appreciate a bit more safety in this city? Something to help, a bit of power as it were to stand against the things that go bump in the night.” Paint that picture, one of heroism and protection, one that he liked to hear as it made the rest go down easier sometimes.
“I would prefer not to get hit with that pipe and I will say that it may not be as effective against things as you think it might be. So if you would, put that down by your feet so we can continue to chat without that unpleasantness?” Keeping his posture as non-threatening as he could, he found himself running his thumb against the inside of his engagement ring just in case. He could get Liam to come in as backup if needed, there were more than a few mirrors on this route of his but he doubted it would be fast enough. But that was something to think about if they decided not to cooperate. He could tell they were young, at least the woman was, maybe a college student or freshly out of it? Seeing someone like that getting harmed always bothered him even if they weren’t one of his students.
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“Huh?”
Noa blinked, looking away from the shiny pocket watch that was calling to her. Clearly her boyfriend needed her and that is where she should be, not trying to touch something that she has no clue about. She walked over to Idirian’s side, but her eyes kept eyeing the pocket watch. She tried to listen as the tall male in blue started to explain things to them. A youma? Is that what that monster was? WAIT WHAT? You could have those things as PETS?! That would be so bad a**! Sign her up really, especially if it meant she would be able to protect herself from things like that creature from earlier. Her eyes started to wander back over to the watch again really wanting to see what it was about. But she had to pay attention, Idri looked like he was ready to beat the poor man over the head so perhaps she should stop that first?
Placing her hand on his arm, Noa looked up at Idirian, “I don't think he's going to kill us after saving us….Maybe we should see what he means by power?” Hell, she knew she was curious. To be honest, the dude reminded her of someone from prim and proper roots or something fancy like that. “Well….For starters, thank you. I'm Noa, the big guy over here is Idirian…” She gave the taller stranger a soft smile, “What do you mean by power?”
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Nothing the man said made sense. Youma? Creatures like that just roamed free? Not free, he supposed if they were supposed to follow orders, but… People here owned those things? They definitely couldn’t be on the legal pet list. He spoke of power, something that had always appealed to him considering what his life was like after his mother died. And Ainsley… With power that was capable of controlling monsters like that one, he could protect Noa and his sister better. The notion had definitely piqued his interest.
Noa’s light touch on his arm had him relaxing a little bit. She made sense. The creature was gone and this guy, whoever he was, didn’t seem like the type to turn into a murderer. Still, Idirian wasn’t ready to toss the pipe too far away. He dropped it to the ground near his feet, close enough that he could pick it up again if something were to happen.
Noa, on the other hand, seemed excited by the prospect of having that type of power, and admittedly he was interested, too. “You know our names, what’s yours? And who are you to offer power like that?” Curious yes, but he wasn’t able to just take what was being offered without some kind of information.
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“Of course, what kind of madman do you take me for? There are enough people out here with that sort of intent that I tend to avoid. I prefer a pleasant conversation and to facilitate that you may call me Chal, it is short for Chalcanthite but I understand that is a bit much for some.” Watching as the pipe fell he relaxed a bit internally and gave a slight bow.
“The power to defend each other, to keep people safe from creatures, the youma, or the unaligned ones which are much less agreeable. At least a youma can be sent back and put in a sort of time out, it becomes increasingly difficult when the horror you find yourself faced with has no allegiance either way.” He knew the reports of the odd sightings and warnings to avoid areas had gone out during the summer, they explained things away as maintenance or construction but once you looked closer it was easier to see that something else was going on.
“I have one of my own, though for the moment my Voce is resting after I borrowed a bit of their power to use that blade. But… one moment, I would prefer not to have anyone else swarming and interrupting.” With a flick of his wrist, he pulled that coin back out from subspace and smiled, running his thumb over the engravings and glad that that habit of his hadn’t worn the thing down by now.
“Much better. Now my qualifications would be eleven years of experience and the rank of a General. I do have a few working under me as well, in fact, I was out setting up some additional support infrastructure when I heard the trouble that you two were in.” Taking a closer look at Idirian he could have sworn he had seen them somewhere, or at least heard the name from his sister who managed to stick her nose into everyone’s business in high society.
“I can and will answer any questions if you would like. I do recommend a better venue though, an alley really is a far cry from a proper place to have an important conversation. But where that venue is I will leave up to you, it can be anywhere in the city within reason.” Teleporting two people wasn’t terribly difficult anymore but he knew that if he brought both of them in tonight he would probably be down for a few days with exhaustion. Liam would worry but he knew they would understand his reasoning.
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This was all new to Noa and she didn't quite understand what this Chalcanth…..Chal person was talking about. He said several things that made absolutely no sense at all. The power thing was just about all that she could understand for now but… “What do you mean by ranks? Is this some weird special ops military that the public doesn't know about?” As for places to go…Welll…..They could just go to her apartment. It's not like it was super far away or anything. “We could go to my apartment. It's around the corner here and we were heading there before the thing we won't talk about happened.” That and she was sure giving Idri a massage while they discussed things would help relax the atmosphere.
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Chalcanthite. That was a name he couldn’t say he had ever heard before. He had one of those creatures - a youma? - of his own? He was still trying to wrap his mind around that when Noa asked the next question he’d had on his mind. Were there military or paramilitary operations based here? If so, he’d had no idea. Then again, that wasn’t really a stretch considering he was something of a hermit. If not for his sister and Noa, he probably would just hole up somewhere and retreat from society.
Speaking of Noa, his way-too-trusting girlfriend just offered up her apartment for this conversation that Chal had suggested. Okay, so the man had saved them from the youma, but it didn’t mean they needed to immediately place their trust in him. He rubbed a hand over his face and sighed. The idea of a power that would help him protect Ainsley was too good to pass up, though. “Okay,” he said, trying to relax a bit more. “Let’s go.”
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She wasn’t wrong but he never really thought of it that way, not exactly at least. “In a way yes though I prefer to explain in a more private setting. I will follow you both though with it being your domicile I may recommend the meeting being brief as to not compromise your location?” He didn’t have Desiree here to hide his signature completely and he wasn’t sure if powering down would be a good idea in case they didn’t take his offer. Noa seemed on board but he couldn’t risk things if Idirian wasn’t going to go along as well.
“I will say yes there are ranks and much as a military is outlined in the history books, there are branches that refrain from battle just as there are ones who thrive in it.” Leaving them both to decide which side he sat on, he followed along and kept feeling for if any order signatures blipped up nearby. Strategically moving to where Noa had been looking, he wanted to further dissuade any ideas of becoming a knight. It was more than he wanted to deal with because it would complicate things immensely.
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“Welp right this way then~”
The walk to her apartment wasn't terribly long, so when they were at her door she quickly opened it up to let them all in. “Chal would you like anything to drink? Tea? Or something in particular? Idri?” She was already making her way to her kitchen to grab herself a fruit juice.
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“I'll take a tea,” Idirian said as he followed Noa into her apartment. He paced in her living room, gesturing for Chal to have a seat if he liked. Idirian would stay standing during this conversation, mostly because he didn't trust people to begin with. He waited until Noa came into the living room to speak. “So, can you explain exactly what this power you're offering is?” He didn't quite understand yet and felt that Chal had been seriously vague before.
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Following while keeping a feel out for things, he waited until they were inside before contemplating his options. It was risky to stay powered up while here but on the other hand if either of these two went to DCU or knew of the higher-status social circles they would know who he was when it came to his civilian life which could complicate things if they decided not to agree. Looking between the two, he was starting to get the feeling that if Noa was convinced, it would work out so with a sigh he pulled a few notebooks from subspace before powering down.
“Tea, with two cubes of sugar if possible?” Looking around the apartment, he saw that it was really small compared to both of his homes. It made it more likely they might not recognize him but just in case he tucked the pin from his coat inside his breastpocket for now.
“Yes, of course.” Flipping one of the notebooks open on the table in front of him, it had sketches done in painstaking detail of some youma and weapons that he’d witnessed over the years. Just a small snippet of things from those who were long since dead and gone. Even if things didn’t pan out there wouldn’t be any repercussions from sharing the deceased’s information. “Both youma, the monster you saw before, and weapons become available to you both. A perk that comes with taking my offer is that you also get a true boost of power as well in a more literal sense. You find it easier to move, that you can lift things you may not have been able to before, and then as you progress you will have the ability to teleport which will allow you both to stay out of harm’s way.” It was something he was very happy with, even if it did mean he neglected the idea of ever going to the gym or needing to, god forbid, run from something.
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Noa tried not to roll her eyes at Idri’s pacing but figured it made sense to him. Sure she could do with more caution but if this guy really wanted to hurt them he would’ve let the….Youma creature get her and Idri both. She walked around the corner to her kitchen to make tea for Chal and Idri, placing two scoops of sugar in instead of cubes because sadly she wasn't fancy like that. Coming back with green tea, she placed one cup in front of Chal and gave another to Idri, sitting down on her couch.
However, that was when she noticed…Chal looked different.
Squinting, she tried to pay attention to what he was saying, but the fact that he looked so damned familiar was starting to get to her. Wait…. “Professor Sharp?” OH! That's why she recognized him! He was the music teacher at DCU! She used to go to his concerts all the time! “You're a part of this stuff?! That's actually really cool!” Yeah sure she could gain power and what not but the fact that even professors are a part of this?! “Idri, Professor Sharp is amazing and so cool! I used to go to his concerts at DCU all the time!” She had no talent with a musical instrument but that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy herself and the music.
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“Thanks,” he murmured as he took the cup of tea from Noa, turning to face the couch as she sat on it. Something was different about the man they had brought into Noa’s home, he almost looked like a completely different person. And apparently he was, because Noa recognized him. He felt a little better, if he was who Noa said he was. A DCU professor wouldn’t be involved in anything that was actually evil, right? Regardless, Idri would do a lot to be able to protect the ones he loved.
Coming closer, Idri crouched down to look at the sketches Chal - Professor Sharp? - had displayed on the coffee table. The things he was saying sounded too good to be true. They would get their own youma and weapons? Not to mention a boost of power and eventually teleportation. He couldn’t deny that he wanted it, all of it. His gaze shifted to Noa while he sipped his tea. He wanted to know what she thought before he dove in headfirst.
Although, knowing his girlfriend, she would likely be doing the diving and he would follow.
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Taking the cup, he swirled it slightly to disperse the sugar a bit better before taking a sip. It wasn’t terrible but maybe something that could use a bit of honey or cream to balance it out. Hearing his name, just slightly mispronounced, had his finger twitching slightly as he held the cup. It was just for a moment as he internally sighed and then looked her over one more time. It seemed that he’d be correct in his assumption of her being a graduate but it was hard for him to remember everyone in the crowd when he performed. But even if it was slightly bothersome to be recognized, he knew it would work in this instance.
“Yes, since I was a sophomore at DCU.” He’d managed undergrad and his master's program all while juggling various responsibilities for the Negaverse. “I find it regrettable that some students or innocent bystanders get bothered by things of the magical variety. The events that unfolded tonight have happened before and I always offer help when I can to those who need it. I would prefer though, given my reputation and social standing, that you keep things underwraps? It would be dreadful if rumors came out about me that may be taken the wrong way.”
Flipping one of the pages, noticing that Idri was looking at them, Aloysius was careful to not let any other pages turn. The page showed images of various minerals and crystals with scrawled notes about their properties. A code of his where each mineral was related to one of the Generals he knew now and had known that were no longer around. “I will say that giving you both power can sting and I have to do it one at a time if you accept. I have a gentle hand but that does not mean that power is painless.” Keeping his tone professional but a bit softer, he didn’t like hurting those he brought in but it was unfortunately part of the process.
“I would also continue to assist and help you both in the future so it would not be a case of me bringing you both in to then just vanish and leave you both without guidance or instruction.” Looking between them both, he settled back into the back of the couch and sipped his tea some more.
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Strangely enough, Noa felt a bit….Not offended at how proper Mr. Sharp was but maybe a bit off? Like she needed to sit straighter if she was in a chair or something. Unknowingly, Noa did in fact sit up straighter. But now she was even more curious. “My lips are sealed.” Unless he was on some criminal s**t and then she would be sending an anonymous report. When the tall man mentioned that giving power can sting, Noa leaned in, “Sting? What do you mean by that?” Anyways… Her mind was already made up, “I….I want to do it~ Can I be first?!” She was strangely excited about this and did not know why.
Sure she heard the bit about continuing to assist them….Whatever he meant by that. Less talking, more power giving is what she says. After she goes then Idri would go and then everything would be fine! They would have power and can kick a** and take names.
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Idirian nodded in agreement with Noa. “I won’t tell either.” Especially considering they would expect him to keep their secret as well. When the other man turned the page, Idirian glanced down to view the minerals and Sharp’s notes on them. “So you’re Professor Sharp by day and Chalcanthite by night?” he asked, curious about the name and visual changes that seemed to come with this power he offered. “Will we get different names, too?” Did it have something to do with the minerals in Sharp’s sketchbook?
Well, he had been expecting Noa to want to go first. He didn’t like it but by now he had learned to pick his battles with her. Arguing over who went first was only going to piss both of them off and probably annoy Sharp. The pain of receiving power didn’t bother him; he was used to pain. At least he wouldn’t abandon them once he gave them the power. It was nice to know they would still be able to ask him questions after this. “I don’t like it, but Noa can go first. Then I’ll go.”
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“Good good, I appreciate the discretion.” Relaxing a bit more as he finished his tea and set the cup down, he then looked down at the notebook once more before closing it. He had an inkling already of two mineral names that might work for them but he would wait until he got to see what their uniforms ended up as before solidifying that.
“Yes Aloysius Sharp, but day and night are not quite right. It is… more fluid than that, especially if you ask my students who submit homework at 3am and find a response from me shortly after.” It was just how he was, both sides happened when they did and he managed both sets of responsibilities in and out of uniform. It was a requirement in his opinion but not something everyone handled the same way.
“Yes different names, my General offered my name up and I can provide one for each of you. Mineralogy has become a hobby of mine over the years.” Standing up again and smoothing down his clothing to prevent creases or wrinkles, he took a look around once more just in case.
“It will sting because I will, in essence, be providing a spark of energy to your starseed.” Looking at Idrian specifically because he had a feeling they might get physical if Noa didn’t handle it well. “I will ask if you both remain calm and quiet, I would rather not do this in your home and in the future I can provide a better area to meet that will not compromise either of you. Also… keep in mind that I am not doing this with the intention to cause harm, I have done this before and everyone experiences this process differently.”
Taking a slow breath, he powered back up and pulled the coin from his pocket. An extra measure to keep his signature stunted so that he could move about with less attention being drawn to him. At least for now, he didn’t feel any order signatures nearby which was a relief.
Stepping around the coffee table slowly, he stood near Noa. “Whenever you are ready, I can begin.”
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So she would get a new name?
Noa thought that all this stuff was fascinating, and she couldn't wait to get started!
Moving to face Sharp who is now known as Chal, Noa looked up with a smile and a twinkle in her green eyes. “I am so ready~” What was a little gain without pain? She’s handled worse things than whatever Chal was about to do right? Of course she wasn't about to talk about the things that she had to go through for fear of scaring the general that was going to do this to her. She winked at Chal, “Take care of me alright?~”
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Idirian could understand the fluid nature of such a thing. He listened as Sharp explained why it was going to sting, but now he had another question. He didn’t want to interrupt the process though; maybe once they had both gone through the process he would understand or would have a chance to ask. To keep himself in check, Idirian stood and took a step back with his hands in his pockets. Seeing someone he cared about in pain could be a trigger for his inner violence, but he believed that Sharp had their best interests in mind.
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Noa’s enthusiasm was nice and he hoped that she’d handle things as well as some others had. It was also reassuring that Idirian had stepped back and had their hands in their pockets. At least that would give him a second to explain before he might get a fist to the face. “Of course, I can do that for both of you.” Providing a nod and taking one more moment to clear his thoughts.
Leaning down and forward with his hand, he reached for her starseed as gently as possible. Focusing on the energy he was providing, keeping everything as mild as he could. By now it was easier for him, and not as draining, before he’d never considered two in succession but a lot had changed since he’d started bringing people in. It was only a few moments for him but he knew it might feel like an eternity for Noa. Keeping his free hand up, to remind the other not to interrupt, he wanted to make sure this went smoothly. It wasn’t something he’d had trouble with before but he wanted to avoid any added risks or mistakes when it came to people’s lives. Even when pulling his hand back out after the moment passed, he wanted her to have space in case she needed a moment.
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Noa didn't know what she was expecting, but the pain that coursed through her body was in fact…..Painful. BUT it wasn't something that she couldn't handle. Nevermind the fact that someone's hand was literally in her chest, but whatever he was doing to whatever was inside of her is what hurt the most. “O-Oooooookayyyy….” She started to take deep breaths to calm herself, trying to focus on her center and keeping calm. Last thing she needed was for Idri to become a flying missile of pain for the poor man that was only trying to make them better. A hiss left her mouth while her fists balled up, a couple of tears managed to escape down her face while she tried her hardest to keep from screaming or doing anything that would be sudden.
After Sharp pulled his hand from her chest, Noa looked down at herself, blinking at the change in her appearance. “W-Whoaa…Wholly s**t….What is this? Am I some sort of hot secretary or something?” One touch to her face told her nothing changed there, she just had on new clothing. Interesting….Welp! Noa looked at Idri and smiled, “Your turn big guy. Wasn't all that bad.”
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Idirian watched carefully, shocked as Sharp’s hand went into Noa’s chest. He could tell by the look on Noa’s face that it hurt, and that she was keeping it together to keep him calm. It was…kind of working. If it wasn’t bad enough to have her screaming then she could take it. He still didn’t like that it caused the tears on her face, but he stayed (mostly) still. He let Sharp do his thing and waited until they were done and Noa looked…different. Her clothes were different and there was something different about her.
But she looked okay. Pain-free. Okay… “That’s it?” he asked, curiously. He kept his gaze on Noa, checking for anything out of place, out of pure habit. “Let’s do it, then.”
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Hot secretary… was not something he’d heard from any of his lieutenants yet. But then again most of them had been younger, at least the ladies had been. “A uniform and then you can summon a sort of weapon though I will say at this rank it will be… not exactly what one expects when hearing the word weapon.” Standing back up fully and looking them over, he was pleased with how they’d held things together. He’d noticed the other getting a bit closer but overall it was going smoothly.
Moving closer to the other, he had to mentally ready himself again. That tiredness from bringing Noa in was already setting in. He kept it off his face for now but he knew it’d be hard after the second one. Worst case he might have to call Liam to get him but he’d figure that out after.
“I can at least promise you might not get a skirt.” Joking just slightly as he stood in front of Idirian. “It will be quick, even if it feels very much like an eternity for you.” Reaching in just as he had the other, he fed chaos into their starseed as gently as he could. The process was really starting to become second nature at this point but he still paid close attention not only to what he was doing to their starseed but to what they looked like. He wasn’t exactly sure how they’d react either but it was always a new experience to have one’s hand in your chest.
As quick as the first, he withdrew his hand. Now he felt it, the drain, and his uniform faded away as he reached for the couch to sit back down. “How do you both feel?” A bit of a wheeze came out with his words as he settled into the cushions.
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Noa was actually amazed. It was almost like she was in an anime about magical girls or something. She watched as Chal did the same thing for Idri, tilting her head with a frown. “So I get to be at least 5’5 and he gets boots to make him almost 6’6? That’s not fair! I can't catch up if Idirian keeps getting taller!” She huffed and bemoaned her future height challenges, but that was short lived when she saw Chal, now Mr. Sharp, looked a bit worse for wear. “Are you okay? Do you need anything? Water? How do I….Power down?” There was a clear look of concern on her face but she would wait to see what he said before going into mother hen mode.
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Okay, so it hadn’t just looked like Chal’s hand was in his chest, it actually was. And it ******** hurt. Either Noa had a higher pain tolerance than she let on, or she was really good at hiding it. It felt like it went on forever, but when it was over, all the pain was just… gone. Idirian blinked and looked down at himself. He could live with this. It…didn’t change his usual wardrobe at all, actually. Just looked more military.
He chuckled softly at Noa’s height complaints. He liked that he was so much taller than her. And the hot secretary look… Well, she pulled it off and looked damn good doing it. When she asked after Sharp, he turned to the other man and noticed what Noa had. He looked…tired. “I feel okay. What about you?” And…yeah, powering down would probably be a good idea.
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Taking a moment, he blinked and nodded slowly. “Quite alright, it just took a bit more out of me to handle both back to back than I had expected it might. To power up and down requires focus and will. It gets easier as you go, as will calling your weapons out.” That would be a lesson for another day though as he leaned back into the couch and really felt the tiredness settling in.
“I just need a moment to rest.” Pulling his phone out, he shot off a text to his fiance letting him know about a delay on arriving home from his patrol but that it wasn’t due to a fight or anything wrong. That done, he set his phone on the couch next to him.
“If you both are alright with it, I may have someone pick me up. They are aware of things like this so no need to worry about anything. For now, I can also provide you both my card if you need to contact me while powered down.” Shifting and reaching into his coat pocket, he pulled out two simple black business cards that had the embossed logo of his family on them above a phone number.
“I can start more official training with you both here soon and can work on answering the additional questions that I know will come up as you go.” It wouldn’t be hard, not at all, and he did like seeing couples in things together because it helped with teamwork.
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So to power down, she just needed to concentrate?
Noa took a deep breath and closed her eyes, then put all her thought into powering down. She peeked an eye open and kept herself from jumping with excitement when she saw that she was in her normal clothing. Nice! Now, for her new….Boss? Teammate? Trainer? All three? Either way, Noa took the cards, keeping one for herself and giving one to Idri. “You can totally call someone to pick you up!~” In fact, if he didn't have anyone she was not going to let him go home. She didn't care how, but Mr. Sharp would spend the night to recover and then she would send him on his way during the day when it’s safe. “That would be perfect. I cant fight but…..I know how to dance and using a rope is pretty damned easy.” all she had to do was hop on and rest the rope around their neck and………..Well….Yeah.
She snickered at Idri, looking at that hammer, “So big guy, who’s neck you breaking with that deadly hammer?” the biggest s**t eating grin was on her face while she said that, looking ever like the cheshire cat.
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Idirian watched Noa first, seeing how she sort of shimmered before she was once again Noa. Seemed easy enough. He took the card from her and looked at it. Fancy. He knew that if Sharp didn’t have a way home, he would be staying in her apartment until tomorrow, so it was good that the man had someone to come get him.
“Before you go, you mentioned new names for the two of us?” He was curious as to what minerals Sharpe had picked out for them. He couldn’t think of one that matched the odd pale yellow color of the accents in his uniform. When Noa teased him about the hammer, he snorted. “Hush, you,” he said and reached over with his hammer to smack her butt with it.
And then it squeaked. He was mortified. “Please tell me it gets better than this,” he appealed to the tired-looking man.
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Looking at the color accents on both of their uniforms brought a few options to mind as he sat there. “Saleeite for Noa, a uranium-based mineral with a greenish-yellow hue, and Polorite for Idirian as it has a pale yellow hue.” Though with it being such a small mineral he personally thought it funny to give to the tall male.
“I messaged my fiance so he will be able to pick me up in time.” Leaning back onto the couch, he yawned slightly. “My first weapon was a viola bow so I find the way it decides things to be a bit random. It will change into something more useful as you both progress. You saw my weapon so it will become something fully capable of assisting in your endeavors of keeping safe.” The squeak was new though, and had him chuckling for a moment. Brassite’s weapon had glowed in the dark and that was also a surprise so maybe something that made noise wasn’t an impossibility.
“My partner is a bit different, not an agent like the three of us but that is an explanation for a future time.”
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Just to be a tease, right when Polar smacked her behind with his hammer Noa had the idea to bend over slightly, “Oh! Squeak me harder Polar~” And then promptly died laughing for a second. She was never going to let him live that down, a rope is better than a hammer that squeaks. Once her laughing fit was over, she cleared her throat, nodding at the fact that the taller yet smaller man had messaged his other half. “Alright. I will definitely bother you about that later boss~” For now, she supposed getting ready for bed would be ideal so that way when Mr Sharp left, the both of them could go to sleep.
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“Polarite. I like it,” he said, finally focusing enough to power down. Ot felt… odd, but he liked the way the power felt. Like pure energy in his veins. He wondered if it was possible to get addicted to it. That wasn't a road he wanted to go down at all, thanks to his father and step-mother. But he was confident he would be able to use his power responsibly.
Idirian was never using this hammer, ever. He was able to relax when Sharpe explained that his weapon would progress as he did. Good. A squeaky toy hammer was not what he had been expecting at all. And then Noa, of course, had to be a smartass. He gave her a look that said she'd pay for that later before turning back to Sharp.
“Thank you,” he said, and meant it from the bottom of his soul. Even though Noa was powered up too, he felt like he'd be better able to protect her and his sister, not to mention do whatever Sharp or the people they worked for now needed him to do. It was a fair trade.
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Aloysius was…. mortified at what he saw and pulled a hand to cover his face slightly. He hoped this wouldn’t be something that would happen in public, it was one thing to happen in one’s own apartment or home. Shaking his head as he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket, there was mention of meeting at a mirror not too far and that Liam was waiting for him. It was a relief because he really was exhausted after this, more so than the other times he’d brought someone in.
“You can contact me at any time on that number but keep wording to mundane things, not that I believe my device might be tapped but it would be inconvenient to explain certain things if a student saw the message on my phone while having a meeting with me.” He was always careful, he had to be considering his position as well as how he was known over all in the public side of things.
“Tomorrow, or at least soon, I can explain more to you both but for now have a good evening.” Standing up and making sure he had everything, Aloysius moved a bit slowly but he didn’t stumble. Something he’d gained as a skill over the years of being an alcoholic. Waving back to the pair as he left through the door, he was pleased with how things turned out. “Have a good evening, rest well.” And with that he wandered down and out of the building to find Liam so he could get mirrorwalked back home because he wasn’t about to walk what might be two or three hours when he could just have his lovely fiance waltz him through a mirror.
Sara Draconia
Dragon Berri
