Behold, Chapter Twelve, the full explanation of all of the so-called civilians.
No, I do not own any of the Sonic Universes, characters, rights, or merchandise besides a couple games for Gamecube. I do, however, own an OC or two, and I also do not own anything from Bleach, Gundam, Yu Yu Hakusho, Black Lagoon, Soul to Seoul, El El, 7 Seeds, or Fairy Tail. I'll try to update as regularly as possible, but college is kinda the priority right now… Yeah, yeah, I know. Deal with it.
Chapter 12, "Imperfection"
"First," Aubrey began, "we all need to know each other in full."
"Which is why we're in this stupid circle?" Grimm glared.
"Yes; now you can start us off with your name, home, and weapon of choice."
"Fine. Che. The name's Grimmjow Jaguerjacques, but I go by Grimm. I'm from Lyon—that's in France—but I was at Station Square University as a foreign exchange student. Far as weapons go, I'll take anything. Shivs, heat, fists, pipes, anything."
"Good job, you." Revy rolled her eyes with all the subtlety of a grinning wolf.
"Che. You go, then."
"Fine. You guys know I'm Revy, called Two Hand back home in a place you'd all die in. Well, most of you. The nickname? Well, you'll find out when you see me in combat. Weapons? Guns. If not guns, then my fists. Ya wanna live, don't piss me off and don't go on about your civilized morals crap or whatever. Next."
"My name is Shara, and you all know my backstory. My preferred weapon is my claws, but I'm also partial to aura and broadswords."
"'Aura'?" several asked.
"We'll cover that before long," Aubrey smirked. "You also know who I am, but I don't mind some repetition. My name is Anoh, although I was christened Aubrey Malgen this time around. I say this because I am a witch, gaining my power by reincarnating repeatedly with my memories and power intact. My current hometown is Bossier City, Louisiana, although most of my human existence has been in Denmark. My preferred weapon is something that you will see when Aura is explained. Cream, it's your turn."
"M-my name is Cream the Rabbit I'm with the Sonic group and my hometown is Station Square even though I'm from Mobios like Amy-san and Sonic-san and everyone else in our group and I don't really like fighting but I'll help any way I can…"
Amy patted Cream on the shoulder with a smile, and Cheese perked up.
"And this is Cheese he is my chao and constant companion and I care about him very much…"
"Cream Cheese?" Grimm laughed. "Isn't that original."
Several girls threw things at him.
"Where the Hell'dya get a piano down here?!"
"Be quiet if you value your life," Ulquiorra said with little real concern.
"Fuck you, too."
"No."
"Anyway," Amy glared, "My name is Amy Rose. My homeland is the same as Cream's, and my favorite weapon is my hammer. I will hit you as is necessary."
"I'm sooo scared," Grimm scoffed. Amy proceeded to turn him into a pancake, with no real objections. "…"
"I'm Rouge the Bat. Mobian, work with the government, etcetera. I prefer to use my kicks, or just avoid the trouble of fighting altogether."
Amy coughed loudly.
"Yeah, yeah, next."
"My name is Momo Hinamori… I am a student from Japan on a school trip through America, and I also prefer not to fight. I'm better with words and information, in any case…" She seemed to wilt under someone's look, and it took Amy a minute to realize that it was from the silver-haired guy's grin. That was really pretty creepy…
"I am Officer Topaz, government agent and Station Square native. My preferred weapon is a standard handgun."
"Great, legals," Revy groaned. Aubrey sniggered, although all five government agents (even Duo) made a point of glaring. "Jeez…"
"Well ignoring her," Duo grinned, "the name's Duo Maxwell. Also an agent, but I'm a big fan of tech. I'll take martial arts and guns, too, mind you."
"Question," Revy drawled.
"Shoot."
Revy drew a gun.
"It's a figure of speech!!!"
"Wimp. Anyway, what's with the priest getup?"
"I'm Catholic."
"You with the Church of Violence?"
"The church of what?!"
"Okay, no then. Next."
"A-buh-wait a sec--" Duo sputtered.
"Heero Yui," Heero stated. "Government agent, proficient in firearms and hand to hand combat."
"Officer Domon Kasshu, Government agent. Martial arts."
"Does speaking like that make you feel important?" Rain winked. Domon narrowed his eyes and a vein twitched, but he said nothing. "In any case, my name is Rain Mikamura. I'm originally from Japan and moved to Station Square with my father for work. I don't like to resort to fighting first thing, but I'm decent with a gun."
"Ya don't look the type," Revy noted.
"That's because I prefer the engineering and medical fields," Rain stated. "And it's your turn, Kousei-kun."
The boy next to her, Japanese and unusually quiet, nodded. "My name is Akechi Kousei, and I moved to Station Square from Japan. I like karate." He nodded to the blond boy next door.
"You guys know I'm Nobi Momotaro, but I think everyone's calling me Taro—"
"Wait, I thought Momo was your first name," Grimm interrupted.
"Momotaro is my given name, and Nobi is my family name."
"Huh?"
"In Japan," Aubrey said, "the surname comes before the personal."
"Oh. Weird. Okay, keep goin'."
"Well I'm from Japan, but I'm also here on that school trip, like Momo-chan. I'm more brain over brawn, but I want to learn how to fight." Several nodded thoughtfully as Taro smiled to yet another blonde.
"My name is Gretel, and my brother dearest and I are from Romania. I like semi-automatics, but I can use axes if necessary."
(Lucy made a funny face, as did Amy. What kind of a group did they have here..?)
"Was your brother petrified?" Rain asked gently. Revy snorted, which couldn't be a good thing.
"Oh, no," Gretel beamed. "My brother dearest was killed by the Russians about a year ago."
That sweet smile was starting to be a little creepy, but most people took it as a sympathy moment. Gretel just smiled, said that it was fine, and that it was Lucy-chan's turn.
"Guess that's me," Lucy smiled. "I'm Lucy Heartfilia, and I'm from Charlotte. Pleased to meet you. As far as weaponry goes, a girl's gotta be able to defend herself. So I know martial arts and am good with whips."
"Oooh…" Grimm smiled deviously.
"Pervert," Lucy glared. "Do you want to go, Orihime-chan?"
"Uh-uhm yes!" The redheaded teen beside Lucy perked up instantly, along with a bit of a blush. "My name is Inoue Orihime, I am from Japan, and I came on the same school trip as Taro-chan! My best friend Tatsuki-chan taught me karate, and she says I'm pretty good… But I don't want to brag or anything!" She clearly didn't. Amy liked that about her, even if she seemed like a bit of an airhead. But she was a nice airhead. "Wo-would you like to go?"
"Sure. My name is Sohn Sunil, and I moved to New York City from Korea. My friends, boyfriend, and I were passing through Station Square during a roadtrip, and we just got caught in all this."
"That's just your bad luck," Grimm smirked.
"They hit New York next, so it makes no difference," Sunil pointed out.
"Dumbass," Revy smirked.
"HEY!"
"Anyway, I like street fighting. Like Lucy said, girls have to be able to defend themselves from all the perverted Grimms out there."
"HEY!"
"I guess it's your turn."
"DON'T IGNORE ME, GIRL!"
"Thanks," the male(?) redhead smiled kindly. "My name is Minamino Suichi, although those who know me better call me Kurama. I too am from a Japanese school, and was on that trip. More importantly, while we're on the subject of the supernatural, I am a demon."
That got some funny reactions. Amy knew that it was probably true, and Aubrey exchanged an "I knew it" look with Shara, but the others… either looked incredulous or scared. Or hysterical.
"Yeah, right," Grimm scoffed as he laughed with Revy.
"It is rather illogical," Taro explained.
"I'm afraid it's the truth." Kurama pulled something from that mane of his, and he opened his palm to reveal a… rose.
"Oh no! Revy cried. "It's the Devil's Flower Power! I'm terrified!"
Kurama's calm smile never wavered, even when his rose grew into a massively scary whip in his hands. Everybody shut up, fast. "As far as weaponry goes, I specialize in using plants. However, I can always fall back to martial arts if my aura becomes too exhausted. Would you like to go, Genkai?"
"Suuure, why not. I am Genkai, master of martial arts and Reiki—that's aura again, kids—and I somehow got stuck chaperoning the Japanese school brigade." OMG
"And what're you gonna do?" Grimm asked. "Turn your hat into a black hole?"
Genkai just looked at him. "It'll take more than that to provoke me, kid."
"Oh, yeah? Well—"
"Hey, hey, Grimmjow-kun," the silverhead smiled—smirked; it hadn't changed much—at Grimm from around Ulquiorra. "Can't we try ta give it a rest?"
Even though he was acting nonthreatening, this one was giving Amy serious chills. And, amazingly, Grimm backed down. Not without the usual growl, but no real protest. Which was even scarier.
"Well I guess I'm up," foxface smiled. And by smiled, Amy meant that his mouth rose higher than his nose. "Gin Ichimaru, student at Station Square University."
"So do you know Grimm-kun and Ulquiorra-kun?" Orihime smiled. She missed the funny look in Ulquiorra-kun's eyes.
"Ah, yeah, yeah! Actully, we're in the same little group. Ora, what's with the glare, Ulquiorra-kun?"
Ulquiorra glared pointedly.
"Well, I like martial arts and blades, 'specially swords and knives. Ne, your turn, Ulquiorra-kun." He kept grinning in the face of Ulquiorra's emotionless stare.
"My name is Ulquiorra Schiffer," he stated. "I am from Germany, specifically Nuremburg. I prefer martial arts, and will not draw my sword on an opponent not worth my time."
He and Shara would probably get along perfectly. Now all they needed was Shadow, which was not a pleasant thought, so Amy noted with the rest that they had come full circle.
"What now?" Grimm snorted.
"Lesson one," Aubrey replied.
Uh-oh… Amy saw that look in her eye. This was not going to end well. Aubrey had them stand, and began to call out instructions.
"Tanaka, Chuck, Ulquiorra, Grimm, Orihime, Sunil, Domon, Kousei, Revy, Duo, Heero, Gin, Lucy, and Kurama. Please form two rows, facing each other. Order doesn't matter, as long as you have a partner and each row has seven. Everybody else, please come over here." It took a moment for the orders to be followed, but they were. "All of you listed an ability in martial arts, correct?"
Murmurs of agreement.
"Awesome. Do you see your partner?"
Murmurs in the affirmative.
"That is your sparring partner. For today's warmup, please attack without intent to kill."
Cries of "what the?!" mixed with silent looks.
"I would like to assess your skills and go from there, if this is alright."
Those before her conceded and shrugged before looking at their opponents. Amy took quick note of who was with who, and was fairly amused by some of it. Grimm and Revy, Sunil and Domon, Ulquiorra and Heero, Duo and Gin, Chuck and Kousei, Orihime and Tanaka, Lucy and Kurama.
"Shara and Genkai, would you please watch while I go work with the others, and have them rotate partners as you see fit?"
Shara and Genkai both nodded before moving to either end of the line, leaving the fourteen between to begin. Aubrey led everybody else from the sand-strewn training room to the one next door, almost identical in the Nerezza on the stone walls and silver sand on the floor.
"Everybody, please take a seat," Aubrey smiled. Amy, Cream, Rouge, Topaz, Momo, Gretel, and Taro complied, forming a circle much smaller than the previous. "I called you all in because you either don't know basic martial arts, or you can help me train the former."
"I know how to fight," Gretel protested.
"But the exercise in the other room involves martial arts, not guns or axes."
"True…" Gretel sulked slightly, but kept silent from there on.
"So then, I'm going to begin with the basics of what I consider to be the most practical style. Please watch carefully." Aubrey stood, walking before the group and letting her eyes shimmer slightly. Amy wasn't surprised when an exact replica materialized beside her, even if some of the others were. Instead, she and Rouge exchanged the same look as Aubrey took a basic martial arts stance. Feet shoulder length apart, knees bent, arms in a tight guard, head straight. "This is the stance you should take when going into the forms. If you have no time in a fight, don't bother."
Her replica then lifted one foot as she bent the same leg until her thigh touched her stomach, shrugged, and lifted her arms straight up like some ridiculous pose. Where had Amy seen that, before?
"Those of you familiar with Naruto, please allow me to point out the ridiculous stance belonging to one Maito Gai. Never try to look cool instead of being strong. You will look stupid."
Not-Aubrey shifted into the same stance as Aubrey, so that they were one shoulder-length apart. "The basic punch should drive straight," Aubrey said, demonstrating. "Elbow tucked, wrist twisting to place the thumb on the inside." She slowly hit Not-Aubrey in the face, so that it twisted back. She then slowly twisted her body back and forward, delivering a low punch to Aubrey's stomach. "The low blow is an arc with the fist slightly clenched into the arm, twisting on impact for maximum damage. It is a more dramatic thrust than the basic, meant to damage the organs not protected by the ribcage. Any questions? Taro."
"Aren't we supposed to avoid getting close to the Gorgons?"
"Yes. Otherwise we'll all be lawn ornaments in a week. However, the basics are a good starting point for weaponry, and martial arts are always a reliable fallback. Also, considering that the Gorgons have an army of minions at their disposal, this will probably prove useful."
No arguing with that.
"Alright, your turn."
Huh?
"Amy with Cream, Rouge with Taro and Gretel—you two will need to swap out, Topaz with Momo. Please form lines and assume basic stance."
They quickly complied, and found that Aubrey had assembled them relatively by height, experienced on one side and unexperienced on the other. All seven assumed stance, although the experienced took those that they were accustomed to.
"For the sake of the exercise, could you three also use the basic stance?"
Amy, Rouge, and Topaz forced themselves not to grumble and shifted into the bare basics.
"Taro and Cream, arms tighter in and look serious about it. Gretel, less bouncy. Momo, less timid and more bend in the knees. Tighten your guards; look ready to fight. Ready, punch slowly as I did."
Amy watched Cream twist her body on the punch, knuckles on top, tiny fist getting closer in the span of several seconds. It wasn't a timid punch so much as a slow one. "Put more feeling into it, Cream."
"O-okay, A-Amy-san."
"Cream. Don't twist the body; move only the hand, arm, and shoulder," Aubrey said. "Also, twist the hand sideways as you go forward."
"Yes, Aubrey…"
"Good, Taro," Rouge grunted. "But remember that the hand is sideways."
"Yes, Rouge-san."
"Okay, Gretel, show me what you've got."
"Okay!"
"Momo, remember to flex your arm fully. Also, there's a difference between tightness and timidity. Don't seem so frightened, okay?"
"O-okay…"
They went several times before Aubrey had them sit back down for the next part.
And thus Aubrey took them through the further basics. Kick, dodge, block, distance. "This is not about posturing, as this is not a comic book or Saturday morning cartoon." Recovery, why headbutts do and don't work, flinching, fight and flight. Offense versus defense. Speed and power.
When they finally put everything together, Amy was happy with what she saw. Cream had firmed up her resolve, and had finally stopped apologizing with every hit. Taro had learned quickly, and Gretel already knew what she was doing. She was actually pretty vicious, but always had that sweet little smile. It was kinda scary, especially compared with Momo, who was like Cream but with a better ability to bury her sweeter nature. Her focus was like a knife by the end of it.
And it was the end of it. Aubrey gave them all a satisfied look before they went back next door, and they were rather scared by what they saw.
Bruises, cuts, scratch marks, and other signs of battle were visible on many. It was to Aubrey's credit that she didn't slam her head into a wall when several fighters commented on events. Revy had walopped Grimm, Duo and Gin had had a joke-off, and Chuck had lost to Kousei. The list went on and on, and that was only round one. Round two was even worse.
Aubrey also didn't flinch when Revy asked what they were doing next.
"Today will continue martial arts," she said. "Tomorrow will go into weaponry, and the day after will go into Aura."
"So you don't explain 'Aura' for two more days?" Grimm groaned.
"Correct."
"Fuck."
Amy couldn't take it anymore. "STOP CURSING IN FRONT OF CHILDREN!"
End of Chapter
I think that the AUness is okay.
So, yeah, anywhoo, here's the list:
Hinamori Momo: Bleach (storyline not used)
Kurama: Yu Yu Hakusho (storyline used through Dark Tournament)
Ulquiorra Schiffer: Bleach (storyline not used)
Grimmjow "Grimm" Jageurjack: Bleach (storyline not used)
Ichimaru Gin: Bleach (storyline not used)
Inoue Orihime: Bleach (storyline used, but only from before Ichigo became a Shinigami)
Revy: Black Lagoon (storyline used, just for kicks)
Gretel: Black Lagoon (storyline used, not sure how that'll work… Maybe the version of her from the "I'm a disturbed mom" Omake)
Sonh Sunil: Soul to Seoul (storyline used; funny enough, she lives in NYC)
Mikamura Rain: G Gundam (storyline not used)
Nobi Momotaro: 7 Seeds (storyline can't be used, as this world is not yet post-Apocolyptic. But before the cryogenics, yeah, storyline applies.)
Genki: Yu Yu Hakusho (storyline applies, because it is hilarious.)
Heartfilia Lucy: Fairy Tail (storyline does not apply, except for background.)
Akechi Kousei: El El (storyline only applies from before "the God of Black Death" attacks with Mr. Psycho. So, yeah, his family died. Ha, ha.)
If I'm not using their storyline because it won't fit or work, they're pretty much going to be relatively average people. Not Arrancar or Wizards or the like. But there are still going to be Reiki Masters and Youki and Asian pirates, which is way too dark for Sonic, but I don't very much care.
Read and review, please.
