seasonsrpg | closed catch-all

All things considered, teaming up to venture into one of the segments with a person he's never met may not be the smartest thing Reiner has ever done. Then again, considering the people he has met here—the familiar faces that haunt his waking thoughts, dogging his dreams at night—maybe it is. Maybe throwing himself into things is the best course of action. After all, what could go wrong?

A lot, he knows. A hell of a lot could go wrong. But Reiner is confident he can survive whatever the Spring Segment throws at him. And as long as his assigned partner in this isn't some suicidal moron, Reiner is sure he can protect them, too.

He's wearing his vertical maneuvering equipment, its full-body harness comforting after so many years spent using it. His blades are fully stocked, and he has his trusty knife buckled to his belt. That gives him some options regarding both defense and offense—although if it comes down to it, 'transform into a fifteen-meter-tall Titan' is still his trump card.

He waits beside the bridge leading to the Spring Segment. Easy to spot: tall, blond, and muscular, wearing a dark green, long-sleeved shirt, brown trousers, and combat boots. Perfectly matching the description he gave when requesting a partner.

Easy to spot, easy to identify.

Still enough reason for 76 to wait a few moments before he was walking up, a large rifle hanging against his back by a strap over his shoulder just to keep one hand free for now. Matching with a description that would have been given for him when assigned from partner requesting; tall, muscular with wide shoulders, white/silver hair, red visor attached to a dark facemask. Blue and white leather jacket with the number 76 large on his back. High boots with metal guards on them. Had a side-arm strapped to his thigh, and his own knife hidden under his jacket just at the small of his back.

His head tipped when he walked up just beside the younger man in a quiet sort of acknowledgement before speaking- his voice was rough, as if there'd been some damage taken over time.

"Told you to wait for a man that goes by Seventy-Six, right?" Just to get the confirmation on out of the way before they could set off.

Damn, what a voice.

Reiner turns his head, mildly surprised to find himself at eye level with a stranger. Or what would be eye level if the man weren't wearing some kind of mask. The red-and-black mask perfectly matches the description Reiner was given, but Reiner's eyes flick down anyway, taking in the other details. Build, stance, weapons, clothing—everything matches what Reiner was told to expect. Yet he's still started by the man's presence, unable to immediately identify why he finds it familiar.

"Yeah, that's right," Reiner says, a friendly half-smile on his face. His amber eyes are still alight with curiosity, immediately intrigued by his partner in this mission. If nothing else, it looks like the man can handle himself.

"Reiner Braun," he adds, extending a hand to shake. It's a natural gesture for him, one that carries added weight here. Let's help each other out, he means to say, and keep each other alive.

The extended hand was taken in a gloved one, a firm but still more-or-less friendly grip, "Just 76 will do me fine." Reiner Braun, a name he could commit to memory as the others he'd been given since arriving in this place, and could pass on no matter how this little job ended up.

Better to help inform of how well folks could work together when going out after all, people finding those they could fall into step with- or if they needed to keep an extra eye out. Working together was better done than not. Especially in a place like this, things could go... weird.

"Seem prepared to go out. Been out in a segment before?" Getting a better look at the- young man, judging from things. Good build and... something he could put his finger on, keeping silent on it at least.

Just 76, huh? It feels like there's a story behind that, but Reiner knows better than to pry. Maybe the man will choose to share it, maybe not. Everyone has their reasons for the roles they play, even if that role is going by a number. Hell, maybe "76" is a badge of honor. Or maybe it really is the man's name. How should Reiner know?

He shakes his head. No point in lying or talking himself up; that would be a great way to invite disaster.

"This'll be my first outing," he says. "I'm trained and have experience in wilderness survival back in my world." A term he doesn't stumble over, despite the concept still being quite new. "I'm also a lot more durable than I look. I can heal from pretty much anything, so if it looks like I'm about to lose a limb, don't sweat it."

It's bizarre, revealing these things candidly—but his enemies already know them, so what harm can it do? Better to inform his ally, new as their partnership might be.

"If things get rough, I can transform into a fifteen-meter humanoid with armored plating. The energy from the transformation will blast anything near me; I can control that blast to a degree, but if we're too close together, I'd risk flash-frying you." Reiner smiles again, trying to take a bit of the edge off of that warning. "But I can move much faster like that, if you wanna get somewhere in a hurry and don't mind riding on a shoulder."

... Huh.

"About as qualified as I am then. Type of military training packed into all that, I take it?" All the better to get all of this down, and be able to work out -even if on the fly- how to best use any of it to their advantage if something did manage to go downhill while they were out. "I'm a lot more durable than I look as well, a lot faster, agile, and stronger. Can also heal a bit quicker than most.

"Do have a couple things that can speed that up for either of us if necessary." A tap to one of the yellow 'containers' strapped on an upper arm of his jacket.

Of course the other part was... sure as hell something to take in- he's worked with stranger. "Could probably get the hell out of dodge quick in an emergency in that case," and not miss a beat, "So it's something to keep in mind, at least. Worse comes to worse? I can call someone in real quick to at least add a third member to this group thanks to some contract magical seal." Hopefully wouldn't be necessary. Still, better to know what was 'on hand' than not.

Reiner nods, refraining from mentioning that he's served in two different militaries in his relatively short life. After all, he joined the second one while undercover, and he's not sure how well that fact would go over with 76. Better not to mention his capacity for deception while they're trying to build trust.

76's durability is reassuring. It's not something Reiner wants to test, doubting that it's anything compared to his own. But still, it's reassuring. Ordinary humans wind up mortally wounded too easily. And after seeing the scars on his former comrades only recently… Well, it drove that point home for Reiner.

He raises his eyebrows at the mention of a magical seal. "Wow, that's handy. I wish I had something like that back home. It would save a lotta trouble." Namely, Reiner having to roar for Bertolt to jump into the action. Not that Bertolt has ever missed the signal, but still.

He glances at the rifle slung over 76's shoulder, then adds, "When it comes to weapons, I'm limited to blades. I'm trained in using firearms, but nothing like what you're carrying." A note of curiosity there. "So I'll need to close in on any enemies. This," he says, gesturing to the straps of his full-body harness, "makes that easier. But if we want to remain at a distance, I'm afraid I'm not gonna be much help; I'm still learning how to use my seasonal powers."

It's a lot of information to give at once. A lot of things that a more cautious person might avoid sharing, not wanting to reveal any weaknesses. But for Reiner, it's nothing. He's cautious where he has to be (when he remembers to be). However, the simple fact is that nothing he's revealed is a genuine vulnerability. There's only one surefire way to kill him, especially once he's inside his Titan. That, he keeps to himself.

Edited (formatting) 2023-06-15 08:17 (UTC)

Details could be left out for now, was only the skills that were on need to know for either of them; 76 wasn't keen to share his own military career, let alone where it ended up. Not important here, and those were details he'd rather hang on to, just in case someone from home who could recognize even those bare details could ever... over hear anything.

"Something I acquired here- guy's my usual partner for these outings," and of course already knew he was going out with someone that requested a partner. So hey, stand-by if something ended up going pear shaped. "Good guy, capable and sturdy as hell- if we end up needing him. Hopefully this will be easy since we're just looking for animals we're meant to... befriend," more or less.

A nod, "I'm trained in a variety of weapons, close quarters, and improvised weaponry combat. This is something from my world, packs a hell of a punch- meant to punch through metal armor, and then some." Whatever was needed to take down machines built for war after all. "I've got some hand on my own seasonal powers somewhat; Summer, so some literal fire power." He could do close and distance so- pick up slack if it was needed.

Again, he was half hoping this wouldn't have to turn into too much of a fight despite where they were going. Still, better to be prepared and know what they had to work with than not at all. See where either of them could pick up where the other might need some cover, rather than leave a weak point. Prepare and not need it, rather than need it and have to figure it out on the fly.

"Feel set to head out?"

Capable and sturdy. Both winning talents, as far as Reiner is concerned. Things that make him appreciate his fellow Warriors even more, if such a thing were possible. Not that Reiner willingly tests their survivability; he takes hits for them whenever he can, acting as a shield between them and their attackers. Still, it's reassuring to know they can survive most things, especially after fighting alongside so many people who can't.

His eyes drift back to the rifle as 76 describes it, not bothering to hide his curiosity. Reiner isn't a sharpshooter (especially when compared to his best friend), and he's never had any natural talent. But he's a decent shot; he had to become one eventually, after all the practice he's put in. Beyond that, he's intrigued by that mention of metal armor. Reiner is the Armored Titan, after all. And while it takes a hell of a lot to tear through his plating, he regards the weapon with more wariness than he would an ordinary rifle.

Not that Reiner has any reason to think 76 might turn the weapon on him. Just a consequence of five years spent behind enemy lines.

"Yeah, I'm set," Reiner says, casting 76 another quick smile—confident, not cocky. "Thanks for keeping me informed," he adds as they start off, crossing the bridge with its polluted river beneath, heading toward the Spring Segment. "Like you said, we're on a mission to befriend, not attack. But it's good to be prepared if things go sideways."

Subtle things were noted, and filed away as either unimportant, or just something to keep an eye on. So far it did seem more and more there was definitely a good bit of military background as said, which meant to him they would likely work well. Could do some quick calls and hope that certain terms were similar enough if it came down to needing to act without the ability to pre-plan.

Didn't miss the way the pulse rifle was regarded but- unimportant for the moment; was hoping that it wouldn't be needed, but better to have it and not. There was good reason he allowed for it to be securely locked away in the closet when not out on a job, after all.

"Good," a sharp nod, ad it was easy to fall into a sort of pace while crossing that bridge. Alert and just- better to be aware and watchful than not. Wasn't often he went out into the Spring Segment, after all. "Feel the same way, honestly. More so when I've got weaponry I'm used to, has come in handy when there has been actual hostiles to fight.

"Still, something coming back like this is pretty interesting- more so if it could be helpful to us in the future."

Emergency flying mount? Yeah, it had potential.

Having familiar weaponry in a situation like this is essential. It's part of the reason Reiner has his vertical maneuvering equipment strapped on; he doesn't want to rely on his Titan alone, much less his far less reliable Seasonal Powers. He remains curious about 76's weaponry, noting the evident ease with which 76 carries it. This isn't someone who picked up a rifle one day and decided to haul it around: this is someone who knows what he's doing.

Reassuring, again. If Reiner isn't careful, he just might relax.

"Do you think it means we're having an impact?" he asks, glancing 76's way.

But before he can hear the answer (much less relax), they cross into the Spring Segment proper.

Reiner's chin lifts slightly, his senses tingling with something in the air. It's calm. Too calm. The calm before a storm, air stirred by a deceptively gentle breeze, the scents of green and growing things nearly overpowering.

"Woah," he breathes out, eyes darting around, scanning their surroundings as if looking for a hidden enemy. "That's different."

It was always odd, that feeling when crossing that threshold out into a segment, something in the air that could both put someone on edge, but also something hecouldn't quit put his finger on. Just at the very edges of his senses. Knowing there were potential dangers out here, but sometimes a trek out into any of the segments were very much needed.

76 slowly let out a breath, and still answered—

"Honestly? It's... pretty possible. Especially with how many of us are around, and people keep popping up." Tone thoughtful, events and even other things noticed whenever he went out; eyes kept to the quest board, skimming the network at times as well. Of course it was clear some things happened before they started arriving, those native to this world ready and even able to spread across the news network.

... Like the weird rain storms that hit a while ago with strange effects. Hm.

"Walking right into Spring, and it's all so alive that it's sort of off-putting in a sense, huh?" Shoulders rolling, shaking off the feeling just a little so he could re-focus himself- a hand lifting to press that button for the visor, scanning as the power shunted into it. System trying to find and track onto any targets that he may not be able to spot otherwise.

"Probably have to go in a bit and keep steady before we find what we're here for."

Reiner nods, amber eyes still scanning the horizon, trying to adjust to the overwhelming feeling of … what? Life? It's different from the power he touches each time he transforms into a Titan. That power comes in a bolt of lightning, thunder booming as heat rolls off of him, fire and stone filling his senses. It's as though the sun resides within his body, and his body expands to accommodate it. Lightning, fire, sun, stone. A rush of pure power that no mortal can contain—not for many years, that is.

The sensation of Spring is altogether different. Wind, fresh grass, new life, new danger. It makes the fine hairs rise on Reiner's nape, waiting for a hidden axe to fall. They've barely set foot in Spring, and already Reiner can sense how volatile it could be.

"Never thought springtime could feel so menacing," he says, his tone light despite it not being a joke. He breathes out, unconsciously mirroring 76 as he shrugs and rolls his shoulders, then shakes his wrists to rid himself of tension. He feels better after shaking himself out, and he nods again.

"Yeah, let's keep moving. We've got Winged Creatures to find."

76 did pause for a moment, once the targeting system of his tactical visor switches off, taking in another breath to let out slowly as he unhooked the entire mask. Eyes closed briefly just to make the disconnect from the eye-piece easier on his head, letting it hook onto his belt. Gloved and rubbing along his jaw; this was more or less meant to be a 'peaceful' mission, and if this was meant to get some animal bond going?

... Much as he might not like it at first, likely better to keep the mask off as long as they weren't engaging in some fight. No reason to hide his identity here, even if it still had him a little on edge. Would hear someone else heading their way in enough time to pull it back on- and this kid didn't know who the hell he had once been anyway.

"Just going to figure there's a lot more magic out here than in Nightwake as a whole- and possibly not being a Spring power holder," for himself anyway.

With that out of the way? 76 nodded, checking over his gear briefly before tipping his head in a 'let's go' gesture since he clearly agreed. Had to if they were going to get anywhere- "These things can be any sort of animal- so we're looking for anything with wings large enough for a person to ride."

It comes as a surprise when 76 starts removing his mask; Reiner was under the impression that it was a 'wear at all times' deal, or at least while out in the field. His surprise only increases when he sees the face beneath it.

76 looks … oddly familiar. Reiner is certain they don't know each other. He'd remember a face like that: handsome, strong-featured, and scarred. Yet at the same time, something about 76's jaw and cheekbones strikes a chord. Almost like…

Reiner blinks, shaking off the oddity, thankfully keeping his curious look to just that: a curious look. Then he nods, and they start off together, purposeful strides leading them deeper into the Spring Segment, the bridge receding behind them.

"I didn't consider that our seasonal powers might play a part," he admits. "I'm Autumn. Guess that makes me Spring's opposite."

"It's just a guess- that and the more magical energy that's at work out here. Reason there's unpredictable storms," and whatever monsters lurked out here alongside the winged animals they were looking for.

He just had to lean a little that using what this world gave them might do a little better than any tech on hand. Give a little faith and make use of what he'd been learning to work with than stubbornly persist on what he came with alone. 76 had noticed the look, eyes lingering on Reiner for a moment before looking on ahead. Pulse rifle still right there just in case they came across something else first.

"Summer myself. Could say I pack a lot of firepower on me thanks to that."

Steps careful, light and soundless as a man of his size could be. Much rather hear anything coming up on them rather than it be the other way around.

For his part, Reiner doesn't clomp along heedlessly, making the level of noise one might expect of a young man built like a barn. However, Reiner has never been trained for stealth. As a Warrior, he was taught to charge in and get this (Titan) body in between his enemies and allies, soaking up bullets and cannonballs. As a soldier, he was taught to move through the air, zipping around on cables to reach the optimal striking point.

All told, Reiner's footsteps are louder than his companion's. Not purposefully so: he's moving with care, keeping a close watch on their surroundings, military training evident even in how his eyes steadily scan for hostiles. But simply because he lacks that training.

"It makes sense," he says, nodding in response to 76's guess. "I'll have to step into the Autumn Segment when we return and compare it to this."

It was habit for 76 by now, assume that stealth walk despite the nature of what they were out here for- or perhaps partly for it as well. The worry of spooking up whatever they might come across? Usually things with wings took off at the slightest hint of something strange and potentially dangerous, but these could also act like the animal despite the wings. Still, some animals spooked more than others.

Still, the sound of his partner of the moment wasn't something 76 was too concerned about. More keeping eyes ahead of them, looking for any animal signs; which was difficult given they were described as any animal, large enough to ride, winged. Vague, but it was all they really had for these supposed winged mounts.

"I've been to Summer a few times on guild quests. Pretty out there, and could be energizing for entirely different reasons. Don't feel stronger for it out there, but still..." Was there a connection, or just something in his own head? Did that matter when he could breathe actual fire in this place? "Still, makes your senses light up with a want to keep sharp.

"All sorts of things out in all of the Segments, potentially dangerous and hazardous for one's health."

Reiner nods, believing it. They aren't even far from the city, yet his senses are alight, wary of danger at every turn. It reminds him of navigating Pure Titan territory, the possibility of danger permeating the air. For the first time, Reiner starts to understand why the people of this world resorted to summoning otherworlders.

Then he squints at the horizon off to his left, trying to make out what appear to be dark shapes against the blue sky. They could be large birds; however, given their objective, Reiner points them out.

"76." He indicates the shapes with an extended finger. "What do you think?"

His head lifted and turned to face the direction Reiner was pointing, and briefly he'd gone for his visor before realizing that right, light doesn't blind me anymore and he could see easier without it. Instead he was moving his pulse rifle to hang against his back, the strap of it snug over a shoulder, as he tried to identify more than large shapes with wings—

"Worth checking out, at the very least. Still with caution," of course, "But it's somewhere to start in this search."

'Winged Mounts' was at least clearly indicating something with wings, so. A slow exhale before his head tipped, a wordless indication to move in that direction he figured the young man would understand clear enough.

Reiner does indeed understand 76's motion, nodding and following as indicated. He moves more cautiously than before—still not trained, but deliberately quieter—as they slowly approach the creatures in the sky.

The closer they draw, the more certain Reiner becomes that those are not birds. The shapes are too large, too strange. They could be something he's never heard about, maybe one of the dangerous creatures prowling the Segments. However, he hopes that they'll be considerably friendlier.

He reaches for one of the hand grips holstered at his side, ready to draw it and engage his vertical maneuvering equipment if necessary. So far, so good…

There was a tucked away mental note- after the job, ask the kid if he wanted some help learning how to walk quieter for his size and weight. Military training was, again, pretty damn obvious but it never hurt to brush up further on other skills. Here? That might come in damn handy, but was not what needed attention in the very moment.

His eyes kept on the shapes and- those were four legs, and much larger bodies than simple birds. So they had stumbled across something- the issue was the height, and if it was worth waiting for the winged creatures to land somewhere -keep tracking them- or risk scaring them off in an attempt to see if they could be lured down.

76 kept his voice low, quietly speaking- "What do you think; track them in hopes they land soon, or risk spooking them further off to try and draw their attention down?"

Reiner continues to mind their surroundings as they approach, not wanting to be entirely distracted by the shapes in the sky. At the same time, it's really difficult to not be completely distracted. He's never seen anything like the winged creatures, something that might show in an almost childlike wonder flickering in his eyes.

He pauses alongside 76, considering the man's words before giving his opinion. Thinking of his experiences with various animals: horses, stray cats, and dogs.

"Let's make ourselves visible and let them decide when to approach. Chances are they feel safest in the air. If we were to approach while they're grounded, they'd probably fly, and we'd be back where we started."

His eyes scan the area below where the winged creatures are flying, trying to find a good place for him and 76 to park themselves. Unaware that his voice has fallen into the even rhythm he adopts when analyzing a battle plan and issuing orders.

"Instead, we can use their curiosity to our advantage. As long as they don't have a natural aversion to humans, they should come and check us out. Eventually."

Reiner has no idea if that tactic will work with these winged creatures, having no clue about their temperament. However, it seems a good place to start.

"Could be best- more so if they are well known for being ridden by power holders," A low hum, the sound somehow considering as he rolled the idea and other thoughts over while speaking. "Use that curiosity as you mentioned, and the inclination of them being used as mounts to our own advantage."

Overall? His tone more or less carried the sound that Reiner had some excellent points and ideas, and for that 76 was slowly standing straight, shoulders rolling a bit as he checked the strap of his pulse rifle.

Then was checking on the other bag he had with him, head turning as he looked Reiner over briefly, had tipping towards a clear area ahead of them.

"Sounds like a good time to break for lunch- brought enough to split, since it's more of a 'spread' than a solid meal," tone lighter, and there was something of an idea there to it. "Apples, cheese, and other things like that." A few things that could attract certain animals, and if luck was on their side?

A good bit of curiosity and seeking out food could bring the beasts above down and to them a touch easer/sooner.

Reiner nods, satisfied that 76 agrees with his assessment. Pleased, too, that 76's tone sounds approving. That feeling is a bit surprising; it isn't as though Reiner knows 76 well enough to crave the man's approval. Then again, approval has been rather lacking for Reiner of late. It's a nice change.

He smiles at the offer of lunch, still appreciative of any food at all after his time in Paradis. "Good plan," he agrees, joining 76 as they begin to walk toward that clear area. "I bet it'll grab their attention quicker, too."

Unknowingly giving voice to 76's own reasoning, their thoughts running parallel.

Edited (wrong word) 2023-08-08 00:26 (UTC)

for soldier 76

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