Cannon fodder (fantasy superpower rp) (closed, started)

[Floris2123]

William was done treating his wounds after a few minutes, he put his armor back on and stepped out of the tent. He could already feel the pain melting away. He walked over to the fire and then sat next to it. He was planning on telling them something about the mission during dinner. The dinner was being prepared in troll fat, William knew one thing he could never again look at troll fat the same way after being covered in it. The fire was burning quite bright, the last little bit of water from his earlier dive began to evaporate.
"So mr.Bom you called yourself the gentle man thief earlier if I wasn't mistaken. Have you ever stolen something?" William looked at Bom with an interested expression on his face. He hated most non humans but he never had much contact with his race. Maybe they weren't so bad as the rest.

 

[maninahat]

Bom sat quietly, watching Claire do the cooking. He didn't know a great deal about cooking himself, so it was of great interest to see how humans did it.

"So mr. Bom you called yourself the gentle man thief earlier if I wasn't mistaken. Have you ever stolen something?"

Bom was a little surprised by the question, and took a moment to compose an answer.

"Oh, er, I've wiled my way into many an establishment or few, yes sir. Some people - people not worthy of consideration, of course - they might tell you I'm not the finest of thieves, but that is only because I show some restraint. A better thief is in it for the adventure as much as the bounty!"

The people Bom had in mind actually might have deserved some consideration; They ran the Senalcy News Board, who were quite keen on amusing members of the public with news of the notorious "Cat Bungler". It took Bom a long time to realize he was the "hilariously incompetant, wantonly destructive excuse for a crook" the board kept talking about. He's made a point of not reading their pamphlets since.

He coughed.
"So, err, what do you think it was we were fighting today? That...thing?"

 

[Floris2123]

"Oh, er, I've wiled my way into many an establishment or few, yes sir." William looked a bit surprised but quickly changed that expression back to his neutral face. He looked at Bom and was surprised that someone as big and strong as Bom could be a thief.
"So, err, what do you think it was we were fighting today? That...thing?" William shrugged. "Maybe some sort of failed magic experiment who knows? I only know that we will face far worse things then him." William looked into the fire ans sighed."I was going to tell you this when you were all here but I am guessing Fromanzio will have to hear it later."

He looked up at the group. "As you all know this mission won't be an walk in the park. In fact when I asked my superiors about what they expected of us they said to me. "William since you don't have much battle experience and the other people are civilians you are merely a distraction. We don't expect you too kill any strong magic users. You're only purpose is too distract and if you are fortunate weaken them a bit."" William looked at his squad staring them in the eye one by one."This is the last moment any of you can decide to go back. Nobody will blame you if you want to turn back now." William shifted his sitting position."But I am going to see this through to the bitter end. Even if that means fighting every mage on the planet." William looked at his squad with an determinant expression on his face. Hoping none of them would leave. Their odds were bad now if one of them left... Well their odds would worsen allot.

 

[hiei82]

Claire paused her cooking as she heard William's information. It took a moment for the information to really sink in. So... we're just a distraction then... Cannon Fodder really... Well, if that's our duty, then I guess we'll just have to beat every mage we can get our hands on until they think otherwise. she thought, before returning to her cooking, undeterred. A few minutes later, after everyone made their decisions, Claire cleared her throat and made and spoke up. "Dinner is served." she said, passing a bowl of the "Brive-la-Gaillarde Brazed Rabbit" to everyone, leaving one extra for when Fromanzio returned.

following this, she started passing a loaf of bread and the bag of spices around for those that wanted it

 

[Lunar Templar]

"so, we really are just expendable then?" Rias said bitterly "thought so, from the moment your general gave the orders, i've had my doubts about what we where really for. makes seance why Fromanzio was allowed on join though, all to much seance, if we're just a distraction who better to add then a clown with an explosives fetish"

 

[drmigit2]

Fromanzio was still staring out at the moon. He could hear the others talking. His ears were better than most bomb experts. He considered the thought of being merely fodder, sighed and headed back to the camp. His knives needed attention and he began sharpening the ones that had dents and cracks along the edges from the last fight.

"Fromanzio could not help but overhear. My boss would not send Fromanzio on a mission most likely to kill him. I don't think... Oh dear, could the boss be trying to be rid of poor old Fromanzio? If that were the case, he might have an extra knife looking appendage drastically close to his heart when I get back."

Then again, with the targeting on William, it seemed more likely that the boss simply wants the job done. Or maybe he wants to further doom Fromanzio by removing his leader. My oh my the plot thickens.

 

[maninahat]

Bom listened to William's bad news, and then let out a chuckle.

"They wouldn't do that! Not to a squad as excellent as ours. No, this is obviously just their way of keeping us in the dark, until we reach the main objective!"

He winked at William, and tapped the space where the side of his nose would have been, had he been born human. Bom was convinced that sooner or later, William would give out the real mission. Of course he would, it was obvious!

"Let's eat and bed up, anyway. Need to rise early tomorrow. This looks delicious, Ms.!"

Spoiler: OOC

Voting fora time skip

 

[Lunar Templar]

Rias stood up "well, I am not dieing for country that has more or less abandoned me, BEFORE, they pulled this crap" she said " but ya know what? i take grievous insult that they think I lack the ability's to be anything more then a 'distraction', so fuck this general, and to hell with what his 'plans' for us are, i say, we try and make his main forces look bad by sorting the issue in Ethsich out first, leave the 'elite soldiers' with clean up duty" Rias said, with a bit of contempt, "that sound like fun to any one else or just me?"

 

[Floris2123]

"They wouldn't do that! Not to a squad as excellent as ours. No, this is obviously just their way of keeping us in the dark, until we reach the main objective!" William looked at him with an surprised expression. Maybe he is just too good of faith to believe it? Well ignorance is bliss.

"but ya know what? i take grievous insult that they think I lack the ability's to be anything more then a 'distraction', so fuck this general, and to hell with what his 'plans' for us are, i say, we try and make his main forces look bad by sorting the issue in Ethsich out first, leave the 'elite soldiers' with clean up duty that sound like fun to any one else or just me?" Well at least someone was excited..

William sat their in silence as he was handed his food by Claire. he smiled at her it looked great. He then took the loaf of bread and the smell entered his nose. Suddenly his head started to hurt like something was trying to resurface something that he wanted to forget. William lowered his head and looked at the food while the memory resurfaced.

Spoiler: memories

He was so hungry and cold. The rain was hitting his frail body hard and he felt so tired. The rags he was wearing were soaked, He walked through an dark alleyway at an slow pace, his body lacked the strength to go on any longer. He fell and couldn't get back up anymore. As he looked up to the sky he could only hear 1 final thought. "Is this it? Is this the end?" His vision faded and he lost all feeling in his body. He tried to lift himself up but it was too late. His eyes closed....

He smelled something.. it smelled good. It smelled like warm bread.... Something he had only smelled once before on his last birthday. Was this fates way of mocking him? He could hear footsteps in the distance, he felt no more rain though he was still soaked the rain had stopped. He managed to open his eyes. He saw an girl standing there looking at him she looked about his age, he relaxed before he saw he clothes. A noble?! William tried to stand up and ran but only managed to get half way before his tired body gave in and he fell. He looked up to her looking scared.

She only smiled at him as she ducked and offered him a piece of her bread.
William was stunned she didn't kick him but next to this she gave him food? He accepted it looking at it an bit suspicious. But who was he kidding without food he wouldn't survive he had no real choice. He tasted the food. His eyes widened as he looked at the food. He had never tasted something as good as that. He sat up and rested his back on the wall behind him. He looked up at the girl who extend her hand and said with an smile."My name is Claire what is your name?"

William then opened his eyes as he looked at Claire finally remembering where he had seen her before. He smiled the biggest smile he had ever used. But then he realized how strange it would be to suddenly start talking in front of everyone. So he said. "Claire would you mind walking with me for a bit I have something to discuss with you." William stood up and looked at Claire with an reassuring smile as he waited for her to accept, and walk with him.

 

[hiei82]

As Claire handed William his share of their "feast", he suddenly had a huge smile on his face; a smile far to large for a simple cooking job. "Claire would you mind walking with me for a bit I have something to discuss with you." he said, his smile fading slightly. At this, Claire was more then a little concerned. "Don't tell me our fearless leader is psychotic. We already have one insane person in this group; we don't need another!" she though, cautiously following him - she might have thought him insane, but he was still their leader and she knew her duty. She did however grab her sword... just in case.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, until they were out of normal earshot of the fire then she stopped and asked. "So... you wanted to say something?" she said, keeping her distance just out of arms reach.

 

[Floris2123]

"So... you wanted to say something?"
William turned around with an huge smile."Yes indeed I wanted to thank you for saving my life.
16 years ago you somehow ended up in one of the poorest districts in the land. And when you went exploring you found an passed out little boy who was scared of you and starving. Even though he was scared you still shared some of your bread with him. That boy was me Claire. So just as you have saved my life by giving me enough food to survive that day. I swore that I would one day return the favor. So I swear upon my life that I will defend you until I have payed my debt in full." He then kneeled before her. "My sword is yours to command." William remembered that he had sworn to her 16 years ago that he would pay his debt. And William never broke his word.

 

[hiei82]

Claire took a step back as he kneeled before her, proclaiming his oath. Now Claire was confused. What was he talking about? She had never been to any "poor district" and while she had been more then willing to give away bread as a child - something her father never stopped talking about - she couldn't remember saving anyone. "I... I don't... What are you talking about? I haven't been to a poor district... and your a Phoenix! - what would you even be doing starving on a street in a poor district?" she said, trying to escape the... awkward situation. "Even if what you said is true, you must have me mistaken with someone else." she said, glancing around; dazed by the strange event.

After a few moments of stuttering like a fool, she recovered herself. She was a Montaigne! She shouldn't be reacting this way - it was unbecoming. Retuning to her firm diplomatic voice, she straightened herself and set about fixing this strangeness. "You're the commander of this unit - you cannot swear an oath like this to your subordinate; to do so is to place one of our lives above the others, and worse, your duty. If what you say is, by some twist of fate, true, then stand up - your oath fulfilled and never speak of this again." she finished before turning and marching in the direction of the fire, trying to escape the situation with all the speed she could.

Why can't I teleport myself yet? she thought, in her rush to escape, wishing she had such a power.

 

[Floris2123]

"I... I don't... What are you talking about? I haven't been to a poor district... and your a Phoenix! - what would you even be doing starving on a street in a poor district? Even if what you said is true, you must have me mistaken with someone else. You're the commander of this unit - you cannot swear an oath like this to your subordinate; to do so is to place one of our lives above the others, and worse, your duty. If what you say is, by some twist of fate, true, then stand up - your oath fulfilled and never speak of this again." She then turned and waked away. William however wasn't planning on making her escape that easily. He made an smoke screen temporary stunning her he quickly running in front of her as the smoke screen disappeared.

William looked her straight in the eye as he said."It seems you do not know the story of my family. My father and I made all the wealth that we have right now from nothing. The first 8 years of my life I spend on the street the son of an beggar.
And I could never mistake you for another. I remember your face as I looked up to see who shared her bread with me. You looked like an angel who had descended upon the earth. I could never forget the sight of my savior.
And last of all my word is more important then my duty. I have sworn my oath to you 16 years ago. I never go back on my word. So until I safe your life I owe you mine." William waited for her reaction. He had hoped this would have gone a little different, with her remembering but it seemed like fate wasn't done playing with him just yet.

 

[hiei82]

Claire coughed as she inhaled the smokescreen. When she finally stopped coughing, she found herself face to face with William, rebuking her statement, giving his family history, talking about how she had been like an angel, and blocking her return to the safety of the fire. Worse, doing the math, she would have been 4 or 5 at the time of it all - for all she knew, what he was saying was the absolute truth; she just could not recall it. Her confusion was quickly turning to fear... What is he trying to do? she thought taking a step back, trying to get away, only to be blocked from her retreat.

Then he said it. "And last of all my word is more important then my duty." She was dumbstruck by the statement, letting him finish. By the time he said his last words, she was no longer afraid; she was seething with rage. His statement was unacceptable! In making that statement, he had declared her life more valuable then their compatriots, their country, and their mission. It spat in the face of everything she stood for! As a commissioned soldier, as a Montaigne, as a human, she could not stand for such irresponsible indiscretion from her commanding officer. She calmly drew her riding glove from her hand and slapped it across his face - a clear challenge for a duel. Then, her calm facade broke.

"You dare speak like that! You, the commanding officer of a unit that's less then a pawn in this war! You say I am somehow more important then this mission and our brothers and sister in arms like it's honorable and noble! You say it to a Montaigne, who put their lives on the line for such duty; to maintain peace! I cannot stand for it. If your sword is indeed at my command, then I command you draw it, for I will not stand for such a dishonor!" Her hand reached for her blade; ready to draw should he accept her challenge.

Spoiler: OOC

So. Lunar Templar... still think the soundtrack works? ^_^

 

[Floris2123]

She seemed shocked at his statement. she then grabbed her riding glove and William knew what would come next. She slapped him in the face with her glove challenging him to an duel. He remained calm."You dare speak like that! You, the commanding officer of a unit that's less then a pawn in this war! You say I am somehow more important then this mission and our brothers and sister in arms like it's honorable and noble! You say it to a Montaigne, who put their lives on the line for such duty; to maintain peace! I cannot stand for it. If your sword is indeed at my command, then I command you draw it, for I will not stand for such a dishonor!"
"As you wish, I will fight you." William grabbed his 1 first sword and his shield. He did an few steps back and waited for her to start the duel. He was not about to lose to her even if she didn't react the way he would have liked. He still owed her his life so he would fight her if she wished. However she shouldn't have asked him to fight, he wasn't going to hold back and even though she was strong she hadn't trained for this on the same level as he did. He was ready to roll away at an moments notice so he could dodge any teleport slashes.

 

[hiei82]

Claire drew her blade, a smirk on her face. At least he was no coward. shifting into a fencing stance, she channeled her power opening a small rift beside her arm; ready to absorb and redirect any strike it caught. This was a duel, so she refused to use her power for any other reason. She wouldn't have used it at all, were it not for her lack of main-gauche.

Thereafter, she announced " en garde!" and bolted forward. She knew William was likely the better swordsman, but she felt confident the gap was not so great she couldn't overcome it - especially given her motivation. She wouldn't lose! She couldn't lose! This was a fight to defend her honor. He had insulted her and her entire family in placing her life before his duty; this was not a fight she could afford to lose.

Keeping her fencing stance, she thrust and stabbed, each blow in rapid succession, pushing him back toward the fire. If nothing else, she would keep him off balance until he made a mistake; the painful lessons about duty would follow.

 

[Floris2123]

She had a smirk on her face as she grabbed her sword. William didn't understand this woman at all but she made an fatal mistake. He was an better swordsman and he had 2 weapons instead of 1. He held the advantage no matter how you looked at it. " en garde!" She screamed as she charged. She began a series of thrust and stabs. She had an far too high opinion of herself he blocked her attacks without much effort and began to walk back to make her think that she was winning. William had been taught to kill not to fight. He had already seen 3 opportunities to kill her but he would never do such an thing during a duel.

He waited for her pattern to repeat itself and when it did he he blocked the sword strike with his shield. but then he sidestepped to the right as her momentum was already gone his wasn't. He hit her sword with full power of his left arm combined into the steel edge of his shield, forcing her to make her blade go to his left/her right. He quickly stabbed his sword forward aiming for her chest. There was no way she could dodge. And if she used her power she would have broken the duel rules and then he would be allowed to use more 'effective tricks'. He would of course stop before hitting her, he wouldn't kill her or hurt her if it could be avoid.

 

[hiei82]

It had been going quiet well. she was slowly pushing him back, wearing him down. Then she saw it - the look in his eye. He raised his shield and she suddenly knew exactly what he was going to do. She saw her plans undone, her dismay evident. pivoting out of the way, he used her momentum to get behind her. He brought his shield down slamming her sword into the ground with more force then she could resist, then brought his sword to bare against her - aiming for her chest. The look on his face showed he was confident in his victory. Claire read an air of smugness in it, though it might have been her mind looking to create it. She could see several ways to escape, but few to claim a victory. She could release her sword and forfeit the match - she would die before that however. She could try to twist away from the blade, but it would be unlikely to work. she could use her powers, but in doing so she would be no better then her opponent. It left her with two options: accept her loss, or fight the one way she could with honor.

Their was no choice - she would fight on the one way she could - testing his skills and resolve. using his shield as a fulcrum, she pulled at the foil. It snapped like a twig. In the same move, she pushed forward into his incoming strike. If he lacked the skill, the sword would pierce her chest and smite her; he would win the fight but undo his own so important oath. If he had the resolve, he would pull away and protect his oath by losing, thus breaking it like her blade. Meanwhile, if his blade struck her down, she would have no further need of her blade, if she succeeded it would be a worthy sacrifice to defend her honor - she would see it reforged as soon as she had the chance, and if by some chance she still lost the exchange but lived - she was unworthy of carrying such a blade.

One way or another, this would be the last strike - she would need to make it count.

 

[Floris2123]

She had snapped her sword and was trying to finish this in one attack. He however was impressed by her again. For someone who found duty and honor so important she had no problem shattering an family heirloom. He simple jumped back and avoided her strike. When she fell he placed his sword on neck. "You lost. At least have the honor of admitting defeat." He looked at her with an cold look in his eyes. He kept his distance though so if she was to strike he would simply block her strike and hit the sword out of her hand.

 

[hiei82]

"You lost. At least have the honor of admitting defeat." William said with a cold look. One more insult she realized with annoyance - but one she deserved. She looked at her blade - a symbol of what she stood for, broken and beaten - now of less value then a dagger. She'd used everything she had, every ounce of her power; or at least what power she could use with honor. Yet, the sword at her neck signaled the end of the fight. It was over; she would at least end it with what broken honor she still had.

"I surrender" she said, after a long while of lying upon the ground, her voice barely audible. "Now leave" she said her voice firmer. She would honor his judgement and his oath - such were the conditions of a duel like this - but she had other business to deal with; namely gathering the shattered remains of her blade and her honor to see what could be salvaged.