HanomaiStepping carefully along one of the old building, the area they were in was expansive, encompassing a good mile of abandoned structures and homes. All was quiet at the time, any sounds came from the deep distance and were mere echoes. Nothing moved. Fully knowing that one wrong kick or move could shatter the silence and make those who sleep below awaken and devour them, there was a heavy tension. Their destination was the other side of the city, a place called Rook-ridge. They could see it in the distance, a tower that stood above the buildings, silent and still, a vigil on the horizon. If there wasn't a mad man inside that controlled half the city, it would be something to calm their nerves a little, knowing that they were closer, but unfortunately for them; it was not.
They stepped into an old factory building, hoping to cut through it and avoid a dense set of buildings by going around. The factory was covered with dust, proving that it was beyond old. Scrap was strewn about, tossed into large piles. Light poured into the room via dusty windows, illuminating them in a twilight glow. The object that stood out the most in here was the furnace, ancient and cold. Sebastian stopped the ground, bending down to the floor and inspecting the dust. Just like snow, anything that came through here would leave tracks. "We're not alone..." His voice whispered over the comms. "There are fresh tracks here, no more than an hour or more old." He stood, his armor making slight creaking sounds. He motioned for them to follow closely and he started to lead them through the factory. They ventured up a small staircase and through to the next room, darkened from a lack of windows. He flicked on a flashlight in his helmet and looked over the room. There was old furniture all about and what seemed to be a fireplace. Most of the furniture was overturned or destroyed, shredded open by something, anything. This was possibly an employee lounge or something, but there was an emergency door to the outside on the other side of the room, and that was their destination. Stepping into the room they went as quickly as they could, careful to step over everything that could possibly make a noise. But the one that was tailing behind...Shalizar, he was not as careful. His tail was active, reflecting his tense body. As they were nearing the exit, his tail flicked and hit an old floor lamp. It hit the wall at first then cascaded backwards and impacted on the floor, the light bulb that was inside shattering. The group froze, turning towards Shalizar, whom had his weapon at the ready.
They all waited several moments, unmoving, ready for anything, but slowly sighed in relief as nothing came of it...at least they thought. They turned to leave, but as they did a soul piercingly loud scream made their ears start to bleed. Sebastian turned, his rifle up, his helmet automatically adjusting, but he wasn't fast enough. Fucker was already in midair, jetting right at Shalizar. He couldn't get a shot off, the Ghoul slammed into Shalizar, it's frail form bringing down the lizard beast. It's claws were razor sharp, tearing through Shalizar's chest, sinking it's teeth into his scaly flesh. His screamed came as a dull noise in their comms, still recovering from the debilitating screech of the ghoul. Sebastian's rifle bullet pierced the ghoul's head, finally, flinging it off of Shalizar's chest and into one of the pieces of furniture, destroying it. He summoned a new weapon from his apparently growing arsenal, a straight-edged Black and Orange Sword and approached the furniture. The monster was just recovering, returning to it's feet partially, but Sebastian stopped it from fully recovering, slamming his sword into it's neck and driving it through to the floor, then ripping it across, severing the neck from the head. It squirmed for a few moments before it stopped.
Anna knelt down to Shalizar, reaching into her back to try and find something to heal him at least a little. "Sebastian, there has to be a way to help him, come on..." She pulled out a small flask of red fluid and went to uncork it and pour it onto the wound, but she stopped and let out a silent scream as a gun was fired Shalizar's blood splashed onto her face, his own being eviscerated by Sebastian's pistol. "Say a prayer for him and move on." Sebastian's voice had a chilling feeling to it, the truth of the situation lining it. "There was nothing you could do for him. We're lucky that there was only one." She sat, frozen, her hands shaking. She had been part of death many times before, caused it as well, but none of that mattered when she watched somebody she was trying to help die right in her hands. She clenched her teeth and stood, anger being reflected in her eyes, still holding the elixir in her hand. "No! How dare you end his life?! He did not deserve death!" He approached her, his visor clearing up to show his own glaring eyes. "Stow it. I told you all before we came in here that if you get bitten, you're getting a bullet in the head. The process after being bitten is horrific. To let him live through it to become one of those things is bordering on a war-crime. I did him a favor, he's dead, get over it." He bent over and picked up Shalizar's spear and handed it to her. "Use it in his name and don't let his death be for nothing." She glared daggers at him, snatching the spear from him. Her knuckles were white with anger as he stepped past, replacing his pistol in it's holster, desummoning his sword, and grabbing the AR from his back. "Lets go. Galen's place is another couple miles away and we can't afford to waste time crying over the dead."
Vash
Member
♣ Ego homini Lupus ♣
STATUS: That moment when you sit down to do a 15 minute picture manipulation and it's an hour and a half later. 9 yrs ago
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9 yrs ago
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That moment when you sit down to do a 15 minute picture manipulation and it's an hour and a half later.
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like
9 yrs ago
Currently working on the OOC for the Legend of the Crimson Dusicyon.
9 yrs ago
"We make our choices, and take what comes. And sooner or later, in ways we can't always fathom, the consequences come back to us" ~ Daud
2
likes
9 yrs ago
Busy busy busy. So nice to be writing on a deep level again.
9 yrs ago
Those that have RP'd with me lately, please take a gaze at my Bio. I finally got around to updating it.
Bio
"I burn endlessly, an intextinguishable inferno within the depths of a storm of passion and grace." Septimus Aureous, Captain of the Turian Frigate: Elysium
I've been roleplaying and writing for a little over half my life, and I'm 22. If I come across as cynical, picky, overly willing to write a huge CS, very inquisitive, and even ready to drop an RP out of nowhere, I apologize. I've seen way too many RPs look good only to end up smashing face first into the dirt with almost no explanation to it. I tend to see an impending crash coming from a mile away and will jump ship long before the water reaches my feet.
I enjoy most genres, including Sci-fi, Fantasy, Magic-fantasy, fandom-reworks, modern, sci-fantasy, and most things under the sun. No. I'm not going to partake in highschool or pony or anime roleplays. Outside of those, I tend to take a part in most of what peaks my interest or curiosity.
I am currently involved in an RP surrounding the exploits of the Crimson Dusicyon and her pirate crew.
As well as continuing the adventures of the manic crew of the harpoon in an infinite quest for dat poon tang.
I am currently working on several short stories that I tend to flip back and forth on depending on where I'm leaning.
I'm working on a story involving an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper trapped beneath a hundred kilos of rubble and, with her life mere hours away from being extinguished, she lets her mind wander to her past and her experiences with the dangerous anti-UNSC terrorists. I've taken to call this: Halo ODST: Rebellion.
I am also working on my most deeply thought out world and story: Sonnet of a Damned Cowboy. A story taking place hundreds of years in the future, where the earth is a barren desert due to the earth being cooked alive. The survivors make their own stories as they drive huge caravans of huge mechs called Lancers and deliver supplies from one town to another.
Finally, I am working on a Fallout based story taking place in the frozen north of Canada, old survivors of the Enclave's oppression struggle to survive in the relentless cold. Battle hardened, tired, and cold. They all know that the smallest of mistakes in the frozen wastes will be almost certain death.
Enjoy your day!
Most Recent Posts
In
The Tree Of Life (Post Apoc/Surv/Zombies/TREES) Demontongue and Vash
→
10 yrs ago
Forum: 1x1 Roleplay
Name: Killian Campbell
Weapons: A scratch made AR strictly for Human enemies, Longbow for everything else.
Supplies:Multi-tool quiver, constructed by himself Hatchet, spare string for his bow, sheath for his bow and rifle, (Rifle would go where the rope is), and finally he has a small collection of old, rusty dog tags, and a flashlight. Finally, his quiver has a few pouches that hold flint, extra arrow heads, fletchings, poisons, and what bandages he could manage to get and clean.
Appearance: Killian and his banded armor
Ect: Killian really enjoys collecting old dog tags, using them to try and discover what happened to their previous holders.
Name: Alice Campbell
Weapons: Balisong Knife; Posh man's trench knife; Military K-Bar
Supplies: A small backpack that holds a small blanket and spare clothing for herself and a bundle of rope. A few personally made sheaths for her knives, and an unglazed ceramic mug. Finally, an old service issue military canteen for water. She has herself a small ukelele and a personal flashlight as well.
Appearance: Alice
Ect: Alice likes knives. Like. Really really likes knives. She collects the ones she likes.
Weapons: A scratch made AR strictly for Human enemies, Longbow for everything else.
Supplies:Multi-tool quiver, constructed by himself Hatchet, spare string for his bow, sheath for his bow and rifle, (Rifle would go where the rope is), and finally he has a small collection of old, rusty dog tags, and a flashlight. Finally, his quiver has a few pouches that hold flint, extra arrow heads, fletchings, poisons, and what bandages he could manage to get and clean.
Appearance: Killian and his banded armor
Ect: Killian really enjoys collecting old dog tags, using them to try and discover what happened to their previous holders.
Name: Alice Campbell
Weapons: Balisong Knife; Posh man's trench knife; Military K-Bar
Supplies: A small backpack that holds a small blanket and spare clothing for herself and a bundle of rope. A few personally made sheaths for her knives, and an unglazed ceramic mug. Finally, an old service issue military canteen for water. She has herself a small ukelele and a personal flashlight as well.
Appearance: Alice
Ect: Alice likes knives. Like. Really really likes knives. She collects the ones she likes.
In
The Tree Of Life (Post Apoc/Surv/Zombies/TREES) Demontongue and Vash
→
11 yrs ago
Forum: 1x1 Roleplay
Getting this up first as a placeholder, DT. Will continue it in a bit after I do a little more research.
The world has been hit by a devastating virus, one that comes straight from the movies we all make fun of: Zombies. The virus spread quickly, overtaking cities and states in mere hours, the countries following quickly after. But the world's troubles were far from over. High above the world, a secret research facility on Luna was researching how to regrow plant life in moments, but an insurgent was thinking not of the world, but his own regime. The test subjects were injected with a strange virus, and they took on true sentience, becoming aware and were able to replicate at will. They expanded, causing massive explosions across Luna as they tore through the moon's surface and through other facilities. They spread their spores to earth, replicating over and over and over again to survive the plummet to the planet. It was then that this new creature deemed "Mother Nature" started it's own war with earth, quickly becoming aware of the result of man's expansion, and sought to cleanse it of the foulness. Mother Nature took back her world, creating bountiful forests and overtaking many cities, but the serum that was injected into it grew weaker with every new generation, and it's world take over slowed. While the forests it had created would defend itself however it could, it could spread only as it was originally designed, as the scientists designed it. Slowly, as nature demanded.
The next two hundred years were quiet, the world entering into a hibernated state. The Undead still roamed the world's cities, eating wherever they could, and the last remnants of the humans ran and did what they could to survive, finding refuge in ancient bunkers and cities that had defended itself. Even two hundred years later, they were still scattered. At this point, as the earth took over the world again and death was at every turn, the human race was living on borrowed time. Extinction was certain for them.
Name:
Weapons: (Survival focused.)
Supplies:
Appearance:
Ect:
The world has been hit by a devastating virus, one that comes straight from the movies we all make fun of: Zombies. The virus spread quickly, overtaking cities and states in mere hours, the countries following quickly after. But the world's troubles were far from over. High above the world, a secret research facility on Luna was researching how to regrow plant life in moments, but an insurgent was thinking not of the world, but his own regime. The test subjects were injected with a strange virus, and they took on true sentience, becoming aware and were able to replicate at will. They expanded, causing massive explosions across Luna as they tore through the moon's surface and through other facilities. They spread their spores to earth, replicating over and over and over again to survive the plummet to the planet. It was then that this new creature deemed "Mother Nature" started it's own war with earth, quickly becoming aware of the result of man's expansion, and sought to cleanse it of the foulness. Mother Nature took back her world, creating bountiful forests and overtaking many cities, but the serum that was injected into it grew weaker with every new generation, and it's world take over slowed. While the forests it had created would defend itself however it could, it could spread only as it was originally designed, as the scientists designed it. Slowly, as nature demanded.
The next two hundred years were quiet, the world entering into a hibernated state. The Undead still roamed the world's cities, eating wherever they could, and the last remnants of the humans ran and did what they could to survive, finding refuge in ancient bunkers and cities that had defended itself. Even two hundred years later, they were still scattered. At this point, as the earth took over the world again and death was at every turn, the human race was living on borrowed time. Extinction was certain for them.
Name:
Weapons: (Survival focused.)
Supplies:
Appearance:
Ect:
Rousing Mrs. Duchene from her sleep was a task in itself. The woman did enjoy her comfort, but they had work to do. "Come along, Brooklyn. Can't sleep the day away now can we?" He checked the diginet with his wrist band and found that Killian had sent him a message about the star. He had narrowed the search for it down to two people. One of which was in the safe zone in the undercity while the other was a more than deadly mob boss. He suggested the woman in the safe zone first. He warned to be careful of her as she was more than a little manic. As for the mob boss, he was first and only mob boss that had a full and active compound in the undercity, Galen Hek. "He ought to be fun." Sebastian thought as he read through the message. Brooklyn finally stirred herself and stood up, the only thing covering her naked form was her underwear. "Hey there. Seems that somebody is...alert this morning." She didn't catch the joke as she grabbed her clothing and put them on. Sebastian didn't bother looking. "Killian narrowed down the places we'll get to traverse in the undercity. Our trip will be a LOT shorter now." She grunted an affirmation and continued getting her clothing on.
They left the Lounge not soon after, venturing back down into the industrial level and navigating their way through the corridors, into the heart of the military district. they avoided the eye of the police and military as they found their way to a military elevator. They approached it as a group but were stopped by armed guards in armor not unlike the armor of the border guards on the top level. They recognized Sebastian and wanted to arrest him on the spot, but another guard recognized Brooklyn and stopped the arrest. He mentioned that she was Weapon Master Duchene and came into his district often. When questioned about why she had a known criminal with him she said it was private matter, top secret. Accepted that wholeheartedly, they let them pass. They stepped beyond the large gates of the elevator and sat down in the seats that lined the wall for a long ride.
"So...why exactly didn't they arrest us?" Sebastian asked. "You were arrested, all of your assets should have been seized and any claim to authority should have been rescinded..." His chin was starting to grow raw from the rubbing as he pondered why this would happen. "Perhaps, Sebastian, it was a higher power looking out for us." "Oh don't give me that maker mumbo-jumbo-gobeldegook...."
Chapter 2: With sword, blackened and evil.
"Alright, few things about the undercity." He stood up, nearly losing his balance at first due to the moving elevator. He accessed his Digivault and an icon representing armor. "In case you've forgotten, there are ghouls down there. One bite and you'll start to become one. If you get bit, I'll put a bullet in your brain, no ifs ands or buts. If you want to do me the favor and off yourself first, be my guest." "Isn't there an antidote to the ghoul's malady?" "No. Nobody cares to make one. If they did, they'd give the Mobsters down here an edge. The hundred or so people down here that have been bankrupt so many times that they can't own a cardboard box on the higher levels are so insignificant on the radar of the upper levels that creating a cure would end up costing them more money than they could ever possibly make or extort from mobsters. In the end, they hope that the ghouls will wipe out everything in the undercity and they'll be able to send in a team to piss hot led and napalm all over the place and rebuild it from the ground up. Some of the soldiers that are sent down here carry a detox agent that can eradicate the virus before it takes effect, but it's built into their armors, and mine, and is useless if used after the virus starts taking effect."
He clicked the armor that was highlighted in his Vault and let his arms fall, waiting for a moment before the same dark blue light as usual overcame his feet, rapidly moving up his body, leaving behind the hardened technological shell that was his armor. Once it finished his helmet was in his left arm and an assault rifle was in his right. He moved the rifle to his back and it secured itself magnetically. He turned to the others and summoned small ear radios. "Here, in case we get separated." "I thought you used the bow?" "No room for finesse here, Anna. Kill first, ask questions later." "Fair enough...what about us?" "In the locker over there." He gestured towards a metal locker on the far side. "Some supplementary armor for arms and legs, I think some chest armor as well. No detox-agents and it's more for authority and looks than anything, but it's better than nothing. Oh, and everybody grab a gas mask. Air is poisonous in plenty of areas." As he finished, he put on his helmet and lights on his suit came online.
Anna got up and grabbed the armor, equipping herself as best as she could with thigh, shoulder, and chest armor, and grabbing gas masks for everybody. Shalizar refused it, saying that his armor has one built in. There was a shaking and a loud banging as they finished and the door opened to the undercity.
They stepped out and into the main camp where the down trodden and poor that Sebastian had mentioned earlier stayed. Guarded by simple walls with auto-turrets, they were barely scraping by. Most wore old clothing, passed down from grandmothers and grandfathers. The colors long faded. Many were starving from the poor conditions, they reached out their hands and begged as the group walked by. Anna stopped to give food where she could, but when she looked back, the one she gave it to was turned into a heap of bruises and blood on the ground as others took the food for themselves. She almost felt like crying right there. "Don't feel sorry for these people." Sebastian's voice played in her ear. "Many are Tenau racists. They blame them for their misfortune, they'll blame anything that is challenging the IVT. The second they knew what you were, they'd cannibalize you and Gabe in a heartbeat." Her heart sank as he spoke, nodding quietly to herself. The group made their way across the camp and to a small tent on the far side of the camp, near a corner of the wall, hidden underneath an old abandoned overpass. "This was the place that Killian mentioned." They approached the tent, slowly. Sebastian had his hand on his pistol, a gut feeling making him wary of this place.
It turns out it was for good reason since as soon as they drew close, the skinny, malnourished body of an old woman ran out of the darkened tent and sprinted at them. Sebastian tried to pull his pistol, but he couldn't budge it. He looked over and saw that the others couldn't draw their weapons either. He went to defend himself, but he couldn't move his legs. He was forced to stand there as this crazy old woman sprinted at him, but stopped in front of him. She was twitchy, looking him over and muttering something. She had long, dirty, dark gray hair that reached down to her chest, wearing blackish-brown clothing and nothing on her feet, malnourished and obviously magical. He couldn't pick out what she was muttering until she spoke outright, going nearly to fast to comprehend. "YOU! Youaretheones! Theonesihavebeenwaitingfor! Heroes! Lookingfortheredstaroftheredknightyouare! Iknowit! Isawit! Isawyou! Yourfaces! Exceptforyou!" She pointed towards Shalizar with her boney finger. "Iveneverseenyoulizardman! Youhavecometogetmystarback...yourstarbackfromGalenandstoptheetherealkn-kn-kn-kn-kn-kn..." She started to spasm out and twitch then before falling backwards and hitting the ground hard. The magic that held them captive was dispelled and Sebastian went to help the crazy woman, but she sprung up and laughed. "haha! Thoughtidieddidn'tyou?! Nopenopenope! GogetthestarfromGalennow! OnlythreemoreweeksthentheEtherealKnightshallcometoplayandallshallbekilledthatday!" Before they could react, She had snatched the pistol from it's holster and placed it in her mouth, pulling the trigger and ending her life.
Sebastian threw his arms out, gesturing towards her. "OKAY. WHAT. WAS THAT?!" He looked back towards whom just put up her hands a bit. "Do not look at me! I know about as much as you do!"
They left the Lounge not soon after, venturing back down into the industrial level and navigating their way through the corridors, into the heart of the military district. they avoided the eye of the police and military as they found their way to a military elevator. They approached it as a group but were stopped by armed guards in armor not unlike the armor of the border guards on the top level. They recognized Sebastian and wanted to arrest him on the spot, but another guard recognized Brooklyn and stopped the arrest. He mentioned that she was Weapon Master Duchene and came into his district often. When questioned about why she had a known criminal with him she said it was private matter, top secret. Accepted that wholeheartedly, they let them pass. They stepped beyond the large gates of the elevator and sat down in the seats that lined the wall for a long ride.
"So...why exactly didn't they arrest us?" Sebastian asked. "You were arrested, all of your assets should have been seized and any claim to authority should have been rescinded..." His chin was starting to grow raw from the rubbing as he pondered why this would happen. "Perhaps, Sebastian, it was a higher power looking out for us." "Oh don't give me that maker mumbo-jumbo-gobeldegook...."
"Alright, few things about the undercity." He stood up, nearly losing his balance at first due to the moving elevator. He accessed his Digivault and an icon representing armor. "In case you've forgotten, there are ghouls down there. One bite and you'll start to become one. If you get bit, I'll put a bullet in your brain, no ifs ands or buts. If you want to do me the favor and off yourself first, be my guest." "Isn't there an antidote to the ghoul's malady?" "No. Nobody cares to make one. If they did, they'd give the Mobsters down here an edge. The hundred or so people down here that have been bankrupt so many times that they can't own a cardboard box on the higher levels are so insignificant on the radar of the upper levels that creating a cure would end up costing them more money than they could ever possibly make or extort from mobsters. In the end, they hope that the ghouls will wipe out everything in the undercity and they'll be able to send in a team to piss hot led and napalm all over the place and rebuild it from the ground up. Some of the soldiers that are sent down here carry a detox agent that can eradicate the virus before it takes effect, but it's built into their armors, and mine, and is useless if used after the virus starts taking effect."
He clicked the armor that was highlighted in his Vault and let his arms fall, waiting for a moment before the same dark blue light as usual overcame his feet, rapidly moving up his body, leaving behind the hardened technological shell that was his armor. Once it finished his helmet was in his left arm and an assault rifle was in his right. He moved the rifle to his back and it secured itself magnetically. He turned to the others and summoned small ear radios. "Here, in case we get separated." "I thought you used the bow?" "No room for finesse here, Anna. Kill first, ask questions later." "Fair enough...what about us?" "In the locker over there." He gestured towards a metal locker on the far side. "Some supplementary armor for arms and legs, I think some chest armor as well. No detox-agents and it's more for authority and looks than anything, but it's better than nothing. Oh, and everybody grab a gas mask. Air is poisonous in plenty of areas." As he finished, he put on his helmet and lights on his suit came online.
Anna got up and grabbed the armor, equipping herself as best as she could with thigh, shoulder, and chest armor, and grabbing gas masks for everybody. Shalizar refused it, saying that his armor has one built in. There was a shaking and a loud banging as they finished and the door opened to the undercity.
They stepped out and into the main camp where the down trodden and poor that Sebastian had mentioned earlier stayed. Guarded by simple walls with auto-turrets, they were barely scraping by. Most wore old clothing, passed down from grandmothers and grandfathers. The colors long faded. Many were starving from the poor conditions, they reached out their hands and begged as the group walked by. Anna stopped to give food where she could, but when she looked back, the one she gave it to was turned into a heap of bruises and blood on the ground as others took the food for themselves. She almost felt like crying right there. "Don't feel sorry for these people." Sebastian's voice played in her ear. "Many are Tenau racists. They blame them for their misfortune, they'll blame anything that is challenging the IVT. The second they knew what you were, they'd cannibalize you and Gabe in a heartbeat." Her heart sank as he spoke, nodding quietly to herself. The group made their way across the camp and to a small tent on the far side of the camp, near a corner of the wall, hidden underneath an old abandoned overpass. "This was the place that Killian mentioned." They approached the tent, slowly. Sebastian had his hand on his pistol, a gut feeling making him wary of this place.
It turns out it was for good reason since as soon as they drew close, the skinny, malnourished body of an old woman ran out of the darkened tent and sprinted at them. Sebastian tried to pull his pistol, but he couldn't budge it. He looked over and saw that the others couldn't draw their weapons either. He went to defend himself, but he couldn't move his legs. He was forced to stand there as this crazy old woman sprinted at him, but stopped in front of him. She was twitchy, looking him over and muttering something. She had long, dirty, dark gray hair that reached down to her chest, wearing blackish-brown clothing and nothing on her feet, malnourished and obviously magical. He couldn't pick out what she was muttering until she spoke outright, going nearly to fast to comprehend. "YOU! Youaretheones! Theonesihavebeenwaitingfor! Heroes! Lookingfortheredstaroftheredknightyouare! Iknowit! Isawit! Isawyou! Yourfaces! Exceptforyou!" She pointed towards Shalizar with her boney finger. "Iveneverseenyoulizardman! Youhavecometogetmystarback...yourstarbackfromGalenandstoptheetherealkn-kn-kn-kn-kn-kn..." She started to spasm out and twitch then before falling backwards and hitting the ground hard. The magic that held them captive was dispelled and Sebastian went to help the crazy woman, but she sprung up and laughed. "haha! Thoughtidieddidn'tyou?! Nopenopenope! GogetthestarfromGalennow! OnlythreemoreweeksthentheEtherealKnightshallcometoplayandallshallbekilledthatday!" Before they could react, She had snatched the pistol from it's holster and placed it in her mouth, pulling the trigger and ending her life.
Sebastian threw his arms out, gesturing towards her. "OKAY. WHAT. WAS THAT?!" He looked back towards whom just put up her hands a bit. "Do not look at me! I know about as much as you do!"
Just before the two left, Killian had assured them that the Diginet vault was set up for Brooklyn and gave them what he could find on the star. They had walked a few blocks, planning to head back up to the upper level to that bar for the night. Going down to the undercity, which is what Sebastian fully planned to do, while tired would do nothing for them except get them into an early grave. As they were approaching the elevator, Brooklyn stopped him and mentioned his face. "Eh, to be honest, I agree. It's more natural...so to speak, but while I would love to take this mask off, I can't...Put yourself into the place of a Negotiator. Provided you didn't know who they were or their intentions, if somebody came up to you, half of his face gone and the half that remained looking like it got put into the turbines of a class 4 destroyer, and said that you had to help him to save the world, what would you do?" "I never said you shouldn't wear it. Keeping up appearances is important. I only said it doesn't suit you," she sighed and didn't look at him. "To be fair, skin tight clothing doesn't suit you either." "And yet here we are. You with that face and me with this shirt," the corner of her mouth tipped up ever so slightly. "If there were fashion police, we'd be arrested." "If there were fashion police I'd probably care more." "Who says that Gabe isn't fashion police? Have you seen that ponytail? One word. "Fabulous." " As they stood and discussed, Gabe and Anna joined them, having finally tracked them down after being told where to go by Killian. Brooklyn snorted and then blushed when they ran into the others hoping to all the forces in the universe they hadn't heard that. Gabe simply raised an eyebrow and folded his arms as he strode toward the pair of them with Annabelle. "Hey Gabe. Brooklyn says your Ponytail is "Fabulous." And she did so with a lot of flambuoyancy" "Jealousy," he said in a gruff tone, "Did you find out anything about the gem?" "We have some locations to look, unfortunately, all in the undercity. We'll head down in the morning." "Why are we waiting?" he grumbled, "The sooner we leave this damned place the better." "Do you want to face the worst that the world has to offer while tired? One bite and I'll put a bullet in your head to save you the excruciating pain." "Hmph, don't worry I'll extend the same courtesy to you. Fine. We'll rest. Will the lizard be coming with us in the morning?"
"Yep. What the hell crawled up your ass today? Did Anna try to assault you?" "Sebastian," Brooklyn chided him and smacked his arm lightly. Gabe looked at his employer with a gaze that seemed to ask if she would stand for this. She didn't say anything, just stared ahead. Something was eating at her and Sebastian's comment didn't phase her. The mercenary breathed deeply and squared his shoulders. Questions pulled at him but he had learned in these situations questions could be more than unwelcome and dangerous to boot. "I don't trust easily, prosthetic," he said clearly and then focused on the road ahead once more. "I have a name, Human. I'd prefer you used it instead of using designations." "Fine, Sebastian," he shrugged.
Heading into the elevator, they went back up to the surface and made their way to the docking bay again. Sebastian split up from the group for a moment to check on the dragons, only to find them sleeping off a long day of flying. He went back to join the others in the Darkwater Lounge. The lounge was a peaceful place, popular in the city for it's unique styling and decor, aquariams decorated the oak walls, illuminating the entire lounge in a dark blue glow, just bright enough to walk without tripping every three seconds. Lounge chairs and tables decorated the room, several of which were modern corner couches. Across the room from the entrance was the WELL stocked bar with a wall full of exotic drinks of all types. Shalizar sat at the bar, talking to the black haired, green eyed, skinny girl with a thin, but beautiful face. There weren't that many customers that evening so she could relax and speak to an old friend. The group approached the bar, Sebastian coming by Shalizar to let him know what was happening while Brooklyn spoke to the bartender about getting some rooms. Unfortunately only two were available and they had to share. Due to the discussion earlier, it was obvious who would be sharing a room with who.
"Yep. What the hell crawled up your ass today? Did Anna try to assault you?" "Sebastian," Brooklyn chided him and smacked his arm lightly. Gabe looked at his employer with a gaze that seemed to ask if she would stand for this. She didn't say anything, just stared ahead. Something was eating at her and Sebastian's comment didn't phase her. The mercenary breathed deeply and squared his shoulders. Questions pulled at him but he had learned in these situations questions could be more than unwelcome and dangerous to boot. "I don't trust easily, prosthetic," he said clearly and then focused on the road ahead once more. "I have a name, Human. I'd prefer you used it instead of using designations." "Fine, Sebastian," he shrugged.
Heading into the elevator, they went back up to the surface and made their way to the docking bay again. Sebastian split up from the group for a moment to check on the dragons, only to find them sleeping off a long day of flying. He went back to join the others in the Darkwater Lounge. The lounge was a peaceful place, popular in the city for it's unique styling and decor, aquariams decorated the oak walls, illuminating the entire lounge in a dark blue glow, just bright enough to walk without tripping every three seconds. Lounge chairs and tables decorated the room, several of which were modern corner couches. Across the room from the entrance was the WELL stocked bar with a wall full of exotic drinks of all types. Shalizar sat at the bar, talking to the black haired, green eyed, skinny girl with a thin, but beautiful face. There weren't that many customers that evening so she could relax and speak to an old friend. The group approached the bar, Sebastian coming by Shalizar to let him know what was happening while Brooklyn spoke to the bartender about getting some rooms. Unfortunately only two were available and they had to share. Due to the discussion earlier, it was obvious who would be sharing a room with who.
I think I'm done. I've lost a lot of inspiration lately and am just deaf to fallout right now. It's gotten to the point where I just can't write without fuckin' it up and I'm not happy with my posts.
For right now, F:ROTE is on Hiatus cause of me. Sorry everybody.
For right now, F:ROTE is on Hiatus cause of me. Sorry everybody.
"There's the shop right there. Come on."
He had led them through multiple alleyways and corridors, the smog filled industrial district being a maze of buildings and machinery. The air was hard to breathe at times and the crowds they moved through seemed nearly lifeless. The industrial district had changed quite a bit since either Sebastian or Brooklyn were here last, but it was still an excellent place for one to disappear, whether for better or for worse. They passed through the military district, getting a peek at the gigantic Mobilized Infantry Vehicles and their pilots. What Sebastian would do just to have one of those at his command...
They made their way out of the military district and found their way into the financial district, sticking to the shadows. They split up multiple times to make sure that they weren't followed, and they made their way into a back alleyway and to a shop, out of the way of the normal crowd. Sebastian knocked on the door softly at first, then gave two loud knocks and a last soft one. A sliding door on the top of the door opened to reveal a set of dark yellow eyes. The door closed again and the door opened to reveal a Turian He brought them inside and locked the door behind them. His home was modest, comfy red chairs around a fire for guests. Oak walls, aquariams here and there. It was well lit by the fire, casting a dark orange glow over all of them. "Brooklyn, Anna, and Gabe. This is my friend Killian Arkai'ick." Killian threw out his arms and embraced Sebastian, lifting him up off the ground for a moment. "He...is a very loving Turian." Killian's voice was typical for a Turian, low and with a flange in his voice, distorting it slightly. "Buona sera, signore nero. Come sei stato?" He let go of Sebastian so the man could breathe and respond. "I've been better to be honest, Killian. This is Brooklyn, the girl I emailed you about, Anna, and Gabe." He approached Anna first, shaking her hand gently, nearly breaking Gabe's when he shook his, and pressed the back of Brooklyn's hand to his hardy lips. "Hahaha ... Quindi questo è il Brooklyn che ho sentito parlare. Veramente la sua bellezza è ben oltre l'immagine in allegato alla tua email."He placed his other hand on top of hers and formed what seemed to be a smile, his mandables moving slightly. Brooklyn put a hand over her smile and blushed. This was the second time in as many days that she had been greeted in such a manner and she could definitely get used to it. She knew there had to be gentlemen still left in the world. "It's good to meet you." she giggled, "You're too kind." Anna spoke then, curious about the Turian in front of her. "Are you from off planet, Killian? I do not believe I have seen your kind before." "Sì, in effetti sono, da Palaven. Ho migrato qui dopo aver visto Aurora sul HoloNet."
"Did you take the name Killian to fit in with the humans?" "No. Il nome di mio padre e il nome del padre di mio padre era Killian." "hmm." He walked over to a nearby door and opened a concealed wall panel with a keypad. He punched in several numbers and after a few moments, a metal door revealed via the wood sliding into the ceiling. The metal door opened quickly after and he lead the group downstairs. Once they were downstairs, lights flicked up to reveal a workshop with terminals all over the place. They flicked on as they walked through the substantial room, tables laden with various projects of all types. They came up to a small table with two terminals on it and several wristbands not unlike the one Sebastian had on his wrist. "Quindi, consente di ottenere la bella Brooklyn qui impostato con un Digi-volta, va bene?"
He took Mrs. Duchene's hand and lookced over her wrist, being as gentle as he could. He grabbed one of the wristbands, having her hold her wrist in just the place that he left it, and he looked to her. "La signora Duchene. Mi scuso, ma questo sta andando male." She looked towards Sebastian, whom just nodded in agreement. She sighed and nodded as well. The Turian was quick, placing the wristband on her wrist. It clamped down and a small spike jut into the top of her wrist. She screamed in pain as it entered her bone and extracted bone marrow. She would have fallen to the ground provided Killian didn't catch her and keep her upright. The pain subsided after several minutes and Killian took off the wristband, using a washcloth to soak up the blood and bandaged it afterward. "Il Vault configurerà per il tuo DNA nei prossimi paio d'ore. Mi scuso che ci vuole tanto tempo, ma è il più veloce e più sicuro modo per ottenere uno."
They went back out of the hideout and back to the living room. Killian clasped his hands together, what seemed like a smile forming again. "Ti prego, ti preghiamo di fare a casa, mentre il Digi-vault configura al DNA della signora Duchene e si prepara per lei. Inoltre, non ti preoccupare, Sir nero. Recentemente ho brevettato gli algoritmi di crittografia che mi hai dato il mese scorso e aggiornato, così non c'è bisogno di sprecare più del vostro tipo sulla connessione. C'è qualcos'altro che avete bisogno, vecchio amico?" "There is one thing, Killian. I am looking for this..." He handed him the map and pointed out the Red Star on it. "It's a very important gem that we're looking for. Rumor is that it's in the undercity." "Non sono sicuro. Ho sicuramente visto che la Stella Rossa prima. Credo che sia uno di un membro di mafia, ma non sono sicuro. Io scoprire e raccontare delle mie scoperte, quando finisce il Digi-deposito."
He bowed to them, kissing Brooklyn's hand once more and retreated to a higher room. Sebastian leaned over to Brooklyn, smiling. "Told you he was a good man."
It was then that they split up for a while, Anna and Gabe leaving for a bit to explore the financial district while Sebastian and Brooklyn stayed in Killian's home. Nearly two hours later, Brooklyn hadn't seen Sebastian in a while. She went looking for him. Turning a corner, she gasped and placed a hand over her mouth as she saw Sebastian. He was standing in the middle of the room, what seemed to be his face held above his. He looked towards her and dropped his face. He sprinted towards her, gun at the ready. He impacted against her, slaming his forearm against her neck. He pushed her back to the wall and against it, lifting her up and placing his pistol against her temple. She got a good look at her face and was horrified. Scars and wounds marred it, his entire left cheek and lower lip was gone was gone, revealing the teeth inside of his kouth. His left eye was dark gray, as if it's blinded and there was a deep sword scar running over it. Most jarring of all was the brand that was on his face, that of a cross. The burn was old and never healed. She started to cough as the life was slowly squeezed out of her. He let her down and replaced his forearm with his hand and still held her against the wall. He locked eyes with her, glaring, but his grip loosed slightly. He stared at her silent face for a good few moments before his hold finally released and his gun was taken off of her head....
______________________________
Thirty-five years ago...
He had been on the run for years, ousted by his own people, the Illuminavit. Chased into the Tenau lands only to be hunted by the relentless Templars. Most of his friends were long dead, killed by either the IVT or the Templars. He was the last of his kind, the last of the Prosthetic people.
This was it, this was where he would die...in the small sea-faring town of Trenarch. He stumbled down the dock, arrows flying by. He had dozens in his back and he was bleeding badly. He slipped into an alleyway and fell to the ground. He was starting to feel himself slip from reality. The world started to become hazy...he felt a hand on his shoulder as his face lay in the dirt. ",,,me on you lit'le bas...you don't deser..." He could barely hear the woman, but through his quickly numbing body, he could feel himself being dragged somewhere. He lost consciousness then.
Two days later, he awoke in a home, lit by a small fire. The furniture was poor and could barely hold a turkey. He sat up in the bed, half naked. A bandage ran around his hip and covered his wounds. He jerked and tried to reach for his pistol, but found nothing, as a woman entered. "Oh! You're finally awake! Took ya long enough." She had curly light orange hair and freckles all over her face. She was skinny, wearing a dark green outfit. Her face was rounded with dark blue eyes. Clean of imperfecitons. Her lips were thin, and her hair reached down to the middle of her back. She stepped toward her him, a smile on her face, and lowered a bowl. "I was going to wash the grime off your face, but I guess you can get it now." Her accent was definitely old, highland maybe. Either way, it was soothing. A friendly face for the first time in two years. "Why did you...who are you?" "My name is Mary Bigsly. A pleasure, Sebastian." "How did you..." "We all know who you are, the news channel keeps ev'body informed. Unlike the masses though, I did my research. I know perf'ly well what you do, which is why I'm 'elping you." She smiled and handed him a washcloth. He tried to sit up, but the pain was intense. He fought through it and sat against the couch. Soon after, a little girl came into the room, the same curly orange hair as her mother. Wearing a light yellow dress. She approached slowly, fear on her face. " He's awake, mama...is...is he dangerous?" "Course not child, don't be rude. Sebastian, this is my daughter, Alice."
This woman, Mary, was a kind woman, providing a place for Sebastian to recover. She did not approve of the injustices against the Prosthetic people and tried to help them where she could, but she knew the same truth as Sebastian, he was the last. Over the next few months, she shared house, home, food, and bed with him as he worked to repay her, remaining hidden from the constant Templar checks. It was just them in the house, Mary, Sebastian, and Alice. Mary's husband had abandoned them before Alice was born and she raised her on her own, an amazing thing to do in Sebastian's eyes. They shared many happy months together, but as it happens with Sebastian hundreds of times before, his luck would run out. He slipped up somewhere along the line.
______
"Morning, Mary. Alice still asleep?" "Yeah." He approached her, placing his hands on her hips and pulling her into a hug. "Oooh...forward today, aren't we? What's the occasion?" "Just happy to see you." He kissed her neck and she put an elbow into his rib. "Back away you, I can't have you taking me on the stove while the food is cooking. I'll give you dessert in a little bit, you little devil." "Feisty." He sat down at the table and pulled up a plate, smiling. He relaxed for a moment then stopped, his body becoming tense. He looked around for a moment, furrowing his eyebrow. His toe had gone numb. It was the one part of his body that was fully electronic, simulating a normal toe at all times. He had it there to detect EMP...and it he couldn't feel it. "Mary...get Alice...now." She turned, worry on her face. "What do ya mean?" "I said now. Get out of-" A scream from Alice's room would make him stand with haste, but just as he did the door was kicked in and armored Templar Knights rushed into the room. They split up, two gunning straight for Sebastian and one going for Mary. He went to defend her, but the rapier of a female templar ran up his face, blinding him in a fury of blood and rage. Before he knew it, he was on the floor, gigantic Templars holding him down. Alice was brought into the room and were held down next to the table in full sight of Sebastian. The female templar that had torn his face asunder stood above him. Her face was wrinkled and scarred, her hair Argent and Ivory. She knelt down and looked over Sebastian, a sickening smile ripping across her face. She reached to her back and found her knife. "I am going to make sure you become a testament to the power of the Tenau, Sinner."
She dug the knife into Sebastian's cheek. He screamed with pain as she dug out the c" heek and ripped it off with her hand, laughing. "Fetch me the mark!" A templar approached her, a large brand with the cross of the templars on it. "Hold his face steady. I want the citizens to know what has been terrorizing them." She held the brand over his face until the templars held it just perfect. She pushed it down onto his face. He screamed and tried to struggle, but he wasn't able to move at all. After several minutes of continuous branding, she released the iron from his face, satisfied that the cross of the templars had been branded into his face well enough. She looked over to Mary and Alice, tears running down their faces. She nodded and the templars that were holding them there used their swords to rip out their intestines, making them die slowly.
"Now to put you out of your misery." She drew her rapier and rose it high, about to impale Sebastian and end his life. But just before she executed him, a little robot crashed through the window, bullets and fire following. She sprayed bullets all over, killing the templars holding Sebastian hostage and injuring the Ivory Haired woman. A steady stream of Napalm quickly followed the bullets as Sebastian stood and ran to Mary and Alice's aid, but it was too late for them. They were gone. His body was rooted in place for a moment, a hand on Mary's face. She had a necklace in hand, a ring made of silver. He took it, kissing her on the forehead, before running out of the house as it was set aflame, jumping into the river that had made it's way through the town and sneaking out.
__________________________
The two were now sitting in the living room, Killian behind them and listening. Sebastian still had his face off and in his hand. "The ivory haired woman was Annabelle's mother. Thanks to DT's EMP shielding, I survived that day but...as you can guess, I don't have much love for any Tenau. Killian spoke up, worry in his voice. "Perché hai mai riparare il vostro viso?" "The replacement is the same as my old face, same skin, same nerve endings...there is no differentiating it as it melds to my own...I could have repaired the original but...I guess we have something we fight for." He reached into his shirt and found the ring necklace. He cradled it in his fingers. There were words on the inside saying "To my beloved Mary." He placed the face back onto his hand and it melded with the original, returning the color to his eye and hiding the wounds. "If either of you tell anybody about my face, I'll make sure you die slowly."
Translations in order of how they appear in the post
Good evening, Sir Black. How have you been?
Hahaha...So this is the Brooklyn that I have heard of. Truly her beauty is far beyond the image you attached to your email.
Yes indeed I am, from Palaven. I migrated here after seeing Aurora on the holonet.
No. My father's name and my father's father's name was Killian.
So, lets get the lovely Brooklyn here set up with a Digi-vault, shall we?
Mrs. Duchene. I apologize, but this is going to hurt.
The Vault will configure to your DNA over the next couple hours. I apologize that it takes so long, but it's the fastest, and safest, way to get one.
I implore you, please make yourself at home while the Digi-vault configures to Mrs. Duchene's DNA and prepares for her. Also, do not worry, Sir Black. I recently patented the encryption algorithms that you gave me last month and upgraded them, so no need to waste any more of your type on the connection. Is there anything else that you need, old friend?
I am not sure. I have definitely seen that Red Star before. I believe it is one of a mafia member, but I am unsure. I shall find out and tell you of my findings when the Digi-vault finishes.
Why did you never repair your face?
He had led them through multiple alleyways and corridors, the smog filled industrial district being a maze of buildings and machinery. The air was hard to breathe at times and the crowds they moved through seemed nearly lifeless. The industrial district had changed quite a bit since either Sebastian or Brooklyn were here last, but it was still an excellent place for one to disappear, whether for better or for worse. They passed through the military district, getting a peek at the gigantic Mobilized Infantry Vehicles and their pilots. What Sebastian would do just to have one of those at his command...
They made their way out of the military district and found their way into the financial district, sticking to the shadows. They split up multiple times to make sure that they weren't followed, and they made their way into a back alleyway and to a shop, out of the way of the normal crowd. Sebastian knocked on the door softly at first, then gave two loud knocks and a last soft one. A sliding door on the top of the door opened to reveal a set of dark yellow eyes. The door closed again and the door opened to reveal a Turian He brought them inside and locked the door behind them. His home was modest, comfy red chairs around a fire for guests. Oak walls, aquariams here and there. It was well lit by the fire, casting a dark orange glow over all of them. "Brooklyn, Anna, and Gabe. This is my friend Killian Arkai'ick." Killian threw out his arms and embraced Sebastian, lifting him up off the ground for a moment. "He...is a very loving Turian." Killian's voice was typical for a Turian, low and with a flange in his voice, distorting it slightly. "Buona sera, signore nero. Come sei stato?" He let go of Sebastian so the man could breathe and respond. "I've been better to be honest, Killian. This is Brooklyn, the girl I emailed you about, Anna, and Gabe." He approached Anna first, shaking her hand gently, nearly breaking Gabe's when he shook his, and pressed the back of Brooklyn's hand to his hardy lips. "Hahaha ... Quindi questo è il Brooklyn che ho sentito parlare. Veramente la sua bellezza è ben oltre l'immagine in allegato alla tua email."He placed his other hand on top of hers and formed what seemed to be a smile, his mandables moving slightly. Brooklyn put a hand over her smile and blushed. This was the second time in as many days that she had been greeted in such a manner and she could definitely get used to it. She knew there had to be gentlemen still left in the world. "It's good to meet you." she giggled, "You're too kind." Anna spoke then, curious about the Turian in front of her. "Are you from off planet, Killian? I do not believe I have seen your kind before." "Sì, in effetti sono, da Palaven. Ho migrato qui dopo aver visto Aurora sul HoloNet."
"Did you take the name Killian to fit in with the humans?" "No. Il nome di mio padre e il nome del padre di mio padre era Killian." "hmm." He walked over to a nearby door and opened a concealed wall panel with a keypad. He punched in several numbers and after a few moments, a metal door revealed via the wood sliding into the ceiling. The metal door opened quickly after and he lead the group downstairs. Once they were downstairs, lights flicked up to reveal a workshop with terminals all over the place. They flicked on as they walked through the substantial room, tables laden with various projects of all types. They came up to a small table with two terminals on it and several wristbands not unlike the one Sebastian had on his wrist. "Quindi, consente di ottenere la bella Brooklyn qui impostato con un Digi-volta, va bene?"
He took Mrs. Duchene's hand and lookced over her wrist, being as gentle as he could. He grabbed one of the wristbands, having her hold her wrist in just the place that he left it, and he looked to her. "La signora Duchene. Mi scuso, ma questo sta andando male." She looked towards Sebastian, whom just nodded in agreement. She sighed and nodded as well. The Turian was quick, placing the wristband on her wrist. It clamped down and a small spike jut into the top of her wrist. She screamed in pain as it entered her bone and extracted bone marrow. She would have fallen to the ground provided Killian didn't catch her and keep her upright. The pain subsided after several minutes and Killian took off the wristband, using a washcloth to soak up the blood and bandaged it afterward. "Il Vault configurerà per il tuo DNA nei prossimi paio d'ore. Mi scuso che ci vuole tanto tempo, ma è il più veloce e più sicuro modo per ottenere uno."
They went back out of the hideout and back to the living room. Killian clasped his hands together, what seemed like a smile forming again. "Ti prego, ti preghiamo di fare a casa, mentre il Digi-vault configura al DNA della signora Duchene e si prepara per lei. Inoltre, non ti preoccupare, Sir nero. Recentemente ho brevettato gli algoritmi di crittografia che mi hai dato il mese scorso e aggiornato, così non c'è bisogno di sprecare più del vostro tipo sulla connessione. C'è qualcos'altro che avete bisogno, vecchio amico?" "There is one thing, Killian. I am looking for this..." He handed him the map and pointed out the Red Star on it. "It's a very important gem that we're looking for. Rumor is that it's in the undercity." "Non sono sicuro. Ho sicuramente visto che la Stella Rossa prima. Credo che sia uno di un membro di mafia, ma non sono sicuro. Io scoprire e raccontare delle mie scoperte, quando finisce il Digi-deposito."
He bowed to them, kissing Brooklyn's hand once more and retreated to a higher room. Sebastian leaned over to Brooklyn, smiling. "Told you he was a good man."
It was then that they split up for a while, Anna and Gabe leaving for a bit to explore the financial district while Sebastian and Brooklyn stayed in Killian's home. Nearly two hours later, Brooklyn hadn't seen Sebastian in a while. She went looking for him. Turning a corner, she gasped and placed a hand over her mouth as she saw Sebastian. He was standing in the middle of the room, what seemed to be his face held above his. He looked towards her and dropped his face. He sprinted towards her, gun at the ready. He impacted against her, slaming his forearm against her neck. He pushed her back to the wall and against it, lifting her up and placing his pistol against her temple. She got a good look at her face and was horrified. Scars and wounds marred it, his entire left cheek and lower lip was gone was gone, revealing the teeth inside of his kouth. His left eye was dark gray, as if it's blinded and there was a deep sword scar running over it. Most jarring of all was the brand that was on his face, that of a cross. The burn was old and never healed. She started to cough as the life was slowly squeezed out of her. He let her down and replaced his forearm with his hand and still held her against the wall. He locked eyes with her, glaring, but his grip loosed slightly. He stared at her silent face for a good few moments before his hold finally released and his gun was taken off of her head....
______________________________
Thirty-five years ago...
He had been on the run for years, ousted by his own people, the Illuminavit. Chased into the Tenau lands only to be hunted by the relentless Templars. Most of his friends were long dead, killed by either the IVT or the Templars. He was the last of his kind, the last of the Prosthetic people.
This was it, this was where he would die...in the small sea-faring town of Trenarch. He stumbled down the dock, arrows flying by. He had dozens in his back and he was bleeding badly. He slipped into an alleyway and fell to the ground. He was starting to feel himself slip from reality. The world started to become hazy...he felt a hand on his shoulder as his face lay in the dirt. ",,,me on you lit'le bas...you don't deser..." He could barely hear the woman, but through his quickly numbing body, he could feel himself being dragged somewhere. He lost consciousness then.
Two days later, he awoke in a home, lit by a small fire. The furniture was poor and could barely hold a turkey. He sat up in the bed, half naked. A bandage ran around his hip and covered his wounds. He jerked and tried to reach for his pistol, but found nothing, as a woman entered. "Oh! You're finally awake! Took ya long enough." She had curly light orange hair and freckles all over her face. She was skinny, wearing a dark green outfit. Her face was rounded with dark blue eyes. Clean of imperfecitons. Her lips were thin, and her hair reached down to the middle of her back. She stepped toward her him, a smile on her face, and lowered a bowl. "I was going to wash the grime off your face, but I guess you can get it now." Her accent was definitely old, highland maybe. Either way, it was soothing. A friendly face for the first time in two years. "Why did you...who are you?" "My name is Mary Bigsly. A pleasure, Sebastian." "How did you..." "We all know who you are, the news channel keeps ev'body informed. Unlike the masses though, I did my research. I know perf'ly well what you do, which is why I'm 'elping you." She smiled and handed him a washcloth. He tried to sit up, but the pain was intense. He fought through it and sat against the couch. Soon after, a little girl came into the room, the same curly orange hair as her mother. Wearing a light yellow dress. She approached slowly, fear on her face. " He's awake, mama...is...is he dangerous?" "Course not child, don't be rude. Sebastian, this is my daughter, Alice."
This woman, Mary, was a kind woman, providing a place for Sebastian to recover. She did not approve of the injustices against the Prosthetic people and tried to help them where she could, but she knew the same truth as Sebastian, he was the last. Over the next few months, she shared house, home, food, and bed with him as he worked to repay her, remaining hidden from the constant Templar checks. It was just them in the house, Mary, Sebastian, and Alice. Mary's husband had abandoned them before Alice was born and she raised her on her own, an amazing thing to do in Sebastian's eyes. They shared many happy months together, but as it happens with Sebastian hundreds of times before, his luck would run out. He slipped up somewhere along the line.
______
"Morning, Mary. Alice still asleep?" "Yeah." He approached her, placing his hands on her hips and pulling her into a hug. "Oooh...forward today, aren't we? What's the occasion?" "Just happy to see you." He kissed her neck and she put an elbow into his rib. "Back away you, I can't have you taking me on the stove while the food is cooking. I'll give you dessert in a little bit, you little devil." "Feisty." He sat down at the table and pulled up a plate, smiling. He relaxed for a moment then stopped, his body becoming tense. He looked around for a moment, furrowing his eyebrow. His toe had gone numb. It was the one part of his body that was fully electronic, simulating a normal toe at all times. He had it there to detect EMP...and it he couldn't feel it. "Mary...get Alice...now." She turned, worry on her face. "What do ya mean?" "I said now. Get out of-" A scream from Alice's room would make him stand with haste, but just as he did the door was kicked in and armored Templar Knights rushed into the room. They split up, two gunning straight for Sebastian and one going for Mary. He went to defend her, but the rapier of a female templar ran up his face, blinding him in a fury of blood and rage. Before he knew it, he was on the floor, gigantic Templars holding him down. Alice was brought into the room and were held down next to the table in full sight of Sebastian. The female templar that had torn his face asunder stood above him. Her face was wrinkled and scarred, her hair Argent and Ivory. She knelt down and looked over Sebastian, a sickening smile ripping across her face. She reached to her back and found her knife. "I am going to make sure you become a testament to the power of the Tenau, Sinner."
She dug the knife into Sebastian's cheek. He screamed with pain as she dug out the c" heek and ripped it off with her hand, laughing. "Fetch me the mark!" A templar approached her, a large brand with the cross of the templars on it. "Hold his face steady. I want the citizens to know what has been terrorizing them." She held the brand over his face until the templars held it just perfect. She pushed it down onto his face. He screamed and tried to struggle, but he wasn't able to move at all. After several minutes of continuous branding, she released the iron from his face, satisfied that the cross of the templars had been branded into his face well enough. She looked over to Mary and Alice, tears running down their faces. She nodded and the templars that were holding them there used their swords to rip out their intestines, making them die slowly.
"Now to put you out of your misery." She drew her rapier and rose it high, about to impale Sebastian and end his life. But just before she executed him, a little robot crashed through the window, bullets and fire following. She sprayed bullets all over, killing the templars holding Sebastian hostage and injuring the Ivory Haired woman. A steady stream of Napalm quickly followed the bullets as Sebastian stood and ran to Mary and Alice's aid, but it was too late for them. They were gone. His body was rooted in place for a moment, a hand on Mary's face. She had a necklace in hand, a ring made of silver. He took it, kissing her on the forehead, before running out of the house as it was set aflame, jumping into the river that had made it's way through the town and sneaking out.
__________________________
The two were now sitting in the living room, Killian behind them and listening. Sebastian still had his face off and in his hand. "The ivory haired woman was Annabelle's mother. Thanks to DT's EMP shielding, I survived that day but...as you can guess, I don't have much love for any Tenau. Killian spoke up, worry in his voice. "Perché hai mai riparare il vostro viso?" "The replacement is the same as my old face, same skin, same nerve endings...there is no differentiating it as it melds to my own...I could have repaired the original but...I guess we have something we fight for." He reached into his shirt and found the ring necklace. He cradled it in his fingers. There were words on the inside saying "To my beloved Mary." He placed the face back onto his hand and it melded with the original, returning the color to his eye and hiding the wounds. "If either of you tell anybody about my face, I'll make sure you die slowly."
Translations in order of how they appear in the post
Good evening, Sir Black. How have you been?
Hahaha...So this is the Brooklyn that I have heard of. Truly her beauty is far beyond the image you attached to your email.
Yes indeed I am, from Palaven. I migrated here after seeing Aurora on the holonet.
No. My father's name and my father's father's name was Killian.
So, lets get the lovely Brooklyn here set up with a Digi-vault, shall we?
Mrs. Duchene. I apologize, but this is going to hurt.
The Vault will configure to your DNA over the next couple hours. I apologize that it takes so long, but it's the fastest, and safest, way to get one.
I implore you, please make yourself at home while the Digi-vault configures to Mrs. Duchene's DNA and prepares for her. Also, do not worry, Sir Black. I recently patented the encryption algorithms that you gave me last month and upgraded them, so no need to waste any more of your type on the connection. Is there anything else that you need, old friend?
I am not sure. I have definitely seen that Red Star before. I believe it is one of a mafia member, but I am unsure. I shall find out and tell you of my findings when the Digi-vault finishes.
Why did you never repair your face?
GravityFlux said
Now whats next up, then?
I have to work tonight and tomorrow. I might get something up saturday. Been braindead as shit lately
Pyro V said
But Pyro can only be shipped with Pyro.PyroxPyro is best ship.
I'm so confused.
Is there a romance going on here?
Are we shipping gravxlucy? I am.
Is there a romance going on here?
Are we shipping gravxlucy? I am.
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