██║Ｔhe ☠ Ｂadlands↘ⓛⓘⓣyaoi↘InCharacter

[crim brulee]

[ R E S E R V E ]

[yuribirds]

reserve

[Keoji]

TIME SKIP
↓
1 WEEK

NEW MISSION
Belwick military headquarters have gained information about a rather notorious bandit encampment 200 miles west of the team's encampment. Belwick has deemed the camp at a high alert for danger regarding the city's safety and directed the team to investigate, decipher threat level, and exterminate any threat if found immediately. Joss has given the orders that all team members will be sent on the mission with the exclusion of himself and Maddox, who will stay back to guard the base camp. To prevent the arousal of suspicion, each team member will be paired with another (instead of arriving and flocking in all at once - they will be arriving at different times as well) in the following combinations:

Lothar/Mouse

Donte/Lachtna

Kal/Liven

Raul/Atticus

Claude/Darian

Lenka/Selrik

It will take roughly 3 hours travel time (going at a rate of at least 60 mph) until arrival and designated for later evening. The team's anticipated return is the morning of the next day.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE "NOTORIOUS" BANDIT ENCAMPMENT
WELCOME TO THE OASIS


When our lovely team of sociopaths arrive to their designation, they're not going to be arriving upon a "dangerous base", rather a sort of small city inside the desert based around the main attraction - a whore house. Yes, a whore house. The notoriety aspect of the place is due to the fact that this place is like a strange piece of "heaven" for anyone inhabiting the badlands. Booze, sex, women, men, women-men, music, violence, standoffs - just about anything is available for a customer who desires to get his/her rocks off. There is zero signs of "Belwick threat" in this place.

However, the team will still be investigating just in case there is more to the whore house and surrounding area than what meets the eye.

Good luck boys~

[Cream Colored Prince]

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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx↘xxis OVERRATEDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx █ xxxxxxxxxxxxx↘xxis UNDERASTIMATED
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↘ the medicxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Today was the day. The day of the new mission, after a week filled with nothing but silence. Of course there were those small moments of company, but Lenka had mainly shied away and kept to himself and his hospital. Waking up every morning to take his own pills. Letting the pain dull to an ache before he moved about this day. Doing what he could here and there, as he prepared his own items. The usually light hop in his step taken away with his own doing. Sharp red eyes dulled to a lull.

Lenka's pair were the last to leave the encampment, and as such, Lenka took his sweet time getting ready through out the day. He went over to his dresser and pulled out some black nail polish, taking off the cap as he dipped it in the black coating. Sliding the slick material over his neatly trimmed nails, starting with his right hand, going over the index finger to his pinky, and then finally his thumb. Doing the same for his left hand before he began to shake them. The small feeling making him smile a little bit.

He let his fingers dry a little bit as he went over to his large closet, which consumed over half of the space of his entire second floor. Which was only one room, before he opened it up and got one of his robes out. He had a few, and all of them had a pretty floral pattern. He chose a lavender colored one, and reached up to the back of his hair. Sliding each and every pin out one by one, feeling the strands of hair drift down beyond his shoulders, until all of the beautiful black strands had been freed from their constraints.

He was humming by this point. His body swaying slightly as he slid off his clothes, only to replace them by some undergarments and the robe. His left tattooed shoulder revealed, along with some upper torso, and the rest of his body covered down to above the ankles. The sleeves were elongated, and he twirled slightly as he watched them trail behind him. He was starting to feel better, as a few words passed his lips.

"Night and day I'm missing you." He sang as he pulled on some long asymmetrical stockings to cover his feet. Sliding on sandals over those, as he got up and went to his mirror. He looked completely different than usual. His jacket missing, his tattoo's covered, his right eye covered by the long black hair. He smiled as he even bothered to do cover his own eyes with black make-up. The eye-liner covering the covers of his eyes and giving him an exotic look. He didn't take out his piercings, but decided to keep them in.

"So close, but far away I seek for your light." He hummed, as he went downstairs and started to get a bag ready. Putting in some syringes and scalpels. Even going as far as grabbing a chain or two from a closet that he had in there. One that he kept hidden, and pulled out a nice little whip with a blade attached to the end. A flash came across his eyes as he remembered the beautiful ark of the whip. "Caress me with your sweet lullaby." As he walked out of the hospital.

He walked to the place that he and Selrik had planned on meeting earlier in the week. Which happened to be not longer after he had met the man, coming in to see one of his patients. Whom happened to also be one of their newest members. It was odd to think of, but the thought simply skipped his mind. He saw the other at the meeting place and smiled, a slightly sad one, but he smiled at him. "Hey. You ready?" He asked. A song stuck in his head.

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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlocation ⇥ Home then Meeting Place ]xxxx[ action ⇥ Getting ready ]xxxx[ company ⇥ Selrik. ]xxxx[ ooc ⇥ Posting Posted. XD

coding by Althoci
layout by Althoci

[Althoci]

lvlar

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His eye shifted from one place to the next as he stretched to his full height and wiped his weeping brow, slick with sweat. Grabbing the bottle of water by a random table he had set up he took a sip and then noticed Claudius approaching from the distance. He smiled, turning to continue with his current project of putting up a wall that connected the two smaller buildings that were stranded and not lived in. It did not take long before the beastmaster truly showed his presence, curiously asking a few questions. Putting the hammer away his hue danced over the male before he smiled charmingly, giving his response in a way that the man would understand without much problem. "Want to help? I'd love a hand or two" he questioned the tall creature who clearly had more then enough muscles to use.

They spent hours by each other side, basking in the sun, making idle jokes and otherwise getting to know one another. When the sun settled in the sky and darkness crept in it was time to make their farewell, waving his good bye Selrik already knew Claudius could be useful for Maddox's evil plan. With a smile he lurked trough the camp, finding his way into the hospital, giving his precious person Maddox, one of many visits. The second in command cherished these times and in the mornings he would always be gone to deal with the things he had to do to emerge himself with the camp.

He spoke to Joss for a certain length, mainly information, introduction and so on so forth. Sic greeted several people, the silent techie, whom was difficult even for him to approach, the suspicious sentinel whom he suspected he might have to be extra careful with. Of course also, the odd, but soft scientist, the flower-loving support whom he could instantly tell had a certain amount of darkness within himself. There was the beautiful fighter, with the long silky hair, the strange medic, whom he had more then enough reason to hate. Two recruits other then himself, one whom he suspected was more then what the eye could discern, in fact he had a spar with the guy in the middle of a desert just for the hell of it. The second recruit was a young-looking lad who didn't seem to quite fit in. Also the supposedly straight gunsmith, whom he had met at the same time as Mouse.

Lastly, Donte. Half the time Sic felt as if he was watched by a sultry teen who didn't quite know what to think about him and yet he kept stalking by. Of course the mechanic didn't mind at all, it only helped his plans of getting close to the demolist. Slowly, but surely the male would eventually talk, then help out and then drop by randomly whenever he so felt like it. When Donte wasn't there, Claude was, or both of them at the same time. Both presences were accepted, one watched more then the other, because the kid was on top of Maddox's list. It was a cramped week, every moment that wasn't taken by others were spent with Maddox.

Days passed and by the end of the week his makeshift home and garage was pretty much done. Thanks to the hands of Claudius and sometimes Donte and even Joss. He had somehow settled into the encampment, most people already accepting his presence there. While he reported to Maddox every now and then, Claudius was in fact the one person he spent the most time with. Hell he even read for the guy once or twice. Selrik himself was unaware of how genuine he was as he interacted with the beastmaster, he was stuck on the thought of lurking closer so he could use the man to his advantage at a later point.

"There you are" he murmured to the strange medic as the male approached in his neat little attire. Though several questions arose, he would not ask any of them and instead he gave of a charming smile and patted his ATV affectionately. "As ready as one can be" he replied to Lenka, pulling the goggles over his eyes and the heavy desert cloak over his own head. They were the last to leave and the last to arrive, so they had plenty of time on the road. He gave Lenka a pair of goggles as well, in case he wanted them, before he lifted his leg over the vehicle and started the engine. "You better hold around me good" he said loud enough for the medic to hear over the roar before he directed his attention ahead. Selrik waited for the smaller male to get ready before he throttled ahead into the desert.

Three hours later or so he stopped a kilometer short, looking back towards the smaller male whom had fallen asleep sometime during the ride. Of course Sic had made certain the medic never fell off, but now he twisted his body lightly so he could put a hand on Lenka's shoulder and shake him lightly. "Hey, time to wake up" he spoke softly and soothingly until the medic did in fact wait, giving him a moment before speaking yet again. "Alright, this a infiltration mission, so let's say your my little brother, adopted if nobody believes us and we'll take it from there" he murmured in suggestion, with a slight smile on his lips. Selrik actually already knew this place, he knew it held no danger what so ever, but he couldn't tell that to anybody, because then they would ask questions and that wasn't very good. So he would pretend this place was as unknown to him as anybody else. "Sounds good?" he added to be polite towards the other, even if he felt like twisting the males head and breaking his neck. It would have been pretty simple and the body would be buried by the desert sand with ease. There was no signs of such thoughts on the male as he sat there regarding the medic, a smile on his lips and a gentle hue now showing since he had pushed the goggles off. The sky was already almost black, the sun barely even apparent.


Location: Outskirs of Ousis || Action: Driving > Plotting || Company: Lenka || Thoughts: "urgh, let's get this done with" || Extra: tell me if you want anything changed..

[Cream Colored Prince]

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↘ the medicxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lenka looked the other over as he patted his bike. He smiled and gave his nod to the other, listening intently as he slid goggles over his head, fingers sliding under black strands to pull them forward. Looking over the other again as he got onto his atv. His red eyes looking at the others back before hands stretched forward to wrap around him. Light and nimble fingers holding onto the other and he smiled. "All ready." He smiled.

They took off, and Lenka could feel the beat of his heart against the others warm back. He caressed the other slightly with his head. Humming a light and small tune as they drove to the desert. His eyes still high in the sky as he pressed his face forward, eyes closing as darkness enshrouded his vision. His light hums continued as the other slept. The tune changing to this or that, possibly unheard by the other as they continued on. His body twitching slightly here and there.

-----

Nudge. Nudge. Nudge. "Looked like a certain someone's smile...." He grumbled numbly as his gentle hands came up to rub his eyes slightly. He smiled at the other sleepily, "I guess I fell asleep. Didn't I? Sorry..." He yawned, before raising his leg and stumbling off the others atv. He giggled at himself, as his eyes widened open to the city lights. "I used to be in the circus you know?" He asked childishly as he turned to the other as he spoke. Hearing his words he nodded and put a finger to his lips.

"Okay..." He muttered, his frame smaller than the others. Eyes narrowing to the other in an almost shy like manner. He returned his smile and with a hop and a skip he had started toward the city. As the water dropped it looked like a certain someone's tears. He remembered, his dreams. Calling out to him, compelling him, forcing him, willing him, to do so many things. He put his hands over his ears for a moment, blocking out everything as they began going into the city, before removing his hands.

He saw several stores, but kept himself close to Selrik. Though there were two shops that stood out to Lenka, the first being the more than obvious opium house, and the other being a small candy store. It seemed pretty nice in the little desert city, but Lenka felt like something was off. He looked around him, eyes tilting. He felt kind of watched, like someone was calculating his movements. He shrugged it off and tugged on Selrik's sleeve. "Can we go get some candy?" He asked and smiled up to the other. Bouncing like a younger brother would.

Ignorant of their names, I.....

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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlocation ⇥ Whoreseville ]xxxx[ action ⇥ What is Lenka doing? ]xxxx[ company ⇥ Selrik. ]xxxx[ ooc ⇥ Posted. All was good. Tell me if you need anything! <3

coding by Althoci
layout by Althoci

[Althoci]

Charmed Conundrum

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxevery NIGHT, i dream you are still here xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxthe GHOST by my side, so PERFECT so CLEAR
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxstill here still here still here still here still here still here
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxby my side by my side by my side by my side by my side

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxwhen i AWAKE you DISAPPEARxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxback to the SHADOWS
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxyou disappear you disappear you disappear you disappear
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxto the shadows to the shadows to the shadows to the shadows

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxWITH ALL I HOLD DEAR
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxwith all i hold dear....

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx█████████████████████████████████████████████████████ ✗ the techie

ATTICUS:


Atticus' first visit had been a bit out of the ordinary, completely so. There were many things that made that day special for the both of them. More then forty-eight hours had gone by and he had not seen or heard from the sentinel at all since the morning before his kidnapping. Strawberry blonde hair had vanished into thin air and no matter how long and far the techie searched with his blue hues he never found the images he had been seeking. Perhaps that was partly why he spent so much time sitting on his roof, of course he would never admit to this himself, but he would normally not put his pale skin into such a exposure, let alone be away from his wrecked abode. Two days and counting and he had yet to see the male, not even once, not even from afar.

Under normal circumstances the sentinel visited at least once a day, if not more often. Yet Atticus' presence had seemed to cease existing. Kalei refused to let himself worry, refused to let the churn of his gut run him over or let his thoughts wander unto the man. No he did NOT miss the obnoxious, clingy, annoying, persistent... kind, caring man. Besides, if something was awfully wrong with Atticus, Joss would have told him right? Right?..

The techie would always remember this evening, as Atticus stepped unto his roof. Of course he remembered pretty much everything, but this memory would stick out between the rest. At first he had thought it was Joss, or Darian, but as his head twisted to meet the image of the man on top of his roof he simply gave a dead look before glancing away again, returning his eyes to gazing out towards the horizon. Relief washed over him, something which he swiftly pushed away as soon as the feeling lurked inside his mind and heart. Keeping his mask intact the sentinel approached, he heard soft footsteps approach him from behind, he had to force himself not to turn and start shouting at the man for not being around.

When long arms wrapped around him from behind even he himself was surprised, momentarily his hues went wide and warmth spread as Atti knelt behind him. The first skip in his chest caused him to clutch at his own pants, not only to calm himself, but also keep his hand from lashing out in natural reaction. 'Run away' his mind told him, 'move away while you have the chance' it continued belittling him for just sitting there, doing absolutely nothing as a face buried into his neck and soft words echoed in his mind from the sentinels lip. Apologies being mumbled into his neck he wasn't exactly sure what to say and as always he fell mute. But only for a minute.

"Welcome home" his voice rasp in a deep croak, swallowing hard twice there after. Atticus seemed taken back by his response, but the sentinel easily slipped by his side, not questioning such words because he knew better. Silence commenced, once the two males were sitting side by side. Yet it wasn't a bad sort of quiet, they merely shared it, because words were not needed. Actions spoke louder than words and the fact that Kalei was letting the sentinel sit by his side, with a arm draped around himself lightly, was a miracle in itself. This evening was special, to such a extent that Kalei's head somehow ended up resting on the mans shoulder, his body leaned unto the sentinel and the techie said nothing, Atticus said nothing.

Somehow, sometime, his eyes flitted shut and his breathing lulled into a gentle up and down motion of his chest. After all he was still heavily injured, forcing his body around left and right and now that he was unconsciously soothed by the presence of a familiar person he relaxed too much. Kalei knew nothing of what happened between the time he fell asleep and the time he woke up, all he knew was that he finally woke up he was draped underneath blankets, safely in his bed. Cursing himself he tried to search his memory, but there were none, sleep was scary, the unknown, the only part of his life where he could not remember a single thing. However he had his vague guesses and if his hunch was correct, he knew exactly how he had ended up in the bed.

Things rolled on as his body grew healthier day by day. Almost every night he would find a sentinel on his roof, tired, watchful and brooding in his own mind. The first time he attempted to tell the man to go sleep, something which was swiftly denied he merely gave a 'suit yourself' response and let the strawberry blonde be. He did not have the energy to argue or chase away, plus there was a part of him, that he did not think about, that was soothed by the mans presence. His second attempt of convincing Atticus was more successful, but was due to the fact that he practically dragged the man into bed and used himself as a leverage. The run away thoughts of his mind was silent as they slept in the bed, dreams taking them both over.

When the techie finally started the process of saving whatever he could from his wrecked working place, he did so with a somber feeling in his gut. Years of work had been crushed, but now that he had gotten over the worst of it, he started anew. Night after night he stayed awake, no naps, nor any sleep for this driven man. When sleep finally took him he had fallen to the top of his desk and that was the last thing he remembered. At some point he felt as if he was flying in his dream, he felt weightless and safe. Then there was a wrapping warmth and darkness continued until way into the morning, where he once more found himself wrapped in blankets in his bed. Instantly he blamed the sentinel, giving him silent curse and glares. Little did he know it had not been Atticus' doing, yet he did not listen to the truth the sentinel told him. He merely continued scolding the sentinel until he was satisfied and the week moved on like normal.


JOSS:


'The big brother' came to visit frequently, which wasn't something completely out of the ordinary. Yet the techie relished in every moment he received with Joss, now more then ever. Honestly he was quite worried about the stoic leader, because Kalei could see the cracks and crumbles even if Joss was trying to hide it. Kalei did what he could to ease the leader without making it too obvious, after all Joss wasn't the type to show weakness or accept the support of others. Every visit came with a smile, fleeting and short, but yet as sweet and genuine as the younger male could make it. None other then Joss would have received this sort of treatment from the normally expressionless techie and he was sure the lead knew this as well as any other member of the camp.

When Joss came he pushed away his gloomy nature, replaced by a calm and healthy state. Despite his injuries he often silently reassured the man of his healing. The rules were simple: no grimaces, no complaints, no stiff movements, no groans from pain. Seem awake and aware. Despite the leaders attempting of hiding his guilt and inner turmoil the younger male could see it on the man by small hints here and there. Yet, he wasn't too worried. Joss smiled, chuckled and seemed to take each day with renewed steps. Unknowingly Joss supported him more then one would think, watching the ever faithful leader walk about strong as ever gave Kalei himself spirit to move on as well, if Joss fought so would he.

"What, really?" he couldn't help the slight excitement in his voice, there within Joss' home he was told of his new equipment that had been specifically ordered by the leader himself. Joss had pulled strings for him and despite himself he couldn't hide how happy that made him. Like a child given hope he did in fact go to such a length that he dared hug the man. Something he rarely initiated himself, due to obvious reasons. It was swift, heartfelt and like the bear he was Joss returned it without problem. Several pats and smiles later the techie returned with a few rare items in his arms, more then ready to start cracking on finally repairing his wrecked working area.

Then came the time where he fell asleep by his desk, shoulder and back heaving up now and then lightly, hairs covering some of his features as he slept. The unaware techie dreamed on as Joss stepped into his home to check on him. Completely oblivious to the fact that Joss had been the one to wrap him in blankets and not Atticus' whom he had very much scolded because of this. Perhaps he would never figure this small piece of information out as the week moved on, with Kalei keeping an eye on the leader, worrying that the mask might break one day. If it did, then he would be there and so would others.


RAUL & LOTHAR:


Kalei was slightly surprised by how often Raul dared to come visit him. Usually the man would avoid him if given the chance, due to his own embarrassment. Yet the handsome creature had sat on a chair by his bed the first day or two of his healing process. One afternoon, when his eyes flitted awake from pain induced sleep he spotted the man slouched over by the edge of his bed, fallen asleep right there on the chair while he had watched over the damaged techie. Sighing softly he had simply stroked the mans hair gently a few times before shaking him awake with a hand on Raul's shoulder. Softly he told the man to get some rest and food, it took a lot of convincing, but eventually he somehow managed to persuade the fretting gunsmith to take his leave.

This happened once or twice more, each time the techie reassured the seemingly straight man that he was fine and if he had to he would simply come unto the man with sexual intentions and Raul would run away on his own. Every time he shook his head, finding the mans worry amusing and was surely something he would use against the other once he felt like it. Until then the mans presence was, if anything, comforting and heartfelt and though he didn't mind it much he had to make certain the other actually took care of himself. Plus it was dangerous for the gunsmith to stay for a long length, especially if the techie was awake. Because even with his injuries he would eventually loose his patience and cool and then Raul was only a hand grasp away from his digits. As he Kalei healed their interactions lessened, something which the techie noted with quite a ease, spotting the gunsmith with the young-looking recruit at a few rare occasions as the week moved on.

It was odd, waking up one morning, this time he was not met by the sight of another person, but instead a lone flower. The vibrant red hue of the plant struck out, it was his favorite color and he noted the slight blue tint of the crown. Shaking his head he proceeded to gently take the flower in hand and searched for a heavy book, which was easy enough, seeing as he had plenty lying around. While he pressed the flower safely underneath a stack of books, pressed against a wooden plate he sat there for a while staring at the stack. He had not personally seen Lothar at all, but he knew this was the mans doing, there was none other he could think of that would have left a flower at his bedside in the middle of the night. Especially not a red one, because few people actually knew what color he preferred and Lothar happened to be one of them.

While working on his newly received equipment he also tried finding a way to return the gesture in the same secret way in which Lothar had done to him. If anything he appreciated the mans silent words of care and knew the support normally did not go out of his way to do such things. Sometime during the day he crossed the desert, slipped into the supports home and left a book at the table before vanishing as if he had never been there at all. Giving away one of his rarest books was a difficult task in itself, sneaking into the house was another and slipping away from Atticus' every watchful eyes was the third. However, he felt better now that he knew Lothar would find item on his table. A book which was filled with information and images of different plants and flowers. Him doing such a thing would be as rare as Lothar showing care, but this week was a bit out of the ordinary and if he knew the man well enough he was completely certain the support was stricken with guilt and regret. Lothar was the support, but now and then even he needed a small gesture of gratitude to make the week go on.


OTHERS:

Time alone was rare for the techie that week, people visited him left and right, some in worry, some as a gesture to wish him well. He understood why he received so much attention, after all he had been kidnapped. However his skin crawled by the end of the week. He had even met a new stranger, a friendly looking guy who even he had a hard time looking at as a possible danger, his name was Selrik. Darian visited him and Kal returned the favor every now and then, whenever he had the time to. He spoke to Liven, after all the man had helped his rescue, the least he could do was say thank you. Also the black haired victim that had protected him, even he was spoken to, introduced as Maddox, the guy was almost as withdrawn as himself. Of course he had to pay a visit to the hospital, check his stitches and re-bandage his wounds, but nothing out of the ordinary he couldn't handle. The week rolled on, the few eventful things that occurred imprinted in his memory.


He approached the modified vehicle with caution, very much due to the person standing by it's side. Joss' orders had been surprising to Kalei, he was rarely ever put out on a mission, but neither would he ever disobey the leader. Of course he would rather stay home and tinker with his gadgets, like he had been the few recent days, but he rarely ever complained when Joss told him to do something. The person he had been partnered with, was a stranger, however he knew him better then the other strangers around the camp and honestly he could have been paired up with somebody worse. At least this guy wasn't too eccentric or loud. Actually he was quite the calm and silent fellow unless given reason to be otherwise.

The techie did not say hello, he merely dipped his head as a greeting and took a few steps closer before finally halting. For a moment he gazed over the man with the dreads before his blue hues wandered over to the modified motorcycle, the display, the computerized aspects held a immense interest to him. There was no secret that Kalei absolutely loved anything technological and this vehicle certainly had plenty of that. "Can I?.." he trailed off, gesturing towards the panel with a hand while he looked up at Liven, hoping he would comply and let him play around with the motorcycle for a bit. After all they had plenty of time on their hands as they had agreed to meeting up an hour early to shape a plan together, neither of the two wanted to go in there completely blind.

For a second, a very split second, his lips curved into a smile as Liven agreed. It was so alien upon his features any other member of the encampment, other then Joss, would have called the brown haired fellow lucky for even seeing it at all. There was a hidden excitement within him as he carefully inspected the motorcycle, his hues dancing over each and every detail with a clear interest. Even if the rest of his face was stuck in a expressionless mask, you could tell by the shine of his eyes that Kalei was quite pleased at that current time. Careful digits touched and prodded, while Liven spoke about his current issue with the tracking and GPS system. Kalei nodded, spotting the issue with ease. "I'll see what I can do" he murmured deeply, he didn't even really have to be asked, he suggested fixing it himself without problem. It would be fun.

To get easier access he sat unto the motorcycle, supported by the stabilizer that kept the two wheeled from falling over. After a good while of simply looking and inspecting with both eyes and fingers he pulled out a device from his pocket, fresh from town, courtesy of Joss. The black object in his hand was really a hackers mini-computer and Kalei could do almost anything, with this small thing, as long as he had a connection of either net or wires. Every GPS had to use connection to get any information and depending on the security, hacking one wasn't too difficult. At least not for Kalei. "You have a nice set up here" he commented idly, brows furrowing slightly in concentration.

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[ location | Outskirt of camp] [ company | Liven] [ action | talking/fixing] [ thoughts | oooo~ ] [ links | -----] [ ooc | Char: feel free to auto Kal. Rest: sorry for the length]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmusing through MEMORIESxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxLOSING my GRIP in the grey.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmemories memories memories memories
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxin the grey in the grey in the grey in the grey
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNUMBING the SENSESxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxi FEEL you SLIPPING away.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxnumbing numbing numbing numbing
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxslipping away slipping away slipping away
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxFIGHTING to HOLD on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCLINGING to just one more day
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxfighting fighting fighting fighting fighting
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxone more day one more day one more day

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxLOVE turns to ASHES
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxWITH ALL THAT I WISH I COULD SAY
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxwith all that I wish I could say...

[Keoji]

The majority of time spent in Donte’s week was divided between getting trashed, sleeping and working endlessly on explosives in his puny garage. If he wasn’t busy with the aforementioned, he would be out joyriding his bike in the desert and testing his new material. His only stable distractions fell between JAXX’s incessant beeping and Atticus’s probing persona. Often he would dismiss his own projects to toy with the small machine, teaching it the different tools required to build his bombs and a few commands that would serve Donte specifically (such as, “get the ******** away from me you robot-p***y-wannabe-b***h”). Atticus’s visits would result in some immature conversation, a few drinks and the occasional screw (or two), although the sentinel’s presence aided the process of healing for the sulking demolitionist.

In between Donte’s extensive work with his projects, he sauntered around the encampment to observe the process of rebuilding the garage. Emeralds eyes would observe Selrik carefully from afar and as soon as he was noticed, he would wander off in a haughty manner and a few curses. Eventually, the brunette gained the courage to approach the taller male, dragging his demolished dirt bike behind him. “Fix this,” he ordered the “recruit” with narrowed eyes and a displeased frown. “Don’t think you’ll replace Zeke just ‘cuz you know some mechanic stuff, shithead,” he added impolitely before dropping the bike at Selrik’s feet and trotting off with a huff. Despite the bad-mannerisms of the demolitionist, he would always return to Selrik’s side at least once a day to watch, although he rarely spoke a word. Occasionally, he would even lend a hand, although that too was rare incidence.

At one point during the week, Donte was surprisingly approached by the introverted likes of Lachtna, who asked if he had come across any unusual tracks during his joyrides. After scanning his memory with a hard stare upon the other, he recalled a few in an oasis not far from the encampment. Offering to take Lachtna to the tracks, Donte couldn’t help but grin in an enthused manner when the proposal was agreed upon. It was quite an extraordinary fervor for the demolitionist to experience – someone other than Atticus to approach him without the intention of lecturing or yelling at him.

Donte brought Lachtna to the oasis and proudly revealed the tracks about a mile in, much to Lachtna’s exhilaration. Emerald orbs gawked blankly at the other male as he ranted and raved about the type of creature that would have made them, and about what it looked like, how it bred, what it ate and eventually Donte’s mind chose to shut off Lachtna’s dialogue in favor of less boring thoughts. Despite the lack of mental regard, emeralds remained pinned to the animated scientist’s face, head nodding every now and then as if he were truly listening with all his heart.

At some point during the one sided conversation, the atmosphere altered in the oasis. Donte felt his hair stand on end and he bristled as his wits gathered to an edge. His intuition warned him that something was off, and his body alarmed him of a new danger gradually approaching. His form stiffened as eyes trailed beyond Lachtna’s questioning features to the structure of an abnormally large droknal as it crawled to a halt about twenty feet behind the scientist. Amongst the recorded beasts of the desert, droknals were considered one of the most dangerous due to the horned tails in which were known to often strike quick, with much strength, and cause instant death if unable to avoid (not to mention the crushing blow of the mouth pincers should one be unlucky enough to get caught in them). Droknals were blind to their disadvantage, although the sense of smell was heightened. Donte narrowed his brows and reached his hand forward the grab Lachtna by the upper arm, although he noted the Droknal hadn’t picked up their scent yet.

“Be quiet,” he muttered as he yanked the scientist behind him. He didn’t bring too much artillery with him, and rarely had to due to the fact he seldom ventured close enough to anything that may result in combat. Donte preferred to remain in the background of battle, just him and his detonations providing any kind of backup that may be required. However, as he urged a few steps back, the sudden twist of the beast before him and jittering mandibles signaled their existences had been detected and close quarter combat may be entailed. “s**t,” Donte snarled and as he quickly whirled around, he noted the terrified appearance that had taken hold of Lachtna’s features, almost reverting the other into a childlike state. The demolitionist clicked his tongue as he felt the sudden need to guard Lachtna, even if it cost him his life and such sentiments weighed heavily upon the shoulders as he flicked the scientist’s forehead and aimed a stern look into those frightened brown orbs. “I will protect you,” he huffed with a slight crimson tinge to the cheeks. “Just hang on.”

Donte pivoted to the beast and dropped his backpack to the sands. He unzipped the bag and tugged out a mine that he’d been working on; it was still a prototype but if it worked properly, would be the best bet in their escape. The chance of them escaping on foot was possible, although the demolitionist wasn’t completely positive how fast the droknals could travel. He’d refer to option two and engage a fight. He clicked in the setting button and dropped the item to the turf, kicking some sand over it. Picking up the bag, Donte scooped a rock from the ground and tossed it in his palm. With a flick of the wrist and the graces of accuracy related luck, the rock was tossed and smacked the looming droknal off the top of its head. With an aggravated shriek, the creature lurched forth and Donte rotated quickly, snatched Lachtna’s arm and ran as hard as he could. As he ran, he counted out loud and despite the air of peril and the will to protect the scientist, familiar senses of pure exhilaration guided his customary emotions.

Donte abruptly yanked Lachtna before him and into his chest, dropped to the ground in a huddle with his back to the commotion as the mine exploded. He used his arms to cover as much as the scientist as possible, particularly the head, as debris rained upon them, including pieces of the beast in which had been completely obliterated. When the oasis settled back into a silent stir, the demolitionist released a huge sigh of relief and gazed back towards the crater that had once been a simple little mine and its victim. “Too much power,” Donte noted aloud (although, he never really believed in “too much power”) before his thoughts were interrupted by something tightening a hold completely around his waist. Emeralds glanced down upon the individual who held to him for dear life, despite the passing of the dangerous situation. Donte reached a hand into the darkened silky locks and squeezed some of the strands between his fingers as if to say all was well, brow furrowing as he waited for Lachtna to overcome whatever he was currently going through. It was only when the scientist’s chin lifted and those anxious chocolate eyes met with indifferent emeralds did something grasp at Donte’s conscience, and by grasp it squeezed and rattled something that had never been there before. “C-Cute,” he mumbled, cheeks warming to a vibrant crimson as eyes widened in revelation. “Th-the explosion, was, you know… awesome, cute. And stuff. Okay get the ******** off me,” he stuttered and shook out of the hold, rubbing his nose sheepishly as he pushed to a stance and made way out of the oasis. “Let’s go.” The ride home was silent as the demolitionist fought away the steady flush to his cheeks and protruding thoughts about the male behind him and eventually put him in a rather foul mood.

Amongst his usual routine inside the encampment for the remainder of the week, Donte felt his gaze wandering upon Lachtna whenever the scientist emerged from his laboratory. He would often duck between a few buildings and hidden from view to watch curiously as the other went about his own schedule, but would always catch himself acting uncharacteristic and shake out the behavior with a series of curses. He didn’t understand what was going on with his mind and it was causing him to grow impatient, exasperated and confused. He never cared for the scientist in the previous years, nor really spoken to him, so what had changed to cause him to regard the other man? At one point Atticus had caught the demolitionist glancing to the scientist and when he made a wise crack about it, received a firm punch to the gut before Donte strolled off bitterly, despite the snickering sentinel behind him.

When the mission was announced, Donte was more than thrilled to join the team and help get his mind off of things. However, when the pairs were decided, he felt every bit of his enthusiasm fade into a pit of doom. The demolitionist guided himself to Joss’s doorstep and demanded a different partner, but had only received a headlock and an unyielding lecture that he needed to learn to get along with others and that the pairs were final. He couldn’t argue with Joss because orders were orders and despite his feeble attempt, Joss’s decision was ultimate. Donte just had to push aside whatever he was “feeling” and complete the mission without being distracted.

When it was time to leave for the notorious encampment, Donte sat on a borrowed four wheeler (because it would allow Lachtna more room and could carry more material for the mission than his dirt bike) in a sour mood, goggles strapped to his face and gaze set ahead. He packed his usual assortment of explosives, a couple of guns (that Joss pushed on him, despite his rejections), and some other random supplies. As he waited for Lachtna he toyed with the GPS in his mobile phone and observed as a few of the other pairs took off at different times.

Be cool, Donte. Be cool.

[Curry Flurry]

xxx█ █ █ █ █▪▪ . . . SHOW ME WHAT IT TAKES.
xxxxxxBut tragedy, always seemed to rule the fight.xxReality, always had to roll the die.xxAnd I, . . .xxI didn't want to see you, remained abandoned forever.

A coat.It was like a foreign object, A stranger had entered his home and decided to dwell there. Claudius found himself up restlessly murmuring to himself, screaming in his sleep every time he tried to lay down. It had been the third night from the incident, and it still burned the back of his skull. The memory burned brightly behind his eyes lids, the image playing back like a broken record. He never thought that the coat that brought him so much comfort would tear him down so. It reached of the other’s scent, practically drenched in it yet he didn’t attempt to wash it. The aroma which laid faint inside the fibers of the coat feed his craving. Closing his eyes he counted every moment to that fatal blow, behind those eyes he saw every single emotion that was pulled from the man as the stinger sunk deep. It was night three from that incident, and he still couldn’t get over it.

Claudius took this time to avoid the silver haired male that occupied his head, what better way to do that then pester the recruits. Sure he could get his kicks from threatening the meek one, Mouse was his name? Though Claud found himself passing by a structure that wasn’t there before. He saw the threat once again, or the recruit. The newest recruit, Selrik. By the looks of it the man was laboring away all by himself. He was surprised to see how well he’d done for himself in such little time. He didn’t wish to linger but as time trailed on his visits became almost hourly checkup. Till he was confronted by the man, which he offered his services to. He had nothing else to do. Throughout the whole week he spent his days helping build the new “Mechanic’s” home. Enjoying the time spent with the man. Their meetings were often long hours working on lifting support beams and sheets of metal, securing bolts and testing if a door opened and closed. A man he once view as a stranger, as the enemy. Slowly became and Ally, which he could say proudly as the days passed by. It became a routine get up visit Selrik, Work on the house, talk for an hour or so and Leave. As time passed others came along to help with the construction, But it was Claud who put most of his time into this. There was a moment when he watched Selrik hold up foreign symbols and questioned it. They discussed it for a bit and he was given the option to be read to, to get a better grasp on how to ‘Read’. The week carried on with the Beastmaster finding himself preoccupied.
-


A groggy expression crossed over the large man’s face. He grunted as he shifted his legs a tad, pressing his foot against the gas pedal. They had been given the green light to go, and they were well on their way. About an hour into this journey, give or take. The road ahead of him was nothing but sand, endless as far as the eye could see. It caused the Beastmaster to squint here and there just to keep focus, trying not to lose track of the small posts in the ground that were used as navigation. Honestly he’d kill for a few more hours of sleep, or maybe even a partner who’d stay awake. He glanced over at the long haired male who rested against the car door. Snoozing away, just counting sheep. The fair skinned man looked so peaceful his body moving slightly with every bump in the road. He couldn’t really hate the man as he slept, he looked so content. His eyes quickly darted back towards the road ahead of him, getting distracted wasn’t really a good thing. Last this he wanted was an accident. Time inched on, only the Silver haired man’s head to fall onto his lap. As he felt the pressure he could only looked down, his eyes moving from the road down to Darian and back and forth. He considered maybe shoving the man of, or purposely hitting a ditch in the road. But decided against it due to it being too much of a hassle. He’d might as well let the man sleep. Thirty more minutes passed by before Darian came to his senses, neither really commenting on the fact that Darian’s head was literally on his crotch for a good half hour. Hell Claudius wasn’t complaining, he just kept a smug smile on his face as the other stretched out. They had slight chit chat, with Claudius mocking the man.

“Good morning sleeping beauty, you knight in shining armor just left we ran him over a mile back”

He let out a crackle as the other merely scratched his head turning away. Silent treatment, he was getting the silent treatment just great. Of all the people he could have been assigned to this mission with, Darian got the spot with Claud. The Silence continued and then a sharp pain rammed into his side. He closed his eyes as he winced, looked over at the slender frame that drove a foot into his side. He swerved almost tipping the car over, as he opened his eyes he quickly straightened out wheel. God that could have been much worse. The pain in his side throbbed as he gritted his teeth, he opened his mouth as he turned towards the male. Just as he did this he head a yelp, eyes darting back to the road his eyes lock onto a small creature. He came to a complete stop slamming his foot on the break, quickly turning the wheel. The loose sand beneath the car sent it flying forward tilting it to the side before it completely fell to the side. Claudius groaned rubbing the back of his neck as he made his way out, making sure Darian was alright as well. He shot a glare at the man, but as the long haired beauty stood in front of him he couldn’t help but see the man’s shirt in shreds. It looked like the crash took his shirt with him, yet he could see specks of pale flesh with a toned body behind it. He adverted his eyes, taking a deep breath before a harsh force me his rib cage. With an airy gasp he coughed loudly, trying to catch his breath. Really? Another hit, Really..The two came to an agreement that walking did in fact suck, so they worked to bring the car right-side up. And they were back on track.

As they neared the destination it felt weird, he didn’t park near the place cutting the engine as he shoved the keys into his pants pocket as he pulled the break up. With a sigh he exited the vehicle. With regret he looked around, he was already on edge and in pain. Still as his eye roamed over to Darian he couldn’t allow the man to just walk off like that. This could have been a suicide mission, be he was the last person to talk when it came to being careful. He removed the heavy coat from his placing it one Darian’s own, covering the man up.

“Stick close to me, don’t split up..”









Who are you talking to?Darian.. Where are you at? Then Entrance to OasisWhat are you thinking? ...
O.O.C

[Keoji]

▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀
SO▀▀YOU▀▀BROUGHT▀▀OUT▀▀THE▀▀BEST▀▀OF▀▀ME▀▀A▀▀PART▀▀OF▀▀ME▀▀I'VE▀▀NEVER▀▀SEEN
███ ▌║✖__but if you loved me__✖║_▌███
↻►►►why'd you leave me◄◄◄↺
take my body take my body
ALL▀▀I▀▀WANT▀▀IS▀▀ALL▀▀I▀▀NEED▀▀IS
TO FIND SOMEBODY
↘↘TO FIND SOMEBODY↙↙
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┈┈┈ＪＯＳＳ • ＤＡＵＥＲ┈┈┈━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
★→ the leader ←★
↓↓↓

Throughout the week, Joss kept himself pretty busy to conquer the mayhem running amuck in his mind. He organized the arrangements for the mission and kept in contact with Belwick’s military captain for further information regarding coordinates and security. He received a visit from the newest recruit, Selrik, who introduced himself and was allotted the proper data and some words of wisdom in regards to getting acquainted with the chaotic encampment. One night was spent in Raul’s company and the two shared a few drinks, some laughs, and Joss inquired a bit about Mouse’s adaption to the base. He checked up on Darian (and his health), Liven (and his spot in the bar), and made a few brief stopovers with Claudius and Lenka. Every individual visit included information about the mission as well as the gathering of required materials for the next air drop. At one point he was approached by Lachtna who offered an apology for his words during Zeke’s funeral and an appeal to be left behind on the mission. Joss accepted the apology with a warm smile although turned down the second request; despite the scientist’s role in the unit, the mission was determined to be completed by the entire group and most of the decision wasn’t on his part. Almost immediately after Lachtna retreated, a haughty Donte approached with demands to a different partner. Joss chuckled and treated the childish man rather roughly before sending him off with a shove and a refusal. Atticus visited, although few and far between, as the sentinel appeared just as busy as Joss; although brief, they were treasured as Joss knew it were the other’s way of checking in. At one point Lothar dropped by and Joss noted the other man appeared despondent in which the leader attempted to comfort by offering a pat on the head and a cup of hot tea. The time spent was short and silent, although somewhat reassuring. In the meantime, Joss kept his eye on Maddox, although allowed the quiet individual free reign to do as he pleased; despite Joss’s suspicions, he wasn’t a prison guard and didn’t feel the need to keep the man from Belwick under a constant surveillance (Maddox was also in the process of healing injuries as well, after all). Eventually, he had every intention to address the situation with Maddox when the pair were ready to do such.

Joss checked in on Kalei daily, ensuring the techie was resting properly and putting the care for his injuries precedent over the clutter in his workplace. Despite the man’s guarantee, Joss had a hunch Kal was doing just the opposite and eventually had begun to aid the cleaning process when he could to ensure Kalei wasn’t overworking himself with the immense project. It had also given Joss the chance to invite the techie to his side when ordering the air drop necessities, and surprise the other with a setup of new equipment that Joss had managed to sneak upon the ship via an old contact in Belwick. Satisfaction crept over the leader’s features upon Kalei’s reaction, in which resulted in an embrace and some friendly pats and chuckles. Joss was relieved that he could have done something to ease the techie’s mind, even if just slightly, and at least assist in bringing out some of the warmth he knew Kal could demonstrate.

As always, the airdrop occurred at a nearby oasis and Joss loaded a truck with the crates as they declined into the sands by ropes and wires; the process was swift and hushed, as the pilots didn’t bare any desire to be out in the middle of the desert any longer than a few solid hours. Airdrops were always a perilous event for both sides, especially now with the rise of bandits and their movements. Ambers observed the hovering black craft for a few moments as a uniformed soldier waved him off before the ship escalated and quietly sunk into the horizon. He gathered the last crate in his arms and as he lifted the bulky item, a familiar face smiled upon him from the other side of it. The crate was dropped to the turf in alarm as the tall man studied the features of his wife closely.

“Doing this alone again? Isn’t that dangerous for you?” She worried, empty eyes gazing to the packed truck. “Shouldn’t someone be here with you?”

“Its fine,” Joss uttered and picked up the crate again, turning to push it inside the truck; narrowed eyes lifting to settle upon the form that now sat upon one of the crates in the vehicle.

“But what if you’re attacked? No one would be here to know. It’s not very wise coming out here by yourself – don’t you tell everyone that?”

Joss ignored her as he rounded the truck and pulled himself into the driver’s seat, palms gripping the steering wheel tightly as she stared at him from the passenger side. “You’re not doing a good enough job, Joss Dauer. Everyone is going to die because of you.” The leader frowned as he yanked the truck into gear and took off back to the encampment, disregarding the unwanted passenger who watched him closely from his right side. The crates were unpacked and items were distributed to each respectful person the next morning, although Joss personally delivered Kalei’s computer gear with a content grin. It probably wasn’t the latest technology, or the best brand of equipment, but at least it would help the techie get started again until he could rebuild what had been lost. Despite the pleased atmosphere and possible rejuvenation of the encampment, his wife fell in his shadow and his every step – although this time, she wasn’t as forgiving as previous.

When the day of the mission occurred, Joss couldn’t help his consistent worrying and ensuring that each pair had packed enough supplies. He double checked with each individual before they had gone on their way, providing extra hand guns and tools if they so requested. He saw off each vehicle with a wave, and wished them all luck on the mission – as well as warned them that they better behave, to be careful, not to argue with each other, to make sure they reloaded their weapons, to take care of their partner, to… well, it was mostly just Joss’s brotherly mannerisms acting out in full swing. Eventually, he was alone at the entrance to the encampment, observing the last trails of dust on the horizon as it rose up into the sunset.

And that was when the demons decided to wreak their built up havoc.

Holding his shotgun at his side, Joss circled around the camp’s perimeter at a slow pace, ambers guided to the empty desert sprawled out in each direction.

“You’re not a very good leader,” she said, pale form sliding across the sands with ease. “In just a short amount of time, your base has suffered some pretty serious blows. Darian nearly died, Kal got kidnapped and Zeke got shot in the head all under your watch. They’re suffering because of you. Everybody is suffering because you lack the true qualities of a good leader. Why don’t you just go back to Belwick and watch over our daughter? She doesn’t even know who you are because you’re too busy trying to be someone you’re not with a horde of social outcasts.”

This person wasn’t his wife. His wife would have commended him for his hard work and growth throughout the past five years. Something had taken his wife’s appearance and melted it inside a very dark presence. Besides, he couldn’t go back to Belwick-

“You can pull strings, Joss Dauer. I am sure if you agree to work for your parents again, they would be more than happy to take you back. Kyra would be happy – she would have her father. Should have her father. Why do you waste your time on these men when they mean nothing?”

They were his family, which was why. They meant everything to him, as family should. “Kyra is your family. Your family is in Belwick.” No, his family had betrayed him and Kyra was being held captive against his will. “You have failed this family, go to our daughter.” It wasn’t time, had he failed his family? He felt as if he did and that the pillar he was supposed to represent was gradually crumbling. For ******** sake, his dead wife was following him around. Perhaps he was psychotic and unfit to remain a standing person in charge. It was only a matter of time before the bottle opened, but his bottle burst.

"And now that you were too stupid to ******** think for one minute, you've put us in a worse situation than we were before! ********]!" Lachtna was correct; had Joss even taken a moment to contemplate the decisions he made, perhaps the group wouldn’t be in such a twisted position. Zeke would still have been alive; Kal would have been working tirelessly in the room that took five years to build. People learn from their mistakes but some mistakes were too great to fall back from.

Someone was dead.

“Because of you.”

“You did what you believed was right, nothing more. Don’t be ashamed, hold your head up high. We will follow you until the end.” But why? Why did they follow Joss? Because they were told he was the leader – was it just the title? Surely, a group of men as strangely independent as the unit would have had no problem following their own footsteps instead of a man with the title of “leader”. It was only a title and if stripped from Joss, they would move along their own paths at their own speed and in their own way. Who was to say Joss’s orders were even the best for the encampment? Who made that decision? “You made the decision, and stand by it, and we will stand by you.” Lothar’s words rung in Joss’s head as he sauntered through the base.

“We will stand by you.”

At some point, Joss had entered his own abode. “Why do they stand by me?” He uttered, staring into the mirror positioned upon one of the walls. “Why am I here?” At that moment, the ordinary calm demeanor dissipated from his affable features and in its place, a stern and yet confounded man gathered. Fingers curled into fists and one reeled back, reflection guiding an irate expression to the figure of his wife behind him.

“This is all your fault. Zeke is dead because of you. Kal is an empty shell because of you. I am dead because of you.”

The fist was steered into the mirror and it splintered into pieces upon impact. Joss caught himself upon the counter, hands gripping the edges as blood oozed from the opened splits on his hand, staining the floor with dark ruby droplets. He was breaking rapidly, his walls were tumbling and he was at the very last end of his wits. He wanted to run but his mass remained firm and in place, trembling as if he had been caught up in a cold storm. He had to be strong for everybody, for himself, for Kyra and yet here he was allowing a ghost to cause him so much turmoil. Joss chuckled. “What a fool I am.”

He dropped to his knees, the pocket watch flipping from his pants and against the floorboards where it popped open. Golden eyes, burdened with pain, descended upon his girls as they smiled happily back at him. He reached for the item, but a trail of blood followed the movement and caused him to pull his hand back. Instead, he leaned away until he fell against the floor upon his back, arms spread out on either side.

In the end, would he even be able to save himself?

[crim brulee]

︻╦╤─ ≫The past week was eventful, to say the least. The Sentinel found himself torn this way and that, seeing many, talking to all, trying to split himself three different ways at once. It was exhausting, and yet Atticus Mercer felt like he still didn’t do enough. What he did, he wished he could’ve done more.

During the seven days before the announcement of the new mission, he dropped by Donte’s often during the afternoons, spending time with the other and tousling in bed with the demolitionist for some much needed comfort sex…before discovering some odd behavior in the other, and teasing the man about his sudden interest and affection towards their scientist. That was an amusement in itself, but really, Atticus was just happy that the idiot was slowly feeling better and recovering properly, at a decent pace. Speaking of their beloved scientist, Atticus also dropped in with Lachtna throughout the week…and also had a few tumbles in the sheet with the adorable mess of a man. Comfort through physical connection, between the sentinel and his good friends, seemed to help all parties with coping in the week that followed Zeke’s death. That feeling of safety and pleasure was all that really mattered when their bodies were entwined.

However, the sentinel’s time really was spread thinly, visiting others to make sure everyone was at least decent. Despite his anger and disappointment at Claud and Darian’s mess up he’d heard about during the scorpigo mission, Atticus checked on their health as well. And checking up on Darian nudged him into remembering to be aware of the presence of their new recruit…well, one of them at least. That Liven Mordecai Drake guy. Still, just the thought and sound of the man made him growl. There was something that man was hiding, and Atticus would get to the bottom of it if he were worth anything at being a scout.

Besides growing suspicions and being wary of the sudden influx of new people, the sentinel really became the most exhausted once his protective nature kicked into high gear. Which was the morning after he and Lothar came in from the night watching stars. He visited Joss whenever he could, knowing the boss was taking it harder than he was, checked in with Raul to make sure the recall of his little brother was alright with him, examined the other new recruits and introduced himself, and met with Lothar a few times, to bond and take breaks over fruit—which he diligently cut up for the masked man; who also surprisingly took off his mask much to Atticus’s delight. Still, despite his handsome features, Atti knew there was a heartache in Lothar that he couldn’t seem to reach nor fix. And that in itself was heartbreaking too.

It was one random day after coming back from the medic bay from seeing if Lenka was doing alright- and to peep in on the mysterious man who he heard helped save Kal- that he thought of a brilliant, devious idea. The sniper recruited the logical, strong support to help him in his plan. The man’s grief and continued disappointment did not escape Atti’s eyes, so he asked the white-haired male if he could assist him to at least keep his mind off of things and distracted…Because Atticus was moving into one of the back rooms of the bar as well. That’s right. He was going to become roommates with this Liven character, in the room right across the hall. It was the easiest way to keep an eye on the man, after all. And his tenacity would surely drive the recruit crazy enough, right?

He was moved in within a day, using his destroyed home as an excuse for such a move on his part, all the while smiling nicely at the dreaded-haired man. Conversations ensued of course, it was inevitable for roommates to not have them. The sniper pressed Liven in such a friendly manner, appearing at his door unannounced, popping up next to the other when he was moving about…sitting on his bed, looking through things blatantly in front of the other. It was so much fun getting to ‘know each other’. But despite making himself a new temporary ‘home’ for the time being, despite his paranoia and need to follow gut instincts, Atticus didn’t spend one night in his own place for the first five nights of the week.

Visiting Kal was probably one of the hardest things he had to do that week. The guilt he felt for failing the younger male, of not being there to protect him and not being there to rescue him, plagued the strawberry-blonde sentinel. Approaching the techie on his roof was nerve-wracking and heartbreaking. Pulling Kalei into his arms, an embrace that felt as if the other could disappear at any moment, was also hard to do. It took courage from the sentinel to hug the other, something he so badly wanted to do, and something the techie so often rejected. But, hearing sweet words and receiving tender actions in return caused the sniper to nearly break down again. He’d wanted to cling to the other, hold him tightly so that Kal could feel some sense of safety and wholeness, but he knew the man too well-- …he didn’t want that. Not from Atticus at least. So as the ever-faithful protector he was, he spent the latter half of his days not sleeping, but keeping watch on top of Kal’s roof.

His gun laid next to him, both eyes revealed, he would stare out into the blackness of the desert and the brightness of the starry skies. This was the least he could do. It wasn’t like he could sleep anyway. Kal basically told him he forgave him, which was what Atticus truly needed, and yet…being a guard for the other felt better than tossing and turning in bed. During one of the latter nights he’d ended up in bed with Kal, sleeping and entangled with the brainy male. But literally, simply in bed with each other, sleeping. No sex, no kisses or hugs…though he awoke first to find their limbs wrapped around each other. It was probably only instincts, especially on Kal’s part. Even though it had been Kalei that insisted Atticus get some rest, pulling him to bed, the sentinel still thought it was a good thing he got up first. Because he was also almost certain that Kal would’ve been upset to find them nearly face-to-face lying down.

After the exhausting week passed and the encampment was updated on their mission and mission partners, everyone started pairing off in preparation. Atticus and Raul were no exception…especially since the sniper knew that no matter how tough the raven-haired gunsmith looked, the man was really just a soft-hearted teddy bear. That hated violence and was too scared to fight despite his physique. Which made him adorable and made Atticus much more prepared than he otherwise would’ve been. The mission seemed dangerous, and the sentinel strapped various weapons onto his body so that he could save both their asses if he needed to. His specialty was killing from afar, but his training left him far from useless in close combat.

The sentinel was prepared and ready for anything, eyes hard even as he tried to mask it towards Raul with the usual bright grin. There would be no injuries or deaths this time around if Atticus could help it, g’dammit. And for someone who felt like he had to make so many things up for- to a team he wasn’t there for before- …well, one could only laugh at the ridiculous setting that Atti and Raul found themselves in after their car ride. The absurdity of it all had actually made the sniper laugh until tears brimmed his eyes, and with all his might, he’d dragged the terrified gunsmith into his worst nightmare.

Which was how they were presently wrestling at the doorframe to some prostitute’s bedroom at the moment. His hands pushed at some silky blue cloth, which fit much too snug on Raul’s fit body. While Atticus was pushing at the taller male, trying to budge the resisting male from the door way and into the hall of the brothel, he continuously failed at keeping his laughter in.

“Raul! You’re just making this harder than it needs to be!”

He cackled another laugh into the man’s arm as his fingers shoved at the other’s sculpted torso. He pushed a knee against Raul’s leg from behind…which made the same silky, blue cloth the gunsmith was wearing drape over his thigh in their struggle. “You look gorgeous! Don’t worry about a thing!” And he snickered again, reaching a hand up to fix long black locks that had been pinned onto the Raul’s head.

That’s right. Atticus was forcing a dragged up, cross-dressing Raul into the brothel at the Oasis they were supposed to get information about. It was only the best way to go about it, wasn’t it? If they wanted to get inside, why not apply in person with the big boss of the place? Plus….Atticus just had a knack for torturing the poor gunsmith. It was just too good an opportunity to pass up. Convincing the naïve Raul, who was usually stuck back at camp, out in the mission that it was the only best way to do things? Sneaking into some worker’s room to steal her clothing and put make up on the oh, so beautiful gunsmith, slipping a blue dress on the man with a black wig? There was no way Atti could pass that up.

Of course, it cost Atticus his own masculine appearance, having donned a burgundy dress himself and sticking a long, brown wig over his strawberry blonde locks. They would be sisters. And Atti would be the pretty one. Because honestly, the manly gunsmith looked like a spectacle and the sniper unfortunately matched the disguise almost too well. But that didn’t mean the sniper was keen on bumping into any of their allies in the place crawling with …err, exotic creatures. He’d avoid everyone at all costs so that his appearance could stay a secret he’d be buried with. But Raul? Oh, everyone could see Raul.

“Suck it up, Raul! We just gotta meet with the boss, get our information, and get out!” With one last shove, using his whole body force, he flew into Raul from behind and the pair toppled out into the hall with a few loud thumps.

Now. To walk in heels. ≪ ╾━╤デ╦︻

[Althoci]

lvlar

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Even from a distance you could see this place wasn't like any other place, it didn't seem dangerous at all. In fact it was welcoming, to all who wanted entrance. Yet he had a job to do, so he scratched the obvious from the paper and just smiled at guy who stumbled off his ATV. Sic himself got off with ease, popping the truck as Lenka spoke up, he gazed up and chuckled. "I did not know that" he murmured in response, not that he cared, but at least he could pretend such a fact was interesting. While the boy gazed off he threw a leather bag over his shoulder, letting the strap rest against the curve of his neck and then he attached his two sheathed weapons to his hips. "I'm sure you'll do a great job with your role then" he commented towards the younger male before walked over to his side and they were off, Lenka skipping at his side with an air of innocence and purity. Sic knew better what this medic had done, what those digits had been up to. One day he would pay for that, but for now. He was just another boy. Selrik smiled.

As they entered the area Sic pretended to be surprised, taken-a-back by the lack of danger around the area. Yet he kept a hand on the Scimitars latched to his hip in a sheathe, because no matter where they were, bandits could be dangerous, even in this place that was supposed to be a sanctuary for those who lived in the desert. Of course, he wasn't supposed to know this either, thus he moved with suspicion of a man in a new area, he kept lil' Lenka close at hand, never more then five inches away and if he ever lingered any further he would tug at the other gently, either latching unto his hand or by casually swaying a arm around the small of his back. All in a fashion that was not romantic nor sexual, just protective. Any man or woman with half a brain would have seen the difference as they passed trough the large Oasis.

Noting a slight movement from Lenka to the side of his vision he swiftly glanced over to see the male cover his ears. As if he was trying to hide from some sort of trauma Selrik could neither see nor hear, he kept the one eye he had on the male until those hands once more rested. It was only then he let himself concentrate on the area around him instead, of course he had been a constant alert up til now and still was, even with the slight distraction of smaller male by his side. However now his eye could fully diverge itself in the sights of the town. For now he watched and observed and tried not to stand out between the bandits, whores and the other oddities that moved about. Had Maddox been with him he would have been recognized instantly, but the black haired male was safe back in the camp and Selrik could concentrate on his current job.

Then there was a tug at his sleeve and he looked down at his 'adoptive brother', going into the instant role of a protector, care-taker, family. His smile gentle, slightly amused he let his hand lift up to ruffle the males hair, well at least the part that wasn't shaved. "Alright, but not too much" he murmured deeply, as if he worried that the younger male might forget to brush and get issues with his teeth. Gently they turned towards the candy store and he also noted the Opium house, two men practically stumbling out of it in a swooning high. Shaking his head he swiftly let his arm slid around the small of the younger males back and pulled him a bit closer as those two men came a tad too close for his liking, at least the liking of a older brother and a worry-wart. They passed without issue and they stepped into the store, Sic letting Lenka go and fishing into his pocket, pulling out a small pouch. Leaning down to reach the males height he took the boys hand and extended it flat side up, palm open. Gently he shook a few coins unto said palm and then he stretched up again, even this place had a currency. It was either equal trade, coin or labor, simple. With that being done he stretched up again and put the pouch back in place. "Don't wander out of my sight alright?" he murmured in a mix of strict and gentle, letting the male walk about in the smaller store while he observed both outside and inside, searching for a place that might offer information he didn't already have.

Location: Oasis > Candy store || Action: Protectiv-ness || Company: Lenka || Thoughts: "hmmm" || Extra: tell me if you want anything changed again c:

[Cream Colored Prince]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx↻xxＳxxＡxxＮxxＩxxＴxxＹ xx☠xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx█xxxxxxx↻xxＩxxＮxxＳxxＡxxＮxxＩxxＴxxＹxx♥
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx↘xxis OVERRATEDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx █ xxxxxxxxxxxxx↘xxis UNDERASTIMATED
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↘ the medicxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lenka smiled as they headed toward the candy shop, giggling as the other tussled his hair. Lenka made sure not to look at any of the lights, as they hurt his already damaged eyes. He still went through the motions though, "Oooh! Ah! So pretty!" He had said merrily, and in a kid like fashion. Though, he was truly excited once they got to the candy store. He smiled and giggled again as his 'brother' handed him some money to go buy candy, and with a light, "I won't! I promise!" He hopped off to go look at the selection of assorted sweets.

The store itself was small, a single tiny room with the walls lined up with colorful assortments of sugary treats. Toward the center of the room there were shelves lined up with containers full of the stuff as well. At the very end, there was an old man with a very pleasant looking smile. Too pleasant. Lenka thought. He started with the left wall as he looked over the names and flavors of candy. Then he realized why the man was so cheery, some of the labels had drug warnings on them. Which did not surprise Lenka one bit. Out of the entire store, Lenka bought three things. Two suckers, one which was strawberry, and the other which was blueberry. Then he had bought a small pouch of assorted candies.

He went back to the entrance after purchasing the goods from the older gentleman. He smiled and told Lenka to have a good night. He smiled and replied, before walking over to the door where Selrik was. He pouted as the other seemed to be occupied with something else, so all in act, he walked in front of the male and held the two suckers in front of him. "Pick one!" He asked pouting, allowing the other to pick which one he wanted.

"Find anything interesting?" He whispered, almost too quiet for the other to hear, and he smiled as they stepped away from the candy store. Lenka awaited a response from the other as he looked around, red eyes going over the names of other stores. Stopping as he looked into the crowd of people. There was a person standing there, by themselves. Lenka got on his tippy-toes and frowned, realizing that the person was no longer there.

It couldn't be....

He shook his head as the voices came reeling back into his brain. He put his hands over his ears and smiled at the other, and let them rest back at his sides as he took out the other sucker that Selrik didn't take and put it between his lips. Humming as if nothing had happened just an instant ago. He slide his tongue around on the slippery surface and popped the candy out as he thought silently, looking over in Selriks direction, but not at him, almost as if he was looking through him.

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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxlocation ⇥ Outside the candy store! ]xxxx[ action ⇥ Going Crazy? ]xxxx[ company ⇥ Selrik. ]xxxx[ ooc ⇥ It's fine.~ Tell me if you need anything changed.

coding by Althoci
layout by Althoci

[crim brulee]

xxxxxxx████x█████████████xxx██████████████████x██ CONSUMED BY VENGEANCE
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtorn apart by sorrow
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAND HATRED.

Like a heartbeat drives you mad
xxxxxxxxxxxxxin the stillness of remembering
XxXWHAT YOU HAD AND WHAT YOU LOST
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxssssssssssxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAll we had and all we lost
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxALL WE LOST x████████████x███x█

♕ The Bandit King woke up with a start when he felt an uneasy atmosphere wrap around his body. An extremely light sleeper already, the trained weapon of a human was sensitive to even the aura he was in when his body was in an unconscious state. And as Joss stormed back into the house that the two leaders began sharing, living together in the mess of events, Maddox’s eyes snapped open. He stared at the ceiling at first, letting the tingling in his body catch up to the senses he felt. The brunette was clearly disturbed and while Maddox didn’t necessarily care, he felt it was prime opportunity to discovery why and possibly use it to his advantage. In order for his mission to succeed, getting close to the leader was necessary- even if blue-eyed bandit would hate every step of the way.

Slipping out from under the bed comforters, the raven-haired leader stood at his full height, able to bear the injuries he’d sustained quite well after a full week of bed rest. He wasn’t anywhere near complete recovery, but he was able to walk without limping, albeit slower than normal. Donned in a simple, deep v-neck shirt with a pair of loose slacks borrowed once again from the house owner, Maddox opened the door to his room to start the descent down the hall and down the stairs. Throughout the past week, Maddox spent most of his time sleeping, regaining his health and observing the team at the encampment.

Needless to say, he was watching carefully with sharp eyes whenever he could and taking detailed notes of possible weaknesses he could attack, strengths he should avoid and overall, assessment of the men. It was too soon to summarize the team members just yet, but Maddox was already starting to feel the first foothold he needed in order to progress further into his mission. The only comfort and distraction he had from thinking about his purpose at the encampment, was the visits he received from Sic, which were far between in themselves. While he stayed the first few days at the medic bay, he soon moved into Joss’s home, due to the leader’s logical orders. Maddox, covering as an agent of Belwick, was still a risk to be left unwatched. Which was perfect for the Bandit King. He would need to be kept close in order for things to work out as the meticulous male planned.

Each step Maddox took down the stairs was quiet, unnoticed as he heard Joss charge into the bathroom. Were the rest of the members gone by now? Why was the leader acting so out of character? Even the usually undisturbed and serene bandit was curious. His presence continued to be nothing but air as his eyes finally locked on the tall frame of the brunette, just in time to see him swing a fist fiercely into the mirror. Glass shards shattered loudly, cracking apart and falling about the counter and floor, dragging drips of crimson blood with them.

At first, Maddox watched, unmoved and silent. He stepped closer, looking to the dropped pocket watch. Eyes examined the picture inside, memorizing the faces in case it would serve a later purpose, assumptions already clouding his mind. A hand reached down to pick it up, closing it securely. But then he saw Joss drop down to his knees, uttering soulless words.

” What a fool I am.”

A loud, thunderous clap sounded, sand whipping up in large cloud dusts as the view into Belwick city suddenly disappeared from dark blue hues. In its place were solid metal doors that seemed to stretch up into the heavens and spread both left and right with no opening. Maddox could still recall the shock and emptiness that shook him at that moment. Abandoned. He was abandoned by the only thing he knew his entire life; which was empty orders and blind obedience. The helplessness that had torn through his entire body was scarring, the fear he’d felt for the first time in his life was numbing. And all he really could think about was how he had failed. And how his team was going to die because of him.

”What a fool I am.”

That was exactly what had gone through Maddox’s mind, what he had whispered from bloodied lips when his world had suddenly shut down on itself. And as he heard the broken leader utter those exact words, defeated and shattered upon the ground, something in Maddox suddenly burned. A flame was lit, and he felt the heat sear through his veins. What he saw before him, a shell of a person, Joss on the floor with broken glass and a bloodied hand, was like looking at a past image of himself. And he hated it. He could see himself in Joss, the sun that was supposed to shine so brightly it was blinding.

Gritting his teeth, brows narrowed as cold blues suddenly came to life. If only there had been someone there for Maddox—to snap him out of his delirium. If only someone could’ve shaken him from the hell that ate at him, the same kind of torture he could see consuming Joss like dark tendrils seeping up from the ground, curling around his limbs. Without control over his own body, swift steps suddenly had Maddox crouching down next to the brunette. A hand shot out, snatching the front of Joss’s shirt and yanking him to sit up from his position of lying down.

Their faces were merely inches apart, and while Maddox’s face wasn’t necessarily contorted in anger, the way his eyes flared dangerously, the slight downward turn of his lips, and furrowing of brows sent the clear image of dark determination. Maddox did what someone should’ve done to him when he’d crumbled. Give no mercy. With a stern voice, in its usual strange kind of gentleness underlined in dark seriousness, he spoke clearly and loud enough just for the two leaders to hear. Loud enough to snap Joss back to reality. Loud enough to disturb and shake the man from his horrific thoughts.

“You are a fool. All fools break down and become cowards in the face of their deepest fears. Get up.” His other hand, fingers still tightly wrapped around the pocket watch, pushed the precious possession back into Joss’s uninjured palm before it rose up to the man’s face. Blue met gold, sparking from polar opposites for just a few moments before golds were covered. Maddox’s hand gently pressed over the man’s eyes, shielding his sight into black nothingness, giving shade to the ever bright embers. “Sometimes…it’s easier if you don’t see what you’re running from. Just remember what you still have in your hands.” To reclaim your sanity. To hold on to what was remaining—it was truly the only way anyone could move on and survive.

His grasp letting up slightly on the leader, Maddox began to regain his own bearings, flinching inwardly at such surge of emotions that had barraged him. He sat back on his heels, allowing the leader a bit more space as he continued to stare at him with blank eyes. Just this instance, perhaps, the bandit king could be honest with his words and sincerity. He knew all too well to spit out lies, and this fact nearly showed through as a kind of melancholic truth edged his voice.

“…It hurts less. And you can pretend to be stronger again when you open your eyes.”

[tsuntsunami]

「 ♪ 」 xxxx

tab tab tab tab tab tab tab tab tab tab tab xxS O M E W H E R E x F A R x B E Y O N D x T H I S x W O R L D
xxxxxxx █████ × I FEEL NOTHING ANYMORE
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxx lachtna levent.


• 
  
  Lachtna spent much too much time in bed.
  
  Though he used the term “bed” very loosely. Lachtna didn’t have the greatest sleeping habits. He wasn’t an insomniac, not exactly, but he certainly felt like one at times. Often “going to bed” meant resting his head on his desk for just a second, just one minute to rest his eyes, and then waking up in the late afternoon with a sore neck and his glasses on the floor. There was simply too much science to do to waste time sleeping in a proper bed.
  
  But, this week, Lachtna spent much too much time in bed.
  
  He felt strange. Worn out, tense, and guilty. He had ignored Lothar’s attempt to comfort him after his angry outburst at their leader, and Lachtna felt horrible for it. He knew just as well as anyone else that Lothar was feeling vulnerable. Lachtna knew better than anyone else just how much the pale man cared for him, too. But when the man knocked on his door and called for him, Lachtna didn’t answer. Instead he went to bed, his actual bed, and he stayed there for a long, long time.
  
  Slowly, the tension went away. Lothar came again, and this time Lachtna let him in. Being around Lothar gave him a sense of normalcy. When his friend asked Lachtna to come back with him to his own home the scientist agreed. Even then the dark haired man still spent most of his time in bed. Lothar’s bed. But still a bed. It was admittedly better than being alone.
  
  Actually, over the course of the week, he spent very little time alone. He spent most of his time with Lothar, true, but he saw Atticus a few times whenever he wandered back to his lab and the redhead happened to pass by. Lachtna rarely got to see him these days. It made the feel of the taller man bittersweet, though he was content to keep that to himself for the rest of eternity. It wasn’t important enough to fuss over.
  
  At some point Lachtna put down his studying and crawled out of Lothar’s bed long enough to find Joss. Apologizing was uncomfortable and intimidating, but the scientist’s head wasn’t so far up his a** that he didn’t realize he had overstepped certain lines with their leader during his shock and frustration. He needed to apologize. And he needed to ask a favor anyways. Lachtna didn’t quite understand what the significance of this new mission was, but he knew that he didn’t didn’t want to go. He very rarely left the encampment. There was no way in hell he wanted to go all the way to some dangerous oasis.
  
  Joss denied his request to be left behind, however, and Lachtna was left with a heavy knot gnawing at his stomach and a need to distract himself.
  
  Oddly enough that distraction came in the form of Donte.
  
  They didn’t talk much, Lachtna and Donte. They had nothing in common beyond the fact that they both lived in the middle of ******** nowhere. While they weren’t strangers, they weren’t friends either. Donte wasn’t his first choice for… much of anything. But Lachtna figure that their resident bomb fanatic had the greatest potential of maybe knowing what Lachtna was after. At the very least, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
  
  Oh, how Lachtna came to regret that decision.
  
  While he had been pleased that Donte had seen the tracks Lachtna described to him, the man’s offer to show Lachtna had been surprising. Maybe Donte was just willing to take any excuse to get out of the encampment. There was no way he actually cared. No one actually cared about Lachtna’s research. Except Claud. Unfortunately, Claud seemed too… distracted to bother.
  
  It was a shame. Claud would’ve been happy to chat with Lachtna about habits and diets and breeding. Donte was clearly not interested. Lachtna hadn’t minded at the time. He was more talking at Donte rather than to him, his mind much more focused on his own excitement then his current company. Maybe if Lachtna had been paying more attention to their surroundings rather than rambling and sketching in the little worn out journal he had brought along, he would’ve noticed the Droknal sooner.
  
  But he didn’t notice, and the disaster that followed was enough to shake him to the bone.
  
  Lachtna didn’t consider himself a coward by any means, but he wasn’t the bravest man in the world either. It was only natural that he panicked. If left to his own devices, Lachtna probably would’ve become lunch for a hungry and irritable desert monster.
  
  Of all things, it was Donte that brought him back to earth and out of his instinctive panic. “I will protect you,” It felt strange hearing that from the demolitionist of all people, but… Lachtna believed him. He wasn’t sure how founded that trust was as Donte grabbed his arm and started dragging him through the sand, but it was better than standing around and waiting to be crushed or eaten. It was hard enough keeping up, he didn’t have the time to dwell on the little things. Particularly when he found himself on the ground with Donte’s larger body covering him.
  
  The explosion left his head ringing, but the weight was grounding. Donte was warm and solid, and Lachtna latched onto him for all he was worth as pieces of fleshy debris fell around them in awful wet piles. The physical contact was comforting, even more so when he felt fingers curl into his hair. At least until he remembered that this was Donte he was clutching. Not Atticus, or Lothar, or even Darian. When he lifted his head to peer at him, there was a strange look on his face that made Lachtna distinctly nervous. He quickly looked, which was just as well because Donte shoved him off. An uncomfortable silence fell over them, and the trip home grated on Lachtna’s fragile nerves just as badly as the initial droknal surprise.
  
  The tension between himself and Donte didn’t fade over the course of the week, however. Every time Lachtna stepped outside, he could feel green eyes burning a hole into his back. It made Joss’ denial of his request to stay behind particularly stressful.
  
  When it came time to leave, Lachtna couldn’t bring himself to look directly at his unfortunate partner. He didn’t even speak to him. Instead he just scrambled into four wheeler and settled himself as far from Donte as he could get, a small pack of supplies perched precariously in his lap. The poor scientist didn’t want to risk drawing Donte’s ire by talking or asking questions or… anything like that.
  
  It was a very long, and a very quiet ride. By the time they had reached their destination, Lachtna’s legs were stiff and sore. They had left earlier than most of the others, though neither Mouse or Lothar were anywhere to be seen. Which was just as well.
  
  “Are you sure this is right?” Lachtna asked quietly. He had thought they’d be heading somewhere much more sinister. This… this was just an oasis camp. City. Place. Thing. Whatever. It didn’t look dangerous at all. Why was he even here again?
  
  
  
  [[ ooc: it was getting too long for my liking DX if you want me to go further, dez, lemme know ]]