[hider=MASK][color=3AB09E]"Glad to see that you still know how to make a girl feel welcome, Silme."[/color] A mocking laugh chimed from above, followed soon by a lithe figure leaping down onto the Faunus' back from above. The two went down in a bit of a tumble, sending Silme staggering to the ground while the girl simply smiled as she just as deftly leaped off her victim, doing a little flip in the air before landing next to Mikoto. She was an average sized girl of a very lithe and petite frame, wearing little more than a bikini top and a pair of black short-shorts, showing off a lot of skin, lean muscle, and a scar or two along her tone stomach. Her long hair was worn in a loose, wild fashion, reaching down to her to the middle of her back like a dark cascading waterfall. Her face, holding a mischievous face and  delighted light blue eyes, was framed by two bangs that were held in place by a pair of plain white hair-clips.

Turning away from a grumbling Silme, who was struggling to keep his temper under control at the moment, the girl gave the new member a small smile as she decided to greet her.

[color=3AB09E]"Sup, name's Keppel, part-time rocker, full-time Huntress, and plausible a master of meaningful graffiti art, depending on who's asking."[/color] She reached into the nearly non-existent pockets of her shorts to summon up her locker, which soon flew in to land with a fairly loud thud, nearly crushing Silme in the process as he scurried to avoid getting crushed by the damn thing. Walking up to it, it quickly opened and she pulled out her weapons, a choker and a pair of white gauntlets, as well as a knee length black and blue jacket that she put on to cover up ever so slightly. [color=3AB09E]"Glad to know we won't have to go in there down a man, and don't let lil' Silme's temper scare you off, he's really just a big softie."[/color]

[sub]"I'll show you soft, loud-ass, crazy bitch."[/sub] Silme muttered under his breath, only for Keppel to turn around and smirk at him as she brought her hands up to her face in a mockingly appalled manner.

[color=3AB09E]"Come now, Silme, wait until we're alone first before suggesting things like that, unless . . . you're suggesting we have a little group [i]exercise[/i]. Down boy, let's win the matches first before finding a way to celebrate."[/color] The smile on her face only grew as Silme's face grew extremely red, and he suddenly let out a frustrated shout before he walked away, announcing that he "needed some fucking air, away from annoying bitches that always got to say something." She chuckled a little bit before turning her attention back to Mikoto, putting an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close in order to whisper conspiratorially in her ear. [color=3AB09E][sub]"See, in order to handle Silme, you just need to bring up Sex and Amari in the same sentence. Shuts him down nearly every time, dirty little horn dog I sw-[/sub] SHIT!"[/color]

The laughter would turn into a quick yelp as she pulled the swan Faunus down with her to avoid a hurtling bench that Silme had picked up and launched at the two. He gave Keppel a death stare before continuing on his way to an outdoor balcony.

[color=3AB09E]"I did say it was 'nearly' every time."[/color] The girl said with a bit of a cheeky grin as she rose back up, putting her hands in her jacket pockets, rocking back and forth in place as she looked over to Amari, wondering who she should team up for the match.

Mikoto, of all people, shouldn't have been surprised at people dropping in from above considering how many times she did just that, but still it made her eyebrows rise. There were comfortable looking chairs [i]right there[/i], why would anyone choose to hang on the ceiling, and how did they for that matter? Still, they decided it was a good thing to take down that obnoxious mutt, so they had to be a wonderful person. Before their attention could be on her, Mikoto gave the girl a once over. To say that her appearance was unusual would be an understatement.

To describe the introduction as hasty wouldn't be telling the truth - Mikoto didn't even manage to draw a breath to respond before Keppel's attention was gone. The swan faunus was growing more and more amused though as Keppel fed her nightmare fuel for Silme by the shovels. She made a mental note to seek this girl out later to talk about that.

[i]So, the loudmouth fancies Amari, eh? Now there's something to ruin for him. I'd be delighted to![/i] her inner sadist thought, but before it could elaborate on how it intended to ruin anything between them before it even began, Mikoto found herself pulled to the ground. Something heavy flown by, but she paid it no attention since Keppel's face was now barely an inch away from hers, allowing her to soak in the details. [i]Then again... those are quite exquisite eyes![/i]

Once she got up, the mutt was gone from public view to her unending happiness. Dusting off her jacket, Mikoto cleared her throat. "Hello. My name is Mikoto Kage. I am pleased to see the rest of the company is not composed of uncivilized barbarians."

Upon Silme executing his... energetic entrance, followed by an initially grumpy-as-hell Mikoto, Amari gathered that the two had already met, and had gotten off to a rocky start.  She does, however quickly realize who Mikoto was, having thought that the scroll address looked familiar.  "So, Sil, I take it that you have already met our newest partner?  And Schwarz, it is great to see you again, its been a while, hasn't it?" She says, saying the last part with a grin.  "Now, we're almost all here, just waiting for Kep-" She says, just as Keppel herself leapt down from the ceiling, startling Amari slightly.

Upon hearing Keppel's remarks about celebration, Amari laughs a bit, covering it up with a cough

Silme leaned against the railing of the balcony, ignoring Mikoto's annoying bitchin' as he sighed, wishing he could staple Keppel's damn lips shut. Mikoto was the absolute last person he wanted to know something like that, but what had been done had been done. He sure as hell was going to treat the bitch any better if she tried to use it against him, even if it might kill his chances. [color=Silver][i]Fuckin' hell, why do I have to deal with this crap? I just wanted to hit things, live life, and die a fast death at a young age, not get wrapped up in a damn relationship! Yet I can't seem to help how I feel . . . goddamn hormones.[/i][/color]

After having cleared his head of any . . . unsavory thoughts that may have lingered after Keppel's teasing, he felt his scroll buzz in his pockets. A slight wave of apprehension, coursed through him as he brought it up, a grimace cutting a cross his face as he saw the familiar face of Carver flash across the screen. He thought about just ignoring the fucker, but knew that would only lead to more annoyance, and possibly a beating, later on. With a reluctant sigh, he pressed the answer button before bringing the device up to his ear.

[color=Gold]"Oh, you actually answered this time, how wonderful! It usually takes a good round of good ol' fashion punishment before you learn to answer my calls on a constant basis. But moving on from that, how are you feeling about the tournament?"[/color] Carver spoke in a jolly, yet sharp tone, seeming like he was currently reclined on something. Some noises could be heard from the background, but they were incoherent and faint. [color=Gold]"I bet you're all puffed, thinking you'e going to sweep the competition just because you've won a few real fights, but I'll tell you that while it's true that you've got a lot of skill, don't think that'll get you anywhere in the ring."[/color]

[color=Silver]"I beg to differ on that front, but I'm not a fuckin' idiot, Carver, I know how to handle myself in a fight and definitely know not to underestimate an opponent. Now tell me what you want, because I know you didn't just call to check in."[/color]

[color=Gold]"Heh, right you are, Wolf-boy, you're such a smart little mutt, aren't ya?"[/color] Carver replied, only to be met by a deep, rumbling growl in return, which only amused the man further if his chuckle was anything to go by. [color=Gold]"Anyway, i want you to pay particular attention to an Atlesian team that's come to the games, Team BANK, if I'm remembering correctly. I want to know what they can do and how they do it, because I might have to kidnap one or two of them. Atlesian money is always good and plentiful, but them being Hunters in training complicates matters a bit. Regular goons won't be enough, and if I pay for professionals, it'll likely lead to me getting very little profit from the venture. So, I've decided to go with both and hire a single pro of very high regard and efficiency. Only problem will be hoping he doesn't take a bite out of the cargo or make off with them himself. But anyway, can I trust you to get me as much information as you can?"[/color]

[color=Silver]"Tch, I hate these kind of jobs and you know that. . . but yes, I've got it handled. Now are we fuckin' done with this conversation, because I feel like your voice is giving me an ear infection from all of the shit you're spewing."[/color]

[color=Gold]"For now, Silme, for now, but do make sure to put in some real effort on this mission. I'll be keeping an eye on them to, and for every bit of info I can get from watching the games that you don't provide, that'll be a sparring session you'll owe me. You remember what happened last time, don't you? Wouldn't want for there to be a repeat of that, now would we?"[/color]

[color=Silver]". . . no."[/color] Silme muttered, one hand unconsciously reaching to his side where, underneath his clothes, lay a rather nasty looking strip of scar tissue, all red, jagged, and angry in it's appearance. Carver had broken his aura in a fight and given him a bad cut to his side, and then had proceed to worsen it a bit as punishment for allowing it to happen before sending him off to get patched up by one of his cronies, who had a healing semblance and was Carver's main woman, one of them at least. It never seemed to have healed properly, always causing a dull throbbing from time to time, like now. But to Silme, it was more than a scar, it was a reminder that Carver was far, far above him, and possibly always would be. It was a reminder that, no matter how badly he wanted to, or how hard he tried, he'd never be able to escape from this man's heel, and he'd be serving him for the rest of his life, which may not be that long in all honesty.

[color=Gold]"Good, now if you'll excuse me, there are some ladies in need of my attention and a shopkeeper in the basement who needs to be reminded that my protection isn't a charity, and that we don't take well to people who think they can skip out on paying. Have a nice day, and remember, keep an eye out."[/color] With that, the scroll went dead, the number instantly wiping itself from his phone as it had been programmed to do whenever it intercepted a call from Carver's encrypted and hacked hotline into the CCT system. Silme let his arm drop, letting out a hollow sigh as he looked over the edge of the balcony into the city below, pocketing the scroll. His eyes were rather down-hearted, and his hands were curled into such tight fists that his knuckles were turning white from the pressure and his claw-like nails were digging into his palms, his aura being the only thing keeping him from drawing blood at the moment. 
[hr]

Keppel turned to Mikoto, giving the new girl a smile as she gave a small salute, ceasing her rocking for the moment as she addressed the girl.

[color=3AB09E]"Nice to meet you as well, Mikoto, and don't be so hard on lil' Silme. He's an ass, I'll fully admit, but considering a few things, he could've turned out much, much worse. I've known the fucker for a while, and he's not so bad a guy when you give him a chance. Still pretty bad, of course, but he's got a few points worthy of respect."[/color] Keppel said, before pulling Mikoto in close, keeping an eye  on Amari as she once again whispered into the swan faunus' ear. [color=3AB09E][sub]Oh, and please keep what I said early between us, yeah? I know you probably have every, and I mean every, intention and right to use it against him, but let me tell you that this whole thing is really a step up for him. Gives him something other than beating up random thugs to look forward to, and a reason to be a better human being as well. If that's going to get thrown out the window, I want it to be Amari's decision after Silme's deemed himself ready to open up. I know it's an odd thing to ask, but I'm, like, the big sister of the group, and I got to look out for these two knuckle heads.[/sub][/color] She then proceeds to give Mikoto a quick peck on the cheek, an unreadable smile on her face, as she pulls away. A single finger would trail along the fauns' shoulders, up her neck to caress her cheek, before lightly flicking her on the nose. With a soft chuckle, Keppel would turn over to talk to Amari, skipping over to her tomboyish teammate with a bit of whistle as she did an about face an put her arm around the blue haired girl's neck, attempting giving her a bit of a noogie as she spoke.

[color=3AB09E]"So, what's the plan for the fight? Any strategies, or do we need to wing it, oh, and Mikoto, what do you bring to the table? Can;t really devise any battle plans without knowing what we're working with? And Amari, would you be a dear and get Silme for me, I'm afraid he's still a bit cross with me, and I wouldn't be able to resist poking at his ego a little more than is possibly reasonable."[/color]

"A while, yes..." Mikoto said, wincing a little at Amari using her adoptive name, "But that's not my name. Not anymore. I left all that behind me two years ago." she explained. "Well, we have other things to discuss than old times. I am holding you to a catch-up talk later though!" the swan pointed at her with a grin.

Listening to Keppel's description of Silme, Mikoto remained unimpressed. That guy belonged behind bars, he just had that smell around him. And one day she would put him there, along with all of his buddies. Or maybe them first. Whichever slipped up first and left enough evidence behind to nail them.

She decided to address the hush-hush part of what Keppel told her later, for now focusing on the upcoming matches. "As you have no doubt been told I mam a PD cadet. I've been training for two years to take the most dangerous people off of the streets, under the supervision of a hunter so don't worry about my odds. In fact put me up against the worst of them, as long as you have my back I should be able to take down most of them one on one." she gave the brief summary.

"If you want more details, than I use blades for close combat-" she said, reaching behind her back and unholstering the Swansong and Quilltact, setting them on the table, "-but as you can see on a closer look, my true strength is spellwork. I don't know what gods you believe in, but I am a shaman, and I can weave Nature's Wrath accordingly. All I need are the base four kinds, and I can cast anything. That said if you would want me to set the whole arena ablaze you'd need to buy me some five minutes of uninterrupted casting, but I could do it."

"Last, my semblance." she said as she picked up the Quilltact and walked closer to Keppel. "Not only am I immune to dust spells when it's active, but it also allows me to do this." she said and with a barely audible growl, the faunus activated her semblance. Keppel would have gotten a second flash of her swirling black form with prominent white eyes before Mikoto would phase straight through the girl and turn solid on the other side, the blunt hilt of her dagger slightly tapping over Keppel's kidney. "Dead." she simply whispered into her ear, curious for a reaction.

Mikoto would find herself staring down at a black, strangely technological barrel, a small chuckle coming from the anarchist as she leaned back against her would-be assailant.

"If I hadn't been trained as a Huntress, then yes, I would be dead. However, with my aura up, I think you just gave me a bit of bruise at most. Plus, you're in the danger close range of my Rock Fists. You'd be at my mercy as I disoriented you, caused you to lose your hearing in the most likely scenario, and threw off your sense of balance. But I must say that you're cute when you're confident." She'd press a button to shut down her weapon and give Mikoto a pat on her head, before turning to see that Amari had yet to do what she said. So she decided to kick the girl's butt into gear. Pushing her self off of the cadet, she took a few steps behind the girl, raised her foot up high in front of her, and gave a solid kick to her lazy bum.

"Go get Silme's salty ass over here, dammit. I'm not paying you to stand around."

"As If I was serious. Or did you already forget what I said was my strength?" Mikoto smirked and tapped one of the keys on the hilt of Quilltact, popping the channel leading to the lightning dust capsule open. A white and blue bolt momentarily connected with the metal table in a bright flash, causing the piece of furniture to fly away with a new scorch mark. "And please, I am cute, period." she said with an exasperated hair toss. "Although I do feel a bit challenged in that area standing in this room. Absent quarter excluded." the cadet smiled.

She giggled at their antics, making a note to steal a moment with each of them later during the tournament. After all, she was partially on a recruitment mission, she just needed to find a way to sell it, and it would be easier doing so if she managed to befriend them first.
[/hider]