dealer of hope

arden ysaline lane; {armed with a heart of gold and an iron hand}

[dailysturner]

Sophie Turner  |  New Comic-Con 2014 photoshoot outtakes [x]

[kirastev-blog]

If all the energy utilized for arguing was directed at finding adequate resources, we’d actually make progress. With this group, that seems like a foreign concept.

[arden-lane]

 Now that we are more or less acquainted with one another, it is likely that personalities clash. I believe that all this is just a chapter of what is yet to come. Hopefully by then, we'd all come along together. 

What resources may you suggest then, Kira?

[matthuxley-blog]

  No, Arden. “It’s Zachary, not Zach”. He might get overwhelmed by the anger that’ll consume him upon hearing the words: Zac, Wyatt, and Sparky that he’ll burst into tears. It is however exceptionally satisfactory to call him Static, feel free.

I’ve got no problems with anyone if that’s what you’re worried about. Not Kira. Not even “Zachary”. I will comply to anything necessary.

[arden-lane]

I don't think a mere question of nicknames will overwhelm Zachary, there's something more to his anger.

However, i'm absolutely delighted to have at least one person in this 'team' who can cooperate.

[matthuxley-blog]

  You might want to direct that statement to Sparky, over there. Not only do you have to avoid calling him Zac, you have to avoid his high voltage personality as well.

[arden-lane]

Zach, is somehow a special case. He was different before, radically different. I hope we can all somehow understand one day. 

[001984x-blog]

I’ll start getting along with them once they stop being annoying. 

[arden-lane]

I'm hoping that this 'new' Zachary is just some passing phase. 

[arden-lane]

I honestly do not know how we'll all survive with all of you fighting each other. If we're all here for the same purpose, how about we work together to reach it?

[arden-lane]

Training Module: #TD1002 Team Defense 101 (Exclusive to mutants) 

“Let’s move newbies!” she said as the young soldiers sprinted across the field to where she was. #000175 was always entrusted to teach the freshest soldiers because the facility knew they could count on her to instill a positive attitude while maintaining a determination and perseverance to fulfill their purpose as soldiers at GEARS. A faded image of the lifeless innocent soldiers she killed resurfaced her mind every time she taught a Team Defense 101 module, which is why she was always so keen on making sure every single soldier excelled in her course. 

“The first rule of is to never leave your teammate behind. Why, you ask? A teammates life is just as precious as your own. Each one of you is programmed to reach your potentials as a soldier at GEARS. Given an important duty of serving a greater cause, we need each one of you to achieve it. You are not in a mission alone, there are other individuals with their own background of training, built relationships, and contributions to GEARS. Kill one of your teammates, you let down the facility. Understood?” she said assertively as she shot a stern expression straight at the eye of each solder. The great silence after her short speech assured her that it was understood. 

“Now that the most important lesson is down, let’s put it into practice” 

Marching to their respective teams, the new soldiers were tasked to a simulation training as a foretaste of the real training that was about to come. “The goal of the game is to make sure everyone in the team is alive while finishing the mission.  Sounds simple? Each scenario is adapted according to the weaknesses of your power but are realistically engineered to train you for real life combat scenarios. Though in real team combat, it is expected that soldiers may die, mutants must not and should be less likely to die because we’re gifted with a unique power. Now, who’s team would like to go first?” 

“We’ll go first” #003897, the bulky blond boy with hooded brow. cockily declared as soon as #00175 raised her question. His teammates obviously did not want to go first. #000175 smelled the nervousness and anxiety in #003897’s teammates as he lead them their first team training to the simulation room. #000175 nodded thinking back at the previous teams with a similar team dynamic. “This won’t end well” she thought as she set the scenario of the simulation. 

TEAM 1: 

#003897; Superhuman strength and enhanced Vision 

#002094; Earth element manipulation and enhanced Hearing 

#003549; Weather manipulation 

#003009; Psionic blast (unstable) and Thermal Resistance 

#002110; Poison Generation and (unstable)

The night sky looked almost gray due to the massive amount of smoke emitted from the burning government buildings. The team was tasked to quell a group of highly trained human rebels without killing them and to bring them back to the facility for questioning. Naturally, the team did not know what to do first. 

Initiating the first move, #003897 charged at the human rebels in hopes of carrying the platform that they were on top of. Underestimating their power, the human rebels jumped off the platform with ease and started to run away. Realizing this, #002094 flung a series of boulders to block the humans path only to accidentally hit the head of a human to his death. A red siren blew as one of the goals of the simulation was lost. The humans realized the team’s stupidity and their capability of possibly winning against the mutants as they suddenly disappeared in a strategic hiding spot. Using his enhanced vision, #003897 discovered that they had more ammunitions. Thinking that he could bring his team to victory, he ignored #003549 and #003009’s plan and continued to charge to the humans. With no inhibitions or plan whatsoever, he carried the humans off the ground and began to run back to the truck. Underestimating the humans once again, the rebel shot #003897 on the head and fell to the ground. The red siren once again rung as one of the teammates died in combat. 

#000175 couldn’t stand their foolishness any longer, and disengaged the simulation. 

“Did you think you were of any help trying to foolishly ‘sacrifice’ your life for you team? Did you not think of the consequences of your actions at all? Did you even think about your teammates?” she snapped angrily as she stared intently at #003897 trying to suppress her rage. 

“I did what I thought was right for the team” #003897 snapped back 

Appalled by his reply, she broke her personal code to respect the thoughts of her allies and his thoughts read: “Not at all”  Mocking her compassion in a series of insults.

 It was all clear to her. His malicious insults only wrote confusion all over his face. He was purposeless, didn’t fully understand the clear goals of GEARS, and was puzzled by the concept of a team. He was used to being the best fighter, not the best teammate. His defiance and ignorance reminded her of her assassin days. Realizing this, she took a step back. With a slight smirk she said: “That was a terrible simulation. Now that you have a taste of what it is to fight in a team, it’s time to start the real training”. 

“And you, need it the most” she said pointing at #003897.  

[001984x-blog]

[arden-lane]

it was all in the mind ◐ #000175

 Ever since #000175 was brought into the facility, there was a solid purpose etched inside her brain: 

Be of help to the army, be the best fighter you could ever be. Masked by the innocent visage as a seemingly meager soldier #000175 wasn’t trained to be a warrior, but she was trained to be an assassin. 

-

Dense rain clouds released a downpour of equally heavy droplets as they clouded visions of the weak. #000175 was determined to make her first team field combat a fight her enemies have never heard before. Positioned behind all of her other comrades, #000175 could see everything clearly. After being signaled by her team leader she  moved the trees in her favor into strategic positions that made it difficult for the enemy to cross to prepare the terrain. Armed with poison-infused darts and stark bullets she ran swiftly through the rainforest to the without a single hesitation. Killing every living person in the vicinity, her head heated up and her feet were restless with energy. An enemy dead is the greatest achievement an assassin could do everyday, the sight of a lifeless enemy was the greatest sight she could feast her eyes on. Hours passed and her mind itched for thoughts that weren’t hers but she was only in the company of her own. She felt a strong jolt of pain at the back of the shoulder as her body fell to the ground in unconsciousness. 

She woke up, not in the infirmary but in a small questioning room with her arms tied down to the chair and a mind protected helmet placed firmly on her head. Only with hindsight, she realized she should never done what she did in the field as she saw several bodies in the same uniform - lifeless. 

-

The incident stunned her performance to the point of no killing. For years, her field work was limited to counseling other mutants by using her mind power to project images lab assistants want to show them. She read minds of mutants and gave reports to scientists and carried heavy equipment within the facility and occasionally on the field. For a while, she lost her sense of purpose. 

-

Moving barrels in the field there sounded a loud siren that signaled an attack from an outside force. Deadlocked on finishing her task, #000175 was oblivious to the raid and ran to a safe area and continued to move the heavy objects. Just as she was moving her sixth barrel, a bloodied ally fell dead right on her toes. The death of an unknown ally sparked an inner heat that circulated back into her head, she felt the old energy back on her feet. While ripping her enemies apart with less aggression as she had before, she was conscious of her allies, she assisted the struggling fighters and stunned enemies with her mind before they could touch her allies. 

Her eyes suddenly gleamed with a newfound power within and at that moment she felt invincible with a new mindset: Be of help to the army, be the best teammate you could ever be. 

[001984x-blog]

i predict a riot ◦ zachary + arden

[001984x-blog]

  The creases between #001984’s eyebrows deepened as his companion continued to speak. Various memories throughout the past few years came flooding into his mind, followed my a rush of emotions. From rigorous trainings to frequent laboratory tests, he couldn’t quite fathom that those were all for malice. He had been led to believe that they were working for the good side — the heroes. But, with the words that #000175 whispered, it was as if a veiled has been lifted and he could now see the fissures of his life that he hasn’t quite noticed before: how GEARS has seemingly been more aggressive with them during training because of the threat of a war, how their training has been more focused on the offensive side, instead of defensive. He, along with the other mutants, were simply created to be instruments of war.

He nodded, recalling that incident a few days ago. It was during his hand-to-hand combat training when he felt the electricity coursing through his fingertips. Usually, the facility used electromagnetic waves laced within the walls of the building to keep the mutants from using their powers inside the facility. It was only during skill training when they would be transported to a separate building to train, but even there, they were accompanied by a dozen armed human soldiers. The act, then, went unnoticed by #001984. But with this new information from #00175, he suddenly sensed something suspicious about their decisions. It was like they feared that we were going to rebel.   

Brought back to reality from his momentary reverie, #001984 slightly jumped when #000175’s fingers grazed against his temple, the mere touch sending sparks down his arms. He prayed that she didn’t notice and forced himself to focus on what she was trying to do. Her telekinetic skills were incredibly strong — something he learned the hard way during training when they were sparring together. He was taken aback to see how greatly her skills have improved since last time they trained together. A torrent of images flashed in his mind. Though fuzzy, he could clearly see what she was showing him: a small group of scientists engaged in a deep conversion inside one of the dim laboratories. He heard hazy fragments of their conversation, as if he were listening to them underwater. Prototype of the greatest soldier, take over the entire world, steps closer to a sure win. #001984’s jaw clenched as his hands curled into tight fists. Betrayal. Utter and horrific betrayal. He was just a pawn in their game. 

Then, the scene changed: he saw himself running down the corridors of the GEARS facility, sweat dripping down his forehead. The mutant was briefly confused; this has never happened before. His eyes met #000175’s and it suddenly dawned on him that she was sharing a proposal with him — a strategy for their escape. The getaway of two of their greatest soldiers would arise suspicion, then perhaps, ignite a revolt. He continued to watch her vision, memorizing the photos that she was playing in his mind. When she was done, she stepped back. 

With a finger to his lips, he brought his other hand to her ear and repeatedly tapped on her earpiece, bringing it back to life. "There aren’t any rogues here, agent. Not to worry. Let’s head back," he misinformed the listening humans to make it seem as if they were searching the perimeter. However before he turned back to walk back to their associates, his eyes flashed. Although he wasn’t a telepath, he was sure that she could read his expression that clearly said 'count me in.'

[arden-lane]

By immediately misinforming the humans and the determined yet lifeless expression written on her competitor’s face were clear affirmations of her proposal. Wondering if he would be a cooperative partner as he is a competent fighter, she continued briskly walking through the string of abandoned buildings. A few minutes later, she glanced back at her companion and found him in the exact same expression — crestfallen and lifeless. She dismissed it as a normal reaction to such overwhelming news and continued walking. The dead silence gave her a reason to organize the compartments of her brain. After she had discarded the superfluous emotions, she began to weigh the pros and cons of every step of the plan to leave the facility. Predicted minor setbacks, 000175 was finally sure of her plan.

Approaching the facility, she was reminded again of the concrete walls and hallways, the perpetual white laboratories, and the enclosed glass testing rooms. Angered by the horrid sight, she envisioned justice for all generations and an end of their corruption The thought of saving an even greater cause, invigorated her soul. Looking back at her partner with their eyes meeting in an intense gaze, she gave him an earnest smile, hoping that it would give him a bit of comfort.

[arden-lane]

A voice once told me I was nothing but a code, but the truth told me that I was meant for greatness.

[001984x-blog]

And seeing [Dianna] was like experiencing a nightmare, complete with his blood thumping in his ears and his heart sinking down to the pit of his stomach. With her auburn hair and striking blue eyes, she reminded him all too much of the girl he had grown to love, but lost. 

[001984x-blog]

i predict a riot ◦ zachary + arden

[001984x-blog]

  At the urgent tone of her voice, #001984 knew something was wrong with #000175. He wasn’t stupid — he knew that she didn’t need his help with almost anything. She was a soldier capable of fighting her own battles, yet why did she sound so helpless?

With a quick glance to check if anyone was watching, he gestured to her earpiece followed by a finger to his lips as if to warn her about people listening. "I’ll go patrol with you today, #000175,” he lied smoothly. Cocking his gun, he nodded his head towards the direction of a string of abandoned buildings. Surely nobody would be lurking there. 

#001984 lead the way towards an alleyway, pausing to make sure that his companion was following. Once assured of privacy, he turned to the redhead and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear to reveal her earpiece. He tapped it once, then twice, giving off the illusion of a glitch, feeling the electricity surging through his fingertips before pulling his hand back.

"Now that we have some privacy, care to enlighten me?"

[arden-lane]

She never really knew the feeling of liberation until #001984 led her out of the facility for some privacy. Even if she has been patrolling for so many years, breathing felt more normal than usual. The thought of the facility gave her chills and haunted her conscience. After recollecting herself, she realized that she desperately needed to think of a plan. 

“Now that we have some privacy, care to enlighten me?” he asked with a tone of concern. 

Pausing for a few minutes, she tried to compose the right words.

“What if I told you that your whole life has been a lie? If you’ve been fighting for GEARS because you believed in what they stood for, well you thought wrong. The training, the mechanical studies, and testing is all a ploy for world domination.” 

At this point, #000175 wanted pour out all of her frustrations, though she did not because they’d only started conversing today. She noticed his look of confusion and continued. “I’m not sure if you felt it, but there was a momentary glitch in the system. It turns out, the switch that prohibits our powers was turned off. In turn, I heard a few conversations of the scientists in the lab.” At this point, she was at the verge of an emotional outburst. Because she didn’t want him to see her crack she tried to recall a mind skill that she picked up from training with a human. Suddenly, she rested her two fore fingers on the sides of his forehead she breathed in and out deeply until her thoughts, memories, and plan of action, excluding her deep emotions where transferred to his brain. 

#000175 breathed a sigh of relief as she thought her trick wouldn’t be successful. Composing herself one more time, she asked:

“Are you with me?”

[001984x-blog]

i predict a riot ◦ zachary + arden

Clad in his all-black militia uniform, #001984 pressed his back against the wall of the moving vehicle. Other mutants and soldiers were lined up against the walls, each of them armed with the latest model of a machine gun that shot bullets made with the latest technology. Apparently, the bullets would imitate the same feeling of a bullet wound, but cause no harm. But, it wasn’t like he needed it. #001984 was reliant on his electrokinesis and as soon as he stepped off from the van, he would toss aside the weapon, for sure. First generations didn’t work well with weapons — something that GEARS was trying to improve on, but desperately failing at.

Balancing on the balls of his feet, #001984 lifted up his gaze and let his gray-blue eyes assess his companions. They all stood with perfect posture, faces drained of emotion. He could point out around two people he recognized, but he was sure that he has never seen the rest before. GEARS had the largest amount of soldiers than any other army and for sure, they had the best.

As soon as the van halted to a stop, #001984 braced himself. Today’s field mission required the soldiers to patrol the borders, looking for anyone trying to trespass. He tapped the earpiece placed securely in his right ear, making sure that it was switched on. With that done, he followed the group out of the van and trailed behind them.

However, a few feet before the group were required to depart ways, he felt a tug on his arm pulling him to the opposite direction he was meant to go. Swiveling around, his eyebrows furrowed when he saw #000175 with her fiery red hair blowing in the wind and her teal eyes laced with determination. With one tap of his finger on his earpiece, the entire device switched off. "Anything wrong?" 

[001984x-blog]

[arden-lane]

After she left her chamber, she felt a light and sudden surge of energy flow through the veins of her brain. Brushing it off, she continued walking through the halls of the facility. until she felt unsteady and wobbly in her movement. 

“What’s happening to me?” she thought as she panicked for she knew that without her powers she’d be more vulnerable to enemies. She proceeded to walk to her field work, though she got lost in the process. Finding herself at the entrance of the lab and experiment room, she gave in and tried looking for a nurse. Though before she started her search, she voices in her head that obviously weren’t hers:

“He’s just the prototype of the greatest soldier that could help us win the war” the first voice said. 

“Soon enough, with the amount of soldiers we’ve already created we’d take over the entire world. Starting with the neighboring countries, we’re a few steps closer to a sure win.” a second voice said. 

The conversation continued on and on until she realized that all of the soldiers that are in the facility are being used for world domination. At the moment, #000175 remembered all the blood, sweat, and tears she fought through in training. While walking hurriedly to her field work she remembered the emotional trauma she had to overcome to pull herself to fight through the next day as a young soldier. Every bit of training and words of encouragement, motivation, harsh criticism dawned upon her. “I have been fighting for the wrong cause my whole life. My life has been a complete lie” she thought.

Her head burned with deep intensity and her thoughts turned to a dark area. While desperately tried to suppress her rage in the least lethal way she could think of, she pull apart the surveillance camera and  quietly started to dismantle an entire science laboratory by ripping wires, thrashing computer screens with her telekinetic force. Starting to feel the intense rage caused by the immense feeling of betrayal and fury towards GEARS, she swiftly ran across the facility to her field work, while devising a plan of action. She tried her best to contain her anger and acted as if she didn’t know anything in front of the facilitators and proceeded to prepare for the field work like the usual.

Upon arrival at the field work site, she quickly spotted her top competitor at the front of the line. Walking briskly towards his direction, she discreetly pushed back some barrels and heavy boxes with her telekinesis as obstacles for her other teammates and dismissed it to them as essential to training. With a change of eye direction, she unfurled an entire box of ammunition and ordered her fellow trainees to put it back in order. While they were distracted, she hovered, almost flinging herself to her strongest competitor, #001984, and tugged on his sleeve.

“Anything wrong?” he asked plainly. 

“I need your help.” 

[l-agallerrie]