[Secret Training] Closed; for Constellation only

[generalgrievous]

WHO: Grievous and those in Constellation requiring training
WHERE: A secret location
WHEN: Over this week
WHAT: Grievous training the recruits in various weaponry
WARNINGS: Possible violence


Once General Grievous had been brought into the fold of the group known as Constellation, Count Dooku had tasked him with training up those recruits that needed that extra push or even a brush up of what they already knew. He had been put into a trusted position quickly due to their prior relationship and Grievous had instantly settled back into that role. It was at least not questioned while he was in his cyborg form. His loyalty there remained intact and while he may ponder that respect once he transformed, he didn't yet know the extent of the manipulation that were set upon him and for now he would continue to serve Dooku as well as he ever did in the past.

A special training area had been arranged - an open space in a secret location so that there would be no interruptions and no strangers to see or hear. He trusted the Count to arrange any details and to inform each participant where Grievous - under the code name of Mars - could be found at the appointed time.

Throughout the week, Grievous received his instructions and the appropriate weaponry to put this test and training into practice and he was ready and waiting each time. Depending on the person and weapons involved, he would make a judgement call on which of his forms would be the most suitable.

Comments

[Closed for Gemini]

[generalgrievous]

The one he knew only as Poltergeist had mentioned that they had knowledge of fighting with fists and with blades and so Grievous was here with an assortment of knives and swords of varying lengths, all laid out on a table for his opponent to pick and choose. Having had experience with swords, especially, in the past back on Kalee he had taken on his alien form for this training session.

In many ways this did feel the most comfortable form for him to be in. His original alien warrior form and that he had been born in, long before he had been turned into a cyborg. He still wore a bone-like mask - which he was unlikely to take off here - but glimpses could be seen of a reddish-orange reptilian skin, yellow eyes and a long black ponytail of hair peeking underneath the cloth wrapping that covered much of his head. The mask itself was reminiscent of the one he wore in cyborg form; as was the sweeping cloak. His claw-like hands had only four bulky, thick fingers; obviously not human.

He stood with his arms folded, awaiting his first student and not exactly certain what or who to expect. Everything so far was very secretive so he was interested to meet and see who may be in this organisation.

[stretchy_girl]

A small bird flitted through the skies, heading in an unusually straight line as Gemini sped towards her appointment. She was already running a good five minutes late, a subtle power play to make her fellow Constellation member wait for her and get impatient doing so. Angling her wings, the bird swept down to land, already shifting and changing before it's feet even hit the ground.

Gemini walked through the doors a moment later, her shape her own for a change, albeit clad in a black spandex sports bra and shorts as opposed to her usual costume. She wasn't particularly tall and neither was she heavily muscled, her slender frame as deceptive as it was shapely. Making sure the door was closed behind her she paused for a moment, blue eyes sweeping over the distinctly alien figure with interest, taking in those claw like hands, reptilian skin and the yellow eyes behind that intimidating mask. Gemini herself wasn't the slightest bit afraid, but she allowed a hint of fear to enter her body language, wariness tensing every muscle as she approached the alien figure almost hesitantly.

"If the stars are right you must be Mars?"

[generalgrievous]

"The stars are right indeed," he replied. "I am Mars."

His voice was similar to his cyborg version, except without the metallic edge. It still held that growling menacing tone. Obviously somebody not to be trifled with.

Looking her over, he did not think she was properly dressed for a battle but maybe it would work well enough to be flexible for training. He'd met many a slim, small Jedi with a lot of power so he certainly didn't judge her size.

He did, however, note her tardiness. "You are late." It was a simple statement of fact, not overly angry but sounding mildly displeased.

[stretchy_girl]

"Poltergeist," she answered with an affirming nod, stopping a few feet away and folding her arms defensively, obviously even more intimidated by that growling voice, or so she would have him think.

"I'm sorry, I was delayed in traffic." She told him 'apologetically', covering her mental smirk at his complaint perfectly, scuffing a trainer covered foot in what looked like a gesture of guilt.

"What do you want to start with?"

[generalgrievous]

He waved a hand toward the table of weapons.

"Pick what you want to try. I will match and meet your choice."

He watched her with an intense gaze. While anger was not obvious - and despite a veneer of formal politeness - there did seem to be a simmering tension around him, as if a rage could explode at any moment.

[stretchy_girl]

"Alright." Gemini headed over to the weapons, looking over them with mild interest before picking a rapier like blade that she liked the look of. Ordinarily she would simply form the weapon from her own body, wielding it with grace as it was indeed part of her. But she didn't want to tip Mars off to her abilities just yet and so continued playing along with her act.

Turning back to Mars she held up the blade questioningly to see if it met his approval, waiting for him to pick up a weapon of his own before falling into a defensive fighting stance.

[generalgrievous]

Picking up a similar blade, he inspected it briefly before stepping closer to stand before her. It wasn't something he ordinarily would use. He'd prefer something with more weight but in a way this reminded him of the lightsaber. Unfortunately, in this form he could not use that - and it seemingly vanished when he was not a cyborg so he couldn't even attempt to use it.

But this was her weapon of choice so he went along with it. After all, this was for training, not for battle. He had to keep reminding himself of that. At least, he did find that in this alien form his concentration was improved. The focus on the Jedi was lessened and the hatred not as powerful. He could better focus on what was before him.

"Begin," he said, standing with the slim blade raised before him, ready for her first strike. She will discover that despite his size, he was still very agile and quick and once she went to attack, he would counter with a strong move of his own.

[stretchy_girl]

Painting a look of dismay on her features at being told to attack, she moved closer hesitantly, seeking to lull Mars into a false sense of security, getting close to his guard, holding her sword inexpertly, choosing her moment...

She swung, nowhere near as quick as with an elastic limb, but still enough perhaps to surprise, her blade slicing through the air and at the alien's chest with the clear intent to kill.

Gemini knew her swordplay was skilled but not expert, and if Mars was as skilled as he claimed to be he would probably be able to block her attack, and if not she would simply have to tell the Count it was survival of the fittest.

[generalgrievous]

Long before Grievous had ever gotten the cybernetic body and enhancements, he had been a renowned warrior in his own world - so much so that he was regarded and revered as a demigod among his people. This respect had been well earned over many victorious battles - and so it wasn't difficult for him to block her attack and get out of the way.

Adjusting to her style, he launched his own attack, coming at her from one side, then the other and attempting to keep her off balance by alternating these attacks and jabbing straight on in between just to mix it up. He wasn't aiming to actually hurt her but there could be a nick or two if she didn't move fast and remain alert.

[Closed for Adachi]

[generalgrievous]

The one known only to him as Uranus was an unusual case. Did they even want to aid the cause? Grievous hadn't liked the attitude from this one but he wasn't surprised when a session was allotted under this code name. It was one that maybe needed to be taught a lesson.

He had some weapons available but there had been no specifics so for now they were over to the side, out of the way.

Grievous himself waited for this troublesome student, not yet knowing they'd already had a conversation over the network when he'd first arrived. He appeared in his cyborg form, which he thought probably the most imposing to most of the humans here and he was sure would make a strong impression.

[sleight_of_hand]

Adachi was in the foulest of moods, not that that was hard when it came to Constellation bullshit. He had to keep up appearances there; not only would shifting his behavior amongst them give himself away, but it would also probably bring attention to the fact that he was trying to keep tabs on everyone. Which, now that he had Kitagawa backing him up, meant his face and loose play could have more devastating consequences if he wasn't careful.

So he had to act like the clown still. It was seriously annoying, especially when his mouth got him into trouble.

Adachi frowned as he looked up; he seemed to have the right place at least... now where the hell was Mars at? He turned the corner, and... nearly smacked headlong into a metal wall with a head. Adachi stumbled back, eyes widening as he took in the guy's form; oh, he probably should have expected this, but...

"D-damn...! You're big and ugly!" he spit out before his brain to mouth filter could kick in.

[generalgrievous]

There's a growl from the towering cyborg as he recognised the one he'd seen before. Surely this was not a member of Constellation? Under Dooku's leadership he expected a more dignified and serious set of recruits.

Although the code-named conversation did now make more sense.

Still.

"There must be some mistake. You should not be here."

[sleight_of_hand]

Ugh, this was asthma guy, wasn't it? Adachi backed up until he was standing a comfortable distance from the creep, a bitter frown coming to his face. This was going to suck on a level he hadn't experienced since he had been caught by the Investigation Team. Was it too late to call Kitagawa and ask for backup? Ugh...

"What, did looking like an elephant mistook me for a peanut become a requirement for joining this club while I wasn't looking?" he asked, sliding his hands into his pockets and trying to act casual. He was really regretting not bringing his gun with him, but it didn't look like it would do him much good. Even with his sharpshooter ability, what good would it do him against that?!

[generalgrievous]

Grievous clutched at the air with a fist raised in a threatening gesture.

"Why are you here?" Even with the mention of a 'club' he was hoping that this was indeed a mistake and he couldn't give anything away. "Who told you to come to this place?" So he tried to get information out of Adachi.

[sleight_of_hand]

...was that supposed to be scary? Because despite the bland look on Adachi's face... it was kinda working. God this was going to be hard to keep up in the face of this creep.

"What, Dooku-san didn't tell you what to expect? I'm shocked, really," he replied blandly. Of course, Dooku hadn't told him who to expect here either. Great boss, that Dooku; employer of the fucking year. Adachi let out a sigh after a moment, shifting his stance as he rolled his eyes skyward. "...don't make me say that stupid 'stars' line, chocolate. It's so lame."

[generalgrievous]

Adachi didn't need the code phrase as he said the other magic word: Dooku.

"There are reasons for such codes and secrecy...," he began. "I am surprised that the Count would allow such a person as yourself to be involved in such an important endeavor."

He was practically looming over the man now; his reptilian stare intense.

[sleight_of_hand]

Adachi very nearly rolled his eyes into the sky, if only so it helped him not look tall and creepy in the eyes.

"He's a paranoid old fart," he replied, keeping up his air of not being intimidated, despite how much he wanted to take a step back. "Our goals are the same; the secrecy bullshit is just an annoying thing getting in everyone's way and making things unnecessarily complicated."

He let out another sigh, waving a dismissive hand.

"Whatever; only reason I came out here is because he told me to. It's not like I need this; I didn't even bother to bring my gun."

[Closed for Yusuke]

[generalgrievous]

'Prometheus' had been the least trouble, at least to arrange a meeting for. They had mentioned wanting to master the sword and so swords of various types were made available for this training session.

He had high skills with such weapons, having had a great deal of experience in many battles - and even though his weapon of choice had originally been a rifle he had learned and adapted quickly enough to other things and had great skill with many different types of fighting equipment.

As with Poltergeist, he appeared at first in his alien form, complete with that skeletal face mask. It was clear that there was something else underneath that was definitely not human. Four-fingered reptilian-like clawed hands with reddish-orange skin and very yellow eyes containing slitted pupils. He was tall, although not as tall as his cyborg form.

He awaited his next student, idly picking up a sword to test its weight and flexibility and expertly handling it as he killed some time. It felt good to have some purpose and put his skills to good use. He was a born warrior and it felt like too long since he had been able to fight in this way. It was like training a new generation of the powerful special team he used to have. He tried not to dwell on that past. It brought up emotions that had been locked away upon his later transformation. He concentrated on the swing of the sword and an as yet invisible opponent.

[lempereur]

Yusuke was an artist before he was a warrior. In the heat of battle he was swift, and merciless, and with the rest of the Phantom Thieves he had accomplished impossible things. But in fighting gods and rescuing humanity from the brink of servitude, they had a lot of supernatural help. Namely, their Personas, the familiar entities born of their hidden rebellious spirit.

His own Persona, Goemon, was rumbling within him as he approached the proposed meeting place, using its mysterious power to disguise him in his familiar thieving attire. It was the first time he had needed to call on Goemon since he arrived in this world, but it was just as comfortable as it had always been. This power was an innate part of him, as it always had been, even before he was aware of it himself. No situation, no entity, and no amount of time could take that connection away from him.

...unlike some people.

Prometheus, as Grievous would know him, was punctual. He was exactly on time, his Persona tucked away inside him, his katana secure in its painted wooden scabbard. He had planned to keep all supernatural entities to the side for now. Nobody would be aiming to kill during this training session, he was sure, until he saw the person who was to be training him. Or creature.

"The god of war, I presume?"

He certainly looked the part.

[generalgrievous]

Having been given some information on why he had been given this particular code name, Grievous was aware enough of that link to know this was the correct person from Constellation.

"Yes. I am Mars. Are you prepared for today's lesson?"

His voice was similar to his cyborg form, although without the electronic edge. There was a dignity about his fearsome appearance as well as that element of something dangerous.

[lempereur]

Mars had the kind of striking appearance that made Yusuke want to draw his sketchbook more than his sword. He wanted to ask this person a hundred questions - about his powers, about his clothes, about the terrifying fantasy world from where he likely came.

But it wasn't the time for that. He would have to stay on task for the time being.

"I believe so," he said, eying his new instructor carefully. "Where should we begin?"

[generalgrievous]

Perhaps there would be a chance for getting to know each other at a later point. For now, the Kaleesh General was focused on the duty at hand; the training of those within the organisation known as Constellation.

"Choose your weapon, unless you have one of your own." He indicated the nearby table. The sword he was already holding was large, looked heavy and like something a medieval knight would use. "Are there techniques you feel you need practice in?"

[lempereur]

Yusuke pulls his sword from his sheath, it's lightweight and sharp, made more for quick, precision blows. Back home as a member of the Phantom Thieves, he was an asset for his ability to hit hard and fast, but the medieval sword in Grievous' hand would be beyond him. He had built muscle over the last year, turning his too-thin build into something lean and lithe, but a one on one show of strength would end poorly for him with someone of Grievous' caliber.

"I have been out of practice for a few months," he answers. Truthfully, he wasn't opposed to a training session, but his real reason for coming lay elsewhere. It would be beneficial to identify as many Constellation members as possible, in case Adachi's suspicions turned out to be correct, and he trusted that they were.

"So, I suppose, whatever you think is best."

[generalgrievous]

"Attack me then," he said, standing straight and tall with the heavy sword, the hilt of which he held firmly in two hands before him.

He wanted to see what these others could do; what powers or fighting skills they may have. He also did want to see who was involved in the group and maybe discover how well they knew Dooku - if they even knew him at all. Maybe some only knew the code names.

[lempereur]

Truthfully, Yusuke had never drawn his weapon without intent to harm. He had also never faced a battle, real or otherwise, without his friends to back him up. The task seemed daunting, but as seemingly alone as he was in this world, he would have no choice but to make due.

He zips forward, his already agile body enhanced further from the day he arrived here, but purposefully not at full capacity when he moves for a rising slash.