'Steven gets reacquainted with UGHQ's gym and meets Zakiya (who fails to recognise their leader).'
Setting: UGHQ's gym
Timeline: X110 - a few days after Steven's return
Followed by ---
Tags: #ug-only #ug #steven #zakiya #orange-district #wrp
Setting: UGHQ's gym
Timeline: X110 - a few days after Steven's return
Followed by ---
Tags: #ug-only #ug #steven #zakiya #orange-district #wrp
Steven’s first few days back were hectic, to say the least. He had work, FM and even his own crew to deal with to the point he only had enough spare time to just eat and sleep. Sure, he could train at the HQ, but the training grounds became more active with his return, so he couldn't seem to find a moment where he could just be there alone, without his crew just… staring at him, wanting to ask him things, be concerned at him.
Despite the agonizing loneliness of being on a deserted island for nearly 9 years and the desperate want to reconnect, being around so many people was ugh, as uncomfortable as usual. He was only ‘dead’ for a few years. Like… get over it already!
Luck had appeared to be on Steven’s side tonight, however. Who knew coming to the gym on one of UGHQ’s busiest club and venue nights would be the best time to find it empty? Not him, apparently. Steven walked along the long row of exercise equipment, a water bottle tucked under his right arm, his phone in his left, scrolling through his playlists to find the perfect one to stream over the speakers now he was alone. Ah, perfect.
The empty gym was suddenly flooded with the melodic harmony of a choir interspersed with sporadic a bassy pulse, but this was only the calm before storm as the heavy chugging of the guitars, atmospheric reverb, and deep, throaty, heavy metal vocalist cut through and then mingled with the heaven-like choir and then upbeat poppy vocalists in a cacophony of sweet and heavy sounds that made up BABYMETAL's discography.
With a slight bounce in his step, Steven made his way over to one of the empty spaces near the weights to start stretching and warming up his body, head bobbing in beat all the while.
Despite the agonizing loneliness of being on a deserted island for nearly 9 years and the desperate want to reconnect, being around so many people was ugh, as uncomfortable as usual. He was only ‘dead’ for a few years. Like… get over it already!
Luck had appeared to be on Steven’s side tonight, however. Who knew coming to the gym on one of UGHQ’s busiest club and venue nights would be the best time to find it empty? Not him, apparently. Steven walked along the long row of exercise equipment, a water bottle tucked under his right arm, his phone in his left, scrolling through his playlists to find the perfect one to stream over the speakers now he was alone. Ah, perfect.
The empty gym was suddenly flooded with the melodic harmony of a choir interspersed with sporadic a bassy pulse, but this was only the calm before storm as the heavy chugging of the guitars, atmospheric reverb, and deep, throaty, heavy metal vocalist cut through and then mingled with the heaven-like choir and then upbeat poppy vocalists in a cacophony of sweet and heavy sounds that made up BABYMETAL's discography.
With a slight bounce in his step, Steven made his way over to one of the empty spaces near the weights to start stretching and warming up his body, head bobbing in beat all the while.
Zakiya checks their phone for the time, ah yes. the perfect time where minimal people would use the gym. Entering the locker room, she changes, and stuffs her bag into a locker, only taking the essentials. Headphones, phone, water bottle. She then grabs her weight belt and pulls her hair back with a headband to keep a couple of strands from getting in her face as she sweats.
Though to their surprise as they walked toward the gym. Heavy metal pounded outside the door.
Huh, She guessed wouldn't need her headphones. They open the gym to see only one man stretching by the weights. They took note of him, part of her wanted to show off. Part of her didn't want to be an asshole about it. She only gave him a quick smile if he looked towards her as she puts her bag down by a bench press not too far from there.
There is still some awkwardness. A lot of people are still scared of them as they should be. Not that it mattered, they didn't want to distract from their exercises.
They continued stretching and wrapped their belt around their waist once they felt warmed up. Then proceed to go to the weight wall, pulling a barbell and putting it on the benchpress. Starting light, if you consider 200lbs light.
Though to their surprise as they walked toward the gym. Heavy metal pounded outside the door.
Huh, She guessed wouldn't need her headphones. They open the gym to see only one man stretching by the weights. They took note of him, part of her wanted to show off. Part of her didn't want to be an asshole about it. She only gave him a quick smile if he looked towards her as she puts her bag down by a bench press not too far from there.
There is still some awkwardness. A lot of people are still scared of them as they should be. Not that it mattered, they didn't want to distract from their exercises.
They continued stretching and wrapped their belt around their waist once they felt warmed up. Then proceed to go to the weight wall, pulling a barbell and putting it on the benchpress. Starting light, if you consider 200lbs light.
Steven caught a glimpse of the woman who just entered his peripherals and gave her a nod in return- Woof, she was big. He didn’t remember anyone being that big in UG before… Well, that was a lie, everyone had felt massive to him before he left. But he had grown quite a bit now and put on a lot more body mass but - Dang!
Steven glanced at her again as he felt limber enough to start with some lightweight… Hmm, he should probably say hello to her, ‘be nice’ and know her name at least if they were going to be working out near each other. He walked over to her as she loaded her barbell with weights and stopped a few feet away and waited till she secured her weights in place before he spoke.
“Sup, Steven.” He pointed to himself. “Nice to meet you. Didn’t know people worked out here this late. Er, if you need me to change the music…” He trailed off, most definitely not wanting to change the music at all.
Steven glanced at her again as he felt limber enough to start with some lightweight… Hmm, he should probably say hello to her, ‘be nice’ and know her name at least if they were going to be working out near each other. He walked over to her as she loaded her barbell with weights and stopped a few feet away and waited till she secured her weights in place before he spoke.
“Sup, Steven.” He pointed to himself. “Nice to meet you. Didn’t know people worked out here this late. Er, if you need me to change the music…” He trailed off, most definitely not wanting to change the music at all.
She takes notice of the shorter man. Her eyebrows raise a bit, kinda taking him in. Not that she would fight him, but just so she doesn't forget the face.
"Nah, you're the first person I met who has good taste for metal" She laughs, "Zakiya's the name, nice to meet you," She huffs as she sits on the bench one leg on each side."I mean its good to work out, after all heard the boss is back, and I got a feeling theres gonna be some fighting soon, gotta keep in shape," she grabs her gloves from her bag to put them on. "Never seen you before, you new?"
"Nah, you're the first person I met who has good taste for metal" She laughs, "Zakiya's the name, nice to meet you," She huffs as she sits on the bench one leg on each side."I mean its good to work out, after all heard the boss is back, and I got a feeling theres gonna be some fighting soon, gotta keep in shape," she grabs her gloves from her bag to put them on. "Never seen you before, you new?"
“Zakiya. Nice to meet you too.” Steven grinned, pleased she was down with his tunes. He was about to make his way over to where the resistant bands were when Zakiya failed to recognize him.
“This is like the third time this week.” He snorted a little as he waved his stump at the big lass. “I only rejoined like a few days ago though, so I guess I forgive you.” He winked as he set up the pull-up bar so he could do chin-ups with the assistance of the resistance band. It was, however a little too high.
“Hey, tie this up there for me... please?"
“This is like the third time this week.” He snorted a little as he waved his stump at the big lass. “I only rejoined like a few days ago though, so I guess I forgive you.” He winked as he set up the pull-up bar so he could do chin-ups with the assistance of the resistance band. It was, however a little too high.
“Hey, tie this up there for me... please?"
Zakiya raised their eyebrow. Forgive? Forgive what? Who the hell does this guy think he is? How does he think he's so high and mighty to tell her that he forgives her for rejoining? How dare he looks down on her when he is the short one
"Well~ forgive me- oh gracious one" She does a mock bow, standing up from her bench. She guesses she can help him -maybe tease him a little by putting the bar, a little too high for him. She gives a playful grin as she clasps her hands together as if she did a job well done, "Here ya go, glad to help you out !"
"Well~ forgive me- oh gracious one" She does a mock bow, standing up from her bench. She guesses she can help him -maybe tease him a little by putting the bar, a little too high for him. She gives a playful grin as she clasps her hands together as if she did a job well done, "Here ya go, glad to help you out !"
Steven’s smile doesn't falter despite the disrespect Zakiya was throwing his way. He briefly remembered a time when he sassed higher-ups and how that was dealt with. Hell, when he was in power before, there would have been at least one person through a wall by now. However, being away for almost 9 years put a lot of things in perspective. Done were the days of ruling with tough love and hard knocks, all they did were fuck him up anyway.
Steven was going to fucking eviscerate his team with kindness, or at least compassion because it was too hard not to bully them sometimes.
“Thanks.” He threw a bright smile Zakiya’s way, even as he saw her raise the bar a little higher. Pfft. Fine. Steven bounced from foot to foot along with the beat of the music before he did a lay-up, planted his foot on the wall below, and propelled himself up to the bar. He had been living in a jungle for years now, this was nothing to him.
Steven made sure to make eye contact with Zakiya as he slowly pulled himself up with his left arm, the movement was tight and controlled before he got his stump looped into the resistance band.
“Real sweet of you to help little old me.” He blew a little raspberry at her with a grin before he started his first rep of chin-ups.
Steven was going to fucking eviscerate his team with kindness, or at least compassion because it was too hard not to bully them sometimes.
“Thanks.” He threw a bright smile Zakiya’s way, even as he saw her raise the bar a little higher. Pfft. Fine. Steven bounced from foot to foot along with the beat of the music before he did a lay-up, planted his foot on the wall below, and propelled himself up to the bar. He had been living in a jungle for years now, this was nothing to him.
Steven made sure to make eye contact with Zakiya as he slowly pulled himself up with his left arm, the movement was tight and controlled before he got his stump looped into the resistance band.
“Real sweet of you to help little old me.” He blew a little raspberry at her with a grin before he started his first rep of chin-ups.
Zakiya watches the short man jump to the bar. Nonetheless, a bit surprised- maybe he gets her respect, just maybe.
She laughs a bit, "Oh, it's nothing, just helping a teammate out" she replied, "If you need a partner, I'll be here"
Zakiya walks back to her bench press. They slid under the bar before arching their back. Her feet were planted firmly on the ground- she grabs the bar, adjusts herself, and lifts it off the machine starting her 12x3 workout.
She laughs a bit, "Oh, it's nothing, just helping a teammate out" she replied, "If you need a partner, I'll be here"
Zakiya walks back to her bench press. They slid under the bar before arching their back. Her feet were planted firmly on the ground- she grabs the bar, adjusts herself, and lifts it off the machine starting her 12x3 workout.
Steven gave a nod to the large lady as she went to start her set. What would he need her help with? He had only asked her to help with the band because he’d thought it might start more of a conversation… Was there some secret bro-gym thing where you had to help each other out with like… compliments and maybe toweling each other down???
Steven had no idea what gym etiquette was but he knew he should be more complimentary to his crew. Make them feel like they are doing a good job. So he decided to do just that.
“Nice lift! What are you lifting, mate? Like 180 or something?” He had no idea what those numbers meant.
Steven had no idea what gym etiquette was but he knew he should be more complimentary to his crew. Make them feel like they are doing a good job. So he decided to do just that.
“Nice lift! What are you lifting, mate? Like 180 or something?” He had no idea what those numbers meant.
Zakiya put the weights down on the machine and pulls herself up to sit up. She takes a finger to scratch her chin.
"Uh, 200 with the bar?" she stretches her arms, "Do you lift? like with your one arm?" She tries to start a conversation. They're trying to be not awkward, but she isn't good with new people. She feels like an asshole. She keeps it vague, "This is actually on the lighter side for me- My max for benching is about 260," she sits up relaxing a bit. "I also do a bit of boxing, if you ever wanted to spar?"
"Uh, 200 with the bar?" she stretches her arms, "Do you lift? like with your one arm?" She tries to start a conversation. They're trying to be not awkward, but she isn't good with new people. She feels like an asshole. She keeps it vague, "This is actually on the lighter side for me- My max for benching is about 260," she sits up relaxing a bit. "I also do a bit of boxing, if you ever wanted to spar?"
Steven stopped mid-chin up. “ Wha- I can still lift with-” A huff of laughter escaped Steven at the question and wouldn’t stop till his feet touched down.
“Naw, man. I can like, lay the bar across my- er…cubital fossa… ya know...” He pointed at his elbow pit. “I saw a few vids on how to do it cus I haven't been to a gym since I lost it but-” He flexed both of his arms. “Pretty symmetrical, right? Was a bit hard to do, but once I get the prosthetic, it’s gonna look fucking tight.”
Steven let a low whistle at the number because… that was more than what he weighed… maybe? He was still a bit confused. “Oh, spar with me? Er…With or without vibe? It might be fair without vibe…” He said with no bravado, he stated it like it was just a common fact like water was wet and UG had the best Waffles on the island.
“Naw, man. I can like, lay the bar across my- er…cubital fossa… ya know...” He pointed at his elbow pit. “I saw a few vids on how to do it cus I haven't been to a gym since I lost it but-” He flexed both of his arms. “Pretty symmetrical, right? Was a bit hard to do, but once I get the prosthetic, it’s gonna look fucking tight.”
Steven let a low whistle at the number because… that was more than what he weighed… maybe? He was still a bit confused. “Oh, spar with me? Er…With or without vibe? It might be fair without vibe…” He said with no bravado, he stated it like it was just a common fact like water was wet and UG had the best Waffles on the island.
She gives a hearty laugh, "You already look great without it, can't wait to see you with it" He slapped him on the back; she tried to sound encouraging. She bent and flexed one of her arms "This is what i'm workin with"
Usually, when she spars for practice, she would never use her vibe. Her vibe would have been a means to an end. If she uses her vibe, that's only to seriously hurt- if not kill someone. She didn't want to do that.
"Without definitely, I'd put you flat on your ass within a couple of minutes" she bellowed with pride. "I've been boxing for years, rarely ever lost" she gave a cocky little grin.
Usually, when she spars for practice, she would never use her vibe. Her vibe would have been a means to an end. If she uses her vibe, that's only to seriously hurt- if not kill someone. She didn't want to do that.
"Without definitely, I'd put you flat on your ass within a couple of minutes" she bellowed with pride. "I've been boxing for years, rarely ever lost" she gave a cocky little grin.
Steven took the hearty slap with a grin before he stared at Zakiya’s bicep. He wasn’t one to get jealous of other bodies, but his mind did flitter to an image of him with Zakiya-sized arms- Pfft, no they looked better on her.
“Niceeee. If it's boxing, I might have to wait till I get the other arm. But if it wasn’t a fair fight…” His eyes drifted for a moment to the many weights that surrounded them before they landed on Zakiya again.
“I’d probably manage. Anyway, I’d pancake you in a vibe fight. Sorry, not sorry.” He teased with a shrug of his shoulders. A spar could be a nice warm down but maybe when there were more people about. That way no one could say he was beating down his crew after hours behind closed doors.
“Niceeee. If it's boxing, I might have to wait till I get the other arm. But if it wasn’t a fair fight…” His eyes drifted for a moment to the many weights that surrounded them before they landed on Zakiya again.
“I’d probably manage. Anyway, I’d pancake you in a vibe fight. Sorry, not sorry.” He teased with a shrug of his shoulders. A spar could be a nice warm down but maybe when there were more people about. That way no one could say he was beating down his crew after hours behind closed doors.
"I'll wait for as long as it takes," She laughed. Once he teased them about beating her. A part of her pride and competitive spirit bubbles up a bit with a quick glare- for a second there was an off aura before Zakiya quickly snaps back and remembers- that it's better to make friends than enemies. She remembers when there were a few in UG that hated her when she started, and well ... life wasn't easy for a while.
Guess she would have to prove themselves in a sparing match. But for now, she would be nice. She gets up from the machine and stands next to Steven while grabbing her bottle.
"Yeah, yeah that's what they all say" punching his shoulder, not enough to hurt, but not lightly either. "Then they see my vibe and they run with a tail between their legs" She teases. God the memories of faces twisting into fear when she would activate her vibe.
But then it hit her, It was the first time anyone was at the gym this late for a long time.
"Hmm, y'know, this is the first time I've seen someone in the gym this late. It's a bit nice not working out by myself y'know"
Guess she would have to prove themselves in a sparing match. But for now, she would be nice. She gets up from the machine and stands next to Steven while grabbing her bottle.
"Yeah, yeah that's what they all say" punching his shoulder, not enough to hurt, but not lightly either. "Then they see my vibe and they run with a tail between their legs" She teases. God the memories of faces twisting into fear when she would activate her vibe.
But then it hit her, It was the first time anyone was at the gym this late for a long time.
"Hmm, y'know, this is the first time I've seen someone in the gym this late. It's a bit nice not working out by myself y'know"
Just as there was a shift in Zakiya’s aura, Steven's eyes narrowed. No way was she going to start with him, right? He rolled his shoulders robotically to the beat of drums, his vibe flaring up from the small movements, ready for an attack- But the moment was over quickly and Zakiya seemed to be back to normal again.
Huh.
When she punched him, there was a small ripple of glow under his skin that started from the impact and spread outwardly until it dissipated into nothingness- That is two times she had hit him now. One more time and they were going to have words.
“Oh really? What do you do? Illusions? Show me. I’m sure I won’t be too scared.” He said jokingly, wondering if she would raise to the bait. She seemed to be very confident in herself, with and without vibe. He wanted to see what all the hype was about!
“As I said, I just came back a few days ago. Plus it's nicer when it's not as busy. Don't gotta wait for anything to be free.”
Huh.
When she punched him, there was a small ripple of glow under his skin that started from the impact and spread outwardly until it dissipated into nothingness- That is two times she had hit him now. One more time and they were going to have words.
“Oh really? What do you do? Illusions? Show me. I’m sure I won’t be too scared.” He said jokingly, wondering if she would raise to the bait. She seemed to be very confident in herself, with and without vibe. He wanted to see what all the hype was about!
“As I said, I just came back a few days ago. Plus it's nicer when it's not as busy. Don't gotta wait for anything to be free.”
Zakiya's brow furrows up for a second. Watching his skin react to her punches, it was kinda pretty. Normally Zakiya wouldn't show her vibe to anyone, but for him. He could be the exception since he was so high and mighty about his abilities. This could be a fun challenge.
"Y'know, since it isn't busy, I think I should show you my vibe," She states so plainly, rotating and stretching her shoulder. She takes a step back, and a deep breath before a low guttural scream exits her chest matching the beat of the music in the gym. As the demonic screamo continues, Zakiya's body glows a bit with a red aura. Veins pop out of her forehead and arms and after a few seconds, she comes back off.
"Ok, " She still sounded mostly normal, maybe a bit of a strain from the screaming, "Punch me," she slaps her chest, "Punch me as hard as you can" There's a big, wide grin stretched ear to ear.
"Y'know, since it isn't busy, I think I should show you my vibe," She states so plainly, rotating and stretching her shoulder. She takes a step back, and a deep breath before a low guttural scream exits her chest matching the beat of the music in the gym. As the demonic screamo continues, Zakiya's body glows a bit with a red aura. Veins pop out of her forehead and arms and after a few seconds, she comes back off.
"Ok, " She still sounded mostly normal, maybe a bit of a strain from the screaming, "Punch me," she slaps her chest, "Punch me as hard as you can" There's a big, wide grin stretched ear to ear.
Steven watched as Zakiya got into position, he was interested in what style of dance this big lady could do. When the guttural screams rumbled out of her instead, Steven’s eyes widened in surprise. Oh, she sang to activate her vibe! He knew of a few people who could do that. Hell, he could beatbox to activate his to a point but it was always interesting to see! Instead of punching her, he took a little walk around her first, eyeing the red glow of her vibe.
“Punch you, as hard as I can?” He stopped in front of her, his nose crinkled as he couldn't hold back a laugh. “Mate, I’d fucking kill you if I did that.” God, these new UG kids were a right lark.
Steven took a step back and rolled his shoulders, mimicking Zakiya’s earlier movements, and took in a deep breath before he brought up a hand to his mouth and began to beatbox along with the drumline of ‘DEATH’ adding his own little flares here and there. His vibe reacted almost immediately, the usually subdued glow of his eyes steadily grew as he neared the tall woman. He slid his left foot back, his stance was solid as he rotated his torso, exhaled, and swung his fist at Zakiya’s gut, hand now glowing with a sheen of orange glow. It should only knock her back a few feet, maybe leave her winded and a little shaky, but Steven had an inkling that he might be in for a surprise.
“Punch you, as hard as I can?” He stopped in front of her, his nose crinkled as he couldn't hold back a laugh. “Mate, I’d fucking kill you if I did that.” God, these new UG kids were a right lark.
Steven took a step back and rolled his shoulders, mimicking Zakiya’s earlier movements, and took in a deep breath before he brought up a hand to his mouth and began to beatbox along with the drumline of ‘DEATH’ adding his own little flares here and there. His vibe reacted almost immediately, the usually subdued glow of his eyes steadily grew as he neared the tall woman. He slid his left foot back, his stance was solid as he rotated his torso, exhaled, and swung his fist at Zakiya’s gut, hand now glowing with a sheen of orange glow. It should only knock her back a few feet, maybe leave her winded and a little shaky, but Steven had an inkling that he might be in for a surprise.
Moderators: AJ_89 Steven (played by Robo-Craig) QnQ Hide Miyagawa (played by Monoclejack) Chroma (played by lewsey)
