[D1, MM] Routine

[Uri-el]

To say that Malik was back-footed by the sweep of modernity on offer would be an understatement. Used to a spotless, sunny atrium and bare stone, the forest of machines, glass, and people had stopped him in his tracks.

Let's see...bicycles, weights, whatever *that* is...ah, a place to stretch.

And so the mats became host to 12 feet of fiery wingspan as Uri-el began to put his body through its paces.

[Gauss]

Another day, another gym run. Heading to the treadmills once more, he would plug in the earbuds once more to get into the pace...only to be staring at the sight before him. Another angel. Well, more literal than the other one. That Brit one was more confused. "Madre de dios...Ita would be crying her eyes out seeing this..." He wasn't hiding his eyes on the man, just trying to grasp what he was seeing. Could just be one of those ironic powers and not a divine being. Still, it's something to be taken aback first witnessing it.

If this guy was in the competition, all he could do was hope his reputation could take a hit if he had to beat up someone who looked like a divine messenger to win this. God knows Ita wouldn't be happy about it. Maybe God Himself too, depending on who he actually was.

[Uri-el]

Malik frowned as he looked back at Gauss. "I apologize. I did not intend to make Ita sad. Is this not the proper way to perform the stretch?"

[Gauss]

Raul chuckles. "No, no. You seem fine on the form, acere. Abuelita...would not react poorly, really; just would be emotional." He walks over to him and smiles warmly. "Still, I am assuming you've not come here to bring good tidings or help turn a city to salt. Please tell me you're not here to do the latter, or if you are, at least give me a head start."

[Uri-el]

Malik chuckled sheepishly. "I am not so skilled that I could catch you with my salt powers, if I had any. I am quick, can fly, and am full of fire. That's about it. And I am all out of tidings. What is your skill?"

[Gauss]

"Well, I am blessed to meet you, despite your lack of tidings. Raul. Go by Gauss in the ring." He moves over "Power is magnetism." Raul nodded. "Nothing flashy like that one movie, though. I can manipulate the magnetism of things I touch, including biomagnetism, the magnetic field of the earth and its core. That sounds more impressive than it is,, though" He begins to float slightly up in the air effortlsssly. "I, more or less, become a maglev."

[Uri-el]

"A Maglev! How fascinating. I can see that I shall have to be careful of my sword around you, also. My name is Malik, but I am called Uri-el by the public. It is some journalistic flourish, I guess. You say that you are in a ring? As in you fight professionally?"

[Gauss]

He wasn't about to correct his concern, only nodded and extended his hand. "Yeah, I was in the ELF last year. Did well, but this opportunity was too big for me to pass on. Just a whole other arena to fight in, only this time I got to save people to boot. Looking forward to that new challenge."

[Uri-el]

"I am sure that you will take to it well. It can be a little alienating, in a way, to be responsible for someone else's life or death, but it can also be rewarding. Spiritually, I mean."

[Gauss]

"I look at it like another challenge for myself, good deeds aside. It's out of my wheelhouse, but so was arena fighting when I first started. Excited to see what it is I can do and, if I save a few people in the process, everybody wins." Raul nodded along. "I take it you did some hero work before coming here, then, Mal? Is it alright to call you Mal?"

[Uri-el]

He tasted the name. "Mal. I...suppose. We will see if it fits. I am...was?...well, I am sure they will have me back. I am responsible for the harbor of Alexandria. It is mostly plucking people out of the water when they should not be there, which is easier from the air at speed. An occasional bit of violence, but most people are on their best behavior around me...except the ones that aren't. I am sure that you understand."

[Gauss]

"Wear it, see if it fits. People like short names for these shows; makes you easier to remember. Just lucky to have a short name already; unless we get into my middle name, my surnames, et cetera...but I'm not that Spanish. " Raul nods along. "Yeah, I get you. Pretty simple gig in tasks, but I'm sure it's not so simple in deeds. Suppose I wouldn't think a ports would that kind of protection at first glance, but it makes sense the more you think about it. Well, if you ever feel the need to practice before any sort of real competition, I'm game for it. I need to keep my wits on for the camera and I haven't had a proper sparring match in a few months."

[Uri-el]

"I must admit that I am curious how my training matches up to a professional fighter's." Malik's eyes don't give much away, but there is a thoughtful cocking of the head.

[Gauss]

"Aaaahhhh..." Raul points at Mal and opens his mouth excitingly. "I got your interest! ¡Es posible que tengamos que luchar en algún momento! Now we got to do it, asere. It's gonna be fun! You may probably win with those wings, but I'll show you what it's like in the ring. Who knows, I help you get a taste for it, and then you to sign up for the ELF next year!"

[Uri-el]

"I am not sure that will be possible, but the unexpected sometimes happens, and I am glad that I have not offended with my request. Do you know of a safe place to fight?"

[Gauss]

He shrugs and looks over around the building. "Nah, you'll have to try harder to offend me. Now, don't know where we could, but our lovely AI guardian probably does. Just need to find a terminal."