Playing Favorites
~ATTRAIT~
-=- Hearing the heavy metal pour out of the almost soundproof
doors as he approached. Raising a brow, looking at his watch as
he stood at the doorway. Being punctual was of the utmost
importance. He pulled at his suit, one of the less expensive
ones. He was not about to let a three thousand dollar suit be
dirtied by a simple training mission. Hearing the lyrics through
the door. - Got an AK-47 well you know it makes me feel alright.
Got an Uzi by my pillow to let me sleep better at night. There`s
no feeling greater, than to shoot now, ask questions later. I am
trigger happy, trigger happy. You can`t take my guns away I got a
constitutional right, You bet I`ll be there Anarchy is close in
sight. Get all stoned, shoot at anything that moves. . .Shoot to
kill.- The 80`s rock was almost enough to make his stomach churn.
Finally after a few more minutes ticked past the time Metallic
was supposed to meet him at the door, he finally knocked -very
loudly- trying not to seem a bit disturbed. This is something
they`d have to work on. Waiting for the youth to answer the door.
Today he would see how someone, with no offensive powers, could
still fight. Sure Jean had other things that needed his
attention, but he pushed them aside, spending special attention
on this one. He did have potential if someone could just drag it
out of him. -=-
~METTALIC~
*his fingers play along the bridge of the guitar as he listens to
the music* DAMN! *He hits the rewind button again, and returns to
the begining of the verse*if I can just get that one sequence *He
hits play again and follows the chording, this time almost making
it through the bridging sequence...sure he could use his powers
and get it, but that wasn't what he wanted...he wanted to be able
to do it on his own...ever since he knew what he was doing he
never used his powers with his music, unless it was to boost a
bad sound system....he sighs heavily and once more rewinds the
tape this time just listening to it....he hits the pause button
and runs through the sequence, a smile on his face as he runs
through it flawlessly* Excellent!! *he starts at the beginning of
the song, this time accompanying his guitar vocally, easily
passing through the difficult sequence..its only as he nears the
end of the song that he hears the knock...but he just continues
on. To the end.* Enter *he glances down at the note pad beside
him, jotting down a few notes* Just gimme a sec *He looks up and
visibly pales as he sees Attrait standing in his door...he
glances nervously at the clock then back to his superior* uhmmm,
that was today? *he swallows nervously* I coulda sworn it was
tomorrow *He stands up carefully putting his guitar on the bed*
I'm sorry sir, very sorry *He stands there, uncertain wether he
should stand at attention and take his punishment...or continue
trying to make excuses...he was certain that neither would keep
him in good standing*
-=- Attrait clasped his hands at his back as he entered, about to
chastise the boy until he saw how incredibly nervous he was.
Although this could not go unpunished, he was not going to ream
him. No not now. There were other ways to get obedience. -=- I
almost forgot myself, I was very busy. I am sorry that I`m late
in fact. A rarity for me. As I am sure it is for you. -=-
Wondering if the youth heard him outside the door but not
pressing the issue. -=- Next time we`ll both have to be more
aware. -=- Moving through Michael`s room, offering a smile as he
glanced at the guitar, and back at the boy. Realizing what he was
doing. Today`s exercise will be right up your alley, seeing as
you like doing things . . . with and without your powers.
Admirable. -=- Nodding towards the door as he exited, and just
started walking down the hall. Clearing his throat a bit, walking
at a comfortable pace and turning back to Metallic. -=- So
Michael, how have you been? -=- Casual conversation, and indeed
he was concerned about his welfare. He was still concerned that
Metallic would defect. And frankly he didn`t want him to. Attrait
wanted Michael to stay at GUARD more importantly of his own free
will. **
I really do apologize,sir. I sorta got carried away *he gestures
towards his guitar then quickly walks over to his dresser, to
grab his colt and his knives....he preferred to have the old
fashioned backup of solid steel if he needed it..* Where are we
going sir? *a drawer opens and he pulls out his force shields,
and a couple of transpods..he really didn't like hunting, he much
preferred to leave things as is....he was just getting dragged
way too far into GUARD for his liking these days...ever since he
let his mouth run away in front of Warpole...thats when his
problems started....he didn't object to GUARD, it was a decent
job, excellent pay and benefits, just not exactally what he would
have chosen, but then again, not everyone gets to do what they
want in life...he follows Attrait down the hallway* I'm allright
sir, and you?
I am doing quite well. Better than can be hoped. Thank you for
asking. You do know //if there is ///anything/// wrong ever, just
come and talk to me. I`ll be sure it gets fixed. // Honestly I
don`t like unhappy employees. Or friends. Anyway today we are
going to train. The point of these exercises are to see how well
you do in the field without your powers. For instance, your
run-in with Sonic could have proved to have been fatal. As you
can see there are instances where you will not be able to use
them. You still want to be lethal, effective. -=- Adding a small
smile. -=- Perhaps not exactly -Trigger happy baby- but able to
use what else is around you. We will spar for a bit, and then,
move to the rec. room`s generator. -=- Pausing as he opened the
door to the rec. room. Pressing in a few codes, nodding to a few
individuals who smiled at his presence. -=- Don`t let my
appearance fool you honestly, I am not as old as I look. -=-
Again the truth of this could be seen in his face. Not a single
wrinkle, other than laugh lines, perhaps puffiness below his eyes
from stress. But that was it. -=- Even if you do not wind up
using these abilities, you will be prepared if you ever get
attacked and that`s important right? -=- Not bothering to take
off the jacket or the tie, instead he rolled his head over his
shoulders, and then moving to the sparring room. The mated walls
and floor would be more than enough cushion for any hits, and
falls. -=- Right now, no knives, no guns we`ll just fight. Get
warmed up. -=- Adding a smile. -=- Don`t hold back.
Yes sir *he nods, somehow believeing that Attrait would fix
everything....he misses half a step as he relizes the thoughts
going through his head aren't quite right....unobtrusively he
activates his powers....putting the slightest barrier around his
ears, a filter of sorts, he knows what Attraits powers are...and
as long as he can he wants to avoid being subjected to them...*
Sparring sir? I thought it was infield *the thought of sparring
agianst a superior almost made his skin crawl, his every move and
action would be subject to appraisal....he'd be under a
microscope....much as the rookies were under him, but he only did
it for one or two lessons then he let up on them* I never thought
you were old sir * he discards his leather jacket and all its
accroutrements outside of the training room, then steps inside
its confines* Yes sir *he shrugs* warmed up sir? I guess I
am...or as warmed up as I would be in field
No infield right now. I actually don`t like going in the field,
which is why I am not there that often. They found out /very/
early on. This is why I mostly track, and very rarely hunt. -=-
Cracking his knuckles in front of him and nodding to the
UNnatural before him. -=- Good. -=- He says simply as he moved
like lightning. Without warning or even allowing his body to give
away any pretense of the moves. Surprise was always the upper
hand. Moving so fluidly, with skill that even startled some of
the people who were working out. It was an oddity to actually see
Jean actually fight. It startled most to see how efficient, how
quick the even tempered man was. Moving for a simple sweep, then
changing it at the last possible second, upwards, driving the
palm of his hand directly into Metallic`s chin. Moving in closer,
another fist falling directly onto the boy`s gut, not holding
back any of his strength. Spinning out of this, ending
perpendicular (Or profile) Both hands in fists, feet shoulder
width apart. Head lowered, hands not in a typical boxing
position, instead at waist level. He hadn`t even broke a mild
sweat. A few people stopped their work-outs seeing as most didn`t
know Jean could do much of anything except push around papers,
and be an ear to listen. Somehow this training would also help to
show Metallic that Jean knew exactly what he was going through.
That he was not just some big wig, that bossed everyone around,
no he was a real person with real experience behind him. He
wasn`t born into his place at GUARD, yet earned it. Having been
rebellious much like Metallic, until it almost killed him. That`s
when the years of refinement, and decades of eloquence caught up
with him. -=-
Yes si...*Attraits sudden movement was totally unexpected, he
knew that Attrait would have gone through training, and he didn't
see Attrait as the type who would let his skills grow rusty...it
was just that he hadn't expected quite this amount of skill, or
this suddenness...his head is rocked back as the palm impacts
with his chin, then he briefly folds over as a fist caves in his
stomach......he blinks in shock as his superior backs off, but
his shock only lasts for the briefest of seconds before hes
prepared, his gaze warily watching JX...should he attact? or stay
in defense? he hadn't sparred with a superior since he was a
rookie....this was too strange.....* So no powers? *as he started
the second syllable he moved in...a round house kick faked to the
left then lowered at the last second to take a knee, followed by
right uppercut......he had decided that probbaly in this case an
offense was his best defense....or at least it was expected of
him*
-=- A stiff nod he was fully alert. But Jean in an awkward place
too, he wasn`t sure if he should praise, or criticize, or just
fight. He instead just focused on fighting. Keeping his stance,
he easily deflected the knee, stepping out of the way of the
uppercut with what seemed to be effortless motions. As Metallic`s
extended for the uppercut, he moved behind the extended arm.
Thrusting at his shoulder. The move would hopefully just topple
Michael, at the worst dislocate something. Stepping further
behind, out of striking and sweeping range just in case the move
didn`t follow through. In the same stance as before, motionless,
almost statuesque. His eyes focusing on everything Metallic did,
every breath. More decisions raced through his mind. Clearly at
an unfair advantage here, Heaven`s sakes Jean sparred with Ian,
countless times. The people gathered at the window, and Attrait
ignored them completely. Saying finally words of encouragement,
as he still remained perfectly still. -=- You are doing very
well. -=- The praise was accompanied by no powers as he promised,
or it would have been laden heavily with suggestions. He would
have most likely been talking a lot more. Telling him /how/ but
no, he figured by the encounter with Michael in his room this boy
liked to learn things the old fashioned way. -=-
*now straight out fighting was something Micheal knew, he had
been in countless bar brawls and street fights and knew how to
react....as Attrait aimed for the shoulder he twisted slightly
letting the blow land on his bicep...he follows through as JX
steps away, his foot sweeping out, hoping to perhaps trip him
with such a basic move....then he steps back, hopefully before
Attrait can react...still uncertain how far he should carry
this...he excelled at low down street fighting, but that was
low..too low....and he didn't want to use that against his
superior, his blows didn't even carry full force because he
didn't want to accidentally hurt a superior....even though he
hightly doubted he would be able to...at least judging by the way
Attrait was fighting*
-=- Light on his feet and definitely not getting pulled down by a
basic sweep of all things, and is already distanced far enough
that he wouldn`t have to. While Michael was standing again he
moved in for another attack aiming directly for his face. At the
edge end it almost looked like he`d pull away, a slight
hesitation, perceived perhaps as another fake, no it went
through, to be dodged or deflected he wasn`t sure, but at the
same time, he moved his body arching it in very odd way. It
seemed he would almost topple. He drew back his arm from the
punch, allowing a leg behind Mettalic`s. It the same he`d use to
add force to the previous punch, so the placing didn`t seem at
all out of the ordinary. The free arm pulling in the space
between them the elbow and forearm enough force to push the youth
down. His arm moving upwards as Michael fell pressing on his
throat. He looked Michael in the eye saying very bluntly. -=-
You`ll have to do better than that. If you don`t you`ll wind up
very broken. -=- It was almost a taunt in a way, but a very fair
warning. Releasing his elbow from Michael`s throat, as the people
began to mill about a bit, returning to their machines assuming
the fighting had ended. -=-
*he hadn't expected the sweep to work, but it had been worth a
shot....he leans back just in time to avoid being hit in the
face, but in this position hes off balance and before he can
correct, he is down, an elbow in his throat* Yes sir.....* The
words croaked out through a constricted throat......once pressure
is relieved he regains his feet, one hand rubbing where the elbow
had rested...obviously Attrait wanted him to do some more, show
more fight....as Attrait moves away Micheal does a double
roundhouse...a kick aimed for Attraits ribs followed by one for
the knees....then almost before the kicks are finished a fists
flies in a standard punch towards the stomach, but it turns out
to be a fake and alters to aim for the upper ribs where the kick
was earlier supposed to connect*
-=- He heard Metallic get up, allowing him to round house him in
the ribs, take him down at the knees, and is already too far down
to let the punch fall on his stomach. While down, He spins his
legs backwards ignoring the blossoming pain. Something he hadn`t
felt in a fighting situation in a bit too long. One hand beneath
him as he pushes himself up with ease, straightening his suit
jacket once by pulling hard. A small smile over his face as he
moves a bit further back. -=- That`s more like it. -=- He again
balled up his fists, preparing to give it even a bit more. Push
Michael. The people, like ping-pong balls bounced from their
machines back to watching them. A few now admiring Michael for
actually taking Attrait down. -=- Moving with even faster
movement, more powerful hits, doing a series of punches, if they
were countered he simply picked another place, making sure to aim
for all the vital areas. Finally adding in his kicks. A low, high
low, roundhouse, and a final punch before jumping away. Catlike
grace an uncanny calmness. -=-
* he feels a slight amount of satisfaction as he watches Attrait
go down, but that satisfaction is just as quickly replaced by
concern.....concern that once more he's going to loose the little
bit of standing he has gained back...oh well too late to back off
now....he was in, he might as well go in all the way...he manages
to dodge most of the punches, a few connecting, some missing
their intended spot, but connecting none the less...as the
roundhouses close in he reaches for the leg, trying to pull
Attrait off balance and if possible put an elbow in the knee
before jumping away*
-=- A kick that was caught, Michael might have caught a hint of a
smile as Attrait stood still for a brief moment, until he was
trying to be -pulled- off balance. At this Attrait allowed his
body to go with the pulling, finally taking his free leg,
swinging it around, to Metallic`s stomach, pushing off him with
both legs at that time, directly to Michael`s chest. In pushing
off, this would in turn push Metallic into the wall behind him,
allowing Attrait too time to tuck and roll neatly, arriving in a
crouch. And he did just that Adding enough spin to his kicking,
to roll a bit further than he expected, but far out of harm`s
way. Standing, brushing his suit off and looking then back at
Metallic. Saying quite honestly. -=- Much better -=- Shaking his
arms, and hands out while moving to the towels. Tossing one to
Metallic. -=- I think we`re warmed up enough for the real test.
-=- He said mostly for the benefit of the onlookers. And honestly
for Metallic`s sake. -=- You did much better than I expected. //
I am very pleased at your performance.// -=- He said this
lightly, picking up resistance. Raising a brow as he moved to the
water tanks. Pouring himself a glass of cool water. -=- Very
pleased indeed. -=- Knowing Metallic knew this time he wasn`t
talking about his performance, instead the use of his powers. -=-
Well done. Clever. -=- Moving in closer. Whispering for only
Michael`s ears to hear. -=- For the record Metallic, I do want
you to know I am being honest. You should be able to pick up
deceptions quiet easily by now. You have surpassed every
expectation that was placed in front of you. A very hard thing to
do. -=- He placed a hand on Michael`s shoulder and looked to the
generator. -=- Now, shall we? -=- Motioning towards the rec
room`s generator, basically the room that could replicate certain
situations. Increase gravity, and such. -=-
*A hint of a smile is on his own face for a brief second, until
he finds himself moving backwards towards the wall...that wasn't
a move he was even familiar with...slumps against the wall,
regaining his breath, never loosing track of Attrait* warmed up?
Yeah I guess *he catches the towel...if this is warmup what sort
of beating am I in for in the wreck room?..* thank you sir *he
drops the towel to the floor and bends backwards, his head almost
touching his feet..... each vertebrae in his back audibly
cracking..then he straightens up and joins Attrait at the water
cooler...he merely nods at what he assumes is the use of his
powers...almost embarrassed that he was caught...a wry chuckles
leaves his lips* I pass all expectations everyday that I don't
become a runner*He glances at the wreck room and half sighs as he
nods* yes sir, lets do it