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Autumndusk, The COU Castle, The Meeting Room, Time: 7:00 AM (30 minutes ago)
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The ArchSentinel's meeting hall buzzed with anticipation as its members gathered, exchanging hushed conversations while they awaited their captain, Bada.
However, before Bada's arrival, someone unexpectedly stepped into the room, drawing the attention of those present.
"Hello, everyone!" Mels' cheerful voice rang out as she made her entrance, dressed in a vibrant yellow kimono. As she descended the stairs, her exuberance was momentarily interrupted when she stumbled, but a quick and sure pair of hands caught her before she could fall. It was Nils.
"Are you okay, Mels?" Nils' voice held a blend of curiosity and concern as he gently held her in his arms, his eyes fixed on her with a serious gaze.
It took a moment for Mels to fully register the situation, her cheeks turning a rosy shade as she attempted to hide her face behind her hands. Even with the golden flower crown encircling her eyes, her embarrassment was palpable.
"Y-Y-Yeah, I'm okay..." Mels stammered, her voice betraying her flustered state. Nils' proximity seemed to intensify her embarrassment, especially as he leaned in to examine her more closely for any signs of injury.
The flush on her cheeks deepened as she found herself the center of his attention.
Amidst the scene, Freya, the Red ArchSentinels, let out a soft and amused coo, her bright eyes twinkling with a touch of smugness.
As the group's feathered friend looked on, Mels and Nils' interaction became a topic of playful curiosity among the onlooking ArchSentinels.
"Alright, all of you, settle down." Bada's authoritative voice finally reached the gathered ArchSentinels, and Nils gently placed Mels back on her feet.
A bashful smile graced her lips as she stood, using her yellow flower fans to partly shield her blushing face.
With the group settling into their seats, Bada took his place, his arrival marking the beginning of the meeting.
"I've called all of you here for a significant announcement," Bada's words held a sense of gravity that caught the attention of everyone in the room.
Whispers and murmurs filled the air, but Bada's stern gaze quickly restored order. The curiosity among the ArchSentinels was palpable as they waited for the revelation.
"We're going to expand our ranks with a 13th member," Bada announced, his words prompting a mixture of surprise and interest from the assembled group.
Murmurs began to rise again, only to be hushed by Bada's commanding presence.
"Now, who's joining us?" Erik's curiosity was evident in his voice as he inquired about the identity of the newest addition to their ranks.
"PAUSE."
Before anyone could react, an unexpected event unfolded – time itself seemed to pause, freezing the room in a suspended moment.
As the silence settled, the newest member of the ArchSentinels made his entrance.
It was none other than Nick Crowell, his casual demeanor and mischievous grin giving away his identity.
Nick wasted no time, playfully flicking Erik on the forehead as he entered the room.
"Haha! Dumbass," Nick chuckled, his light-hearted teasing creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.
With a nonchalant stride, he approached his specially designed platforms – a mechanical creation adorned with a giant clock and intricate gears, a testament to his affinity for time manipulation.
As time resumed its flow, Erik winced, his forehead smarting from the unexpected flick. "Ah, what was that?" Isokazi exclaimed, his words accompanied by an echoing melody that seemed to appear from thin air.
All eyes turned to the direction Bada was looking, their collective attention focused on the platforms.
There stood Nick, his enigmatic presence punctuated by a smug grin. The giant clock that adorned his platforms chimed, adding a touch of theatricality to his entrance.
With a casual yet confident air, Nick addressed the assembled ArchSentinels.
"Greetings, everyone. I'm Nick Crowell," his words carried an air of nonchalance as he observed the room, his eyes taking in each member present.
"Ah, great, another joker," Erik grumbled, rubbing his forehead where Nick had flicked him.
Isokazi continued to strum a few chords on his guitar, creating an ambient melody that seemed to resonate with the ticking of Nick's giant clock.
"Well, well, someone's eager to steal the spotlight," Isokazi remarked with a playful smirk.
Freya let out an approving chirp, seemingly entertained by the unfolding drama. She fluttered down to Mels and Nils, perching on Nils' shoulder as if offering her commentary.
Nick, undeterred by the banter, continued, "I'm here to bring some charm to this already lively group. Are you guys ready for some shenanigans caused by me?"
Bada sighed but couldn't hide a faint smile. "Let's hope your 'shenanigans' don't disrupt our operations too much."
Mels, still recovering from her earlier embarrassment, joined the playful banter, "Well, it's about time we got someone new!"
Nils, who had been silently observing, couldn't resist a small smile at the pun. "Indeed, Mels. Welcome, Nick."
As the group settled into a mix of laughter and introductions, Bada took charge of the situation.
"Nick, you'll be handed personal missions and protocols. This is to prove your loyalty to your jobs," Bada stated. Nick decided to stand straight and salute him, causing a sweat drop from Bada.
"You will try to locate Sugar as much as possible. I hope you can do that for us," Bada ordered, which surprised Nick a little at how easy this would be.
"Well, this is gonna be easy with how fast I can go," Nick stated before popping out of the room, a light breeze coming through the room with one of the windows broken.
"I feel like this is either our greatest idea or dumbest..." Bada stated.
Freya, attached to Bada, could only let out a 'hmph.' There might be some changes to the dynamic of the ArchSentinels.
The room fell into a contemplative silence after Nick's departure. Bada, looked out the broken window, and crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Isokazi resumed playing a soft tune on his guitar, adding a serene backdrop to the atmosphere.
Nils, his attention turning back to the group, voiced his musings, "He's an interesting addition. Time manipulation can be a potent ability."
Magne nodded, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Yeah, imagine the possibilities! We could plan our moves more strategically, even predict our enemies' actions!"
Freya, the absolute Bada clinger number 1, nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the broken window through which Nick had made his swift exit. "Jeez, you aren't lying that he was related to her."
Isokazi strummed a few more chords, creating a contemplative melody. "Indeed, his talents could be a game-changer, but caution is key. We don't know much about him."
Mels, her mind already racing with possibilities, added, "Agreed. We'll continue our missions as planned, and Nick can fill in the gaps."
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