NOTABLE FEATURES: Scar over his right eye, jagged pupil in right eye, small scar under his left eye, scar on the left side of his neck
DETAILS: Very little is known about his past. Found on the streets of Babylonia, he was taken in by a kind professor and quickly rose to the top of his cohort at F.O.S., earning the title of Chief with few able to rival his combat power. Now the Gray Raven Commandant, he leads them to victory time and time again. Though trusted and revered by those unafraid of the light, the shadows continue to hunt him at every step, determined to exact the price of his hasty oath.
EVALUATION: Commandant Exekial has been observed to possess prodigious skill in physical combat and battlefield assessment, demonstrating an ability to quickly change tactics that increases the chances of victory. He has also demonstrated expertise in wielding various weapons, from short and long blades to polearms to firearms. It has been observed that he is especially proficient with curved blades. Advised to issue a custom weapon to optimize his performance on the battlefield.
UPDATE: Following the incident with ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, it has been observed that he has experienced an "awakening" of abnormal powers. The most plausible explanation is the experimentation of ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉-▉▉▉ on him. Modifications to his body include an eye made of ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ that presents as a jade green iris and a jagged pupil, as well as a ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ ▉▉▉▉▉. Newfound abilities include a notable increase in speed and a 99% accuracy rate in evaluating dynamic situations and responding accordingly. Advised to monitor for potential side effects, especially for strain on his ▉▉▉▉▉.
UPDATE 2: Following the incident with the ▉▉▉▉▉▉ ▉▉▉▉▉▉, it has been observed that his awakened powers have changed. Little detail is yet known. Advised to closely monitor in order to collect and evaluate data.
Full-body render under the cut
since i finally decided to commission someone to draw my OC, i thought it was high time i reintroduced him, this time with updated detailed lore!
i commissioned these drawings from my friend kirtisdrawing, y'all should go check him out! his work is incredible, he's well worth your money :3
Kamui, holding a tray: I was trying to find silver M&Ms, but they didn't make any, so I spray-painted them!
Chrome: Okay... so those are poisonous, no one eat those.
Camu, silver on his mouth: Yeah, duh.
Chrome:
Wanshi:
Kamui:
Chrome: Go throw up.
Camu: I didn't eat any!
Chrome & Wanshi: Go throw up.
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Exekial: Do you ever wanna talk about your emotions, Vanessa?
Vanessa: Obviously not.
Harley Jo: I do!
Simon: We know, Harley.
Harley Jo: I'm sad :(
Exekial: We know, Harley.
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Exekial: Whenever I get thrown into the Red Tide, it's always "Stop dying" and never "How was the Red Tide? Was the Red Tide fun? It looked like fun."
Lucia:
Vonnegut:
Chaos:
Exekial: ... I said that aloud, didn't I?
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(When testing out a new setting on Hamlet for an immersive video game)
Liv: Are you... sure this is safe? Connecting all these cables to the commandant's Mind Beacon seems a little... excessive.
Ayla: Oh, it's perfectly safe! We tested it ourselves.
Exekial: ... Something being "perfectly safe" doesn't mean much in my book.
Lee: You'd be surprised at how often our commandant takes something "perfectly safe" and turns it into a life-threatening mess.
Lucia: As much as I hate to admit it, Lee has a point.
Leonie: Pshawww, it'll be fine! (winks) Trust me!
Exekial: If you say so...
(Later, when Exekial is forcefully disconnected to prevent an aneurysm and rushed to the Star of Life for treatment)
Exekial: ... What was it called, Murphy's Law? "Something that can go wrong will go wrong"?
Liv, who is treating him: Commandant, please don't joke about this.
Exekial: If only I was joking.
Lucia, holding his hand: Just rest and focus on getting better.
Lee, throwing his arms up in frustration: I told you this would happen. But noooo, you guys just had to force him to try it.
(Leonie and Ayla bow their heads in shame as Lee scolds them)
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Vanessa, peering over the edge of the crater: Are you dead yet?
Exekial, laying at the bottom with his clothes scorched, revealing various bleeding wounds: I wish.
(It was a joke, but the Gray Ravens, particularly Lucia, scolded him for it)
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(During a mission to some mines, Gray Raven manages to avoid a deadly explosion. They sought refuge in one of the caves)
Lee, grabbing Liv to steady her as she stumbles over the edge: Easy, Liv. Be careful.
Liv, blushing slightly: Thanks, Lee.
(Lucia and Exekial follow behind. Liv immediately begins to check on everyone)
Liv: Is everyone okay? Lee, are you hurt? Lucia?
Lee: Just some minor scratches, nothing too serious.
Lucia: Same for me.
Liv: Alright, what about you, Commandant?
Exekial: ...
Lucia: ... Commandant?
(As one, they slowly turn to Exekial. Though he wears a neutral expression, his hand is not-so-subtly pressed to his side)
Exekial, a tad too casually: ... So do you want to hear the good news first, or the bad news?
Lucia: Exekial...
Liv: No...
Lee: Don't you dare.
Exekial, ignoring them: Right. So, the good news is, I didn't take a direct hit from that explosion.
Exekial: The bad news is—
(Faster than he can finish, Lucia is already in front of him, prying his hand away. Her hands come away red as her actions reveal a piece of metal lodged in his flank.)
Exekial: —I did get some shrapnel in my side.
(Lucia inhales sharply as Liv covers her mouth and Lee swears under his breath. Within a heartbeat, Exekial finds himself lying on the ground, his head in Lucia's lap, while Lee and Liv try to carefully remove the metal shard)
Exekial: ... At least I didn't fall into a coma this time?
Lee: Just be quiet.
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Exekial: Why does everyone keep trying to kill me specifically?
Vanessa: I dunno, must be your extremely punchable face.
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(An alternate take to CH32)
Qu, to Vanessa: You said you were going on some spiritual retreat!
Vanessa, sarcastically: Namaste.
Qu, to Exekial: And you're supposed to be dead!
Exekial: I got better?
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Vanessa: With all the things he's good at, there's gotta be something the Chief is terrible at doing!
Harley Jo, jokingly: Y'know, I'd bet he's a terrible kisser.
decided since i updated my Commandant OC lore that i would also provide an updated relationship chart between him and all the other Constructs, so here it is! below the cut is where i explain his relationship with each Construct (this is updated to around CH36) with some sprinklings of his lore
lengthy explanations for each relationship under the cut (as well as additional characters/squads that don't show up on the charts)!
Gray Ravens
Lucia: The only Construct he reciprocates romantic feelings for. Ever since they met each other in that darkened alley, they have grown together; some may say that they learned how to be the Captain and Commandant of Gray Raven together. With her by his side, he feels like it is only with her that anything is possible—and it is because of this that her death in CH31 ultimately broke him. On her side, Lucia knows Exekial almost as well as he knows himself and has vowed not to let anything get between them—even time itself. (She never fully forgave herself for the incident with Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉)
Lee: Initially suspicious of him due to his ties to Kurono and his own complicated past, Exekial has grown to trust Lee and regard him as a trustworthy and reliable companion. Prickly and stubborn at first, Lee has since softened towards Exekial, coming to accept Exekial wholeheartedly as his commandant
Liv: Exekial feels like he is deeply in debt to Liv, since she saved him far more times than he can count, and he can never repay that even if he gave his life a thousand times over. Liv believes that he already has, just by being himself, and it is in fact she who is in debt to him. Because of this, she works tirelessly to keep him healthy and safe. (She also doesn't like seeing Lucia sad whenever something happens to him)
Strike Hawk
Chrome: Exekial has come to regard Chrome highly and sees in him a kindred spirit, seeing as they were both Chiefs of F.O.S. Chrome is madly in love with Exekial. He is able to disguise it most of the time behind a professional facade, but there are moments where it slips. Unfortunately for him, Exekial seems oblivious to those hints... and it doesn't help that Chrome's own squad sometimes gets in the way
Kamui: Exekial has a soft spot for Kamui, often being the one to let his more childish side come out; even after Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, when he became more stoic and cold, he tries to soften around Kamui, at least a little bit. On his part, Kamui adores having Exekial as a pal, sometimes dragging him into his own shenanigans
Wanshi: Exekial respects him as a reliable member of Strike Hawk, but otherwise doesn't have many more thoughts than that. Wanshi has heard about Exekial from Kamui and Chrome, but it wasn't until he paired up with Exekial during EX04 that Exekial earned Wanshi's own respect. Wanshi became interested when Exekial mentioned his Kowloong heritage and his ability to speak the dialect, giving them another connection they can talk about, and they paired well together during ER08. However, their relationship still remains as professional collegues
Camu: Exekial finds Camu too rough around the edges, and Camu in turn regards Exekial as too much of a goody-two-shoes to Babylonia for his taste. However, once Exekial returns to them from Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ and begins making dark jokes, Camu is the only one to consistently find them funny—something that Exekial appreciates
Cerberus
Murray: Though he knows Murray is Lee's brother, Exekial finds him suspicious at best, correctly deducing that the Cerberus Commandant isn't likely to have the moral inclinations of the average commandant. On his part, Murray is happy that Lee has a commandant that he can speak so highly of, and as such he tries to be friendly towards Exekial
Vera: Even after getting over his suspicions of her ties with Kurono, Exekial initially found her personality off-putting. However, he quickly realized that Vera was only acting like that to mess with him; because of this, he could muster up the energy to ignore it. In combat, he wholeheartedly puts his trust in her, even when she warns otherwise. Their friendship is complicated by their shared past (which Exekial didn't remember until recently), but she continues to be reliable when he needs her to be
No. 21: Exekial has a soft spot for her. He tries his best to watch over her whenever Cerberus is put under his command, which is something that both Murray and Vera appreciate, the latter secretively. On her part, No. 21 has learned to associate his scent with "kindness," and whenever he's around, she perks up
Noctis: Their ordeal together in ER05 left them with a deeper understanding of the other and an ability to work together whenever the need calls for it. Sometimes, when Exekial is on bartending duty, he will invite Noctis to try the latest concoctions. Otherwise, they remain on professional levels of respect for each other
Purifying Force
Bianca: Exekial regards her as one of his most trustworthy allies, easily leaving his life in her hands time and time again. At first wary of getting close to Exekial, Bianca has since come to regard Exekial highly, and she also begins to worry for his safety the more she gets to know him
Chiko: Exekial never knew her, but he could always sense the sorrow in Bianca's voice whenever she talked about her following her death in CH20. Later, when Exekial and Lucia meet her for themselves in CH31 onwards, Exekial has come to regard her as a pillar—strong, steady, reliable—and he felt a surge of sadness when she died for a second time in CH35, even if he couldn't understand why at the time
Issarius: Exekial and Issarius worked together a couple of times, although Issarius has made it clear it isn't what he preferred. Otherwise, they tend to steer out of each others' ways
Engineering Force
Karenina: Exekial appreciates Karenina's tenacity and determination to do whatever is right, although he thinks she is sometimes a bit too loud. On her part, Karenina has a small crush on Exekial and tries her best to impress him—with mixed results. (Exekial knows that she has a crush on him, but since it seems to be small, he decides to let it be, figuring that it will die out eventually)
Teddy: Exekial is impressed by her practicality and down-to-earth personality, finding himself agreeing with her on her views about Dominik. Teddy for the most part respects him, although she takes any chance she can get to try and fluster him—with limited success
Egret
Vanessa: They have an extremely complicated relationship, to put it mildly. They, along with Simon and Harley Jo, created a close-knit friend group during their first year of F.O.S.; however, a falling out between Exekial and Vanessa led to the group's fracture and their subsequent rivalry. The incident prompted Exekial to swear to never reveal his past to anyone, while Vanessa spiraled down into her incessant path of control and dominance. Even then, despite their less-than-warm interactions, they still seem to care for each other in some way, which becomes most apparent during the events of CH32-33
Bambinata: Due to his own past, Exekial can sympathize somewhat with Bambinata's situation; as such, he tries to help her however he can, though he keeps a professional distance due to her proximity with Vanessa. On her part, Bambinata is often confused by the relationship between Exekial and Vanessa, mistakenly believing them to be friends (even after being corrected several times by both of them)
Leia: Exekial doesn't know much about her, but he finds her to be rather amusing due to her bubbly personality. Leia has heard about Gray Raven from Vanessa, but despite the most likely less-than-positive reviews, she seems open to working with them
Dark Aries
Simon: Exekial holds Simon to be one of his closest human friends and regards him highly because of it. Simon had at first been afraid of Exekial, but once they became friends in F.O.S., he learned to become comfortable around him, to the point that they could both tease each other. However, after Vanessa's and Exekial's falling out, Simon became intimidated when Exekial was slated to become Chief, beginning to think of him more as an idol than a friend. Simon later comes to believe that this is his greatest mistake and thus the source of his deepest regret. Later, the incident with ▉▉▉▉▉▉ replaces that regret, and he feels he can never make up for it
Noan: Exekial and Noan both respect each other, although they haven't exactly worked together since Exekial found and extracted Noan. During a mission in which Exekial saves Simon from ▉▉▉▉▉▉ at the cost of ▉▉▉ ▉▉▉▉, Noan feels that he is deeply in debt to Exekial for his actions
Palma: Exekial tries his best to limit contact with her, believing her to be somewhat unstable. Palma has no interest in connecting with him
Lillian: Exekial pities her since she seems so young to be part of an Elite Squad, but otherwise doesn't have any other thoughts on her. Lillian is somewhat intimidated by Exekial, but she tries to get along with him, for Simon's and Noan's sake
Scarab
Valeria: Before the Gray Ravens ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, Exekial didn't know her all that well, considering her efficient and a good commandant but not much more than that. After he was temporarily placed on Scarab and worked together with her on the ▉▉▉▉▉▉ ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, Exekial has come to regard her rather highly, someone who can be calculating and efficient without sacrificing lives. On her part, Valeria has heard of Exekial's notoriety, but it isn't until she meets him that she realizes they are very similar in many ways. They have since become good friends, with Valeria allowing Exekial to call her "V"
Yata: Exekial first meets her when she was temporarily assigned to Harley Jo during CH16, which is an... interesting way to start off a meeting. Once they worked together and got to know each other better, Yata comes to regard him as the commandant she would trust the most after Valeria, while Exekial enjoys the outings she would take him when visiting Hydrangea Island
Shiva: Exekial and Shiva didn't really interact much, but they are professionally respectful of each other
Discord: Though Exekial initially found her a tad suspicious when she suddenly assigned him the mission to test the armor and took over taking Lucia away, Exekial accepted that she was just doing her job. When Discord's M.I.N.D. begins to go awry, Exekial is always there to help steady her, leading her to begin trusting in him
Shorthalt: Exekial never personally knew him, but based on his dreams of Clone!Exekial and Shorthalt, he thought of Shorthalt as a steady, down-to-earth leader whose life ended far too early. Based on the way Shorthalt treated Clone!Exekial, there might've been a chance that they could've been friends in a different life, or at least trusted comrades
WGAA
Ayla: Exekial appreciates her high-spirits and bubbly energy, oftentimes finding it refreshing compared to the more serious demeanor. Ayla loves to dote on Exekial, and she often drags him into her studio to try on her newest style of clothing (Exekial begrudgingly goes along with it—but Lucia definitely appreciates it)
Selena: Once pen pals, she disappeared from his life early on. At first, Exekial tried in vain to search for her whereabouts, but once he became the Gray Raven Commandant, he rarely thought about her, so heavy was his workload. He felt a huge amount of guilt when he thought he killed her as the Siren, but it isn't until she returns to them in the new timeline that the guilt is somewhat alleviated. Selena is deeply in love with Exekial, but every time she tries to make a move, Exekial either remains oblivious to it or gently turns her down. Even though she is often disappointed, she still holds on to the hope that someday he will reciprocate
Church of Machina
Nanami: Initially finding her to be too boisterous and bubbly for his taste, Exekial comes to deeply miss her when she departs, often wishing for just one more moment where he could spend time with her and is overjoyed at reuniting with her in CH32, even if briefly. Nanami adores Exekial like an older brother, often dragging him into her shenanigans, and continues searching for a future where he survives
Hanying: When they first met in CH28, Exekial didn't really know what to think of her, apart from being Pulao's companion and a member of the Church of Machina. Hanying was intrigued by Exekial's presence, having heard much of him from Pulao and Nanami. They got to know each other better during the events of ER07, but their relationship remains on professional grounds
Haicma: Like Hanying, Exekial doesn't have many thoughts on her apart from being a part of the Church of Machina. Haicma also doesn't know much about him apart from what Nanami's told her. As a result, they exchange professional greetings when they run into each other, but nothing much more than that
Veronica: Even when they clashed initially during ER07, Veronica sensed something intriguing about Exekial's powers and realized that they were derived from the ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, making them kindred spirits. After they become begrudging allies, Veronica and Exekial both teach each other different techniques they use with their respective powers, forging an amicable bond in the process
ACA
Sophia: Initially finding her quiet and unassuming, Exekial was impressed when she decided to take charge of the ACA's people. Since she's still a kid in his mind, he dotes on her like an older sibling... although he draws the line whenever Sophia tries to dupe him into her marketing schemes
Changyu: SImilar to Sophia, Exekial thinks of Changyu as a younger sibling and treats him as such, with the exception of when Changyu affects his sly business persona and eggs on Exekial to buy from him. Deep down, Changyu appreciates the way Exekial treats them and vows to pay him back someday... after he gets Exekial to buy something from him, of course
Kowloong
Qu: Exekial is ultimately neutral towards her, although it borders on dislike since he doesn't appreciate how she uses her people like pawns in her games of chess against the Ascendants. Initially believing Exekial to be an ordinary human destined to end up six feet deep in the ground, Qu has since realized that he is so much more than he seems, which makes her equal parts intrigued and uneasy. Her feelings are complicated when it is revealed that Exekial is the new ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ of the ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ ▉▉▉▉, which further ties him to Kowloong's fate, a fact that she doesn't appreciate
Pulao: Like Changyu and Sophia, Exekial has a soft spot for her and dotes on her as a result, though he doesn't hide how amusing he finds it whenever she gets dragged into their shenanigans. Pulao has much respect for Exekial and welcomes the familial affection, having missed it for so long
Ascendants
Alpha: In their universe, Exekial and Alpha met when Alpha was still Lucia of Gray Raven and Exekial had just run away from his home. Unknown to Alpha, that chance meeting is what propelled Exekial onto his path to becoming a commandant, shaping him to be the person he is today. Likewise, even after parting ways, Alpha never forgot him—which only complicates their interactions every time they meet each other on opposite sides of the battlefield
Luna: Though Exekial mostly feels pity for her as Lucia's sister, he tries to keep out of her way due to a natural wariness for the Ascendants' leader. This heightens after Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, since he becomes much less trusting of all but those closest to him, though he still treats them like he would other humans. Likewise, Luna only holds him in high regard at first because of Alpha, and it's after CH13 and CH30 that her own respect for him grows. However, she also stays away from him, though she considers him the most trustworthy of commandants from Babylonia
Lamia: Since Exekial has no idea of the ordeal his clone and Lamia went through in CH26, he still treats her as an Ascendant, albeit more neutrally once Luna aligns with them. Lamia has conflicting feelings, having watched Clone!Exekial die and then realizing that she might never know the real Exekial. Still, she tries her best to protect him, even when he doesn't know why
Roland: Exekial considers him to be a clown, albeit a dangerous one, and can't stand him as a result. Though Roland likes to tease Exekial, his true feelings are neutral towards Exekial, only aligning with him because Luna needs him
Vonnegut: Initially only treating him as a dangerously smart Ascendant, Exekial's understanding of Vonnegut is increased during the events of CH31, and even a small part of him is sympathetic towards Vonnegut's goal. However, Exekial can't forgive Vonnegut for wanting to kill Lucia in order to complete his plan, and at the end of it all, he will do whatever he can to protect Lucia and the rest of Gray Raven from his schemes. Vonnegut considers Exekial a smartmouth who doesn't know what he's talking about, but nevertheless he needs Exekial for his plans
Gabriel: Unlike many of Luna's Ascendants, Exekial doesn't find anything redeeming about Gabriel—and his hatred only increased when he found out what Gabriel did to Selena. Gabriel considers Exekial nothing more than a human insect to be crushed underfoot
Cinderlik: They are only really opposed due to Cinderlik's alliance with Vonnegut. Otherwise, they don't have any opinions on each other
Lithos: Exekial considers Lithos to be extremely annoying in addition to being dangerous. Lithos considers Exekial an obstacle, but since Vonnegut needs him, Lithos only tolerates Exekial's presence
Babylonia
Hassen: Although Hassen is more pleasant to interact with than Nikola, Exekial knows that ultimately Hassen is using him as a political pawn. Paired with Exekial's own past of untrustworthy adults, he is not so easily trusting of the President. Hassen considers Exekial to be one of his people and tries to help him however he can, though he understands Exekial's wariness
Nikola: Exekial tended to butt heads with Nikola, especially in the beginning. However, after Exekial gained more experience, especially after Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉, he admits to himself that Nikola is ruthless but strategic, and often it leads to the least amount of lives lost. Nikola at first thought of Exekial as arrogant but has since come to view Exekial as a reliable and trustworthy commandant
Celica: Since Celica is closer to their level, Exekial feels more comfortable initiating a friendship outside of work. Occasionally, he'll invite her along when he is grabbing drinks with several other commandants, which she greatly appreciates
Asimov: Like Celica, Exekial considers Asimov more aligned with the level of commandants to the higher-ups, striking a professional friendship with Asimov. Even so, Asimov doesn't allow their friendship to hinder his professionalism, which also means taking Exekial to be his lab rat whenever he can
Hippocrates: Though Exekial and Hippocrates don't know each other apart from Exekial's very recurrent trips to the Star of Life, they respect each other. Even when she lashed out at him in anger after he woke up from his coma, he understood that it was because she cared deeply for Liv and was worried for her. Because of his efforts to save Liv, Hippocrates has come to regard Exekial very highly, happy that Liv has a commandant who would go through hell or high water for her
Hans: Though Exekial and Hans initially butt heads, Exekial still respects him as an experienced veteran and leader. Though Hans initially thought of Exekial as an arrogant upstart commandant, Exekial earned Hans' respect when he put himself in harm's way to save his squad and obtain a sample of the Hetero-Hive Mother. When Exekial woke up from his coma, he was saddened to hear about Hans' death
Kurono
Collins: Exekial absolutely hates Collins, as Collins reminds him too much of ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉. Collins only sees Exekial as a prospective test subject and is eager to squeeze out as much potential as he can from Exekial
Rebecca: He also hates Rebecca for her role in keeping him hostage following CH13, which only intensified since it became a catalyst for his contact with associates of Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ once more. Rebecca dislikes Exekial's resistant nature, but because of Collins tolerates him to see if she can extract as much of that "potential" as possible
Others
Watanabe: Exekial considers Watanabe to be one of the greatest leaders he has ever witnessed in action, seeing how so many flock to him firsthand. Watanabe was the one who first impressed the type of life most refugees abandoned by Babylonia had to live, which deepened his understanding of those living on the surface. Watanabe considers Exekial the only trustworthy commandant from Babylonia, and whenever Exekial connects with Watanabe, Watanabe fully lends him his trust
Rosetta: Exekial has a great deal of respect for Rosetta, but he doesn't know much about her outside of their professional relationship. Rosetta was inspired by Exekial's tenacity and determination, which continually propels her forward
Harley Jo: One of his other close friends from F.O.S. Exekial found Harley Jo's boisterous, energetic personality to be rather refreshing compared to the seriousness of Vanessa and Simon, and Harley Jo thinks extremely highly of Exekial's combat skills. Like Simon, Harley Jo began to pull away from Exekial when their friend group broke apart, but since reuniting with him in CH16, he had sworn not to lose that friendship again. During CH21, Harley Jo ended up shooting Exekial in his Tower-induced craze, which left him feeling extremely guilty and ashamed of himself, but Exekial forgave him, leading their relationship to become closer
Sica: When they first met in CH21, Exekial marveled at how young she was, while Sica seemed distinctly nervous and wanting to impress Exekial. Exekial comes to regard her as a reliable commandant, albeit inexperienced, while Sica looks up to him unquestioningly. Since she is Vanessa's junior, however, Exekial tries to stay on completely professional terms, not wanting to incur Vanessa's wrath against him
Bridget: Exekial thinks of Bridget as an incredible ally, and he appreciates how she shows up when they need her most to deliver the gear that they need to accomplish their missions. Bridget considers Exekial a rather intriguing commandant and is open to becoming closer to him to understand the way he thinks and does things
Jetavie: After gaining back his memories of the Matrix and Jetavie, Exekial has grown to care for her like a daughter, taking her around Babylonia in his free time. Jetavie is obsessed with Exekial and keeping him safe, which often forces Exekial to de-escalate any conflicts she attempts to incite amongst everyone else (especially Ishmael - he still doesn't entirely understand what Jetavie has against her)
Ishmael: At first wary of her and not knowing her to be the same as the Merciful One, Exekial had grown to see her as a true friend following the events of CH33, although he also acknowledges that her diminished humanity has led her to perceive the world differently from him, which leads to some minor conflict. On her part, Ishmael cares for Exekial as well, and though she remembers she once had romantic feelings for him when she was far younger, she also acknowledges that neither of them are the same as they were back then. Even so, she continues to watch over him, stepping in to help if it's within her power to do so
Exekial, waking up from a nightmare watching Lucia fighting all by herself: I'm so upset.
Vonnegut: Why, what happened?
Exekial, realizing where he is: Shut the **** up.
Vonnegut: Okay then **** you stay upset hope your day gets worse like actually—
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(Post-CH17. As soon as a meeting with several squads ends, Exekial is ambushed by an arm thrown around his shoulders, courtesy of Harley Jo)
Harley Jo: So, Exekial, tell me what you think about Valeria~
Exekial: The Scarab Commandant? I haven't worked with her much, but from what I can tell, she seems to be a reliable person.
Harley Jo, waving his words away: Yeah, yeah, but what about her looks? Do you think she's... (wags eyebrows) attractive?
Exekial: Attractive? Uh...
(The rest of Gray Raven, Simon, and Vanessa come up behind them)
Liv: Sorry, who is attractive?
Lee: ... what is this about?
Simon: Harley Jo's trying to figure out Exekial's... type.
Lucia: Type? Type of what?
Vanessa, annoyed: He's trying to figure out the type of woman the Chief's into.
Harley Jo, overhearing them: Who said it was just women?
Simon, amused: Doubling your options isn't gonna bring you closer to finding out, Harley.
Harley Jo: Aw, c'mon, everyone has a type! You just gotta know where to poke!
Vanessa: (snorts) Unless you're not into that crap.
Simon: We all know when it comes to that, you're the outlier here, Vanessa.
Vanessa, even more annoyed: And yet here I stand, the only reasonable one of you lot. (Turns around and begins to walk away) This is a waste of time. Goodbye.
(They all watch her go before Harley Jo redoubles his efforts)
Harley Jo: No, but seriously, back to my question, Exekial. What exactly do you think of Valeria?
Exekial: Hmm... I suppose that by conventional standards, she is attractive...
Harley Jo, getting excited: Yeah?
Exekial: ... but if you're asking me if I would involve myself romantically with her, the answer is no.
(Harley Jo groans comically as Simon and the Gray Ravens watch on, the former amused and the latter confused)
Simon: Told ya.
Harley Jo: You always say that, Exekial! No matter who I ask you about, it's all the same!
Exekial: (shrugs) Because they're all the same thing to me. Strangers. I don't know any of them, why would I want to be in a relationship with them?
Simon: So you'd rather it be someone you know?
Exekial: I suppose so, yeah. Someone I've known for a long time, someone I can count on to have my back. Someone whom I'd consider my... friend.
Lucia: ... a friend?
Harley Jo: (groans even louder) But that's such a boring type! You have to have something more than that!
Simon: Besides, it's not like you'd fall in love with all your friends, right?
Exekial: I suppose, yes, but I wouldn't know, seeing how I lack any experience in that department.
Harley Jo: (perking up) Then we'll just have to keep narrowing it down, huh?
(As the three commandants bicker amongst each other, the Gray Ravens stand to the side, Lucia having visibly brightened at Exekial's words)
Lucia, to herself: ... a friend, was it? I guess... maybe...
Liv, privately to Lee: Lucia seems rather happy right now, don't you think?
Lee, mildly sarcastic: I wonder why.
--------------------------------------
(An alternate take on the Catania wedding. Chaos reigns, the air filled with smoke and the smell of gunpowder and screams as bullets whizz every which way, friend and foe nearly indistinguishable)
(Lucia manages to dispatch an enemy and catches sight of Exekial finishing off his own opponent)
Lucia: Exekial!!
(Exekial whips around, eyes landing on her. Before she can say anything more, an enemy comes charging towards them. Together, Exekial and Lucia manage to strike him down)
Lucia, grabbing Exekial's arm: Will you marry me?
Exekial: ?!
(An enemy comes charging at them. They both block with their swords)
Exekial: I don't think now's the best time?!
Lucia: Now might be the only time!
(Together, they shove away the enemy before Lucia grabs him by the arm and pulls him in again)
Lucia, breathless: Exekial, I love you.
(Once again, they are interrupted by an enemy charging in. Together, hand in hand, they throw him away from their podium. Lucia forcibly turns Exekial towards her, grasping his face and pressing their foreheads together)
Lucia, eyes hardening with determination: I've made my choice a long time ago. What's yours?
(For a long moment, the two of them simply stare at each other, out of breath)
Exekial: Olivia!
Lucia: ...?
(Lucia wears an expression of confusion as Exekial suddenly turns to Olivia)
Exekial: Marry us!
Olivia, striking down her own opponents: I'M A LITTLE BUSY AT THE MOMENT!
(Lucia's eyes shine brilliantly as Exekial meets her gaze. Reinvigored, they leap back into the fray)
Lucia, striking down another: Olivia, now!
Olivia: FINE!
(As all three of them fight their own battles, Olivia begins to officiate amidst the chaos. Lucia spins into Exekial's arms)
Olivia, as regally as she can muster: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today— (kicks away a thug attempting to climb the podium) —stay down you vicious curs!
(Lucia and Exekial are forced to fight again. They whirl through the battlefield before coming together again)
Exekial: Lucia, will you take me to be your partner for as long as I live?
Lucia: I do!!
Exekial: Great!
(They are forced to fight yet again before Lucia grabs Exekial's arm and pulls him towards her)
Lucia: And will you take me to be your partner— (kicks away a thug) —in sickness and in health— (parries a knife slash) —with health being the less likely?
(Exekial kicks the enemy with the knife away. Together, they force their way through the chaos to stand just beneath Olivia. He grasps Lucia and turns her towards him)
Exekial, firmly: I do.
Olivia: Then as the Head of the Thirteen Families, I now pronounce you—
(She throws a thug over the podium before slamming another into a wall)
Olivia: You may kiss—
(Another thug climbs up and charges at her. She ducks, flipping him over her shoulder)
Olivia, getting frustrated: You may kiss—
(An enemy charges at Exekial and Lucia just as Exekial grasps Lucia in an embrace. He ducks as Lucia's sword flies overhead, piercing them in the chest)
Olivia: You may kiss—
(She is interrupted yet again by a thug. In exasperation, she beats them and throws them off before flinging her arms up in defeat)
Olivia: Just kiss!
(The minute Exekial's lips meet Lucia's is the minute the twelve bell tolls begin. In the chaos that gradually dies down, all that is left is the two of them together. When they part, they find hundreds of eyes upon them, as well as a fondly exasperated Olivia)
Exekial: Well, that was easy enough, wouldn't you say?
in my luciaxocskk feels rn, so here are some summary notes from how their relationship developed when lucia was in Lotus
a lot of these notes are actually summaries of my actual notes (i have 200+ pages' worth of notes for my oc from main storyline alterations to actual fics, i have a problem)
i hope that someday i will be able to actually write out and flesh out this particular universe for my oc, but for now pls have these tiny little crumbs as offerings
When they first met to become Gray Raven, practically strangers to each other, Exekial thought Lucia to be distant, even a little cold, while Lucia thought Exekial to be a rather strange commandant and human being. However, as the months went on with just each other, they quickly became accustomed to each others’ presences, so much so that one could say that they learned together how to become an effective commandant and Construct
In their downtime, Lucia and Exekial would hang out with each other even outside of training—something that Lucia was unaccustomed to, as she felt that Exekial should have more important things to do. But the first (and last) time she brought it up, Exekial waved her off, telling her that he preferred her company to most everyone else’s
Around the last months before Liv and Lee would join the team, there was an incident in which a commandant challenged Exekial to a duel, a duel that Exekial ended up winning effortlessly. Enraged and humiliated, the commandant lashed out, leaving a scar under Exekial’s left eye—an action that Lucia didn’t leave unanswered. This was the first time in a long, long time that Lucia had felt so protective of someone else, and the feeling only grew as squad after squad tried to challenge her for his command
When Nikola asked Exekial to review Liv’s and Lee’s profiles, Exekial deferred to Lucia’s judgment, mostly out of respect for her capabilities and experience but also because of his complicated past and potential bias clouding his assessment
Despite having a bond that was closer than comrades but couldn’t quite be called friendship at this point, Lucia always seemed to display uneasiness whenever Exekial ended up physically close to someone, though she initially reasoned the feeling off as protectiveness
Exekial always noticed, however, and at the first chance he would get, he would break off engagement with the other party to walk over and check in on her. This would always catch her off-guard, and time and time again she would wonder why he would prefer the company of a weapon of war over “real” human beings
Though Lucia wouldn’t remember, a chance meeting between her and a young Exekial changed the course of Exekial’s fate forever, propelling him on the path to becoming a commandant despite his deepest fears and doubts
In the early days of Gray Raven, Exekial was observed by Lee to be avoidant to physical contact, only engaging in it either through professional gestures, helping others, or if any of his Constructs were assisting in tending to his wounds. However, if he sensed that Lucia was unsettled or distressed, he would reach out to hold her hand, long enough for her M.I.N.D. to stabilize, before he would withdraw it
Due to Lucia’s and Lee’s overly serious personality, Liv and Exekial often acted as their counter-balance between Liv’s gentle nature and Exekial’s casual, laidback demeanor outside of missions, with Exekial taking the liberty to tease Lee and Lucia. However, after the first few times, he realized that his teasing Lucia, far from making her relax, only seemed to make her self-conscious. As a result, he resorted to only teasing Liv and Lee
When they faced off against Alpha for the first time, the fight was more brutal than in canon, resulting in Exekial sustaining more injuries. However, when Liv fretted over him, Exekial pushed her away, worried for Lucia, and insisted that she checked on Lucia first. In turn, Lucia protested, arguing that her parts could be replaced, but if Exekial bled out, the Gray Ravens couldn’t find a replacement like him
Lucia and Exekial then began to argue with each other, with Lucia insisting Liv check on Exekial and Exekial insisting she check on Lucia. It was only resolved when an exasperated Lee chided them both for getting Liv caught up in their spat and told Liv to go check on Lucia, as he knew some first aid and could take care of Exekial
As they faced off against Tifa, Exekial suddenly realized that Lucia was right in the path of her rampage. He shouted her name in warning and lunged at her, clutching her in his embrace and rolling them both into cover, where Exekial ended up on top of Lucia. Stunned, Lucia looked up at Exekial, who looked down in worry and asked if she was okay. Before Lucia could say anything, however, Exekial noticed Liv was out in the open and shouted at her to look out, prompting Lee to jump to protect Liv
As Liv treated Lee, Lee made a comment that caused Liv to vow to become stronger to protect him, prompting Lee to become flustered as he tried to explain that this wasn’t what he meant. Exekial teased Lee, saying that he was envious that Lee had a pretty lady to protect him, and Lee retorted by saying Exekial was no better, clearly looking to Lucia when he said this. Embarrassed, Exekial coughed as he said he had no idea what Lee was talking about, while Lucia asked with confusion why Lee was looking at her
In the wake of the mission to rescue Liv from the Forsaken, Watanabe invited them to spend the night at a nearby camp as part of an apology for the way they treated Liv. Throughout their stay there, both Kamui and Watanabe made comments on how Lucia had changed, noting that she used to be indifferent while they had been training together, but now she seems to care for Gray Raven and a lot of other people, especially her commandant. Lucia only stayed silent, unsure of how to respond to that
While they were at the camp, however, Exekial ended up in an altercation with a young Forsaken man, resulting in Exekial being shot. Once he was whisked into a tent, with Liv and a Forsaken doctor treating him, Lucia positioned herself right outside his tent, not budging an inch. When they were done treating him, she went inside to watch over him through the entire night, helping him sit up once he woke up
Once Exekial realized that Lucia stayed up all night to watch over him, he told her that he was grateful that she stayed up with him, but she didn’t need to do that, much to her confusion. She tried to point out that Constructs don’t need sleep to operate at full capacity, but Exekial refuted that he didn’t care about that, only her. Lucia went quiet at that, as if taken aback
Exekial reached over with his hand to hold hers as he said that he knows that while Constructs were created for the purpose of fighting the war, that should never be their sole purpose; after all, Constructs were once people too. He asked her to treat herself less like a weapon and more like a person—for him if not for herself. Stunned by his words, she could only look away as she mumbled that she would try
At some point, a banquet was held for all the Task Force squads, with Constructs being invited to it for the first time. Upon entering, all eyes turned to them and the whispers began. Feeling Lucia tense up next to him, Exekial only briefly grasped her hand as he told her that she deserves to be here, turning to look at Lee and Liv as he indicated that the words were meant for them too
When Lucia and Exekial get a moment by themselves, Lucia asked him why he bothered to stand up for Constructs like her, since Constructs have always been seen as mere tools and he risked antagonizing a lot of higher-level people. Exekial only replied simply that he knew what it was like to be seen as a mere tool as well. This was the first time Exekial even hinted at his past to someone else since he had graduated F.O.S., a sign of vulnerability that only deepened the bond between them
A strange feeling would well up in Lucia whenever she saw Exekial dancing with others, though she tried to stamp it down as best as she could, agreeing (a tad begrudgingly) with Liv and Lee that Exekial looked happier. However, when the banquet ended Exekial walked back to them, Lucia noticed the way Exekial’s smile slipped off his expression like a mask, making him look more tired than usual. When his eyes met hers, though, a small smile flitted on his face, and Lucia realized without a doubt that this was a real smile, reserved just for her and the other Gray Ravens
The first time Lucia hugged Exekial of her own accord was when they reunited on-board the Nighter after the mission in which Exekial was forced to go on a solo mission on Hassen’s orders. Just as quickly, however, she released him, clearing her throat and saying that she was glad he returned to them
After the battle with Huaxu and Villier, when Lucia was falling, Exekial reached out and caught her, holding her tightly in his arms. Surprised, Lucia told Exekial that she was fine, but Exekial only hugged her closer, telling her that he was glad she was alright. Unnoticed to him, a faint blush appeared on Lucia’s face upon hearing his words, but their attention was soon drawn away to Villier and Huaxu
During the battle of Kowloong Metropolis, as Exekial cradled Lucia’s broken body in his arms and watched Alpha step up to them, Lucia begged Exekial to run, but he stayed put. When Alpha questioned why he won’t run, Exekial kept his gaze on hers as he said quietly that Lucia was part of Gray Raven, and Gray Raven would always stick together
Enraged, Alpha lifted the blade, preparing to strike both Lucia and Exekial down. Lucia said his name again, sounding as if she wanted to tell him to run, but Exekial reassured her, saying that he was right here and that he wasn’t going anywhere. In the end, their impending doom was halted by Luna, who wanted Alpha to spare Lucia
Once Lucia returned in Plume and defeated Qu, Exekial grabbed her outreached hand and pulled her into his embrace before she could pass out and hit the floor. Lucia weakly called out to Exekial, and he murmured that he was here; he wasn’t going anywhere. Comforted, Lucia closed her eyes, and Exekial could feel her relax against him. He was left standing alone with Lucia in his arms, his heart heavy with grief
(note: features my commandant oc, as such most of the Lore™️is specific to him)
left everything under the cut so people who aren't interested can scroll past!
History happens as usual, with the Golden Age birthing new technological and scientific achievements, as well as the construction and activation of the Zero-Point Reactors. However, instead of their activiation becoming the catalyst of the PV, the reactor near Japan in particular causes the Breach that introduces kaiju into the world
To combat the kaiju, the World Government started Project Jaeger, building giant mechas that require two pilots, each with a strong Inver-Device made of Tantalum-193, to sync together and drive. They began assembling a Task Force, with each squadron requiring two mechas and therefore four people. Eventually, Kurono took over production of these mechas
Lucia and Luna were orphaned at a very young age when their parents were killed in a kaiju attack, causing them to end up in the care of a local church. During their time there, they were approached by Nikola on testing for Drift compatibility and undergoing Inver-Device operation. They ended up having the highest score in Drift compatibility out of everyone, but during Luna's operation to implant an Inver-Device, her Inver-Device became corrupted, forcing Nikola to dispose of her (and sending Lucia into a depressive spiral due to losing the last member of her family)
Liv was a medic who was at the frontlines of a kaiju attack, in which she risked her life saving Jaeger pilots. In one incident, when a Jaeger pilot was out of commission and a kaiju was bearing down on them, Liv seized the pilot's headpiece in a moment of desperation and managed to activate the plasma cannon, taking out the kaiju and earning Nikola's notice for her aptitude and bravery. He inducted her into the program and got her fashioned with a special Inver-Device that enabled her to pick up on life-form signals far beyond the range of many other pilots'
Lee was a technician who turned to working with Kurono in desperation to save Murray from his failing heart. When Kurono offered for him to become a pilot for them in exchange for a lifetime of the best medical care for Murray, Lee accepted. Murray was able to get a heart transplant that saved his life
As time went on, due to the high fatality rate of the Inver-Device operations, the Science Council set about developing an alternative, eventually coming upon what is known as the Mind Beacon. Not only can the Mind Beacon stabilize Inver-Devices, but it can even be compatible with those who weren't compatible with Tantulum-193, expanding the pool of potential candidates who can partake in Project Jaeger
Exekial was a part of an experimental program called Project ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉▉ that was launched by ▉▉▉▉▉▉ in an attempt to turn mechas from double pilots into single pilots. He has the strongest Mind Beacon seen yet, and because of that, he was one of the few successful subjects who managed to pilot a mecha by himself for days before signs of strain start showing. He operated for a long time by himself before an incident forced him to retire with lasting scars, both emotional and physical
Lucia was part of the Gray Raven squad, piloting a mecha alongside Ravenge, and her teammates Murol, Xun, and Hiro piloting the other. However, an incident occurred that caused Lucia to lose her memories, leaving her all alone in Gray Raven squad
Liv was part of Egret Squad under Vanessa's command, and she co-piloted alongside Teasell while Vanessa co-piloted alongside Bambinata. However, the disdainful way Vanessa treated them all caused no small amount of friction between them, and Liv was relieved to be reassigned to Gray Raven
Lee ended up co-piloting with Vera, although the two got off to a rocky start. Though they got along well enough that they stayed operational for a few more months, they ended up having a falling out, forcing Kurono to decomission them and enabling them to have the opportunity to switch Lee onto Gray Raven
After word got out of a new faction calling themselves "Ascendants" who could Drift with kaiju, an unheard-of phenomenon, President Hassen and Commander Nikola eventually track Exekial down after hearing his excellent skills from ▉▉▉▉▉▉, finding him in a remote corner of the world, operating as a mercenary for the Forsaken (led by Watanabe, a former Jaeger pilot as well). When they offer both of them the opportunity to come back, Exekial accepted, while Watanabe refused. When they arrived at the base in Kowloong, they informed Exekial that he will be Gray Raven's squad leader
Exekial first meets Lucia, who seems rather withdrawn and distant from him. However, when they tested their Drift compatibility together, they found that they were almost perfectly compatible, having the second highest score Lucia has ever achieved, with the first being her compatibility with Luna
Liv and Lee eventually joined the squad, finding that the two of them also have a very high Drift compatibility score with each other—and with Lucia and Exekial (although, notably, Lee's compatibility score is lowest with Exekial and highest with Liv). They decided on Lucia and Exekial piloting Red Lotus while Liv and Lee pilot Pale Eclipse
The first time Lucia and Exekial initiate a Drift, due to his inexperience with co-piloting, Exekial was pulled into his traumatic memories, forcing Lucia to disengage the Jaeger and rescue him from the depths of his own mind and causing Nikola to question if he was right for the program. However, Exekial eventually proved himself during the Iron Maiden incident, coordinating perfectly with Lucia and earning the respect of many squad leaders
Lucia found it unnerving letting Exekial into her memories, especially since they were essentially a blank slate, while she was subjct to his memories. However, as time went on, Lucia eventually became comfortble with his presence in her mind, even welcoming it at times when she felt under duress
While Liv and Lee appeared to be polar opposites on the outside, it was found that their Inver-Devices could sync almost perfectly when they were in the Drift, which was surprising to Lee, since he expected some resistance from Liv due to his experience with Vera. Additionally, Liv does her best to respect Lee's privacy, sensing him to be closed-off for a reason, although occassionally she would venture a question about something she'd seen in his memories (Lee would always answer, surprisingly enough)
At some point Exekial was forced to Drift with a kaiju brain and ended up escaping relatively unscathed, causing Kurono to start looking at him with a critical eye. He was detained for a while as they attempted to interrogate him, only being let out when Hassen forced them to so that Exekial could help pilot Dark Glory with Chrome to stabilize his Inver-Device
The first two Jaegers during their time together as GR were called Red Lotus and Pale Eclipse. After Pale Eclipse was destroyed, Liv and Lee recieved a new Jaeger called Light Entropy.
During the Kowloong Incident, Lucia's half of the Jaeger was destroyed, forcing Exekial to join Lee and Liv while a new Jaeger, Gray Plume, was deployed, initially as an independent Jaeger, then modified so Exekial could also pilot it
During this AU's version of The Surviving Lucem, Liv received an independent Jaeger called Empyrea before it was decomissioned. Seperately, Lee recieved an independent Jaeger called Hyperreal before requesting that the Science Council combine Hyperreal and Empyrea into a two-pilot Jaeger
There was a period of time in which Exekial operated an independent Jaeger called Azure Dragon before turning it over to the Science Council. He requested it to be combined with Lucia's half, which resulted in the two-pilot Jaeger Azure Pyroath
Exekial: If I had a nickel for every time I've been reprimanded for "unnecessarily throwing myself into danger" by either my team, colleagues, or Commander Nikola, I'd probably have enough to retire.
Exekial: Which is insane because I judged it was perfectly necessary at the time.
Exekial: On an unrelated note, I've been court-mandated to attend therapy sessions for my "self-destructive tendencies."
----------------------------------
Nikola: You can't expect to shoulder everything by yourself, Gray Raven Commandant. Humanity has survived long before you and will survive long after you.
Nikola: Pray tell, what do you suppose will happen once you're no longer around?
Exekial: The universe will collapse in on itself and everyone will die, obviously.
Nikola:
Liv:
Lucia:
Lee:
Hassen:
Asimov:
Celica:
Nikola: Sometimes I can't tell if you're joking.
Exekial: (Takes sip of coffee) Sometimes I wish I was.
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(In the control room, where Lee is directing Kamui on an operation while the rest of GR and SH stand behind him)
Lee: Alright, Kamui, there should be three wires, one red and two white.
Kamui: ... huh? Hold on... one red and two...
Lee: (Impatiently) One red and two white, Kamui! Focus!
Kamui: What? Wait... what color is the red wire?
Lee:
Exekial:
Liv:
Lucia:
Chrome:
Camu:
Wanshi:
Lee: (Stands up so abruptly that his chair falls over) IT'S RED!
Kamui: Oh--!
(Everyone loses it)
Lee: (angrily) Who's brain are you in right now?!
Kamui: Shut shut shut shut SHUT shut your mouth, if there are no red wires--
Lee: It's the r e d w i r e KAMUI--
Kamui: Listen listen LISTEN I'M TRYING TO--
----------------------------------
(Days of F.O.S.)
Harley Jo: Yo, Exekial! Some girl chatted me up, she wants to know your number~
Exekial: Hm? Oh, why? Does she need help on any of her schoolwork?
Harley Jo: ... are you serious right now, dude?
Exekial: ?
Simon: I'm fairly certain Harley is trying to say that she wants to ask you out.
Exekial: Really? Why?
Harley Jo: (sputtering) What do you mean, "why"?
Exekial: Well, have we met her before?
Harley Jo: Eh... I don't think so?
Exekial: Then why would she wanna go out with me? She doesn't know me.
Harley Jo: She doesn't need to, she probably just thinks you look cute!
Exekial: ... people date each other based on how they look?
Vanessa: Oh boy.
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(Post-Grand Blue)
Hassen: So, Exekial, how did your vacation go?
Exekial: You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means.
----------------------------------
Sica: Okay...!
Vanessa: What are you doing?
Sica: Talking to an Observer!
Vanessa: Is he telling you to kill everyone?
Sica: Yeah.
Vanessa: No, that's Vonnegut, hi Vonnegut.
Vonnegut: Greetings, worthless vermin.
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(All the commandants are hanging out together)
Sica, to Harley Jo: Wait, how old are you?
Simon: He's--
Harley Jo: Wait... guess~
Sica: 36!
(Everyone immediately starts dying of laughter)
Harley Jo: WHAT?!
Sica, a little confused: You said guess?
Harley Jo: THAT WAS SO FAR OFF!
Sica: Why are you yelling at me? :(
Harley Jo: THAT WASN'T EVEN THAT C L O S E !
Harley Jo: Like, normally when people play that game they're like, oh, they guess a little bit younger, was that the little bit younger guess??
Sica, cleary trying to salvage this: Yeah, are you... like.. 39--
Harley Jo: W H A T ? !
(Everyone immediately starts dying again)
Sica: ... so was I right?
Harley Jo: No! Obviously not! I'm not in my 30s!
Sica: Oh... really?
Harley Jo: I'm in my forties.
Sica: Oh, I knew it! I was just trying to be nice--
(Exekial and Simon can't stop wheezing while Vanessa and Valeria look on with amusement)
Harley Jo, nearly in tears: I'm 23!
Exekial, who is 22: Oh dang, you're old, man!
Harley Jo:
----------------------------------
Exekial: (Ducks under cover as a bullet whizzes over his head) This guy's just not giving up, is he?
Lee: I'm trying to get a clear shot but he's too well-protected. (Glances at Exekial) Looks like Kurono really wants you out of the picture, Commandant.
Lucia: Not if we can help it.
Liv: Do we have a plan?
Exekial: Trust me.
(Lucia, Lee, and Liv all exchange glances. Unanimously, they come to the same decision.)
Lucia: Nope.
Liv: Mm-mm.
Lee: Absolutely not.
Lucia: That's a terrible plan, I hate that plan.
Exekial, a tad miffed: Wow.
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Exekial, leading Watanabe to the GR Lounge: And this is where our team stays.
Watanabe: I'm looking forward to the kind of lounge that the great Gray Raven Commandant has fashioned for himself.
Exekial, beginning to twist the doorknob: Yes, of course, come on right in, Wata--
(As soon as Exekial opens the door, they are both greeted with the sight of Liv on the ground and Lee above her, books scattered about)
Liv, turning bright red: Commandant?!
Watanabe: ... are we interrupting something?
Lee, color draining from his face: Wait no it's not what it looks like--!
(Exekial shuts the door and turns around, his expression frozen in place)
Exekial: Right. So let's leave them to whatever they're doing, and... I'll probably go get some bleach for my eyes, if you care to join me.
...
Lucia: Liv, Lee... what happened? Why are you both so red? And where's the commandant?
Liv, who tripped over herself while carrying a box of books: ...
(Exekial is at a bar playing a card game with Vanessa, Harley Jo, and Simon)
Exekial, putting down a card: Would you guys be there for me if I was going through something?
Vanessa, without missing a beat: No.
Harley Jo, throwing down a card: Nope.
Vanessa: Absolutely not.
(Simon starts cracking up. Unfazed, Vanessa adjusts her grip on her cards)
Vanessa: I hope it sucks, whatever you're going through.
Simon, wheezing: "I hope it sucks"?
Harley Jo: I hope it emotionally scars you for the rest of your life.
Exekial: Wowwwwwwww.
Simon, drawing a card from the deck: I hope you reach out to me so I can ignore you.
(Simon and Harley Jo can't stop laughing. Even Vanessa cracks a smile)
Harley Jo, cheekily as he draws another card: Can't wait to go to your funeral knowing that I could've changed the outcome.
(The table roars with laughter. Exekial puts down his cards with fond exasperation)
Exekial: Thanks guys.
----------------------------------
(In a conference room with a bunch of Constructs and a couple commandants)
Exekial: Okay, there's something I want to understand here.
Exekial: Why am I listed as the commandant on most of your guys' emergency contact forms?
Noctis: You got a problem with that?
Exekial: Uh, yeah, actually. If Lucia, Lee, and Liv do it, I get it cuz I'm their commandant. Even the guys from Strike Hawk, if they need a human commandant. But why the rest of you?
Vera: I mean you're basically our commandant now.
Exekial: Your commandant is Murray, who as far as I'm aware is not incapacitated by any means.
Vera: Yeah but he usually disappears. I would trust him about as far as No. 21 can throw him.
No. 21: I can't throw far.
Selena: (raises hand) Ayla and I weren't allowed to put down "Not Applicable" on our forms.
Exekial: You could've just put down Allen, though.
Ayla: (shrugs) We tried, they didn't accept it. Said that it had to be an actual commandant.
Bianca: I don't usually work with commandants. You... are one of the few commandants I can trust.
Karenina: What, you don't enjoy our company? Hmph!
Teddy: Geez, what a heartbreaker you are, Exekial.
Exekial: ... do you guys realize how many notifications I get everyday because of this?
Vanessa: So? Deal with it like the Chief you are.
Exekial: Oh, I'm so glad you're here, Vanessa, because I want you to explain why you put me down as Bambinata's second contact.
Vanessa: (shrugs) You helped her out when I was unable to. While I hate your guts, I am not one to overlook how useful you are.
Exekial: "Useful." Thanks. Glad you put me in such high regard.
Simon: (sheepishly) To be honest, Harely Jo and I also did the same thing. We figured there wouldn't be anyone more qualified, so...
Exekial: The problem now is that apparently everyone here thinks there isn't anyone more qualified than me!
Vera: Geez, pipe down, will ya? If it really bothers you so much, we'll just change our contact info. No need to get all fussy about this.
Noctis: Honestly, I'd prefer it if you were there instead of Murray, but whatever I guess.
Lee: And what's wrong with my brother?
Vera: A lot of things, really. There'd have to be something wrong with him to be placed our commandant.
Exekial: (claps hands together, interrupting their brewing fight) Alright, I'm making an administrative decision right now. (Points to Bianca, Ayla, and Selena) I'll let you guys keep me on because clearly you guys need someone to put down.
Teddy: Karenina and I don't have anyone to put down either.
Exekial: Fine, you guys as well. (Turns to stare at Cerberus, Dark Aries, Egret, and Woodcock) But for the rest of you, put someone else as your contact, secondary or otherwise.
Vanessa: What, the great Chief can't handle it all on his own?
Exekial: Just the other day, I was running around every other hour because for some reason everyone decided to schedule an appointment on the same day!
Liv: Our commandant needs to rest. He can't be responsible for everyone here.
Lucia: (firmly) No matter how willing he is to help, he's still the Gray Raven's commandant first and foremost. As such, his priority should be focused on the Gray Ravens' mission.
Vera: Don't tell me you're so jealous that you won't share him?
Chrome: (raises hand as Lee and Vera begin bickering) And just for the record, Strike Hawk is allowed to put you down in the event we need a Mind Beacon for stabilization?
Setting: Luna decides to set up a ttrpg version of pgr for her younger sister Lucia and her friends. Exekial, a cadet at F.O.S. who is a friend of Alpha's, is roped into joining.
Disclaimer: I have 0 experience with ttrpgs, so most of these will be inaccurate. Apologies!
-------------------------------------
Luna: Alright, then, before we get started here, let's try introducing our characters.
Lucia: Alright. Uh, ahem. (Straightens) Hello, my name is Lucia, frame designation BPL-01, Lotus, also the team leader of Gray Raven—I look forward to working with you!
Morian "Lee": (nods) Simple, straightforward, and to the point. (Folds hands on the table) My name is Lee, frame designation BPN-06, Palefire. My original team is... (checks character sheet) not important. Dual guns are my weapon of choice. I am equally adept at strategic planning and close combat.
▉▉▉▉▉ "Alpha": Hmph, a jack of all trades, are you?
Luna: (deviously) Except for direction.
Lee: Shut.
Liv: Um, I guess it's my turn. Um, my name is Liv, Support Construct. I came from Egret... my preferred weapons are... (checks character sheet) levitated weapons platforms. My frame designation is BPN-08, Eclipse. I look forward to working together.
Exekial: Dang, all these "frame" designations, but I never filled that out. Did I do something wrong?
Luna: You don't need one because you're their commandant. You're human.
Exekial: Ah, right.
-------------------------------------
(During the "Journey of Torture" Arc)
Luna, narrating: You hear the sudden sound of chilling laughter emerging from the darkness. Tifa emerges a moment later, a Construct impaled on one of her spikes. With a careless toss, she throws the body aside.
Lee: That's... a Cerberus member? (puts his finger to his ear as if speaking into a comms device) Hey! Vera, what's the situation on your end? We just saw a corpse of your squad.
(Everyone turns towards Vera, who is sitting at the table looking both bored and amused)
Vera: Tsk, this is a waste of time.
Luna: (frowns at her) You were the one who insisted on joining this session.
Vera: (smirks at Lee) Only because I heard Lee was here (turns to look at Exekial) as well as that fascinating friend of Alpha's.
Lee: (grumpy) I told you it was a mistake to invite her.
Exekial: (raises hands in surrender) Don't look at me, she wouldn't stop pestering me about it for days.
Luna: Vera, if you're not planning on participating in the rest of this session, you might as well leave.
Vera: (sighs) Fine. (also raises her fingers to her ear, voice flat) We almost had her. But she had something up her sleeve. I'll give you one last piece of advice, this "maiden" before you isn't of sound mind. Beware.
Lucia: ... you could've put more feeling into that.
Vera: Hmph, just be glad I'm even joining at all.
-------------------------------------
(Also Journey of Torture)
Liv: Do you think... if we tried to reason with her, she'd be able to stand down?
Lee: I doubt it. If even Vera was bested by her, she wouldn't be one to listen to reason.
Vera: I take offense to that.
Lucia: (ignoring Vera) Lee's right, we need to take her down.
Exekial: I dunno, I think it would be worth a shot—
Luna: Roll initiative.
Exekial & Liv: What.
-------------------------------------
(Before starting the "Final Exhibition" Arc)
Luna: (Looks up as two new faces join the table) Oh, hello. I wasn't aware that we would be joined by a few more guests.
Langston "Chrome": Hello. I apologize for intruding on your session, but Kamui and I heard about this from Lucia and Liv and thought we might want to participate in it—it seems to be an intriguing concept.
Lee: Great. Just when I thought I'd only have to deal with you while at school.
Kamui: Awww, admit you missed me, Lee~
Lee: I will not.
Exekial, to Chrome: Oh, I remember you. You're the top student of this year's cohort, aren't you? (Sticks out hand for him to shake) Pleasure to be talking with a fellow Chief.
Chrome, flustered: I... ahem. Yes. Pleasure to be talking with you, Chief. (Shakes Exekial's hand before sitting down next to Kamui)
(As Luna begins setting up the board again, Chrome calls to her, catching her attention)
Chrome: Um, Miss Luna, before we start, I would like to know... are there any rules against... um, romancing NPCs? Or other player's characters?
Lucia: ... why is he looking at Exekial?
And so begins Chrome's campaign-long effort to romance Exekial's character (and confess his crush in the process)
-------------------------------------
(They're more than halfway through the "Evernight Beat" Arc when Exekial's phone rings)
Exekial, hanging up the phone and getting up: It was Commander Nikola. Something's come up, they need me to come in and get geared up.
Lucia: What?
Simon: It must be serious if they're asking for cadets who haven't graduated yet.
Exekial, hastily getting his coat on and grabbing his biker helmet: They're asking for the Chiefs from each year currently attending F.O.S. (Pauses for a moment to look at Simon, Vanessa, and Harley Jo) You guys are safe for now.
Vanessa: Hmph. You speak as if being able to fight for glory and honor isn't a privilege.
Lee: (muttering) Not if he dies.
Lucia: Dies?
Liv: Lee!
Exekial: Trust me, there will be no dying. I gotta finish this campaign with you guys, after all. (Hobbling around, trying to get his boots on) But I might have to miss this current arc for a bit. You guys keep going, catch me up when I'm back. (Rushes for the door)
Luna: Wait! What are we supposed to do with your character?
Exekial, muffled by the door as he exits: I dunno, throw him in a coma or something. He'll be fine!
-------------------------------------
(During the "Grand Blue" side story)
Luna, narrating: With a simple word, Gabriel manages to incapaciate all the Constructs in the vicinity. He then turns and lunges at you, Exekial. Roll for reaction time.
(Exekial rolls his D20. Tragically, it lands on a 1)
Luna: Unfortunately, before you can dodge out of the way, Gabriel manages to capture you in his arms. He begins to squeeze, crushing the life out of you, as he says—
Exekial: You know, I feel like my character gets put into near-death experiences a lot. Like, much more than anyone else's.
(Luna pauses, a tad annoyed at being interrupted)
Luna: You're the one who rolls 1s more often than anyone here.
Lee: Besides, your character's human. Your Constitution will be far more... uh, fragile than ours.
Exekial: I mean yeah, but still. I'm beginning think that these dice are biased against me.
Luna: (annoyance becoming more visible) Then get a new set of dice. (Going back to DMing, taking on a voice to imitate Gabriel) Of course, I bear no innate hatred for humans themselves. You are pitiful beings to be eliminated by the Punishing Virus sooner or later. When the dust settles... Only those... under the protection of the Ascension-Network... will survive...
Luna, narrating: The world begins to go black and white for you. You can feel your ribs cracking under Gabriel's crushing grip. But right when you think this is your end—
Vera: Hah, you look pretty miserable. Do it like we planned.
Luna, narrating: Four grenades explode over Gabriel's head. With a flash of her sword, Vera knocks Exekial out of Gabriel's grip, leaving him at just half a hit point.
Exekial: ... is that even possible?
Luna: Are you questioning my choices as the GM?
Exekial: No, ma'am.
-------------------------------------
A/N lowkey i'd be down to try writing a dedicated au for this universe lol
Exekial: Well, if you can figure out a way to stop three different factions from targeting me, be my guest
----------------------------
Nikola: --and that's the briefing for your next mission. Any questions?
Exekial: (raises hand)
Nikola: Yes?
Exekial: Do I get a say in this?
Nikola: No.
Exekial: Darn.
----------------------------
Camu: Fight me you nerd *** punk!
Chrome: At least try to sound sophisticated when you threaten someone
Camu: DoSt ThOu WiSh To EnGaGe In A dUeL mY gOoD *****?
Chrome, pinching the bridge of his nose: Somehow, that was worse
----------------------------
(TV host situation Exekial got dragged into. Teddy and Karenina are one team while Simon and Harley Jo are another. Everyone else is watching)
Exekial, reading off of the paper and looking like he wants to be anywhere but here: Which commandant, past or present, have you had romantic fantasies about?
(Teddy's buzzer goes off)
Teddy, cheekily: Exekial Lancaster!
Exekial: (looks up in warning) Watch yourself.
(Record screech)
Exekial: How old are you?
Teddy: Fifteen!
Exekial: Fiftee-- oh please no.
(Panel dings. Exekial is revealed to be number one on the billboard)
Harley Jo: NUMBER ONE????
(Everyone is in an uproar. Exekial looks like he wants to melt through the floor)
----------------------------
Nanami: Last night I dreamed I was a bottle of ketchup. And you were mustard!
Nanami: Which is weird cuz you're usually mayonnaise in my dreams. Why do you suppose that is?
Exekial:
Exekial:
Exekial: How did you get in my room--
----------------------------
Noctis: I have a permit
(Hands a piece of paper over to Lee)
Lee: ... This just says "I can do what I want."
----------------------------
(Gray Raven facing off against Vonnegut and his faction)
Vonnegut, pointing to Lucia: I killed you... and you... killed me.
pgr shenanigans pt 3, feat. my commandant + other squads
(Gray Raven are hanging out with Selena and Ayla while Exekial is off doing who-knows-what)
Lucia: Did you know that there's a rumor going around--
Selena: What, that we like each other?
Ayla: Ooh, strawberry-flavored electrolyte!
Ayla: No, see, I'm straight (sure) but if there's a girl I'd wanna date it would be Selena.
Liv: How do you feel about that, Selena?
Selena: (turning red, looking between Ayla and Gray Raven) ... That's not... helping with the rumors...
Lee: I think the kiss you two shared on the Commandant's birthday isn't helping with the rumors.
(Selena buries her beet-red face into her hands as Ayla takes a casual sip of her drink)
Ayla: (cheerfully) Yeah, I'm just disappointed she didn't give me enough tongue.
-------------------------------
(Vanessa has fallen into a pit. Exekial, Simon, and Harley Jo are all gathered around her)
Vanessa: Get me out of here!
Exekial: Well, this is an unfortunate turn of events.
Harley Jo: Really? Personally, I think it's about time we looked down on Vanessa for once.
Vanessa: Ha ha ha, very funny!
Simon: Okay, but seriously, I think we should try to get her out, there might be some---
(Just then, Exekial's, Simon's, and Harley's comms go off)
Lucia: (over comms) Commandant, there's Corrupted converging on your position. Lee, Liv, and I are headed straight for you, but we may not get there in time.
Exekial: Copy that, we'll hang tight 'til you get here.
Simon: (anxiously) I just got off comms with Palma, she said there's more approaching from the east.
Harley Jo: Make that the west as well.
Exekial: Okay, so we don't have a lot of time. We'll need to move fast. (Down to Vanessa) Don't worry, Vanessa, we're gonna get you out!
Simon: Okay, but how are we gonna do that?
Harley Jo: Maybe we should smoke her out!
Simon: Vanessa, are you sure there isn't something down there you can use to climb out?
Vanessa: (clearly pissed) Oh WAIT! Here's a grappling hook!! Ohohoho! And here's an escalator, silly me!
Exekial: (deadpan) We're about to die, Vanessa. Do you really want your last words to be sarcastic?
Vanessa: What do you think?!
-------------------------------
(On a mission with Strike Hawk where Exekial is serving as the temporary commandant)
Exekial: Okay, I'm gonna scale this building to see if we can get a visual on our target. (Begins to walk away) I'll see you guys in a bit.
Chrome: Hey. (Gently grasps Exekial by the sleeve, causing him to turn around) Be safe, okay?
Exekial: (oblivious) Hm? Ah, don't worry, I will. (Turns around and heads into the building)
(Wanshi, Camu, and Kamui all exchange smug knowing looks)
Wanshi: Be safe~
Kamui: I'll be so safe~
Chrome: (deadpan) Can you guys stop?
Chrome:
Chrome: I'm gonna ground everyone here.
Camu: (smug) But how will that keep us safe?
Exekial: (still oblivious)
-------------------------------
(Gray Raven and Strike Hawk are hanging out together in the GR lounge. Wanshi, Kamui, and Camu are chatting with Lee and Liv when Exekial walks in with Lucia, their hands clasped together)
Exekial: Guys, I have an important announcement to make. (Glances over at Lucia, who gives him a smile and squeezes his hand) We-- Lucia and I are dating.
(A beat drops. Lee and Liv exchange an exasperated glance as Wanshi, Kamui, and Camu give them a puzzled look)
Wanshi: We've known for ages.
Kamui: Yeah, it really wasn't that hard to figure out
Camu: Even I could see it coming from a mile away.
(Flustered, Exekial and Lucia exchange a glance)
Exekial: (confused) But we only started dating two days ago.
Wanshi:
Kamui:
Camu:
Lee:
Liv:
Wanshi: ... then what were you two doing before that?
-------------------------------
Harley Jo: D'you think the wind's tryna tell us something and we just don't know how to hear it anymore?
Exekial: (without looking up from his paperwork) I just want you to stop saying weird stuff.
-------------------------------
(Cerberus + Lucia and Liv are in a car together, they pull up to a drive-thru window)
Lee: (through the speaker, deadpan) Welcome to Burger King, what can I get you?
Lucia: Wait, Lee works here?
Vera: Shh, pipe down, you idiots! Watch this. (Leans out of window towards speaker with devilish grin) Heeeeyyyyy Lee~
Lee: 12.78.
Vera: ...?
Noctis, No. 21, Lucia, Liv:
No. 21: Huh?
Lee: 12.78.
Lee: Pull up. To the window.
Noctis: Y-yo, she didn't even order yet!
Lee: (beginning to sound irritated) She doesn't need to.
Vera: (also beginning to sound irritated) What do you mean I don't need to?
Lee: I know what you're ordering, Vera!
Liv: How does he know...?
Lee: (audibly brightens) Oh! Is that Liv?
Noctis, No. 21, Vera, Lucia:
Liv: (shyly) Hey, Lee.
Lee: Hi Liv!!! ^^
Lucia: Awww~
Liv: (blushing)
Lee: Anyways.
Lee: Twelve. Seventy-eight.
No. 21: What do the numbers mean?
Lee: It's her ****ing order!
Vera: Look, can I just have a--
Lee: --Double Whopper meal with small fries. A Coke and two chicken fries! Stop toying with me, Vera! Pull up to the window!
Lucia: Two... chicken fries?
Noctis: Those aren't even that good...
(A vein bulges out of Vera's forehead)
Lee: (beginning to sound angry) You pull into this drive-thru every day, 2:33 PM, saying "Heeeeyyyyy Lee~" with your annoying-*** voice, and you expect me to--
Vera: Lalalalalala. Lalalalalala. Lalalala--
Lee: CEASE YOUR EXISTEN--
-------------------------------
Lee: You know that flapping thing you were doing with your mouth?
memento mori - remember that you will die
“It’s been an honor serving as your commandant.”
CH02 - finis origine pendet
aut vincere aut mori - either to conquer or to die
“That is a promise we intend to keep.”
“I understand your intent, Commandant Exekial, but I feel the need to stress it again.”
He stands in the conference room in the presence of the President, the Commander, and the Chief Technician of the Science Council. Everyone else has long exited the conference room following his declaration, and now there is no one left to shield him from their piercing gazes.
Except Celica, perhaps, but she’s currently in a corner pretending to look at paperwork.
Hassan’s eyes drill into him like a hawk locking onto prey, only his gaze is softened somewhat by a hint of concern. Next to him, Nikola’s gaze is far more severe, his brow furrowed in displeasure, while Asimov frowns deeply on Hassan’s other side. “This mission may be just as dangerous as Pulia Forest Park,” Hassan continues. His tone grows weary, the shadows on his face making him look several decades older. “You understand what that means, don’t you?”
The question is almost laughably redundant, because of course I do, he wants to scoff, how could I ever forget? In his entire career, Exekial has never considered it less than his worst failure—both as a soldier of Babylonia and a commandant of Gray Raven. While he had been rotting away in a coma, his comrades, his squad, his friends had all been desperately fighting against the swarms of Hetero-Creatures and the Twins, his fellow commandants giving their lives on the battlefield to save as many refugees as they could. While he had been trapped in his own mind, as helpless as a newborn infant, his Constructs had been making their final stand against the calamity that had descended upon the Earth.
And if he hadn’t woken up in time, he might’ve even lost…
