Gavin

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]I might suggest we skip the training segment if its slowing down the progression of the RPG. Perhaps DeLarge we can have Slate learn what All-Star is and then confront McKnight leading to the end of that training session, after which people can do training segments in their own posts if they desire while being able to pursue other story strands.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Poor Bunny has no votes yet, so much for being the breakout hero. [/size][/font]

[quote name='Sangome' timestamp='1315097262' post='709253'] [color="#9932CC"][font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]GAVIN THAT POLL IS EVIL. I love pretty much everyone and I have no idea who to choose, ugh. I was kinda wondering about where those magnetic powers came from, though. I'm also kinda wondering how [spoiler]Barnaby suddenly got his memories back in this most recent episode. Was there something I missed or was it really just the whole FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC!!1 deal?[/spoiler][/font][/color] [/quote] [font="Tahoma"][size="2"] Haha, for me it was really only a toss-up between Tiger and Sky, and in the end John the dog sold me on Keith. I think regarding [spoiler]bringing back Barnaby's memories[/spoiler], it's pretty much as Kotetsu insinuated: [spoiler]His dislike of the name Bunny-chan is so great it's actually physically hardwired into his brain so that when used, it triggered his dormant memories. It seems certain powerful stimuli can override Maverick's memory changes.[/spoiler] I do agree it was a bit cheesy but honestly, I'd have been very unhappy at any other resolution. @Chibi: You'll be fine, it's over for the season in about 3 weeks.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing a Fire Emblem or Rock Bison centred episode seeing as pretty much all the rest have got their own ones (even if poor Sky's was horribly downer-ending and he didn't realise it) seeing as they're the only two so far who haven't really been developed (outside of Rock's drama CD). Maybe even a Saito episode would be funny, just to see the world from his perspective. Just out of curiosity is anyone else thinking [spoiler]Kotetsu's older brother is going to make his appearance as the NEXT who provided Kaede with her magnetic powers?[/spoiler] [b][Edit][/b] I've also added a poll, so vote as you will. [/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"][center][img]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1kXIaiD1ys/TZxMOADufZI/AAAAAAAAIpc/eCBQLwJm_d8/s1600/tiger%2B%2526%2Bbunny.jpg[/img][/center] [quote]The series takes place in the year "NC 1978" in a fictional, re-imagined version of New York City called Sternbild City, where 45 years before, superpowered individuals known as "NEXT" started appearing and some of them became superheroes. Each of the city's most famous superheroes work for a sponsor company and their uniforms also contain advertising for real-life companies. Their heroic activity is broadcast on the popular television show "Hero TV", where they accumulate points for each heroic feat accomplished (arresting criminals or evacuating civilians, for example) and the best ranked hero of the season is crowned "King of Heroes". The story mainly focuses on veteran hero Kotetsu T. Kaburagi aka Wild Tiger who is assigned with a new partner, a young man named Barnaby Brooks Jr. However, Barnaby and Kotetsu usually have trouble working together as they have conflicting opinions on how a superhero should act while at the same time trying to crack the mystery of the murder of Barnaby's parents. In addition, the appearance of a homicidal vigilante NEXT named "Lunatic" stirs up the public and makes them question the meaning of heroes.[/quote] Since being introduced to the series a few days ago by SeDoc, T&B has gone on to become one of my favourite light-heated animes, and indeed one of my favourite animes in general. An eclectic mix of comedy, the superhero genre, mecha and the exploration of the (super)human condition it's kind of like the Neapolitan icecream for nerds/geeks/otakus. Sunrise has done a great job with the art, provided the series with some of Japan's best VAs and topped it off with a plot that is composed of various enticing strands of story goodness threaded together into something which evolves on an episodal basis. Probably the worst thing about the series is getting into it so late, it's a pain having to wait for the next episode. Anyway, discuss, what you like, what you don't like, favourite characters (Sky High) etc. [b][Edit][/b] Seeing as it's completely legal, [url=http://www.anime-on-demand.com/video/12107/#play-1]here's a website where you can watch T&B for free in standard definition[/url].[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Well I suppose we should at least be able to move on to the next stage of the arc now that the two main hitters are out in action. I agree though that the entertainment quality of things has been down for quite a while, really Itachi and E were the only vaguely interesting characters in the last while.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Meh, I don't expect Sauce to improve anything really. He's become as trivial and cliché a character as Naruto, just in a different respect.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]I think the other Failbringers were just down for getting a boost from Ichigo's powers, they don't seem to have had anything against him. I'd actually say it was the same with Ginjou given he was prepared to leave Ichigo alive after having stolen his powers, right now though he understands he can't get out of that situation without taking down the Shinigami group so he's doing what he has to. I was kind of disappointed Chad and Inoue (less so regarding the latter) were taken out of the fight, but we did get to see Tsuki's rapeface which was pretty terrifying. I suspect once the other Failbringers prove unable to overcome the captains we'll see him steal their collective powers for himself before Resolve Bankai Ichigo delivers something resembling a final blow.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Still in, just waiting for some of the others in this training scene to post and I suppose I can move on and do the other two to let everyone get a chance to work their powers.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]If Europe progresses towards total federalisation (which realistically it's going to have to if they want the EMU to survive), I could easily see it become a super power to rival what China seems to be gearing towards becoming and dwarfing the US by a large margin. I agree with James though that as things stand I don't think any single nation, or even bloc, will ever go on to become the de facto dominant power in the world. I suspect that as occurs in most speculative fictions, and indeed already occurs in some respects within national borders, super-massive corporations are likely to end up having as much influence as national governments if they're allowed to become big enough.[/size][/font]

[size=2][font=tahoma]Well there wasn't any set rotation for the teams so I went with the one that was easiest from McKnight's perspective given his own powers. Right now as I said nobody is going to be getting that gold star but impress him and you might get a silver one. For the moment keep working on your own powers and trying to work out what Michael does. Originally it was going to be straight demonstration but I think real training like this is probably more useful in the long run. It also gives people an idea of how to fight an high level super. I'm going to be offline mostly for a day or two while I move house but I'll try to log using my phone in the time between.[/font][/size]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Honestly, I think he's scarpered because he realises just how ****ed they were when Ichigo went all resolve on them. I suspect even Ginjou's going to stick to his Fullbringer powers for a while before Ichigo curb stomps him badly enough to push him towards using his Shinigami powers. That said, I'd better not see him yell bankai because we know for a fact Ichigo is the first human/hybrid to achieve it.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]You're not the only one, after all the hype of "Full Kyuubi Power Mode", Kishi somehow managed to push him down to the level of complete fodder (along with Bee) for that fight. I'm actually ridiculously pleased that Itachi called him out for trying to shoulder everything, which I've been saying for ages, and it's just a pity we won't see Itachi again until his fight with Kabuto.[/size][/font]

[indent][font="Tahoma"][size="2"]He wandered through the anonymous hallways of Geist for what seemed like minutes before he finally managed to reach her door, the rush of actually using his powers properly for the first time in years had seeped away and left nothing but a pounding migraine in its place. She mustâ??ve heard him coming, or someone had phone ahead because the door slid open before heâ??d even raised his hand to knock. [b] â??Welsh said youâ??d probably be calling in the next few minutes, he seemed more pleased with himself than usual. You look like you could use some attention.â?[/b] Her expression and voice were carefully neutral, she moved aside and allowed him to enter wordlessly before he collapsed down on the examination table and began massaging his temples in the hope of stemming the pain. She half-turned, still at the open doorway before speaking. [b]â??How bad?â? â??About an 8.â? â??I meant how badly did you hurt them Michael?â?[/b] He chewed his lower lip for a moment, he didnâ??t want to lie to her, theyâ??d never lied to one another before. [b]â??I only fought Slate. He looked pretty banged up when I left but heâ??s strong, I doubt I did any lasting damage.â?[/b] She didnâ??t say anything, and that in itself said almost everything. He felt himself clench with anger and tried to force it back down with limited success. He sighed quietly and covered his eyes with his right arm. The silence between them lasted about twenty seconds before she spoke again more quietly this time. [b]â??You said you didnâ??t want to fight any more.â?[/b] Leaning up he stared at her, her arms were folded around waist. He sighed again and shook his head slowly, wincing at the pain. [b]â??I donâ??t.â? â??Then why...â?[/b] He cut her off. [b]â??It wasnâ??t my choice.â?[/b] She digested the response for a few moments. [b]â??Welsh?â? â??Who else.â? â??You could have refused!â? â??No I couldnâ??t and you know that. We only have the lives we have here at Geist so long as weâ??re useful to them, and as Zachary rather frankly explained to me, they get to decide what constitutes useful. For the time being that team is more important than the ADB.â? â??â?¦You were going to kill them?â?[/b] He blew out a breath in response. [b]â??I went there with every intention to, yes.â? â??And what stopped you?â?[/b] He laughed. [b]â??I donâ??t know. Somewhere in the middle of fighting him I guess I decided maybe we had a chance against the Five.â? â??And the rest?â? â??Push them until theyâ??re crawling in here sweating blood and cursing my existence more than the Big Fiveâ??s. After that I can only hope that itâ??ll be enough.â?[/b] She reached inside her coat and he hissed as he felt the jet-injector expel its contents through his neck. Within seconds his vision and cleared and the migraine was gone. [b]â??Thanks.â? â??Itâ??s what I do.â?[/b] Getting up off the table he ran his fingers through his hair before walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her. She rested her head against his chest, the sound of his heartbeat soothing. [b]â??You were never going to kill them you know.â? â??What makes you say that?â?[/b] She looked at him, an open, trusting expression marking her face. [b]â??Because I know you Michael, and youâ??re not a killer.â? â??â?¦we both know thatâ??s not true.â? â??I mean youâ??d never kill an innocent person.â? â??I hope youâ??re right Elena, because Iâ??ve done things which arenâ??t too far off.â? â??Weâ??ve all done things we regret, thatâ??s been the price of staying safe for the last five years.â? â??Maybe. Iâ??d better get back, the next group of them should be appearing soon and Iâ??m sure each of them wants to try to take a piece out of me.â? â??If they can.â?[/b] He smiled wolfishly and broke them embrace before striding toward the door. Pausing before the threshold he furrowed his brow and turned back to face her. [b] â??I told him about All-Star. If he comes asking, donâ??t lie. He needs to understand what power will do to him if he keeps developing the way he is.â?[/b] [hr]50[/hr] They didnâ??t say anything to him when he walked back in, though he watched as all four of them tensed. Good, he wanted them as wary of him as possible for the time being, theyâ??d come at him harder than if they thought of him as a friend. Clearing his throat he extended his hand towards the nearest of the quartet. [b]â??Riona Sharp, codename Phoenix. Pyrokinetic with poor control and a required ignition source. Nicotine addict.â? [/b] The girl stiffened even more. [b]â??Aimanan Fathi, codename Night Terror. Capable of creating illusions up to and including tangible ones, albeit apparently without the psychological strength necessary needed to kill with them.â?[/b] [b]â??I would not call such a capability a strength.â?[/b] He ignored the statement and moved on. [b] â??Derek DeWitt, codename Flare. Disabled photokinetic. Research indicates subject is capable of storing energy within himself to compensate for the lack of an external light source. Subject may also possess other currently undisclosed abilities.â?[/b] The last girl practically froze when he turned his gaze to her. [b] â??And finally Autumn Finley, codename Echo, sonokinetic. Capable of generating high power soundwaves to disable targets. Lacks range and control.â?[/b] He paused slightly before continuing. [b]â??Ladies and gentlemen my name is Dr Michael McKnight, chief of Geist Industryâ??s Advanced Biology Division, Level 1 superhuman and, as of this moment, responsible for your further development. I will not lie, if you do not give everything to this training when the time comes for you to face the Big Five you will die and worse you may take members of this team with you. I will not allow this to happen.â?[/b] The group exchanged quiet glances with one another but otherwise remained silent. [b]â??Each of you represent a particular kind of elemental kinetic. Among our enemies you have the most in common with Hrydo-Girl and Starlighter, the latter of whom you have already had contact with. Therefore it will be more efficient for me to train you as a group, and if necessary individually, to harness greater power and control over your abilities.â?[/b] Turning he moved about thirty feet back from the group, towards the centre of the group. [b]â??Sharp I want you to concentrate as much of your power as you can and try to hit me.â?[/b] A bewildered expression broke across the Riâ??s face. [b]â??What?â? â??You heard me.â? â??But, that could kill you!â? â??At your level, I have a better chance of getting sunburned. Come on, I figured at least one of you would want to get me back for Slate.â?[/b] He needed to get them mad, they were still holding back. [b]â??Or maybe youâ??re just afraid of what Iâ??ll do to you.â?[/b] He flicked out a finger and sent the girl tumbling backwards. By the time she righted herself, Rionaâ??s face was contorted in anger, and the lighter in her hand was already flicked open. The gout of fire which roared towards him was easily eight foot across but before it had even bridged half the distance it spluttered and died. Phoenixâ??s face paled as McKnightâ??s eyes bored into her. [b]â??The aim of this training isnâ??t just to make you more powerful however, thatâ??s half the battle. The rest will involve overcoming your own weaknesses. In Rionaâ??s case, her fire is most certainly dangerous, but if someone can extinguish it before it hits them, then frankly, itâ??s worthless. Like your enemies however, Iâ??m not going to explain how I did it, youâ??re going to have to figure that our as we train.â?[/b] Adjusting his labcoat he extended his hand in open challenge. [b]â??For now, I want each of you to come at me as hard as you can and the first one to land a hit gets a gold star and bragging rights to Slate.â?[/b] [hr]50[/hr] Thatâ??s all the training for now, Iâ??d like for anyone whose character is involved in the current training session to use this to focus on trying to use their powers differently, or to recognise weaknesses. For the time being Michael is going to counter pretty much everything you throw at him but wonâ??t actually attack directly. For those not currently training, feel free to watch or do whatever.[/size][/font][/indent]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Heh to be frank Lilt, if McKnight was interested in sabotaging people's training, the end result wouldn't be bad training it would be the death of those involved. As I said at the end of my last RP post, he's actually starting to believe that maybe they can take on the Big Five if they have the cards all stacked in their favour, and training everyone to get as powerful and controlled as they can before any confrontation is definitely one of those cards. Apologies I didn't post last night, I think I'm coming down with the flu and just had to go to bed after I got home from work. On the plus side thanks to accrued holiday time I finished work for the summer yesterday so I have plenty of free time to write now.[/size][/font]

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]I'll be posting hopefully later tonight, giving a rough idea of what each training session will consist of. Again if anyone has anything they specifically want me to do, I'll try to integrate it as best I can. DeLarge what do you think to the idea of maybe trying to replicate some of the Big Five's powers in training to give people experience?[/size][/font]