Austin Argento

"If you fall, and you can’t pick yourself up, rest easy knowing that I’ll do whatever it takes to help you. So much as try to hurt my family, however, and the next thing I steal is going to be your life."

- Austin Argento

Appearance
Austin’s most defining characteristics come in the form of those which are hidden; he’s quite slender, though holds extra weight in way of the chains he wears around his mid-body. He also has a decently-large scar across his throat, which is covered by the bandana/scarves that he wears. He’s somewhat strong, but not overly muscular, and often relies on speed and cunning more than strength. He also has a variety of smaller scars on his hands from the nature of his weapons and past.

Austin sports a leather tunic-like vest over top of a simple gray medium-sleeved shirt, and dark gray pants that tuck into knee-height riding boots. The boots themselves are padded with a soft fabric on the bottom to decrease the amount of noise made by taking steps. He also wears leather bracers on his forearms, with silver engravings on them depicting his emblem. The most defining parts of his outfit are the chains that he wears around his waist/mid body which act as both a holster for, and an extension of his weapon. In most situations, his four daggers will be hanging from the chains. The second part is the gray hooded cloak that he wears; it goes down to his calves, somewhat frayed and tattered at the end. He wears a silver-gray bandana with the upper half of his emblem on it around his neck to cover his scar, and when in battle bring it to cover his mouth as well, unless using his semblance (occasionally, he’ll wear a scarf instead). Austin also carries a small pouch attached at his hip, inside of which he keeps a small amount of excess dust, lock picking tools, a lighter, and sometimes some paralytic poisons. This bag also features a significantly smaller version of his emblem - a silver scorpion. During full semblance use, his aura visibly manifests as an ethereal crown atop his head in the color of his aura - silver.

Personality
Austin is an easy going and generally mild-mannered individual. He’s inclined to allow reason to affect his judgements and decisions, and does his best not to let emotions get the better of him when possible. Austin is generally thought of by others as kind and giving, but very protective of his team whom he considers family, and often quite enigmatic. He’s the kind of guy that you could go to for advice without worrying of bias or quick-judgement being passed for your predicaments. He’s often soft-spoken unless he finds it necessary to speak up about something, but will stand firm for the things he believes in. He tries to speak eloquently, though if feeling particularly devious he may just attempt to confuse those he’s speaking to just to garner a reaction. Austin has a very optimistic view on the world around him, even with the wrongs that have been done to him in the past, and tries to present himself in a way that persuades others to feel the same. In normal circumstances, Austin tends to be seemingly a bit forgetful, and easily become unfocused on what he’s doing - though that can change if the situation requires it.

Outside of regular day-to-day cases, Austin is experienced when it comes to improvisation, as well as coming up with convincing lies. When on the streets or dealing with those in authority attempting to reprimand him, he can generally talk his way out of things, and when that doesn’t go according to plan, he’ll find another way to escape. While fighting for the sake of sparring he often doesn’t take things very seriously and may not pay close attention to everything, even talking and joking with his opponent from time to time. However, if he chooses to take things with a more adept focus, or if the situation at hand is dire and requires it, his personality may change. Instead of treating things with the carefree attitude he normally does, he’ll quickly become quiet, dedicating himself to making sure he doesn’t lose sight of his focus. As such his fighting style becomes a bit more rigid and aggressive, though at a cost of cunningness and forethought. As a musician, he longs for both harmony, and at times chaos, and as such will sometimes go to lengths to obtain that himself.

Austin tries very hard to perpetuate happiness and forgiveness, because of how he was raised (more in backstory). From growing up with people that didn’t often care, then finding people that considered him as true family, he decided that he didn’t ever want to let someone think that there was no one who could appreciate or care about them. The deceptive side once more comes from his childhood onwards, having to be able to think himself out of sticky situations on a regular basis, and evaluate the best way to go about doing so. He doesn’t hate anything, persé, though if anyone were to try to harm his team - his family - then he wouldn’t hesitate to take action against them.

Weapon
Weapon Name: Stridens Mortem (Screeching Death, Latin)

Overview
Stridens Mortem is a set of four dust-imbued dagger-flutes (one of each element) that hang from the chains wrapped around Austin’s body. When fighting, Austin uses them both as lone weapons for simple knife fighting or throwing, and will also use them whilst attached to the chains to increase his attack reach or help to restrain his target. The chains on their own can be used for a variety of purposes; while wrapped around his body they act as a bit of protection against attacks, he can use the alone to wrap targets and constrain/constrict them, use them to climb or swing from things, use them as a sort of whip to retrieve thrown daggers, and more! Together with the daggers though, Austin can let one hang from a chain from his back while fighting, and will use his momentum and inertia to attack with the third dagger in order to catch his opponent off guard, or lengthen his attack combos to lock down his opponent.

Stridens Mortem’s true power comes from two of its aspects, the dust within them, and the holes throughout them.

Dust
Each dagger has an individual dust type imbued within in, aesthetically having carvings reminiscent of the element itself. They each do a variety of things, and more when in conjunction with each other. Of course, the stronger the ability used, the faster the dust is consumed. They each have a light tint of their element’s respective color.
 * The Fire dagger can create small, fiery explosions on impact, as well as leaving a trail of smoke emanating from itself and anything it strikes/slashes while active. Often times, this is used defensively for losing enemy sight, or offensively for setting up attacks.


 * The Ice dagger can create blossoms of ice at the point of impact, leaving a chilling effect on anything struck. Most often this is used in order to restrain enemies caught in the path of the dagger, or defensively in order to create a pillar of ice for a form of protection.
 * When swung on their chains, the Fire and Ice daggers create a sort of mist or smokescreen, both making it difficult to see through naturally, and with effect from the ice dust, somewhat slowing things that are resilient to the cold.
 * The Lightning dagger is capable of using its dust to coat itself in electricity (referred to as "Discharge"), causing physical strikes to shock or stun enemies, and being more effective against metallic substances like shields or armor. Austin favors this knife most, and is most in tune with this element. He often wields it on his chains to set up for stronger attacks. Most often used offensively.
 * The Wind dagger is one of the most important blades at Austin’s disposal, as he uses it most regularly with his semblance. Alone, it can create bursts of wind on impacts, as well as a razor-wind like effect when swung. They also grant Austin a slight speed and jump height boost while in use. Used most passively.

Instrument
Along with their dust aspects, each dagger has holes throughout their body. When swung or blown into, these air passing through the holes creates a variety of tones depending on the speed, and angle at which it flows, and if any holes are being covered. The music created through this process is a large part of Austin’s use of his semblance whilst in combat. The four daggers can be pressed together to create a sort of pan flute type shape for fuller semblance use. However, this means that there is a short delay between going from the pan flute form to going back to fighting.

Semblance
Concerto - Concerto is an auditory-type semblance, allowing Austin to better perceive the rhythm of all things, especially while fighting, and use music created primarily by  Stridens Mortem to effect either allies or enemies. It is split into two parts, Control and Crescendo. To a lesser extent, this technique can be used without first being in Concerto just by swinging the blades in combat, but it would not have the full effectiveness that Control itself has. It can, however, be enough to begin to affect a target’s movements or throw them off if they’re trying to read the rhythms of the fight by creating false ones.
 * Control: Using all four of the blades at once, in the form of a pan flute, Austin plays melodies capable of entrancing and even controlling targets movements. However, the stipulation is that the focus it takes to perform this technique requires Austin to remain undisturbed, else it has no effect. It is also harder to use on an opponent with an aura, and is even more so depending on how strong their aura is or will is. Targets being aware of what is happening decreases its potency.
 * Crescendo: Also known as Haste, this technique acts as a supplementary tool for the rest of the team, effectively enhancing the power and various abilities of his teammates. This is only particularly useful for his teammates, as he still must remain still and uninterrupted to make use of this.

While using his semblance, a silver ethereal crown of aura manifests visibly atop Austin’s head.

Other Abilities
Enhanced Hearing - Austin has an increased sense of hearing compared to others.

Acrobatics - Austin often uses acrobatics to his advantage, rolling out of the way of attacks, flipping into strike, and using his environment to increase his maneuverability both in and out of combat.

Street Smarts - Austin knows the streets of Vale well, having grown up there.

Pickpocketing and Thievery - Austin is well versed in the art of thievery, stealing from people in necessary situations and sometimes unconsciously or to relieve stress.

Lock Picking - Austin has extensive knowledge of lock picking, carrying tools with him if the need arises.

Autodidactic Training - Many of Austin’s skills, such as his music, were self-taught, imparting a degree of confidence in him. Sometimes, this can be his downfall.

Vs. Human Expertise - Most of Austin's training comes from fighting other people rather than grimm, and as such he is better against Humans/Faunus.

Fighting Style
Austin’s fighting style focuses on a mix between basic unarmed and armed knife fighting styles, and using deception and confusion by way of his weapons’/semblance’ abilities to throw his opponents off while he lands a powerful strike. Along with his standard close-range style fighting, Austin also makes use of the chains he wears, using them both as a sort of whip as well as a way to retrieve his daggers when thrown. By combining these styles, he is able to remain at a decent distance from his opponent when fighting, while also being able to fight at close range if need be. With a certain degree of focus (something he often lacks) and momentum, he can manipulate a single dagger-and-chain similar to the purpose of a scorpion’s tail. This technique allows for chaining together strikes more efficiently, and keeping the opponent surprised or on the defensive. Due to his skill set, he relies heavily on his team to back him up during fights with more than a couple of enemies, as he excels at assisting others; though he has the potential to hold his own in a one on one.

Generally, Austin simply wields one or two blades, one in a reverse grip while the other in a fencer’s grip, with or without their chains, while the others remain holstered. When needing to be particularly offensive however, Austin will use a Deathstalker stance. Other “special attacks” include the Sasori: The Leonidas: And the Striker: At times however, be it because of trying to show off or what may have you, Austin may at times lose focus on the main goal at hand, or become too sure of himself to back down, and will end up in poor situations because of it. This is one of his main downfalls, and he sometimes relies on his team (Lana more specifically) to keep him from putting himself in those situations too often.
 * Deathstalker Stance: Ice blade (chained) in left hand, Fire blade (unchained) in right hand, Wind blade (unchained) in mouth, Lightning blade (chained) on back. Left foot forward, back-weighted, and a close distance between feet. It makes use of dives, rolls and flips in order to utilize the momentum of the blades on chains to increase the length of combos or catch enemies off guard, while using the held blades elemental attacks to stay at range.
 * A front flip into a downward heel-strike / Webster flip, then using a back-chained dagger to follow through after landing, like a scorpions tail. This may result in a stance change to a crouching position.
 * Place a dagger on his back, run at the enemy, go for a sparta-like-kick, and if they block, use them as a launchpad to jump backwards into a flip, and swing the loose blade upwards to catch them off guard.
 * Activate Discharge whilst tossing the blade into the air, then kick said blade with great speed at a target, essentially "striking the enemy with lightning".

Backstory
Austin was born in the kingdom of Vale, brought into the world by Bianca and Sterling Argento. His father died some months before his birth, and his mother died soon afterwards. He was left with simply his brother Zephyr (Whom he lovingly calls Zeph or from his childhood, “Zephy”), and the family he was born into; the Argento family. The Argento’s belong to a long-running street gang that’s been a part of the kingdom of Vale for generations, but always in the shadows, making themselves known most only to other gangs or groups. Austin’s brother was born to Bianca, but from a different father and family whom she ran away from after such, needing to escape from a life of prim and promise to run her own life. After leaving, she met Sterling Argento, a mysterious, clumsy man, who’s dork-ish ways enthralled her; eventually bringing them to marriage, and thus into the gang. Once becoming a part of the gang, Sterling died on mission, leaving Bianca with the family (headed by Sterling’s father) pregnant with her next son. Once born, Austin was raised by his brother, taking on the lifestyle of a thief from a very young age, and learning to fend for himself on the streets of the kingdom.

Growing up, Austin was partnered with Zephyr in very basic jobs, mainly those including pickpocketing, running of various items, or general theft. They were generally given free reign over how they went about their jobs and lives, but they were regularly reminded two rules: ''“Rule one, never steal from family. Rule two, never return what you’ve stolen.”'' Zephyr, being the older of the two, was wiser when it came to what they did, and often would take lead in things, teaching young Austin how to be stealthy, remain unnoticed, and work his way out of any situations. One day whilst on a routine mission to steal from some local food vendors, the pair got caught due to an oversight on Austin’s part. Upon seeing how young the two boys were, authorities decided to return them to their parents with a warning, and charges weren’t pressed; however, this meant taking police directly to their gang. Eventually some members managed to pass themselves as the parents of the two, and with many apologies, took them back to “safety”.

As police and gangs don’t mix, Austin and Zephyr received large amounts of admonishment from everyone, and eventually their grandfather stepped into the mix. While they were related to him, he still had to maintain an example, and as such would not simply let this slip because they were children. When questioning what happened, Zephyr quickly took the blame in an attempt to protect his brother, while Austin remained completely silent, watching in terror as their leader stepped closer to him. In seconds he dropped Zephyr to the ground and was standing - as though a hunter posing atop his prey - with his foot pushing the boy beneath him further into the ground. Austin, after what felt like an eternity, finally worked up the courage to speak. As soon as he opened his mouth, however, his grandfather was standing before him. Placing a hand over Austin’s mouth to silence him, he spoke softly to him a single phrase. “Don’t speak - the silence suits you.” And drew his blade, white-hot with dust, across Austin’s throat. He let go, and Austin immediately grabbed at his own neck in a desperate attempt to stop any bleeding, but found there was none - only smoke poured through his fingers. In a swift movement, the man had critically injured Austin, and cauterized the wounds as not to kill him. The last thing Austin heard before blacking out was the footsteps around him, his own heart beating, and the muffled voice of his brother calling out to him. When he awoke, he was unable to speak, and continued this way for months to come. It quickly became apparent that his wounds had healed, but he remained silent out of fear of any more harm coming to either of them.

After the incident, Austin decided to flee from the life he was given, and to carve out his own path. He urged Zephyr to do the same and come with him, but he refused to leave the family, and thus Austin embarked on his own into the world. Not wanting him to fall prey to harm, Zephyr gave to him his dagger given to him by the family, and then said his goodbyes. Before leaving however, Austin broke one more rule that bound him there. After being given his brother’s weapon, he stole his father’s old dagger which was to be given to him once of age, and in an ultimate act of treason and stealth, took his grandfather’s as well. After spending some time on his own, making use of anything he could get his hands on, he discovered his natural talent for music. At first he attempted to make a living simply from playing for passersby, but when that didn’t work, he discovered his true talents lay in his semblance. Once that was not enough however, he continued on the path of the thief, until one day stumbling upon Astras Dust shop.

It was at the small dust shop on the outskirts of town that he was caught, not by family, but by a young faunus girl who was working there. It was there that he met an old woman who didn’t try to arrest him, but instead inquired why he was on his own with so little, barling surviving as a bandit. It was there that he found a new home in the generosity of Astra and Lana, an old saleswoman and her adoptive daughter, another runaway.

Austin was put to work with Lana, whom quickly became like a sister to him. He often answered phones, cleaned the shop, and ran errands for Astra while she was busy. He was proud of his new life, making an honest living and helping someone else instead of himself. One day Astra asked the two of them to run some errands in town while she took care of some things in the shop, so they left to take care of their new job, and took their time coming back. What they returned to though was a rather horrific scene, the store ransacked and their loving guardian slumped dead behind the register. Local police did what they could, but ultimately it was deemed unimportant, and the criminals responsible were never found. He and Lana were left once more to fend for themselves, but this time they had eachother, and were able to stay safer than before.

Witnessing Lana’s dedication to bettering herself in honor of Astra inspired Austin to do the same in order to become a positive force. Lana helped Austin learn to fight and eventually create his fourth and final dagger, and the two of them continued on their own until finally gaining entry into one of Vale’s beginner combat schools. He followed in the steps of his new sibling as she chose the life of a huntress and he a hunter, and vowed to one day bring justice to Astra, closure to Lana, and find the answers to what happened to his father. After finally finishing their time in school the pair was accepted into Beacon Academy, where they managed to be placed into the same team along with their new partners, Andrew Aruna and Emeraldine Grace - a group of ragtag runaways, bound together by their will to survive, and to find answers. Austin now acts as a co-leader alongside Lana, being a voice of reason for all, and keeping them out of too much trouble. While he may not have completely disavowed his life as a thief, he puts his skills to good use, and remains ever on the look-out for those in need.

Trivia

 * Argento is Italian for "silver", the color his motif is mostly based upon.
 * Another allusion to this color theme is in the name Austin, when broken, "Aus" and "Tin".
 * Lana made an attempt to rename Austin "Shirley." He declined promptly thereafter.
 * She now tells people it's his middle name.
 * Austin is easily distracted, and if not enough heed is being paid to a situation, he'll often have to have others to keep him on the right track.
 * The team-buff aspect of Austin's semblance was originally inspired by the concept of Soul Resonance from the anime series Soul Eater, mainly when Soul Evans plays the piano in order to get his team in sync with each other.