Invader Len

Strange World

Was there divine providence in this crazy world, or was it by sheer dumb luck that they had all caught up together so quickly? He didn't know, and right now he couldn't care. The only thing he knew was how awash with relief he was, seeing the girls safe and unharmed. Andy broke out into a bright smile, one that was quickly dampened as Abby told them of a ominous stalker that had followed them, apparently targeting Camilla. The thought of anyone doing something to her... That made his blood run cold. While they couldn't die and all physical injuries healed quickly here, there was no telling the psychological effects that could remain because of torture.

Then Ricardo spoke up, and volunteered that they could watch the street while the girls looked for footwear. Andy quickly nodded in agreement, piping up.
"Y-Y-Y-Yess, g-g-get sh-shoesss. B-B-Be c-c-careful, c-c-clothesss here a-a-are weird." he offered, looking down at his own unfortunate wardrobe in obvious disappointment. He turned to Ricardo, taking a moment to try and formulate his words before he spoke. If he kept stammering like an idiot, it would take him forever to be heard. They didn't have forever.
"B-B-Bef-fore th-the lava, I-I was mak-k-king a map-p. M-Maybe w-we can f-f-find one n-nearb-b-by? O-Or t-t-town h-hall? P-P-Place thisss b-big must have ssssome k-kind of hi- hier- hereraky-... S-Sssome kind of bossss." He suggested, frustratedly giving up on the word 'hierarchy'. Looked like it would be a while before he could move on to big words. He just hoped he could get his meaning across on monosyllables.

Looking back at the store behind them, he found himself struck by a thought.
"W-W-Where d-do you th-th-think all th-th-thisss ssstuff c-comesss from?" He asked, realizing that he had never seen any farms, factories, or anyone crafting their wares either up in the city, or down here in the... lava city? Not to mention, these places didn't have names, not that he knew of. Where did all the stuff in the stores and on the street come from? They couldn't just magically appear, could they? There had to be some kind of supply. Maybe if they found that, they could get more clues as to the true nature of this bizarre dimension.

Strange World

Are we waiting on me again? I'm so confused about the scheduling. I can have a post up after the 13th of February or possibly sooner, depending on how quickly I get my English paper done. Sorry if I've caused a delay!

Strange World

The sudden shout startled the boy, glancing past Ricardo to see the man half-hanging through the doorway. Andy's face flushed with color at the reminder that he was naked, and that people saw him. Honestly, he had forgotten that there were others around. The cooing and giggling of effeminate voices from the balconies above reached his ears, and Andy now realized they'd had a very public audience. Suddenly he was very eager to get new clothes, regardless of the man's temperament or rudeness.

He followed Ricardo into the man's shop, eager to cover up and escape the calls and whistles. The interior of the store and its contents, however, made him rethink stepping inside. The clothes here seem more fit for demons or Dracula than people! Why was everything so black and spiky?! Half of the clothes here hardly resembled clothes at all! This was obscene!

Still... It was better than being naked. And the longer he stayed this way, the more he could feel burning eyeballs being pointed at his rear end. And if Ricardo could do it, then so could he! He plunged forwards into the racks and shelves of clothes, seeking out something decent to wear. Eventually he found a T-shirt that wasn't ripped up or covered in vile studs and spikes, some dark denim jeans, underwear, and boots. He rushed to the aforementioned changing rooms as fast as his legs could carry him, eager to get into something sane.

And once again, his hopes for familiarity and comfort were thwarted. Why was everything so damn tight?! The underwear he didn't mind hugging his figure, but the black jeans clung to him so tightly it was like not wearing jeans at all! It wasn't that they were uncomfortable, no, they stretched and moved in ways that were very uncharacteristic of denim, but they were just so... Tight! The red shirt was the same. The color had stuck out to him, being amongst his favorites, and though the size matched his previous, he had to struggle to get it over his own head. At least the boots were normal, though heavy and hard to lace up, reminiscent of military combat footwear.

Feeling shyer exiting the stall than he had been going it, Andy returned to the main body of the store, snagging a leather jacket and a messenger bag from off the racks to help feel more covered. He spotted Ricardo and quickly caught up to him, desperately not wanting to be left behind again.
"R-R-Riiicardo!" He called, hopefully getting his attention. He passed by a disturbing black mask with a zipper for a mouth, feeling an unwanted shiver run down his spine.
"S-s-sssso w-weird! N-N-nev-ver beeeen iiin p-p-place like t-th-th-this. G-G-Gives me c-c-c-creepssss..." He stammered, casting an uneasy eye back to the shopkeeper.

"W-W-Weee sh-should leave. F-Find-d th-the girls. S-s-safer t-together, right?" He asked, looking for some sense of direction. Ricardo might not know where he was going either, but he might have seen a better place to start looking than Andy did. For some reason, his memories directly before, during, and after falling in the lava were fuzzy, almost like there was something blocking him from remembering. Was it just he trauma from the pain? Weird.

Strange World

Hi! I'm really sorry I disappeared, I've been hit by snow storm after snow storm where I am. But the snow is mostly over now, and I have power and internet back, so I'll get on a post as quickly as I can! I'm so super sorry for slowing things down!

Edit: And I've posted! Andy's not super thrilled about skinny jeans or modern fashion. He's just a poor farm boy from the 80's, he just wants his butt covered decently.

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@Classpet
Nice! That's awesome! Sorry for the long delay, I experienced a horrible ice storm about a week ago and it took out power and internet. Just got it back yesterday. I forgot what warmth was T^T

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@Classpet
Nice, good luck! I just finished my finals, I have the rest of December off! I got an A in my Shakespeare Analysis class. TuT I worked so hard. I want a break.
Oooooh, that sounds neat! I'm doing a Rune Factory RP right now.

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@Invader Len
It's the holiday season :D!!!

@Classpet

Indeed it is! I always love December. Is anyone doing anything special this month? I'm going to get a new laptop for Christmas, so I can continue my university studies without scalding my legs, lol!

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So uh, Happy December everyone! Winter officially starts soon. :D

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@Balthazar007
Ditto on the congratulations!

And I posted! Andy can speak! ... Somewhat. He's still getting the hang of it. :D

Strange World

Andy blinked hard, dizzy, his eyes blurry. God, what was that smell? Where was he? The last thing he remembered was those kids pushing him around... And into the lava. He sat up like a bolt, rubbing away the fog over his eyes. He was alive! And out of the river! And... Naked.
He covered his loins with his hands, realizing the horrid smell was burning blood, a trail he had tracked from the river. There was cooled lava around him, solid and flaking away from his skin when he moved. He ran one hand through his hair, surprised to find that, not only was it there, it was the exact same length he had had it before. Was this the work of the healing factor too?

"Hey. Are you awake?"
Andy looked up at the speaker, relieved to see it was a familiar face. Ricardo! Also naked and covered in grime. Had he saved him? He felt an indescribable wave of gratitude welling up in his chest. No one had ever done something like that for him, certainly not subjecting themselves to the same torture he had endured. He nodded in answer, opening his mouth and trying to command his unruly tongue.
"Y-Y-Yessss! Ssssank y-you, R-Riiic-cardo." he stammered out, his intonation running wild. Still, it was the first sentence he had managed to say in his life, however mangled it was. He could learn to speak more... And he had a friend.

He shakily stood up, almost lurching forwards for another tumble into the lava. He caught himself in time, regaining his balance with his arms outstretched. He took several steps back from the edge, vowing to never step within ten feet of the molten rock for as long as he lived. He had to be more careful now, especially around these new inhabitants. He looked Ricardo over, seeing he wasn't hurt.
"W-W-Weee m-musst beee c-ca-careful. P-Peeople not ssssafe. N-N-Neeeed f-find C-Camiiilla a-and Abbyyy." he slurred, too busy thinking to be concerned with his speech. The girls were still in a dangerous city. If the kids here were capable of torture, there was no thinking what adults could do.
"W-Weee n-neeed pantssss too. A-And p-paper. I-I-I n-not gooood at sssspeakiiing. N-No p-p-practiiice." he added, trying to convey apologies in his tone. He'd be embarrassed, both at his terrible vocalizations and his nudity, but they were still in danger. Embarrassment could wait.