[IC] The Heroes of Beacon

[OldManWong]

Gideon tilted his head, A faunus?, he figured it wasn't of importance as the boy only gave it a second of thought before disregarding the topic himself. Gideon's eyes followed the pink-haired girl as Priscilla turned and walked away as if he wasn't there. Rude, perhaps? Though it amusing, cute in away, as she stumbled backwards into a girl rather recklessly. She could feel Gideon's eyes follow her as she walked away, a smirk hidden behind his scarf. Regarding Oliver, Gideon turned to face him with narrowed eyes, reminding Oliver of a snake, "I guard caravans, from both grimm and people." Gideon states curtly, though a lot more is going through his mind than what he said. "What was your occupation before you came here?" he asks tiredly. After a few moments it suddenly occurred to Gideon that Priscilla might have fled the scene because of fear as he tasted the regretful dread. Did he do something to her? He didn't think he was overly unkind to her...

[KabenSaal]

Trico sat and fawned over her lost love. Why did she have to have some stupid fucking asshole come along and steal her darling dear. It was like that night...that night she shouldn't think of under any circumstances but found herself thinking about anyway. But then stopped thinking about it, because that was wrong. Not wrong morally, obviously, it can't be immoral to think, but it was wrong for her mentality.

[Lugubrious]

“So you've actually fought Grimm before!?” Mary seemed incredulous.
Abel's eyebrows furrowed. This must be one of those sheltered ones. What was this girl doing here if she hadn't faced Grimm? He was fairly sure that was a prerequisite or something, not that he remembered a single thing on the forms he had signed. “Yeah, yeah. It's what I do. My family too. We're a long line of Guardians.” He allowed the faunus girl to marvel over that for a moment before posing the question. “Why are you here if you've never fought the monsters?”
For a moment, Mary seemed taken aback. Gone was her cheer, replaced by indignant silence. Her hyperactive tongue was quick to resume working, though. “What's the matter with that? Not everyone has to tough it out on the edge of the world. At Flare, we sparred each other. People are much smarter than the Grimm, but in a classroom setting, they're not so deadly. Learn more, die less. I bet I could beat you in a fight. All those hours standing on some wall must have dulled your reflexes.”

She didn't receive a response right away. Abel exhaled deeply, searching for the right words. Were all faunus this sensitive? “We have chairs,” he finally proclaimed. “And security cameras. Standing around doing nothing is just...medieval.” Mary's aggressiveness died down when she failed to get a rise out of him, and her curt frown transformed into an encouraging smile. “Yeah, I guess,” she admitted. “Still, I'd like to fight you some time. A real east-meets-west. Hey, you know what, we ought to be on a team!”

Abel considered this. Until now he hadn't thought of what Mrs. Goodwitch had said about partners. He had assumed when he had heard it that they'd be picked beforehand, unchangeable and definitive and not worth worrying about. “Is it that simple? I mean, if it is, sure, you're alright...” Abel trailed off for a moment as he realized that he had just boiled down all of his interaction with this girl into a simple appraisal.

Mary didn't seem to mind, however. “Hah, you too, Abe. Guess we have to just wait and see.” The two passed beneath an archway. They had absent-mindedly wandered about a quarter of the way around the school. Abel decided he would circumnavigate it to get a good look at his home for the next six months; Mary's stomach reminded her that she wanted something to eat. As the two parted ways, Abel smiled. Now alone -or so he thought-, he let go of the Ampere, holding it aloft with his semblance. Azure electricity sparked between his fingers and the weapon's shaft, spinning it in a quick flourish.

[Undying Curiosity]

"Guarding caravans sounds boring...But you probably have a lot a field experience from it, which is good." Oliver said indifferently. Oliver's eyes floated over to the falling Priscilla, also witnessing her apology and departure. Gideon voice grabbed Oliver's attention away from Priscilla, Oliver returned his focus to their conversation and started to talk, "Me? I didn't...Really...Have a [i]job[//i]. Before coming here I went to Sanctum, training to come here." Oliver brought his hands up and pivoted his upper body back and for as he spoke more, "Of course, sanctum aint got shit on this place!" Oliver joked as he smile and chuckled a little bit. Naturally, Oliver's mind was still on the pretty pink haired girl who walking away still, just about to turn on the walkway.

Oliver spoke apologetically when speaking, "I really don't mean to cut this short, but I'm going to go catch up with Priscilla, it's not everyday I get the chance to hang out with someone so...well...-" Oliver paused, trying to think of a words that's fitting for this situation. Oliver wasn't sure if this Gideon fellow would really understand Oliver's choice right now, but he gave it a shot any ways. Oliver continued, " Well...Hot!" Oliver's eyes rhythmically bounced from Priscilla to Gideon, hoping he would understand the degree of cock blockage he would be exerting if he insisted Oliver to stay.

Oliver went off. A slow walk gradually built into a run as he attempted to catch up to Priscilla. Oliver stopped running just as he got by her side, creating a breeze that brushed up against Priscilla making her hair flow wonderfully. "Hey there." Oliver said through his heavy breathing. Some breath techniques and time helped him recover stamina and steady his breathing again. "I'm sorry for back there, ignoring you and stuff, it wasn't cool. I hope you still want to walk around the school grounds with someone." Oliver said with some slight embarrassment, after a short pause he then added, "I know I want to, especially with a beautiful girl that I can talk to." Oliver bowed his head slightly as he neared the end of that sentence.

[Flamelord]

Tai was finished in the gardens, himself calm, refreshed, and replenished for the rest of the day ahead. He would need the mental fortitude, given tat as far a she was aware there was communal rooming for tonight, until teams were established and they got dorm rooms. This would be fun. But, then again, it was only one night, so he could manage. Hopefully.

As it was, he did a bit more walking, seeing groups conversing, some playful actions, that made Tai grin, but he didn't interact, or intrude, instead heading out to one of the nearby open fields and taking up a wide stance before launching into some martial arts practice, quick and rapid blows with his fists and arms, as well as kicks. He hadn't had a chance to practice today, with the airship ride and all, so now was a good time to get into it. Deep breathes, controlled, precise movements, an even application of force and no more than was necessary. When one was dealing with a meteor hammer such a she used, control and stamina was important, especially if one didn't wish to get whacked by ones own weapon.

[paigesweetheart]

Undying Curiosity said
"Guarding caravans sounds boring...But you probably have a lot a field experience from it, which is good." Oliver said indifferently. Oliver's eyes floated over to the falling Priscilla, also witnessing her apology and departure. Gideon voice grabbed Oliver's attention away from Priscilla, Oliver returned his focus to their conversation and started to talk, "Me? I didn't...Really...Have a [i]job[//i]. Before coming here I went to Sanctum, training to come here." Oliver brought his hands up and pivoted his upper body back and for as he spoke more, "Of course, sanctum aint got shit on this place!" Oliver joked as he smile and chuckled a little bit. Naturally, Oliver's mind was still no the pretty pink haired girl who walking away still, just about to turn on the walkway.Oliver spoke apologetically when speaking, "I really don't mean to cut this short, but I'm going to go catch up with Priscilla, it's not everyday I get the chance to hang out with someone so...well...-" Oliver paused, trying to think of a words that's fitting for this situation. Oliver wasn't sure if this Gideon fellow would really understand Oliver's choice right now, but he gave it a shot any ways. Oliver continued, " Well...Hot!" Oliver's eyes rhythmically bounced from Priscilla to Gideon, hoping he would understand the degree of cock blockage he would be exerting if he insisted Oliver to stay.Oliver went off. A slow walk gradually built into a run as he attempted to catch up to Priscilla. Oliver stopped running just as he got by her side, creating a breeze that brushed up against Priscilla making her hair flow wonderfully. "Hey there." Oliver said through his heavy breathing. Some breath techniques and time helped him recover stamina and steady his breathing again. "I'm sorry for back there, ignoring you and stuff, it wasn't cool. I hope you still want to walk around the school grounds with someone." Oliver said with some slight embarrassment, after a short pause he then added, "I know I want to, especially with a beautiful girl that I can talk to." Oliver bowed his head slightly as he neared the end of that sentence.

"Hmmm. Where should I go, next....? I think, I should go into the halls and check some rooms.
I hope they have a library, love reading books."The pink haired girl speaking to herself like if she was speaking to someone else. Priscilla's mind wondered off thinking about Oliver and that guy she kicked, maybe it was rude of leaving like that, maybe she had to apologize for kicking him but instead she left. "Ugh, so stupid and rude Priscilla. Where are your manners?!" She thought to herself and then stopped. "Im going to go apologize." A nod on her head and she quickly turned around but was bumped by Oliver.

Priscilla blushed as they bumped and smiled at him. "Hey and don't worry. You dont need to apologize, it was rude of me leaving." She said taking a step back from Oliver seeing that they were so close to eachother. And then her face turned red as hell and quickly her head went down hiding her face. "Beautiful...? Hah. Th-Thank you.... and yeah we can still walk around together." Priscilla cleared her throat now looking towards Oliver, smiling at him and her blush showing off like hell.

[OldManWong]

Gideon appraised Oliver's comment of his job being boring. Perhaps a boring existence would be more easy, though Gideon couldn't imagine it'd be less interesting than going to a school that is purposed towards entering into another school. It didn't make much sense to Gideon but he wasn't exactly knowledgeable of anything except guarding and surviving in the desert. Gideon observed as Oliver's attention was quickly taken by the pink-haired, who, Gideon swore, had a semblance for attracting attention from others. "I really don't mean to cut this short, but I'm going to go catch up with Priscilla, it's not everyday I get the chance to hang out with someone so...well...-" Priscilla was it? Gideon's facial features didn't move the slightest of millimeters, only giving a nod to Oliver. Gideon only came to check on him, he had no desire to interrupt the...fauna's...? Social agenda. For a moment, He even considered following Oliver to try an assure he wasn't angry at Priscilla, though he suspected Oliver would become angry if Gideon simply scared her off again.

After a moment of consideration, Xovos merely shrugged, if he ran into her again, he would probably try and say something, though he wasn't sure of what at the time.
Xovos hated the fact that he had no idea what he was doing with the interaction at this school, though it was entertaining at the same time. "I will enjoy this." He stated to himself with a determined tone.

[Undying Curiosity]

Oliver watched Priscilla's cheeks turn rosy red as she looked at him while blushing. Oliver thought it was quite cute, the way she tried to hide her face. He smile and started to walk, "So, Priscilla. ..." Oliver had started talking to her but he forgot what he was going to say, oh Gideon asked what I did before this, what a good ice breaker, he thought. after a short pause he continued, "What did you do before you came here to beacon?" Oliver asked with genuine interest. They walked through school grounds, covering but a fraction of the place. Occasionally they would pass a few people about to fight, or some people chit-chatting, but nothing to irregular. It was a long day, Olvier could use some sleep right about now, but he also wants to keep talking to Priscilla...

[phillmyster]

Blake and Conrad arrived next to Atlas and Gideon just as a faunus ran away somewhere. Conrad had remained silent for some time now so Blake took the initiative.
“Hi there, I'm Blake Silverheart and this guy next to me with the big sword is Conrad, Hope I'm not intruding or anything of the sort but I saw you two from afar and noticed (turning to Atlas) your superb balancing skills and your (turning to Gideon) impeccable stance, to endure his weight on your head like he was nothing, you both seem like interesting people” he smiled at them.

[OldManWong]

Gideon smiles warmly as he is approached by the two new figures, though it is lost on them as it is hidden behind the cloth of his scarf. They inquire about Atlas perched upon the hammer that rested on Gideon's head. "Oh? You over estimate my strength. Though it is quite the feat of balance, Atlas's semblance is that of weight manipulation. " Gideon states, though, as he scans the two over his interest is caught by the glowing sword, "Is that custom or a heirloom, it appears quite potent."

[paigesweetheart]

Undying Curiosity said
Oliver watched Priscilla's cheeks turn rosy red as she looked at him while blushing. Oliver thought it was quite cute, the way she tried to hide her face. He smile and started to walk, "So, Priscilla. ..." Oliver had started talking to her but he forgot what he was going to say, , he thought. after a short pause he continued, "What did you do before you came here to beacon?" Oliver asked with genuine interest. They walked through school grounds, covering but a fraction of the place. Occasionally they would pass a few people about to fight, or some people chit-chatting, but nothing to irregular. It was a long day, Olvier could use some sleep right about now, but he also wants to keep talking to Priscilla...

As they were walking now, Priscilla's blush faded away slowly. "Alright...." she sighed clearing her throat and spoke, she was about to tell him her life out of being a huntress. "Well.... I live with my mother, we are poor, webarely have food now. But thankgod my grandfather came to help my mom while I am gone. And I have been ...." sigh as she looked down at the ground, embarrised to what she was going to say. There were some possibilities that he wouldn't want to be around her anymore.

"And... I have been stealing, food for my mother and I.... but I am done with that. I just needed to do it...and when I am done here. I want to have a job, probably being a restaurant owner. Cause, I am a very good cook." She smiled at Oliver. "Please, dont be disgusted because of that..."

[Undying Curiosity]

When Priscilla told Oliver about her life back home, his heart sank. This proves terrible things happen to good people, Oliver thought as bowed his head. Saddened at the thought of her and her family struggling to get by, having to resort to thievery just to eat. Oliver stopped walking and laid is hand on her shoulder, stopping her from walking as well. He looked at her with a face riddled with sorrow. He pulled her in close, close enough that there bodies touched, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her hug. "I'm so sorry you have to go through that...If there's anything I can do here, that can help. Please, don't hesitate to ask." Oliver said, as he released her from the hug. He looked her in the eyes and spoke once again,"It's starting to get late, we should probably head in the general direction of the ballroom." Oliver smiled at her and slowly started to walk back down the path.

[Lugubrious]

Twenty minutes of walking alone and listening to the birds chirping in the various trees on campus proved to be very relaxing for Abel. Finally, he stopped at a bench on the edge of the smooth gray path and sat down, laying his weapon against the wooden, burgundy chair and putting his hands behind his head. Some part of him wished that school could be alike like this: moments of relaxation and enjoyment. Yet, a part of him looked forward to the coming semester, all of the work and projects and problems. They were all stepping stones to becoming a Hunter.

He peered out from his seat, trying to look into the tinted windows of the castle-like school and get a glimpse of what lay inside, what lay ahead. Unable to pierce the glass with his gaze, he settled for staring into the meters-wide moatlike artificial river that separated building and path. Lined with neat little bushes and carpeted by lily pads blooming with pink flowers, it sparkled merrily in the sun. It wasn't hard for Abel to imagine such a scene in paradise. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.

Abel felt, more than he heard, two people approach him from either side. As he opened his eyes, both slid into the bench, one on either side of him. His head snapped back and forth, taking a look at the grinning interlopers. One was a boy his own age and easily half again his weight, a 5'10” mass of muscle and fat topped with a mess of ruddy brown hair. On Abel's other side was a willowy girl, sly and foxlike, with red hair done in two braids. Though they couldn't have been more different superficially, their features (particularly their stone-gray eyes) and their clothes (pressed white shirts with ruffled sleeves, drab green cargo shorts for the guy and a similarly-colored skirt for the girl, both help up by suspenders) created an instant, unspoken connection between them. Before Abel could get a word out, the pair launched into conversation.

“Enjoying the landscaping?” The girl's voice was high and nasally, grating on the ears.
“We are.” The boy's voice was low and smooth, but contorted in such a way that every word that crossed his lips seemed like mocking sarcasm. It became apparent that they were talking in perfect alternation.
“But it'd be a lot nicer if you got off our bench.”
“Didn't see your name on it. Beat it!”
“Scram!”
Not wanting to cause a scene, Abel abruptly stood up, taking a few steps away and turning around in the process. He didn't get a good grip on his weapon, but just the tips of his fingers touching the Ampere was enough to bring it with him. Seeing both of the other teenagers together confirmed that they were almost certainly related. Brother and sister? Whoever they were, they wasted no time in beginning to talk again, but not after laughing in unison--a horrible, enraging sound. This time, the fat one went first.
“Well, that was easy. Guess you're not much of a fighter.”
“A coward, a doormat, a cake walk!”
“There you go with the food metaphors again, Gretchen.”
“There you go thinking about your belly again, Hansen.”
“We'll grab a bite to eat after we finish with this loser, huh?”

At that point, Abel broke down. “Hey! I don't know who you think you are, but if you're feeling like getting your sorry asses handed to you I'd be more than up for a fight!” He brandished the Ampere, its shining blade pointed in the direction of the siblings. He really didn't want to fight, but these two made him see red.

Instantly, the weapon was joined by two more. The boy pulled an item from his back, and it instantly expanded into a huge halberd fashioned to look like it was made of bones. The girl held a tennis racket-sized implement that looked like a cattle prod, though rather than electricity, it sparked with fire.

“Hah! You're even dumber than you look if you think you can take us on, buddy.”
“And you're polearm's not as big as mine.”
“Enough compensating, Hansen! We've got a dickhead to fry.”
“If you insist, Gretchen. Come on then, tough guy!”

[BuriedComic7]

Chris smiled as he saw another boy walk up to the group, he introduced himself as Gideon Xovos. The boy must have been very skilled, being as he didn't come from one of many schools that train you to enter an academy like Beacon. He passed the entrance exam without having any formal training before. Chris stood there quietly while the two spoke to one another. After a short conversation Oliver left to join Priscilla, and Chris decided to stay behind. The two were obviously flirting and Chris had no desire to get in the middle of all that mushy gunk. Chris turned to leave when his stomach rumbled. He just remembered that he hadn't ate since before boarding the airship. After a quick look around he decided to look for some sort of cafeteria.

After searching for a while and asking a few second years, Chris was able to find a cafeteria. The room was rather large with multiple rows of tables running the length of the food. A few people were sitting and eating, but the room was nowhere near full. Chris walked to the end of the room, to a line of various foods. He grabbed a couple of sandwiches and an apple. He couldn't see anybody to pay for this food, so he just sat down and began to eat. His teeth sliced through the sandwiches, and he swallowed chunks of them whole. He really missed chewing. Ever since he accidentally bit his tongue and almost bled out he stopped actually chewing. Having razor sharp teeth did have its drawbacks. After a few minutes of eating in silence he got up, threw away his trash, and left the cafeteria. Once outside he looked around again, a lot of students were still bustling around and it was still a while before they had to turn in for the night. Chris shrugged his shoulders and set off down one of the many paths.

[paigesweetheart]

Undying Curiosity said
When Priscilla told Oliver about her life back home, his heart sank., Oliver thought as bowed his head. Saddened at the thought of her and her family struggling to get by, having to resort to thievery just to eat. Oliver stopped walking and laid is hand on her shoulder, stopping her from walking as well. He looked at her with a face riddled with sorrow. He pulled her in close, close enough that there bodies touched, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her hug. "I'm so sorry you have to go through that...If there's anything I can do here, that can help. Please, don't hesitate to ask." Oliver said, as he released her from the hug. He looked her in the eyes and spoke once again,"It's starting to get late, we should probably head in the general direction of the ballroom." Oliver smiled at her and slowly started to walk back down the path.

Priscilla blushed as soon as he hugged her. She smiled at him returning the hug back. "And don't worry. You don't need to be sorry for me. Im fine." She said to him, now reaching for his left hand as she grabbed it. "Alright. Lets go to the ballroom!" And with that she heldnhis hand tightly, their fingers locked on eachother and walked away to the ballroom. "So, what about you? What do yo do?" A smile formed on her face , an a eyebrow rose as she stared into Oliver's eyes with her own, as they walked away.

[Undying Curiosity]

Oliver was surprised at how soft Priscilla's hands were. Oliver felt her tighten her grip a little bit before asking about him, Oliver replied, "Well, for the past 4 years, I've been attending Sanctum. You know, that school in the Mistral region that trains warriors? Yeah, well, that place." Oliver smiled as he noticed the atmosphere around them went from sad to happy. Oliver tightened his his grip, holding Priscilla's hand a little more, but not enough to inflict discomfort. As they walked, Oliver took note of the pleasant breeze that occasionally blew past him, It was nice. To feel the bracing winds softly float along his skin was nostalgic, it reminded him of his home. "Actually.." Oliver continued what he was saying, "I haven't been home in over 7 months. I've been so caught up in school , trying to make it here, to Beacon, I didn't really have time to go back home and visit." Oliver added. His dog ears pointed up in excitement. "I think I'm going to write a letter home, being the first day and all, I'll have plenty of time !" Oliver stated loudly, almost shouting.A smile was now permanently stapled on Oliver's face as he thought about writing home. Maybe they'll even write back..I hope their proud, Oliver thought to himself as he turned his head and faced the wind. Oliver entered a state of bliss, holding hands with a girl, being himself, completely relaxed. Everything was good.

[The Irish Tree]

As the students went about their business, the passage of time matched on, and soon, the sun would start setting over the horizon of the academy. It was a rather beautiful sunset, but any students who would remember Goodwitch's statement would recall that they were to return in the evening, and the sunset was fairly indicative of evening arriving. Luckily, for any stragglers or people who have no real internal clock, an announcement sounded out, once again being given by Glenda Goodwitch. "Attention all first year students; please go to the ballroom for the night. Tomorrow your team-selection begins, and you will all need your strength for the trials ahead."

---

Beliya cursed silently as she heard the announcement...she really wanted to find that training room before their time was up. Looking onto the horizon, she looked to Yael/Janet and said: "I suppose I can find the training room another day. Let's get some rest for tomorrow." She stretched lightly, and looked over to the ballroom; or at least what she assumed was the ballroom.

---

Once all the students were gathered inside, they would see that dozens of matresses were laid out for them, each with a blanket, and a pillow. The matresses were fairly soft, and those sleeping certainly wouldn't be uncomfortable with them. The room was divided by a small gap between the cots, showing where the differing genders would be sleeping.

[KabenSaal]

Trico ignored the annoucement, staying on her perch, staring out into the town beyond. From such a vantage point, she could see quite a lot, but not all of it. The town looked restful, with such a calming blanket covering it, but Trico knew what laid outside. Monstrous creatures; and she wasn't talking about the Grimm.

[Lugubrious]

A tense moment passed. Three people with weapons raised waited for their opponents to make the first move. It became obvious that neither of the siblings had seen Maggie arrive. After a few seconds, Hansen and Gretchen shared a knowing look. Abel prepared himself to defend.

Then they burst into laughter.

With a clatter, the Witch's Brand fell to the ground, and its flame vanished with a pop. Stunned, Abel simple stared. Gretchen herself fell to her knees, giggling helplessly, almost to the point where tears were coming from her eyes. Hansen, meanwhile, was reduced to leaning on the Liar Bone for support, too full of mirth to properly stand. Suddenly, the situation didn't seem nearly as menacing as it had moments before. As his anger melted away into confusion, there was only one thing Abel could say.

“What?”

Hansen managed to regain control of himself as his sister wiped tears from the her face with a ruffled sleeve. “You...” he gasped, “were really going to do it! You were gonna brawl! Haha! Man, I'm sorry, but you got baited hard. We didn't think you'd take it so seriously!” The stylized halberd compressed itself to a manageable size once more, and Hansen replaced it on his belt. Gretchen's weapon found its way back into hers as well. Both seemed so gleeful whereas before they had only been nasty; it was hard not to believe that it all had been an elaborate prank. The siblings high-fived, and with that, the situation was defused.

"Hang on a second, you..."

"Nope! No time for questions, see you later, sunshine!" With that, the two were on their way, leaving the Guardian they had bullied alone once again. He couldn't decide whether they had been serious and were just covering their tracks or had genuinely only played a prank that he took too much to heart. After massaging his face with his free hand, he resolved to forget the incident ever occurred and resume his exploration of the campus.

-=-=-

Some time later, he had completed his trek and was in the process of pulling a fresh can of People Like Grape from a vending machine when Goodwitch's announcement resounded across the school grounds. Looking up, he noticed that the hour was indeed growing late, and joined the trickle of students heading to the ballroom. Once in, he noticed most of the others had already arrived with their things and were preparing for an early bedtime. His own drab brown hardcase was among the luggage that hadn't been claimed yet; after fetching it, popping it open, and briefly rummaging through his things, he noticed that he hadn't brought any sort of sleepwear. He did have some clothes that would do, but there was no point in soiling anything new when what he was wearing would suffice. Able pulled off his hoodie, boots, and tunic wrap, leaving him in his decidedly unexciting brown striped shirt and shorts.

As he reclined on a mattress, he noticed Hansen and Gretchen. Flippantly disregarding the unspoken rule about separating gender, the brother and sister had pulled their mattresses side-by-side in the middle of the gap that separated the two halves of the ballroom. Both were sitting up, propped on extra pillows that they could have only pilfered from other mattresses, and talked in low, excited tones. Abel frowned; he knew plotting when he saw it, and that was definitely plotting. Following their example, a few of the other students were mingling as well. He noticed Mary just arriving, and gave her a short, stiff wave.

[Flamelord]

Tai finished his exercises, having worked up a sweat in the process, but it was more of an annoyance than anything, certainly nothing he wasn't used to. He straightened up, stretching a bit to relax his muscles before he walked away, watching the crowds, the people. None had seen fit to interact with him, but he didn't mind too much. He was always one to look before leaping, to make considered evaluations and decisions rather than just rashly jumping in. He was relatively fit, so he doubted it was because he was unattractive, so with all things considered he pegged it down to personality. Well, that'd be solved once teams were formed tomorrow, something he was looking forward to.

He looked up towards one of the poles on which speakers were mounted as Goodwitch's announcement came over the PA system, directing everyone to get bunkered down for the night. Tai moved to follow the instructions, heading towards the ballroom with everyone else, arriving inside to find a spread of mattresses, each with it's own blanket and pillow, for them to use. Already spots were being claimed as people arrived, the gender division just as quickly removed.

Faced with that, Tai moved calmly, first getting his stuff from the pile of unclaimed luggage, he moved with the suitcase and duffel bag to a bed near the window on the mens side, strategically positioned for ease of access. A quick test confirmed the mattress was comfortable, and he sat down to relax, pulling out a book titled 'Wuzi,' and opening to the bookmarked page. It was a text on politics and military strategy from a long ago general, yet he still found it relevant in the modern times. He sighed as he sat back to read, hoping it would distract from the general shenanigans about