The sun was vacant in the ashen sky, causing the world to be a somber and cold place. The only reason Thomas is even out today is because, one of his prized Scouts reported back to him about sighting a young girl resembling that of a frog. Something strange and out of the ordinary was always a wondrous find, so here he was wandering in the cold for this girl. He could have his men carry him, but they would then be too tired to catch the girl when they spotted her. A "win-lose situation", so he sucked it up just so that he could have his ideal "win-win situation". "The outside air just reaks, lets hurry this up so I can go back to bed." Thomas sighed with slight agitation.
After much searching Thomas and his men tracked down "The Frog Princess" and her followers. They didn't bother to try and be stealthy, the ash would just lead them right to them again anyways. Thomas sneered then smirked wickedly when he spied the boy caring the infamous "princess. Such a creature shouldn't be running about outside. What if it gets damaged? Thomas decided he try his luck in bring the boy back with him along with "The Frog Princess". The things and entertainment that boy could bring him!
Everything was going smoothly till the the newbie subordinate's finger turned to lead, prematurely shooting one of his arrows. "GOD DAMNIT! YOU HAD ONE JOB CARL! ONE JOB, AND YOU ******** IT UP!" Thomas roared. He couldn't even fathom how idiotic people could be sometimes! Once this little endeavor is over Carl is defiantly getting sacked. Thomas saw one of the boys runoff from the others in his peripherals, something he should better keep his eye on. His hand ghosted over his gun-holster, but instead gripped the hand of his b*****d sword reading himself for the runts next move.
"Second-guessing is bad for your health."
Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 12:42 am
XxMinnie_HeartbreakerxX
.. : | H I B I K I - I T O U | : ..
xXxXx"You said I couldn't leave my bed after straining myself destroying the room. It would be wise to check in on him though. My curiosity isn't always a good thing," Hibiki responded smoothly while flashing the head nurse a mischievous smile. Of course with that smile came a lot of disobedience, but whatever. He'd rather limp around than being forced to sit still. How Cristophe and Jay took the news, however, was only a mediocre threat as of right now. Part of him wondered why they hadn't gotten pissier about it, but then again, Cristophe was all about the warnings before acting.
xXxXx"You see the space between the buildings just over there? I want you to stay low and run as fast as your legs can carry you over in that direction. I'll be right behind you and if anyone, and I will emphasize that word, anyone steps in front of you, drop and kick. Your legs are the strongest part of your body and gives you distance. By the time they get your legs pinned, I'll be attacking them," Jay breathed out softly enough to where only the girl dressed as the frog could hear him. His hand even briefly gestured close enough to his body anyone overhead would have issues seeing it as to where this gap in the wall was. Even as he was discussing the plan, his gaze was skimming the surroundings for other routes to take in case she couldn't make it to the gap in the wall. There'd probably be more arrows, but then again - and this was just his theory based on that soft shout - they weren't aiming to kill them. "Hope they don't mind losing the use of their limbs... And I've already told you, the Mole said to protect you with my life. It's him you should thank. On my mark... Ready?"
xxxxxPausing so as to inhale, a shrill whistle echoed throughout the ash covered city and he gave a slight flick of his wrist."Go," Jay breathed out while gripping his sword. After giving the girl a twenty second head start, he followed behind her without the slightest bit of hesitation. He didn't know where exactly Cristophe was, but he wasn't surprised at how quickly he was moving through the area. It was like he had a map of this place already and all of the good vantage points their enemies would be posted at. Of course he was going to put a hurting on anyone who got in their way, but killing someone would be rare if he could help it. That'd surely traumatize the girl.
xxxxxAs his companion had predicted, Cristophe was taking out people and had even stolen a crossbow along with all of it's bolts. He was still working on obtaining another one for Jay whilst clearing out paths for them. When he'd clear a path, he'd give a certain tune through a shrill whistle. At coming across a blonde male with two bodyguards, he merely flicked his katana to get rid of some of the blood on it. "Too reliant on others that you can't do your own dirty work?" the darker haired male questioned sarcastically before spinning his sword around his wrist. When the bodyguards reached for their weapons, he rushed the closest one only to drop down on the ground fast enough to where his feet hit the guy's knees and quite literally pushed them backwards.
xxxxxRolling backwards and out of the way as the first bodyguard let out a shriek of agony and hit the floor, he remained low to the ground with his katana trailing down the back of his arm towards his head. His sunglasses, however, hadn't so much as budged from his face even as he briefly shook a finger at the other bodyguard with a soft clicking sound as if warning him it wouldn't be wise. "Unless you'd like to end up like your buddy there on the ground, you might want to start explaining. If you're curious about whose sword is faster much less want to waste ammunition trying to hit me, do feel free to give me a reason to put my blade in your neck," the dark haired male purred while ignoring the slightly confused expression from the second bodyguard staring at the odd black markings running down his sword arm and standing out a little against the deep mocha color of his skin. "Where in the world would a kid get a mark like that?" "Nunya. Now talk."
Related to Hibiki Itou in some way, shape or form:: Jay is a sixteen-year-old scavenging kind of guy. You can also say he's more like the type of guy who would defend the camp while the scavengers were out. His mindset, however, is that of being at least somewhere in his early twenties. He is always in good physical shape and can be found practicing with his katana with Cristophe when they aren't busy doing other things. That is if anyone knew where they like to hide and talk in private amongst the town of bunkers. He likes hanging out with Cristophe, practicing with his katana and music that hasn't played in years yet has been sung by his parents and their parents and their parents before them. Jay questions everything, but is rather blunt about it unlike his closest friend's silent demeanor. He's the only one capable of getting into at least part of Cristophe's thought process. Cristophe is very much like Jay only far more quiet and far more tactical. His brain literally never shuts down. Like Jay, both have odd designs that seem to be permanently in their skin like a tattoo on their arms, but it's uncertain as to what it really is seeing as even the eldest living people of their town don't have a tattoo. Jack and Leo are twin medical geniuses at the young age of seventeen. Leo has dark black hair whereas Jack has off-white hair. Jack works just fine under pressure and when just doing regular check-ups unlike his twin brother who will literally be chanting "oh crap" like a mantra that will bring him good luck. Unfortunately, after an event that ended up in the loss of a scavenger who ended up dead, these two have become clingy after work. They claim it is because they feel so cold after dealing with sick or injured patients, but most doubt that much so if they just up and hug you out of nowhere, they're just leaving work and it's to be expected. Jack can be very upbeat and cheerful, but his brother can be very uptight and serious about things. Both are very good with children seeing as they're always helping their mother and various aunts with their younger brothers, sisters and cousins when they aren't working. One of these kids is the lover of riddles, Hayden. Hayden, age thirteen and an adopted child of their family. Seeing as he wasn't originally part of the entire town, people tend to think of him as an outsider still. It doesn't help that he still remembers his parents trading his young body capable of working for food and water. He seems cold and distant, but he's really just acting that way so as to protect himself from being hurt all over again. If his own parents traded him for scraps of food that wouldn't last through the night, what wouldn't people do to survive in this day and age? While he is very young, he is very smart. His job, although it isn't official to the rest of the town, is passing along secret messages and anything involving stealth except for assassinating people. At least thus far he hasn't killed anyone. He is very honest although he doesn't really like discussing his personal life. Like his elder step-brothers who sleep on either side of him, he helps out with the children running amok his stepmother's bunker. He enjoys poetry and has his own katana albeit he hasn't used it other than in practice with Cristophe and Jay.
Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 10:32 am
Dantes_river
Lorenzo Stark
Ƚɑʏɑ&Ⓝⓔⓓ
After you... I don't know what I believe in.
Toothbrush? Nope. A torn up dress from an old baby doll? Nope. Nope. Nope! NOPE! There was nothing under all of this ash! Laya scrunched her eyes shut as she began to plot out something. Then it hit her.That's it!She thought as she opened up her eyes and looked at her soot covered hands. The ash. She scooped up a hand full and softly blew it out of her hand. It created an opaque cloud. Laya looked into her haversack again, and once more, she didn't have anything to help her with this scenario. Her gaze drifted to Jay. She really didn't want to do this, but she had to. Ripping the scarf out from over her face, she revealed her very supple face. Her skin was pale as porcelain and her lips were a subtle peach color. She flashed Jay a soft smile before redirecting her attention to her scarf.
Ned let out a soft croak as he examined what Laya was doing. She laid the striped scarf out straight and began scooping ash onto it. It didn't have to be much, but enough to cause a smoke bomb effect to distract any bandits while they got away. Laya didn't plan on using this trick now, but would like to save it for later in case those jerks wanted to fight. She accumulated a reasonable sized mound and tried tying and wrapping it together so none of the ash would fall out. When Jay mentioned the space in between some buildings, she nodded to let him know she understood.
"Well I'm telling YOU... Thank you."She replied sticking her tongue out at him. Laya grabbed the scarf sack and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Ned closed his eyes and sunk deeper into her hoodie. She was getting closer to the gap, but she took a misstep. There was no telling what was under all this ash. Quickly catching herself before plummeting to the ground, she resumed to racing for the vacant area. Once there, she pressed her back against one of the walls and gasped for air. She did it! Sliding down the wall into a sitting position, she held the scarf close to her chest and watched as Jay was not far behind her.
The kid he had been previously watching stray from the others started to take out a couple of his men. As inconvenient as it is, it wasn't hard to find more of where they came from, so their loss was not mourned. Especially Carl, ******** Carl. Couldn't keep his weapon in check even after death now the brat had a hold of it. Thomas was far from amused he just really wanted to go back to the confines of his silk sheets.
"Too reliant on others that you can't do your own dirty work?"The kid was pretty comical, but his jokes were stale."For a runt you sure are cocky! I am obliviously here doing my work. Though you seem to believe it is "dirty" for some strange reason." To Thomas he was a visionary making some peoples lives better! He loved to deal in and with pretty much everything, if and only if it benefited him in someway. Such thoughts of dealing put a smile on his face. This reminded him on the task at hand to which needed his full attention.
Observing the younger male in his display of agility when fighting his subordinates gave Thomas ideas. What else could this seemingly annoying kiddo accomplish? A smirk painted itself upon his lips, the possibility of the young boy joining him and his droogs is incredibly slim, but he's sure they could work something out, in one way or another."Unless you'd like to end up like your buddy there on the ground, you might want to start explaining. If you're curious about whose sword is faster much less want to waste ammunition trying to hit me, do feel free to give me a reason to put my blade in your neck,"Good men are not supposed to question their foes, why his current batch of men are idiots is still very beyond him!"Where in the world would a kid get a mark like that?" Idiot, if only he could find a nice batch of quiet individuals to go on his outings with him!"Nunya. Now talk."
Talk? Thomas was good at talking, but what exactly does this kid want to know?"I'm on an expedition you see, scouting out some merchandise I was told about early this morning. Nothing personal with you at all. If you don't mind in putting away your weapon so that this conversation goes by smoother, that would be most pleasant."Though his list may have elongated with the appearance of the other young male, for selfish reasons. "Now let us reboot the situation, I am Thomas a merchant of sorts and you are?"A simple greeting was left indicated at the boy as he looked expectantly at him.
xXxXxAfter having sprinted the entire way into this used-to-be alleyway, Jay stood nearer the entrance they came from while only slightly breathing a bit faster than was normal. Brushing a stray blonde hair out of his face, he flashed the girl a brief half-smile while ignoring the fact she could probably see the golden-brown caramel coloration of his eyes from where she was. "Good job. Other than the slight stumble, you really know how to sprint and here I was worried I'd be running you over," he teased playfully while listening for any soft thunks following them. Feeling his breathing returning to normal and only hearing a couple of thunks, he inwardly sighed before starting to creep off down the alley with his hand prepared to swing the katana for any close-ranged combatants that got in their way. After a second or two, he paused and glanced back to see the girl hadn't moved with him. He should've guessed such a sprint on someone with less supplies than they'd had would have strained themselves to the point of gasping for air.
xxxxx"Come on, chiquitita. Take slow breaths in through the nose, out through the mouth. It slows the breathing back to a normal pace faster alongside slowing down your pulse. Cris taught me that. We need to keep moving though," Jay instructed gently while padding back over to her and slouching a little. They couldn't stay put for long or they'd be trapped between two groups of people in their current position. Slightly turning his back to her, he tapped his hand against his back while letting out a slow breath and then inhaling again. "Climb on my back, wrap your legs around my waist and your arms around my neck. I'll carry you out of this alley if I have to, but we can't stay here. This is a vulnerable position. I'm getting you back to your tank and I want you to stay put in there until you hear a light knock in a specific order. This order of knocks will be given to you at the location 'cause I don't trust these streets. There's too many places people can be hiding." God, it felt like he was talking to Hayden all over again.
xxxxxNever so much as twitching into a less offensive stance, Cristophe narrowed his dark brownish-black eyes at the man who seemed to be in charge of this. Of course it was all for business. That's what everyone's excuse was. That or survival. If he weren't keeping an eye on more than one person right now, he'd have probably just told the guy to shove that excuse up his backside. "Says the guy who has to bring an entire group of morons on such a simple business trip. All business in this day and age is dirty, buddy, so don't think me stupid. Especially business involving children. My sword isn't going anywhere except through your chest, Thomas, if you try anything funny," the darker haired boy retorted sharply albeit part of him wanting to facepalm at how his words seemed to slur somewhat so he sounded like he was what people used to call French. The more irritable he became, the more his words slurred into that weird accented voice. Perhaps he could shift his position ever so slightly...
xxxxxFlipping his katana around so it was no longer trailing down his arm, he stood up straighter than he was a moment ago albeit still in a comfortable enough position where he could run if it was necessary and swing his katana. "I am called the Mole and anything I do is none of your business. All you really need to know is if you interfere with me or anything I associate with, I will interfere with you and if it comes down to it, I will kill you," Cristophe answered vaguely in response to the other male's introduction. This was survival of the fittest and the fittest did not let people like him get away with things. He would not let what happened to Hayden happen again. Just the thought of that and what had happened to him recently made the dark haired fifteen-year-old want to cut this man's head off and stick it on a pike. "The same goes for what's mine. Is this much understood?"
Related to Hibiki Itou in some way, shape or form:: Jay is a sixteen-year-old scavenging kind of guy. You can also say he's more like the type of guy who would defend the camp while the scavengers were out. His mindset, however, is that of being at least somewhere in his early twenties. He is always in good physical shape and can be found practicing with his katana with Cristophe when they aren't busy doing other things. That is if anyone knew where they like to hide and talk in private amongst the town of bunkers. He likes hanging out with Cristophe, practicing with his katana and music that hasn't played in years yet has been sung by his parents and their parents and their parents before them. Jay questions everything, but is rather blunt about it unlike his closest friend's silent demeanor. He's the only one capable of getting into at least part of Cristophe's thought process. Cristophe is very much like Jay only far more quiet and far more tactical. His brain literally never shuts down. Like Jay, both have odd designs that seem to be permanently in their skin like a tattoo on their arms, but it's uncertain as to what it really is seeing as even the eldest living people of their town don't have a tattoo. Jack and Leo are twin medical geniuses at the young age of seventeen. Leo has dark black hair whereas Jack has off-white hair. Jack works just fine under pressure and when just doing regular check-ups unlike his twin brother who will literally be chanting "oh crap" like a mantra that will bring him good luck. Unfortunately, after an event that ended up in the loss of a scavenger who ended up dead, these two have become clingy after work. They claim it is because they feel so cold after dealing with sick or injured patients, but most doubt that much so if they just up and hug you out of nowhere, they're just leaving work and it's to be expected. Jack can be very upbeat and cheerful, but his brother can be very uptight and serious about things. Both are very good with children seeing as they're always helping their mother and various aunts with their younger brothers, sisters and cousins when they aren't working. One of these kids is the lover of riddles, Hayden. Hayden, age thirteen and an adopted child of their family. Seeing as he wasn't originally part of the entire town, people tend to think of him as an outsider still. It doesn't help that he still remembers his parents trading his young body capable of working for food and water. He seems cold and distant, but he's really just acting that way so as to protect himself from being hurt all over again. If his own parents traded him for scraps of food that wouldn't last through the night, what wouldn't people do to survive in this day and age? While he is very young, he is very smart. His job, although it isn't official to the rest of the town, is passing along secret messages and anything involving stealth except for assassinating people. At least thus far he hasn't killed anyone. He is very honest although he doesn't really like discussing his personal life. Like his elder step-brothers who sleep on either side of him, he helps out with the children running amok his stepmother's bunker. He enjoys poetry and has his own katana albeit he hasn't used it other than in practice with Cristophe and Jay.
Laya smirked and retorted,"You don't have to worry about me. I can fend for myself, you know."She got to her feet and dusted off the loose ash on her skirt. Hand prints were smeared into her clothes from all the burned remains, but she didn't care. She would just wash them when she got to her humble abode. Water wasn't a big issue with her. It was very easy to filter and purify the water. It's also how Ned has stayed alive for so long and kept his slimy, viscous exterior. Food was her main concern. She needed more protein. More meat. But fiber was a good substitute. It stuck in her stomach longer and gave her a less empty filling in her gut. Jay suddenly crept down the alleyway, so Laya took this opportunity to put the scarf full of ash into her haversack for safe keeping.
"Don't worry about me."She replied as Ned nuzzled into her neck. The blond boy motioned for her to get onto his back. Laya was very skeptical about the whole idea, but he was right. They had to keep moving. She wanted to say she could just trudge on without his help, but she knew she wouldn't get far if this mission involved a lot of running. She was good for short sprints, but not for a marathon. Swallowing her pride, she climbed up onto his back and wrapped her arms around his neck. His body was warm. It had been a very long time since she had felt the embrace of another. Reminiscing, she thought back to the times where her mother would hold her in her arms when they sat in the only nice recliner they had. Her father would be in the kitchen making bread and frying up some diced potatoes. It was them against the world. She recalled the times her mom would inform her on herbs, and how her father taught her survival skills and basic mechanics. A smile shone on her face as she pressed her cheek in the nape of Jay's neck.
Her chocolate eyes opened slightly and her smile began to fade away. She missed her parents and wondered where they could possibly be. Were they looking for her like how she was looking for them? A soft sigh escaped her lips.Please don't let me regret this decision...She thought as she was trusting Jay just this once then it was back to being solitary.
How queer, Thomas couldn't recall ever mentioning the girl to the rather obnoxious youngster before him. Enough silliness, the kids mouth was older than the kid itself. "Kiddo I believe this to be an old saying, but "Take a chill pill." No need to be so fussy all the time." this guy is far to high-strung for Thomas' liking, he once wanted the kid for his abilities, but now would much rather bend him over his knee. Thomas made note that "The Frog Princess" was no longer in view, the sole purpose in which he left his lovely home for this morning. Him being in this area was now completely pointless. It's time for him and the remainder of his men to get back on track.
"I brought these morons to help me in lifting and finding items One of them might spot the value in something I'd usually think of as worthless. We have weapons to defend ourselves in case of being attacked, now being one of those times, but it seems I've brought my most incompetent of men along for this one. My favorite and most capable, is most likely awaiting for my return home."Thinking about the individual and the possibility of them laying wait in his chambers made Thomas even more eager to hurry up and go home.
"Chatting with you has been a real ball, but I have deadlines to meet and must get on with my business, now if you would excuse us." Thomas brushed past "Mole" and started walking in the opposite direction in which his little "princess" had ran off in, his last three men following close behind. Thomas would rather call "Mole" kid and things along that line, the name mole just didn't quite roll of the tongue.
xXxXx"Sure thing... And up we go," Jay murmured lightly albeit his cheer seemed far less out in the open. The fact that this girl was thin enough he could feel how thin she was through his back, the blonde haired male felt bad about doubting Cristophe on coming all the way out here. If he'd have known about this sooner, he'd have been helping Cris with everything he'd been doing only less behind the scenes. It's why Cris was the mole and Jay was more like the mouse. Standing as carefully as he could, he slid his freehand under the girl's leg before starting to creep-jog, if that could even be counted as a way to move, down the alleyway again. And these people who struck out at them first...
xxxxx"Don't turn away. I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. Dare to believe over one last time. Then I'll let the darkness cover me. Deny everything. Slowly walk away to breathe again on my own. Carry me away. I need your strength to get me through this. Dare to believe over one last time. Then I'll let the darkness cover me. Deny everything. Slowly walk away to breathe again on my own," he hummed lightly as if it were a habit to hum something to himself while moving. When he'd come across a new alley to exit from, he would sometimes go through it instead of running through the open and at other times he wouldn't. It all seemed to depend on whether the danger would lessen or increase in his opinion or not. Soon enough, however, he found himself by the rusted over tank. It was nice having protected her all the way here.
xxxxx"Alright. Here we are. When it's safe to come out again, I'll knock two times on the top, three on the bottom and two on top again. Alright? If it's anything besides that, don't come out. Tanks are one of the most secure places to be in 'cause you have to be inside of it to open either the top or the bottom. Cris is always curious about the past before all of the ash," he breathed out lowly while crouching down again so the girl could get down off his back. He'd got her here in one piece and at least now she could finish her examination of that can. Oh yeah! "That reminds me... Do you need a can opener? I can open that can of beans for you with my knife if you don't. From what the twins said, beans carry lots of protein whereas mushrooms carry lots of iron. I also have a small can of mushrooms if you'd like that. I was going to save it for later, but I haven't quite been feeling as hungry as usual today." This was followed by him returning his katana to his hip and pulling a small can with a picture of a diced up mushroom on it out of his pocket for her. She was too tiny to be out here on her own.
xxxxxGiving a slight clicking sound, the dark haired male padded after the male without really saying much of anything for several long minutes. "I don't have my sheath on me, genius, so asking me to put my sword away was a stupid request on your part. You'd have seen that I left it with the blonde boy, Mr. Merchant, from where you were standing if you were paying attention. The only things you can really do nowadays is trade food, weaponry and water with each other. Anything else of value is nearly impossible unless you find someone capable of tinkering around with the mechanics of old. And I didn't attack first. I defended myself and two kids I refuse to let die because of bandits. If you have deadlines, Mr. Thomas, you obviously have some of these things and I'd like to discuss trade with you. I have a right to be irritable when fired upon by you first though," Cristophe stated cooly while briefly pausing in mid-step to stomp on one of the guy's feet for remaining too close to him. Once the man started hopping around on one foot, he continued his long-legged strides to keep up with the older man.
xxxxx"Keep your men at a distance from me is all I ask of you to do during this discussion. Besides that, I didn't kill any of your men, only incapacitated them and took supplies necessary for survival. I don't like being stared at like a piece a fresh meat just waiting to be kidnapped. It's how they've been watching me, my friend and the girl I've been working on keeping alive for some time now. Mole is a codename given to me by my mother before she died. The blonde male is Mouse. Like stories of the past stated, they like small, dark spaces and there's basically nowhere they can't get to. That's what we do," the dark haired male continued in a calmer manner than earlier. So he was actually irritable about having to discuss trade with an adult much less one that thought he could look down on him just because he was younger than him. He didn't have to be a full-fledged adult to know the things he did. His brain was always active and there was much he didn't really miss out on, but then there was that short temper of his. Unlike most, the only ways his anger showed was through that weird accent of his, any music he sung aloud which was mostly in private or through his actions with his sword. "I have a group with me after all, but the town we're in has adults who will only get us killed faster than is necessary. They don't listen to the problems we have and every time they send out scavenging parties who have to go out further, less come back. Death by the true nature of man is a risk we all have to take in order to survive this world we live in, but there are other things we have issues with the adults about. Let's say I brought these kids to you, kids trained in various fields of surviving this world, would you take them in so long as they weren't dead weight? So long as they worked for the food, the water, the shelter and the protection? Would you even listen if we see something you do not that could end up in the death of us all?"
Related to Hibiki Itou in some way, shape or form:: Jay is a sixteen-year-old scavenging kind of guy. You can also say he's more like the type of guy who would defend the camp while the scavengers were out. His mindset, however, is that of being at least somewhere in his early twenties. He is always in good physical shape and can be found practicing with his katana with Cristophe when they aren't busy doing other things. That is if anyone knew where they like to hide and talk in private amongst the town of bunkers. He likes hanging out with Cristophe, practicing with his katana and music that hasn't played in years yet has been sung by his parents and their parents and their parents before them. Jay questions everything, but is rather blunt about it unlike his closest friend's silent demeanor. He's the only one capable of getting into at least part of Cristophe's thought process. Cristophe is very much like Jay only far more quiet and far more tactical. His brain literally never shuts down. Like Jay, both have odd designs that seem to be permanently in their skin like a tattoo on their arms, but it's uncertain as to what it really is seeing as even the eldest living people of their town don't have a tattoo. Jack and Leo are twin medical geniuses at the young age of seventeen. Leo has dark black hair whereas Jack has off-white hair. Jack works just fine under pressure and when just doing regular check-ups unlike his twin brother who will literally be chanting "oh crap" like a mantra that will bring him good luck. Unfortunately, after an event that ended up in the loss of a scavenger who ended up dead, these two have become clingy after work. They claim it is because they feel so cold after dealing with sick or injured patients, but most doubt that much so if they just up and hug you out of nowhere, they're just leaving work and it's to be expected. Jack can be very upbeat and cheerful, but his brother can be very uptight and serious about things. Both are very good with children seeing as they're always helping their mother and various aunts with their younger brothers, sisters and cousins when they aren't working. One of these kids is the lover of riddles, Hayden. Hayden, age thirteen and an adopted child of their family. Seeing as he wasn't originally part of the entire town, people tend to think of him as an outsider still. It doesn't help that he still remembers his parents trading his young body capable of working for food and water. He seems cold and distant, but he's really just acting that way so as to protect himself from being hurt all over again. If his own parents traded him for scraps of food that wouldn't last through the night, what wouldn't people do to survive in this day and age? While he is very young, he is very smart. His job, although it isn't official to the rest of the town, is passing along secret messages and anything involving stealth except for assassinating people. At least thus far he hasn't killed anyone. He is very honest although he doesn't really like discussing his personal life. Like his elder step-brothers who sleep on either side of him, he helps out with the children running amok his stepmother's bunker. He enjoys poetry and has his own katana albeit he hasn't used it other than in practice with Cristophe and Jay.
Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 12:40 am
Dantes_river
Lorenzo Stark
Ƚɑʏɑ&Ⓝⓔⓓ
After you... I don't know what I believe in.
Laya could hear Jay softly hum. The subtle tune gave her joy. It was the simple things in this ******** up world that gave her hope for things to get better even though she knew this planet was destined for desolation for the rest of eternity. This was another prime example of why she loved and cared for Ned so much. When Jay said something about Cris being curious of the past, she silently agreed. There was so much stuff. What they could have been or how they could have contributed in the World of Eden back in the day must have been miraculous. Some of the left over technology still had ways of powering up and performing their tasks if worked the right way with cables and electrical energy. Her father liked to do that with the iPods, because music made them forget about their world for a few moments.
As she jumped down off his back, she placed her palm on the cold steel of her tank. Home. Her sanctuary. She looked at Jay when he asked her about a can opener."No thank you. I think I can manage."A small giggle erupted from her throat as she gestured him 'it's okay.'"You can keep your mushrooms. You two have done plenty for me."Laya crawled up to the hatch and opened it with ease. It was so old and so worn that nothing in this tank actually worked accordingly. The hatch was broken, but she had ways of anchoring it when she slept or was inside. She paused for a moment and made eye contact with the blond boy."Be safe."She wished before giving him a half smile.
Jumping inside, Ned leaped out of her hoodie and into a bowl of water. He sang his amphibious tune and crawled up around the edge of the bowl. The brunette girl turned on one of her lanterns and placed it on a small wooden desk. Laya then picked up a chain, laced it into metal loops in the hatch, and then tied it off on the first metal, bar step in the tank. She laid down on her "bed" of blankets and pillows on the floor and pulled out the can of beans. Her stomach demanded this nourishment, but yet she was too tired to do anything. Maybe she would eat once she got a nap in.
Thomas looked over his shoulder when the kid clicked his tongue. "I take responsibility of that mistake. Yes, yes you make valid points good-lad. I have many wares, not currently with me since I'm out on a run looking for more. Female lockets are pretty popular right now in my area."What kind of things has this kid taken and horded away? Dirty magazines? That's a rational thing for someone his age to have. maybe that's what he actually wants to get in the trade? Thomas frowned as his subordinates foot has stomped on and watched as he dumbly bounced around. "I'm sure that they know to stay away now."he said with a smile. Thomas looked around till he saw a rather dusty chair in a building window. He proceeded to walk into said building, dusting the chair off and settling himself into it." These guys are extremely lonely, I apologize about them staring at you like that."
After padding away the dust on his hands he looked up toward the young male. "They might as well be dead being apprehended so easily like that."He silently listened to young male, while wishing he had some tea or something to drink while the had this discussion." Mouse? What a cute name. Speaking of him, where did he run off to? Hmm wait no. You wouldn't tell me anyways." He chuckled slightly, but to his dismay it didn't seem to lighten the others mood.
Thomas heard the change in the younger males tone, seeing how he was quite passionate in what he was talking about. A slight frown was plastered on his handsome face as he replied,"I am no monster, of coarse I'd take care of them! If they became ill i'd send scouts out for the medicine they needed. The first impression we have of each other is pretty miserable. I would invite you over for cake, but the terms we are on now you would probably never accept the offer."Thomas let out a yawn as he stretched in his seat. He wanted to go home and take a nap after this.
xXxXxSmiling lightly at the girl's response to him and watching her vanish into the tank, the blonde male gave a soft sigh before moving through the ashes back to his original footprints. Some time after following his footsteps through the ashes, he carried piles of ash back to the tank and covered up the girl's prints. "Same to you, belladonna. Please remain safe and understand we only want to help you," Jay murmured softly before following his footprints once again to a place where he could remain hidden and watch over the tank for possible invaders. Cristophe would let him know if the coast was clear or not once he got back to where they were. For now, however, it was just a game of waiting for what happens next.
xxxxx"I do hope to God you weren't meaning that lonely comment in a perverse manner. And if lockets are a big thing with your people, they're being spoiled... Or you are in your trading business," Cristophe muttered while remaining standing whilst the older male seated himself. Removing a canteen from over his shoulder with one hand, he shoved his katana briefly into the floorboards so he could pour some of the water from the canteen into the lid and extending it out to the other. At least the older blonde male was right about the other three men keeping their distance now that he'd stomped on the one's foot.
xxxxx"I can only guess where he is right now actually. He's never been this far outside of our town before so he could be lost in this once-was city or he could've found his way out. Most I know is he will protect that girl with his life no matter where he is 'cause I told him to when the genius carrying this crossbow fired at us and we split up. It is good to hear you can be civil to kids with a brain though. Few adults do that where we live," he continued smoothly while picking briefly glancing around between the four males. This one could be civil, if only a little bit, but he wouldn't trust any of them at his back much less alone with anyone who was in his group much less the frog girl. "It also makes my day you'd be one who sought out medicine for the sick. Unfortunately, I can't see you doing the same for the injured. You've left several of your men behind just because of some minor injuries. Sure the one I took out in front of you would have some knee damage, but I didn't break his legs. I didn't kick him hard enough for that. The reason I bring that up is because I don't leave men behind unless they're dead and even then I'd at least give them a decent burial... And would you please not treat me like I'm five with bribery of what is said to be sugary foods? I may only be fifteen, but my logic and gut instinct aren't going to be swayed by invitations to things like cake. In truth, the guy whose foot I stomped on has had my Agent Orange acting up since he came out of hiding... I mean scavenging. Either way, I need to know I can trust you to help us take care of someone in our group who isn't doing too great right now. I need to know I can trust you enough to bring my group into yours without you pushing stupid rules and regulations like arranged marriages or a single person being the judge and jury."
Related to Hibiki Itou in some way, shape or form:: Jay is a sixteen-year-old scavenging kind of guy. You can also say he's more like the type of guy who would defend the camp while the scavengers were out. His mindset, however, is that of being at least somewhere in his early twenties. He is always in good physical shape and can be found practicing with his katana with Cristophe when they aren't busy doing other things. That is if anyone knew where they like to hide and talk in private amongst the town of bunkers. He likes hanging out with Cristophe, practicing with his katana and music that hasn't played in years yet has been sung by his parents and their parents and their parents before them. Jay questions everything, but is rather blunt about it unlike his closest friend's silent demeanor. He's the only one capable of getting into at least part of Cristophe's thought process. Cristophe is very much like Jay only far more quiet and far more tactical. His brain literally never shuts down. Like Jay, both have odd designs that seem to be permanently in their skin like a tattoo on their arms, but it's uncertain as to what it really is seeing as even the eldest living people of their town don't have a tattoo. Jack and Leo are twin medical geniuses at the young age of seventeen. Leo has dark black hair whereas Jack has off-white hair. Jack works just fine under pressure and when just doing regular check-ups unlike his twin brother who will literally be chanting "oh crap" like a mantra that will bring him good luck. Unfortunately, after an event that ended up in the loss of a scavenger who ended up dead, these two have become clingy after work. They claim it is because they feel so cold after dealing with sick or injured patients, but most doubt that much so if they just up and hug you out of nowhere, they're just leaving work and it's to be expected. Jack can be very upbeat and cheerful, but his brother can be very uptight and serious about things. Both are very good with children seeing as they're always helping their mother and various aunts with their younger brothers, sisters and cousins when they aren't working. One of these kids is the lover of riddles, Hayden. Hayden, age thirteen and an adopted child of their family. Seeing as he wasn't originally part of the entire town, people tend to think of him as an outsider still. It doesn't help that he still remembers his parents trading his young body capable of working for food and water. He seems cold and distant, but he's really just acting that way so as to protect himself from being hurt all over again. If his own parents traded him for scraps of food that wouldn't last through the night, what wouldn't people do to survive in this day and age? While he is very young, he is very smart. His job, although it isn't official to the rest of the town, is passing along secret messages and anything involving stealth except for assassinating people. At least thus far he hasn't killed anyone. He is very honest although he doesn't really like discussing his personal life. Like his elder step-brothers who sleep on either side of him, he helps out with the children running amok his stepmother's bunker. He enjoys poetry and has his own katana albeit he hasn't used it other than in practice with Cristophe and Jay.
Laya could feel her eyelids becoming heavy. She cleared her mind and drifted into a somber slumber. It was strange... She was sitting on a bench. It appeared as if it were new. The wood was nicely polished and there was no sign of ash residue. Tossing her brunette bangs out from in front of her face, she looked at the scenery around her. Water... Everywhere. Subtle waves curled up against her feet. A soft gasp escaped her lips as it was cool. Laya smiled as she began to kick her feet to splash the water around. Her clothes were clean as well. They looked ever so perfect with no stains or ash. Was this heaven? She looked up to the sky and it was blue. Just like the water. Except... There was a giant yellow circle that hung with white clouds. The warms rays kissed her cheeks and she knew that this was what lay just above the ash. Ned jumped up next to her along the edge of the back rest of the bench. He let out a croak before jumping into the water and swimming around.
Suddenly... Her dream became a nightmare... The clouds turned black and blotted out the sun. Laya held her hands up to her chest and bit the knuckle of her forefinger. The water turned to sludge and the bench abruptly started to rust and crack. The girl quickly got to her feet and scooped up the muck-covered frog and held him so tenderly in her hands."Why?!"She yelled to the merciless gods. The sky began to cry. Drops landed all around her, but these were no ordinary drops of rain."AHHHH!!!"She screamed in anguish. The drops burned through her flesh. The pain... Oh god... The PAIN. There was nowhere to take cover and she was slowly getting eaten away by the unforgiving acid rain. Looking at her hand, she could see the white of bone in the center of red flesh as the acid withered her away to nothing.
Gasping for large gulps of air, Laya awoke from her night terror. Beads of sweat beckoned along her forehead as she stared wide-eyed at the wall. Why did her dreams resort to such darkness? Ned jumped into her lap and curled up close to her. Trying to calm down, she pinched the bridge of her nose as if to rid a bad headache. The girl scooped up Ned and placed him in the bowl of water before pulling out the can Cris and Jay gave her. She grabbed a knife and cut out a obscure square with several stabbings. Laya held the can up to her mouth and started to eat.
He grinned broadly as he accepted the water from mole."I guess it's a woman thing to want lockets, to hide special things inside of them. I'd also say I am a bit spoiled, yes, in my defense I do most of the spoiling. That's very diligent of Mouse to do so. I know that kids can have some really good ideas, when I was your age I would be asked my personal opinion while on trades with the Old-Man. All advice is appreciated and filled into the situation to see what rout to take next."
Thomas glanced out the window as his once-upon- time men got up and started to limp away with one another. " The thin with me men is they where trained to carry out specific jobs, they know very well if they ******** up as bad as them out there did, they are fired and will no longer be housed."Thomas said while staring blankly at the men through the window before returning his gaze to Mole."I rather like cake."he stated with a fake pout. Thomas became rather frazzled, What did he mean Agent Orange? He paused blinked a few times before voicing the question. "Err..Mole.....What's Agent Orange? Forgive me, but I am thoroughly confused by what that is. By all means, how unwell if your friend? What medicine does he need? I'm not much of a doctor, but i have had my share of illness to take car of and stitching wounds. Arranges marriage? I'd rather cut off my right ear, the Old-Man once tried introducing people to me, but we never got along and so he didn't push it. That's the only thing like that we have. Rules are generally knock before entering someone else room and the occasional restricted areas that we store large fancy furniture in and don not want it damaged. Oh and please be quite at night, sleep is a beautiful thing." Ahhh sleep that reminded him of how tired he was as he forced down another yawn
"One last rule is people going out should never go out alone with at least one other person, and all outings are to be reported to me or another of high responsibility, a few minutes before you leave. I dislike looking for someone and freaking, out only for them to come back clueless if at all of the worry it caused everyone. If someone reports where they are going and is late coming back we'd know where to start looking for that said person in case they had gotten into trouble. Judge, Jury, well usually if someone acts out and is complained about frequently, the Old-Man and I talk about it then talk to the convicted and what happens happens. Never had anyone else to discuss it with. Hmmm I believe that sums up most of it."Thomas combed his fingers through his blonde hair as he searched the archives of his mind, trying to make sure nothing direly important was left out. To his luck he was most certain he hadn't left out anything. He dropped his hand from his hair and let it lay neatly on his lap.
xXxXx"If they're still capable of working for that which is necessary to survive, they're still useful though. It isn't right to leave someone behind due to the fact they couldn't stand up to a fifteen-year-old who has had most of his life spent practicing with a sword with his closest acquaintance. I wasn't surprised they were shocked it was a kid taking down their forces as who would expect someone of my size to be able to move as quickly and with as much power behind our swings as Mouse and I do? They underestimate our abilities just because we are children and we end up the victors. Courage is not being able to take a life, but in knowing when to spare a life after all," Cristophe stated cooly while only briefly flickering a half-smile at the older male. Removing his sunglasses, his eyes showing their deep brown coloration for once in a long time, the dark haired male dropped into a seated position without the slightest bit of hesitation. Might as well get this guy at least a little more comfortable around him during this discussion. "I've never had it so I wouldn't know if I like it or not. As far as I know, however, I'm not really all that picky about food. Wary, yes. Picky, no."
xxxxxTaking in a breath, he then lightly scratched the back of his neck. "Agent Orange, my good monsieur, was a codename in the past soldiers would use to say they were unnerved or uncomfortable around a certain person, place and so on and so forth. It's like a form of post-traumatic stress disorder also known as PTSD. By saying that certain gentleman has my Agent Orange acting up, it's my way of stating I do not feel very comfortable and would rather put my blade through his eye socket. Fortunately for you, I'm actually trying to be nice instead of cutting people's arms and heads off first and asking questions later. Violence really gets us nowhere after all," he explained in that smooth, low rumble of a voice that seemed probably way too mature for his age. Cracking his neck, he let out a soft purr before holding up a finger as if telling him to wait a moment. Standing back up, he removed his sword from the floorboards and stepped over to a wooden door where he knocked on it a couple times. As the door started swinging open, his foot kicked it back closed with enough force to cause an older male to give an audible curse only for him to drop low as a bullet passed through the door where his upper body should have been. Within moments, the older man who was obviously a bandit wasn't even twitching and Cristophe was moving back over to Thomas with a smooth hum.
xxxxx"Those rules aren't too bad, but Mouse is the best way anyone is ever going to find me. Without him, you have no me. It's a personal rule between him and me that all messages get passed from him to me and messages from me go through him to anyone else. Apparently to most, I don't express much care when I talk so I sound heartless or simply pissed off. While he's blunt about things, he shows more emotion than I do and is less intimidating. As for my injured companion, the twins were incapable of giving me full details of his condition, but from what they've told me he will be unconscious for several more days due to loss of blood and overworking himself. He's two years younger than I am and will be a valuable asset to your party much like how Mouse and I can replace your little gaggle of men that didn't last very long. Besides that, we can get to better things with less attention being drawn to shattered glass and broken doors," Cristophe continued rather calmly, regret for what he'd done to the bandit never being even slightly hinted at in his expression whatsoever. Sitting back down before the older, fair haired male, he flashed another light half-smile. "Is it at all possible for us to meet back here, say, tomorrow at the same time to discuss the movement of say fifteen kids between the ages of ten and twenty, a small herd of various animals and a cart full of plants - medicinal and edible alike - to where you reside? I am still working on discussing protection to the girl in the green hoodie, but I'm counting her with the fourteen I already have. I will have to discuss with the three medics I have how soon I can move the injured one after all without hurting him in the long run."
xxxxxSeeing as no one had showed up in a while, Jay had moved back beside the rusted up tank and leaned up against it. It didn't appear that Cristophe would be returning anytime soon. Where could the mouse's little mole be? It worried him so much to not know where his mole could be right now. Was he in danger? Did he need help? But he couldn't leave the girl alone! He'd promised the mole that he would stay by her until he returned. "Mon ami, where can you be? It's been far too long for you to be gone away from me..."
Related to Hibiki Itou in some way, shape or form:: Jay is a sixteen-year-old scavenging kind of guy. You can also say he's more like the type of guy who would defend the camp while the scavengers were out. His mindset, however, is that of being at least somewhere in his early twenties. He is always in good physical shape and can be found practicing with his katana with Cristophe when they aren't busy doing other things. That is if anyone knew where they like to hide and talk in private amongst the town of bunkers. He likes hanging out with Cristophe, practicing with his katana and music that hasn't played in years yet has been sung by his parents and their parents and their parents before them. Jay questions everything, but is rather blunt about it unlike his closest friend's silent demeanor. He's the only one capable of getting into at least part of Cristophe's thought process. Cristophe is very much like Jay only far more quiet and far more tactical. His brain literally never shuts down. Like Jay, both have odd designs that seem to be permanently in their skin like a tattoo on their arms, but it's uncertain as to what it really is seeing as even the eldest living people of their town don't have a tattoo. Jack and Leo are twin medical geniuses at the young age of seventeen. Leo has dark black hair whereas Jack has off-white hair. Jack works just fine under pressure and when just doing regular check-ups unlike his twin brother who will literally be chanting "oh crap" like a mantra that will bring him good luck. Unfortunately, after an event that ended up in the loss of a scavenger who ended up dead, these two have become clingy after work. They claim it is because they feel so cold after dealing with sick or injured patients, but most doubt that much so if they just up and hug you out of nowhere, they're just leaving work and it's to be expected. Jack can be very upbeat and cheerful, but his brother can be very uptight and serious about things. Both are very good with children seeing as they're always helping their mother and various aunts with their younger brothers, sisters and cousins when they aren't working. One of these kids is the lover of riddles, Hayden. Hayden, age thirteen and an adopted child of their family. Seeing as he wasn't originally part of the entire town, people tend to think of him as an outsider still. It doesn't help that he still remembers his parents trading his young body capable of working for food and water. He seems cold and distant, but he's really just acting that way so as to protect himself from being hurt all over again. If his own parents traded him for scraps of food that wouldn't last through the night, what wouldn't people do to survive in this day and age? While he is very young, he is very smart. His job, although it isn't official to the rest of the town, is passing along secret messages and anything involving stealth except for assassinating people. At least thus far he hasn't killed anyone. He is very honest although he doesn't really like discussing his personal life. Like his elder step-brothers who sleep on either side of him, he helps out with the children running amok his stepmother's bunker. He enjoys poetry and has his own katana albeit he hasn't used it other than in practice with Cristophe and Jay.
