The Forging [Stefan]

For the last year Stefan Soan, ex-Head Commander of the Monsuta and infamous warrior with a long path of destruction behind him, had nothing but time on his hands. Ever since he left the organization once called home by the man, there wasn't much for him to do. Or, at least, not much he was interested in doing. The battles between humans and demons across Earth had grown boring to the Vizard, as neither side made any progress and the world stayed deadlocked. Even the Monsuta ended up joining this never-ending wearisome conflict as his successor decided to turn the group into an antagonistic terrorist group. The globe had become little more than a platform for a bunch of careless elephants to stop around on, regardless of what got squashed. Still, even this didn't really interest Stefan.

In truth, the legendary swordsman wasn't sure what to do. Battle for the sake of battle could no longer provide enough entertainment for the man, and could no longer distract him from his own issues. Usually when he was looked up, people didn't figure him to be the type to have personal problems. Nay, he was seen as a stalwart warrior who's only problem at any given time was not being in a good fight. Now though, years after first becoming a major player in the world, his mind was focused on whatever legacy he would leave behind. In the past Stefan's legacy was his very name, and the idea that he'd be remembered for his power and skill. More recently, he wanted to help others grow and reach their own potential. Neither seemed to truly matter in this dreadful, lackluster world. Truly, the world cared for naught but whatever war was currently taking place. Anything and anyone else could just get stepped on for all it cared.

It was perhaps due to all of this, particularly the reality of Earth's conflicts, which prevented Stefan from being surprised when an officer of the Vanguard reached out to him. Though not exactly Shadin Yuudeshi, his intelligence was nothing to scoff at, particularly his intuition. After all, he successfully led a major organization for years. Stefan figured this Combine researcher was either bait for a trap, or was a way for the Vanguard to figure out how he aligned himself. To them, his strength merely meant he was either a useful ally or a terrible foe. Either way, it was necessary information for them to obtain.

Having little to no trouble reaching the designated rendezvous point, Stefan showed up on time and without his Reiatsu restricted much. After all, if it was a trap then they already knew he was coming. Standing alone, Angel's presence was immediately noticed by Stefan who in turn wasted no time in walking up and getting close enough for them to communicate without needing to yell. The sound of grass being flattened beneath his worn brown boots was all that stirred the atmosphere. That is, until the woman greeted him. Naturally Stefan honed in on her particularities, and while he was able to discern what she was, it didn't matter. He wasn't the type to judge based on race or species. After waving his hand in a manner meant to dissuade pleasantries, Stefan quickly got down to business. "Aye. Now that we know each other's names, maybe you can tell me why exactly the Vanguard has me out in the middle of nowhere for a meet 'n greet." His imposing figure stood tall against the dark of the night, though evidently without aggression or malice. Whatever her response, Stefan Soan wasn't out here just to pick a fight.

Without outwardly showing it, Stefan inwardly cringed at the idea of needing this woman's help. This was an individual who had fought to the death more than most could even imagine, reaching the brink against all odds and then surpassing his limits each time. At no point had he ever needed anyone else's help, much less desired such a thing. Her next statement wouldn't be so lucky as the prior one as he clearly frowned when she called him an asset and liability. Asset implied he would go out of his way to help any kind of organization, while calling him a liability was a claim he just couldn't agree with. The idea his presence would somehow disadvantage those he worked with didn't seem based in reality. Every time he fought or worked towards a goal, it certainly wasn't disadvantage he or his allies experienced. Either this woman lacked information, or was making assumptions and extrapolations polar opposite to the truth.

Not even bothering to acknowledge the seat Angel had made for him, feeling plenty comfortable standing up, Stefan's emerald gaze remained trained on the Shinigami Doll now seated on a chair as artificial as herself. As she continued speaking and summoned fanciful futuristic screens to display various figures and statistics, Stefan couldn't help but think about how simple life used to be for him. In the morning he would dress and work out, afternoons were dedicated to training, and evenings would be filled to the brim with life or death battle against behemoths of all races and creeds. When had things become so needlessly complicated? Perhaps leading the Monsuta for as long as he did made him believe there was something more to life. Yet time and again it was made clear there was nothing besides conflict and battle, with adaptation and evolution being the only logical goals and results to strive toward. Paperwork and alliances and midnight meetings were all just nonsense compared to one simple reality: What mattered was the long line of fallen opponents Stefan had left defeated and bleeding. Colin. James. Moonie. Austin. Dozens of more, all brought down by his blade. All responsible for his own growth.

"Walking my own path?" For just a second Stefan wanted to convey an image of understanding and thoughtfulness, fingers curling around his chin as if to show real consideration. Just as quick as this facade formed, it disappeared. Replaced by clear annoyance almost instantly. "I've only ever walked my own path. What would you know of change? Of nature? You speak of androids and a society never fearing real conflict. A bubble to protect the masses. That's the future you envision for yourself, for humanity? Pathetic." As the legendary swordsman spoke, his Spiritual Pressure continued to rise and cloak the surroundings for over a mile in an oceanic weight. "Hiding people from war and conflict breeds weakness. What happens if your little androids fail? Or the rest of your technology? All it would take is one [b]me[/i] to slaughter your defenses. And then your populace, weak and afraid, gets snuffed out instantly. Comfort is the enemy of progress, and just like these chairs of yours, is what you preach and hand out."

Now visibly irritated, though not out of control, Stefan's Reiatsu remained steady at a level heavy enough to cause nearby boulders and trees to crack and crumble beneath it. Having long since lost any fear of the unknown, whether this truly was a trap or not, or if his presence may draw out other dangerous individuals, mattered little. The entire might of the Vanguard could be hiding in the shadows and it wouldn't bother Stefan in the slightest. For this reason, he didn't feel it necessary to lower his Spiritual Pressure or remain entirely calm.

"You want to talk about safety and morale? Get real. The only truth in this world is power rules. Your little robots don't protect anything. People like Radioactive do. Until you realize that, your tinkering will accomplish nothing of note. Enjoy your statistics while they last."

The act of removing her blindfold was irrelevant to Stefan. Her blindness to the reality of the world couldn't be cured to easily. To someone with a frail ego perhaps her striking words would've had impact, but for a man who had fought in more words than one could count on their hands they were just that: words. He'd been called worse than a failure throughout the years. Usually those who fell to his blade had other obscenities in store for him, but largely all those he battled against had their own little rants to go on. This individual was no different. Still, it did show apparently his own words had struck a nerve with Angel. Evidently she wasn't any different from her non-artificial peers, able to talk a big game but still vulnerable to the effects of mere words. This wasn't a fact that bothered Stefan either. It didn't mean she was somehow lesser in any way, just meant she was more of the same to him.

Angel's attempted verbal attacks would garner no reaction from Stefan Soan. Responding to verbal attacks was well beneath him. There was no question he was dealing with figuring out what he wanted his legacy to be. But the idea of him being a failure or sensitive about his past was ridiculous and not based in reality. Stefan knew of his accomplishments and capabilities well enough that the uninformed opinions of this artificial Shinigami would not bother him in the slightest. Still clearly a bit green, her lack of real experience outside a laboratory was clear to him. This entire interaction reeked of childishness. Her continued verbal assault proved as much. As a man who had actually clashed with Radioactive, even for as short a time as he had, and one who was widely considered at the same level of the sharkman, her statements about both of them were a joke to him.

Her declaration of him being less than human elicited a short laugh from the infamous swordsman. If being human meant forcing others to jump in the way of bullets for you, then human was definitely not what he sought to be. "Get some real experience that doesn't involve numbers and a lab coat and then you'll see I'm right. This world ain't about lame ass machines, it's about what people can do for themselves. Don't worry though, the second your army of tonka toys have to deal with a real threat I'm sure you'll take the stick out your ass and see reality for what it is." As the woman turned to walk away Stefan spoke once more, this time responding with a dig of his own. "Besides, I'd rather be a failure than a quitter like you." At this point he merely waved her off, indicating a lack of interest in her leaving. There was one takeaway Stefan had from this abrupt meeting: Unlike the Monsuta which was malleable and could change with leadership, it was clear the Vanguard was the same as ever.