tampered | Log; Ongoing

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Log; Ongoing

When; April 1st, evening
Rating; PG
Characters; Leonidas

agustusoctavius, & anyone who wishes to join Leonidas' army.
Summary; Octavius and Leonidas await at the fountain for those who wish to help protect the City to come and express their interest.
Log;

The trickling of the fountain was a soothing sound to Leonidas' ears. The Spartan king had been feeling out of place lately, but he would never show it, voice it, or otherwise, as was Spartan custom. Instead, he attempted to take this restlessness and use it to the advantage of the City and all within it. This certainly wasn't beloved Sparta, but it was still a city with people residing in it, and, nevertheless, she needed to be protected. Octavius had explained more about the City in depth after they had returned to his apartment, and knew that, although he could not control the City's "deities" or the "curses", since these beings obviously controlled this Afterlife which he had found himself, he could protect the innocent from the citizens in the City who were malevolent. He could at least do that; but one man could not do it alone.

"I believe this will be a good place," Leonidas told Octavius as they sat at the edge of the fountain. Leonidas removed the paper, quills and ink for the both of them from the bag he had slung over one shoulder. Leonidas felt more comfortable meeting with those who wished to help personally, and then, later on, inspecting them for imperfections, to see what needed improvement, what he and Octavius could teach them, what they could do, and, more importantly, how dedicated they would be to the cause.

"Tell me...why didn't anyone answer your call to arms the last two times?" The king asked, genuinely curious. He looked forward to working with Octavius and incorporating their numerous military strategies together to form a very unique militia.

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After taking a seat next to the Spartan King, and gathering the materials given to him, the Roman arched an eyebrow to the man's question.
"It was only once," Octavius replied, "And I don't believe any of them took me seriously." he continued. When he really thought about it, though, he wasn't sure how he expected to gather an army by himself, or for that matter, the state he was in when he first tried it.

"I believe that we'll have much better luck working together, Leonidas." he said, putting on a grin, "An army is nothing without teamwork."

Leonidas nodded, pleased with Octavius' words. Oh yes, they would do far better working together than alone. If there was one thing he held true to, it was the fact that working as a group rather than individually was far more effective when it came to battle.

"I have always found that two leaders are far more likely to succeed than one," he murmured, testing the quill. Satisfied that it would work as a writing utensil, Leonidas could do nothing more than sit back and wait.

Jed sauntered his way over to the two Spartans, hands stuck in the pockets of his black jeans, his holster with his two guns strapped to his waist. He had invested in acctual guns now, ones that actually fired. He figured they'd be better in a fight than the guns he had used before, which had only been useful for whacking Octavius on the head.

He lifted a hand in greeting as he neared. "Hey!" he called. "Anyone show up yet?"

“Uwa, I’m here!” Viki’s voice came before she did, ringing out clearly and cheerfully before she reformed in a flash of light and slight flourish of colours and sparkles. It wasn’t a gathering she knew that but, “I can help too, wa. Even if it’s not a gathering! A-and maybe it means I am supposed to be here…” It was what her life had been about, at least as much of it that she could remember clearly. She could help, “…until I can go home or to the next gathering…”

Her face lit up in a bright smile as she spotted the men waiting by the fountain. “Hi!” she greeted happily, walking up to them with her staff held in front of her habitually.

[ooc; jumping in~]

Leonidas looked up as the young girl appeared before them. Her clothing was extravagant, and it reminded him briefly of the Athenians, but her dialect was not that of the Greeks. She seemed eager to help, and, although he could not detect the warrior's spirit in her, he knew that even those who were not fit to fight could be of some assistance.

Leonidas set the quill and parchment aside to rise from his seat. "Greetings, m'lady," he said, inclining his head respectfully. "I am Leonidas, king of Sparta. This is General Octavius," Leonidas gestured to his Roman friend, "and this is his companion, Jedediah," he then gestured to Jed. "I trust that you have come in regards to our proposal?"

Oh names, Viki wasn’t very good at names. It was hard! There were so many people for the gatherings, she could remember the stars of course but the names of each of their incarnations would sometimes slip from her mind, or vanish with each time she teleported. It didn’t help that she always had to leave them. Always, always she’d have to move on to new stars just as she was getting a grasp of the old ones.

This place was different though, “Leonidas, Octavius, Jedediah…I’ll remember, I will, wa!” So many stars and so many other people. Duplicates of the embodiments and people who felt…felt like they should be remembered. So many, truly as numerous as the stars in the sky, not just her one hundred and eight. “I know you! You called me a little lady, wa! I’m Viki.” Not so soon, she wouldn’t have forgotten quite that quickly. And she’d never been called a little lady before.

Or she couldn’t remember. “…maybe? Was that a long time ago? Wa…I don’t think, wa…” Viki would scold her for that. “It doesn’t matter,” she would have said so yes, next thought, next thing, move on as always. “I can help too, uwa! I can fight too! And heal and teleport!”

No warrior’s spirit wasn’t completely wrong. Viki didn’t like to fight, but she could and she did. She wasn’t like Lazlo or Tyr or Prince but she wasn’t without her capabilities. Destiny, of those that embodied the stars so completely. Until fate was done with her she’d be fighting and helping.

As Kyle had said he would, the blonde had shown up to see just what kind of crowd Leonidas could gather and get a better idea of what kind of man Leonidas was. He really did like the idea of an army to protect the different citizens of the City, but he wasn't about to go jumping into any sort of military without knowing what he was getting into. At least he knew he wouldn't have to swear his allegiance to anyone save those he already had of his own free will. Had that been a requirement... Well the blonde most likely wouldn't have been interested for much longer after hearing that.

Right now it was a small crowd, but numbers didn't always mean total defeat or a total victory. It was how a leader used those numbers and how they regarded the people who made up those numbers that mattered in the end, even over a victory or a loss.

Though the blonde man had to blink as he spotted a familiar face in the small crowd. "Viki?" he called out, walking over to where he had spotted the smaller girl, paying no mind to the fact that she was pretty much standing at the front of the whole group.

[ooc: Just using the icon for a reference to the clothes he's wearing. Not armored.]

Viki jumped a little at her name. Not jumped like teleport but just a little jump, slight staccato motion of her shoulders. “Um,” there was a pause for thought and perhaps some quiet murmuring. She knew him! She did! Tenko, Prince, Queen’s Knight, it simply took a moment to tumble into place. “Uwa, Kyle!” she exclaimed happily as she whirled around to offer a big smile, the kind she gave when one of the former stars talked to her. Oh if he was there than she really felt like she belonged a bit more.

It wasn’t a gathering, there was no Tenkai but it was okay that she was here. Viki had the kind of smile that almost seemed to emit sparkles when she put her heart into it and Viki tended to put her heart into everything, especially since she was lacking in the mind department. And Kyle was nice! Always nice, to girls especially and Prince, he was good to the Prince. “Yay, we can both help! A-and Kyle can tell them that I can definitely help!”

Even with her oft absent mind Viki knew it was hard for people to believe her to be able to defend herself and others. She was clumsy in many things but she was good at what she was good at. And that’s what armies did, right? Prince, Lazlo, Tyr, all of them…they always made good use of Viki’s abilities. They’d even let her participate on the field and during war campaigns!

Leonidas nodded, his eyes moving briefly over to the young man that had called out the girl's name. "Healers are always needed when it comes to war," he said. "And to know that you can fight, if need be, is also a comfort, and your teleportation -" whatever that is, he thought, "- could be of use to us." Giving her a polite nod, Leonidas turned to Octavius.

"What do you think?" He asked. It was their army, after all, and input from one's general or captain was always appreciated.

Jedediah had watched most of Viki and Kyle's entrance from under the brim of his black cowboy hat, arms folded. He had been slightly startled when the young woman pointed him out, but he had relaxed almost immediately. He had called a lot of people "little lady", and it was mildly amusing to be remembered.

However, as he watched more people begin to gather (a couple of them women), he had to keep forcing down the shock. He hadn't really expected even this many people to show up, and to watch the different City members gather made him smile just a little. He did glance over to the Roman at his side when Leonidus refered back to him. The Cowboy knew the Roman wasn't stupid, but there were times when he could be hard headed. Jed just hoped that it wasn't that time right now.

Xena had heard of this gathering army. Army. The last time she was in low ranks of an army was when she fought beside her brothers, fought the invaders and shortly after. And then an army meant her army. Thousands ready to feed her bloodlust, throw sacrifices at her feet all for the glory of Ares.

So many deaths, so few years. Still there was much to do to make up for even a portion of the damage. Would that bring redemption from the gods? She continued walking from the apartment. Being indoors was not something she was fond of. This issue was something to be considered, the earth and sky were things to think between.

I need to do something here, she thought to herself. The serenity of the garden calmed her thoughts. Still Xena walked without a thought. Grass ceased to be beneath her feet and gave away to stone and concrete. Before she knew it, Xena stood at the fountain.

Black clothing and dark-skin helped Jan blended into the alley's shadows. He picked the spot between two shops to watch the Fountain unobserved. Didn't wanna join with the Spartan if nobody else serious wasn't goin join up too. Been thru this shit before, all talk but no real action.

Yellow eyes took in the scene - Spartan, Roman, cowboy, and some chick he didn't recognized. Hiss of annoyance, so far not lookin good. Maybe this was fuckin pointless after all. Leaned his tall frame against the wall, feeling the brick thru a leather clad shoulder. Walk-off or wait a little longer?

Another woman approached the gathering. The vampire's mood quickly changed, this was somebody he recognized. Somebody who could fight!!

Pushed away from the wall, and moved out of the alley and the safety of its shadows. With a grin Jan strolled over to the little group. Taking a place next to Xena.

Here was her answer. Xena smiled a little to herself. If this was coincidence or fate it fit. She would fight again in an army for a cause, for the good. Roman or not, Leonidas was a person she could trust and follow.

Her attention was drawn by movement from behind. Xena nodded her head slightly at the vampire's approach. "Hello."

Crowley had been observing the gathering, idily munching on an apple, watching the start of those who gathered. He smelled the vampire before he materialized, and he watched the dark being drift over towards the warrior. Well, as long as there were actually some decent fighters gathering...

The demon tossed aside the apple core before jumping down off the roof, wings extending to alter the course of his fall so he landed right next to the vampire, wings retracting and disappearing.

"So. A warrior princess, a vampire, and a demon." he stated, before he looked over at the other to, a smirk curling the corner of his mouth, an eyebrow raised over his dark sunglasses. "Interesting army this might turn out to be.

Why was it that everyone called her that still? Xena had to laugh a little to herself. It was an appropriate handle, she supposed, definately very assuming. "Perhaps. I don't think I know you, but it's clear you know me, demon."

Nodded back to her in greeting, a sudden thought having come-up. Hadn't told the Spartan in their online conversation what he looked like or was exactly. No tellin how the man was gonna react to seein a over six foot tall, pierced vampire with yellow eyes and dark-skin.

The last one brought-up yet another thought thanks to a barely remembered past history lesson. Leaned in close Xena, "Hey," he whispered worried, "Are Persians dark-skinned?"

Xena squinted and looked him over. "No Persian I've known has eyes like yours," she whispered. "If you represent yourself well you shouldn't be turned away. If not, I think a negociation is in order. I'll vouch for you."

Crowley listened easily to their conversation, looking amused at the vampire's worry of being mistaken for a persian. "Don't worry. Xerxes acted way more gay than you do." he drawled in an amused tone.

Scowled at the demon, "Shit dude he can't fuckin stand Persians!!"

Jan rubbed at his eyes with his right hand out of frustration. Careful to take it easy with the left one so as not to accidently catch the small gold hoop below it. The child-like gesture briefly took off the tough-edge.

Having contended with the first to arrive, Leonidas moved on to whomever was next. Silently, he took in the trio as he approached them, observing them, trying to see any signs of weakness within their expression. "M'lady," he said politely to Xena, inclining his head in respect. The woman wore armor - that was good. The other man wore an attire unfamiliar to him, while the third....

Blue eyes narrowed as they fell upon Jan. The vampire's dark skin, exotic dark clothing, and piercings reminded Leonidas of the Persian soldiers he had fought only days ago - although, to everyone else, it seemed to have taken place thousands of years ago. He stepped closer to Jan, peering intently at his eyes. The Persians he had fought did not have those kind of eyes. Those were the eyes of a warrior, one who had wrecked enough havoc in his lifetime, and one that now clung to the belief that there was at last a cause worth fighting for. And it wouldn't be completely impossible for a member of the Persian army to get away, for a slave to escape, especially in Greece. And it was entirely possible that his people destroyed Xerxes' army and liberated those whom he had enslaved, removing Persia's corrupt, tainted arm from the world. Yes, if this man was a Persian, he did not follow Xerxes orders any longer.

"Greetings. I am Leonidas, king of Sparta, and that," he gestured to Octavius, "is my general, Octavius. I assume you have all come here for the same purpose, and in that case, let's start with you one at a time." The king turned to Xena first. "We'll start with you."

Though Chris was used to the heavy weight of her armor, for this meeting at the fountain, she chose to wear normal civilian clothing. It was light and allowed for more free movement, but the main reason Chris opted to go as such was to avoid the curious looks of people. She supposed seeing a woman in full armor would always be peculiar no matter the place.

Ervich was strapped securely to her side, ready to be drawn at the moment's notice. Idly, as she approached the fountain, she wondered what this new army would bring to the city and how it would fare.

Leonidas rose from where he was seated at the fountain, taking down the names of those who had arrived already and had shown a genuine interest in the cause, to approach the young woman. "M'lady," he greeted, inclining his head in respect. "I am Leonidas, king of Sparta. I must say that I am pleased that men and women have been showing a genuine interest in the better of the people here."

It was true. He knew that Spartan women knew how to fight; the first time he had laid eyes on his wife Gorgo was when he had seen her training with a sword, after all, but the women of his city did not participate in the wars that Sparta fought. To have not only men but women fight was something he looked forward to, and he instinctively knew that it would take whatever enemy they would face by surprise. Too many men underestimated women.

Chris smiled and returned the gesture, albeit a bit more what with the title the man before her bore. "I am Chris Lightfellow of the Zexen Knights and I look forward to aiding in your cause. It is good to know you do not think women to be less capable than men."

Chris had prepared herself to defend her abilities as a woman and a knight and to even exhibit those abilities should they come to question. To see this man was not discriminated against women - it was pleasing.

"I know what the women of Sparta can do - I would never underestimate a woman," Leonidas answered. "I am also pleased to know that you have experience in battle if you are a knight." He didn't know what a knight was, but quickly assumed that that was a name or title for a certain type of warrior. So far, this turn out was becoming quite satisfactory.

"I have to warn you, however, that the techniques I have to teach you and the others are not for the weak - not saying that you are weak, of course, I just want you to know exactly what you're getting yourself into. In a few days, come to the large clearing in the forest...not the one with the cottage, but the other. You will know it when you see it, for Octavius, myself, and the others will be there. I will make another announcement when the time comes, and will need you to bring any armor and weapons you may possess," he instructed her. "I will need to inspect every person who is willing to participate, and that clearing will provide the appropriate space."

"Very well," Chris nodded. "I will await the announcement then. I believe I can learn whatever you may teach me, difficult or not. I will not disappoint."

"Good. I will see you there, then." Leonidas inclined his head in respect, and wrote down Chris's name onto the piece of parchment where the others' names were.

So far, so good.

Jeager slowly approached the fountain, feeling nervous. He didn't answer the want ad, as it didn't strike his interest at the time it had been posted.. but now that he had a bit of time to sort out his thoughts, the German decided joining an army to protect the innocent was just what he had needed. He wouldn't need to become one of Shogun's knights and that was a big relief for both himself and Shogun.

The Chojin took a deep breath and walked towards Leonidas and Octavius. He had to appear strong, confident, even if he wasn't really feeling it at the moment.

.. But what was he going to say?. Poor Jeager felt his cheeks turn a light pink. He clenched his fists and swallowed, trying to regain some courage.

"I.. I vould like to join your army!"

The king regarded the young man silently, just as he did with everyone. He could see this young man's nervousness and felt a distinct sense of admiration that he was offering his services, even if he did feel afraid.

"Those are some brave words for a man so fearful," Leonidas observed. "What is your name?"

"Jeager, sir." He said quickly, feeling a bit defeated that it was so obvious he was uncertain about himself. "I'm a Seigi Chojin.. Back in my vorld, it vas my duty to protect innocent people from evil.. but ever since I came here.. I've felt so useless."

Jeager didn't mean to spout out his life story. Leo could probably care less, but it made him feel less nervous.

" There are so many powerful people in this city.. I vant to become stronger! I'm tired of being a second rate wrestler."

Leonidas nodded. "You want to become stronger. That is good...it means that you have ambition, and a warrior will get nowhere if he has no ambition to become stronger. Granted, as far as wrestling is concerned, you may need to practice that on your own, but as far as strength goes...I believe we can train you in that field."

The king rose to give the young man a quick once-over. "....Spartans fear nothing, not even death. I will allow you into the army, for we could use some of the brute strength that you can provide. However, I do not want a single man or woman in my ranks to feel fear in the face of death and battle. If you can conquer your fear, you will be stronger than you could ever imagine. That, and that you try your best to succeed, is all I ask."

He gave Jeager a moment to let his words sink in. He knew that he might make the man only more discouraged, but in Sparta, there was never any room for softness or pity. One must always be strong and hard in countenance. There was never any room for weakness, not now, not ever, and Leonidas expected the same from each and every one of those who chose to join his army.

Jeager was still young and uncertain, and very afraid of death. He didn't want to die. There was so much he still didn't know about and wanted to experience.

He looked down, his body becoming less tense as his hopes dropped, "I guess I'll have to vait then. Atleast until I'm more mature.."

Giving up so easily? Leonidas thought in disappointment. He had thought that his words would have made him determined, like Kurogane had been, but apparently he was mistaken.

"It is all right, Jeager. Not all of us are meant to be soldiers. But if you still wish to help, I'm sure we can find something for you to do." He paused for a moment. Jeager wouldn't be the only one he would have to teach. He and Octavius would be guiding all of them. Perhaps...

"If you like," he began, "I could train you myself."

That perked him up. He looked up at Leonidas and smiled, "Really? You'd train me? I vould be honored und grateful, mein Herr."

Sure, this man wasn't Brocken Jr... but Jeager had learned all he could from his Lehrer and now it was time to move on.

Leonidas nodded. "I will not be able to give you the full guidance and attention you may need, so I will require you to work your hardest. Understood?"

The one thing that frustrated the king was the fact that none of these people had undergone an Agoge. True, their culture and customs were different from those of Spartans, but the Agoge is what made a Spartan such a powerful warrior. There was no food, no home, no comfort out in the wild. And when you have spent eleven years in the wild with nothing but a sharpened stick and your instincts, having to compete with other boys, having to prove yourself, test yourself, constantly....

He couldn't help but wish that he could just send them all into the forest for a month with nothing but a spear. It might give them all some backbone. But, unfortunately, he had to make do with what he had. And this small gaggle of people was all he could afford to gather at the moment.

"Ja!" Jeager straightened his posture and saluted, remembering his Gen X days. He had gone through 3 months of hellish training and was one of the 4 second class students to graduate from the Hercules Factory. (The other three where Mars, Hydrazoa, and Roadrage) But from there, his career seemed to downfall.

The Chojin hoped Leonidas would teach him what he needed to know in order to become successful again.

I can't be so dependant on a teacher. Even with Brocken Lehrer by my side, I still only won a few matches.. Without him, I'm reckless, indecisive, and often forget things. Was my previous training really all that bad?..

leonidas gave him a look of amusement at his salute. "Very well. I will be making an announcement eventually, regarding the inspection. In a few days' time, meet me and the rest of those who wish to come in the forest clearing - not the one with the cottage, but the other. You'll know it by the fact that we will all be present. I will need you to bring whatever armor and weapons you have in your possession. I will see you then."

And with that, he gave Jeager a nod of dismissal, turning back to the paper which had the other names on it to add the Chojin's name to the slowly growing list.

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Log; Ongoing

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