Raphael had wandered the halls for what seemed like hours. The walk had helped though he had not found what he had been looking for: someone to talk to… or more specifically, someone he knew, who he could talk to. He did not entirely feel up to meeting someone new, and laying the burdens of his mind on them. He had tried Fade’s room first, but came by no answer when he knocked on her door. He figured she was out… likely searching for Jaguar without his help… and against the promise she had made him. He had sighed and moved on, wandering the top floor and hoping to bump into Tricity, or Axel… though he had not seen Tricity since Orion brought her into the infirmary. He figured she was resting in her room, and that he should not bother her. As for Axel… he had not see that fellow since the night Whitmore attacked.

But Raphael merely assumed that Axel was out and about doing his own thing outside of the mansion. He had spent a lot of time in the infirmary, holding Victoria’s hand. So, he had spent the past hour walking around the mansion and found himself standing outside of the Danger Room. Almost the only unrestricted room he had not been in. Maybe he could find some kind of solace, or peace here. He had used sparring, working out, and other physical activities to get his mind someplace neutral before. Perhaps this time would be no different.

He opened the door and stepped inside, and gave a glance around. He pleasantly found it empty. He immediately wondered exactly how to work this room, and tentatively called out, “Computer? Give me something to beat on.” The computer immediately complied with his command and materialized a punching bag. He gave a sigh, while stripping off his shirt, and making a neat pile of them by the door. “Computer, simulate sparring partner.”

Raphael slipped out of his shoes and socks and began doing stretches while wondering why the computer had not complied with his request. “Computer… Simulate level four sparring partner.” He found his previous mistake, as the punching back faded out and a bland faced robotic sparring partner appeared. Raphael finished his stretches and moved across the room till he was opposite the sparring partner. He assumed a traditional boxer’s stance and set into exchanging blows with the simulation, mostly oblivious to whatever else was going on in the room.

((since it's open i hope you don't mind if i jump in))

Mettaliar had been walking around when he saw someone in the Danger Room. Thats the place that Tricity said could be used for sparring.. I wonder whats going on. He looked in the window and saw what looked like a man and a robot sparring. Must be amazing computer simulation. Mettaliar decided to walk in and relax on the side.

He entered the door quietly hopeing not to disturb the sparring match. He slowly made his way down the wall and sat down. He watched the sparring for awhile and figured the man was very good at hand-to-hand combat. Mettaliar then closed his eyes and relaxed in a meditated state.

((not at all, otherwise I'd not of declared it open. ;D))

Raphael did not notice his quiet observer as he threw blow after blow into the mechanical holographic wonder the computer had created for him. Though he was becoming bored with this creation. "Computer, step it uppa notch... those SWAT guys Whitmore sent presented more of a hassle."

With his command issued the computer certainly 'stepped it up a notch'. The robotic sparring partner began to move faster, and throw more accurate punches. Adapting to Raphael's boxing fighting style. As he soon found himself pressed for landing blows on this mechanical whirling dervish, and adjusted his style accordingly. He swapped from his traditional boxing, to a lighter on the feet kick boxing style. Utilizing the length of his legs to keep his foe back.

A particularly nasty kick landed nicely against the neck of the mechanical foe, a blow that would have surely broken the neck of a normal person, and Raphael decided to call it quits. "Computer, end sparring simulation." He spoke aloud, not sounding the least bit breathless, despite having just fought for close to twenty minutes straight. The sheen of sweat on his body would be a testament to his workout.

He turned about, and then saw Mettaliar meditating by the wall. He wondered just how long he had been there, and kicked himself for a moment, telling himself that it was inattentiveness like that that had gotten Victoria into the state she was in now. Though he also decided to offer a word of greeting rather than just walking out. "Evenin'. How're you?" He asked, his voice heavy and tired sounding, even if the rest of him did not look it. He knelt by his clothes, collecting them. He decided he would shower, then change, but first to greet the new comer. He looked over at him expectantly.

Mettaliar had kept his eyes closed slightly, yet was very attentive to the man. "You are a very good fighter. I've never tried these sparring holograms before, but it looks like they may be difficult. Yet you took that robot on like it was nothing. By the way, im fine. You tired?" Mettakiar opened his left eye and looked at the fighter

"Ahhh... thanks." Raphael murmured softly, watching the man against the wall. He wondered for a moment, was he one of Benny's 'talent' agents come to try and bring him back to the underground fighting rings? "No. Not really, not physically atleast. Takes alot more than this to get me tired." He answered the man's second question. "And the simulation can be designated by difficulty... I was up to difficulty seven, or eight. Not sure what the top end rating is... my first time in here."

He paused, watching the other mutant for a few long seconds. He then piped out "What brings you 'round these parts?" He half expected the other man to reply with something cliche, like 'you. Benny wants yah back'. Or some such thing. He certainly did not expect him to be a new mutant to the mansion.

Mettaliar raised an eyebrow at the fighter. "Very good. Maybe soon I'll try this thing out. Oh, and i'm the new mutant here. I got here today. Anyway, I came here from a long history that brought me to New York. I heard about this place and I decided this would be a better home for me than in a rn down old apartment. I came in here to relax and maybe even spar with someone or something. So, first time in here? Surprising. Ah well, some of us are just prodigies, I guess." Mettaliar kept his hood low as he looked at the fighter, wondering how good he really was. "So, are you a student here, or just staying?"

"Possibly a student next semester." Raphael said, watching the man, and wondering what he had to hide beneath his hood. He also did not see the purpose of explaining that while this was his first time into the Danger Room, it was not his first time fighting. And most certainly not his first time sparring. Not that your combat prowess kept Victoria from getting hurt, the bitter thought ran through his mind. "I suppose I'm just staying for now. I can certainly agree with you, here is much better than out on the streets, or in a run down apartment. I can attest to both those condidtions as well."

"Well, I'm all done here, if you wanna try it out. The computer is voice activated, so... all you gotta do is tell it whatcha want." He said, giving a nod to the newcomer. "I think it can do more than jus' simple sparring sims. Least tha's what I've heard. But as I said, first time here. Name's Raphael, by the way. Welcome to the Mansion."

Mettaliar nodded back under his hood. "Thank you, and good luck in whatever you do in the future." Mettaliar got up and waited for the man to leave. Once he did he took off his coat and placed it against the wall, along with his shirt and shoes. He decided to give this machine a try.



((If this thread is done than i'll start my own to continue from here. If not then i'll modify this post so it works out. Continue to thread "First time."

((Nah, I'm good. movin' Deltoid somewhere... not sure where. ))

Raphael nodded towards the other man. "Be careful." He stated, then walked out.