Drive [Open]

[Deacon Graves]

If there was one thing Deacon Graves disliked more than anything, it was sitting around wasting time. He had grown up most of his life constantly struggling to get by, to survive and see another day. Out of habit, he had grown accustomed to consistently staying busy. When he had nothing to work toward, he felt useless. Feeling useless was another thing he disliked.

So Deacon did what he could to keep himself sharp, his techniques crisp and execution flawless. He didn't know how much time had passed, but he had been sitting in this field off toward the left side of one of the academy buildings, practicing for a least an hour now. A simple black tank-top hugged his torso, hands extending in front of him as his fingers flicked about. Two feet in front of him, resting upon the ground, Deacon's back-pack resided with the top flap open.

Trailing upwards, the greyish-black metallic sand would wisp its way up out of the bag like a king cobra responding to a snake-charmer. A few feet above the bag, the sand would be shifting forms. From a sword, to a knife, to a club. To an arrow, to a scythe, to a cannon ball. Over and over he repeated the process as small beads of sweat began to build and drip on his brow. Still, he continued and wouldn't likely stop until he was far too weak to continue. Without a mission to complete or a comrade to compete with, this was what needed to be done to stay on top of things.

He was so focused, concentrating all his attention upon his sand, that he paid little attention to his surroundings, or any prying eyes.

[Leon]

Well that was different. Someone diligently molding and manipulating what looked like gunpowder? No, sand maybe. It was odd to say the least as he approached and watched for a minute. His eyes in a normal state, didn't take a genius to figure this guy had some sort of manipulation power, though without any indication as to his rank it'd be impossible to figure this out without interrupting. So he would gently cough into his hand to clear his throat and announce his presence.

"Hey. Practicing some Qi control, huh?"

Yeah so he wasn't good at opening lines, he was just trying to make conversation.

[Deacon Graves]

Even while practicing, Deacon had heard the tell-tale signs of foot falls approaching. He remained focused on his task and even after he had heard them stop. When the man behind him spoke, he heard an obvious question. Regardless, he would answer it, if only after a few seconds. "I'd rather practice and master it sooner, than need it and not know how to use it later."

Deacon figured that was a simple enough answer. Other people here seemed to be lax on using them, or freshly emerged. Maybe he had just come to accept his abilities quicker and realized the importance of sharpening them. Deacon wasn't one to sit around wasting his time when he could put it to good use. It was the purpose of him being here, wasn't it? "Electromagnetic Manipulation.. The sand is made up of a granules of metal."

His words would come out as the sand continued to shift form. After he spoke, it would be forced back doen into the open back-pack, before Deacon would turn to face the man who spoke, but remain silent after doing so as he studied him.

[Leon]

Listening to his explanation it was rather rational, semi-mechanical if nothing else. He obviously trained hard and was either in or intended to be part of the military.

"I followed a similar philosophy for a time."

Then came the explanation of his abilities, not a common ability to be sure, but one he was at least semi familiar with.

"Ah, I once had the ability to increase my electric potential, turning gas particles into plasma around me. I had a small form of manipulation from there."

[Deacon Graves]

"What do you mean 'once had'.. How did you lose the ability to do it?" The only reason he asked was simply because he had not heard of someone losing abilities, only gaining them. Still, it was interesting to have someone stumble upon him, who was familiar with some form of what Deacon could potentially do in the future.

He would shift upon he feet slightly, arms crossing low, near his stomach as he continued keep his icy blue eyes upon him. He was definitely older than himself and something about him gave a strong aura off. He seemed battle-hardened, learned. Deacon could only assume that maybe he worked for the academy himself.

[Leon]

Stretching wide, bringing his hands together and then lifting them over his head to stretch his shoulders and back he would finish with an explanation.

"Well, during the war I ran into this enemy force that eventually captured me. They used some machine and ripped my Qi from... My soul? It looked like my soul. Could of been hallucinations. Well after the rescue team got me out I found I couldn't do it anymore."

He left out a bunch of details obviously, but it was a comfort thing. Not often a person admits to being beaten and held prisoner in a casual sense, but it was a fact of life for him at this point. Besides it was over eleven years ago. Not really a salty wound except for some of the details.

[Deacon Graves]

"Huh.." That was all he could muster on the subject, mainly because the war was brought up. Only Deacon hadn't had the pleasure of fighting in it, he had only the experience of surviving through it all at a young age. On top of it, it had ultimately cost him his father and his older brother. Over time, he had come to accept the loss, but that didn't mean he enjoyed the subject himself. However this guy was sharing, so would it hurt for him to do the same?

"I was about.. five years old when the war broke out. Crazy to think on it now.. Somehow I managed to scrape by and make it out alive. I didn't really understand how lucky I actually was.. Guess that was because my father did whatever he could to ensure it.." Deacon would continue to look over the man before him, his arms uncrossing as it appeared he was lowering his guard at least a little bit. "What was it like before it all happened..? I barely remember it."

[Leon]

"I wasn't very old either, but I remember loads of people everywhere. Doing... Random stuff. Exercising, playing in parks, going to jobs and generally everyday relaxed stuff. It was like whatever they did to destroy all the guns and explosives in the world tipped it into unnatural chaos."

Leon pondered it. He hadn't really thought of before the world went to shit much since he got really involved. He shook his head to get the depressing parts of the story from getting involved with his attitude.

"Where are my manners. Leon Sudeki. One of the Supervisors for the military here."

He'd hold a hand out to shake.

[Deacon Graves]

Deacon too found himself wondering what it could have been like. He remembered short snippets, little flashes from his childhood. Fright and panic stricken scenes that didn't play out much like it actually happened to him. It felt so long ago now.

His thoughts were interrupted by the man apologizing and then introducing himself by name. Leon Sudeki.. Deacon swore the name seemed familiar in some way, unique. He wouldn't say he was the best with names, but some stuck. Especially if they were connected to significant things in ones life. Age was positive he had never met Leon before, but the name was pulling at memories.

"Deacon Graves. Military Trainee, Sir." Out of habit, Deacon would straighten up a bit now that he knew he was in the presence of a superior. Those icy blue eyes hadn't felt him. And then out of no where it hit him. A memory related to the man standing before him, or at least hinting toward the man standing in front of him.

When Deacon was younger, his family moved around a lot, afraid of being pinned down to one area. Often times when his father deemed it safe, he would let Deacon and his older brother use his old tuning radio. Occasionally they would sit down and turn it on, on the off chance thst they could catch any news from the conflict and avoid potential danger zones. This was how he knew the name. Leon Sudeki. Over the course of years he had caught snippets of stories. This man was a decorated war hero. "Holy shit- You're him! ..The Archfold of the Cast?!"

[Leon]

"Oh?"

At the mention of the old group he made a noise of pleasent surprise. Seemed reputation still mattered, or at least got the attention of some. He'd shift his weight and fold his arms thinking on the times of the war that got him to such points of fame. Every territory had it's hero story, but 259 had some of the more notorious due to the size and expansion it went through during the war.

"I haven't heard that in a while. Yeah I was one of the Archfold of the Cast, along with David Blaze. After that we became The Dragon Core and Cabal was formed. Took a lot of work to get this far."

[Deacon Graves]

"I- Uuh.. I use to catch snippets of news over this tuning-radio my father had when I was younger. I use to think 'Whoa cool, that guy must be so strong' or 'I wanna be like him when I grow up'.. You know, kid things." Deacon would let out a short laugh, a hint of a smile on his face as he thought back into his past. But then he straightened up a bit, dropping his chin as he stared toward Leon.

"Now that you're here in front of me.. I'd be lying if I still can't help but think how strong you might be." Deacon would then turn and look to scoop that back-pack full of metal-sand, up onto his shoulders. Turning on his heels again, he would fixate those icy blue iris' upon those of Leon Sudeki's. "I have no delusions that I will win this- However, I want to see what you're capable of with my own two eyes.. Sir."

[Leon]

Leon listened, he had heard some of the boradcasts himself. He always used to debate with some of the soldiers on if they were exaggerating or not giving enough credit. It always used to lighten the mood after a particularly bloody campaign. Though his eyes shifted slightly when he saw Deacon go for the bag, and his stance or way of holding himself shifted. the right corner of his lips angled upwards as he spoke about challenging Leon to see how the stories matched to the man. Or possibly how Deacon Matched to the Legend. Either possability worked for Leon, but to be challenged at all in this day and age was a rarity.

"You know it has been getting pretty lame without some action around here. Sure, hit me with your best shot."

Leon would wave Deacon on with his left hand.

[Deacon Graves]

Amidst speaking, Deacon would lift his hands up, before shifting downward and bending his knees. "Then let me try- To entertain you!" His right arm would lift backwards and when it did, sand would sweep up and swarm it. With a grunt, Deacon would slam his fist into the ground. His sand encased arm would hit the ground before the sand swept forward rapidly across the ground. The streak of grey-black sand would harden and grow, bursting thick metal spines upward from the trail, growing larger as they shot forward and up in a straight line toward Leon where he stood.

Deacon wasn't so sure he would connect, so he kept his eyes forwars in attempt to keep Leon in his sights. This would likely be the most challenging experience he had ever faced, but he was eager to prove himself a capable soldier and separate himself from some average trainee.

SPOILER: Click to show

Ferrokinetic Weaponry - So long as Deacon's metal sand bag, or other metal debris is within his surroundings, he is able to manipulate the sand to form various melee weaponry, or to be shot off in the fashion of a projectile. He does not have to be holding said weapon or projectile to be able to strike with it. This ability adds 1/2 Deacon's Energy stat to his attacks, so long as the ability is maintained.

10+14= 24 Atk
1/8 Abilities Used

[Leon]

Leon watched carefully wondering what he would be able to do with that odd looking sand. Which was revealed to be metal. As it created the spikes jutting from the ground Leon would hold his ground, his grin turning into a sick smile as multiple spikes cut flesh, one even piercing all the way through his left fore arm causing his left hand to get stuck in a weird shape. A cut across his right thigh and one he even tilted his head for slightly cutting his right temple. Leon would use his right hand and swipe cutting off the spike in his left arm, and chuckling as pain seared through his being.

"Not a bad hit."

A pure of white light would resonate from his body before bursting in a white flame around his body, white scales appearing on his skin from the influx. Making a fist with his right hand he would step forward and throw a right punch. He was too far away for it to hit, but white lightning would jump off his fist sailing directly for Deacon, like a whip dragging along the ground it would rip through the concrete and likely the trail of Deacon's sand leaving a trail of destruction behind it.

SPOILER: Click to show

Dragon Scale's: + 5 Eng, +3 Spd
These scales are summonable with a massive release of energy around the body like flames. They last for up to four posts. When active they add an additional +1 to all stats.
1/4

Lightning Strike Gloves: +8 Atk.
Add On: The Bolt of the Lightning Dragon: +1 to All stats | Ability: Leon can add electric shock into the punch equal or similar to a taser. Electricity seems to leap along his fists at the strike. Whenever you punch, deal electric damage equal to your energy up to four times per thread. (Gloves addition, does not take up slot. is added onto item, LEGENDARY ADDITION)
1/4
Damage: 51

[Deacon Graves]

Deacon was actually surprised when his attack landed, however he realized it had likely done so because Leon had allowed it too. Regardless, a compliment was tossed his way before Leon would return in kind with his own attack. In preparation, Deacon would have focused that sand to swirl up and coat his body, before hardening.

His armor plating would appear, but it would only last for a brief second because a super-powered bolt of lightning shot forward and shatteres the metal spikes that had formed, ripping a straight line through it as it did. Any metal sand had not been liquified after direct contact, scattered as the bolt of energy struck Deacon square in the chest with enough force to send him sprawling backwards.

His metal armor plating broke away in fragments as he hit the courtyard grounds on his back wide and rolled feet over a head once before landing on his elbows and knees, face down upon the ground. "Fff-" Deacon tried to swear, but his entire body was screaming at him currently. Leon certainly possessed a strong shoeing of Qi already.

Despite the hit, Deacon's armor had been able to absorb a decent portion of what he could only assume would have wrecked him otherwise. Grunting, teeth bearing as he fought through the pain and shock his nervous system had just taken, to lift his upper-body higher and shift him into a runner's stance before he kicked off and sent himself straight for Leon again.

Those icy blue iris' locked upon Leon Sudeki's form as he pushed forward. So long as he got close enough, his left arm pulled back, right arm curling in front of him before he thrust his left again and took aim at Sudeki's magnetic field. It would become visible briefly, as he aimed to palm it and push through to Leon's chest. He was curious to see if it would even have any effect on him at all.

SPOILER: Click to show

Metal Sand Bag: +12 Energy
This sand can be used as armor casing the user in solid metal armor with the power of his Energy stat added to his Defense stat. Can be used four times per thread.
1/4 Used

Electromagnetic Tear
When Deacon successfully strikes someone with this ability, he is able to focus upon his target's electromagnetic field and litterally tear a hole in it, cause it to disrupt and overload, sending pain throughout his target's body. This ability allows him to output damage equal to his own Energy stat.

28 Atk

2/8 Abilities Uses