The Furry Forums
Creative Arts and Media => Roleplay => Serious RP => Topic started by: NovaAurora on November 02, 2012, 10:37:24 PM
-
(Once again open for new applicants, but you MUST indicate to me an ability to keep up with the RP and write thoughtful posts before you are admitted.)
Nova jogged as fast as he could through the moonlit streets of Ruined New York City, his heavy load obnoxiously weighing him down. Normally he preferred the rooftops- with his climbing skills it was no more dangerous than the streets, and there he could see everything around him. But the load on his back prevented this; a backpack stuffed with handheld radios, basic medical supplies, and small arms ammunition- the leftovers of a midnight clash between a local group of humans and a particularly aggressive batch of Consumers. He had heard the explosions and seen their light in the distance from the roof of the local fur HQ, which he liked to hang out on alone after everyone else was asleep. As much as he knew it was in bad taste, Nova also knew that the furs needed supplies, and human casualties provided them for scavenging. The humans would not venture out to assess the damage in full until daylight, so he had this chance to carry away what he could of the dead's provisions from the battle. "Maybe if they were a bit more considerate of us, we wouldn't have to resort to this," he grumbled to himself as the dilapidated concrete walls of the HQ came into view. "But they're dead, they won't be needing these bandages. And we're alive, because we don't insist on residing on the very edge of the city to be constantly subjected to attack." He stopped as he reached the main entrance to the building. It was of course locked, but he always carried a key. "If anyone has a problem with this when they wake up, I'll be sure to remind them of our rather dire situation, as well as the fact that I'm the one who established this HQ as a safe haven in the first place. I suppose they can refuse the meds and stay hurt if they want to..." Taking a deep breath and calming himself, as silently as possible, he slipped inside with his bounty and closed the door behind him.
-
It was night now and this is when the consumers where most active. Slowly the mutated monsters walked, crawled, and staggered out of the dark places. Out of sewers, through busted windows, open doors, and even craters in the road. They where everywhere, and there numbers grew by the day. Looking at this she let out a sigh thinking back to the chain of events that lead to this. She needed the food, and this was one of the safest places to get it, but her stupid friend had to blow it... Now they where everywhere, and she did not know how to escape. There was enough food to last a good week, a month if she rationed it. But only enough water for five days. Pulling her eye away from the scope she looked across the street that was infront of her, dozens of them, hundreds now slumped around the street, giving a curious glance up at the mini-mart she held her ground at. Crawling away from the edge with her gun she crawled towards the roof access point climbing down the ladder, making sure to lock it from the inside. Once back inside the windows where boarded with metal panels from shelfs. Allowing slivers of what remaining light was outside. The food piled in two fridges she kept running with a car battery. Sighing to herself she went to ice room, a metal cage locking it once inside. Inside a bed spread laid in the middle with her few worldly positions. Laying down she covered herself and reached out, turning off a small oil lamp. Closing her eyes she slept, waiting for another day to try and escape.
In her dreams she did not get rest as the few nights before flashed through her head. Her friend and herself knew this store, it was in the slums and not commonly visited, making it a perfect place to loot, but her friend... He ran in without checking, he was jumped. Three shotgun rounds where fired making them a beacon. Here she was safe, while her friend distracted the horde, saving her... It was a long night after that.
-
He sincerely didn't know what was going on, He tried everything in his power to save her. She was a beautiful girl, A wolf. Golden fur, so bright it could heal anyone's soul. But now that's all gone now, I let her die. It all started when I woke up in the hospital, everything looked wore down and crumbled. I had no idea what was going at the moment, I had no idea who i even was. As curious as I was, I got up, and looked around. It was a bit hard because I was hooked up to wires and machines. As I got up I heard a slight groan somewhere in crumpled halls of the hospital. I was thinking it was someone else, someone who is thinking the same thing as me. As I went out there to go check, I noticed there was nothing there. Besides gurneys and medical supplies thrown all over the place besides the rubble. I shouted out as best as I could. "Hello? Anyone there?" When I said that, I heard that exact same moan, but closer. I felt frightned, because that did not sound like any normal being. When I look around, I see this.. Mutated wolf, just running at me. I had no idea what as happening. So all I could do was run and scream for my life. But then I noticed, I wasn't screaming. It was a woman's voice, Being as frightned as I was. I started looking around until I finnaly found her, screaming, and being attacked by another "mutant". I saw a needle on the floor, So by instincts I picked up the needle and stuck it in the mutant, hoping it was some kind of posion or sleeping medicine that was in that needle. It seemed to work effiecently as the mutant groaned and fell on the floor. I went straight to the woman to see if she was alright, I asked her while looking her over. "Whats your name?" She looked into my eyes like I was a hero, and said "My names Bena."
-
Himawari looked up at the night sky and sighed.
"Another day in hell."
She turned to look towards New York city, Himawari was in Liberty State Park, the other side of the river of where New York was.
She knew about the activity of the Consumers, but at night there was a smaller chance of being spotted.
Himawari has been living underground and has been very catious when it came to other human beings. Most of them were greedy, wanting to steal her suplies, trying to convince her to join the Consumers, the 'saviors', or even worse... She could luckily fend herself off pretty well, but if she couldn't, she could always escape through vents or other small passageways where only she could fit through. Himawari used these passageways a lot to safetly get from place to place, without being spotted by anyone or anything.
She was even cautious with furs, but dealing/trading with them was always a good thing. They were somehow way less dangerous than humans, perhaps that was of their 'special' situation. Humans were hunted, taken down by the Consumers, while furs did not have to fear them. That could explain their behaviour. Or perhaps they were just more tolerant towards the whole situation. She had no clue, nor did she really care.
Himawari had been planning to go to New York city for some time now. It was more dangerous than where she was now, but she needed another safe-haven if this one would be discovered or destroyed. Also, her supplies were beganning to run low. She had been a bit lazy and too carefull with finding supplies when there used to be enough.
"On to the big apple." She said, grinning, but with a sad undertone.
-
Nova walked through the lobby of the building with his load of supplies, glancing around at the makeshift cots with sleeping furs of all kinds in them. Many had guns, knives, or various other violent accessories at their feet, ready to be wielded at a moment's notice should the need arise. "I wonder how many dream of the pre-war world, when one didn't have to worry about being ambushed in the night or whether they would have enough to eat the next day," he thought silently. His gloomy thoughts were interrupted however by movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned quickly to look, to see one of the youngest furs, a raccoon girl by the name of Riara, get out of bed and stand there looking at him. He stopped, and she walked up to him with a look of curiosity on her face.
"What's in there?" she whispered, pointing at the overloaded backpack, before adding, "And aren't you sleepy?" Nova looked down at her. Her innocence was intoxicating, she was one of the extremely lucky ones who still had a parent remaining to watch out for her.
"Supplies," Nova said after a moment. "There's stuff in here to help furs who get sick, as well as radios so we can keep in contact with each other while we're not together." He left out the part about the hundreds of pistol rounds stuffed in the bottom.
"But why do you have them now? It's sleeping time! It's dark out there!" Riara said, clearly not satisfied with the answer she received.
"Hey, I could ask why you're out of bed yourself young lady," Nova responded with a slight smirk. "Look, sometimes we have to go out when we don't want to. Things need to get done, and we can't always wait until daytime to do them. It's nothing to concern yourself with, just be glad that you're safe in here." He had a rather hard time saying the last part. Before she could interrogate him anymore, he started off towards the stairway in the back. "I can't talk anymore Riara, I'm sorry, but as you said, it's sleeping time and I'm tired. I'll see you in the morning. I think we might have a big day tomorrow." She only looked at him with an even more confused expression.
Two floors up in his private room, Nova finally put down the pack and sat down on his mattress. He could see the moon was descending now through the dingy window, the cracked and barren wreckage of the city sprawling beneath. "We can't go on like this. Something has to change, we have to fight back!" he said aloud, the words echoing in his head, bringing back countless unwanted memories. His whole body ached. "And dammit I need to get some rest..." He lay back on his cot, and without even bothering to cover himself with a blanket, drifted off into a restless sleep until morning.
-
Phelan Mendoza, crouched in the burnt out crumbling husk that had once been someone's house, distractedly rubbed a grey paw under his dark chin. He felt exhaustion tugging his eyes shut but dared not sleep here, despite lack of rest and painful hunger he's made it to the outskirts of what had once been New York. Phelan, who never called himself by any other name than Doza, knew not why he'd come here. Nor did he care. Be it instinct, Intuition, Fate, or Farce. He'd come, and that was that.
Of much more interest to the fur lay imprinted in the dirt close to his right paw. A fur footprint, which could mean others. Trades, bargains, they could have exactly what he needed. Doza knew he had what they needed, food, and despite the stomach cramps calling out for his attention he never once touched the canned goods and other foodstuffs squirreled away in his pack. After all, what kind of trader ate his own stock?
Bending down, the wolf took a deep breath through his powerful nose not an inch over the ash-covered print, "feline, female, young," he muttered to himself. His voice deep and gravelly due to too little use. Even so, he smiled, "where there is smoke...there's fire. Right, Throatseeker?" He gently patted the somewhat battered knife at his left side, the sheath bouncing gently against his leg as he gathered his belongings and quietly followed the female's trail.
-
Jajaman was having a terrible time trying to figure out what was happening. Mutants, Waking up in a hospital, now this mysterious wolf. "What do you suppose we do Bena? Should we go back out there? Maybe find some supplies?" He asked with a low monotone to his voice. Bena says, still frightned, attacked by the mutant must of been terrifying. "W-Well. MAybe we shoudl go see if there are other people, I've seen multiple human prints, and paw prints all over the place." Her voice sounded like the ones of angels. "Okay, Then we better get going, I have no idea what will happen if we stay here for long." So off we went, into the crumbled city. Holding her hand, it felt like none of the world mattered except for us. But that suddenly changed while we were walking amongst the rubble, going to the tallest building we saw, looked as it was about to fall over any day. When we were walking to it, hopefully to find supplies, or even more furs, or possibly humans. There was a sudden boom, shaking all the ground, and everything on it.
"What is going on!?" Bena says, seeming fairly frignted. "I have no idea!" Jajaman exclaimed. The tremor wen't on for about 1 minute. Then just suddenly stopped, out of the wind. These mutants seemed as they weren't fazed by us. Except for Bena, they made curious glances at her now and then, is she not a normal fur? Her exceeding beauty seemed to be very odd. Soon enough we finnaly made it to the tallest building in this town, I had no idea what it was, or what it was called, but I smelt others, mutants? I had no idea, but when I entered that building, nothing felt good at all.
-
It has been a couple of hours since Himawari decided to go to New York city. With her medium-sized backpack full of supplies and some clean clothes, she left her 'base' behind.
She had one reasonable quick -and safe- possibility to cross the other side of the river: The Harsimus Cove. It contained some boats which could help her across. She already saved up gas and other supplies she might need to get a boat running, but it was worth it, or so she hoped.
Himawari reached the harbour. She saw nothing there that could harm her. Human, anthropomorph or otherwise and went to find a boat.
She found one that looked rather well and was barely damaged at all. She saw it needed gas and filled it up, and still had some left for the journey back if she ever decided to go back.
Himawari started up the engine and left the Cove carefully, not looking behind, but ahead... to New York city.
-
The chain of event came and went as she slept, it was dark and they where stalking through an ally way. Already they came on two consumers, but with the two of them they made easy prey. It was when they where in hordes that it became a problem. Reaching the end of the ally they poked there heads into the street that lead to the mini-mart. Right above the store it had the letters in bold faded red paint. Slowly going around the corner she could feel her stomach growl with the opportunity of a fresh meal, one she did not have for over a day now, and the thought made her rush. Slowly walking down the street the sun was falling fast and soon the monsters would be out and about, they needed to hurry, but needed to be safe. She told him so, but he did not lessen. Straight to the front door he went kicking it open and walking inside slowly The store was previously boarded up but gave under his forcefull kick. It seemed that it was generally un touched as the previous occupancies left in a hurry, she knew it was a bad sigh, and voicing her concerns but her friend did not lessen. Further he went into the store passing shelf upon shelf until it sprang from the shadows. With a shout of shock he was stabbed through his lower stomach as his finger spasm on the trigger shooting a round into the celing. Bringing up her rifle she shot once herself killing the attacker as another came from behind further impaling him. Twisting his body around, blood coming out of his mouth he put his shotgun to the last of the threats firing twice. But the claw like appendages where in him, and he would turn soon. Walking up to him tears streamed down her face, "Adam!.. Adam... Your going to be ok! please..." But he looked at himself, barely able to lift his head he said the words. "Kill me." It seemed like an hour of fighting, but in reality it was a few minutes of exchanged words. Lifting up her handgun, her vision clouded as tears stung her eyes. Squeezing the trigger it was all over quick...
Waking with a shout she sat up in her makeshift bed panting heavenly. She was sweating and brought a hand up wiping at her brow. This was the second night in a row the dream came, more groosom then the last. Shuddering she brought her arms over her knees hugging herself lightly wiping away a few threatening tears. She had to be strong, or she would end up like her friend. Once her breathing was back under control she got up, unable to fall back asleep. Looking around the freeze box she had her pack ready to go, a small ham radio, a lamp attached to a car battery, and her rifle leaning against the wall. Grabbing the radio she unhooked the lamp and brought the radio and battery out to the main room. Hooking it up she adjusted the antenna and started playing with the dials once again. For three days straight nothing but static, she needed help, but was scared for who would be providing it, but she had no other choice. Slowly turning the diels from each frequency she said the same thing, "Is anyone out there, anyone at all, I'm at the old Mini-Mart in the slums, south distract, can anyone hear me, please respond." After going through the frequencies she started again, trying in vain to get help, hopefully help would arrive before the consumers found out there was still another survivor in the store.
-
After getting them acquainted in this big building, ME and her both heard a humming. Which is good, means I'm not going crazy. I told her to stay where she was, while i try to find the noise, after minutes of looking I found it. It was someone talking, he needed help. But I had no idea where this Mini-Mart was. He was is the slums, south-district, But when I tried to reply, it seemed he went to a different channel. So I gathered up supplies I found in the big building, A gun, 2 clips. Some food, and some water. It wasn't much, but it would have to do.
"Bena, Your going to have to stay here, I'm off to find others." Jajaman said politely.
"B-But! What if they come after me." She said, Scared, I understand ed what she was going through.
"No worries, I'm sure you can find another weapon here." With the look in her eyes it seemed like she trusted me.
So off I went, heading south, or the south of what the broken signs said. It was terrible walking down this city. Its sad to see it all gone, I wonder how popular this city was before this all happened I have no idea. After walking of what seemed hours, I finnaly found myself, looking at this mini-mart, I was hoping this is where he was.. "Hello? Are you there? I heard you on the radio? I have a bit of supplies! Anyone?" After that, I had no idea what was going to happen after I said all that.
-
The horde surrounded the building completely as the changed humans skulked around idly zombie like. With the sound of his voice few stood straight looking in his general direction, even fewer started walking that way. On sight it would be blood shed intently as a low groan was heard through the group of consumers, they where agitated now as there sustention of an enemy ralled up the group. As a few walked your way they held up there claw like arms, ready to attack at the noise.
-
The moment he spoke out he knew that was a terrible idea, "Shoot! That was a terrible idea.. Am I at the wrong place?" I say agitated. Being chased by the mutant he takes out his handgun, and shoots the ones that are coming after him. But that just causes more to come. He had no idea what to do at the time, So all he could do was run in the mini-mart, he had a lucky shot inside, and tried to find a hiding spot inside. But they were already inside. Trying as best as he could he tried to find the person that was on the radio, Sneaking around as best as he can, trying to find her. "Hello? Are you in here?" He whispers, so he wouldn't attract the mutants.
-
Himawari reached New York city and docked the boat in a secluded area quietly. She had cut off the engine long before in order not to draw everything's attention. She made sure to hide the supplies for the boat somewhere else, but closeby, in order to prevent anyone else on fleeing away with the boat.
Himawari decided it was best to go to the heart of the city, where the most supplies would probably be. Not only was it also most likely one of the most dangerous places, but that would mean more supplies.
She sneaked around buildings, quickly and undetected by creatures so far. She reached the heart of the city. Normally this place would be lit up so much, it would be difficult to hide, but due to the chaos that had swept the world, it was most unlikely people would be keeping themselves busy with the powerplants, giving the country electricity.
Suddenly, she turned a corner without looking around it before doing so, and she bumped into something squishy. It was a creature, a Consumer.
The creature turned and tried to attack her, she rolled aside, banging into the door of a building. The monster quickly bent down and attacked again, sweeping low with it's arms. This time he hit her, but barely scratched her. She moaned, tried to get up and run away or trying to knock him out, but she suddenly felt weak and let herself hang. She had no idea what was going on, but this was not the first time that this had happened. Almost everytime when one or more of these creatures were near of her, she would have this strange feeling. All her muscles would let her down, she could not controll them anymore and she would also have the feeling of wanting to becone one of... them. It was difficult to resist such a thing, normally she was in situations were she could flee one way or the other, but now she was trapped, trapped in a huge city filled with these things.
She felt hopeless and gave up. She could not fight this anymore.
-
Nova was shaken from sleep by a knock on his door. It was still dark out. "Ugh... Who is it? What's going on?" He asked groggily. A voice Nova recognized as Axol's, a pure wolf, came from the other side.
"Sorry to wake you Nova, but I was just woken up downstairs by some banging on our front door. I didn't want to go out there alone or wake the others, so I figured I'd just come wake you up. Sorry.... but I think you should come."
"Banging? I swear if it's some lone Consumer gone mad I'm gonna tear it limb from limb..." He grabbed his gunblade, opened the door and started downstairs. The lobby was still full of sleeping furs, only he and Axol stirred. As he approached the door he heard groans and... what sounded like a woman's voice? There was definitely something out there. "Axol, stay behind me, I'm going out," Nova said. In one swift movement, he flung the door open and leveled his blade in the direction of the noise. Just outside the door, a single Consumer bent over a human female, who looked incredibly pale and weak. Nova rushed the consumer, and with a vigorous slash decapitated it instantly. The lifeless body collapsed on the ground. Nova then turned his attention to the human slumping against the wall. "Who are you?" Nova asked. "No humans ever come this deep into the city."
-
The black haired young woman suddenly felt 'normal' again. Her vision was somewhat clouded before, but now that the Consumer had been taken care of, she had a clear view again. She could operate her body again and stood up. She saw a diffrent kind of creature looking at her, asking her questions. The words made no sense at first, she heard them as if the words were being played slow-forward by a tape recorder.
After a minute or so, she shook her head and blinked.
"I... I'm Himawari, Himawari Hyde. Thanks for... freeing me." She instantly knew that was a weird thing to say, but continued.
"Who are you? And, not to be impolite, but I've never seen an anthro this far in the city either. What are you doing here?" She paused. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere, somewhere safe? I sense them coming. They must have somehow sensed the death of their fellow... something."
-
Doza Had been working towards the center of what was once "The Big Apple" following the scent of the female fur, he kept well to the shadows, never straying far from cover longer than necessary. He thought of nothing but the task at hand, follow the trail, find the fur, and make a trade. Simplicity, the word Doza often equates with 'survival,' is his favorite word.
The wolf made good headway, seeing only two Consumers that he easily hid from. Upon spying a third he noticed that every one of the things had been heading in the same direction. Doza pauses, curious, then huffs slightly through his teeth. He had a trail to follow, and going off on a tangent would be unlikely to award him with what he needed.
Shortly, Doza spies movement ahead. Closer inspection yields an interesting drama. A human woman, dark of hair, lies limp in the close proximity of a particularly ugly Consumer. The fur knows he cannot get to the human in time, not with his rucksack on, maybe not even unburdened. Then a door opens close by, spilling dim light on the unlikely pair. He cannot be sure but the wolf believes a fur stands in the doorway.
A nearby groan gives Doza his decision, and as the two figures near the doorway speak, he bolts from his cover eerily silent on his paws. A Consumer lurches at him from the side, without even slowing Doza crashes into the beast and half stumbles, half rolls around it and back to his paws. Before the creature even understands what happened the wolf is already ten yards away.
-
The black haired young woman suddenly felt 'normal' again. Her vision was somewhat clouded before, but now that the Consumer had been taken care of, she had a clear view again. She could operate her body again and stood up. She saw a diffrent kind of creature looking at her, asking her questions. The words made no sense at first, she heard them as if the words were being played slow-forward by a tape recorder.
After a minute or so, she shook her head and blinked.
"I... I'm Himawari, Himawari Hyde. Thanks for... freeing me." She instantly knew that was a weird thing to say, but continued.
"Who are you? And, not to be impolite, but I've never seen an anthro this far in the city either. What are you doing here?" She paused. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere, somewhere safe? I sense them coming. They must have somehow sensed the death of their fellow... something."
"She's right," a voice behind them said. "We should get to cover..."
-
Alarm sound appears, Denden slowly opens his eyes, “Another day in the hell”.He stretches, yawns and gets up, takes a shower, a cold one since the warm water doesn't work anymore.“I hate these showers, this cold showers...I miss the warm water”, he sighs and finishes the shower and dresses up.
“I can't continue like, this makes no sense....I am not...who I was before....”, he takes his gun, checks the clip and loads the gun “Something must change, it needs to stop...NOW” and it makes click … the slider goes forward and the gun is ready to be used. He puts the gun on the table, where his rifle is, together with a lot of ammunition.
He starts to search the bunker for some food he will take with him on the trip for good. He takes his backpack, fills it with water, food (cans and other stuff which lasts long), ammunition and aid (medicine, bandages, morphine). He warms up some food, for maybe the last time. “This is how it is going to end? sigh , but at least, if something happens, I will see her soon again sigh”.
Denden finishes his last dinner, puts on his driving clothes , his backpack, his rifle and handgun. “There we go, right into the unknown “ he goes to the door, opens it and notices, it is night, midnight “It's a dangerous time”, but I have no chance, I can't wait any longer. He closes the door, locks everything and goes to the backdoor where is dirt bike is , he fills the last fuel he has in, takes out a photo of is lost love then puts it back into his pocket, puts on his helmet “Here we go, right to New York, wish me good luck darling! Please watch over me!” he kicks on the bike rushes out and the backdoor closes itself ;
He rushes out towards New York City, in hope to meet other people. He uses some ways, a bit away from streets or points where consumers are lurking around, even though the bike is a bit loud, Denden doesn't mind in hope to find other life...good life.
-
Startled by the voice, Nova whipped around to its source. Standing there was a fur he'd never seen before, in the dark he looked like some kind of feline with wings. Nova glanced back and forth between the newcomer and the woman, then at Axol, who had a "Don't look at me!" expression on his face. "Uh, well this is highly unusual... I'm Nova, this is Axol, and this building we're standing in front of is the HQ for the local fur resistance." Unsure of what to say, he continued, "But as you say we should get to cover. Um, here, just come inside with us, I have questions for both of you, as I'm sure you have for me... Just try to be quiet, many are still asleep." Nova stood aside and gestured for the rest of them to enter through the door.
-
The moment he spoke out he knew that was a terrible idea, "Shoot! That was a terrible idea.. Am I at the wrong place?" I say agitated. Being chased by the mutant he takes out his handgun, and shoots the ones that are coming after him. But that just causes more to come. He had no idea what to do at the time, So all he could do was run in the mini-mart, he had a lucky shot inside, and tried to find a hiding spot inside. But they were already inside. Trying as best as he could he tried to find the person that was on the radio, Sneaking around as best as he can, trying to find her. "Hello? Are you in here?" He whispers, so he wouldn't attract the mutants.
Looking up from the radio with a start she reached for her handgun laying next to her. Kicking back her chair she stood pointing her firearm at the stranger. "You! What are you doing here?!" With her eyes glancing at the open door she curses to herself in German. Rushing to the door she slams it shut and moves a shelf back into position. Once shut there is a loung bang followed by scaping noices along the boarded windows. Glaring back at you her temper flared as her eyes narrowed. "What have you done! You alerted the entire horde here and almost got me killed." Sighing she ran a hand up along her face and through her hair. Resting her back on the make shift baracade it bumbs again as the horde pushes. Looking back at you she nods at the door. "Help me move another shelf against the door." Walking to one of the shelfs she sweeps off the empty cans and exspired goods and waits at one end for you to get the other.
-
Startled by the voice, Nova whipped around to its source. Standing there was a fur he'd never seen before, in the dark he looked like some kind of feline with wings. Nova glanced back and forth between the newcomer and the woman, then at Axol, who had a "Don't look at me!" expression on his face. "Uh, well this is highly unusual... I'm Nova, this is Axol, and this building we're standing in front of is the HQ for the local fur resistance." Unsure of what to say, he continued, "But as you say we should get to cover. Um, here, just come inside with us, I have questions for both of you, as I'm sure you have for me... Just try to be quiet, many are still asleep." Nova stood aside and gestured for the rest of them to enter through the door.
The other furry nodded. "Of course," he said. "By the way, on my way here, I spotted a wolf running in this direction... even outran a few Consumers, and actually body-checked one." He shrugged and followed them in. "Just saying... we should watch for him in case he comes here."
-
Sarah had been in this area for a few days now, but she never saw the beasts move in as great a number as she was seeing now. So she decided to follow the horde to find out what was going on. As she ran from building to building she saw their numbers continue to grow. She ran into the next building only to hear a frightened whimper. A sound she knew all to well and could not ignore. She followed the sound to a closed door. When she opened it what she saw not only amazed her but made her blush as well. There sat a golden wolf woman huddled and scared. She entered the room slowly, "Hello my name is Sarah. I'd like to help are you alright?"
-
Jajaman walks over to the other side and gets ready to lift, "Alright, 1, 2, 3!" At 3 they both pick it up. It wasn't as heavy as I thought, but it seemed it would be heavy enough to stop them from coming in. Slowly they finealy get it to the door, after a few heaves and breaths, they get it done, and over the door. As not as strong as he could be, he finds him self sitting against the wall, breathing. "Well, I don't know whats to be done now, What do you suspect we do?"
(Other Character. Hope this is okay)
Bena found herself huddled against a wall. Looking around, scared of what will happen next. Her friend, Jajaman has been gone for awhile, I'm scared, I hope he is okay. The noises seemed to get louder, and louder. And even closer and closer. They were really starting to scare her. Those mutant, they never even glanced at Jaja. Why me, why would they be looking at me? I was confused. But, I heard someone coming, was it a mutant? When I saw that door open, I screamed. But then soon stopped to see it was a human, no mutant attributes. She greeted me nice. "H-Hi, My names Bena, I'm fine.. But, my friend.. He left for a place, and he hasn't came back, I don't know what to do.
-
Sarah smiled at her as she got closer. "Well which way did your friend go? Maybe I can help you find him." She crouched down next to the golden wolf. "And please don't be afraid. I wont let anything happen to you. I'm a papillon who knows what she's doing." She then help out her hand, "Come on Bena let's find you friend."
-
Bena was curious of this odd woman, She seemed very kind. "Well, All he said that he was going south, I don't know where, But I'm sure he's coming back. But I don't know. He left like, 2 hours ago. I'm sure he hasn't left the city." She had no idea though. She felt a bit of a passion for Jajaman. "If we go to find him, can we go together?"
-
Startled by the voice, Nova whipped around to its source. Standing there was a fur he'd never seen before, in the dark he looked like some kind of feline with wings. Nova glanced back and forth between the newcomer and the woman, then at Axol, who had a "Don't look at me!" expression on his face. "Uh, well this is highly unusual... I'm Nova, this is Axol, and this building we're standing in front of is the HQ for the local fur resistance." Unsure of what to say, he continued, "But as you say we should get to cover. Um, here, just come inside with us, I have questions for both of you, as I'm sure you have for me... Just try to be quiet, many are still asleep." Nova stood aside and gestured for the rest of them to enter through the door.
Himawari, still feeling a bit uneasy, went inside and sighed.
Once inside, she looked in awe at the furs inside, most of them were sleeping. She saw more furs in here than in her entire life. She had no idea.
She looked up at Nova.
"Why are you all hiding here? Aren't you practically safe from those monsters outside, I mean, they don't attack you, right? Not like they do humans, I mean."
She inhaled an exhaled deeply before continuing, "Also, nice to meet you by the way, Nova and Axol." Himawari slightly bowed her head when she mentioned the names. She then looked at the other fur. "And nice to meet you too, whoever you may be." She did not say this to be mean or vaguely uninterested, but she was more interested in Nova and Axol and their resistance group.
She knacked her neck and looked back at Nova. "But what are you doing here? Why create a fur resistance?"
-
The fur nodded. "I'll tell you my name later unless you wish to know now,' he said.
-
Nova led them inside, then thought for a minute before answering both questions. "Well, I guess I would like to know your name," he said. "As for your question, Himawari, like the remaining humans, it all comes back to the fact that we want to reestablish a world that isn't overrun by mutated monstrosities hellbent on destroying us all. We're hiding here, exactly, because the humans have never really trusted us, and frankly many of us in the resistance have never really trusted them. We tried working together directly, but ultimately we had so many differing ideas and philosophies on how to proceed that nothing ever got done. So now we live separately, and it's turned into a competition for resources, unfortunately. We decided to live deeper in the city, because we are generally more adaptable than humans are and we aren't as preemptively aggressive. The humans on the city edges are always paranoid of attack and seem to have an insatiable lust for Consumer blood, so they've decided to live out there where they're forced to be alert at all hours. I don't understand it myself, they don't seem to know where to go with the world. We in the fur resistance have been planning for some time now a way to push out of the city, into more rural land where nobody dares to go, and attempt to set up a more permanent and self sufficient settlement. But again, the problem is that we just don't have the resources. We barely have enough to survive as it is. Also, while we number many, not all of us are fighters. Axol and I are two of the best, but the fact is we'll never survive outside of the city unless we get more forces." Nova paused for a minute to look at the woman and the new fur.
"So now, I must ask you, what are a lone human and lone fur doing all the way in here? Surely you saw the human encampments on the edge of the city. And I thought most furs had either died out or joined local pockets of resistance themselves long ago." A thought occurred to him. "Say, if you indeed do come from well outside the city, maybe you could help us. You probably have as much experience with the outside world as any of us, possibly more. You're exactly the kind of people we need to, you know, help us escape..." He trailed off, waiting to see what they'd say.
-
The fur nodded. "Of course." He offered Nova a hand. "Shake on it?"
-
Brock packed pound after pound of ammunition into his backpack. He double-checked to see that he had everything he needed before he left for New York. He wanted to get off of his island as soon as possible. All the other furries have been either killed or infected by the Consumers. It wasn't a very safe place to be. He continued to load his supplies. Then suddenly, one of the consumers hurdled out of the bushes and proceeded to attack Brock. Without flinching, Brock took his rifle and unloaded his whole clip into the monster. "I need to get the hell out of here before more consumers come." He scavanged the body and took a wallet with $20 in it and a swiss army knife. He continued to load supplies into the boat. When he was finished, he grabbed his rifle and disembarked for New York.
Brock carefully stepped out of the boat when he reached New York. He did not want to attract any attention to the Consumers, for he was not very capable of running away with all the supplies on his back. He continued to walk down the street until he ran across a sign. It read "Fur Resistance HQ -->" He hesitated for a second before walking into the building....
-
The fur suddenly whipped around and pointed an odd-looking gun at the newcomer... then holstered it again. "Sorry," he said. "Can't be too careful."
-
Jajaman walks over to the other side and gets ready to lift, "Alright, 1, 2, 3!" At 3 they both pick it up. It wasn't as heavy as I thought, but it seemed it would be heavy enough to stop them from coming in. Slowly they finealy get it to the door, after a few heaves and breaths, they get it done, and over the door. As not as strong as he could be, he finds him self sitting against the wall, breathing. "Well, I don't know whats to be done now, What do you suspect we do?"
With the new shelf now blocking the door way the bumps are less noticeable but the sound ever present. Turning her attention back to her radio she glances back up at you. "Move the food into the back room, and as much supples as possible, I don't know how long the boarded windows will last." Picking up the radio she walked to the back rooms that included a dry storage area, the back door, and the ice room. Placing the radio back down on a bench she straddles it adjusting the battery and wires. Bringing the mic up to her mouth once again she voiced her call for help, not only for her this time, but for this stranger. "Anyone out there, anyone that can hear this message, The consumers are at the front door, I don't know how long we will last, is anyone there, please respond... Anyone..." Losing hope fast she glances up at you through the open door way with a sigh she shakes her head and turns the dial, trying another frequency.
-
"I came here for supplies," Himawari answered, "In my 'base' the supplies have been running low. I figured I'd go out before they run out completly."
She sniffed, holding her head up high. "I have had no good dealings with other humans either, that's why I'm alone. I hope that answers all of your questions."
Himawari was reluctant on telling them where her base was, she just met them. Also, why would she tell them anything? They were safer than her anywhere else, with or without food. Her dislike against anthopomorphs grew over the years when she found out about how they and the other creatures could get along. The dislike only grew and grew, especially when hating the creatures became so normal.
"So, what am I now, here I mean? What should I do?"
-
While Jajaman was hauling all the supplies into the backroom, he says. "I am so sorry I led all of them here, Shouldn't of shot in the first place, If we die, its all my fault.." It seemed as if he was going to have a breakdown. "Its just, I woke up in a crumbled hospital, I found this girl. I am just so confused. I'm also worried for the girl I found, I left her at this makeshift base, But i didn't want to bring her with me, She would've been hurt. I begin thinking if that was a good idea or not." He seemed really stressed, but kept bringing in the supplies. "This girl is amazing, I would hate to see her hurt. Actually, I would hate to see anyone hurt. So I'm sorry for dragging all these mutants here." After saying that, He finnaly broke down after he was done with the last haul. "I just don't know what to do! I'm so worried. That were going to die here." Tears streaming down his face, feeling like to just give up.
-
Nova stood there, rather dumbfounded. He was surrounded by Axol, Himawari, the cat-bird fur, and now this newcomer. He looked briefly at all of them before saying, "Alright, hold up for one second here. We have almost no contact with anyone for weeks, and now all at once, not exactly in the middle of the night but close enough, three random people show up at our doorstep? That's just a little suspicious if you know what I mean!" He felt exasperated, but the prospect of so many newcomers was thrilling at the same time. He turned to the human first. "You. There's something different about you from other humans. I'm not sure what it is, but in the meantime you should probably stay with us. We have supplies, not many, but we have them. If we aid you though, I must ask that you assist us in return. You don't have to fight, necessarily, but any info or knowledge you have that could help us beat back the Consumers and escape the city would be extremely valuable." Then he looked at the cat-bird. Quickly he said, "As for you, welcome aboard, glad to have you, and you I do hope can fight." Finally he turned to the newcomer, a muscular fox by the looks of things. "I'm not too sure about you yet. You have enough firepower there to wipe us all off the planet, and you just barged in here out of the blue." He drew his gunblade, slowly but smoothly, and approached the fox. Keeping his voice level and calm, but with a note of conviction he continued, "I don't mean to be rude, but I've met some furs who have, shall we say, not exactly the purest intentions. If I'm to let you in, I need you to disarm and explain yourself. Now."
-
Going through the set of frequencies twice now she turned to him as he came in with the last load of water bottles. He crunched over onto the wall. His voice was breaking, his body shook... He was crying... Frowning lightly she stood up from the bench and closed the door to the back room, if they where lucky the consumers would not look back here, but just in case she moved a few crates in the way. With that done she walked up behind you placing a hand on your shoulder as she said, "Shh, Its ok... I was rash, and... I'm sorry for yelling." After a moment of silence she rubbed your back silently, letting your sobs rack your body before adding. "In the ice box is my bed, go ahead, sleep, you need it. Ill take the first watch and wake you if there is trouble... Or rescue. But don't touch my stuff please, or my rifle. Sleep well." Taking her hand way she sat back down on the bench staring at the old radio. With a sigh she continued her calls for help, sending her voice through the air waves to who's ever ears might be listening.
-
Jajaman calmed down a bit after that. "Alright, I think a good sleep will be good. Don't get hurt." Getting a little woozy he walks over to the ice box and open it, The bed was just a regular old mattress but any sleep would do. Getting himself comfortable on the mattress he slowly let himself drift of to sleep with the voice of that girl in the background.
He was flying, in the air, he looked to his back to see a big pair of white, angel wings. He was soaring over the beautiful city of New York, no damage. He could see all the humans, talking among-st themselves, having a great time. But then the bombs started dropping, they were everywhere, killing everyone. But then in a split second, I found myself back in the present time. Still flying, I saw Bena. It was the most horrible sight, she was being mauled by the biggest swarm of mutants I've ever seen. But then I saw that other girl there to. I still never knew her name. They were dieng, and all I could do was watch, while flying in the air, safe. Then they both let out a blood curdling scream. Then I woke up, back in the ice box, to find myself screaming as well.
-
Denden is getting closer to the heart of NYC, seeing all the destroyed regions, these consumers make him melancholy, these things ruined his life and the life of nearly everyone. *sigh* "When I remember right, these consumers are not attacking furs, I hope the information was correct." He continued driving towards the heart of NYC, slowly entering the more "close" area," if something happens it will be harder to escape ", Denden thought and continued driving and still keeping the eyes on everything what moves or don't move.
Then, entering the core / heart of NYC, things seems to be become serious, it seems that due to the noise his bike makes, the consumers are trying to chase him. He didn't notice at first, but then he notices all these growling consumers around him, he continued driving when suddenly a few consumers appeared in front of him, he immediately turns to the left, half drifting and close escaping a hit of the consumers he steps on the gas just to escape....he tries to look back to see if they are still trying to chase him... when he looks back forward...
He didn't see the broken cars and remains and drives over them, flying in the air ... landing on a small heap of dirt and trash.....Denden passes out for a second "Wow, dude what happened?!", he checks himself and noticed nothing happened, "Oh man, why are these creatures chasing me? Do they think I am a human?".
Denden gets up to take a look, he sees things coming towards him. He looks over to his bike, but this broke when it hit a wall after the accident. "Oh damn it, I don't know if can fight them back, damn it."
Denden takes of his Rifle, enables night-vision and starts to aim. "It might be the only chance to survive,I have to try my best...", he starts to take a deep breath, holds his breath and starts shooting. *click* , a loud noise appears , the bullet flies directly towards on of the consumers and hits it in the head. The consumer went down immediately. "Gotcha", he thought and reloaded "click click"; "I have no time to set it to semi-automatic, damn it" he thought and aimed again and shot the second one. "I hope I have enough rounds".
A few more loud gunshots appear when Denden takes down the other consumers he saw.
"8 rounds left in this magazine", he thought and looked around - "No more consumers,did I make it?"
Denden sets his Rifle to semi-automatic, refills the magazine and wanted to leave his cover when he suddenly hears growling sounds from like everywhere..."god dammit will this be my end? I hope someone hears it and will come to help...what I am talking? I bet I am alone in this god damn city...."
He prepares himself mentally for his probably last fight...
-
Himawari stared at Nova when she heard a loud crash and after that shots.
She suddenly had a blank, emotionless look on her face. "I don't know how, but I think whoever that is out there, is attracting more and more of those things."
She got that weird feeling again, only lighter this time. She did not tell the others about it. She wasn't too sure about it herself why she could 'sense' the Consumers or how. And telling the furs might make them suspicious of her. She could certainly not afford that right now, not with so many of them outside now.
"I wish I could help, but at the moment I'm not feeling too well yet..."
-
"Alright." The crat shook Nova's hand. "Call me Jared." He watched the proceedings, turning the gun off and checking all of his weapons, then walking over. "Four, actually... and he seems alright."
-
It seemed like an hour before her voice became raw. Putting a paw up to her throat she rubbed softly. Getting up again she walked over to the pile of supplies and grabbed a bottle was water and took a quick sip. Rubbing her throat again it felt much better. Walking back to the bench she was just about to sit down when the other fur's shouts of horror made her rush to the ice room. Looking into the metal box she stared down at you in wonder. "SHhh! Quite down, it was just a dream. Don't yell, or the consumers will try that much harder o get in." Kneeling down next to him she brought her sea blue eyes level with his looking into his terror stricken eyes. "C'mon we ne-" Being cut off by gun shots she raised her head in the direction with her ears perked. Staying like this she waited a few minutes at the shots echo stopped. "I... Ill be right back.." Getting up she walked out of the room and to a a fire ladder. Climbing up she unlatched the top and peeked over the room. None of the monsters where up so she climbed out into the night air and crawled to the edge. The consumers heard the noise too and some went in the direction, but a vast majority stayed around the Mini-Mart, stalking. Frowning at the news it was slightly good as the pounding and scratching at the windows and door stopped. They seemed to have lost interest with the disturbance that was just caused. "Who ever you are, thanks." She said to the stranger out in the night, for he will surely die giving off a beacon like that. Going back inside she stands in the middle of the room looking at the radio and the battery it was attached to. The light was dim in the room but it did not effect her. Going back into the ice room she sat down leaning against one of the metals walls and placed her hands on her lap. Staring at the wall opposite of her.
-
He was glad to whoever shot those bullets. Because that gives us a better chance of surviving. After all that died down, he was embarrassed to the thought that he screamed when he woke up. He looked over at the fox, but then found himself blushing, bad. Why was he blushing at a terrible time like this. He can't have these feelings.. After being embarrassed at the face he blushed when he looked at the fox, he just looks away, feeling terrible, having these feelings. He really didn't know why, But his heart felt like he needed someone. He was so lonely, not knowing what to do. "Well, Did all of them leave? Are we good to go?" He seemed excited to finally get out of this place. But he surely doubted he was getting out of here that soon. Not knowing what he was doing, he climbed out of the ice box, and found a place near this mysterious fox. Yet to find himself blushing again.
-
Looking over at him from the corner of her eye she lets out a soft sigh before answering his question. "There are some that where destracted and wonderd off towards the noise, but not much, there are still too many to escape on foot. But they did stop trying to get in." After a moment of silence she turns her head over to you saying, "Names Katelyn by the way."
-
He was suprised she told him her name, it would only be polite to tell his as well "Well, My name is.... Jajaman, Its a name I gave myself, I don't remember what my real name was. Yeah its a silly name, but its what i go by." Speaking of his name really embarrassed him, because it was so silly, and weird. He started blushing again. He had no idea what was going on with him, he is not even trying to blush anymore, not like he was in the first place. But it seems as if its getting worse. He noticed the noises of the mutants stopped, But knew they were still out there, trying to get in, to get us. Yawning, I soon fell on the floor, finding in a deep sleep, But yet, no dreams.
-
Looking to her side once again she was about to speak when he slumped over some. Seeing he fell asleep she sat up and stood stretching her legs. She needed sleep despritely but the radio was there only hope of rescue now, and so she manned her position, speaking into the mic to what ever might be lessioning This she did for more of the night untill her eyes soon became heavy. Fighing off the sleep she stood up starind down at the radio as she finished the last frequency again, waiting a few seconds before turning it off and trying again in the morning.
-
Nova was about to reply when a loud crash was heard down the street, followed by several gunshots. He ran out into the street, to see what looked like a lone person confronting a horde of angry Consumers a few blocks away. "What the hell is all this?! Where are all these people coming from?!" he screamed. He turned back to the others. "Well crap, you want to be part of the resistance Jared? You wanna prove yourself, random fox guy? Well, this is what we need you for! Hope you're ready for a fight. Axol, take point with me, Jared and fox guy, stay behind us and provide covering fire. Himawari, you definitely look too weak to fight off all this, you should probably just stay here." He loaded up the pistol in his gunblade, and Axol drew up his modded G18 as well as his favorite katana, which he always kept on him. "Well what are you all waiting for? This is life after the apocalypse!" he shouted, with more than just a hint of excitement. With that, Nova started sprinting down the street towards the fray, blade drawn, Axol right behind.
-
Bena was curious of this odd woman, She seemed very kind. "Well, All he said that he was going south, I don't know where, But I'm sure he's coming back. But I don't know. He left like, 2 hours ago. I'm sure he hasn't left the city." She had no idea though. She felt a bit of a passion for Jajaman. "If we go to find him, can we go together?"
Sarah noded. "Of course, I would never think of leaving you alone again." She stood up and holstered her guns again. She then held her hand out to help Bena up. "Let's go find him."
-
Bena looks up at the woman, "A-Alright, Hopefully we can find him.." So off they went, South. In hopes to find Jajaman. Bena hopes that he is alright, and.. not dead.
-
As they head south the sounds of the Consumers gets louder. Once they get back outside they see why. A. Mass of Consumers is swarming a Mini-mart. 'I hope he's not in there.' Thought Sarah. She looked at Bena. "Let's see if the back of the place is safe." She then tuned back in and head toward a vantage point for the back. Once they could see the back she saw a fecne protecting the back door fom what few monsters there were. "Well we can make it if we run. Want to try he might not be in there."
-
She seemed scared at that idea, "I don't think thats smart. These mutants hate me, They always stare at me." Also, the Mini-Mart, had a back entrance, but was swarmed with alot of Consumers. It wouldn't be a safe idea, you would have to see if there is someone in there first.
-
Running, Doza had glanced back at the confused Consumer just for a second in hope that he'd bowled it over, but no such luck. Upon looking forward it seemed many furs had gathered in and around the dimly lit doorway. Suspicious, the wolf ducked aside, confused.
'Where'd they all come from?' He asked himself mentally, huffing slightly through his nose, he'd not seen a group like this in....had it been six months? A large group of furs, much like this, seven or eight of them in fact. Doza had approached them in hopes of opening up a trade, instead they beat the crap out of him, stolen his stock and pushed him out a fourth story window into a refuse heap, thinking him dead. He'd have cut his losses, run away to start over, but they'd stolen his knife.
Doza rubbed a fore-paw over the scar on his muzzle, memories of that night rarely surfaced outside of his nightmares, and he shook himself just as a feral would. Relaxing the deathgrip he'd not known he was inflicting on poor Throatseeker, Doza watched the door slam and he waited patiently. A Consumer (his?) shambled by, apparently unable to smell him, Doza held his breath.
After what seemed like forever, a noise caught the hiding fur's attention, a motor? He swiveled his head, perking his ears, trying to get a fix on the noise. Suddenly there came a loud bang, followed by gunshots...only a few at first, then clusters. Rifle?
The door hiding the group of furs and the human woman bangs open, causing Doza to jerk his gaze back in that direction. The group could only be described as a rescue team, motley for sure but determined looking. Raiders and looters rarely bother saving anyone, even their own members. With a small grin, a short but welcome burst of adrenaline, and the 'snick' of his knife leaving it's sheath, the wolf quietly moves hidden alongside the group as they move towards the noise.
-
Jared heard the knife leave its sheath. "Glad you could make it, wolf," he said, drawing his guns. "Let's do this."
-
Brock follows behind Jared, who is spraying all the ammo he possibly can into the hoard. They're both skilled fighters, and the horde was coming from all directions. "These thing never stop coming do they?" Brock thought to himself as he continued to spray lead into the consumers. After about 20 minutes of shooting, the consumers were starting to back off. "Let's go catch up with Nova, before more monsters show up". "Good idea" said Jared. We sprinted down the lifeless streets of New York. Dead carcasses of the Consumption lie motionlesss on the pavement. We saw Nova and Axol cutting and shooting waves of consumers, and we figured that they needed some help. Brock set his rifle to Automatic and sprayed the remaining consumers until all that remained was a street with a bunch of lifeless bodies on the ground.
-
The growling becomes louder, and then he sees the horde rushing towards his position.
"Alright, here we go", he takes again a deep breath and then starts to aim.
One gunshot follows the other....after a short time he checks the ammunition "Damn, 6 rounds left and the other magazines are in the backpack" Denden thought and continued aiming.
*sigh* "Why does this have to happen to me, all this shit..." he said and continued
shooting. Round 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - click click click - Denden continues trying to shoot, but nothing happens.
"Is this...how it is going....to end?" he asked himself with a fading hope...
Denden pulls out his Handgun, "I will keep one round, so it will be quick"...he thought and prepared for the last minute in his life.
"If there is anyone out here, please.... HELP!" he yelled....
-
All in the meantime, Himawari just did as she was told by Nova and stayed left behind in their headquarters.
She looked around and sighed.
"I guess I'm safe enough here... I'll catch some sleep. Haven't slept for days, might as well regain energy now while I can."
She saw stairs leading up and found a room there with a bed. Out of her backpack she got a pen and paper and wrote something down:
'Sorry if this is your bed, only need some rest. Will wake up soon.'
She placed the piece of paper near the halfway the door and bed on the floor and fell on the bed. She instantly fell asleep, clutching her backpack tight.
-
(Um... brock, you're not really allowed to control me... It's against the rules...)
"Good plan," Jared said, sheathing the guns and pulling out his tomahawk and katana. Moving quickly and dodging Brock's fire, he began slashing at the Consumers rapidly, wearing them down and letting Brock finish them off, sometimes even decapitating them himself.
-
Nova saw the lone stranger pull out his handgun and yelled as loud as he could, "Don't do it! Get behind us, now!" With that he made a bounding leap over the wreckage, landing in the middle of the Consumer horde. Axol came right behind, and standing back to back they began the massacre. One, two, three- the limp bodies of Consumers fell by the wolves' blades at their feet as Jared and the fox sprayed down the stragglers at the edges. Out of the corner of his eye, Nova saw a small group flanking right, trying to get behind the fox and the motorcycle stranger. "I'll be right back!" he yelled, and vaulted back over the wreckage to confront them. Quickly he leveled his gunblade, and dropped the three of them with three well placed headshots. Running back into the main group, he cut down the last couple desperate monsters, watching their bodies fall with muffled thuds. Satisfied, he turned to the motorcycle survivor. "What in the hell were you thinking?!" he shouted.
-
Denden was still preparing for his maybe last minutes, when suddenly people appeared and taken down these consumers. He was kinda flashed when he suddenly hear a fur yelling at him, what the hell he was thinking doing this. He first didn't really realize and then "I....I .... I didn't expect any normal people living here and I also didn't think about having an accident" Denden replied.
"I am sorry, that I put you guys into danger, I am so sorry...I know I can say sorry as often as I want, I can't make it good....gah I hate myself for putting other people into danger....", he said with lowering voice and looked on the ground...
Denden was amazed by the skills of the people who saved him, especially by the skills of this fur with the Gunblade.....
-
Ip stood in the desolate wasteland overlooking New York City. The city just about visible in the dark, there were distant red glows from fires in the city. The cold breeze in his face, he observed the area for signs of life. He slowly scanned the landscape, something caught his eye. A bridge that lead into the city. " How convenient. Perhaps I can find some survivors within the city who wish to do business or perhaps even a place to stay" He began his journey into the war torn city, each step sank into the mud.
Ip approached the bridge, only to see a hundreds of consumers spread across the bridge. Ip looked around for another route to the city, and noticed a maintenance path underneath the bridge. He climbed onto it and walked towards the end of the bridge. As Ip approached the exit he prepared his sub-machine gun ready for whatever was on the other side of the door. He slowly pryed open the metal door, and peaked through the gap to see what was on the other side. The cold air poured through the gap. There were consumers everywhere. Thankfully there were broken down vehicles that he could use as cover, and the consumers were still quite tired. Ip headed for an alley way on the other side of the street, using the cover to remain unseen. As he entered the alley way, a consumer stood just a few metres away. Ip did not hesitate to use his weapon for the first time and fired one shot that ripped through the consumer's rotten flesh killing it. Ip looked at the consumer's corpse and then at his weapon grinning, pleased with his weapon.
He looked back up, to the sound of gunfire that sounded fairly close. Ip started to walk in the direction of the sounds of gunfire, but before he could he noticed there was some sort of small convenience store with hundreds of consumers surrounding it. Ip looked more carefully, curious of this unusual encounter. He realised that the front door and all the windows were barricaded, which suggested that perhaps someone was inside. Ip heard more gunshots, and turned his attention to discovering where the gunshots were coming from.
-
Nova stared at the survivor. He looked beat up, but not too bad considering all that had just happened. Nova took a breath to calm himself before talking again. "Look, there's no place for that shame here in this wasteland, ok? But honestly, why were you riding a motorcycle into the middle of the city at night? Are you looking for anything in particular or do you just have a death wish?" He stopped for a moment, looking at all the death and destruction surrounding them, and this lone survivor staring at the ground in front of him. "If you'd done this anywhere but here you'd be dead right now. But, you're not, and I suppose you'd like to know who you owe your life to, eh? Well I'm Nova, leader of the local fur resistance." Pointing to each of them in turn he continued, "This is Axol, Jared, and some fox guy." At the fox he also said, "By the way, we're good now! That was some nice shooting there. Sorry I might have come off as a jerk earlier, but you can't be too careful... I would like to learn your name, though..." With a slight awkward chuckle he turned back to the survivor. "I'd like to learn your name too, you know. Why don't you come back with us to our HQ? It's just down the road. I suppose I can answer any questions you have on the way..."
-
Jared sighed. "You forgot him, Nova," he said, jerking his thumb at the wolf with the knife. (aka Doza)
-
The saying goes, you don't bring a knife to a gunfight, for the most part that is absolutely true. A fur like Doza, however, chooses his battles carefully. He does not charge into the fray stabbing forwards while dodging the line of fire, he sticks to the side of the street, running silently and lets the others draw attention. He is a scout, a skirmisher.
His emerald eyes rake the battlefield, quickly latching onto a target. These consumers are smart, they adapt, they learn. One of he things comes out of a refuse pile behind one of the fighters, Doza isn't sure which, nor does he bother wasting time on the thought. Adjusting his course, he jumps, placing his left footpaw on the tailgate of a nearby truck. His next step brings him to the cab with a dull thud before the muscles in his legs propel him like a two hundred pound furry cruise missile onto the back of the Consumer.
The knife in Doza's right forepaw slams to the hilt into the things shoulder first, stumbling it off balance to the right. Even as the fur's weight settles onto his target his left paw tears at it's face, forcing it's head up and to the left. Savage snarl leaving his throat, ivory teeth shine in the muzzle flashes, Doza's head snaps forward to rip at the Consumers gullet.
Even before the monster dies the fur move on to another target. By the end of the combat his killcount is three, with two injured that were slain by bullets. As (Jared) motions Phelan Mendoza steps into the dim light, his blade and both arms covered in gore to the elbows, as well as from his muzzle to his chest. Hacking blood from his mouth, he nods to Nova, "got a place I can clean up?"
-
"Forgot who...?" Nova turns around to see what Jared is pointing at, only to be greeted by a blood-covered wolf with blazing eyes. "Jeez, who the...? Where did he come from? I must have missed him sprinting into battle like that... hehe. Um, yeah, you can clean up back at HQ." Nova looked around aimlessly and flung up his arms. "Well. THE GANG'S ALL HERE! Let's get back to HQ where we're not surrounded by dead bodies."
-
Denden looked at Nova, "My...My name is Denden, Denden Youthpaw, I just wanted to traverse New York...I didn't expect to find others...a death wish? Well...it would be easier, than..you know" he said.
He got his backpack, his rifle and put away his handgun since they wanted to go back to the HQ. "There is a Fur resistance? I didn't know this, well I was kinda shut away from all the news / information or other people for quite a long time, sadly." Denden said while getting his things.
-
My name is Brock. Just Brock. My parents dissapeared when I was a little kid, and that was what they called me, so that is the name that I go by. I came from an island not too far from here. It is infested with The Consumption. It wouldn't be a very good idea to go back to that place. There's a lot of Consumers there! I lived on that island for several years, taking shelter in a cave along the beach. After surviving there for a while, I was running low on supplies, so I loaded my boat with all the ammunition I could, and I set off for New York. When I arrived on shore, I carefully walked into the city. I walked for a while, and then I saw a sign advertising the local fur resistance. I immediately thought to myself "Thank God! Mabye these people will help me.", but then I hesitated for a moment. "What if there are Consumers in there? I can't make a retreat with all this ammo on my back." I finally decided to just walk in there, and it turns out that there were some pretty friendly people in there. Then all that fighting madness happpened, and here I am now.
-
Ip walked down the deserted streets of what was left of New York City. The last gunshot that had been fired sounded very close. The amount of dead bodies started to increase. There were corpses everywhere, there was so much blood it made a massive pool in the middle of the street. Ip looked ahead, from where he last heard gunshots. In the distance he could see a group of furs, standing amongst the corpses of many consumers. No dought that these were the ones responsible for the sounds of gunshots that echoed throughout the streets. Ip started to make his way over to investigate, but did so with caution and keeping his distance.
-
"Well, you've found us now. You shouldn't give up hope so easily," Nova said to DenDen. "Anyways, if you're ready we should all head back. I think we have a lot to talk about. Besides, I want to check on that human girl... she didn't look well at all when we left her. I hope she found a place to rest inside..." With that he started off down the road back to the HQ, leaving the bloodbath behind.
-
Sarah noddes her head in agreement. "Good idea Bena. I have a shot wave radio that might work." She pulls it out of her poclet and tuns it on. And as she is flipping thru the channels she says "Hello my name is Sarah and I'm here with Bena. If you are in the Mini-mart and can hears us we are in a building across the alley in the back. We can see you are suounded and would like to help but can't risk it unless we know you are alive and in there capabile of being rescued. Please respond."
-
Jared nods once, following. "Yes... good plan."
-
Wahn is trapped, he had entered a small single story building in a unknown part of New york. Originaly had planned to just camp there for a couple of days, maybe loot some of the shops in the local area then move on. But that was not mean't to be, The building is now surrounded by consumers, with little chance of escape wahn barracaded the windows and is now currently trying to contact the outside world with his CB radio. Maraclusly he has picked a survior on one of the channels it is believed her name is Sarah. He picks up the radio in trembling hands and replys *roger that, please restate your location*
-
Nova led the way back to HQ, walking as briskly as he could without breaking into a run. As soon as he opened the door, he saw that Himawari was most definitely not where he left her. A quick scan of the room rendered no results either. "Shoot, I hope she's upstairs," he said, anxiously making his way to the stairway in the back. He practically ran up the stairs, not knowing exactly why he felt such a surge of urgency, just that he wanted to find this girl as fast as possible. Nothing on the second floor... On the third floor, though, he noticed the door to his room was not how he had left it. "Crap! If she just rifled through all that stuff I collected and bolted out of here I swear I'm gonna-" But his words were needless, as he flung open the door to see the girl fast asleep on his bed, an apologetic letter on the floor. His backpack was untouched. "Will wake up soon" the letter said, but clearly soon had not yet arrived. "Well, she's gonna need to be a part of this... I hate to do this but if she was planning on getting up anyway..." Nova bent down next to her and gently put his paw on her shoulder. "Himawari. I need you to wake up..."
-
The gun shots in the distance faded after but thirty minues, and all was quite. The moans of the consumers however was constent, an ever presence that told her she was not safe. Looking back down at the radio her anger started to flare at the device, her only hope of salvation and nothing, Balling her fist she raised her hand ready to smash the machine to pieces when a screetch went through the air from the radio. Slowly the words came together, somone knew they where inside,(How did you know by the way?) And they where offering help. Reaching down she picked up the mix bringing it to her mouth. "S-Sarah? Yes... Yes! We are in the Mini-Mart, but there are too many consumers around us, and the back door is jammed shut. The only way out would be through the front, and thats not an option. The gunfire I heard did not lure them all away... I don't know what to do..." After a moment of though she took a deep sigh into the mic before adding, "Is there a chance you can get help, maybe look where you heard the gun shots, somone willing to rescue me and this other fur... Jajaman I think his name was. We have food aswell, Ill be willing to share if you can get us out."
-
Himawari, still asleep, sighed when Nova had put his paw on her shoulder. She was slowly beginning to awake.
Normally she would bolt right up ready for a fight, constantly on guard, but her mind and body knew she was in a reasonable safe place with lots of others to protect her.
The young woman sat up, rubbing her eyes. She was feeling a lot better now that she has been sleeping. She looked oddly at Nova.
"Thanks for waking me?" She wasn't to sure, then she remembered: she was in an HQ full of furs. This was probably his bed she slept on.
Her eyes widened. "Sorry for stealing your bed, I just needed somewhere to sleep." She apologized.
"Anyways," she started saying, recovering and getting her act back together. "What do you want?"
-
Brock remained on the first floor. He was exausted, but he didn't want to just steal someone's bed like that other fur. He scanned the room for an unclaimed bed, but they were all filled with snoozing furs. Then he just took a seat in a chair next to him. He reached into his backpack and sippped a bottle of water. He wanted to go to sleep, but he needed himself to be awake in case Nova needs him. He sat there for a while, thinking of what just happened and how he got here. Then, Brock fell to the floor. He remained there, completely passed out. He wasn't physically capable of staying awake for this long...
-
Sarah sorta jumped at the voice coming from the radio. (Just some reasoning. There were just to many consumers there for the place to be empty. Especialy after the gun shots.) "Glad to hear you alive. Please inform your friend that I have his companion with me and she is safe. Ill try to find the source of those gun shots and try to find help. I will try to stay in contact. Sarah out." She put the radio back in her pocket and left it on. She looked at Bena. "Those shots didn't sound to far fom here. You should stay with me, we will be safer in a group. Ready to try to find help?"
-
Nova smiled. "Well, you're certainly looking better, that's good. Anyway, the battle is over and we've got even more new recruits. That guy nearly got himself killed riding his motorcycle in here like that, but he's ok and so are the rest of us. The sun's about to come up by the way, so the rest of the furs will be waking shortly. I think it's finally time we all talked about getting out of this hellhole once and for all, now that we've got some fresh firepower. And as long as you're gonna be staying with us, you should be in on the discussions. I've got a couple of plans for getting us out of here, but they're gonna require all of our help. So as soon as you're ready meet me downstairs in the main room. This is our time, I can feel it..." He trailed off and gazed out the window, the first rays of sunlight touching the desolate jungle of twisted concrete and metal. He walked over and hoisted the backpack full of scavenged supplies onto his shoulders. "I'll see you downstairs."
Nova walked out of the room and back down to the main lobby. Most of the furs were still asleep, but the small army of newcomers stood milling around by the door. Brock had passed out and was lying facedown on the floor. Nova walked over to him and the others and put down the backpack. "Help me wake everybody up guys," he said to the group. "Today you are all official members of the resistance. And that means that today is the day we start off for our ultimate goal." Then, bending down to Brock, right in his ear he said, "WAKE UP!"
-
Putting down the mic she leaned up againt the wall with a sigh of relef. Glancing back at the radio a smile crossed her lips as she let out a soft laugh, it was so unbeleaveable. Now all she had to do was wait... But first. Standing back up she rubbed her eyes and looked at Jajaman's slumped figure laying on the wall, he was fast asleep, and she was going to tell him the good news when he woke, for now, she would kill time by cleaning her rifle. Walking into the ice box she opened her bag unrolling a long tan clotch revealing many different tools and small devices inside. Reaching for her rifle she sat crosslegged with it on her lap looking it over and under. Slowly she picked tools out and start disasembling her sniper, part by part cleaning and inspecting for ware and tare. Many times she has done this, with other weapons aswell, and it was second nature to her. Before she knew it thirty minutes passed and the rifle was in pieces at her feet, all spaced and spotted propery, each shining like a newly minted coin.
-
Jajaman woke to the sounds of metal hitting metal, only to see a polished gun on the floor, part by part. They I looked up above the parts to see Katelyn with sweat on here forehead. "Oh, Hey, Polished your gun I'm guessing? Get anyone on the radio yet?" He asked that, hoping that he finally could get out of here.
-
Ip watched the group of furs go inside and made his way over to the five story high building that the furs had just entered. Stepping over dead bodies scattered over the the street, Ip approached the fairly run down building. It looked like it had been through so much, the walls were dirty and the metal door with scratches all over it from where the consumers had feebly attempted to breach the perimeter of the building. He put his weapon in his coat away out of sight and knocked on the door softly, unsure of what to expect from the occupants inside.
-
Himawari knacked all of her joints once and stood up, only realizing she had been clutching her backpack all this time.
"Hehe..." She swung her backpack over her right shoulder and went out of Nova's bedroom. She closed the door behind her and went downstairs.
She saw Nova trying to wake all of the other furs up. She stood still on the last step of the staircase and watched.
Then, she heard a knock on the door. She tilted her head slightly, walked to Nova and said: "I know for sure it's not a Consumer... They don't knock... not like that anyways..."
Himawari tried to sound normal, not showing the others she can actually sense these beings.
-
Nova cautiously walked over to the door. "Well, no point in not answering." He opened the door slowly, and there standing in front of him was another gray wolf. He had a look about him though, this wasn't just a chance encounter. He had been watching the battle, or else followed Nova and the others back to the HQ. "So, I take it you saw the carnage back there. Who are you then? You want to join us or what?"
-
Jared looked over at Nova. "Thanks for the acception," he said.
-
Ip looked up at Nova "Indeed I did. The gunshots, I heard them not too far away and went to investigate eventually leading me here. I take it you're some sort of survival group" Looking behind Nova at the others and some of the sleeping furs and then back at Nova "If you don't mind I would like to join your group of survivors, but I think it would be in your best interests to know that on the way here I think there may have been some survivors trapped in a convenience store about half a mile away. I'm not sure if anybody was actually inside, but there was evidence that suggested there may be survivors. The front door was barricaded, and the windows too. I'll leave that thought with you, and I'm sure you will come to an appropriate decision." Ip scratched his head "So.. can I come in?"
-
*nix falls though a two story building window out side and crashes on car and gets knocked out.*GGAAAAAAHHHHHH!.*BONK*. @.@
-
Almost as soon as Doza entered the HQ he beelines for the nearest bathroom. In about ten minutes he reappears surprisingly clean, his paws replacing scissors, soap, and a toothbrush into the front pocket of his bag. No sooner does he step into the main room when the one named Nova shouts, "WAKE UP!" The wolf, though exhausted, leans against a nearby wall to wait for the speech that must be coming. He considers the group briefly, deciding it may serve him to help....though he'd be sure to get his trades done at some point.
It's not as if he has anything better to do, after all. Attention back on Nova, he watches and listens.
-
Brock almost had a heart attack when he awoke to a fur screaming in his ear, almost deafening him. He literally took his rifle and headed for the door, thinking there was something terribly wrong. Then, when he figured out it was just Nova, he put down his rifle and palmed his face. "You scared the crap out of me, Nova." Brock sat in a chair, trying not to fall asleep again. "Who's that guy?" Brock asked as he pointed at Ip. "Was he here last night? When did he get here?" Brock was especially confused, waking up on the floor and just seeing a bunch of random furs around him, including Nova and a few other familar faces. He wondered why all these furs were just loitering the lobby with Nova. It must be something important.
-
Sarah started walking quickly towards the gunshots. As she left the last building in the row she saw something she never thought shed see. A field of dead consumers. "I guess that we can asume that this is were the gun shots came from." She saw a faint light coming fom the ally across the area. "Well I think we should go check out that light. Ready Bena?"
-
Luke's sword bumped against his back as he walked birskly along the dark streets of New York, his Desert Eagles heavy on his sides. His ears were pricked and swiveling, searching for any kind of sound, harmful or otherwise. It had been a long trek through the city, following lead after lead....and still nothing. The streets were deathly quiet, except for the light wind that blew through the hollow shell of a city. Luke's stomach grumbled, so he had to find a mini-mart to raid soon, then find shelter and resume his search in the morning. He stopped at a map of the city and saw a mini-mart close by. It looked well hidden, so he headed in that direction.
-
Nova was surprised. "Survivors? Holed up this close by without us knowing? Unlikely... I suppose we can investigate later, but for now I'm in no mood for another rescue operation and we have more important things to discuss. So yes, please come in. Oh yes, and what's your name? I'm Nova by the way, leader of this little 'resistance.'" He stood aside and gestured for the wolf to enter. Looking around the room, he saw that many were starting to wake up. Most had extremely confused looks on their faces. He decided it was finally time to address the crowd. He grabbed a chair and walked to the center of the room, where he proceeded to stand on it and announce in his most charismatic voice: "Attention everyone! From those of you who have been with us since the beginning, to those of you who have so bravely fought for us only in the last hours, it is with great confidence I announce that the time has come to finally evacuate the city and set in motion our ultimate plan." He stopped for a moment to soak up all the astonished stares. "In the next few hours, you will all get to know the fine warriors who joined our cause during the night," he said, gesturing to the congregation of furs and the lone human by the door. "You will also start putting to good use all of this." Taking off the bulging pack he had been lugging around, he unzipped the top and let its contents, radios and medkits and countless rounds of ammo, fall noisily on the floor. He tossed the pack aside. "How I got all this is irrelevant, but those of you who are most hurt should get first crack at the medical supplies. The radios will take some more explaining. Now, before I do explain them and propose how we're going to go about doing this, I have to ask. Does anyone have an objection to... exploiting... the human settlement on the city edge for... necessary materials?"
-
"So many other furs...", thought Denden when he walked in.
He searched for a small bench or something where he could sit down and take his things off.
"Oh, something I could sit on, I hope it's ok?" he said silently to Nova, went to the small bench and just sat down. "Wow, this was so close, but I got others into trouble...gah I hate me....I dissapointed myself" he thought and took off his backpack and weapons. He put them down next to him, started to reload the magazine of his rifle. "1..2...3....10.....18" he filled it completely and then check the rest of his backpack.
"Morphine, bandages, medicine, food, ammunition, some clothes...seems nothing has been damaged - but the bike is gone, sadly, I liked it.." he said to himself and was checking the HQ from the place where he was sitting. Then Denden saw a girl ... " a human? Really? " he was thinking and waved to that girl, since he was kinda interested why there was human around all these furs. While waving he noticed a pain rushing through his suda , he rolls up his pants at the right leg, and notices blood. "What the", the thought and checked again, seems when he flew over he cut his leg when he hit the ground. "Damn, that hurts..."
Denden took out bandages and some water, he cleaned the wound and bandaged it. "Much better...." he said.
-
The mini-mart was surrounded. Comsumers swarmed the place, like a great ant hill. Luke shook his head, but inside he was itching for a fight. For some reason, he loved the thrill of fighting; it was the only time he felt like he was doing anything right. He reached over his shoulder and gripped the hilt of his sword and drew it, the blade coming from it's sheath silently, filling Luke with a rush. He smirked with bloddlust and charged into the horde, sword flashing.
-
This piece here, this bolt slides in there, the stock there... It was a trance, she was lost in the craftsmanship of her rifle, each piece made custom by her hands, each a shiny silver that caught the faint light. Sliding in the bolt she snapped it into place and brought it into the rifle back into a locking position, it was now done. But something was happening. Lifting her head from her work she looked out the door of the ice box hearing strange noise, there was the sound of steel on bone, and allot of grunt and groans, shouts and splashes. Something was happening, was it help or the foe. Bolting up she reached for her handgun sticking it in her belt and whipped her rifle over her back. Walking briskly to the ladder she walked up into the morning air. There was a faint chill in the air as the night still held a grip over the place. Walking caushely to the edge she saw the disturbance, a lone fur with a sword, hacking and slashing his way through the horde, but it was becoming too much for him, he was starting to slow and the horde further surrounded him, cutting off his exit he was slashing and cutting making a small circle around him. Eventually the consumers stopped rushing and waited around in a tight circle snarling and slashing at him, there where too many and the consumers where learning.
-
As they entered thru the door Sarah spoke. "My name is Sarah. And I understand a rescue might not be an option ight away but I'm not sure how much longer they have. The place is crawling with consumers. They need help asap." She held out her hand to Bena. "Come on I'm pretty sure its safe here. And don't worry we will save him."
-
The black haired young woman scanned the room and saw a fox-wolf fur looking directly at her. He waved at her.
She turned her head away at first, but saw he was badly injured.
Himawari decided to walk up to him.
She knelt down beside him while he was taking care of himself and said: "Are you allright? It seemed pretty badly injured..."
When she heard Nova say: ''Does anyone have an objection to... exploiting... the human settlement on the city edge for... necessary materials?"
She at first thought it didn't matter to her much. She didn't know those other human beings.
But then it came to her: 'What if she was living right outside of the city right now? Would she also be ambushed by these antropomorphs? Just because she would be human, living outside of the city...'
Himawari did not at all feel comfortable with it, but she was with the furs now, not against them. Perhaps her time would come when she could really openly say what she thought, but now... With so many of them here... most of them think alike about humans probably. And she was on her own...
She stood up, standing next to the fox-wolf fur with a hard expression on her face.
-
Denden noticed that the human came over and asked him if he was alright : "I...I am alright" he said and touched his bandage. "It will be fine, just give it a bit" he said and smiled. He tried to stay up , first he had a few problems, due to the pain - but he got used to it pretty fast "ugh", he goes to Nova after his small speech and says" I could start to introduce myself, after you're done. I'd like to know a bit more about the one, who leads " looks around the room "all this, and the one aswell as the others who saved my. ... my life".
-
Luke's sword grew heavy in his hands. He panted from exhaustion, but he was far from done...or scared. Quite the opposite; he was high on adrenaline. He smirked as the Consumers surrounded him. With his other paw, he removed one of his Desert Eagles, nicknamed Lupus (the other was Leo) and held it in his paw opposite his sword. Firing into the crowd, he charged again, slashing ang shooting with a battle-high laugh.
-
Nova waited for any objections, but received none. Then he saw DenDen get up and walk over to him, before making his statement. "Well," Nova said more quietly, "I'll be happy to tell you anything you want to know, and by all means introduce yourself, but hold on for one minute. Everyone needs to hear this." He changed back to his announcer voice before continuing.
"I'll take your silence as meaning nobody has a problem with this." He said to the crowd. "Good. Because here's what we're gonna do. Today we will round up as many supplies as we all can carry, so we're prepared to evacuate once darkness falls tonight. Obviously we have no modes of long distance transportation, but this is where the humans come in. Once it is dark, we will make a non-violent, if possible, assault on their settlement. We know they have vehicles and fuel, but they're afraid to use them or give them to us. So we're going to take them and put them to good use. Their settlement is surrounded by walls of sheet metal and concrete and watched at all times by snipers. At night however, we posses every advantage over them. Those of us such as myself, who can scale such defenses easily, will climb the walls and incapacitate the snipers. Once that's done we can get inside and open the main gate, allowing the rest of you to enter. Most of the humans will be asleep, and unable to respond in time to take up arms if we're stealthy enough. By the time they know what's going on we will have seized the perimeter and can keep them at bay, hopefully without having to fire upon them. All we take is their vehicles and fuel- nothing else- then drive the heck out of there. Quick and to the point- then we leave New York behind forever. Does anyone have any questions?"
-
Nova waited for any objections, but received none. Then he saw DenDen get up and walk over to him, before making his statement. "Well," Nova said more quietly, "I'll be happy to tell you anything you want to know, and by all means introduce yourself, but hold on for one minute. Everyone needs to hear this." He changed back to his announcer voice before continuing.
"I'll take your silence as meaning nobody has a problem with this." He said to the crowd. "Good. Because here's what we're gonna do. Today we will round up as many supplies as we all can carry, so we're prepared to evacuate once darkness falls tonight. Obviously we have no modes of long distance transportation, but this is where the humans come in. Once it is dark, we will make a non-violent, if possible, assault on their settlement. We know they have vehicles and fuel, but they're afraid to use them or give them to us. So we're going to take them and put them to good use. Their settlement is surrounded by walls of sheet metal and concrete and watched at all times by snipers. At night however, we posses every advantage over them. Those of us such as myself, who can scale such defenses easily, will climb the walls and incapacitate the snipers. Once that's done we can get inside and open the main gate, allowing the rest of you to enter. Most of the humans will be asleep, and unable to respond in time to take up arms if we're stealthy enough. By the time they know what's going on we will have seized the perimeter and can keep them at bay, hopefully without having to fire upon them. All we take is their vehicles and fuel- nothing else- then drive the heck out of there. Quick and to the point- then we leave New York behind forever. Does anyone have any questions?"
"Hold on there, I object," Jared said. "Wait... what were we objecting to? I kinda zoned out... might be the blood loss." He gently held his left arm just below a bandage on his shoulder, wincing a bit. He sighed and thought for a second... then suddenly looked at Nova. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he asked.
-
Nova was startled by this outburst. "I asked if anyone had any objections!" He shouted, slightly annoyed at this. "If you're THAT against doing this I do have another plan. ARE you that against doing this? Because the other plan might be far more painful, for all of us."
-
Nova was startled by this outburst. "I asked if anyone had any objections!" He shouted, slightly annoyed at this. "If you're THAT against doing this I do have another plan. ARE you that against doing this? Because the other plan might be far more painful, for all of us."
"No, go with your previous plan," Jared said. "But perhaps we could do this a bit more diplomatically than just..." The cat thought a second, and then looked at Nova. "Well... then again... are these humans capable of understanding diplomacy like our friend here, or have they gone mad with power? Also, do you think that perhaps you could be a bit less of a..." He widened his eyes and slapped a hand over his mouth, then uncovered it again. "Well, you tend to get a bit more rough than usual. But... could you just answer the first question I posed?"
-
"The humans used to be able to understand diplomacy." Nova said. "When we first started the resistance here, they were open to trading and collaboration. However, once it became evident we had very different survival strategies and visions for the future, they broke off contact with us out of fear of making the whole situation worse. Since then they refuse to acknowledge us, it's basically an understanding that they don't mess with us, we don't mess with them. On the rare occasions we've tried to contact them, we were turned away at the gate and refused any sort of access. They're not hostile, but they're unwilling to negotiate. And I figure, as long as they have vehicles and resources that can be put to good use, but are unwilling to use them, we might as well take them so we may achieve something much greater than either of our current existences."
-
Jared nodded. "Alright then, I'm fine with this plan... but let me take care of the incapacitation. It should be done silently and non-lethally..." He grinned. "And sorry about before... I'm still a bit woozy from the blood loss..."
-
Luke's sword grew heavy in his hands. He panted from exhaustion, but he was far from done...or scared. Quite the opposite; he was high on adrenaline. He smirked as the Consumers surrounded him. With his other paw, he removed one of his Desert Eagles, nicknamed Lupus (the other was Leo) and held it in his paw opposite his sword. Firing into the crowd, he charged again, slashing ang shooting with a battle-high laugh.
His swordsman skill was impressive as he weaved in and out of groups of consumers. Ducking a dodging under and around there claws. It almost looked like a dance to her from her vantage point, but the consumers only grew more aggressive, and the group around him tightening as he lost more and more breathing room to duck and weave. Pulling up her rifle to her shoulder she looked along the side of the barrel and not through the sight. A consumer was about to impale him as this lone fur was pulling free his sword, but with a loud crack the consumers head disappeared as the force knocked the consumer back into the pile. This action brought others looking up at her, and now she was caught in the fight. They clawed there way up the building, only to be shot or impaled down from the blade on her sniper. The walls turned red as well as the ground, and there where still allot more.
-
Sarah spoke up. "I agree with your plan. All that I ask is that while yyou are assaulting the humans that I take one voluter with me to help those furs in the mini-mart. Just one no more for I do not wish to risk more lives then I have to." She looked at Nova with pleading eyes. "Please, I made them a promise."
-
Himawari heard Jared and Nova talking, after things calmed down, she walked up to them.
"Nova," she started, "Would you mind if we can talk seperatly? It will only take a minute of your time."
While waiting for his reply she hoisted her backpack on her back completly and put both arms through the straps.
-
Nova looked at Himawari. "Of course," he said, "I don't mind." Just then Axol spoke up to Nova's right.
"If you don't mind, Nova, I'd like to go with Sarah. Didn't quite get enough action back there I guess, hehe."
"If you really want to, I don't object," Nova responded. "But please, don't get yourself killed out there. We're gonna need your talent in the days to come." Axol gave Nova a sideways look.
"Haha, don't you worry about me. We'll be back before you know it." Axol walked over to Sarah.
"Ok Himawari, come on and we can talk now." He got off the chair and started walking towards the stairwell in the back.
(At this point Kit, you can control Axol how you please and have him fight with Sarah.)
-
Himawari held Nova by his upperarm and led him to a more secluded place in order to talk more privatly.
She let go of his arm and looked sideways, making sure no one was able to hear them.
"Well, I am small and rather agile... I could sneak into their base, if you want me to? I have some sleeping gas cans in my backpack..."
She coughed and scratched her head. "I found them... laying around..."
Himawari knew it did not sound convincingly, but that wasn't important now. The important thing to her was now to make sure these furs wouldn't get injured. This Nova... their leader, saved her and the others were also willingly to help save Denden... So she could be well protected by these anthropomorphic beings.
-
Nova thought about this preposition for a minute before responding. "Hm. I don't know if you sneaking in alone is the best option, there's really no way to sneak in except by going over the walls." He paused for another second. "But... if you want to be the first one in after Cifero and I incapacitate the snipers and open the gate, you could use the gas to prevent them from ever even waking up and knowing what's happening. That eliminates any risk of starting a firefight. How does that sound?"
-
Himawari twitched and she looked at Nova.
"I'm sure there should be some sewers or ventilation shafts somewhere I can cimlb through? I mean, I know you don't want to hurt yourselves, but you are going to 'handle' those snipers, am I right?"
She didn't like the sound of it when he talked about eliminating the snipers. They would probably kill her too if she appraoched them the wrong way, but she was human... if there were no ways in as she mentioned, then she could always negotiate herself in without anyone getting hurt or killed.
-
Ip walked in past Nova "My name is Ip" and stood in a corner to keep as many people in his sight to feel more comfortable. Ip watched Nova grab a chair to stand on, who then proceded to make an anouncement. Ip listend with great interest of Nova's plan, but stayed silent. After Nova's great speech was delivered and had disapeared with Himawari he decided to eat. Ip had been up all of yesterday and needed some food as he did not have a chance with no shelter from the consumers. Ip sat down in the corner opposite the stairway, reaching into his rucksack for something to eat. Ip retrieves his paw from the bag with a tin of pineapples, and opens it slowly knowing that this was his last one for a long long time. Ip eats the pineapples slowly, savouring the flavour of he juicy goodness. After finishing the refreshing pineapples Ip gets up to seek a better place to sleep, and noticed Nova was talking to Himawari. Ip waited patiently for Nova to finish his conversation.
-
"We'll handle them alright. Just knock them out, we'll do no permanent damage to them. But to our knowledge there is no way in there at all other than over the wall, and I want this to be done as absolutely quickly as possible. No searching for things that may not be there, no negotiations that could go south. I'm sorry if I'm sounding harsh, but we finally have what we need to pull off our evacuation and I don't want to complicate it..." Nova trailed off, unsure of how to continue. He respected this human, but at the same time his number one priority was to proceed with the operation in as efficient a manner as possible.
-
Himawari was a bit at ease, she knew almost for certain now that they would not try and kill the human beings.
"Then what do you want me to do? I kind of feel... how to put it..." She pondered what she wanted to say, when it finally came to her. "Put aside? I think that's the best way to describe it. I know you're better at night with your great hearing senses and some of you are most likely night-creatures, so I wouldn't blame you, but..."
She trailed off, thinking of how she managed to survive this all for some time now.
"I have been surviving for these past years now, by myself. I know in a group you have to work together and should think about one another, but I have some specialities of my own too." She said the last part with emotion, not crying, but one could hear her experiences as it were.
"I would want to participate in your group, if I'm allowed to co-operate with you too. If things don't work out, then we'll go our seperate ways as we did before all this time, but please, give me something to do, something of import."
-
Nova felt bad for Himawari. He looked her in the eye and put his paw on her shoulder, trying to be as understanding as possible. "Don't say that. You bring an invaluable knowledge to this group, and like I said you can have a huge part in the operation if you want. As soon as we open the gate from the inside, you can be the first of the others in. Run in, avoid detection with your skills, and throw the gas into their buildings. That way they'll never even have a chance to retaliate and we can be in and out in no time at all. Without your gas, remember, the plan was that we would have to seize the perimeter and essentially be threatening them while we made off with the vehicles. It's much easier this way, and we could never hope to do it without you." He stopped talking then, hoping that he had said enough.
-
The black haired woman was a finally calmed down and sat down on a bench, that was right next to them.
She looked down at first, but when she spoke, she looked up at Nova. "I guess you're right..."
She sighed and had a small smile on her face for only a moment. "I guess that was all, I think your group needs you, so you better go check on them."
-
Ip finally decided to walk up to Nova to enquire about sleeping accommodation. "Excuse Nova, I would like to ask you where I can have a short sleep as I haven't had any for an entire day? Sorry that I am bothering for such a small issue, but I would deem it as very rude to just sleep anywhere."
-
Nova looked at Ip sideways. "Uh, well I guess you could take my bed. Third floor on the right. Shouldn't be too hard to find. But right now I need to go tell the others the updated plan." He walked back towards the center of the room, thinking of what exactly he was gonna say.
-
"Thank you, I really appreciate that" Ip watched Nova walk off into the middle of the room before climbing the stairs up to the third floor. By the time he had got to the third floor Ip was extremely tired and needed sleep badly. Ip opened the door with a gentle push, with more of lean in it and entered the room, closing the door behind him whilst looking around the room. Ip sat on the bed and fell back taking a big breath before going to sleep. He held the weapon in his coat close to his chest.
-
Jared sat down and fell asleep, cradling his katana sword.
"purrr...."
-
Nova looked at Himawari. "Of course," he said, "I don't mind." Just then Axol spoke up to Nova's right.
"If you don't mind, Nova, I'd like to go with Sarah. Didn't quite get enough action back there I guess, hehe."
"If you really want to, I don't object," Nova responded. "But please, don't get yourself killed out there. We're gonna need your talent in the days to come." Axol gave Nova a sideways look.
"Haha, don't you worry about me. We'll be back before you know it." Axol walked over to Sarah.
"Ok Himawari
Sarah bowed to Axol. "Thank you Axol. Let's head out." They left the HQ and headed in the diection of the Mini-mart. Once they got there they saw something they truly didn't expect. Axol spoke first "What the hell is this this?" The consume corpses were every where and there was a lone fur with a sword and gun sliceing and firing away at the monsters. They could aslo hear rifle shots coming from the store. Sarah looked at her companions. "Well we did come here to help." She pulled out her twim pistols and started firing.
-
Crouching up from behind the mini-mart sign she pulled back on the bolt and let the clip slide out. Reaching for her belt she slid another out and jammed it into her rifle locking it and pulling the pin in. Now on her knee she had a better view over the area as she prepared to shoot again. But more gun shots rang out through the night as two new furs joined the fray. This brought a confused moan throughout the horde as they lost there focus and became disorganized. Returning to the previous chaotic state the whole mass of consumers swarmed at the new furs only to get gun downed. Twice now she saved there life, and now she noticed, the consumers started retreating back into the night, the sun... With a burst of excitement she knew they now had a chance, the night was there time, but at day they where at the disadvantage and they knew it to. Slowly individuals would look up at the sun on the horizon, and retreat into the alleys until groups at a time now retreated.
-
Suddenly, Jared dashed out of the base and swooped down on them, launching himself into the fight, activating his hidden blades and slashing through essential nerves and tendons.
"Thought you could use some help," he said, slashing a Consumer's face with his tomahawk.
-
Nova watched as Jared suddenly leapt up and practically exploded out of the room. "Jeez! Well I guess the update can wait, if he's gonna be up there dealing with the snipers later he needs to hear it..." He walked over to the pile of supplies on the ground and started sorting through them. 3 small radios, exactly what they'd need for the raid; a large quantity of ammunition, a portion of which he took for his own gunblade; and various medical kits and supplies. He took these and started dividing them up among those whom he knew to be in most need of them. Many seemed rather overwhelmed by everything at the moment, and Nova had to make a concerted effort not to appear agitated as he tended to the wounded. When he was finished, he went and picked up the radios. One for himself and one for Jared, definitely, as they would need to be in constant contact while dealing with the snipers. But who should have the other one? He thought about it for a minute before an idea came to him. He took one of the radios and walked over to where Himawari was sitting. "Hey," Nova said, "now that I've got a minute I figured I should ask- how would you feel about taking one of the radios so you can be in constant voice contact with me and Jared during the operation? Being the first one of the others inside, you might very well find it useful. But that means you'll have to be able to communicate clearly... and listen to things you might not exactly want to hear. Are you up for that?"
-
Himawari, who was still sitting on the bench, now stood up and practically almost grabbed the radio out of Nova's hand.
"How dare you think I'm weak at heart." She smiled swiftly, making sure Nova could see she wasn't really angry.
Also, I assume with these radios you have some kind of headphones or earplugs? So that others cannot hear radio conversations who you don't want to listen in. I mean, if we were sneaking up on people, I want to bet someone will yell over the radio what the hell the others are doing. Then bye-bye sneak attack."
She slightly tilted her head sideways and blinked and stared at Nova. "I've seen enough horror and action movies to know you should be as quiet as possible if you want to sneak past or sneak up on someone... Earphones or plugs might help with that."
-
His swordsman skill was impressive as he weaved in and out of groups of consumers. Ducking a dodging under and around there claws. It almost looked like a dance to her from her vantage point, but the consumers only grew more aggressive, and the group around him tightening as he lost more and more breathing room to duck and weave. Pulling up her rifle to her shoulder she looked along the side of the barrel and not through the sight. A consumer was about to impale him as this lone fur was pulling free his sword, but with a loud crack the consumers head disappeared as the force knocked the consumer back into the pile. This action brought others looking up at her, and now she was caught in the fight. They clawed there way up the building, only to be shot or impaled down from the blade on her sniper. The walls turned red as well as the ground, and there where still allot more.
Luke looked up and saw a female fur, blasting Consumers away and bashing them and stabbing them. It was a beautiful sight. But he had to remain focused. He had underestimated the number of Consumers in the area, and he was tiring. And not in the way that made it more challenging, but in the way that made him fear for his life. Part of him welcomed Death; it seemed an easy way to end his war and search. But the mysterious figure in the note kept him fighting. Daniel, he thought. With that, he slashed his sword in a clearing arc around him, then sheathed it and pulled Leo out of it's holster and began working his way to the roof.
(Sorry for the delay, was very busy.)
-
The sun was not drifting above the buildings in the horizon, casting a bright yellow red glow over the field of battle. The crimson read that was plastered everywhere shimmered in the morning light as more and more consumers bleed off from the group to go into hiding. They where now on the losing side as the mass broke up in an average looking crowd. There where three left climbing up the building and as she pulled the trigger to take one out a click echoed out of her rifle instead of the loud bang and the recoil she was so used to. Standing up she swung the strap off of her shoulder and balled it in her fist and activated a hidden lever in the stock. Out came a foot and a half long crescent blade from the stock she used to block a slasher claw. Sweeping her rifle around the bayonet cut into its stomach as she continues the arch letting the kick out blade take the head. Now holding it much more like a staff she backed up a few steps as the other two consumers now climbed there way up onto the room, grunting and groaning there sickly wale as they charged her.
-
The fight was over. Consumers' bodies lay everywhere, and Luke panted from his exertions, his pistols heavy in his paws. But he wasn't done. He holstered his guns, then examined the Consumer bodies at his feet-paws. Slowly, he removed his sword and cut his right paw. Blood oozed from the wound. He knelt and drew and L with his blood, then stood and wrapped his paw with gauze. He looked around and sighed. Where are you, Daniel? he thought. You're the only one who can tell me who i am.
-
Amused by Himawari's quip about movies from the pre-war days, Nova couldn't help but chuckle. "Haha, of course, there's a corresponding headset for all of these in my pile of gear. It would be rather inefficient if we announced to every human exactly where we were!" As he looked at the human, he started to feel guilty about what he said before though. He should have given her more credit after she so adamantly insisted on having a major role in the operation. "And you're right, I'm sorry I implied that you were weak at heart. I just wanted to make sure. But from now on, believe me I'll do my best not to underestimate you." He managed to smile, actually more sincerely than he had expected.
-
The last two came at her. The one on the right brought its claw in a lunging motion for her mid-section. Dancing around the lung she brought her kick-blade in and around his waist opening his etire side. With a grunt she hooked her blade bringing his into the one on the right with a lung of her rifle. With them both collapsing together she quicky walked up impaling them with her bayonet. Huffing lightly to herself she brought up her rifle replacing the epty mag and stuffing the emptys in her belt. Walking to the edge of the roof her eyes gazed down upon the waists of the battle. Consumers layed everywhere with missing limbs and heads, the area coverd in a fine sheet of crimson read. And in the middle of it all three furs stood, coverd in gore.
-
Ip layed in bed dreaming. He was back in London before the war had broke out across the world. At this time Ip had been going to University. Ip woke up in his old apartment in the central of London near Regent's Park. It was like replay if part of his life. He looked across at the sideboard to see the clock, reading 10:47am Sunday. Ip got out of bed opening the curtains letting the orange sunlight pour in and looked outside. It was beautiful out. The sun was shining and the sky's were clear. Ip got dressed and had breakfast before heading out. Ip walked along the pavement in his dream, not consciously knowing what was going to happen. He finally arrived at Baker Street Underground Station, and waited there when all of a sudden he recognised someone. It was Mark. A beautiful orange fox, with deep blue eyes wearing creme coloured shorts and a red t-shirt. As soon as they saw each other they both smiled with joy. Mark got his ticket out to get pass the gate to where Ip was waiting for him. Ip opened his arms as Mark walked over to hug him tightly and kiss him. They smiled and took each others hands to go walk in the park.
Mark and Ip walked along the pathway of Regent's Park with the sun rays beaming through the trees. Ip turned around to face Mark then... he was gone. Ip woke up startled, breathing heavily with his eyes wide open looking around the room. He was back in the fur resistance HQ. Ip sat up drying his eyes from the few tears that had managed to escape. Ip layed back down thinking about what he had just dreamed about.
-
Luke looked at the letter he had drawn. It was a desperate attempt to lead Daniel to him, are at least keep him on Luke's trail. He didn't know who Daniel was to him, but just thinking about the name brought thoughts of love and security to Luke. Ignoring the other furs, he entered the mini-mart and searched through the items on the shelves, grabbing bags of chips and bread, along with other assorted food-stuffs. Then, he made his way over to the pharmcay area and raided the medical supplies. Then, he grabbed a map of the area and surveyed it, plotting his next movements.
-
Sarah walks over to the mini-mart. "Well that was exelerating. Nice to meet you. I'm Sarah and the is Axol." She sat down to catch her beath. "So what's your names?" Then to herself, 'what am I doing? I shouldn't get involved in a group. I work better alone.' She looked around her and got up then whent to see if she can find some food.
-
With the dust now settling over the field of battle she stood at the edge of the mini-mart surveying the field of destruction. Panting she lowered her rifle some as it grew heavy in her arms. Looking at the three furs who came to her aid she quickly walked to the fire ladder and into the main room to greet the one with the swords. Walking up infront of him she nodded slightly with a smile on her face. "Hey thank yo-." Being shoved out of the way he went straight for the very back shelves taking what was left that she had no time to get to the back or found. Frowning she made two more attempts to strike off a conversation only to have his blank expression pass right by her. Frowning she watched him move out of the mini-mart and move to the store across the street. Once he left the other two can in. Nodding at them she felt un-eased by the first fur, not sure if she was to expect the same from these two or if they where more friendly.
-
Sarah walks over to the mini-mart. "Well that was exelerating. Nice to meet you. I'm Sarah and the is Axol." She sat down to catch her beath. "So what's your names?" Then to herself, 'what am I doing? I shouldn't get involved in a group. I work better alone.' She looked around her and got up then whent to see if she can find some food.
"Um... Jared," the crat said, following Sarah into the store. "Need help with anything?"
-
Luke had everything he needed to headout. Medicine, food, ammunition, and his weapons. He walked out of the store and saw the mini-mart, surrounded by gore and corpses. He knew the other furs were in there, and he didn't know their plan. They wouldn't last if they stayed there. He walked over slowly, entering the mart with little noise. He looked around at the other furs, then said, "You should get out of here. You won't last if you stay here."
-
Jared looked over his shoulder. "Who said we're staying?" he said. "Actually, we're probably leaving soon... and frankly, you should probably come."
-
Luke shook his head.
"I...appreciate the offer...but..."
He stopped. There was really no reason for him to accompany them. He might find Daniel much faster. But still, he was loathe to join a group. He didn't like depending on others, but he always helped them whenever he could. All the same, he wasn't sure what to do. Go with them, said a voice in Luke's head. The voice was warm, comforting...familiar.
"Okay," he said, nodding. "I'll go with you."
-
Sarah nodded. "Good the more the merrier. We should snag as much as we can from here as well as accross the street then make our way back to HQ." She took a backpack from behind the counter and started filing it with over the counter meds.
-
Frowning lightly she watched as they all began raiding the main room of the mini-mart, but luckely she had her own in the back. Swinging her sniper rifle over her back it helf across her back with the barrel sticking up over her shoulder. Taking a few steps back towards she was just about to get her things before a word echoed in her head. "HQ? You came from that resistence group? I thought they died long ago..."
-
"Actually, I just joined like... three hours ago," Jared said, grabbing a few things. "But... yes, there's a resistance group."
-
Now standing in the door way her face lit up a little at the thought. "Then Nova, is he still alive? He must be..."
-
Jared looked over his shoulder at Katelyn. "Yes. Yes he is." The crat cocked his head, thinking as he looked at her. "Is he an old flame of yours?"
-
His conformation brought a little life to her face, telling her that not all was hell in the world, but she was taken about at his last question."Lover? N-no, We where just friends..." Shuffling some she shifted her weight from one foot to the other before adding, "We should get going, just let me get my things and we can be off." Turning to the back room she walked to the ice box grabbing her things. Rolling her sleeping mat she stringed it to the side of her bag. Gathering as much as food as she could she stuffed it in her bag aswell before strapping her rifle across her chest to hand over her back and slipping her handgun in her belt. Then pulling on the backpack over her rifle. Walking back out into the main room she nodded towards Jared saying, "Ready to go when you are."
(Katelyn is her name by the way)
-
Axillary nodded. "Then lets be off. Ill lead the way." Sarah picked up her bag and followed after him. She hoped she could find herself someone special in this new group.
-
Luke followed quietly behind the group, his pack slung over his shoulder, his paw in his pocket with the note from Daniel. He stared silently at the group, sizing them up. The girl, Katelyn, had proven herself in battle, but Luke knew nothing of the others. He would find out soon enough.
Luke's thoughts turned to this resistance group they had mentioned. If anyone knew where Daniel was, it was them.
-
Jared nodded. "Alrighty then." He looked around. "Is everyone ready?"
-
Standing in the doorway to the back room she had the strap of her rifle going down the middle of her chest as well as her backpack straps across her shoulders. Pulling at the slightly she shuffled some nodding yes. "Ready to leave."
-
Jared nodded, gathered a few more items, then walked after Katelyn. "Alright," he said. "Follow me."
-
Nodding in responce she began walking for the door. Stopping there she waited for you to take the lead, where she followed in step through the twists and turns of the dead city.
-
Sarah and Axol followed them as they made their way back to the fur HQ. Sarah ran up next to Katelyn. "So how'd you get into that situation anyway?" The papillion asked.
-
Frowning slightly she was unreluctent to telling them anything about her. Sure they got her out of that situation, but she knew nothing about them. Before she would say anyone she would speak with her old friend Nova.
Now walking up to a large two story building it has seen its fare share of days, but seemed intact. The bottom floor windows where replaced with sheet metal, the stone chiped and coverd in moss and bullet holes. The second floor windows held but seemed ready to fall away from the frames. "Is this it then?" She asked avoiding the question.
-
"No," Jared said. "That's it." Raising a hand, he pointed to an adjacent building which looked exactly the same.
X3
-
Huffing a breath of distast she turned on the balls of her feet and walked to the building he pointed at. Now standing infront of the metal door there where many slashes and dents in the front, obvously they have seen there share of action. Adjusting the strap of her rifle some before knocking on the door, waiting for an answer from inside.
-
Nova heard the knocking on the door and strode towards it. "They must be returning form the rescue mission, damn I hope they're alright." As he opened the door he couldn't help but let out a gasp of astonishment. There were Jared and Axol and Sarah, but there were also several furs he didn't recognize... and one he did. Her shining white coat was dingy and tattered, but there was no mistaking her. "Katelyn! How?! But I thought..." He was at an utter loss for words. He reached out with one paw and touched her shoulder lightly, as if he couldn't believe she was real. "My god... I don't even... come in, all of you!" He hastily stood aside and gestured for them to enter, mouth agape at the extraordinary spectacle.
-
Watching the door swing open she saw the same black and gray wolf she rememberd from her child hood except for a scar that reached across his right eye. Seeing him alive brought a smile across her face. "Nova!" She said in such joy. Nodding while holding her smile she walked in the room only to find allot of other furrs scattered about. Allot of them seemed to be readying for something, what though she had no idea. Now standing in the middle of the room her eyes would trail across the place, settling back onto Nova as he waited for the others to enter.
-
Nova couldn't help but watch Katelyn as she walked in, despite the array of other furs following behind her. But when she looked at him he glanced down at the floor, just for an instant. He raised his eyes again to see her still gazing at him. "Katelyn. Jeez I thought I'd never see you again, I mean after the meteors hit and everything... I know we didn't go out on the absolute best of terms, but you know..." He sputtered a little bit as he looked at her. "I never forgot about you. And now you're here..." He made a sweeping gesture with his arms. "I suppose I should say welcome to the last great fur resistance this side of the rockies, hehe." This time he managed a smile as he said it.
-
Her mind was abuzz with thoughts before all the chaos as she looked at Nova. He was one of her closest friends before the meteors. She would remember how they would meet outside of her father gun store and walk around the back allies and play games with some of the other kids that lived around the place. It was happy times. "I still cant believe your alive ether, It almost seems like a dream." she said holding her smile. "Do tell, how has the years treated you, and what is with everyone? It looks like your ready to go to war."
-
"Well, relative to most of the world I suppose I've done quite well. Everything you see around you, all the people residing here, exist as they do because of my endeavors. But we've grown tired of hiding in the depths of the city, tired of scrounging through the remnants of humanity, tired of not having open land and space to rebuild our world. What you see is the preparation for our greatest mission yet- the escape from the city so we may establish a colony, if you will, from which we can expand and begin to rebuild. Tonight we set out, and our first step is acquiring the vehicles and fuel which the humans on the edge of the city are hoarding and letting go to waste. We have all the other resources and skills we need, we just need a mode of effective transportation. In fact, I was about to announce the final details of our plan when I was told about all of you." He gestured to the large mass of furs by the doorway. "Now that you're all here, I suppose I can begin. But first," he gazed at Katelyn, "I want to hear about you."
-
Raising an eyebrow she shuffled her feet some. If there was anyone she trusted it was Nova. Nodding she lowered her voice to that only Nova could hear. "When the meteors fell, it was quite at first, as I'm sure you known. But when the monsters started invading the city it spread like a virus. Block after block was consumed and changed as the days went on. When it made it to our gun store, we barricaded ourselves in the back room. We had plenty of ammo and weapons to hold them off naturally, but it was only me and my father, there where too many of them..." Taking a pause she rubs her eyes at a few threatening tears and continues, "When they attacked, I was able to grab my rifle and a set of my basic tools with me, my dad didn't make it... From there I stuck to back allies and the roofs. But I was running low on food, so I went to that old mini-mart we used to go to. My friend..." Sighing she shook her head saying, "I'm sure you can piece together what happened. But I am here now so ill make myself of use, not many gun smiths in the world anymore you know." Smiling lightly she faked her emotions, believing if she acted happy, she would be happy.
-
Nova could see she was trying hard not to look upset. He understood what it was like to lose his whole family, but that was a long time ago now. He was numb to that pain. Still, he tried to sound as comforting as he could. "Well if you're even half the shot you used to be I know you're gonna be invaluable to us," he said with a slight smile. "And even if you weren't a gunsmith, you're still invaluable to me... I mean, I have many friends in the resistance but you're the first true pre-war friend I think I've met. Just knowing that you're ok is good enough for me." He trailed off, feeling more emotional than he had expected. After all this time of surviving in a strange world and fighting for every breath, it was wonderful to see a face he could take comfort in, someone he could trust with his life.
-
Jared nodded. "Alright... so what's the plan?"
-
Sarah just stood by and watched the quiet exchange between the two friends. Seeing their joy she couldn't help but smile. Maybe she could find happyness with this group after all. Maybe even a mate eventualy. She sighed at the thought of a family of her own. She kicked off the wall egear to get started. "Yeah what's the plan? I'm more then willing to help in anyway I can." She looked around her as she waited for Nova to explain the plan. Her eyes fell on Axoll and her mind began to wonder. 'Hes a handsome one. I can't belive I didn't realize that before.'
-
Smiling at his kind words she nodded lightly more then agreeing with him. Taking another look around her she saw some other furs walking up to Nova now, most likely seeking an audience or a speech. Letting out a soft sigh her face was full of content now as she said, "I'm going to sit down somewhere, It would seem you have others that need you, and Nova..." Taking a pause she swallowed lightly before saying, "Its... really nice to see you again." Shuffling some she turned around seeking a vacant bed witch she sat down in. The bed gave a loud creek of distaste as she swung her bag off of her back. Next was her rifle as she laid in over her lap, inspecting it over and under once more. Normally she would do her normal dis-assembly and re-assembly, but she did not know any of these other fur's so she was going to keep that on a down-low till such a skill was needed.
-
During all of this, Luke had slipped into a corner to watch the goings on. He had never been one for socializing, mostly because the present situation allowed for no such pleasantries, but also because (he was slightly embarassed to admit it, even to himself) he was scared of other furs. Well, more like interacting with other furs. It was nerve wracking. He would much prefer to fight than talk. Fighting was much more simple.
Luke watched intently as he saw the fur who had saved his life, Katelyn, interacting with a fur who seemed to carry great authority and command respect. The leader of the resistance, i'm assuming, mused Luke. Suddenly, all of the day's activities finally caught up to him, and Luke sank to the floor, exhausted. But he didn't sleep. Anyone here could be Daniel, and he had to stay awake.
-
Leaning against the wall as Nova made his speech, then waiting as he was greeted by newcomers or those in need, Phelan crossed his arms and leaned against the wall with his chin on his chest. Intending only to rest a moment, he fell into the first real sleep he'd had in several days.
As usual, the familiar nightmare arrived with an unnatural clarity, as only true memories can. It began with Phelan lying at the bottom of a refuse heap, miraculously without serious injury despite the beating he'd taken. At the time he'd not known how long he had been unconcious, only that it was the very early hours of morning. Before sunrise. Awakening brought the bruises back, but the only thought his mind latched onto was his knife. Unnamed, it had been given to him by his friend Raph, a gift received just hours prior to an attack by the monsters.
Minutes of quiet advance brought the ragged black wolf to the window he been thrown from. He entered and searched the building as quietly as possible, this made easy by the fact that the furs who assaulted him were asleep, Phelan left them that way. He only wanted his friend's knife back. He found it, in the leaders chamber, being used as a spit for some roasted meat. Something seemed very wrong with this scene, but the fox eating the meat wasn't any different, it was the partially carved human corpses laying to the side of the fire pit. Phelan's eyes widened and he gasped, turning his attention back to the leader. Who grinned with his bloodstained teeth as he used the wolf knife as a toothpick. A knowing look on his smug face.
Something broke inside the wolf that night, and with that resurgence of dream-memory the present day Doza comes to his footpaws, hackles raised, eyes gleaming, and lips pealed back. A deep snarl in his throat, dozens of scars revealed across his face and chest that were hidden under the fur.
-
After a while Ip regained some of his energy back thanks to his pineapples, he sat up looking around, realizing where he was. "no.." he whispered to himself. The word seemed to echo endlessly in his head. Ip stood up and took a deep breath before looking at the door. He walked towards the door and paused to listen before opening the door before making his descent to the ground floor. Ip stood at the bottom of the stairway watching Nova and the rest of the anonymous furs. He still had little knowledge of this place and the so called resistance. Ip made himself comfortable in a corner, observing Nova having a conversation with another fur and then onto the rest of the furs who he had not yet seen.
-
Nova looked around and saw Ip emerge from the stairwell and sit down. "Alright, the gang's all here," he thought to himself and made his way to the center of the room. Once again mustering his announcer voice and standing on a chair he began to talk. "Attention everyone! I know many of you have already heard the outline of my plan, and some of you I haven't said a single word to. But everyone needs to listen now. Tonight we break out of the city, starting by raiding the human settlement for their vehicles and fuel. How this will work is as follows: Jared, our human friend Himawari, and I will be equipped with these radio headsets." He held them up to demonstrate. "Their settlement is surrounded by a wall guarded by snipers, with the only entrance being a mechanical gate. Jared and I will scale this wall and incapacitate the snipers, keeping in contact through the radios. Once they are neutralized, we will open the gate and Himawari, in contact with us, will lead a force into the compound. You will enter as quietly as possible, for her mission is to throw canisters of what she claims is a sort of sleeping gas into their buildings, preventing them from being able to even know we're there. Once the gas has been released, we will acquire their vehicles and fuel, which I believe are all stored in the same building, and drive out of there as quickly as possible. Those who follow Himawari into the settlement should be prepared for a fight in case something goes wrong, but we must make every effort to prevent that. Everyone else will wait outside and load into the vehicles once they have been procured. Then it's just a matter of getting the hell out of here." He paused and looked around. "Right now, those of us already with our gear in order should make sure we all know each other, as communication and knowing our strengths will be key in the coming days. To everyone else," he gestured at the room full of the non-fighting furs around him, "pack up all your stuff and steel yourselves. Things like this never go as easily as planned."
-
Himawari saw other furs coming in and she walked over to the group.
She stayed a bit away, because she saw Nova talking to one of the anthropomorphs who just walked in. Apparantly they knew eachother.
Himawari looked to another direction, she saw someone at the stairs and walked up to him.
She smelled pineapples when she got near him.
"Who are you, if I may ask? My name is Himawari Hyde."
-
Jared walked up to Nova as everyone got ready. "I have to tell you... I'm probably going to fly for this. But don't worry, they won't spot me... and no killing them, ok?"
-
Nova got off the chair and turned to Jared. "Of course. Our only objective is getting the vehicles we need. I hope to avoid any casualties, human or fur. And don't worry, I trust you. Just stay in communication."
-
Part of Luke wanted to speak to this Nova, to find any information he had on Daniel, but the other part of him wanted to keep his back to the wall. He was surrounded by furs he didn't know or trust. But he needed these furs. How much they needed him was a different story. He watched Nova carefully, noting how he moved, they way he carried himself, the way he spoke. Nova was a fur that Luke didn't want to get in a fight with. But Luke needed him.
-
Sarah. Walked away from the wall to gather her stuff. She kept her eyes on eveyone as she did so. She watched all their bady movements. Most of them wee nervous. Understandable in this situation, they were getting ready to leave their home. But she noticed something about the ones in charge as well as the ones from the mini-mart. The were calm cool and colected. She said outloud, "These people are good. Looks like I choose right."
-
Ip looked up with his eyes first then followed by his head. He steadily got up, still trying to process what was going on and who all of these people were. Ip looked at Himawari, intrigued by the human that had approached him. "Oh, hi" he said in a very detached manner. Ip cautiously put out his paw to shake Himawari's hand but quickly retreated, unsure of what to do. Ip hadn't had many good experiences with humans especially after the war broke out. The humans hunted in packs back in London, crazy chavs that refuse to be a part of anything other than their own gang. No order or respect for each other and this was what Ip was used to. Seeing another human Ip was on edge, wondering what it wanted. "Please, call me Ip" Ip said in an attempt to seem more friendly, and gave a slight smile for a moment. "I suppose you are part of the resistance then?"
-
Himawari wanted to shake hands, but before she could even get her hand ready, Ip retracted his own hand.
She thought it was weird at first, but then realised that these furry creatures might have their own problems with humans as she has with their kind.
"Hello Ip," she said with a calm voice, trying to show him she meant no (personal) harm to him.
She continued talking. "I guess I am part of the resistance now... Haven't thought about it really... I help you guys and they'll help me I guess. What are your plans for now, Ip?"
-
Nova got off the chair and turned to Jared. "Of course. Our only objective is getting the vehicles we need. I hope to avoid any casualties, human or fur. And don't worry, I trust you. Just stay in communication."
Jared nodded. "Alright..." He glanced at Luke. "Maybe you should talk to him?"
-
Ip looked away at the ground, and thought for a moment before looking back up uncomfortably. "Uh, I'm not entirely sure right now... if I can be of any help or use I'll do what I can I suppose. It really depends on a variety of factors." Ip looked over to where Nova was standing with his chair "Im going to talk to Nova now, to see if I'm required" Ip looked at Himawari and back in Nova's direction before leaving his corner, into the centre of the room and up to Nova. "Excuse me, Nova. Is there anything you wish to ask of me?"
-
Nova glanced at the odd wolf-like fur in the corner across the room. He was about to go over there and see what was going on, when he heard a voice behind him. It was Ip, awake from his nap and looking a bit better than he had before. "Good to see you're awake. I don't have anything specific in mind for you, but I do want you to be one of the furs who goes in behind Himawari and reinforces the perimeter in case anything should happen. So do what you need to prepare yourself for that I suppose." Nova then thought of something and turned his attention to Himawari, still sitting towards the back by herself. "Himawari!" he called and waved her over.
-
Himawari looked up when she heard someone call her. She looked and saw Nova.
"What is it?" She asked with a business-like voice when she walked up to the fur resistance leader.
-
Jared sighed. "Nova... maybe you should TALK TO HIM." He pointed again at Luke.
-
Nova looked over his shoulder and shot Jared an "I'll get there in a minute" glance. Turning back to Himawari, he asked, "This 'sleeping gas' of yours... how potent is it? I mean will it knock us clean out if we get even a whiff of it? I'm just wondering how fast we'll have to move once you release it, because it will eventually spread from the buildings..."
-
Himawari hasn't thought about that when she heard Nova's question.
She knew immediatly that these creatures would have a stronger sense of smell then her. And hearing... probably lots of other senses are stronger too, but sense... That would be a problem, she figured.
"Nova, these are some very strong cannisters, I believe. It would surely take me 2 to 3 hours to wake up... Also, you can make all the noise you want without them waking up to anything. Hell, you could put a rocket or something next to them, fire it, and they wouldn't notice anything while knocked out with that gas."
She thought of something else too, how fast the gas will spread.
Best mention that to Nova too, she figured.
"Also, Nova, because of the high pressure in these cannisters, as soon as they are released, the gas will rapidly spread. I would suspect it can spread within 15 seconds in a room that is about 20 by 20 metres. And everyone in that area will be knocked out good. If the space is larger it will take longer of course to spread, but after about 5 minutes it will have settled down. I think after a total of 7 minutes you are safe to enter."
-
Nova nodded. "Alright, it sounds like a plan then. Where in the world did you get such strong stuff anyway?" He paused for a second. "Actually, never mind... I have a feeling I don't want to know. Thank you though." He turned away and walked towards that corner-dwelling wolf-like fur. He approached slowly, folding his arms and looking at the newcomer sideways. "Why are you standing here by yourself, boy? You're covered in blood... Do you need anything? Because otherwise I must ask why you seem to be lurking alone."
-
Jared mouthed the word "FINALLY" to no one in particular.
-
Nova nodded. "Alright, it sounds like a plan then. Where in the world did you get such strong stuff anyway?" He paused for a second. "Actually, never mind... I have a feeling I don't want to know. Thank you though." He turned away and walked towards that corner-dwelling wolf-like fur. He approached slowly, folding his arms and looking at the newcomer sideways. "Why are you standing here by yourself, boy? You're covered in blood... Do you need anything? Because otherwise I must ask why you seem to be lurking alone."
Luke was jerked from his thoughts, looking at the fur who had been speaking, Nova. He seemed sincere enough. Luke smirked in an amused way.
"Don't worry, sir. You have nothing to worry about. I'm just surveying my environment, looking for weaknesses, things like that. And..." he stopped. He wasn't sure if Nova needed to know about Daniel, but part of him wanted to tell SOMEONE. If only to have someone know and possibly help. Luke's right paw drifted to the tip of his sword unconsciously, and he looked down.
"I'm mainly just...looking for someone."
-
Nova barely restrained himself from reacting instinctively when he saw the fur reach, just briefly, for his weapon after mentioning "looking for weaknesses." But there was no malevolence in this fur's eyes, just a kind of emptiness. "Looking for someone? Well I don't know how much help I can be," he said. "Can you give me any information or anything? Heck I don't even know your name yet..." He surveyed the fur again, observing his bloodstained coat and tired looking face. "You certainly seem like quite the warrior though. I'd love to have you on our side."
-
Jared watched carefully.
-
Nova barely restrained himself from reacting instinctively when he saw the fur reach, just briefly, for his weapon after mentioning "looking for weaknesses." But there was no malevolence in this fur's eyes, just a kind of emptiness. "Looking for someone? Well I don't know how much help I can be," he said. "Can you give me any information or anything? Heck I don't even know your name yet..." He surveyed the fur again, observing his bloodstained coat and tired looking face. "You certainly seem like quite the warrior though. I'd love to have you on our side."
Luke tilted his head thoughtfuly, considering the proposal.
"I don't see why not," he said shrugging. "You'll serve my purposes. My name is Luke, by the way. And i'm...i'm looking for someone named Daniel. The name is really all i have for you...i don't remember much of my past. He's the only link i have."
His eyes grew wet for a moment, but he shook his head and reasserted his cold exterior. He couldn't lose face in front of a potential ally...or tool.
-
Jared nodded. "Alright," he said. "So... let's go blow these guys."
*pause*
"AWAY!"
-
Nova shot Jared an annoyed look. "Do you even listen to what I say? Does it look like nighttime out there yet? You'll get your chance, just calm down for now." He turned back to Luke. "Well it's a pleasure to have you aboard, Luke. I'm sure we'll be able to serve each other well. For now though, we have some time to kill until night. I'm gonna go sleep, I've basically been awake for more than 24 hours... You guys should feel free to rest up too, I'm sure no one will mind if you take their empty bed, we can't take the beds with us after all." He walked over to the rest of the new furs. "Like I was just saying to them," he said, "I'm gonna try to sleep until it gets dark out and it's time to go. You guys should feel free to find an empty bed somewhere and get some rest yourselves too. See you in a few hours." With that he started off towards the stairway and his bedroom. When he got there, he looked sadly around the small space he had called home essentially since he started the resistance. "Last time I'll sleep in a proper bed for a while... maybe the last time I'll sleep at all..." But this is no time to think such thoughts, he told himself, and, lying down on his bed, fell asleep almost immediately.
-
Himawari noticed Nova going upstairs. She figured she would be able to catch up to him and perhaps share some scraps she found. Food would be good for him too. She only really trusted him. Well... as far as she could trust any of them, that is.
The woman went upstairs, following Nova, and opened his bedroom door.
She quickly stood still and kept as silent as possible, seeing as Nova apparantly immediatly fell asleep upon arriving in his bed.
She decided it was best to close the door behind her and position herself opposite of Nova's bed on the other side of the room.
Once she sat down on the floor, she placed her backpack in front of her and slowly -but silently- carefully placed canned and wrapped foods on the floor. Also bottled drinks. She figured that at least Nova should enjoy some good food and be well-fed before the 'mission'. When he would wake-up, he would most likely see this and hopefully accept her offer to eat and drink.
She slumped a little against the wall and waited, looking at her hands she placed on her knees. She was sitting on her knees, back against the wall.
-
Keeping silent through the various conversations she watched it seemed that thirty minutes passed before he went up a flight of stairs. Assuming it was his bedroom she kept her eyes on the door a few more seconds seeing a human follow after. Raising an eyebrow she was tempted to follow to see what was up, but it was of no concern of hers. Sighing lightly she looked behind her seeing a bit of sheets and a small pillow. Pushing them back further she brought her feet on the bed and scooted back to lean against the wall while she kept her rifle on her lap. Pulling a small white cloth out of her bag she began whipping down her rifle as best she could without taking apart each piece.
Ten minutes of this her rifle was not gleaming again in the dim light. Resting it against the wall to her right she went in her bag taking out a fresh bottle of water. Uncapping the lid she took a long sip of it, feeling a bit refreshed from all she went through, but sleep would not come so easily no matter how hard she tired.
-
Nova shot Jared an annoyed look. "Do you even listen to what I say? Does it look like nighttime out there yet? You'll get your chance, just calm down for now." He turned back to Luke. "Well it's a pleasure to have you aboard, Luke. I'm sure we'll be able to serve each other well. For now though, we have some time to kill until night. I'm gonna go sleep, I've basically been awake for more than 24 hours... You guys should feel free to rest up too, I'm sure no one will mind if you take their empty bed, we can't take the beds with us after all." He walked over to the rest of the new furs. "Like I was just saying to them," he said, "I'm gonna try to sleep until it gets dark out and it's time to go. You guys should feel free to find an empty bed somewhere and get some rest yourselves too. See you in a few hours." With that he started off towards the stairway and his bedroom. When he got there, he looked sadly around the small space he had called home essentially since he started the resistance. "Last time I'll sleep in a proper bed for a while... maybe the last time I'll sleep at all..." But this is no time to think such thoughts, he told himself, and, lying down on his bed, fell asleep almost immediately.
Jared nodded. "Of course, sir." With those words, he went over to his own cot and curled up and fell asleep.
-
Nova slept restlessly. Dreams came and went, visions of the past and expectations of the future twisting and melding into a confusing maelstrom. He saw the fires, the explosions, the destruction... the open plains and green forests of which few remained wholly intact. Sometimes there was nothing, just a vague emptiness with a white sky and ash-gray ground... then there was a single dark outline in the distance, coming towards him. It looked like another wolf, or at least a fur of some kind. Nova reached for it and cried out, but as he did his scream was morphed into a deafening concussive blast, emanating from his body. The outline stopped and raised an arm, but it was too late... the figure was vaporized instantly and Nova was once again alone in the emptiness...
He woke with a start, panting and hot. It was almost dark out, and as he glanced around the dusky room he was startled to see a figure sitting there next to his bed. He let out a sharp gasp, but quickly regained control of himself when he saw it was just Himawari. "Oh. Hey. Sorry if I, uh, startled you." He looked down at the food she had out in front of her. His stomach was getting grumbly... "Would it be ok if I, uh, had some of that?" He said with a slight smile.
-
Jared woke up and stretched, then stood up and gathered his things.
-
Himawari had closed her eyes untill she heard Nova being extremly restless in his sleep. After some time she saw him opening his eyes, looking around.
She spoke quietly, almost whispering: "Yes, it was my intention you would have some food, because of what we will be doing soon I figured it would be best if you had some energy and such... Yeah."
She turned her head to the left and with her right hand she scratched her neck. She then turned back to look at Nova.
"So uhm, I guess... shall we have ''dinner'' before we set out?"
While she spoke, she picked up a soda can and opened it.
-
"Sure," Jared said quietly, walking up to them.
-
"Yeah, that's be good," Nova said gratefully. He got off his bed and sat down, picking up the soda and taking a swig. "You know," he said, "it's been a while since I've felt this uneasy about anything. It's like a whole new day of reckoning. But," he looked up at her, "we couldn't do this without you. I'm glad to have you with us this night..." He trailed off and continued to eat in silence.
-
Himawari looked down. She suddenly felt guilty, she didn't know why. Perhaps it was because she let her guard down for some time now. These creatures were different than her... Are different. She has been way too open towards them, but somehow... it did not feel wrong. She could finally open herself up to someone. The only one she really trusted was the leader. He had a strong will and good ideas on how to run a group and such a large operation. She admired that, but... Nova will always be a different species. They're not in the same boat, as the saying goes.
For all she knew, he was tricking her into becoming something convenient to catch the attention of the other humans and let her get caught, while they could run away with the loot.
Then again... thinking logically... humans would not hurt her. She was a fellow human afterall. And if they would indeed trick her, she could backstab them too by telling the humans their camp was being invaded.
All this went quickly though her mind as she drank some soda.
She sighed of relief when she came to the conclusion that she was of more use than she thought she would be to these furry creatures.
Himawari saw Nova enjoy his food and drink, she smiled. "Glad you enjoy it."
She continued talking after she opened a bag of salty pretzels. "Here you go," she gave some to Nova.
"I must be honest towards you... before we go on this mission... There are some things you might need to know about me."
She paused for a while.
"First things first. I never really felt comfortable among your species since right after this whole... end of the world thing happened. Secondly..." She stopped, thinking if it would be wise to tell someone she recently met of her strange ''disease''.
"There is something about me I do not quite understand I I hope you think of me any less after I tell you this..."
She waited to hear of Nova's reply before even thinking of continuing.
-
Nova munched on the pretzels and watched Himawari curiously. "Well you wouldn't be the first to feel uncomfortable around us and frankly I don't really blame you. Times have changed, and our kinds never were the best of friends in the first place." He paused as he popped another pretzel in his mouth. "But I want you to know you can trust me, and the rest of our little resistance. I don't know how much good saying that does, but I want you to know anyways. Now what's this second thing? You don't have to fear any response from me, unless it's something like you spontaneously combust in the presence of furs or something." He chuckled a little as he said this in a halfhearted attempt to brighten the mood.
-
Himawari sighed and repositioned herself. She was still sitting, but instead of on her knees, she spawled her legs in front of her and folded them, still leaning with her back against the wall.
She streched her arms and looked at Nova.
"Remember outside? When you... rescued me?" She reluctanlty said 'rescued' because she wasn't used to getting rescued at all.
"I don't know how else to say this, so I'm just going to say it as best I can. I don't understand it myself, but..." She paused for a second to build up the courage.
"Just after the meteors hit earth, I blackedout. Instead of changing into one of those monsters outside, I.. don't know how, but... I can sense them when they are near me or coming towards me. And sometimes... I feel the need to join them in one way or another. I cannot controll my body anymore. I just go numb and my vision blurrs. I had a similair experience some time ago, luckily someone else was able to save me too by chance. But it was worse than how it was now. I was actually about to attack that person. He took out the nearby Consumers and somehow that regained my consciousness. It felt like... I was one of them. I did not think about anything. Everything that lived, that moved, was a possible target. I had to... devour and consume, how ironic that last may sound. My vocabulary did not exist anymore, just one thought: consume. It was terrifying, yet at that time, in that moment... I enjoyed it. That terrifies me the most afterwards.
After that person destroyed the Consumers nearby and I regained the ability to think again and act normally, I actually had to have some short of rehabilitation. For a whole week I could not speak normal human words, just sounds, growls, etcetra. I was hungry all the time, at first, even still for human flesh. My dreams were nightmares and I was constantly plagued by becoming part of a whole again, becoming.. returning to them. In the begining of the dream I was scared, but a voice told me it was allright. When it went further, it scared me, but I couldn't escape. Well, untill I woke up of course."
Himawari felt a weight drop off of her. But now she was worried of what Nova might think or do to her, now that he knew what was really 'wrong' with her.
-
Nova sat in rather stunned silence, regarding Himawari with a serious stare. "Well," he said at length, "I'm glad you told me about this. It would have been horrible if we got in a battle and you... you know..." He sounded awkward and he knew it. He tried to put on a more professional tone. "Anyway, you clearly have control of your actions when you're not around them. So I'm not extremely worried about you. However, if you ever do have to engage them, and you have even the slightest suspicion that they might be influencing you, I want you to tell me right away so we can do whatever it takes to prevent something from happening. I can warn the others if you want, but I think it would probably be best to just keep this between you and me. You're already labeled as different, obviously, so the last thing we need is to paint any sort of a target on your back." He finished his pretzels. "But I certainly don't think any less of you. On the contrary, I think you were quite brave for telling me that, and I respect you for it." He sighed and looked out the window. It was almost completely dark now. Looking back at Himawari, he said, "Thank you very much for this food. I think it's time to get moving now though, we've got quite the night ahead of us."
-
Himawari was glad that Nova took it so well. In fact, more so than she could even have hoped for.
She smiled slightly and stood up, walking up to Nova she stuck out her hand. "Thank you," she said.
She turned back and started packing up the food and drinks. There wasn't much left though, but the rest they could comsume later. She shudderd a bit at the thought.
When she was done and Nova had mentioned about moving on, Himawari looked at him again and nodded.
"You're right, we should. Once we get there, will you let me know how I can get in and when to throw the cannisters? And perhaps other things I should know? Oh! Before I forget, don't you forget to hand out the radios with headsets, or we'll have no way of communicating with eachother."
She grinned.
-
Nova smiled and shook her hand. "No problem," he said.
Once everything had been packed up, he grabbed his stuff and hoisted it in a backpack over his shoulder. His gunblade he holstered on his belt along with a few extra clips of ammo. "Haha, don't worry, I'll be sure to hand out the radios. I'll let you know when it's safe to proceed as soon as Jared and I deal with the snipers. We'll be in constant contact the whole time." He stepped forward out of the room and took one last look at the forlorn little place. Sighing, he looked at Himawari. "Well, shall we?" He started back down the stairs towards the others.
-
Himawari nodded. She too looked back at the room, but not because of any nostalgia, but because she just shared her most disturbing truth with someone she just met.
"Let's go and meet back with the others."
She walked behind him, down the stairs.
-
Ip stepped back a little, looking at Jared with disgust with his lack of patience and respect. Ip walked from the centre of the room, back over to his corner watching the small conflict between Jared and Nova who then walked over to talk to another fur. Looking around he decided that it would be best to get a bit more rest as nothing much seemed to be happening. Ip got up out of his corner and made his way up to the 3rd floor and walked down to the end of the corridor, to where there was a door. It had no sign of occupants from looking from the outside and so he opened the door and walked into the confines of the poorly lit room.
There were tiny bits of dust floating adrift the room, illuminated by the small rays of light that had managed to penetrate the window enforced by scraps of metal and rotting wood. Ip smiled with relief to find a place that was further away from the others and felt a bit more relaxed. Ip closed the door behind him and looked for the corner furthest away from the door. Ip placed his bag on the cold floor and slid down the wall into his new corner that had a strong shadow cast upon it. Ip felt alot more safer than he had when he slept in Nova's room, knowing he was less visible gave him comforting thoughts before closing his eyes to rest.
-
Luke hadn't slept. He almost never slept. His frantic quest to find his past seemed to have given him the ability to go on without rest. But sometimes, he crashed. When that happened, he tended to have terrible nightmares. Thenkfully, that hadn't happened, though he had almost nodded off a few times. He looked up and saw Nova coming down the stairs. He rose and fell in behind him, silently, like a ghost.
-
Sarah awoke from the light slumber that bitwise had laid its calming veil upon her. A sound was heard, she withdrew her thin legs and held them as close as possible to her warm body, and by doing so, taking shelter from the last shivers of light that illuminated the room on the third floor. Someone came in, walked around, closed the door and took rest in the opposing corner. Sarah held her breath until both lungs started to ache in symbiotic convulsion. When she had to exhale it was a slow and painful procedure, though it didn't last for the whole breath. After the initial shock she came to her senses, it was just another fur and not a monster from either past or present.
She did consider the possibility of sneaking out of the room... With the rattling bag of medicines she came here to sort. No, it was best to lay quiet, sunset would break at any moment and when everyone started moving she would simply place herself in the outskirts of the group. She sighed, trying to stay cool, biting her lower lip wondering who owned the silhouette that sat across.
-
Nova walked into the gloomy lobby and looked around. Everyone was accounted for except... he did a double check to make sure he was correct. "Hm. Sarah and Ip aren't here?" he mused. He turned to Luke behind him. "Hey, did you happen to see anyone go upstairs or something? We're missing a couple people here and we really should get going now." All around him faces lit up with anticipation, or worry, or restlessness, or some other combination of emotion. He could feel the tense energy in the room.
-
Himawari nodded. She too looked back at the room, but not because of any nostalgia, but because she just shared her most disturbing truth with someone she just met.
"Let's go and meet back with the others."
She walked behind him, down the stairs.
Jared silently followed them, now carrying slightly more respect for the human girl.
"Well, I'm here," Jared said. "Can't believe you didn't notice me that entire time."
(He was there too, ya know)
-
Katelyn has had her head drooped down forward towards her chest, staring blankly at her legs that sprawled out infront of her. A few hours have passed as she leaned against the wall like this, her mind abuzz with thoughts that came unbidden into her head. She would think back to the night of her escape, her fathers death, her best friends death but a few days ago.
Twitching an ear she looked up slightly at the sound of creaking stairs to see Nova and the human walking into the main room. Blinking slowly there was a damp feeling running down her cheeks. Almost startled by the thought she brought up her hands from her lap to whip at her face. Sighing deeply she said quietly to herself "I need to be strong, I can't think about the past... only the future..."
Looking up level with the ground now her eyes would trail to a bullet riddled sheet metal window seeing that it was night now, and time for what ever plan Nova had in mind for the group.
-
For a sole moment Sarah swayed uneasily in the spaces that held dreams and memories. Her neck relaxed, falling for a thousand meters before she woke up by a sudden twitch. A heavy gasp echoed; with widened pupils she glanced across the now pitch black room. It took a mere sliver of a second to realize that dusk had arrived. With that realization she quickly arose, taking her bag of rattling medicines out of the room, the door creaked in rusted harmony; she made her way down the stairs with tipping steps and took a place between those that had gathered. Something ached, the bite mark on her lip radiated heat, she once again thought of the silhouette from upstairs.
-
Nova saw Sarah coming down as he strode into the center of the room. He figured it was time to speak then, even with Ip no where to be found. He looked around at the dark room full of anticipation. "Everybody," he announced, raising his arms, "the moment has arrived. Gather your things, have one last bite to eat, do what you must to prepare for the night ahead. We will leave in a few minutes." Then he noticed Katelyn, looking rather sad over by one wall. He decided to go over to her and see what's wrong. "Hey," he said soothingly. "I know that all this must be emotional, but I need you to be strong. The quicker we can pull this off, the quicker it'll be over and we're that much closer to starting a new life. Remember, I'll always be here for you." He looked around once again. "I just wish I knew where Ip was..."
-
Continuing to look forward she looked off to her left at her bag witch was never unpacked in the first place, and her rifle to her right that allready had its cleaning. She was good to go. Looking back up she was startled somewhat to see Nova so close to her, she should of heard him coming. Swallowing lightly she thought to herself she only nodded to his words before responding in a quite voice, "I know... Someday it will be all over, and we all can be at peace again... Just like when we where kids." Taking a moment to gather herself up she took a quick breath of air before continuing. "Ill be fine Nova, thanks. Now where do you need me?"
-
Ip woke up in the darkness, realizing the time has come to return to the ground floor. It looked like it had been dark for a while and figured that another speech or something perhaps important may be taking place by now. Ip made his way down the stairs, and saw Nova who seemed to be occupied. Ip didn't want to interrupt and so placed himself a few feet away from Nova so that he would hopefully gain his attention to find out what was happening.
-
Just as Nova was about to respond, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Looking over he saw Ip standing a few feet away, listening to what he was saying. "Oh good you're here. Your directions are pretty much the same as the ones I'm gonna give you, Katelyn. I need you both behind Himawari as she goes in to throw the gas canisters, and then once again after the gas has had time to settle and we go in to get the vehicles. You're essentially a crisis prevention team; in the unfortunate event that we face any retaliation or any kind of conflict, you will have to help set the perimeter and surround the area as best you can so we can keep control of the situation. I'm gonna go distribute the radios, and then we'll be heading out." Turning away, he walked over to the pack on the floor where the radio/headsets were. He grabbed all three of them and calibrated them to the correct channel. He then walked over to Jared and handed him one. "Keep this on at all times, Jared. We'll need to stay in touch." Finally, he strode over to Himawari and handed her the final radio. "Here you go," he said. "Keep this on at all times. You'll be in constant contact with me and Jared." Sighing, he looked around one last time. "Alright, everyone! It's time to roll out," he shouted. "Those of you who might have to fight or have an assignment, stay right behind me. The rest of you, stay well back from us. You'll need to stay out of sight as we approach the compound." With that, he walked briskly to the front door and turned to all the furs behind him. "Let's go."
-
Himawari held the radio and headset in her hands, staring at it for a moment, thinking.
I guess this is it finally, she thought to herself.
She looked up and quietly thanked Nova.
She quickly glanced at Jared, making sure she would have an image, a memory of him in her head when the radio conversation would start. Himawari always made up a mental image of people in her mind and remember it when having a conversation, especially when talknig to people on the phone or, in this case, the radio.
Himawari attached the radio to her thick belt around her waist and plugged in the earplugs of the headset in her right ear.
She checked the channel and noticed the radios were already tuned.
"Good," she whispered.
When Nova said 'Let's go' the young woman walked up to the leader, following in his footsteps.
I hope all goes well... I don't even want the others to get hurt. Especially Nova and Katelyn, they seem to have a history. I would hate to see one of them get hurt.
Himawari shook her head.
Why do I think about such things? It's not like me. What? As soon as I find some... people, I get all mushy because they're nice to me and help me? Something's wrong with me. It's not like before. You cannot just be friends with everyone. Especially anthropomorphs. We -humans- are not like them. We're not having all the same problems. After I helped them I might as well go by myself again. Being with them makes me dependant and vulnerable. I cannot let that happen or it'll get me killed someday... probably.
-
Ip watched Nova hand out the radios and giving out orders, a little irritated being told to work with others and basically look after one of them. He looked at Himawari setting up her radio, but hid the discomfort and frustration behind his serious face. He looked up to see Nova standing by the door way, and looked around to see the others getting ready. "Why am I doing this.." he whispered to himself.
-
A set of frantic eyes revealed the bone trembling anticipation that Sarah felt going through her whole being. Everyone scuffled around, a concussion of minute movements. Her guns Poison and Ivy, felt heavy, prepared as if they had a mind of their own. After exhaling a couple of times Sarah strolled close by Himawari, glancing at her from behind trying to understand the woman who she would be following into the human settlement.
-
Jared nodded, slinging his satchel over his shoulder and attatching any weapons he might need to his belt. "Right behind/above you."
-
Nova strode out into the darkness with his army behind him. The night was clear, quiet, and motionless, but suffocating nonetheless. The concrete skeletons of civilization loomed above them as constant reminders of what they were trying to escape, almost tauntingly. He broke into a slight jog, wanting to go faster but not wanting to expend any more energy than necessary. Through the torn streets he led his resistance, until the ragged edge of the city was in sight. At this point, he stopped and turned to the shadowy masses. Addressing them as one, he said, "This is where any of you not prepared for conflict have to remain. Out of sight. The human settlement is around the corner and down a few blocks. Jared and Himawari, make sure your headsets work. Once Jared and I take care of the snipers guarding the wall, I'll call you down, Himawari, and you must tell me once you're at the gate. We'll open it from the inside, then you have to run in, throw the gas, and all of us get out while it spreads. Also, Katelyn, Ip, and others in my 'crisis prevention' unit, remember to stay close behind her, but remain in shadow as best you can. If all goes well, this will be over before you know it. Good luck everyone." In one swift movement, he was gone around the corner, sprinting in the gloom towards his quarry.
-
Himawari felt a couple of the creatures looking at her. She tried to ignore it, it made her feel uneasy.
Why are they looking at me? Don't they trust me or is something wrong?
When Nova walked out and leaded the way, she swiftly followed. Her small, but slender posture made her nearly invisible between the large (amount) of furry creatures.
She didn't really mind, it gave her a sense of security.
When they came near the human settlement, she listened intently to Nova and possible danger. Luckily there was no danger so far and she cnocentrated fully on Nova.
After he was done talking, Himawari nodded and tested her radio and headset once more. They were working fine.
She then grabbed the cans out of her backpack and placed them on her belt, so she could swiftly use them later on.
Nova left quickly before she could even ask anything about how she would know which way to go.
I guess I can ask that on the radio later on... She figured.
-
Following close behind Nova and the rest of the furs she had her bag over her back tightly secure as to make sure nothing slid around. Her rifle strap was hanged across her right shoulder as her gun swayed in her hands as she moved. Her rifle stood about fourty five inches, the barrel making up about thirteen. Holding such a gun for the first time would of been a difficult task for almost anyone, but it has been something she has grown up with and worked around for more her life. These small facts is what gave her confidence tonight as the group came to a halt just around a bend in one of the roads. Hearing Novas voice once more her ears would twitch slightly at his words, but none concerned her, for the human was her leader for tonight. Katelyn did not know who and why she was here, but for a human to help furs in a situation like this, and against her own people, was something all on its own, and demanded her respect. Taking one last glimpse at her gun she reached forward uncapping the scope lenses and returned it to a diagonal stance as she fell in behind Himawari, waiting for her lead.
-
Ip walked along the side keeping a distance from the main group, looking over at Himawari to check for anything that may need his attention. Then he was almost isolated from the hostile world around him by the darkness, he hid in deep thought. He looked over at the group again, everything to him was silent apart from the quiet footsteps that patted the cold ground. Everything seemed calm, the footsteps sounded and reminded him of the rain back in England. Like the silent onlooker he watched them, and wondered if Mark had become part of a resistance like this. He only hoped. He hoped the day would come when he was understood again, and kept happy from the terrors of the world.
Ip's thoughts were broken by the group halting and Nova giving out his final commands to the group. He watched Nova run around the corner, and saw Himawari attaching the gas canisters to her belt. Ip took a big breath, and got back into a more down to earth frame of mind ready for what may be required of him. Ip walked out of the dark over to the group to where Himawari was, who looked very determined. "I assume you are ready then?" He said whilst equipping himself with his silenced sub machine gun, and preparing it for its deadly purpose. "You don't seem to have have a weapon. Do you have one?" He said looking up, whilst closing his rucksack and putting it back on.
-
Himawari looked up at Ip.
"I don't have one, never needed one." She replied rather simple. She never gave it much thought, how awkward that may sound in times like these.
She always could get away quickly from certain situation and she always had her martial arts skills at hand if needed.
Clutching her radio on her belt, she said to Ip: "Why'd you ask?"
-
MEANWHILE....
A short distance from the human base, Jared assumed his position, hiding behind a nearby outcrop.
"Ok, guys, I'm in position," he said into his radio. "How are you?"
-
Nova held up behind a piece of rubble. "I'm almost in position," he said quietly into the headset. "There should be four snipers total, two on the more northern side and two on the more southern side. I've got visual on the first on the north side, it won't take me long to deal with him. Proceed whenever you're ready, and remember to keep in touch." Silently, he then darted off between bits of cover, approaching the wall unseen. He began to look for a good place to ascend without making noise.
-
Ip looked at Himawari surprised that she had never needed one before, but noticed her hand gripping the radio and realised that she may feel threatened. "Well, you may need one if things do not go according to plan. To be on the safe side" He looked down and thought what Mark would do. "Here. Take my pistol. Its silenced so you won't be heard easily if you need to use it" He said as he took it out and held it out to Himawari, feeling uneasy about what he was doing. But if Mark taught him anything it was to try and do what was right. Ip gave a little smile "Take it"
-
Himawari accepted the pistol and slightly nodded her head, in a thankful way.
"Thank you," she said. "Are you sure you don't need it yourself though?"
When Himawrai heard Nova on the radio, she slightly paused, smiled slightly to Ip and answered through the radio: "Himawari here, I'm alowed to go in the? Over."
-
Nova heard Himawari just as he began to climb his way up the wall beneath the first sniper. With a grunt he pulled himself into a better position before answering as loudly as he dared, "You should probably begin your approach, yes. Don't some too close until all the guards are neutralized though, we don't want to arouse any suspicion. Jared and I will keep you posted. Nova out." With that he resumed his spidery climb up the dark wall, towards the unsuspecting human.
-
Himawari stood up straight, looking at Ip. "I got to prepare myself, so if you do not mind too much, I will go now."
And with that, she set off towards the settlement, being as quick, lean and unnoticed as she usually was.
-
Ip watched Himawari start to walk off, but stood there to think about what he just did and the response he had received. He held his gun in one hand, and walked into the darkness in the settlements direction.
-
Zephyr nodded. "Alright. Moving in." Going quickly, he flew silently towards the first position he decided on... the first southern guard.
-
Standing quietly aside she watched there brief exchange of words and the handing over of his pistol. It did seem a bit awkward to her that a lone human girl would be out in such a word with no means of self protection, but that was not of her concern as of this moment. Right now she had a job to do, so slowly she stalked forward behind the other two staying in the shadows and bits of cover, occasionally poking her head out to scope on the snipers that where still in the tower.
-
Nova plastered himself against the wall below the raised encampment where the first sniper stood. Cautiously, he leaped up and grabbed onto the edge of the wall, hoisting himself up to just enough to see that the sniper currently had his back towards him. Nova felt his heart beat faster and new that this could be the moment. Silently he levered the rest of his body up onto the wall and leapt up to the sniper's position. The landing wasn't perfect though, and Nova felt a shot of adrenaline as the sniper jerked his head around towards the noise. But he wasn't quick enough, and Nova lunged at him full force, delivering a single forceful blow to the sniper's head before he could even ready his rifle. Nova caught the unconscious body as it fell backwards and laid it down on the platform so as to not make any noise. Panting with excitement, Nova radioed: "Ok Jared, first northern sniper is down. Almost had a problem but I think we're good. I'm moving on to the next one, hope everything's right with you."
-
Sarah shuddered in sight of the surrounding buildings. With their gaping, hollow and dark windows, they reminded her of skulls. If you had a vivid imagination, the similarities between these steel skeletons and actual living remains were many.
Himawari had distanced herself, venturing towards the human settlement. Soon Sarah and the others standing ready would be called in. (If this succeeded.. no when it succeeds I’ll be in need of a good rest, beside someone handsome hopefully).
-
Warren woke up in some sort of cell... the last he could remember was trying to sneak into a human compound to search for supplies. His sewer approach had worked, though he'd not expected the manhole where he's come out to be where it had. That is to say he ended up caught rather than away with the supplies he needed.
He went up briskly to the bars of the cell and took note of the surroundings...
one human guard, several cells, old police station? the cell door was once sealed electronically though now was held shut by a chain and lock. The guard was sitting at the end of the short corridor.
Then instinctively, he reached into his coat pocket for his improvised lock pick set, but found there was sadly no pocket for his paw to come into contact with. His coat? the guard!?!?
He quickly checked the guard to see that he was wearing his jacket and was fondly picking toying with Warren's saber.
An outrage!
The guard caught sight of this sudden movement, looked up and said, still fiddling with the saber, "really thought this one through this one didn't you?"
Warren growled to himself and then checked out the rest of his cell. It was rather empty and nothing was immediately useful though there was a little barred window was level with street of sorts though not much could be seen at all though indicating that he was indeed underground. The bed mat was comfier than normal considering they provided a sheet of plywood rather than the traditional floor. the toilet was also only half broken which was a big improvement.
If there was one thing the cell was though was that it was rather cold and only made Warren miss his wool jacket more.
The idea that he could perhaps carve a lock pick out of the stale bread he found toyed playfully in his imagination. The only flaw would be that he had nothing strong enough to chip away at it with to make the lock pick shape he needed.
Warren decided to leave it at that for now and thought it best to spend a good hour reflecting on how naughty he'd been. So he wiped the dust of the sheet of plywood and tried to sleep a bit.
-
Javes' one ear followed the echoing growl that originated from the neighboring cell. Other than the mesmerizing twitches of his ear, Jave laid completely motionless on the thin cardboard bed. An other exception being an occasional trimming of his ever growing claws by the means of a quick rasp along the concrete.
Thankfully, he no longer fainted in wretched convulsions whenever he tried to move. The pain now had a more, numb, nature. Large patches of naked, blackened skin. That's the cost of having too fun with fire.
"How silly" Jave chuckled to himself in a whisper, initiating another one sided conversation in an effort to tame the boredom. Listening ever so close to the sounds next by.. "hmpf.. Ye. Definitely a fox. He growls a bit too light to be a wolf. It's feistier than that." "Those who talk doesn't get fed though.."
Jave couldn't help to restrain the signal, spreading down his spine to the very tip of his tail. A wag. The burning pain lasted far longer than the action itself. The excitement of having another fur so close by was a chore to constrain.
-
Nova plastered himself against the wall below the raised encampment where the first sniper stood. Cautiously, he leaped up and grabbed onto the edge of the wall, hoisting himself up to just enough to see that the sniper currently had his back towards him. Nova felt his heart beat faster and new that this could be the moment. Silently he levered the rest of his body up onto the wall and leapt up to the sniper's position. The landing wasn't perfect though, and Nova felt a shot of adrenaline as the sniper jerked his head around towards the noise. But he wasn't quick enough, and Nova lunged at him full force, delivering a single forceful blow to the sniper's head before he could even ready his rifle. Nova caught the unconscious body as it fell backwards and laid it down on the platform so as to not make any noise. Panting with excitement, Nova radioed: "Ok Jared, first northern sniper is down. Almost had a problem but I think we're good. I'm moving on to the next one, hope everything's right with you."
Jared nodded, stowing the unconscious body of the first southern guard behind a pile of barrels. "It's going well.... I'm onto the next southern guard. Keep me posted. Over and out."
-
Nova heard Jared's response but didn't dare speak himself- he had just come around a corner to glimpse the second northern sniper peering over the edge of the wall, apparently oblivious to his presence. He considered making a run for it, but after almost getting shot by the first sniper he didn't dare take any chances. Instead, he hoisted himself over the inner side of the wall and shimmied along a ledge to where he believed the sniper to be. When he looked over the edge, sure enough, there was the human, gazing through his sniper scope at something. A shock of fear came over Nova as he considered the possibility that a consumer was near, or worse, a member of his resistance had been spotted. Quickly, he vaulted up onto the platform and ran at the sniper full speed, striking the back of his head with a crushing blow that sent the man lurching forward. Nova had to quickly grab him to keep him from falling over the edge, but succeeded in doing so and left the unconscious body on the platform next to his rifle. "Ok Jared and Himawari, both northern snipers are down, I'm ready to open the gate as soon as the last sniper is neutralized, over."
-
Himawari was near the gate, but stayed behind some boxes and barrels in the shadow of the gate-wall to keep herself safe from being seen. She didn't look behind to see if any of the fur-resistance group was following her, she knew what she had to do.
There was a consumer, coming around the corner of the wall. He did not know of Himawari's presence, nor she of his. But soon she would.
When she was contacting Nova and Jared, the creature walked past Himawari. She suddenly held her mouth shut.
The creature lingered around for a moment.
Himawari felt a daze coming over her mind, but it was not strong.
When the creature continued it's walk, Himawari sighed of relief and talked in the radio, whispering.
"Jeez, Nova and Jared, there is a Consumer having a nice walk along these walls. Just so you know. Also, I am near the gate. Over."
-
Warren had only just fallen asleep when the guard rattled the cell bars to indicate that food was being served. Warren growled again because he felt it sent a message though it was really just a yawn that he wanted to sound vaguely threatening.
He sat up as he heard the neighbouring cell also receiving a payload of whatever they thought could be called food. A lone rat that scurried out of a hole in the wall went to sniff the food but quickly retreated after realising it wasn't even worth the food poisoning.
"How about that," Warren said aloud with a chuckle, under the premise that the next cell had an inhabitant.
"the rat won't even eat it"
He poked it with his claw and swore something moved in it before giving it a sniff himself.
"I think I'll go back to my stale bread"
Warren picked up the... thing on a plate and tried to flush it down the remains of the toilet then started to think away out of this. considering he was actually hungry and the supply stash in the compound would more than satisfy his hunger.
-
Himawari was near the gate, but stayed behind some boxes and barrels in the shadow of the gate-wall to keep herself safe from being seen. She didn't look behind to see if any of the fur-resistance group was following her, she knew what she had to do.
There was a consumer, coming around the corner of the wall. He did not know of Himawari's presence, nor she of his. But soon she would.
When she was contacting Nova and Jared, the creature walked past Himawari. She suddenly held her mouth shut.
The creature lingered around for a moment.
Himawari felt a daze coming over her mind, but it was not strong.
When the creature continued it's walk, Himawari sighed of relief and talked in the radio, whispering.
"Jeez, Nova and Jared, there is a Consumer having a nice walk along these walls. Just so you know. Also, I am near the gate. Over."
Jared sighed. "Damn.... well, I'll take care of him... oh, and the last sniper's unconscious."
Stowing the man's unconsious body, the crat snooped carefully towards the Consumer's position.
-
Nova heard this exchange and breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that that must have been what the second sniper was looking at. "Ok guys I read you, just make sure you take out that consumer nice and quietly. I'm gonna drop inside the compound by the gate, so as soon as the consumer is down, tell me Jared, and I'll open the gate. That means you better be almost ready with the gas, too, Himawari." Nova jumped nimbly down the inside of the wall and arrived at the gate. All seemed to be peaceful, evidently they had not been noticed. "Ok, I'm ready when you are," he said, and crouched in the shadows awaiting confirmation.
-
"Yes, Nova, I am ready and near the gate waiting. Over."
She held her hands by the gas cans on her belt, containing the sleeping gas.
She quickly thought of something. "Nova? You already see the inside of the compund, am I right? Where should I go to, will you guide me? Over."
-
Jared silently crept towards the consumer with the utmost of stealth. "Guys," he whispered into the radio. "Do I kill it or just knock it out?"
-
Nova heard Jared over the radio and responded as quietly as he could, "Kill it ideally. The snipers are down so you can make a little bit of noise if you must, but make it quick and don't let it scream."
-
Ip crouched close by to where Himawari was, but kept a small distance to watch what was happening. He looked around and then back at Himawari to see a consumer walking right past her. Ip felt slightly irritated by the fact that Himawari did not use the pistol that he gave her, and made his way over to the consumer that had yet to meet it's fate but kept low to remain undetected. As he came into reach, he positioned his gun ready to rip its flesh apart. He grabbed it by the neck, and dug the guns barrel into its head simultaneously. He fired a few rounds, his silenced weapon so quiet only the soft sound of bits of skull and flesh dropping on the ground could be heard. Gripping the neck firmly he pulled the consumers body down and let go of him to onto the cold ground silently.
Ip looked down into what was left of its face, and then looked over to where Himawari was at the gate.
-
Himawari stared at Ip, but silencly thanked him for taking care of the thing.
She let Nova and Jared know over the radio the following:
"Nova and Jared? Ip took the Consumer out nice and quietly, we can proceed. Over."
She then turned her view back to the gate and waited patiently.
-
Nova's heart leapt as he heard Himawari's voice. "Ok, roger that. I'm going over to open the gate now, as soon as I do, you're going to see four main buildings. The one closest to the gate is their garage, I'm pretty sure. Do not gas that one. All of the other buildings are occupied, I believe, so throw your gas canisters through a window of each of them or something. I'm sure you'll be able to shatter them easily. Oh, and remember to tell the others that they'll have to move quickly in, just in case something goes wrong, and then quickly out again after the gas is deployed." Nova jogged over to the electronic gate lock control and unlocked it. "Alright Himawari, here we go!" He grabbed onto the huge metal handle of the gate, and with a mighty pull, swung the door open.
-
Warren organised various thoughts out in his mind. He needed a way out and it had to be out the cell door. The only key was with the guard so he needed the guard to unlock the gate. He thought about trying to break out the small window, but it was to risky to go straight out onto the street. Warren also wanted his stuff back.
So how to lure the guard in? He could feign a very dramatic death... only what would cause him to die such a dramatic death? The empty plate caught Warren's eye and it obviously appeared as though he'd actually eaten it. It was a long shot, but could he pretend that the food had poisoned him so bad? Should the guard fall for it, what then once he was in the cell with Warren? The bricks looked a bit loose but not that loose... an old florescent light that hung above could maybe be turned into a weapon... Warren could always use his claws...
It was decided that that will have to wait for later. For now, Warren started by placing the empty plate then groaning and making a noise.
-
Katelyn say crouched behind an old fallen part of a building a few feet away from Himawari. She watched the while scene unfold infront of her, she would of helped, but her rifle shot would for sure wake ever consumer within a mile and the humans ontop of that. For now she just stayed back and watched, her scope causing a glint every now and then as she sweeped the wall tops and the ground below.
Twitching an ear she heard the rhythmic sound of working gears. Taking her eye away from her scope she saw the gate swing open. Bringing her feet under her she crept to patches of cover, staying in the shadows as much as possible until she now crouched down behind the cover next to Himawari. Peeking her head over the gate was now fully open and it was all up to her now. Glancing at you she nodded one, not needing words to tell her that she was grateful for her help.
-
Nova heard this exchange and breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that that must have been what the second sniper was looking at. "Ok guys I read you, just make sure you take out that consumer nice and quietly. I'm gonna drop inside the compound by the gate, so as soon as the consumer is down, tell me Jared, and I'll open the gate. That means you better be almost ready with the gas, too, Himawari." Nova jumped nimbly down the inside of the wall and arrived at the gate. All seemed to be peaceful, evidently they had not been noticed. "Ok, I'm ready when you are," he said, and crouched in the shadows awaiting confirmation.
Jared raised an eyebrow, still looking at the same consumer.
"Um... no he didn't," he said into the radio. "There's still.... one..."
Jared carefully looked into one of the sleeping areas with a pair of binoculars.
"Um.... guys? There's a.... slight problem with our plan...."
-
Himawari swiftly runned through the gate and onto the compound. She headed straight for her goals. Once near the entrance of each building she was assigned to by Nova, she would throw in the cannisters after peeking through to check for the people.
Once done, she crouched to a hiding place inside the compound near the gate and readied her radio.
"Nova and Jared, I have deposited the cannisters effectivley and saw them release the gas. Over."
-
"Ok, roger that." Nova said. "Looks like everything's gonna be ok, I don't see any movement from any of the buildings." He ran back over to the entrance to the compound, where the others who came with him were and out of the way of where the gas clouds would expand to. "Ok," he said to them, "It'll only be a few minutes until that gas has worked and dispersed enough we can go in and operate without being affected by it. When we do, remember to stay alert though. Anything can happen..."
-
Himawari counted the minutes in her head and figured now was about time to enter the buildings.
"Nova and Jared, I am now going to enter one of the buildings and let you know if the gas-plan has worked properly. Over."
She assumed it was allright to enter a building and ran towards one, leaning in to see eventually everyone had succumded to the sleeping gas.
She darted through each room, finding here and there some small, usefull supplies. Like food, drinks and batteries for flashlights, etc. Eventually she came across a large room, where she could see to her astonishment cages with anthropomorphic creatures locked up inside of them.
She knew this room's funding was built out of concrete, so she went outside and used her radio to say the following: "Nova... I think you should come over here. I found something you should see. Over."
-
Himawari counted the minutes in her head and figured now was about time to enter the buildings.
"Nova and Jared, I am now going to enter one of the buildings and let you know if the gas-plan has worked properly. Over."
She assumed it was allright to enter a building and ran towards one, leaning in to see eventually everyone had succumded to the sleeping gas.
She darted through each room, finding here and there some small, usefull supplies. Like food, drinks and batteries for flashlights, etc. Eventually she came across a large room, where she could see to her astonishment cages with anthropomorphic creatures locked up inside of them.
She knew this room's funding was built out of concrete, so she went outside and used her radio to say the following: "Nova... I think you should come over here. I found something you should see. Over."
"Um, guys, stay where you are... over," Jared said. "Too dangerous to proceed... over." Moving in quick, he killed the other consumer with a brief slash across the neck.
-
Katelyn kept quite as she watched Himawari walk though the front gates. Slowly standing up from her crouched position she would glance behind her at the way they came, seeing it still clear of any humans, consumers, or furs alike. Blinking once she turned her head back around hopping over the barrier. Placing her left shoulder to the wall to peer inside the compound seeing that the gass was already distributed to each building. Watching the wuffs of smoke seep through windows and under doors she rounded the corner to walk into the area. All was calm and going to plan. Nodding to herself she glanced to her left seeing the human walk into a nearby building. Shuffling some as she stood there an eary silence washed over the place, nothing moved or made a noise. Walking backwards some she placed her back to the door Hamawari went though, keeping to her job of risk prevention by keeping her six clear just incase.
-
Nova was about to go over and examine the garage when he heard Cifero and Himawari on the radio. Quickly he responded, "Thanks Jared, glad you caught that. Almost had a problem there... And Himawari, I'm on my way." He jogged back over to the building where Himawari had gone into and entered it. He heard motion downstairs and figured that she must have gone down there. When he got there, he was stunned by what he saw. "Oh my god..." He stopped in his tracks, staring at the two caged furs. Instantly, his surprise was replaced by utter rage. "Stand back Himawari!" he said and strode forward, unsheathing his gunblade. With two quick shots, he blasted the locks of each cage to pieces and flung their doors open. "I can't believe this," he gasped, looking back and forth between the two unconscious bodies on the floor. "The humans did this to them... they've been keeping two of my brothers prisoner in here like rats for how long I wonder?! Himawari, we've got to get them out of here, you take the fox and I'll get the other one." He felt like he was on fire, and then as he went to pick up the unconscious fur he noticed the human prison guard slumped over in his chair by the wall. He snarled with rage and walked over to that limp body instead, gunblade pointed at his head. "You..." his voice shook, "I swore that I wouldn't ever hurt a human. But why should I keep that vow after what you've done to them! You don't deserve to ever see daylight again, just as you evidently never planned for these two to see it again either..." His grip was tight around the hilt as he pressed the blade to the human's flesh, wanting nothing more than to slit this disgusting human's throat.
-
Warren wasn't too sure what was going on. He was trying to lure the guard towards him which had worked though just as the guard was about to unlock the gate, everything went black.
It took a few minutes to come to, but by then he was being broken out by an anthro and a human? Warren tried to move, but it was mostly unnoticeable movement. Sure he wanted freedom, but he also wanted the stuff that was taken from him by the guard.
Warren took a short breather and did his best to move his limbs. He ended up crawling towards the guard very slowly, but he got there. The hard part was trying to remove his grandfather's jacket from the guard. It was rather amazing that the people who'd come to break him out hadn't noticed or were just watching with interest. All the same, Warren got the jacket and his saber then slumped down to the cold floor where he backed out again.
-
Jave couldn’t believe it, never before had the cardboard bed felt so comfortable, so delightful and pleasantly soft towards his roughed up skin. It was like resting on a hundred woolen mattresses, all stacked on each other while cupids sang glorious songs of slumber. He didn’t even mind the crashing sound of clinkering glass and metal that a minute ago had echoed past the cells.
The strange fact that the room was spinning, was made even stranger considering that his eyes were closed. “That is strange” said one of the many voices suddenly emerging inside his head. “Shush, we are waking him” said another, though the efforts were to no avail since Jave was awakened by the internal hushing.
He awoke to an endless field of fiery flowers. It was a beautiful, however it was also boring. Jave scorched the field with flames summoned from his palms. Whatever reality this was, he hoped to never again wake up.
-
Himawari was shocked to see Nova so angry and full of rage. But as soon as he pointed his weapon towards the unconscious guard, Himawari felt anger building inside of her too.
In the back of her mind a small voice was telling her she could see this coming. That these creatures weren't to be trusted.
She lunged towards Nova, knocking him down. Himawari knew he was very most likely stronger than her, but she didn't care. She just wanted to make a statement towards Nova.
"You traitor!" She yelled. "Don't you dare hurt a human unless necessary, remember?! You, of all... people!"
She turned her head away and stood up.
"Killing him now would make you as bad as them. Yes, that sounds cliche, but it's true. I cannot stop you, but I sure hope you have enough sense not to murder him in his sleep."
-
Nova was startled by Himawari's reaction, but after lying on the ground for a moment he wasn't really surprised. Deep down he knew he probably wouldn't have it in him to murder the defenseless human in cold blood, even though the rage he felt was very real. Regaining his composure, he stood up, dusted himself off, and calmly re-sheathed his weapon. "Look, I'm sorry Himawari. You have every right to be upset at me. But after so long of maintaining neutral relationships with the humans, and them promising the same, to see that they've been lying to us the whole time is... rather disheartening." He sighed and walked over to one of the unconscious furs. "Just think if you had found two humans caged up in our HQ, after we let you in, what you would have done..." He bent down and picked up the body of the larger, yellowish orange fur, slinging him over his shoulder. "Oof. I promise it won't happen again. But for now, we should get these two out of here. Think you can manage the fox?"
-
She sighed and nodded. "I can understand, and might just do the same, or run away. The thing is though, I know I wouldn't have thought of this in that kind of situation, but it could be very possible those humans would have done smething terrible and that's why you would've locked them up."
Himawari frowned. "Now that I think about it... I know these humans would probably lock up every anthropomorph they'd see, but... I would keep an eye out on these if I were you, Nova. Just maybe they did something to actually upset these people."
She headed towards the fox when she noticed he had crouched all the way to the guard. She saw he was trying to reach for something before he completly blacked-out.
"What do you think he was trying to do, Nova? It must be important to him, using up all his energy he could muster to fight aganist the sleeping gas and crawl all the way here."
-
Nova frowned and looked at where the fox fur had been reaching. There was a jacket and what looked to be some kind of blade just within his grasp. "Hmm," Nova said, "that jacket is not something like I've ever seen humans wearing around here, and it doesn't look fitted for one either. And I know none of them like using sabers or swords. I'd hazard the guess that perhaps they belong to him." He gestured at the unconscious fur. "I'll take them with us, and if they belong to him, great, if not, then that's just too bad for whoever they do belong to." He walked over and carefully picked them up in his free hand, still carrying the other unconscious body with his other arm. "Now," he looked at Himawari, "if you can carry the fox, let's get out of here and get the vehicles we came here for." He turned and started back up the stairs.
-
Ip walked over to where Himawari was waiting for the gas canisters to diffuse before entering the compound. Ip followed where Himawari went but keeping a fair distance. He looked around outside at all the buildings, whilst Himawari entered a building. Nova appeared and went inside. Ip decided to explore one of the buildings. Keeping to the shadows still, he entered a dark room...
-
Jared facepalmed, then whispered frantically into the microphone, swooping into the base with his tomahawk in hand.
"You IDIOTS! The Consumers have possessed them!!!! Get out of there!"
-
Standing next to the doorway in witch Nova and Himawari went through she held her rifle in a semi-tight grip. She trusted the human well enough to be sure her gass worked, but one could never to too sure. Breathing slowly she had her rifle slumped down to the left in a casual guarding position. It has been some time now sense she heard from both of them, the two gun shots only adding to her fear. But soon enough they where replaced with shock. Going wide eyed as Nova left first with a fur on his shoulder she stared in disbelief. Unknown to her her trigger finger tightened slightly as she let our a silent growl. The humans have betrayed them all along, all that talk over the radio she overheard of how they would co-exist for nothing.
There was too much going through her head at this point and she needed to know what happened. Swallowing lightly she began walking behind Himawari who held yet another fur. Raising her voice slightly she said, "Who are these two, where did you find them?..."
-
Luke wandered through the facility, occasionally passing another fur. The battle was effectivly over, but adrenaline still coursed through his veins. He kept himself in check, however. It wouldn't do to lose control now. He looked through room after room, purely out of boredom. After about 10 minutes, he found himself in a file room; file cabinets covered the off-white walls. Out of curiousity, Luke walked over to one and pulled out a file at random. He nearly dropped the file in shock. The name on the file...was Daniel. He tore it open and looked at the contents. Locations, log updates, photos, all were contained in the file. Photos of Daniel with Luke were frequent, but a lot were of locations, as if the humans had been keeping tabs on Daniel.
Luke searched frantically through the file, looking at dates. He found the most recent and saw it was a note...burned and illegible.
"DAMN!!!" roared Luke. Furiously, he threw the file into his pack and made his way back to Nova.
-
Nova heard Katelyn's question and without even turning around for a second shouted, "They were prisoners! Caged like pets down in the basement by the humans. I don't know who they are, or why the humans threw them down there, and frankly I don't give a shit. They couldn't have deserved that." He continued stalking towards the garage with the fur over his shoulder and gripping the jacket and saber tightly in his other hand. He felt like he could spit acid and cried out, "All this time we've done our best to coexist with them! We've never asked them for anything, we've stayed out of their way! And they promised they wouldn't do anything to us, they swore all they wanted was peace! They're all the same, all these humans are the goddamn same!" He stopped abruptly and realized what he had just said. Quickly he turned to Himawari and sputtered, "I... I didn't mean you... Dammit, I know you wouldn't do what they did. That wasn't meant to apply to you, I mean-" his desperate rambling was cut short by a very angry looking figure, who Nova recognized as Luke, coming towards him. "Hey Luke," Nova said somewhat warily, "what is it?"
-
Katelyn kept rather silent though Novas raged response, feeling much how he did. She on the other hand was more adept at hiding her anger and facial expressions, but what was more noticeable was how she gripped her rifle around the handle and up the stock that much tighter. It was not a pleasant thing to learn but they must of had some kind of reason... anything at all... Sighing lightly Nova was abruptly cut off by a very angry looking fur. Rather then cut back in the conversation she only went on ahead towards garage. Standing at the sheet metal door she swung her rifle back about her shoulder to rest on her back thanks to the strap that now crossed her chest.
Reaching for the grip at the bottom she heaved the door up revealing the trucks and gass canisters inside. But that was not all, there was many tools laied about on benches in the back, car batters aplenty, engine parts, tires of many kinds, about sever different functioning cars and trucks, and in the middle of it all, a supped up armored jeep. The wheels where for sure off road tires, the entire thing had a layer of sheet metal, the glass was barred with steel rods, and the back was open with a railing along the entire side for crouched shooting. Left breathless she knew this was all they could ever have hoped for for long distance travel, and it almost seemed the humans where planning the same...
-
Himawari carried the fox, though small and not very strong, she had learned a few techniques to carry things around on her back without straining herself too much.
She followed Nova and didn't respong to his rage. She knew he wasn't out to get her, but still... if enough other anthropomophs could hear Nova rage about humans he just might unwillingly set them up against her. He is influential enough to do so.
This was what she was thinking while Nova was raging on, but she did not say a word. She already made her point and soon it was clear that he regretted saying 'all humans are the same'. Himawari was slightly more at ease.
-
Jared swooped down right in front of Nova. "Sir," he said. "The other consumer has been taken care of. Also, glad you found those two." He looked around. "So... where are the vehicles?"
-
Nova heard Katelyn's question and without even turning around for a second shouted, "They were prisoners! Caged like pets down in the basement by the humans. I don't know who they are, or why the humans threw them down there, and frankly I don't give a shit. They couldn't have deserved that." He continued stalking towards the garage with the fur over his shoulder and gripping the jacket and saber tightly in his other hand. He felt like he could spit acid and cried out, "All this time we've done our best to coexist with them! We've never asked them for anything, we've stayed out of their way! And they promised they wouldn't do anything to us, they swore all they wanted was peace! They're all the same, all these humans are the goddamn same!" He stopped abruptly and realized what he had just said. Quickly he turned to Himawari and sputtered, "I... I didn't mean you... Dammit, I know you wouldn't do what they did. That wasn't meant to apply to you, I mean-" his desperate rambling was cut short by a very angry looking figure, who Nova recognized as Luke, coming towards him. "Hey Luke," Nova said somewhat warily, "what is it?"
Luke was in a huff when he returned to Nova. He asked what was wrong, but Luke was barely containing his emotions so he was afraid to open his muzzle to respond. Instead, he just shook his head, ears back angrily. He would speak to him later.
-
Nova was worried by Luke's response. He wondered what it could have been that upset him so badly, but decided it was best to let Luke speak when he was ready. Instead Nova resumed his walk towards the garage. As he approached it, however, his jaw dropped. Katelyn was already there and examining the contents, and inside the building was everything he could have imagined for transportation and more. He almost ran up to Katelyn, but placed the unconscious fur gently against a support pillar along with the jacket and saber before going inside. "My god..." he gasped as he walked between the veritable armada of trucks and machinery. "I knew they had vehicles stockpiled, but this... This is beyond anything I had imagined." He turned to Katelyn, barely able to contain his excitement. "Do you see what this means?! Our plan might really work! After all this time, we can finally start over and be set free from the grip of the city." He trotted over to the driver's side of the armored humvee and got in, stroking the steering wheel almost affectionately. "Hehe, this baby is gonna be mine!"
-
Warren tried to be as active as he could on a mental capacity. He couldn't see much out of his half shut eyelid but he gathered as much that he was on the move and in a potentially good way. He could hear noises and his senses were very slowly beginning to pick up gain, though the paralysis. It crossed his mind that whatever knocked him out was clearly slowly wearing off. For now however, Warren decided to try move his fingers and toes to the best of his paralysed ability.
-
Walking around each vehicle in turn they where all battle ready. Each had a set of heavy off road tires and some degree of metal plating. But that was now the least of her concern as her eyes went to the work benches in the back. Allot of them where devoted to the cars but there where also weapon smiting benches. She could tell right away by how the clamps where, the various parts and tools that laid on the table top, and how it was allot smoother and cleaner then the rest. Approaching the bench a tear came to her eye renumbering her father shop. Placing both hands on the work table as she would of done many times before it felt so right, that she could just make anything her heart wanted. But things where different now, and time was scarce. Stepping away lightly she looked around seeing many parts of interest, allot that could be re-used, and even tools better then her own. Taking a deep breath she set her bag on the ground and began sorting through the bins and tubs, pulling out parts at what seemed to be random.
-
Nova was worried by Luke's response. He wondered what it could have been that upset him so badly, but decided it was best to let Luke speak when he was ready. Instead Nova resumed his walk towards the garage. As he approached it, however, his jaw dropped. Katelyn was already there and examining the contents, and inside the building was everything he could have imagined for transportation and more. He almost ran up to Katelyn, but placed the unconscious fur gently against a support pillar along with the jacket and saber before going inside. "My god..." he gasped as he walked between the veritable armada of trucks and machinery. "I knew they had vehicles stockpiled, but this... This is beyond anything I had imagined." He turned to Katelyn, barely able to contain his excitement. "Do you see what this means?! Our plan might really work! After all this time, we can finally start over and be set free from the grip of the city." He trotted over to the driver's side of the armored humvee and got in, stroking the steering wheel almost affectionately. "Hehe, this baby is gonna be mine!"
(WHAT IN THE HELL THIS IS NOT WHAT I POSTED...)
Jared nodded, examining an ATV. "They kept them in good condition, that's for sure," he said. He glanced over at Nova. "Sir... should i check the camp for other captured furs?"
-
Nova looked up at Jared. "You can take a look around if you want, but don't get too involved with anything. We should be getting out of here as quickly as possible." He sighed and opened the door of the humvee, jumping out. "Alright everyone," he said looking around. "I'm going to run back and get all the others. Load all the supplies you can get from the garage into the vehicles, and once I get back we'll get the hell out of this place." With that he sprinted off out of the compound, heading towards the street a few blocks away where all the non-fighting furs were currently waiting.
-
Luke looked around the garage, staring at the vehicles around him. Furs were loading into humvees, checking weapons, and generally preparing. He saw Nova sprinting off back into the compound and wondered where he could be going.
Luke heaved himself into a humvee and belted in. Then he opened his pack and stared at Daniel's file, not really seeing it. Finally, he had a trail tp follow, rather than just wandering aimlessly. He didn't know what to do with it.
-
Nova sprinted back through the broken city to the others, hoping that nothing bad had befallen them during the raid. He was relieved to find everyone intact, scared, but intact. Addressing the crowd he proclaimed, "We've done it, we're in the compound, and there are more vehicles and supplies than I ever dreamed!" He was breathing heavily, partially from the sprinting and partially from sheer excitement. "Quickly now, we must move. Follow me." He started the run back to the compound, leading the mass of survivors behind him.
In minutes they were there, Nova followed by the whole resistance behind him. He jogged up to the garage and saw that much progress had been made, and most of the supplies which could be transported were indeed loaded into the array of vans, trucks, and armored vehicles. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he spoke to everyone: "Everyone's here now, and I wish to linger no longer. Load the last of what you can carry into the vehicles, and let us be off." He walked over to the unconscious fur still propped against the garage support and heaved him onto his shoulder. "Alright, you're coming with me," he said as he once again picked up the jacket and saber in his free hand. With his load he went over to the humvee, which he saw Luke was already in looking at some sort of file or papers. "I wonder what he could have found..." Nova thought to himself as he opened the back door of the humvee and placed the fur inside. "I'll have to ask him once he's in a better mood again." He finished belting the unconscious fur in with the jacket and saber and shut the door.
-
Pulling out part after part it as more then she could of ever hoped for. With all of these pieces she could of made four new rifles easy, but most of the parts where mish-mashed. Each one would need cleaning as they where all mostly rusted. But still it was a treasure trove to her as she resorted to picking a random bag from one of the shelves, dumping the contents, and refilling it with what she found salvageable. With her new bag she held it in her right hand, the double layer plastic bulging out in various spots from the parts and tools. Turning around she was a bit surprised to see all of the other survivors already in the compound, waiting for things to get going. Walking briskly to the armored humvee she saw Nova dump one of the furs from the prison into the jeep. "Hey Nova, have room for one more?"
-
"Or maybe two?" Jared said, walking in with another unconscious fur on his back. "Found her locked up in another area... there were some non-human weapons too. Must be hers... however, she seems to be in slightly better condition..."
-
Ip looked down the end of the poorly lit room, where there was a dim light that lit up a small desk. He closed the door behind him, and walked to the other side whilst looking on the shelves on either side. Finally he approached the desk, and looked around on it. There appeared to be a pencil and scraps of paper. Ip took off his bag and placed his weapon on the desk after looking back around to check for anything that may endanger him. He stuffed the pencil and paper into his bag, then opening one of the draws which revealed a map along with a compass. Picking it up he shoved it into his bag, as well as some poorly made 9mm ammunition made from scrap metal.
Ip zipped up his bag and slung it back on before he picked up his weapon back up. Suddenly there was a noise of metal dropping behind him. He whipped around, poising his gun in the direction of the disturbance. There was something moving behind the shelf. His eyes locked and fully concentrated, he stepped to the side slightly to see what was hiding. His eye following the sights on his weapon and his finger wrapped around the trigger. It was a human, holding what appeared to be an AK 47 that was being raised in Ip's direction. For that moment it seemed as if time slowed down, Ip knew what Nova had said about unnecessary killing and Ip felt confident in his choice to kill this human. But at the last moment a part of him hesitated as he pulled the trigger. Just as the human had raised his weapon, Ip had fired but missed had unintentionally. The human startled and looking around to where the bullets had seemed to hit whilst lowering his weapon in one hand. Ip held his gun still. The human with the look of fear in his eyes, started to put his weapon on the ground with his shakey hands. He looked up and started to walk towards Ip slowly and cautiously. He started pleading "p-please d-don't" he stuttered. Ip gave a slight smile and strode up to the human smacking him round the head with the butt of his gun. The human fell going completely limp. He smiled, and gave a slight chuckle whilst prodding the human with his foot. He then wondered how the human was conscious. He then realised that there were no windows to the small store room but a little gas may have seeped under the doorway. The human did seem a little woozy, unconscious now with a little help.
Ip looked around the room once more and then left through the door. Looking over at the garage there seemed to be a buzz of activity and so made his way over. Walking over to Nova he noticed the unconscious furs. "Nova, I see we are leaving within a few moments. But before we do I would like to hand this over to you as it may prove useful in future planning, and your leadership." taking from his bag the map and compass. "And who are these?" He said whilst looking at the unconscious furs and looking back.
-
Warren was semi-concious by the time he was placed in the humvee and was slowly working out of his paralysis. He saw his jacket and saber next to him in the cornet of his eye and desperately tried to make sure that it was indeed his. This was much harder that it should have been and Warren simply ended up slumping his head to the side. Finally he identified his stuff and he shed a small tear of happiness that he was reunited with his gear.
Warren's new fear, however, was whether this new group of people were malicious in intent.
Warren slumped further and lied down on his gear. He noticed there was another fur in the front seat and wondered if he had gained his attention and whether it would have been a good thing or not. The thought as to how he ended up in this state of paralysis was playing through his mind and entertained him for a while. Should interrogation come, he would certainly ask that question. Now all thoughts lead to trying to either a) try move and get out of here, b) try move and get attention and get taken into custody or c) try moving but only a little bit and have everyone think he's still paralysed so he can run away given a good opportunity.
For now he would try to wiggle his toes... wow... that worked...
Warren now started wondering about if the humans were effected by whatever got to him and whether they were waking up...
-
Jared suddenly pricked up his ears and looked at one of the furs in the van. "Hang on," he said. "I think one of them is conscious... i just saw his feet move slightly... I think."
-
Nova glanced over at Katelyn and Jared. "Yes, by all means get in," he said, gesturing to the backseat of the humvee which still had two spots left. Then he noticed Ip approaching him. "Oh wow, this could be extremely useful." Nova said, gladly accepting the items from Ip. The map seemed to show all of New York state, without many markings, but still showing major roads and, even better, abandoned military installations. Just skimming over the map Nova saw something that made him very hopeful- a military base which he knew to have existed, but thought was most definitely destroyed after the war, apparently was still there. Located on the fertile soil of upstate New York and protected from the North and West by the Adirondack mountain range, it had been used primarily for missile launches and harboring stealth/recon vehicles and equipment. It would make a perfect location for a permanent HQ, assuming they could clear the area of consumers for good. His concentration was broken by Jared's voice behind him. "Wait what?" Nova said with a tone of concern. "Shit, that must mean the gas is beginning to wear off. Everybody, get in the vehicles now, we've gotta get out of here!" He jogged over to the mass of non-fighters and directed them all to vehicles until they each had a place to go. Once that was taken care of he stood in front of his newfound fleet and yelled out, "Is anybody not ready?"
-
Luke, still in shock from the finding of the file, wasn't listening to anything going on around him. Vaguely, he was aware of two other furs entering the humvee, and Nova saying something to everyone. It sounded like a question. He didn't want to answer. Luke didn't want to do anything but find a hole, crawl in it and cry. He put up a tough, cold exterior to fol everyone. Sometimes, he even fooled himseld, but sometimes his true self broke through. The sensitive, caring side that Daniel must have loved. Vaguely, he could see his vision was sclouding with tears.
-
Heaving her new bag into the Humvee she climbed in shortly after. Placing her bag with her newest addition at her feet she couldn't help but start to feel a bit bad for what they where doing, but there was no time for such thought as everyone started getting in the vehicles. The sound of starting engines and closing car doors was everywhere. "Ready as ill ever be." She said with a sigh.
-
Himawari limped after Nova. After holding the fox over her shoulder for some time now she was beginnning to feel it in her shoulders. She moaned a bit and opened the door of the humvee Nova was standing next to. She gently threw the fox creature in the back seat and then looked at Nova after giving a quick glance at Katelyn, making sure she was sitting comfortably.
"Well, I guess we're good to go. What do you think Nova? And which one of these cars do you think shall I bring along?" She had a faint smile on her face.
-
Nova glanced around the garage. There was a small SUV with some extra plating bolted on it that a bunch of others had climbed in, but still lacked a driver. "Why don't you take that," he said, gesturing to the vehicle. "Not the most intimidating of rides, but I'm sure it will do." He made one last visual sweep of the space and saw that almost everyone was in place. "Alright, time to roll out!" Walking around to the driver's side of the humvee once again, he climbed in and started the engine. "It's all or nothing now..." he whispered. With a satisfying growl the humvee soon began to move, leading the convoy out of the compound and into the night.
-
Himawari shrugged. "Alright." And proceeded to the vehicle Nova pointed out.
She took place in the driver's seat and followed Nova, but suddenly a question knawed at the back of her head.
"Nova?" She spoke over the radio, "May I ask where we're going exactly?"
-
Nova heard Himawari just as he pulled out of the compound and started heading west out of the city. "Well, according to this map that Ip found in the settlement, there's an abandoned military base, called Fort Peregrine, about 150 miles northwest of here. It's surrounded by good land, land we can use for agriculture and resources, and protected by mountains on the north and west. Who knows, it might even still have some operational equipment we can use." He paused for a moment as he looked around at the wrecked landscape passing by the windows of his humvee. "The tricky part," he said slowly, "Is going to be getting there intact and defending ourselves long enough to get established. The countryside is of course crawling with consumers, there's a constant threat once you're outside urbanized areas. Which reminds me-" he said to his vehicle as well as Himawari and Jared over the radio, "be ready to fight at any moment. Have your weapons handy. We could face a consumer swarm at any time. And stick together, follow me on the road and don't break off when we're not." He clicked off his mic with a heavy sigh and focussed on driving the long road ahead.
-
Ip stood back as Nova examined the map, watching curiously to see what us he would put it too. As soon as Nova had finished with the map, he started to give out another command. It was time to leave, and the sound of engines were getting louder. Ip walked away from the Humvee, looking for a free vehicle to claim. Right in front of him was a green jeep, but mostly brown from the dry dirt that covered the majority of the body. Ip walked over to the drivers side of the vehicle, and opened the door to get in. "Keys... the keys..." Ip said to himself whilst surveying the jeeps interior, but then something caught his eye the keyhole. The keys had been left in the ignition. Turning the key the engine started growling.
The others had already started to leave, and Ip joined in the convoy behind an SUV. Ip concentrating, all of a sudden the car radio blasted out static. Ip smacked the radio with his paw "bloody radio!" But then to his surprise he found himself tuned into Nova's radio channel as he was speaking. There was no way of communicating back, but it wasn't as if Ip would want to. Ip back concentrating on the road he sighed. "Another long journey.."
-
Sitting in the back of the Humvee it soon became cramp. There where four seats in the back and two of them were occupied by the unconscious furs. At her feet she had her bag and her newest bag full of gun parts ontop. To her left was her rifle, the but of the gun on the floor and the barrel reaching past her shoulder. It has been about ten minutes sense they been on the road now and to pass the time she decided to sort thought the pieces she picked out, and due to her lack of time, she mostly picked them out of hast. Bending forward some she opened the flaps to the bag and reached in, sorting through pieces of various shape and condition making small clinking noises. Through all this she made mental notes of what she could of made with them, but there was something else nagging at her. Sitting up she looked about her seeing the other two unconscious furs slacked over in the humvee, and this concerned her. Speaking over the roar of the engine she said, "Hey Nova... What do we do if these two wake up... fighting?"
-
Nova glanced in his rearview mirror at the two sleeping furs. "Well..." he said, eyeing them, "They'll still be a bit woozy and weak when they wake up. Hopefully they'll be coherent enough though that we can explain to them what's going on before they have a chance to overreact." He shifted in his seat. "I suppose if they immediately try to strangle you back there or something you can just smack 'em unconscious again with your rifle." He had a slight chuckle at this. "But I highly doubt that's gonna happen. I mean, waking up in a car with three other furs has gotta be better than waking up in that disgusting cell behind bars..." The mere thought of that basement nearly sent him into a rage again. He growled softly and gripped the wheel tighter, once again trying only to focus on the road ahead.
-
The humvee fell silent except for thedull roar of the engine. Luke was glad for it. It gave him a chance to but his wall back around hi emotions. It also made it hard to do anything without drawing attention. He didn't want to be asked about the file, at least not with so many furs around.
The file stared blankly back at him, almost mocking him. Luke didn't want to look at it, but he couldn't take his eyes off it.
-
Himawari let Nova know over the radio that she understood him and after she turned off her microphone, she sighed.
More consumers, she thought.
Hopefully she wouldn't have to fight, fighting would only mean more trouble, especially for her. She knew her weaknesses, but would give it her best shot if it would ever come to that.
She rubbed her eyelids. "Ah, at least this went well. Kind of..." And followed Nova's vehicle.
-
After about 30 minutes of driving, the city was but a broken outline in the distance. The road had become more treacherous, though, with large cracks and holes where plants stuck up through the pavement. Rusting debris and wreckage was strewn about randomly, and in places every surface seemed stained with a dark blotchiness, the telltale sign that consumers were active and hunting. Throughout the night so far, however, Luke had remained strangely quiet next to Nova. He seemed enthralled by whatever he had found, and Nova had been kind enough not to inquire, but now his curiosity was getting the best of him. He decided to say something. "So Luke. If you don't mind me asking, what did you find back there? You've been staring at those papers the whole time. Honestly I'm getting a little worried about you."
-
Sarah felt divided.
In the first hundred meters of pavement crossed she felt calm and flowing, like a ray of light suspended in equilibrium. Then the car hit a pothole and a mix of raw adrenaline roared through her entire being. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what happened this last hour, or recall what actually did. It was another moment in her life that had been so overwhelming that she simply could not grasp it immediately. It was another one of those moments that just had to sink in, but unlike many before this was not filled with anguish and torment; this was filled with nothing more than pure joy.
Anyone of the strangers sitting in the car around her could sense the delight; they could actually see it, surfacing as an ear to ear grin. Every muscle twitched, they were waiting to defend themselves, kill in combat and flee at the same time. Maybe they did, Sarah couldn’t recall what happened in the compound, and it must have been exciting.
The hollow skulls of the city lied far behind. Thankfully someone had planned a route that wasn’t blocked by debris and cars; maybe it was Nova or some other of the furs. (Maybe I should ask someone instead of keeping all questions to myself).
Post Merge: December 26, 2012, 11:56:45 PM
It had been a long time since Jave got a massage.
The inflexible swizz cheese that was the road made the car skip and leap, massaging his tender back with violent affection. “hehe… swizz cheese” Jave chuckled almost inaudibly. His tongue hanged loose, swaying back and forth in motion with the car, quite beautiful clockwork actually. His runny nose, dazed eyes and floppy limbs was reminiscent of a puppet hanging on a lonely string, all beautiful words that describe an embarrassing image.
Time passed, as it always does. Jave could feel his toes wiggle, first without his consent and at last in full motion. He struggled to move his fingers, they followed command far easier and with some effort Jave managed to wave leisurely to Katelyn.
-
After about 30 minutes of driving, the city was but a broken outline in the distance. The road had become more treacherous, though, with large cracks and holes where plants stuck up through the pavement. Rusting debris and wreckage was strewn about randomly, and in places every surface seemed stained with a dark blotchiness, the telltale sign that consumers were active and hunting. Throughout the night so far, however, Luke had remained strangely quiet next to Nova. He seemed enthralled by whatever he had found, and Nova had been kind enough not to inquire, but now his curiosity was getting the best of him. He decided to say something. "So Luke. If you don't mind me asking, what did you find back there? You've been staring at those papers the whole time. Honestly I'm getting a little worried about you."
Luke barely heard Nova. But he looked over to him, his sore neck muscles screeching as they were moved. The pain was dull to Luke. He knew Nova meant well. He was probably the closest thing to a friend Luke had had in a long time. But he never shared his emotions; in this world, you had to put everything aside if you wanted to survive. However, Luke was tired of hiding. He had to tell SOMEONE!
"This...this is a file on...someone important to me. He's the only one who knows who i am. I can't remember my past, and he's the only connection i've got. But, to be honest, i'd never had any leads until now. I have something to follow..."
He wanted to say something about the note he had found with his sword, how it had said my love, but a lump lhad formed in his throat.
-
Jared nodded. "Roger, Nova... now focus on driving." Chuckling gently, he looked down at the fur girl who had been in the human settlement. "Seems like she's still asleep," he said to Katelyn. "Think maybe she recieved some other sedative before the place was gassed?"
-
Looking up from her bag she turned to look at you with the girl at your feet. Shrugging she said, "Maybe they where interrogating her or something... I don't really know what might of happened, but at least they are out of there." Pulling her hands out of her bag she had a thin layer of grease and rust on her fingers, very noticeable against her snow white fur. Quickly brushing her hands together most of the dust flew into the air and off of her fingers. "Messy..." She said quietly to herself before closing the top of the bag by two straps at either end.
-
Nova looked at Luke sympathetically. This person, whoever he was, clearly meant a lot to him. Nova turned his eyes back to the road and asked, "The next time we stop or take a break, would it be ok with you if I took a look at the file? The more I know about the case the more I'll be able to help you. In fact, you don't even have to let me look at it. You can just tell me whatever you feel comfortable sharing from what it says." He swerved abruptly to avoid a rather large pothole in the road. "Jeez... Anyway, if you don't feel like sharing anything, that's fine too..." He leaned back in his seat and focussed on maneuvering around any more potentially wheel-shredding obstacles.
-
Looking up from her bag she turned to look at you with the girl at your feet. Shrugging she said, "Maybe they where interrogating her or something... I don't really know what might of happened, but at least they are out of there." Pulling her hands out of her bag she had a thin layer of grease and rust on her fingers, very noticeable against her snow white fur. Quickly brushing her hands together most of the dust flew into the air and off of her fingers. "Messy..." She said quietly to herself before closing the top of the bag by two straps at either end.
Jared nodded silently. "Yeah... seems legit... and you're right." He looked down at the girl. "At least she's out of there."
-
It had been a long while after the raid, and Ip was beginning to get bored. He started to think about where he was and what he planned to do next "Should I leave them? Stay?" he said to himself. He leant back "I don't really have anything left to go to... maybe I should get used to them. They all seem to be trust worthy, especially since they all lookout for each other..." Ip brought up his paw as he yawned, then suddenly there was a loud thud right in front of him. Blood splattered up the windshield like heavy rain in a storm, Ip slammed the brakes sounding the horn simultaneously.
The jeep came to a halt, the blood dripping off the front of the car. Ip pressed the window wiper button, but nothing happened "Oh! f course it doesn't work...". He got out of the car with his weapon strapped to his side, walking around to the hood. "What the bloody hell was that?" He said as he looked over the hood and windshield. "Aw cmon! Look at that, I've to wipe that off!" He exclaimed and went to the back seat to look for a cloth to wipe of the thick blood.
-
Nova was driving along normally when he was suddenly startled by a blaring horn behind him. He looked in his mirror and saw Ip's vehicle, the front of which now covered in dark blood, come to a screeching halt. He slowed to a stop himself and said through his radio and to the other passengers in his humvee, "Guys, looks like something's happened here, we're gonna have to stop for a minute. Keep alert." He jumped out of his vehicle, keeping the engine running in case they had to make a quick escape. A hundred feet back or so, he saw Ip climb out of his Jeep and start rummaging in the back for something. He ran up to him and, seeing the appendages sticking out from under the Jeep's front bumper, said somewhat angrily, "Jeez, Ip, did you just run over a consumer? God, they'll be swarming all over us, what the hell did you stop for?!"
-
Looking over her shoulder Katelyn gazed out the bared back window. Seeing the halted car it glimmered a crimson red. "Blood..." She said simply grabbing her rifle. Being the vehicle a humvee it had a hatch where a machine gun would of gone, but lacking it she simple stuck her top half out of the vehicle and steadied her rifle. Checking her rifle on safety she peered through the scope getting a better view of what was going on, and surveying the surrounding landscape aswell for any danger.
To the left all was clear but to the right there where numerous humanoid outlines in the distance. Pulling her eye away from her scope they where to far to see without it. Panic began to set in as she turned back to nova yelling, "Nova! Consumers heard the horn, they are coming from my left! We need to go, Now!"
-
Himawari too stopped when she heard Ip honk his car. She looked through the back window of her car and saw Ip's vehicle standing still with blood splattered on the front side.
She turned her head forward again and placed her right hand over her face. "What now?"
She inhaled deeply and looked in her rear-view mirror before thinking of contacting Nova over the radio. Then she heard Katelyn's yell and Himawari's eyes widenend.
"Ahw hell no!"
She frantically tried to press the radio button for her microphone and said to Nova: "If you don't mind I would rather keep far away from those things as possible, as you might know. I would like to have your aproval to leave now. Over."
-
Ip walked back round to the hood swiftly, wiping the blood off of the windscreen with a cloth "Well if you haven't noticed the blood is all up the windscreen and so I can't see. The window wipers are broken, so I need to clean it manually." He dropped the soggy blood stained cloth, and looked up at Katelyn who was shouting about consumers being alerted to their presence. Ip put one paw on his strapped weapon, and climbed back into the jeep "We best get going again then!"
-
Warren sat up and surveyed his surroundings... The vehicle had stopped and the driver was gone. He ignored any chance of anyone possibly seeing him at this stage and simply grabbed his jacket and sabre then popped out the car as silently as he could. He hadn't heard the call that consumers were coming and slid behind a wrecked bus where he slipped on his jacket and strapped on his sabre.
He was sure he'd avoided detection, but wasn't sure so he tried to stay as low as possible as he hid behind the the old thing.
-
"Shit! Just get back in the vehicle, we gotta move!" Nova shouted as he sprinted back to his humvee. He jumped back into it, but something felt wrong, something was missing. He whirled around- the fox fur they had rescued from the compound was gone! "Goddammit, one of the furs we rescued is gone!" he screamed. "How did we miss him?!" He leaped back out of the humvee and peered into the darkness all around him, but couldn't see anything. Swearing savagely under his breath, he climbed back in and slammed the door shut. "No time to look, we're gonna be surrounded in no time..." He mashed the accelerator to the floor and sent the humvee lurching forward, but another surprise awaited him in the yellow glow of his headlights a few hundred feet down the road. As he had feared, a mob of consumers, 20 members deep and spread across the entire road from all directions, was charging at them. "Brace yourselves!" he cried out as he sent the full force of his armored humvee slamming into the crowd.
Blood went flying as consumers cried out and were sent sprawling across the pavement, but Nova just didn't have enough speed. The humvee got caught on mangled bodies and skidded to a stop in the middle of the infected swarm, as countless hungry consumer eyes turned towards Nova. In his mirrors, he could see the dim outline of an equally massive mob closing in from the convoy. He desperately activated his mic and screamed out, "Everyone, we're in deep shit now! Get ready to fight, we're not running from this! Stay in your vehicles if you can, fire through the windows, and don't let them climb on top!" He brandished his gunblade and positioned it out his window, staring down the evil creatures through the sights of his pistol.
-
Katelyn watched it all unfold as they began working on the car. But deep down inside she knew they would not be able to do it in time. Forcing herself to stay calm she decked down back into the car closing the hatch above her as Nova got in and floored it. Grounding her teeth the windows to either side of her quickly where splattered with a fresh red sheen. Looking around franticly they where now quite stuck, and her rifle would not be effective at all at this close a range. Reaching to her side all she had was a simple 9MM handgun. Quickly unstrapping it from its holster she pulled it out in her right hand and placed her left hand on the hatches handle. Being in the armored humvee there where no open windows to speak of except the hatch above them and the doors. Shuddering as the clawing began against the armor of the vehicle she looked towards the front seat at Nova. "Nova.... We are stuck, aren't we...."
-
Warren watched as the disaster unfolded. His instinct told him to run, but it felt wrong. Where the cars crashed was not to far away and it would be a good few minutes before the consumers found him, but was there anything that could serve as a distraction?
there were several old cars on the road and perhaps an explosion could serve as a useful distraction. It would probably take too ling to find a bottle and siphon out the fuel to make a petrol bomb.
Warren started walking towards the crash and he consumers. They were about 400 metres away and a plan was formulating in his head as he drew his sabre in his left paw and a lighter in his right.
-
Jared flew out of the back of the car, gently pressing the girl into Katelyn's hands. "Stay here and protect her!" he said, leaping at the consumers and hacking in all directions with the katana and his tomahawk. The crat glared into the crowd, a red haze overpowering his senses while he somehow maintained a focused composure.
-
Warren stopped, knelt down and rammed his sword into the fuel tank under an abandoned car. "Excelant" he thought to himself as an amber liquid started to leak out and spill over the road. He then set fire to his fuel-drenched sword with the lighter and ran towards the group of consumers that had swarmed the other furs as he waved the flaming sword in the darkening sky. He wasn't sure if this would attract the consumers or not so he could lure then into his trap. He sliced one up anyway and noticed someone also slicing up the consumers.
"follow me!" He yelled at the katana wielding fur in the midst of the fight and held his sword in the air once more as he ran towards the spilt fuel. If he could get the consumers to follow him, he could ignite the spilt fuel around the consumers and have the consumers burn to death.
-
Javes nerves jolted, making his body twitch in a loop of retched convulsions. Whatever he inhaled back in the cell came with serious side effects for him, and now it was uncertain if these seizures were his body fighting the last of the toxins, or dying. The veins on his neck got swollen and tense, froth spilled from his gums and breathing became exponentially more painful. It was like being caught in that horrible fire again, but this time without being able to move.
He heard the metallic smashes of the consumers savagely trying to wreck the stuck car from the outside. The screams sounded distant and faint but it was just an effect of the thick armor. His lungs ached again, the twitching got worse, froth and tension increased. This was hell, someone needed to wake him up, punch him, stab him, sting, knit, prick or split. Just do something to end the loop.
-
Warren stopped, knelt down and rammed his sword into the fuel tank under an abandoned car. "Excelant" he thought to himself as an amber liquid started to leak out and spill over the road. He then set fire to his fuel-drenched sword with the lighter and ran towards the group of consumers that had swarmed the other furs as he waved the flaming sword in the darkening sky. He wasn't sure if this would attract the consumers or not so he could lure then into his trap. He sliced one up anyway and noticed someone also slicing up the consumers.
"follow me!" He yelled at the katana wielding fur in the midst of the fight and held his sword in the air once more as he ran towards the spilt fuel. If he could get the consumers to follow him, he could ignite the spilt fuel around the consumers and have the consumers burn to death.
(Techniaclly speaking, tomahawk-and-katana wielding... but ok)
Jared looked over at the fox, shrugged, and followed him, continuing to fight.
-
Nova was only able to gun down a few before they were at his door, flailing their spiked arms at him, trying to poke through the bars of metal over the rolled-down window. He slashed sideways, nearly decapitating one and sending the others lurching back, then kicked open the door and leaped out, ignoring his own advice of just a moment ago. Now upright, he was able to easily gun down those in his immediate vicinity, but they were quickly replaced. In an effort to conserve ammunition for more critical times, he backed himself up against the humvee and dared them to challenge the sharp end of his blade. As they encircled him, he noticed a fiery glow out of the corner of his eye. There was no time to look though, as a particularly brave consumer lurched towards him with both arms. Sidestepping quickly, he cut them both off and wheeled around to slash another one across his neck, sending both of them sprawling into the metal siding of his vehicle.
Three now charged him at once from different angles, so he approached the middle one, impaling it on his blade as he ducked down to avoid the slashes of the other two. Quickly he removed his weapon from the dying body and whipped around 180 degrees to fend off the others, successfully slashing each leg of one and sending it crumpling to the ground but missing the other entirely. Failing to recover quick enough, Nova found himself exposed on his left side for just a brief moment, but long enough for his adversary to deliver a diving stabbing blow to his shoulder. Nova rotated swiftly as to make it but a glancing slice before severing the consumer's spine with his gunblade, but it left a bleeding gash at least 3 inches long in his upper arm. Wincing in pain but fueled on by the heat of battle, he jumped in one swift motion onto the roof of his humvee, away from immediate potential threat. "Come on!" he howled at the top of his lungs, "Somebody help think of something!"
-
Ip jumped into the jeep, slamming the door behind him he turned the ignition key. The engine whined and wouldn't start "I hate you" he said whilst looking around frantically to see where the consumers were coming from. In front of him he saw consumers flooding in and around the vehicles of the others. Within a few seconds he looked behind him to see another storm of consumers quickly coming his way. He turned the key even more quickly and violently as he attempted to start the engine but then to Ip's relief the engine started. Ip twisted the wheel and the Jeep screeching around. The consumers were only a few metres away now as Ip went into first gear and crushing the acceleration pedal causing the Jeep to lurch forward towards its prey.
Ip was laughing with joy at the success of the engine start, but this would be short lived. As soon as the Jeep was about to hit the pack of consumers, they jumped at the front of the car. A consumer held on to car smashing into the window on the drivers side attacking Ip. Ip let go if one hand to try to reach his weapon, with the consumer waving its arm around scratching up Ip's side. Ip yelling in pain now as the consumer dug into the side of his torso, he lost control of the jeep as it hit the cluster of consumers, the car skidding on its side. Consumers stuck to the side and the the jeep fell to its side coming to a halt. Ip held on tightly, the consumer attacking him was then crushed by the weight of the car. The jeep rested only a few more metres closer to the rest of convoy. The rest of the surviving consumers started to hit the side of the jeep, trying to find a way to get in. Ip bleeding at his side picked up his weapon and pointed it at the other passenger window, waiting.
-
Warren tried to get as many consumers to come towards him as possible. His Sword however was starting to heat up and would probably burn him if he didn't hurry with his plan. The fight had moved back towards the fuel spill and the humvee had even driven over it. Warren could light the fuel and burn the consumers, hough the car would burn too. He realised the car would however be relatively safe and so warren lit his lighter and threw it into the fuel and jumped away.
-
Standing on the roof of his humvee, Nova discouraged the consumers from assaulting his superior position. They would leap at him, only to find themselves defenseless against his blade as they attempted to flail and slash like insects in a spider web. Once, three more decided to attack simultaneously so Nova jumped vertically high into the air, sending the three smacking into each other and bouncing off the roof. Nova landed on the slippery, blood soaked vehicle and waited for further assault, but at that moment the night was lit up by a sudden flash of light from the rear of the convoy. He turned in astonishment to see that the road was on fire, drawing some of the consumers' attention away for at least the moment. Through the radio and the air he called out, "What the hell just happened back there?! Himawari? Ip? Jared? Was that one of you?!"
-
Warren's fur singed at the flame. The Humvee however was luckily not as drenched in flame as other areas. It could almost have been considered miraculous. Though the driver probably had 3 minutes before anything bad really happens.
-
Himawari was stunned to see everything that was taking place, she had no time to react to anything after she messaged Nova over the radio only mere seconds ago.
Or was it minutes? she thought to herself.
She felt weak in her muscles and she coudn't concentrate, but Himawari had a plan and set her vehicle in the right gear and charged the pack of consumers surrounding Nova's vehicle. She did so with speed and power, but stayed in the outer rim of the pack. Slowly working inward, circling the condensed pack, driving over the ones just outside of the pack, making it slowly smaller and smaller. Going further and further, killing more of the consumers each time she circled around, she felt more and more lightheaded.
Once she was almost done, Himawari blacked out and her car slowly drove on, but with no driver to stee or stop the car.
-
Warren's fur singed at the flame. The Humvee however was luckily not as drenched in flame as other areas. It could almost have been considered miraculous. Though the driver probably had 3 minutes before anything bad really happens.
Jared quickly ducked out of the way of the initial blast, then headed back toward the car. "Is everyone alright?" he yelled toward its inhabitants.
-
Ip still in the seat, laid next to the broken window with the radio still tuned into the resistances channel. In the corner his eye he saw two other resistance members scurry out of the door of the jeep that lay on its side. Small flames surrounded the opening, and yelling outside. Ip held the side of his torso, and held his weapon with the other. "Urgh" he looked down at the wounds that he revealed as he moved his paw slightly. He stood up in the sideways jeep, and looked up at the door. "Oh for crying out loud..." he said to himself quietly. He strapped his weapon to himself, and grabbed the doorway. He pulled with great force, but inflicted pain in doing so. Ip pulled himself out of the side if the jeep, breathing heavily whilst holding his wounds once again. He grabbed his weapon and jumped off of the jeep that was lightly on fire. He landed on the ground roughly, and swore under his breath as he landed with pain. Surrounded by scattered consumers, their flesh burning in the fire he started to shoot in all directions as he made his way over to the others. "Hey!"
-
Luke was in a haze. The battle didn't seem real to him, and time seemed to have halted. He had made sure to store the file away in his pack before anything could happen to it, but then he couldn't really remember anything. He defended himself, but the battle held no pleasure, no thrill like it usually did for him. Luke's sword swung through the air, his pistols flashed, but he was not fighting. Soon, he started to let blows through. He knew he was going to die, but part of him did not care.
-
All around her was choas. The consumers where clawing and jabbing at the windows as they saw other inside, making the inside echo with scraping of steel and the pounding and cracking of glass. After setting the girl safly in the middle she kept her handgun in hand. Just as she was sure the vehicle would hold against them a loud shatterd broke the rythmic thudding against the armored humvee. Quickly darting her eyes to the back window the consumers have broken through, puling the bars away as they slowly began to crawl inside. Raising her handgun to the first three three quick shots where fired, haulting there progress and making way for more. "Nova! They are inside!!"
-
Nova watched in horror as the chaos unfolded around him. Perched on top of the humvee he was safe enough, but the inferno on the pavement was growing and had engulfed Ip's car. He heard no response from anybody over the radio, and could only hope they were too engaged in the fight to respond. Katelyn's cries reached his ears, and swinging wildly at the bunch of consumers still left around his humvee, he noticed that Ip's car was not the only one that had moved- Himawari had managed quite the feat of crowd control herself, but now was driving off... away from the fight? A chilling thought occurred to Nova, on top of the need to save his own vehicle from being overrun. "Her condition..." he thought. "There's no way she's remained unaffected through all this!" With an effort he dismounted the car, sliced down as many consumers in the immediate vicinity of his humvee as he could, and sprinted off after Himawari's vehicle. "I'm sorry Katelyn, I'll be back as soon as I can!" He didn't have time to stand and fight, so he merely shot dead any foe that came near him and ignored the rest. "Himawari!" He shouted desperately over the radio. "Himawari, please come in!" He didn't expect a response, and he didn't get one. He watched helplessly as her car lazily drifted off the road and crunched to a stop against some rocks. He reached the scene of the crash and looked behind him. The last of the particularly ambitious monsters had run after him, and with a growl of anger Nova reloaded his gunblade and aimed at his crazed opponents.
One, two, three, four, five... he dropped them all with adrenaline-fuled efficiency. Back on the road, the fire had spread and the horde was considerably diminished. The ground now was covered with blood and corpses, many of which were blackened and singed by the blaze. He wondered what could have possessed them to run at it, as a significant portion had simply fled from the murderous heat and were now nowhere to be seen. He saw what he thought looked like several figures standing safely away from Ip's burning Jeep, and prayed that they were indeed his comrades and not triumphant consumers. Elsewhere the mangled bodies of those run over by various vehicles lay deformed and in some cases still twitching, but posing no threat. The few that still stood would surely be picked off by Katelyn, Luke, Jared and the others, at least he hoped so. Now his attention turned back to Himawari- he flung her door open and gasped as he saw her pale, listless body draped over the dashboard. "Shit! Please be ok!" he hissed as he pried her from the seat and laid her gently on the ground. The sounds of the carnage were no further away, but they seemed faint to Nova. All his attention now was on trying to bring Himawari back. "Come on," he said, looking down at the pained expression on her unconscious face. "They're almost all gone now, please wake up..."
-
Himawari slowly regained consciousness and opened her eyes, which wee extremly bloodshot, but couldn't see a thing. She could beging to feel the something large and fluffy holding her. This gave her the feeling she was safe.
Slowly sounds from all around came to her, only now did she notice she couldn't hear before. And the noises flooded in, overwhelming her. Himawari closed her eyes again, agitated, trying to block out the sounds of fire, screams and... someone was talking to her.
She opened her eyes again and could make out various shapes. Somewhere far away was a bright, red and orange shape. She focused on it, what seemed like ages, and finally it sharpened. It was a fire.
Himawari sat upright and rubbed in her eyes, knacked her hands.
All the senses could recieve the surroundings well again and she turned her head a bit to see Nova.
"Nova?" She looked distraught. "What are you doing here? What happened?"
Himawari looked at herself, then at her car.
"I remembered my plan to help you all, but..." Her eyes widened. "Don't tell me I ran over one of you?"
-
Jared walked over, his tomahawk in one hand with Luke's arm slung over his right shoulder. "No one on our side got hit," he said. "Only Consumers." Handing Luke over to Nova, he walked over to Katelyn's vehicle and dispatched the remaining few Consumers with a few tomahawk blows before opening the door. "Thank you for protecting her," he said to Katelyn, gently taking up the girl in his arms along with her weapons. "I hope you're alright." He turned towards the wreckage, away from the others, and gently walked forward.
They never saw the tears as he glanced at some of the enemies.
-
Sarah held her two handguns, Poison and Ivy in a firm grip. During the initial chaos she disposed on two consumers, still vivid in her mind was the screechs of the first as the bullets slashed through loose meat and putrid flesh. The second one was running blindly and engulfed in flames, she simply put an end to it's misery. But the fight wasn't over, Novas car laid by the side of the road, swarming with consumers.
She gasped a faint "no" and rushed towards it. The screeches got louder and when she was close enough she halted, stood balanced with bent legs and fired at those closest to the window. The consumer closest to the window of Novas car flinched and dropped to the ground. Seven bullets were fired when the all to familiar, click click, was heard. (Damn it I forgot to reload) she reached for an extra clip but two consumers were already unto her. Sarahs whole body was tense, like a rusty clockwork, precise but creaky, she reloaded Ivy and shot one of the consumers dead between its empty eyes. She missed the second.
Sarah screamed as the consumer took a hold of her. Pulsating meaty limbs, sharp teeths, a mouth that seemed endlessly dark. She had been forcefully held like this before in her life. She had promised herself never to be held like this again! Her knees trembled but found strenght, shoving the consumer to the ground with a roar and then taking its miserable life with Ivy.
"Gasp" she couldn't believe what happend. No, this was not the time for reflection, people were still in danger. Sarah reloaded her guns, this time being able to take out the last consumers still scratching at Nova's vehicle. She ran towards it yelling "Is everyone okay?"
-
"No, you didn't hit any of us," Nova said soothingly. "You blacked out, and your car went off the road and crashed. I think it'll be fine, as long as you are too." He turned his attention to Luke, who looked pretty beaten and bloody, but alive. The sights of all the dead consumers and his wounded comrades brought his attention to his own wound at last, a black and red gash marring his fur on his left arm. It had stopped bleeding severely, but trails of dark, dried blood were crusted on his fur, making it look a lot worse than it was. Still, the pain came rushing on all at once and he couldn't help but cry out softly and bring his hand up to it. He knelt down next to Himawari and gazed out across the street. He could see his friends going to help out the others and decided it would be best to just stay still for a minute. Wincing with discomfort he turned to Himawari again. "You know, I know you must feel like crap right now," he said, "but without you doing that maneuver with your car... I dunno if we'd still be here right now."
-
The black haired woman was startled to see Nova's injuries and hastily looked around for her backpack, only realising it was still in the vehicle.
She quickly stood up, causing her to feel dizzy and almost faint, but she regained footing and got her bag. She knelt in fornt of him and took out some first aid kit stuff from her pack, attending to Nova's wounds.
"This should help a bit.."
Holding her hand up, in front of her mouth, she started to cough a little, then continued talking. "It isn't much, but you seem like a strong guy. This would probably heal within no time. And knownig you don't... you know... change, you probably won't get infected by their sickness. Only natural things might harm you, but luckily I've got iodine." She applied some iodine before bandaging Nova's wounds.
Once she was done, she closed her backpack and swerved it back oover her shoulders and remained seated next to Nova. She looked at him with her now almost perfectly red coloured eyes. The bloodshot got even worse in the meantime, but she probably had no knowledge of that herself.
"So what now? I assume we drive on with the vehicles and see there what's next?"
-
Nova winced as Himawari treated his wound. To be shown such kindness by a human of all things, especially after what happened at the human compound, meant a lot to him. He smiled up at her and voiced his gratefulness, then noticed her weary, crimson eyes. "Yes, we should try to press on, after assessing everybody's condition of course... Are you going to be ok, Himawari? You look to be in no condition to drive." He glanced over her shoulder at the smoldering war zone behind her. The consumers were essentially defeated, and he could make out the shapes of his companions standing amongst the flames and bodies in the darkness. "But if you're sure you are, I should really check on everybody else too..."
-
Warren looked into the remains of the inferno as he scratched his back, feeling for any damage to his jacket from the blaze. The consumers were all effectively dead and everyone was safe. It pondered across Warren's mind what could have happened should the fire not have been as in control as it was and whether anyone would have been seriously injured or worse. This left his mind quickly with the thought that he'd be more thoughtful next time and would try not to risk anyone's life. He checked his sword for any damage and to his joy, it was unharmed. The fire probably strengthened it if anything.
Warren thought about leaving these people, but decided he only would if they didn't notice him and left without him. A quick survey of the area and Warren knew roughly where he was and where one of his foxholes could be found. He could go to one if he was left.
The fire burned on off the corpses of the consumers.
-
When all the violence was done and over a voice raised over the roar of the flames, shouting towards the vehicle if everyone was ok. "Yes, we are all ok here." Panting softly she opened a side door and stretched from having herself backed against a chair. Looking back at the car all of the metal pannels had various dents and scratches in them, and the windows where a bit scuffed up. But it was in reasonable condition. Being so heavily armored the only damage worth looking at would be the busted out back window and the twisted steel bars. In the windows opening instead of there being glass, there was quite a few consumers that attempted clawing there way in, only to be met with a bullet to the head. Frowning at the sight she walked up behind them gripping them by the few articles of clothing they had left on and pulled them out, taking shards of glass with them until the window was clear. Next was the bit angular pieces of glass that still hung in the frame, creating jagged edges. Sighing softly to herself she began checking the humvee's engine, while saying to herself softly. "That... must of been every consumer within a few miles... Got to be more careful next time..."
-
Himawari sighed with relief and said: "Yes, you should check on the others now, I'll be fine, just feeling a bit dizzy at the moment, but that should pass."
She nodded when Nova wanted to asses if she was fine and lokoed Nova in the eyes. "Yes, I'm alright. Why do you look so worried?" Himawari frowned when she asked.
She wouldn't dare want to keep him away any longer from his people, but she was starting to feel very uneasy when Nova looked at her in a certain way that made her wonder:
Why is he looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with me?
-
Jared turned around and walked back towards the others. "So what have we got?" he asked, shifting the girl in his arms.
-
Ip dripping with blood from his wounds, staggered along the fire lighted ground. The blood drops hitting the ground with a hiss, from the heat of the fire. He held his wounds with his paw, feebly attempting to so stop the bleeding and held his weapon loosely in his other paw. He walked made his way over to Nova's humvee, looking to sit down breathing heavily. Ip opened the back seat door, and climbed in as he took off his rucksack. He left the door open, letting the fresh air get to him instead of the fumes that had filled the air. The smell of dead, rotting corpses didn't help. He opened his rucksack and grabbed a reel of tape before he revealed the deep gashes as he breathed in through his teeth. Ip started to tape his wounds back together, breathing in sharply "argh"
-
Ip dripping with blood from his wounds, staggered along the fire lighted ground. The blood drops hitting the ground with a hiss, from the heat of the fire. He held his wounds with his paw, feebly attempting to so stop the bleeding and held his weapon loosely in his other paw. He walked made his way over to Nova's humvee, looking to sit down breathing heavily. Ip opened the back seat door, and climbed in as he took off his rucksack. He left the door open, letting the fresh air get to him instead of the fumes that had filled the air. The smell of dead, rotting corpses didn't help. He opened his rucksack and grabbed a reel of tape before he revealed the deep gashes as he breathed in through his teeth. Ip started to tape his wounds back together, breathing in sharply "argh"
Jared walked over and gently set the girl down. "Easy there," he said, pulling out some bandages and starting to dress Ip's wounds. "Let me help you, ok?"
-
Nova eyed Himawari warily as he stood up. "It's just... well to be blunt, your eyes look like you haven't slept in a month." He grunted as he got to his feet. "But, if you feel like you're ok, then pay me no heed. I'm gonna go check on everyone else." He jogged off over to his humvee, where everyone seemed to be gathering around. When he got there he surveyed everyone: Katelyn, Sarah, and Jared seemed to be in one piece, and Ip was injured but at least being tended to. The rescued furs from the human compound seemed to be ok as well. "Well, that was something I'd like to avoid happening again," he said darkly, glaring for a moment at Ip. "But if no one is seriously hurt, we should press on. I don't like lingering in the middle of nowhere at night." He looked at the smoldering pavement, where Ip's Jeep lay on its side but at least still intact. Then a thought occurred to him. "Hey, so nobody saw where that fox that we rescued went, right? And that fire just started out of nowhere..." He looked around at his companions. "So unless anyone can tell me what happened with that... I'd be willing to bet he's still around here somewhere." He walked a bit away from the congregation around the humvee and called out into the darkness, "Hey! If you're out there, please show yourself. You have nothing to fear from us, and I think we owe you something."
-
Ip gently but firmly pushed Jared away from him "Get off of me." He said glaring at Jared as he ripped another strip of tape and then using it on another wound. "I don't know you" he said as he finished up, and grabbing his equipment after he got out of the humvee. "If you want to help me, go get the jeep back on all four wheels. I can't do it, not now." he said to Jared and looking back at his gashes, still leaking blood. Ip sat back down in the back seat "Ill be there in a moment" he said whilst resting and holding on to his side.
-
Warren smiled a bit to himself. perhaps the fire was to bright in the dark and made it difficult to see him. His fur was roughly the same colour. Regardless, he turned around away from the fire and walked towards nova and hoped he would realise how near by he was the whole time.
"You can call me Warren," he said with a pause
"sorry the fire got a bit out of hand." He continued appologeticly with a bit of a shrug
-
Ip gently but firmly pushed Jared away from him "Get off of me." He said glaring at Jared as he ripped another strip of tape and then using it on another wound. "I don't know you" he said as he finished up, and grabbing his equipment after he got out of the humvee. "If you want to help me, go get the jeep back on all four wheels. I can't do it, not now." he said to Jared and looking back at his gashes, still leaking blood. Ip sat back down in the back seat "Ill be there in a moment" he said whilst resting and holding on to his side.
Jared looked at Ip. "Are you sure?" he said. "I don't really think tape's going to cover those wounds." However, doing as he was told, he started to try to right the vehicle that the badfolk had overturned.
-
Nova looked menacingly over his shoulder at Ip and Jared, ready to prevent any further conflict should such action be necessary. It wasn't, however, as Jared stayed away from Ip and instead went to help right the scorched Jeep. Nova had almost forgotten the question he had posed to the darkness a second ago, but was then reminded startlingly as a voice replied from somewhere among the remnants of the flames: "You can call me Warren." And there indeed was the fox they had rescued from the human compound, walking calmly towards him. A smile came over Nova's face as he chuckled, "Ah, I had a feeling you had something to do with this." He approached Warren and held out his hand. "I'd say some of us may have you to thank for our lives... I don't know how you started that fire, but I think I speak for everyone when I say you have our sincerest gratitude."
-
Himawari watched Nova walk off to the others.
"Haven't slept in a month? What does he mean by that?" She whispered to herself.
She didn't have a mirror to see how she looked like, when she remembered there were a couple of metallic objects in her backpack. One of them was a very shiny, and unused, pocketknife. She got this from her father. The pocketknife was in the family for generations, perfectly well preserved thanks to polishing it with special scented oil. It kept it sharp too. Should the need arise, and only then, would she use it.
"Himawari, this is yours from now on."
The seventeen year old girl looked up at her father, blinking, not knowing what to say.
"Just take it," he said with a calm voice. "It's alright. It's seathed now and cannot do you any harm now."
"It's not that," Himawari said, "Why do you want to give it to me now?"
Her father sighed and looked away. It took him a moment to respond. "It's been passed through our family for generations. Usually from father to son, but I am happy with just you and would like to keep it in the family. Therfor I am giving it to you." He turned back to face Himawari. "Also, I have a feeling you might need this some day. It might be soon... or not. Eitherway, I would feel safer if you have it."
Himawari sniffed a bit at the memory. It had been 7 years since she had that conversation with her father. Looking back at the whole conversation, it gave her an odd feeling. It was a funny, yet terrified feeling.
How could her father know something like this would happen? That the world would fall to her knees, while suffering from the Consumption?
She didn't think about it any further and snatched the pocketknife out of her bag. She unseathed it and held it so that she could see her own reflection. Her eyes shocked her. The eyes were completley bloodshot, the whole white of the eye was red and... It just seemed as if her eyes were suffering from some kind of infection.
She started to panic and quickly seathed her knife, jamming it back in her backpack.
Himawari calmed down a little, thinking to herself: Calm down, it isn't the Consumption, your eyes wouldn't look like that if you were changing.
She shook her head.
Whatever the case, this isn't good at all. For whatever unknown reason my eyes look horrible.
Something else caught her attention in the corner of her eye and she looked back. She saw the fox anthropomorph they rescued earlier, making his way to Nova.
She was glad that he seemed OK, apparantly the sleeping gas was wearing off. Which made her wonder how the other furry creature was doing.
Himawari stood up and moved towards the vehicle of Nova, remembering he put the other rescued creature in there.
She saw the ocelot having small spasm attacks and fits. Himawri wasn't too worried, she knew some people (and apparantly these anthropomophs too) could have some kind of side-effect to the sleeping gas.
Himawari crawled next to the cat-like creature and aided him, trying to calm down the spasms and preventing form hurting himself by restraining him safely, pinning him to the seat of the car.
now all she had to do was wait for the side-effects to wear off and him to wake up completly.
-
Keeping an eye on the girl, Jared continued to attempt to right the car. "Um... a little help, please?" he said, continuing his struggles. "rrgh.... sucker weighs a goddamn t... I mean, it's really heavy..."
-
Jave was pushed down into the cushions of the car; someone or something was holding a firm grip around his wrists, a shiver of panic emerged.
I am being attacked by a consumer. I will be ripped to pieces. I will die!
He breathed and waited but neither fang nor claws ripped his flesh, no teeth pierced his bones, no harm was made. Some unknown time went by; his spasms began to fade and in the middle of everything it began feeling strangely safe to be held in place.
The convulsions were nearly over, diminished to small infrequent shakes. Jave’s breath got steadier; his swollen tongue stopped pulsating, two pudgy eyelids became filled with tears as vision returned. Many times before had such allergic reactions occurred, be it the wrong kind of dust when he was a child or the wasp sting in his heel four months back. Every time it ended the same, on the ground in convulsions being unable to move (willingly at least) until it all was out of his system. How in the whole wide world he hadn’t yet succumbed to the horrors of the post apocalypse, especially while carrying such an allergic prone body, must have been the works of some higher power throwing lucky dices.
He came to think of the raft, those clear nights sailing the seas under an open bed of stars. Sunrises that colored the sky in pastel reds, but above everything else, salt air that cleared his lungs.
However, he was in a trashed car now.
Jave opened his eyes, over him crouched a faint figure with dizzy outlines. It was a beautiful woman with flowing hair darker than charcoal, clear eyes and a wide smile. He blinked a few times and now he saw a woman with split hair, bloodshot eyes and a depressing expression.
“Where am I?”
-
The young female human leaned back when she saw the ocelot coming to his senses.
"You're in a vehicle, that now belongs to Nova. Your next question might be: Who is Nova? Well, before you can ask that, I'll answer. He is the leader of the fur resistance."
Himawari closed her eyes forcefully and rubbed them.
"If you need to know more about that, just ask Nova. I'm not sure if I'm the right one to tell you at the moment."
Himawari sensed her muscles straining, hurting her, but she simply knacked a few joints to release the pain.
"I am Himawari Hyde. What is your name, if I may ask?"
The redness in her eyes lessened a bit.
-
Nova looked menacingly over his shoulder at Ip and Jared, ready to prevent any further conflict should such action be necessary. It wasn't, however, as Jared stayed away from Ip and instead went to help right the scorched Jeep. Nova had almost forgotten the question he had posed to the darkness a second ago, but was then reminded startlingly as a voice replied from somewhere among the remnants of the flames: "You can call me Warren." And there indeed was the fox they had rescued from the human compound, walking calmly towards him. A smile came over Nova's face as he chuckled, "Ah, I had a feeling you had something to do with this." He approached Warren and held out his hand. "I'd say some of us may have you to thank for our lives... I don't know how you started that fire, but I think I speak for everyone when I say you have our sincerest gratitude."
"Long story," he said with a slight shrug and a small smile as he shoved his paws into his pockets
"Glad I could help." he continued as he quickly took his paws back out his pockets and wiped one down his trouser leg before holding it out for a handshake.
"and your name?"
-
Ip got up out if the side of the humvee, after holding the deep cuts together in hope to stop the bleeding. He walked around to the front of the vehicle to where an fox was inspecting the engine "Hey, think you can help flip my jeep back over?" he said as he pointed in the direction of the struggling crat. "The help would be appreciated. Im sorry, what's your name?"
-
Jave had a thousand mile stare in his eyes. He coughed, cleared his throat, focused and then smiled. "Well miss, you took my tounge and spoke my thoughts" His slavic accent came through.
"My name is Jave" he reached out his arm just to have it fall again. He bit his tounge in annoyance, it started to bleed. He started mumbling incoherently, trying slowly to rise into a sitting position. "I think I'll... have a chat with that chat with ummm, that Nova." He fell down into the seat, staring up at the roof. "Or I'll just sleep a little, just a little."
Jave sighed and a moment later he was in deep sleep.
-
Himawari's expression relaxed somewhat and looked at the anthropomorphic creature.
"Hello, Jave."
When she noticed the creature falling into a slumber again, she also noticed some blood running out of his mouth.
He must have bitten his tongue.
Himawari knew it wasn't life threatening, but made sure the blood didn't run down his throat to choke him. Once she had taken care of that, she made sure Jave laid down more comfortably in the vehicle and went to her own car. Seeing that it had stopped against an obstacle, she laughed softly.
"At least that was there, or it would have driven on untill it went out of gas and stopped in the middle of nowhere..."
She looked around and saw the other furry creatures still regrouping and figuring out their problems.
Perhaps it's best if I stay out of their way untill they are done...
Himawari placed her backpack back in her car and sat down in the driver's seat.
"What a mess." She shook her head and suddenly remembered her bloodshot eyes again.
She snatched the knife agani out of her bag and looked at her reflection.
It seemed to have lessened, but she could still clearly see her eyes were unnaturally red.
"Why? What is wrong here?"
-
Nova took Warren's paw and shook it warmly. "My name is Nova. I'm the leader of a fur resistance, and we found you trapped in that human compound when we were, er, well, stealing these vehicles so we could escape the city and set up a more permanent HQ somewhere else." He looked around and chuckled. "Funny how you were the one who ended up rescuing us. We could always use someone like you among us, you know, if you want to join us. I don't know where else you'd go but I feel like I should ask you instead of just kidnapping you again." He grinned at that and hoped that Warren would appreciate his attempt at humor. Just then, he heard Ip's voice faintly behind him asking for help flipping his Jeep back onto its wheels and figured he should offer his assistance. "Sorry, I'll be back in a sec." he said to Warren, "You can... consider my offer in the meantime. Thank you again." With that he turned and started walking towards the blackened Jeep. "Hey Ip!" he yelled, "I can help out. Get over here and let's flip this thing so we can be on our way."
-
"Thank you," Jared said, continuing his efforts. "Too heavy for one person... RGGH..."
-
Ip looked over at Nova and back at the fox. "ah never mind. I got some help now." he said as he started to walk back over to the jeep. "Ok on the count of three we push." He said as he positioned himself ready to push the jeep back over. "One. Two. Three!" Ip pushed as hard as he could, struggling as he endured the pain.
-
Nova greeted Ip as they joined Jared in righting the rather crispy but hopefully still functional Jeep. Nova followed along with Ip's count, and on "Three!" all of them hoisted with a mighty effort. Grunting and groaning, Nova thought for a moment that there was no way just the three of them could accomplish the feat. To his amazement, though, the metal frame began to creak and slowly lift off the ground. "Gaaaaahhhhhhh!" Nova cried as he shifted his grip to keep the thing from crashing down and breaking all their feet. After another few seconds the vehicle was back on two wheels, and with a final heave was sent thudding back on all four, the suspension bouncing violently from the impact. Indeed it was torched, but still in one piece. "Guh... great effort guys..." Nova tried to speak through his panting, "Ip, see if the thing still works and round up your passengers. I gotta get all my crap together too." He jogged off to his humvee again, where Warren was still standing. "Well, now that that's out of the way," he said to the fox, "what do you say? We're gonna be leaving in a sec. Will it be with or without you?"
-
Katelyn had finished clearing out the glass from the inside by the time Nova walked back from flipping over the other jeep. Now all she had to do was put all her gear back in shape as the consumers knocked it everywhere. Picking up parts here and there she placed them back in the large leather bag. Some of the pieces now had blood on them, and would require further cleaning later on. Sighing softly she set her sack to the side under her seat, followed by her back that would sit inbetween her legs. Grabbing her rifle off of the floor last it was splattered in blood aswell. Growling low in her throat she picked it up and laid it in her lap as she sat and began digging through her bag for a rag. Positioning the butt of her rifle at her feet she angled it across her shoulder where she began running the rag along the bolt and stock, in almost a loving touch.
-
Warren had watched the flames again as Nova and the others flipped the Humvee. He of course looked at the group of them and a new word that he hadn't thought about for a good while crossed his mind.
"team"
Warren had been alone in the world for quite awhile and realised that if he was to continue alone, it would not be the same after today's events and if he got captured again then no one would have his back.
"have my back" he thought
He barely noticed Nova walk up and was slightly startled when he asked what it'll be.
"count me in"
-
Jared wiped his brow and nodded. "Thanks..." With that, he picked up the girl and gently climbed into the back of Nova's vehicle.
-
Nova grinned and nodded. "I figured you'd accept. Glad to have you aboard. You'll be riding with me then, just climb into the humvee there and let's get outta here." Nova then jogged over and retrieved Luke's unconscious, but at least not dead, body and placed him in the front seat of the humvee where he had sat before. For a brief moment he considered reading that file that had so drawn Luke's attention, but thought better of such a blatant invasion of privacy and left it alone. Everyone was loaded into his vehicle, or at least nearly, so Nova climbed in himself and restarted the engine. The exterior may have been dented and scratched, but the innards of his armored transport still hummed away. He activated his radio and spoke into it: "Alright Himawari we're all set over here, are you good yourself?" In waiting for her reply he also opened his door and leaned out to yell into the street: "Hey, Ip! That Jeep still running? Because it better be, I'm not hanging around here any longer."
-
Warren smiled and followed Nova into the Humvee and sat Where he found himself.
-
Nova grinned and nodded. "I figured you'd accept. Glad to have you aboard. You'll be riding with me then, just climb into the humvee there and let's get outta here." Nova then jogged over and retrieved Luke's unconscious, but at least not dead, body and placed him in the front seat of the humvee where he had sat before. For a brief moment he considered reading that file that had so drawn Luke's attention, but thought better of such a blatant invasion of privacy and left it alone. Everyone was loaded into his vehicle, or at least nearly, so Nova climbed in himself and restarted the engine. The exterior may have been dented and scratched, but the innards of his armored transport still hummed away. He activated his radio and spoke into it: "Alright Himawari we're all set over here, are you good yourself?" In waiting for her reply he also opened his door and leaned out to yell into the street: "Hey, Ip! That Jeep still running? Because it better be, I'm not hanging around here any longer."
Luke's thoughts were heavy and sluggish. As he woke up, he looked around him and saw the inside of some sort of vehicle. In his mind, he knew he had been in a humvee very similar to this one, almost identical. He looked over to his laeft and saw Nova, talking to someone. His words were muffled to Luke. His shook his head a little to try and clear his head.
"Wh-where am I? What happened?"
-
Himawari jumped when her radio went off, sending Nova's loud voice straight to her eardrums.
She squeeked and was able to barely keep ahold of her pocketknife. She seathed it again and stuffed it in her backpack quickly.
"I'm alright, Nova," she said, "Ready to go then? Over."
Himawari readied herself to start the engine, only waiting for Nova's reply.
-
Ip climbed into the bashed up Jeep and turned the ignition key. The engine started with a bang, and the jeep started to roll forward. Ip leaned near the window and replied to Nova "It should be fine!" He drove the jeep over next to Nova's humvee, waiting.
-
Nova saw that despite everything, Ip's Jeep was still in working order. He smiled and nodded at Ip as he pulled up, before responding into the radio, "Yes, we are ready to go. Form up behind me as before, and let's move. Be careful driving through all the corpses." Nova shut off his radio and slowly began to maneuver through the bloody mess, focussing only on the road ahead and blocking out the sickening squish of diseased flesh beneath the tires. It felt like an eternity, but within a minute he had cleared the battlefield and was once again in open road with his convoy behind. He let out a long sigh and slumped back in his seat, mildly aware of the dull throbbing pain in his left arm. Suddenly though he became aware of Luke making sounds from the seat next to him, which, now that he wasn't trying to block out images of flattened dead consumers, he realized were questions he had probably been asking for a bit now. "Luke! You're awake, that's good. We had something of a run in with a massive consumer horde back there, a big battle broke out, do you remember? In fact it was one of those captives we rescued from the human compound who helped save us." He motioned to Warren in the back seat. "But you look like you've been to hell and back... what happened Luke? Can you recall? You look like you were almost killed but you never cried for help..."
-
The black haired woman started up the engine when she heard Nova over the radio.
She had placed her closed backpack on the seat next to her, keeping it in close range, just in case. She always kept it near her, but was now fully aware of it.
Once she was driving behind Nova, she heard a faint noise. It sounded as if someone was really close to her and whispering to her.
"Hiih...." The voice as first sounded weak, but soon found its ground. "Himawari." It echoed slightly.
Himawari jumped a little and looked through her rear mirror to see if anyone was there.
There was no one and she shrugged it off.
Probably lack of energy and rest caused her to hear things.
"Himwari."
She heard it again and was now very unsetteled, but did not act on it.
"I know you can hear me, Himawari."
Ok, this is freaking me out now, she thought to herself.
She decided to talk, as no one was near her anyways and couldn't hear her, so she could act on her halucinations if she wanted to.
"What is it? I'm driving, leave me alone."
A slight pause before it -what Himawari thought to be a hallucination- reacted to her question.
"Why are you going with them?"
She frowned. "What do you mean, 'going with them'? What else can I do?"
Himawari kept on driving and looking through the windows and mirrors as she normally would do, driving a vehicle, but when she did look in the mirrors, she would always quickly check to see if she couldn't see anyone in her car.
"Going with these anthropomorphic beasts?"
Himawari was getting agitated. "Beasts?! They're my-"
The voice interrupted: "What was it you were going to say? Friends? Compagnions? Significant allies?"
Himawari did not know how to respond to that and kept quiet.
"You know they are different from you? No, that you are different from them. You are not like them. You are the only human."
"So what?"
"Don't you remember your own thoughts and memories about those kind of creatures?"
Himawari's facial expression became blank, and her mind filled with so many thoughts, that it too bacame blank. "What, how do you know about this?"
The voice cackled and said: "I am in your head."
She clenched her jaw and stared straight ahead, ignoring the voice for now. She had a bad feeling about this and hoped it would vanish when she would finally get some more rest.
-
Jared gently stroked the girl's ears and looked up at Katelyn. "Good job back there," he said. "You probably helped tons."
-
"Luke! You're awake, that's good. We had something of a run in with a massive consumer horde back there, a big battle broke out, do you remember? In fact it was one of those captives we rescued from the human compound who helped save us." He motioned to Warren in the back seat. "But you look like you've been to hell and back... what happened Luke? Can you recall? You look like you were almost killed but you never cried for help..."
Luke shook his head, trying to clear it.
"Ugh...vaguely. Everythings really fuzzy...but I think it was that file. I was...distracted..."
He couldn't think straight; the pounding in his head forced everything else out. Luke looked behind him to the furs in the back seats. All of them were battered, bruised, and bloodied. Then, he readjusted himself in his seat, then looked to Nova.
"I think...i have a concussion. I shouldn't...fall asleep."
-
Jared gently stroked the girl's ears and looked up at Katelyn. "Good job back there," he said. "You probably helped tons."
Katelyn shook her head as she wiped down her rifle from stock to barrel. In truth she barely did a thing, as such close range was not her strong suite, and it was such she said. "No... I dident do all that much, only shot the ones that made it through the back windshield." She said nodding towards the busted out back window. "Though I kept them away from stabbing or biting her, but nothing more... I would of been more help if the horde wasent on me."
-
Jared smiled. "You saved her life. That's worth at least something."
-
Nova looked at Luke with concern. In any other situation he would have told him to lay back and rest, but if Luke felt like he might have a serious head injury then Nova would do his best not to make anything worse than it already was. "I'll make sure you don't fall asleep," he said, "but at the same time you should try and relax. Hopefully nothing will go wrong the rest of the way..." He sighed and turned his attention back to the road.
As they drove further north, the air turned colder and eventually there was a slight blanket of recently-fallen snow covering the landscape. The sun was beginning to shine its first few rays over the freezing world, and there had been more trouble through the rest of the night. Signs of consumers abounded, but they kept on driving and avoided any further confrontations. Now the first dark peaks of the Adirondack mountains loomed in the distance, and Nova looked at his map again, certain that they should be coming to their destination soon. Indeed, Fort Peregrine was indicated as being only somewhere between 20-30 miles further northwest from the convoy's current location. Nova hoped dearly that it was still there and would serve as a good base. He was feeling rather exhausted and wanted nothing more now than to lie down within strong, defendable walls and recover a bit.
-
Katelyn shrugged some as she set her rag down, leaving her rifle to gleam once more as if it where brand new. "True..." Was the only words she said as she set her rifle down on her right, next to the humvee's door. Opening her pack she stuffed the rag back in before zipping it back closed and lean against the chair. With the rest of the people no longer unconscious, it looked a bit more lively, yet nobody talked. Blinking a few times her mind began to wonder back on the weeks events. So much has happened. She lost a dear friend, and found another. Fled her home, and on her way to a new one. And last of all, she felt safe, for what it was worth, she loosed up now, letting down her guard for the first time in years.
Closing her eyes the hours passed fast, and the engine of the humvee almost soothing. With the back window blown out the temperature change was more easily felt, and she could sense the snow they drove through. It was a nip in the air, and the sound the tires made as it drove over fresh snow. Opening her eyes after some unknown amount of hours the road outside was covered in a sheet of white. The scorched landscape, blown out buildings, and battle torn country side almost looked peaceful, as if the snow was able to make it all go away, but then there where footprints they drove past, and in the distance a consumer horde that would raise here heads to them, and be left in there wake. Frowning she placed her right elbow on the armrest and rested her head on her hand, staring at the passing countryside until she finely broke the silence. "Nova..." Her voice was a bib crackly from not speaking so long, causing her to pause to lick her lips before continuing. "Are we almost there?"
-
Himawari had followed Nova's car for a while now and she was starting to wonder if he knew where he was going.
Could it really be so far away?
Being by herself and the seeds of doubt being planted by the voice in her head, she was starting to feel irritable again, or touchy.
Without knowing it, her thoughts changed to spoken out words and she started talking to herself.
"Does he know where he's going? Well, he does seem to know the way, but where is he leading us. Us... me and the other anthropomorphic creatures."
She sighed.
"I guess my hallucanation was kind of right. I mean I am the only human here..."
She violently shook her head. "No, they helped me and I helped them. They didn't order me to or push me."
"You needed them at the time."
The voice returned and Himawari's eyes opened wide. Again, she couldn't see anyone or anything in her car. She got goosebumps.
Against her better self, she started to converse with her hallucination again.
"Needing isn't a bad thing," she said bluntly.
"No, you do not need to be ashamed of using them. Afterall, they did get what you wanted."
"And what did I want?"
"Resources. You have been running out of resources at your old base. It was just a coincidence you came across them when you did. It was the best thing that could have happened to you. Well..."
"Well what?" himawari asked, frowning.
"If they weren't animals."
She sighed. "You know, I'm really getting tired of you calling them in a negative tone."
"Or are you just getting tired by resisting the urge to agree with me?"
Himawari had nothing to respond to that comment. She hadn't expected that.
Deep down inside her something was telling her to wake up to what she was doing, to ignore the voice she was hearing. But the more the voice spoke to her, the more her inner self was being drowned by the voice's thoughts and feelings.
Once she could see snow outside, her thoughts were even darker and grimmer. The voice had taken away the feeling that she was safe and happy. That the others protected her.
It made sure she 'remembered' she had no friends. She was a human, a playtoy for these anthropomorphs, these animals. Something interesting to be around with.
She had survived just fine without them before. She didn't need them.
They were just... in her way.
-
Katelyn shrugged some as she set her rag down, leaving her rifle to gleam once more as if it where brand new. "True..." Was the only words she said as she set her rifle down on her right, next to the humvee's door. Opening her pack she stuffed the rag back in before zipping it back closed and lean against the chair. With the rest of the people no longer unconscious, it looked a bit more lively, yet nobody talked. Blinking a few times her mind began to wonder back on the weeks events. So much has happened. She lost a dear friend, and found another. Fled her home, and on her way to a new one. And last of all, she felt safe, for what it was worth, she loosed up now, letting down her guard for the first time in years.
Closing her eyes the hours passed fast, and the engine of the humvee almost soothing. With the back window blown out the temperature change was more easily felt, and she could sense the snow they drove through. It was a nip in the air, and the sound the tires made as it drove over fresh snow. Opening her eyes after some unknown amount of hours the road outside was covered in a sheet of white. The scorched landscape, blown out buildings, and battle torn country side almost looked peaceful, as if the snow was able to make it all go away, but then there where footprints they drove past, and in the distance a consumer horde that would raise here heads to them, and be left in there wake. Frowning she placed her right elbow on the armrest and rested her head on her hand, staring at the passing countryside until she finely broke the silence. "Nova..." Her voice was a bib crackly from not speaking so long, causing her to pause to lick her lips before continuing. "Are we almost there?"
Jared was asleep, the girl curled up in his arms.
-
Nova was slightly startled by Katelyn's voice and realized he had been driving in a kind of exhaustion-induced daze. By the look of the mountains surrounding them now, he'd say that they must have traveled a good distance since he last checked the map. "I... I think we're probably getting close." he stammered. Then, just as he rounded a bend in the road a second later, he saw a rusty sign on the side that read "Fort Peregrine Military Base- 2 miles." He smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. "Well there's your answer!" he chuckled, suddenly full of a new energy. He turned on his radio and spoke into it, "Hey Himawari, did you see? We're almost there. Just a bit more and if everything is as I hope then we'll have a pretty good place to set up HQ."
-
Jared stirred in his sleep and opened one blue eye. "So we'll be stopping soon?"
-
Himawari awoke from her vile, wretched daze and blinked.
Nova?
She turned her mic on and said: "Nova? Yes, it's me." She was breathing heavily. "I didn't really notice anything, but I trust you."
Suddenly she felt a pain in her side as if someone just stabbed her and she tactfully threw the radio to the seat next to her. She kept her left hand on the wheel and held her right hand at her side. As soon as she touched it, it hurt even more.
Himawari lifted up her clothes a little to see if there was anything visible as to what was wrong. And she did see something.
A huge bruise had appeared on her side.
"What the...? How did this happen?" She tucked her clothes back and used the radio again.
"Good place for a new HQ, sounds good to me. But do you already have plans for your next move? Over."
-
Warren looked out the window. He recognised the route they were taking as he'd once strayed out this far from the inner city to find supplies. At that time though the military base had been occupied and was too risky to try infiltrate due to the heavy guard. He wondered how it would be now.
Warren found an elastic band in his pocket and started toying with it.
-
Nova looked back at Jared. "Hopefully..." He then continued speaking into the radio. "Our next move will have to be to scope out the base and make sure that it's defensible. There are bound to be consumers all over here, and hopefully there will be some equipment, or weaponry, or something to help us fight them off or scare them off. I'm also hoping there will be extra supplies and stuff that were stored in there we can use. After we've established ourselves, then we can think about exactly what to do next." He turned off his radio and went back to driving through the snowy wastes.
They had been driving for what Nova swore was more than just a couple miles. He began to have doubts that the fort was really there, but the sign said it had... He was about to radio Himawari and say that they were possibly lost, but just then the humvee crested a hill, and Nova saw to his astonishment a huge military installation laid out in a valley in front of him. There were many buildings scattered around, runways, bunkers, and a tall control tower in the center, all covered in a thin blanket of snow. There was an erie serenity to this place once devoted solely to violence. Carefully he drove down the steep incline and entered the base, the fence and gates to which were long since broken through or cast aside. He kept going straight down the main road, towards the large three story building near the entrance which looked like a good a place as any to start. He pulled up next to the somewhat crumbly, but still very sturdy looking, beige concrete structure and turned off the engine. "Well..." he said with a sigh of relief, "we're finally here."
-
Jared pricked up his ears. "There's something out there... not sure if it's friendly or hostile, though."
-
When then car engine died and sputtered Jave awoke with a twitch. Through his sandy eyes he first saw nothing more than blurry figures moving around. Before someone noticed him gasping he glanced around and saw a wolf bearing the characteristics of a dragon, a crat and someone close by him, an arctic fox. Was that everyone? No there was also a red fox carrying what appeared to be some kind of a sword. He was unsure whether there were more furs around or not, the strange black haired human that held him pinned a minute ago, or was it hours?, were nowhere to be seen.
Jave was overwhelmed by fatigue, but he had to resist the urge to fall asleep. He shrugged and rested his chin against his upper torso. With a raspy voice he said “Good morning” to the other furs sitting in the vehicle.
-
Warren distracted himself from the elsastic band as they drove through the gates. He'd scouted this place, but never been inside it. It was astounding the transformation that had been made. But the quetion was what had caused such a fort to become abandoned like this. Thare wasn't even much rust. An army of bandits? An army of consumers? perhaps a new kind of consumer? Warren had heard campfire stories telling of such things and was always a possibility to take account of.
He tapped Nova's shoulder "There should be a garage further in" and pointed in the direction he remembered it being before sitting back in his seat.
-
Ip followed in the convoy, over the rough frozen ground. The base had no evidense of activity, but tracks could of course been shrouded by the thick snow. He stopped the jeep as Nova's humvee came to a halt. Ip looked around scanning the area as he readied his weapon and stepped out into the freezing cold to go over to Nova. He approached the side of the humvee and knocked on the window next to Nova "We gonna scan the area? Too bloody neat to be left around like this; someone or something has gotta be occupying it" Ip looked up around at the buildings and white scenery. "Where we gonna start? before we freeze out here"
-
Himawari stopped right after Nova stopped and glanced at her side again. It stung really bad whenever she moved.
But she had to 'man' up, or else they would probably treat her as a weakling, or worse: leave her behind because she would be a liability. In this cold she wouldn't survive too well. She had no fur coat to protect her from this sort of environment, unlike the others.
She looked around and it came to mind that she had no thick coat lying around. She never assumed she would ever need one. In fact, everything she wore wasn't exactly meant for snow and winter.
"Crap."
She just stared out of the window, seeing Ip walking towards Nova's car.
-
Zephyr gently picked up the girl and a blanket and got out of the car, then passed over to Himwari's vehicle and knocked on the door.
-
With a light jerk from the halting vehicle she took a deep breath and looked down at the awakening fur, her ice blue eyes peering down at him. "Your awake..." she said simply before taking one last glance out the window. "Good timing... You should rest first, stay in the humvee for a few minutes, gather yourself and then all will be explained." Looking over the chair to see Nova she spoke a bit louder this time to be heard, "Maybe I should be one of the ones to scout the place... After all, it is my type of place right now.." Without waiting for a response she griped her rifle at the barrel and held it up as she swung the door open. Steeping out of the car there was a soft crunch of fresh snow under her as she took a few steps. Righting her rifle in her hands she held it with the barrel down on her left, looking straight ahead at the various buildings. "Where first?" she said as she walked up next to the driver side door, looking in.
-
Warren watched Katelyn get out of the humvee.
"I'll go too"
And he followed out into the snow and took a good moment to inhale the crisp air and stretch after sitting down for so long. He'd never actually been inside the compound and his memory wasn't serving him too well.
He was really hoping that there was no from of super consumer. The area was too clean, but then even the snow can hide things.
-
"Yeah, it is quiet..." Nova said slowly to Ip. "Warren has apparently been around here before, and claims that there's a garage further in. Personally I'd like to explore this main building first and see if there are any clues as to what the state of things are here." He looked down for a moment and scratched his chin in thought. "How about this," he said after a minute to the lot of them, "Warren, you and Katelyn can go further in and explore the garage if you want. Ip, you come with me, and we'll go investigate this large building right here. We need to find some place to be out of the cold where we can set everyone up." Then he turned around to look at the finally-conscious yellowish-orange fur they had rescued from the compound. With a friendly smile he said, "And you. So you are indeed finally awake. I'm sure you have many questions of me, and I have some of you, but right now is not the time for that." His smile faded into a more serious expression. "Tell me honestly, do you think you'll be ok to walk? If so, you should come with me, the humvee won't stay warm for long and we don't want to be burning precious fuel."
-
Luke wobbled his way out of the vehicle, stumbling a bit as he tried to regain full control of his sluggish body. He went over to Nova and asked, "Is there anything I should do? I can help with...something."
He leaned against the humvee for support, his legs giving out on him somewhat.
-
Jave was glad that the first eyes he met were those of that arctic fox looking down at him, he had always liked ice blue. It reminded him of the best days at sea when the endless grey shades of the ocean picked up the reflection of a clear blue sky. The arctic fox stepped out of the vehicle and right after that he was spoken to by someone else. This time it was the wolfdragon, he spoke with authority and sincerity, it was no mistake that it was the leader, it must be him that is Nova. Jave wiggled a couple of toes and bend a knee. “Yeah I will be perfectly fine to take a walk thank you” he said to Nova, glancing at him from the side. Jave rolled his shoulders and stretched. “Just one question, I awoke with a black haired human on top of me earlier, is she with you?”
-
Nova couldn't help but chuckle. "Heh, you must be referring to Himawari. Yeah, she's with us." He eyed the ocelot for a moment and said, "Anyway, you look fine, so if you say you're up for it then we should get moving." Just then he noticed Luke coming over to talk to him. When he had finished, Nova had a somewhat concerned look on his face. "Luke... you still look really beat up. I appreciate the offer, but you shouldn't be straining yourself with anything right now." He noticed the weakness in Luke's legs and got out of the humvee. Closing the door behind him, he took Luke by the arm to steady him and turned towards the entrance to the large building. "Come with me and Ip, we'll get you out of the cold and see what we can find inside." He started to walk slowly towards the building.
-
Luke mumured his thanks to Nova, letting him support him as they entered the building.
"I don't...understand why I'm...still so...weak," panted Luke. He shook his head, trying to abate his thoughts. He looked down to make sure he still had his pack, gripping the strap tightly as they walked.
-
Ip nodded his aching head in acknowledgement, looking at the large building and wondering what could be inside. He walked in ahead of Nova and Luke, his weapon lazily following where ever his eyes looked. The building was slightly warmer than outside. "Its slightly warm. Not much, don't know if this means anything... maybe there were people here... or still are." He stopped and turned to Nova and Luke. "Nova what if this place is occupied... what shall we do? Take it?" He asked Nova, looking at him with his dead serious face. "There may not even be anything here." He said.
-
As Jave stepped out of the vehicle his feet was met with the cold reality of newly fallen snow. He grimaced, and realized he had absolutely nothing to cover his aching feet with. He fell backwards and landed on the seat. Ever since he was burned he has had sore skin and many patches on his body without any fur. Luckily it didn’t feel as excruciating painful as it had felt a couple of days back, but he feared that it would come back in full strength once the sedative components of the sleeping gas completely ended. He pinched the side of the seat and stepped out again. It really felt like if someone was jabbing nails into his paw pads, it was a moment of relief when the cold snow dampened all sensory signals.
He felt reluctant to avoid Novas orders, at least before he had gained any trust from the group. Most of the furs still stayed in their cars, the younger and more weaker ones that would last long in a fight took shelter in the steel confinements on four wheels. He looked around until he spotted the black haired human, Himawari. She sat by herself “odd” Jave thought out loud.
He went up to her car, thinking that a slight detour from Nova wouldn’t be of any impor
tance, and knocked quietly on Himawaris window. “Hey, how are you?”
-
She startled when she heard a knocking sound on her window. She saw the ocelot walking towards he,r but somehow she didn't realise he was on his way to her.
Now he was knocking on her window.
"Uhm, I guess I'm fine?" She said with uncertainty after she lowered the window.
"It's kind of cold out there. Looking at your injuries you might not feel all to well out there either. Why don't you come in? Sit in the passenger seat."
She chuckled a bit. "Besides, leaving this window open will let the cold in too."
-
Nova led Luke into the building behind Ip and looked around the space. It was in remarkably good condition compared to most of the other buildings he had been in, though whether it had to do with the fact that it was an isolated military base or some other mysterious reason instead, he didn't know. There were desks and tables and chairs scattered around, some still with computers, monitors and various other items strewn about them. A slightly tattered American flag hung from a balcony above this lobby area, a haunting reminder of the days when arbitrary country lines actually meant anything. "Here, sit down in one of these." Nova said to Luke as he guided him into one of the padded swivel chairs lying around. "I'm gonna go with Ip and scout around." He went over to Ip and together they walked towards the back of the lobby. Leaning in close so only Ip could hear, Nova said, "If this place is occupied by someone, we should try to work with them first before just taking it over. But I'd be willing to bet we have superior firepower if we do have to..." He stopped and looked at the ground before looking up at Ip again. "I admit, something doesn't feel right about this place. It's too perfect. There's an air of false security about it. But right now it's all we've got, and as you said, this worrying could all just be for nothing."
-
Jave appreciated Himawari’s offer and strolled over to the other side of the Humvee. He wiped his snowy feet on the rim and then sat down on the cushion and closed the door. When they breathed warm moisture formed a visible cloud, it had gotten that cold inside for the few moments the window and door stood open. Jave cleared his throat; it hadn’t been that long ago since he was in contact with humans, still he was unsure of what to say. The only positive experience he has had with humans since the consumption broke out, would have be that lovely old couple he met out on the sea. They traded fish for some drinking water, good memories.
Jave’s voice was naturally hoarse and gravelly, he did his best to smooth both his accent and tone. “Thanks for letting me in the warmth… Himawari is it? Nova told me a little about you” He extended his paw towards her, not thinking of how unhygienic and dirty his hands really were. “I’m Jave. It’s a peculiar group you’re with. Any names I should know of?”
-
Himawari shook hands with Jave. "Yes, I am Himawari Hyde. Pleased to meet you."
She looked away for a moment.
"If you have any questions, you may ask them. I'm not sure what you would like to know. As for the names, all I can recall is Nova, Katelyn, Ip... There are some others, but I havne't had much time to talk with all of them, let alone get their names properly. I sometimes have bad memory when it comes to names. Faces I can recall very well, but the names..."
She looked back at Jave and thought to herself what kind of abuse happened to his furcoat. It seemed as if he was burned, but she couldn't say for sure. She figured it was impolite to stare and ask, so she left it in the middle.
"So, what happened to you? I mean, how did you get caught by those people?"
-
Luke sat down in the swivel chair, letting himself sink into the seat as he sighed deeply. Some of his strength had returned, and he was curious to see what this place had to offer. He moved the chair over to a desk, and began to rifle through the sparse papers and files on it. As his mind drifted, he began to think about Daniel's file. He reached into his pack and pulled it out. Luke looked through it, then came upon a picture of a fur, who Luke assumed was Daniel. He was a white tiger, with eyes as blue as ice. He was dressed...in black armor, a sword on his back, and a rifle in his hands. He was sitting on a desk...very similar to the one Luke was facing...Suddenly, an image of Daniel flashed through his mind. Daniel was giving Luke the sword, but Luke was tied up and struggling. Tears were in his eyes, and he was pleading with Daniel. But, Daniel was beginning to inject Luke with a needle...and the world went dark.
-
Warren watched Katelyn get out of the humvee.
"I'll go too"
And he followed out into the snow and took a good moment to inhale the crisp air and stretch after sitting down for so long. He'd never actually been inside the compound and his memory wasn't serving him too well.
He was really hoping that there was no from of super consumer. The area was too clean, but then even the snow can hide things.
Looking towards Warren as he spoke up to join her she nodded in his direction before rolling her shoulders, loosening up her sore mussels from the long ride. Taking a few experimental steps forward she was greeted by the crunch of snow under her boots, sending a thrill up her spine. If there was anything she loved more, it would be the snow. With the snow it covered everything. The charred outlines of buildings, craters, even corpses would be covered by a thick sheet of it, hiding all of the pain from view, though it did more then just that. Looking about there where small four legged tracks, sign of game nearby. But other then that she could see no other sign of tracks through the fresh snow, everything a blanket of white.
Sighing a deep breath her breath came out as a white mist before she continued straight ahead towards the garage. It was a large square building with three garage doors, each set equal distances apart. Two on each end and one in the middle. Along the left side of the building was a solid steel door. Slowly making her way towards it she saw no tracks leading to or from it, so she attempted the door knob. Meet with resistance she sighed and looked around. Taking her handgun out she wrapped the muzzle around her cloths before firing three rounds into the lock. What she heard was muffled clanks of steel, just hearable from the humvee. Trying the door knob once more it swung open, the lock obliterated. Huffing a bit from the sucess she slowly walked in, meet by darkness.
Slowly the room came into focus as her eyes adjusted. Where they entered seemed to be an office of sorts with solid panes of glass viewing the workshop. The desk had spare parts of cars laid all about. Old papers clung to each other and writing long faded. Some of the table even had mold growing, destroying all notes and books that where in its range. Ahead of the entrance was another door leading into the workshop. Opening it it was not locked and swung open, giving a loud squeak of protest from lack of use. The screeching echoed through the empty room, leaving behind an ominous silence. Looking over at Warren she blinked a few times before looking straight again, leveling her handgun as she scoped out the place. With her rifle on her back it would be no use at such a close range, so now her handgun was her weapon of choice. After ten minutes of pointless searching she holstered her firearm, finding no threat. In the room to the right of the office door where three hydraulic lifts, the middle bore an armored humvee with the engine missing but battle ready, all it missed was the LMG on the gunner. Towards the back where tool boxes of various red's, each having a vast number of racks with tools of every type and size. Work benches where also plenty, though none bore any kind towards weapons, only vehicles. Around the entire room greese stains lined the floor, tipped over tables, rusting metal, and boxes falling apart, spilling there insides, and piles upon piles of raw materials stacked about in various places. Sheet metal, fiber glass, even a small lumber pile.
Sighing at the sigh of it all she stood at the old humvee missing its engine, thinking on what would of caused the base to be abandon so before looking towards Warren. "Find anything?" She said, breaking the vast silence that pounded down on them.
-
The empty clutter of the inside of the garage had warren in awe, looking across all the walls and ceiling as they moved across. When Katelyn drew her pistol, Warren held his paw over his sword. He sort of hoped he would find some sort of gun soon as generally they were better unless you liked throwing relic swords.
The silence was indeed uneasy and you could just hear the echo of a leak falling from icicles hanging on the ceiling, letting little light through the gaps in the corrugated iron roof. This didn't help the temperature and moisture at the end of his nose was starting to freeze. Regardless of this inconvenience, Warren tried to fond out as much as possible as to what happened here that caused a fully operational military base, into a rust bucket.
A gun cabinet proved to be empty other than a human gas mask with a cracked visor. A tool drawer contained nothing more than a few nuts and bolts. A filing cabinet held nothing more recent than 2 months old. No skeletons laying around or anything organic other than the mould that plagued the majority of books ledgers and anything that could have been proven useful.
At the crack of the question directed at Warren "Found anything?", It was surprisingly to say "No" or "Not really" as though they had found nothing of importance, there was quite a lot of it.
"Nothing important" he replied as he tried to make sense of a spoiled book. "Though the records show that the military haven't been here for 2 months and for obvious reasons, this place has been raided at some stage since."
Warren looked around some more.
"But why did the military leave, and then why would bandits leave such a formidable base?"
-
Ip lowered his weapon and listened carefully to Nova's words,"Alright." he said as he gave a slight nod. He looked back over to the doorway and raised his weapon. "Lets go through here first, the other fur can keep a look out to make sure that we won't crept up on from behind." he said before he walked through the doorway. The room smelt of rotting wood from old desks and there were rusty cabinets scattered across the room among other abandoned things. The floor had patches of frozen molded paper, which when trodden on made the sound that reminded Ip of crisps he would have for lunch before the world was plunged into its own self destruction. To the right there were stairs that led to the second floor. "Think we should go up?"
-
Turning back straight ahead she sighed and made one more complete circuit of the room. At the far end of the room there where two generators, most likely for the machinery in the room. Bending over to uncap the lid for the fuel she ran her fingers along the edge, seeing it bone dry. Replacing the cap she stood it crossing her arms over her chest. Along the wall opposite of the office was the piles of materials. It was all relatively well kept in a wood rack. It had three levels and three columns. The wood was beginning to sag in places but so far it looked like it was holding. Inside each of the long rectangular slots was materials, the most common being sheet metal and plywood.
Taking quick stock of it she began walking along the garage doors, stopping at the middle before kneeling at it. It was electric driving but there was a handle at the bottom incase the power went out. Wrapping her fingers around it she pushed up with her legs with no luck. Panting softly she put her left hand with her right and braced herself before giving it one more yank. With a loud screech of protest the door slid up wit the sound of rusted steel on steel. Instantly light flooded through the room. Closing her eyes she opened them slowly as not to blind herself, then pushed up the rest of the way opening the door to over her head.
The entire room was no moderately lit, the middle hydraulic lift with the humvee showing from the outside. With the light now she took one glance around before noticing a few extra things she missed. To the left under the office window where a few cans, maybe gass or oil cans, and tucked under the benches where boxes, allot of boxes. From the dark it only looked like part of the shelf but now the light shown it as a thick layer of dust. Walking up to one she slid her fingers about the box and pulled it out, letting the insides spill to the floor. Inside to much her surprise was various tools. Pad sanders and buffers for the cars. And in the rest she assumed to be much the same, but with no power or a means to gass up the engine, all useless.
Looking over at Warren once more she smiled lightly saying, "I found some tools! Under the benches... I think there are allot more, but im going to check the next building, Are you coming or going to poke about a bit more?"
-
Nova nodded. "Yeah, I wanna see what's up there. Something still feels off about all this..." He turned to climb the stairs, leading Ip along behind. Just as he reached the halfway point in the gloomy stairwell, he heard something that made him stop dead in his tracks. Brief rhythmic thudding from above- unmistakably footsteps, he thought. He growled softly and turned to Ip. "I don't know if you just heard that, but now I'm convinced, there's no way we're alone. Watch behind us and keep your weapon drawn." He drew his own weapon from its sheath and continued up the creaky steps. A door separated them from the hallway on the second floor, and Nova scowled intently as he approached it. Holding his gunblade in one hand he gripped the doorknob with his other and turned it, pushing the door open and stepping onto the landing.
Immediately he was hit by a now all too familiar smell- that of humans. He gritted his teeth and breathed to Ip, "Damn, can you smell that? People... there are people up here, I know it. All the more reason to stay on alert, who knows what they're doing or what they'll think of us." He gripped his weapon tighter and slowly but smoothly peered to the right, around the corner of the stairway entrance down the length of the dusty hall. Instantly he reeled back as the fwish fwish of silenced gunshots rang out, and the plaster wall to his left was suddenly inflicted with two perfectly round bullet holes, barely missing where his head had been a moment ago. "Shit! Ip, get ready, this could get messier than I thought!" He then heard the sound of a door at the far end of the hall closing and being locked, and in an adrenaline fueled frenzy he bolted around the corner and sprinted down the hallway as fast as he could. He pulled up right in front of the door he was sure the perpetrators were behind, as he could now smell three distinct beings, all human, waiting in the room beyond.
Standing to the side, Nova bellowed in a commanding, but not threatening, voice, "I know you're in there, you bastards! Open up so we can meet peacefully, otherwise I can bring my friends in here and we'll force you out!" A momentary tense silence ensued. Then, to Nova's great surprise, an old man's voice greeted him through the door:
"That voice belongs to no human..." it said almost contemplatively.
Nova let out two loud, wolfish barks and continued, "You're damn right I'm not human! But I have no desire to harm you, as long as you promise not to try and kill me again." There was another short silence. Soon Nova heard indistinct mumbling from the other side of the door, and then to his shock, the locks being opened. The door itself creaked open a crack, and the face of a human man, who looked to be about 65 years old with long graying hair, emerged from the dusky interior. He met eyes with Nova, who stood there wide-eyed with his blade lowered at his side. "May I... come in?" He said apprehensively. The man looked him up and down for a second, and then stood back, deliberately swinging the door open all the way. Holding a suppressed pistol at his side, he remained nearly expressionless the whole time as Nova stepped into the dimly lit room. Behind him, looking significantly more concerned, were two younger men who seemed to be about 30 years old each, one taller one with black hair and a shorter, stockier one with brown hair. The elderly man stood in the center, regarding Nova and Ip with an inquisitive look. Nova was simply stunned. He did not know what to say.
-
Luke awoke to the sound of muttering and mumuring. Groggily, he lifted his head and opened his eyes. Looking aroung, he found that he didn't recognize his surroundings. Stupid, Luke thought to himself. I should've been paying better attention. But he had been passed out. He shook his head. I have to get back to Nova. But first, where the hell am I? He rose steadily, glad to find his weapons on a nearby table. Then he heard, what sounded like Nova's voice, screaming from another room.
-
Jave sighed and with a smile and a slight squint in his eyes he glanced at his face in the rear mirror. "Well Himawari, my fancy looks I got 'bout a month ago". He soaked his lips, dragging the bottom lip quickly against his fangs. "Passed by the... Big Apple as you used to call it, and thought I could find something valuable, unfortunately violence found me first". Jave smirked and looked directly at Himawari. "Well less that it found me and more that I stumbled by and decided to get involved".
He awaited a reaction before continuing.
"Though my methods kinde went out of control and I got caught in the fire"... "Luckily the side I helped decided to be kind to their hero, heh, and that's how I got with the humans".
"I feel you want to know why I was in the cage, no?" Jave cracked his fingers.
"Those bastards are pretty paranoid about the furs, if you trust them for too long they will without and doubt turn against you and.." Jave shut his mouth realising that it was a human sitting by his side.
-
Himawari sensed Jave didn't mean to upset her on purpose.
She sighed, while trying to put away her uneasy feeling, and said: "No, it's alright. I haven't had good deadlings with humans myself." She paused for a moment and looked outside. "It's funny. You anthropomorphs seem very co-operative and friendly towards eachother in these... times. While humans just turn on eachother and go mad."
She wanted to look back at Jave, but knew she couldn't. Instead, she looked at the floor. "I sometimes feel dissapointed in the human race... in myself for being part of it, for not trying to find a way to stop it. You can say what you want, but the fact is I am indeed a human. There is no trusting me. For all you know I will betray all of you. I don't want to, but something tells me humans are meant to self-destruct. That there is no hope for us, for me."
She smiled and looked at Jave. "Not to worry though, it isn't my intention. And... where should I go anyways in this forsaken place?"
She shifted in her seat, trying to sit comfortably again. Himawari suddenly felt anxiety, her tummy felt as if it was turning. She had the urge to tell someone about her experience in the car when she was by herself.
"May I tell you something, Jave? Something I don't want you telling any of the others, at least not yet. I ask you this, because... Because I feel something terribly wrong will happen and I just want to make sure someone knows about this. Can you keep a secret, Jave? I don't have much time I think."
-
With a stern look on his face Jave leaned in towards Himawari as she began to speak. He clutched the side of his seat, rasping a pair of claws against the leather. Jave did not trust Himawari the human, but he felt some slight reliance with Himawari the person. There was just some genuine sincerity in her voice as she worded contempt for the species' self destruction.
Now, that voice was filled with genuine anxiety, it felt too real to be a simple lie. Or could she really fabricate such emotions? Jave leaned in even closer, whatever Himawari had to say he did not want to miss a single word of it. He wanted to snap up even the smallest tint of hesitation or odd accent that would reveal her clever lies.
He leaned in even closer. A cloud of warm, moist breath took charge towards Himawari's face. The car was cold and even the floating dust seemed to make deafening noises in the moment of silence.
"What are you worried about, Himawari?" He asked with the same genuine sincerity.
-
Ip turned around facing away from the stairs with his weapon raised. When Nova had reached the doorway, Ip carefully came up the stairs still looking behind them. All of a sudden bullets thudded against the wall in front of Ip, his instinct to duck and take a few steps back away from the doorway. Nova got up and whipped round the cornr "Hey! Where ya go-" Nova had bolted down to a door at the end of the hallway before he could finish his sentence. Ip heard Nova yelling, and started to walk down one side of the corridor with his gun aimed at the door. Then an old man revealed himself with a gun by his side. Nova stepped into the room, Ip started to walk quicker to the room "Nova! What the bloody hell are you doing?" He said just outside of the door. "Do you really expect me to walk into a room full of armed humans?"
-
"I..." Her pupils dilated while she spoke, her mind began to slowly cloud.
"...have been hearing... I don't know what exactly, and I don't... don't know or remember." She paused a few seconds and felt something clouding her mind. She sensed something was trying to 'pull' her away.
Another part of herself was trying to tell her that this was not a smart move to do.
But she weighed up all the options quickly and figured it best to say something.
"I felt something, or no. I heard someone talking to me, but I was driving alone in the car. You see why I'm worried? It's... it's frightening me. I don't know you all to well, but you're the only one here and, to be honest, you seem to be a fair person. I hope you can keep this a secret for now. Can you do that for me, please? I don't want the others upset, nor do I want to arouse, perhaps unnessesary, suspicion. And, of course as you might know so well yourself, I do not want the odds turned against me if there is indeed nothing to fear. It could be something temporary or I could be going insane, but I do not think I am, I mean... Well... You see what I mean here?"
She sighed again and looked down. "I'm sorry to burden you, but I had to telll someone, I hope you understand..."
-
Nova was shocked out of his stunned silence and glanced back at Ip to say, "You don't have to come in, but I don't think they're gonna harm us." He looked back at the men. "Something tells me they're on our side." He paused to let the elderly man validate that point.
The man smiled slightly and nodded. "I suppose you can say that... When we saw your little convoy coming from a distance we weren't sure what to make of it. We thought surely you'd attract their attention and when we heard you coming up the stairs, we didn't know if you were one of them, or some other hostile being. I'm sorry, but you can't be too careful."
Nova blinked. "'Them?'" he asked, confused. "Who are you talking about?"
The old man took a breath and suddenly became much more sullen. "...You're not from around the rural areas are you? No... that's how you have such a large group. Where DO you come from?"
"We came from New York City. I'm the leader of the fur resistance that until yesterday resided there."
The man looked down at the floor. "Ah... I see." He turned away and walked a few paces before turning to face Nova again. "I suppose I should tell you, then, as much as it saddens me, that you have doomed us all by your arrival. Whatever you came here seeking, you shall not find it." Nova was about to open his mouth to protest but the man held up a hand and silenced him. "You see, you're not the first to come seeking this base as refuge. I, and my two sons here, were part of a very large human group that settled here shortly after the Consumption had run its course. We thought it would be defensible and sustainable. We were dead wrong. The harsh mountainous backcountry, it breeds a different type of Consumer. They have developed pigments in their flesh that change to their environment and blend them in, and they are far stronger and smarter than your average Consumer. They conducted nighttime assaults on this base, surrounding us and taking us out little by little. We would kill them off and they would retreat, but they would always be back, and unlike them we could not replenish our lost members. The scariest part is that they would steal our basic communication technologies, like radios, something I've never seen regular Consumers do, and apparently use them against us. It was like they could listen in and understand our communications- whenever we broadcast anything over electronic mediums, they would be prepared to assault us when we executed our plan. They always seemed to be watching... they were drawn to, not repelled by, our activity outside. Our people were always ambushed if they left the base for any reason. We found it was best to hole up inside and do nothing, make as little noise as possible, and hope they would leave us alone. Eventually the others got tired of waiting, and they made the decision to take all they could carry and try to make an escape back to more urban land. My sons and I were the only ones who stayed behind... and watched... as they were overrun less than 30 seconds from leaving the garage. They were swarmed like nothing I've ever seen... they never had a chance. And then... the Consumers came to the compound, thinking we were all gone I suppose, and ransacked it for all it was worth. They carried off all manner of mechanical equipment and tools I would never think they'd have a use for... but they took it all into the woods and disappeared. Like I said, they're intelligent. That's why the base is so empty. We rode out the attack by hiding up here, and have been surviving inside on the leftover rations ever since. Now, I'm afraid that your arrival will attract them out of the woods again. I assure you, they know damn well you're here, and no matter how well armed you are, you are no match for them." He finished speaking and sat down against a filing cabinet, not looking at Nova, not saying any more.
Nova felt as if he may have preferred getting shot after all to hearing what he just heard. The concept that whatever alien life created the Consumers had developed significant intelligence was terrifying. He couldn't imagine what they would be doing with machinery, but the empty base spoke for itself. His mind swam with possibilities. He put a hand to his head and slumped against the nearest wall, partially wanting to scream, partially wanting to cry, partially wanting to just run and get the hell away from the place. "Ip..." he said painfully, "Please, go tell the others what you just heard and bring them inside. I need a minute... Go!" He shot a look up at Ip that he knew was angrier than Ip deserved, but Nova was barely keeping himself together.
-
Luke heard Nova's voice and the voice of an older man. He exited the room he was in, having grabbed his weapons, and saw Nova and Ip, facing an older human.
There was a look of horror in Nova's eyes.
"Nova, what's going on?" Luke asked.
-
"I found some tools! Under the benches... I think there are allot more, but im going to check the next building, Are you coming or going to poke about a bit more?"
"Well it's something," Warren said as he skipped with his hands over his head in the rememberence of an old internet meme.
"But I think I'll stick with you for now" and he followed closely as the empty building, however now beautiful as the orange light of the setting sun seeped in through the ice and reflected it's self around the room, just became a lot more uneasy.
Warren drew his sword.
-
"Luke..." Nova said, voice raspy and lowered, "I think I may have just led us all into a death trap. There's a reason nothing's here. It was all pillaged by Consumers. Super Consumers. Ones that think and plan and strategize and kill and hopelessly outnumber us!" He didn't even know if what the old man had said was true, but there was nothing to suggest otherwise. The feeling of hopelessness was suddenly overwhelming and he didn't know why, normally he itched for a fight, to protect what had to be protected, but there was something in that human's eyes that terrified him far beyond any foe he had ever fought. "These men..." he continued painfully, "used to be part of a human resistance like the one in New York. They came here months ago for the same reasons we did. And now... they're all that's left. They say the Super Consumers killed the rest and took much of the machinery and equipment." He looked straight into Luke's eyes. "I need you to help Ip tell the others. Bring them all inside. If there's any hope of surviving... we'll need to plan it together."
-
Jave had a stern look.
Himawari started swaying back and forth; her eyes were dull and unfocused. Jave let go of the leather seat that he had so fiercely clawed into and took a grip of her shoulders, forgetting to sheathe his claws he made a rasp into her clothes. They weren't sharp enough to cut her skin but they certainly made a scratch since she jolted back.
Jave spoke slowly.
"Focus..."
How do you answer a confession like this, or was it still all a lie from a clever human? It seemed to serve no purpose if it was indeed false. This wouldn't in any way benefit her. Or would it? How? How? How?
He flushed away all the little irritating voices from his mind.
"Himawari, ask yourself. When you are having these little talks with the other voice. Who is the sanest one?"
-
Himawari hesitated for a moment before answering. She was the sanest one, wasn't she? Or...
"I am," The voice spoke to her again.
"No," she said, answering to the voice. "I am! You just have these terrible thoughts." She stopped and focused on Jave again, her eyes drawn to his face. "I... I'm sorry. I can handle it. I must." She tugged at her now partially destroyed jacket.
"Ever since we drove here it's started. And for some reason it's getting more powerful. I don't know what's going on. It's the unknown that frightens me the most, Jave."
She started up the car to turn on the heater again. "There, that should be better, right?"
Himawari trembeled, not because of the cold, but because she was beginning to break down. At least there was almost no one that could see her in this state, only Jave.
Just moments after she felt some kind of swelling in her throat, she cried, holding her arms around herself, as she did many times just after she lost her father a couple of years ago. The only hope she had was trying to find him, but if she was going insane now, she thought she might as well... give-up.
-
"Well it's something," Warren said as he skipped with his hands over his head in the rememberence of an old internet meme.
"But I think I'll stick with you for now" and he followed closely as the empty building, however now beautiful as the orange light of the setting sun seeped in through the ice and reflected it's self around the room, just became a lot more uneasy.
Warren drew his sword.
Nodding towards Warren she turned to face outside looking at the grouping of cars infront of them. It seemed so peaceful and the ground a perfect sheet of white witch glimmered a soft orange from the retreating sun. Without the footprints or the ravage of war, it would allmost look peaceful.
Sighing she shook her head idly before resting her right hand on the handle of her handgun witch was strapped to her waist. Making for the next building to the right of the garage it was common in most ways but there was a sense of fortitude to it. The windows where tinted and had steel bars going through them, obviously made before the way because of how well they where made. Only a few where broken and bent in a few places, but it all looked well kept. Walking to the front door set in the middle of the buildings she placed her right hand on it giving it a light push. Much to her surprise the door swung open before t eh top hinge gave a loud screech and snapped off inside leaving the door only holding on by the bottom hinge. Retracting her hand she examined the steel noticing dents and scratches along the steel. "See this?" She said to Warren, pointing out the dents and scrapes. "Looks like someone tried to hold out here... and it didn't go so well..."
Swallowing she stepped inside the building drawing her handgun out with one fluid movement. There where no tracks leading inside except for there own so it should be empty.. should be. Inside there was an old oak half circle desk with old papers scattered about. Most of them seemed to be purchase orders for... Ammunition?! Holding one up to her face she smiled lightly as this must be the armory. Now to find the vault! She thought to herself before venturing deeper into the building, taking a set of double doors to the right. The hallway had sheet metal plating to the waist along the walls and the rest was normal drywall with a coat of white paint. Thought there was blood everywhere. Along the wall there where spatters of red, along the floor stains and even a few droplets on the ceiling, but no bodys... Looking over her shoulder she eyed Warren with a bit of concern before walking forward slowly, taking a combat position. Angling her body so that her left side was slightly forward she continued forward placing one careful step infront of the other, making sure her gun was ready to fire.
She would not meet any hostiles thought, instead at the end of the hall was a massive vault door. There was a dial on the front and a steel handle on the side where it would of swung open. The entire door was massive and took up the entire hall way. Along the floor there was even a curved line cut into the floor for where the door would swing open, and an indent in the wall for the door to tuck away neatly when in use, but it was closed tight. Stopping infront of it she looked about seeing scratch upon scratch, and even a few dents but nothing more, almost as if they tiried getting in at all costs but failed. Reaching out with her left hand it was bone cold and just as unyielding as the day it was put in. "Looks like the armory was untouched... But there is no way to get in..." She said as much to herself as Warren.
Just then a chill went through the air that cut to the bone. There was no draft, nor any notices, but a feeling of danger that caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand up. Looking down the hallway they came she blinked a few times before walking the way they came. They hallway seemed to be much longer on the return trip and each room they passed pitch black, every door busted in and some hanging on shattered hinges. Raising her handgun level she walked once more towards the main room hoping that Warren was right behind her. Walking through the double doors on the right side she saw a dark silouet lit by the snow from the open doorway. It was big, bigger then any human or furry she had ever seen, it must of stood at about seven feet tall and it stared at them with deep red eyes.
The sight came into view within a second at time began to slow, her heart dropping to her stomach. A consumer!! A huge one! Its limbs where cracked skin and the mussel shown as red fibers that rippled from the slightest movement. Across its chest it was not bare or had any ragged clothing, but a sheet of metal covered it, perfectly molded around it torso. Its legs where free in shaggy jeans that looked like they where falling apart and the feet where bare showing long claw like toes. Its head above all esle was the most defining as its teeth shown like a lions fangs, patruding from the mouth to form a nasty nest of teeth built for ripping and biting. Its hands where long and slender with black talons, everything rippling with unmatched mussel. But there was another thing, it held a weapon, a crudely made sheet metal sword in its right hand.
Almost at once Katelyn's mussles froze in place as sheer horror washed over her, causing her to stumble back as the beast took a step forward, raising its right arm. Almost on instinct her pointer finger tensed on the trigger, sending off a single shot that echoed through the building and the fort outside, a loud crack to break the silence that was the compound. The shot would soon be followed by two others as the projectiles ripped through the right arm of the consumer and two in the chest making low dings as they punched through the armor leaving them almost useless. Within seconds it was on her, and just then her mussles reached as she darted to the right, slamming into the wall as the consumers sword hit the ground in a savage arch. Just then its left hand darted out reaching for her hand witch she quickly snatched away just in time before stumbling back. "Warren!!" She screamed as she fell backwards, tripping over her own feet to land on her backside.
-
Warren jumped from the shadow he'd hidden in and managed to slice into the consumer's fore arm as it tried to grab Katelyn, stopping at the bone and leaving the sword stuck there. Warren stood in amazement out of shock at the resilience the consumer displayed only to retreat. Probably to come back with reinforcements.
Warren helped Katelyn up.
"It's gone for now, but I don't think it will come back soon. We have to get in the vault."
As Warren finished as the sound of multiple roars came echoing though to corridors.
-
"Luke..." Nova said, voice raspy and lowered, "I think I may have just led us all into a death trap. There's a reason nothing's here. It was all pillaged by Consumers. Super Consumers. Ones that think and plan and strategize and kill and hopelessly outnumber us!" He didn't even know if what the old man had said was true, but there was nothing to suggest otherwise. The feeling of hopelessness was suddenly overwhelming and he didn't know why, normally he itched for a fight, to protect what had to be protected, but there was something in that human's eyes that terrified him far beyond any foe he had ever fought. "These men..." he continued painfully, "used to be part of a human resistance like the one in New York. They came here months ago for the same reasons we did. And now... they're all that's left. They say the Super Consumers killed the rest and took much of the machinery and equipment." He looked straight into Luke's eyes. "I need you to help Ip tell the others. Bring them all inside. If there's any hope of surviving... we'll need to plan it together."
Luke stared aghast at Nova; the news wasn't quite registering. He shook his head; he had to get focused. Luke looked at Nova and nodded, then rushed out to find the others. When he reached the enterance, he heard a scream, and found a huge consumer.
"NOVA! We got company!" he cried over his shoulder, pulling one of his pistols from it's holster, firing at the area the head should've been. It didn't seem to even phase the creature. But it halted it's advance and retreated. He had to find the others; they had to leave NOW.
-
Ip looked around him, he knew deep down something like this would happen. It was too good to be true. "Ill go with him, we will be back soon hopefully with the others" he said to Nova just before he jogged off lightly and quietly back on the route they had taken. Ip was approaching the entrance of the building when Luke had fired his pistol. He rushed up to him "Where is it?" he asked. Ip looked down at the floor where dark red blood had been spattered. He looked back up at Luke "and who's scream was it? it didn't sound like a consumer..."
-
Nova watched Ip and Luke disappear down the hallway to find the others, still slumped against the wall. After a minute the old man spoke again.
"They appear to really respect you," he said softly. "If only my own resistance had had such a charismatic leader, we may not have wound up like we did..."
Just then, screams echoed up from below. Nova's blood ran cold- the old man had been right, and they were already under attack. He leapt to his feet, fueled by the sudden surge of adrenaline, but fully aware that he was in no mental state to fight right now. He turned to the three men and asked desperately, "Isn't there anything we can do? You know the layout of this base, surely there must be something that can give us an advantage, even a small one, just so we can hold out until he have a better plan or at least prevent us from dying such undignified deaths!" He was panting heavily.
"There is... one thing." the man said slowly. "A vault within the base's armory. It's a colossal construction, the door looks like it was built to withstand a direct nuclear blast. In fact, it probably was intended to do just that. But it's locked tight, believe me. We tried to get in but no amount of force could break it open. However, if we couldn't breach it, I'd bet anything that neither could the Consumers. Who knows what you might find in there should you find a way in, maybe it can save us all..." His eyes drooped once again to the floor.
"Then that's all we have." Nova said with somewhat renewed determination. "You three should come with me, together perhaps we can do what your group failed to before." He took a couple steps towards the hallway, motioning them to follow.
"No... we will stay here." the man said solemnly. "I cannot bear to look upon the carnage of battle again."
Nova glanced with slight frustration to the two sons. "And what about you? Are you going to hide up here and do nothing as well?"
This time it was the old man who spoke in irritation: "Do not talk to them like that!" he said bitterly. "You don't know what they went through..." Nova saw his fists clenching tightly as if he was recalling an unfathomably painful experience. The reaction startled him, so he simply nodded and turned to leave. However, he hesitated and looked back over his shoulder briefly.
"I'm Nova by the way." he said. "I don't think I ever got your name..."
"It's Harold." the man said quickly. "But names matter not anymore. Good luck in your endeavors... Nova. We'll be up here praying for your safe return." With that, he shut the door to the room and Nova heard the locks being engaged once again. Taking a breath, Nova sprinted down the hallway, down the stairs, and out into the cold wintry day. He saw Luke and Ip standing next to each other looking rather frazzled. Running up to them he shouted, "What's going on?! Where are the others, it's a long shot but that old man gave me a lead on something that might help us!"
-
Katelyn was still on the floor with her left arm behind her, propping up her back while she clenched her handgun in her right hand. Her and Warren where slightly in the hallway and out of direct sight. Slowly her nerves where back under control but she was shaking violently with her near death experience. Looking over at Warren- (Im not sure if you gave me complete control, but ill move Warren in minor ways as to not cause too much distress.) -she saw that he had offered her a hand witch she took and slowly stood up. Once back on her feet she forced herself to calm down and steady her breathing before walking in the middle of the door frame. What she saw was where the consumer first got shot and then the splatters of blood leading off through another door way across the room.
It was a streak of red to the adjacent set of double doors to the left of the reception deck. Looking down at her left arm she felt a warmth growing from her elbow and noticed she took a small scratch to her arm. It was meager but it stung at the most, and just barely cut the skin. Placing her right hand on the door way to quell her shaking hand she relaxed her grip on the handgun before looking forward at what caused its retreat. Two other had ariv- three. Seeing Nova just enter the building and hearing the others ask about the scream she gave a meager nod of her head, fearing if she spoke her through your clench up and her words would be slurred. Taking in a deep breath through her nose she exhaled through her mouth before walking into the main room pointing at the doorway to her right along the same wall she just exited from. "A... consumer.." She said in a bit of disbelief. "It was... huge."
-
It was with trembling steps and a thousand mile stare that Jave left the vehicle and walked away.
The sight of Himawari in tears was overwhelming; he couldn’t stand the thought of tearing up and cry in front of her. His whole chest felt like it was falling into itself, ascending down to a place where the heartbeats didn’t reach and where there was nothing but stale veins and silence. He didn’t close the door but simply left it swaying on its hinges, leaving room for a regretful turn around. But that choice vanished with every step.
Why did she tell me those things? I never asked for this. Why did I go to her? I should mind my own business. She should mind hers. He tugged the few tuffs of fur still on his head and furiously kicked the snow. A thousand cold stars glistered in the evening sun. Just like the spray of salt water did out in the sea. Or the embers of a home destroyed in fire.
It was a human that hurt my brother.
In his mind, Jave’s little brother screamed as the knife penetrated his abdomen. An ambush on a quiet rural gravel road ended a life and gave the attackers nothing in return.
It was a human that stole my water.
Jave thought of the peaceful trade that turned violent. A promise and an arm that was broken and he felt the scar still pounding.
It was a human that put me in the cage.
Paranoid bastards that had all the painkillers in the world but wouldn’t want to risk anything or even thank the one that saved their asses. Just left to starve and writhe in burned skin.
It was a human that. Saved me.
Jave heard whimpers, pitiful and solemn. But this wasn’t a memory from the past, they were here and now. As he took one more step every muscle contracted. His whole being fought the urge to leave. Small dents appeared in the snow below him, a pattern of tears. A column of air rose from his gaping mouth, swirled in the wind and fled far away from all earthly woes. Jave leapt back and threw open the door. With open paws he held Himawari’s head, embracing her temple. With a cracking voice he said.
“I want to help you”
“Please, I want to help you any way I can”
-
Himawari took hold of Jave's paws and looked at him, smiling through her tears. She first thought Jave would suddenly just leave and perhaps even tell the others, but she was extraordinarily glad when he returned and seemed genuinly concerned.
"Thank you." She said, almost whispering. "I don't know what else to do, but I would be very grateful if you wouldn't say anything to the others. Not yet."
She gently pushed Jave's paws away from her face and took a moment to think.
"Aha, they're here." The voice in Himawari's head, or so she assumed, sounded pleased.
She flinced and stepped out of the car, not knowing entirely what she was doing. The cold didn't seem to affect her as much as she figured it would.
This is odd, she thought to herself before her mind was clouded again. She felt trapped and didn't know what was going on.
Suddenly she heard voices, whispers like she never heard before. The whispers were growing louder and louder.
She couldn't quite place it, but the voice in her head apparantly could. Himawari felt as if it was smiling.
She quickly turned around to the car again, and Jave. She suddenly knew what was going on. The least she could do was warn Jave and the others.
But something was holding her back. She couldn't walk any further or open her mouth to yell at Jave. She just stood there.
"It's my turn," the voice said to Himawari, loud and clear.
Her eyes felt as if they were burning. Without noticing it, her eyes turned blood red again.
She wanted to talk back or fight back one way or another, but nothing would seem to work for her. Instead, she tried to communicate with it another way.
Nothing seemed worked, whatever the voice was, it was making sure she couldn't do anything to it.
As the voice took control over Himawari's body, it walked towards the car again. It was using Himawari's mouth to grin, her feet and legs to walk. And soon, it would try and use Himawari's hands to grab the pocketknife and... The thoughts and feelings overwhelmed it. This was never like it feeled before.
As it neared the vehicle however, Himawari was able to somehow push it back into her mind, letting her regain controll over her own body. She crawled back in the car and breathed heavily. The whole experience was exhausting and terrifying, but she had to warn the others now.
"Jave, I cannot controll it any longer. I don't think I'm insane. It's something else." She paused, panting, and looked at Jave with her eyes widening.
"I heard them, Jave. I heard them talking, communicating. There are so many out there, coming towards us. I have a plan, but I will need your help. You must warn the others to try and hide or protect themselves. I will... try and stop them. I fell somehow I can. So I must try."
"Stop them?" The voice uttered, practically laughing.
"Please, go to the others." And she slumped in the chair while an insane grin was slowly starting to form back on her face.
-
Ip walked up to the side of the door frame and leaned against it. "We can't waste time, if there was a consumer and it escaped there are probably more on the way. Lots more from what that human said." He stepped outside looking left and right. "Ill gather the ones from my jeep. Ill meet up with you back where that old man was." He then ran straight ahead towards the convoy.
-
Nova watched Ip run off and then started to hastily explain to Katelyn and Warren what the situation was before they could panic. "That consumer you just fought off was no ordinary one, and Ip is right, they will be back in much greater numbers." he said. "There's no time for me to explain fully right now, so just listen for the moment because I'll need your help. I met three human survivors in that main building, leftover from a much bigger group that was wiped out by hordes of those super consumers that you've only had a glimpse of. They made it clear that these new foes are not to be toyed with, and seemed to think there was no way to defeat them. However, they mentioned a vault within an armory here on the base, and apparently it's still sealed from the war. There could be weapons inside that could help us. Since you two have been poking around..." Nova looked around the hauntingly empty space, "I'm hoping you two have found this vault and maybe can help us all get inside." He paused then and looked at the two hopefully, for he knew if they were to have any hope of surviving the night they'd have to act immediately.
-
"We can show you too the vault, but we couldn't find a way in."
Warren sounded hasty from the exhaustion of the passing moments.
"We've also encountered one and it seemed to know how to wield crude armour and weapons."
-
Katelyn gripped the wood of the door way, digging her claws into it before standing up straight. A human colony? Here? Every single person wiped out?!... "Oh god..." She said silently to herself before dropping her right arm and sliding her handgun into her holster. Pointing down the hallway they came from. "We did find it, its at the very back of this hallway, and from the looks of it, the consumers have tried countless times to break in it, but that door is thick... If 'Super' Consumers can't get in, how are we going to?"
-
Sarah had been sitting idle for some time. With a satisfying grin she reassembled her guns. Not a trace of dust, dry hinges or loose screws. Sarah drew a face on the window of the car, the warmth of her finger made stick figures in the condensation. She breathed on the stick figures, they were engulfed by a ring of moist breath. What a sad way to go she thought while make little screams as the figures met their doom. Honestly she was a bit bored not sticking with the other furs as they explored the facility. Though no one stayed to watch over the other unarmed furs out here.
She needed to stretch, her paws had gone asleep, leaving a pricking sensation. With stumbling, uncontrollable legs Sarah went outside for a quick yawn. Though the pleasures of extending your arms towards the sky only lasted for a second when Jave shouted and ran towards her frantically. Sarah reached for Ivy, from her eyes the unknown scolded fur they saved from the human compound was about to attack but before she could process the situation and fire a shot Jave was already pointing a finger at her, shouting commands.
"You. Help me. Now!" He panted
Sarah stared in disbelief, stuck mid motion.
"Help who what now?" She coughed.
Jave went forward and rested his palms against her elbows. Sarah pulled a step back and questioned her own eyes. Jave panted and mumbled incoherently, throwing incomplete sentences between shallow breaths.
"What, WHAT is it!?" Sarah grinned in doubt.
"Himawari's gone crazy, we need to tell the others before she goes more crazy."
Sarah's expression said many things; most noticable was a twitch of her left eyelid. She stood straight with her arms dangling loose. Taking just a precious moment to breathe in and during her exhale she spoke towards the, not at all pathetic, Jave.
"Yeah, you stay in my car and I'll settle things."
Despite many protests Jave soon found himself tucked into the trunk of Sarah's car. His streams of complaints diminished to a muffled noise. Sarah wiped her hands carelessly against her legs and went to check upon Himawari. Glancing carefully from some distance she noticed something was wrong, she had never seen Himawari smile before, something was very wrong.
-
Eventhough Himawari couldn't seem to keep her facial expression under controll, which she thought was pretty disturbing as she took a quick glace in the rear mirror of the car and backed away just as quickly, she still could contain a certain amount of self-controll over her body and thoughts. It was difficult, however, as she could hear the voice growing louder and more persistant. The whispers of other things she could hear coming closer as well.
"The Consumers," she mumbled under her breath.
The voice suddenly fell silent, the whispers became a lot quieter.
For a moment, Himawari could concentrate and grabbed the handle of the door, swining it open. She had a plan and had to help the others. Somehow....
When immediatly the voice started talking to her directly. "What do you think you can possibly do? Save them?"
She tried to ignore it the best she could, but it was not an easy task as she slowly began to pace into the open, away from the military base and towards the snowy mountains.
The voice suddenly sounded a lot nicer, Himawari knew it was trying to manipulate her. "I can help you."
"Yeah, right." She said, grinding her teeth, fighting against the sheer cold.
"Truly, I can. That Jave ran away quickly when he saw our true face, didn't he? Or should I say your true face?"
"Shut up."
"Haven't you been more happier in your life since... well... a long time? I mean with your father missing and-"
"None of your business!" She interrupted the voice.
Slowly, she did feel an odd sensation. It started in guts and spread all the way to the rest of her body. At first, she couldn't place the feeling, but she did remember it. Then it hit her: She was enjoying this!
But why? She did not know. She didn't care anymore either, the feeling was too powerfull. She couldn't fight off this feeling, she had missed it for so long.
She stood still for a second, after marching for so long, and just simply opned her mouth and laughed like she never did before.
Once she was done, she walked again with a wide grin across her face.
"You're right." She adressed the voice.
It was pleased, it had succeeded. "No, we're right. We are one. We have always been one being ever since we entered Earth's atmosphere and found you. There is a reason why we are one. You know why that is, don't you?"
Himawari nodded. "The others."
She turned around to face the base one more time and recalled what her original plan was. The voice became frustrated and tried to trash about. With much difficulty she eventually found some Consumers -which looked rather different than the ones back in New York City- and knew she would not be attacked.
These things could sense something inside of her, which was keeping her alive.
For now, they were distracted. Himawari was satisfied she was able to give the others more time to find a way out.
-
Exasperated, Nova threw up his arms and strode into the room towards Katelyn and Warren. "I don't know how we're going to get in, but that's what we have to find out, isn't it! Especially if they're fashioning weapons..." He stood now in the entrance to the hallway that contained the vault, hands on his hips, with a half-determined, half-paniced expression on his face. "Well, let's see what we've got, shall we?" As if he were mustering the strength to proceed further, he took a breath and started walking down the gloomy hall. He kept his right hand on the hilt of his weapon reflexively, anticipating any second to be ambushed by unseen foes even though there was no conceivable way they could magically pop out of the bloodstained reinforced concrete walls. After the short walk Nova found himself staring at the colossal metal door, unlike any kind of safe he had ever seen before. It certainly did look like its builders created it to withstand just about any force mankind could muster; the fact that at one time the utilization of such force was commonly accepted as a necessary evil only helped to depress Nova further.
He reached out and touched the gigantic wheel on the door that evidently had to be turned before the door could be swung open. He didn't expect it in a million years to budge, but was still slightly disheartened to find that it moved not at all. Standing back again he ran his gaze over the entirety of the structure. There didn't seem to be any way of manually opening the thing, clearly it wasn't a simple key or code-based system. Quickly he came to the conclusion that it must only be openable by some kind of electronic command, initiated from elsewhere. That way it would be assured no one could just break a component and force themselves in; all the security was internal, behind the god-knows-how-many-inches-or-feet-thick solid metal, operational by computer only. He turned to Katelyn and Warren and voiced this observation. "So, anyone got any ideas? Either of you two master hackers?" He said in a halfhearted attempt at humor, fully aware that hacking would require first finding where the hell the terminal was that controlled the vault, if such a thing even existed anymore.
-
Katelyn walked in silence behind you as if she where your shadow before coming to a hault just as you stoped. Staring at the door it was just as she left it, but on a second glance, there where a ew more minor scratches that she missed the first time, other then that, it was still the same solid steel door. Shaking her head idly she replyed with an edge of humor saying, "Just a weapons smith... And I don't think there is anything 'left' around here for enough exsplosives... We should talk with one of the others maybe... See if we can boot up a computer and see what we can do from there..."
-
Warren walked up to the massive vault door. "The thing is that we can't brute force it or there's a small square of glass that will break and prevent us from opening it at all." Warren stepped back to see if there was any obvious sign of a key slot, digital input panel or a dial. If not then at least cables leading to a terminal of sorts. Warren then noticed a small security camera that looked towards the vault door.
"Perhaps the door is opened from a terminal in another room? We don't really have much time."
-
Luke looked around as well, looking for any adjacent rooms that might contain any sort of tech.
"This is pointless!" he growled, kicking a wall. He wasn't one for this standing around; he felt like he was failing because nothing was being done. Then he thought about secrets, and the lengths people would go to protect them, and he thought of Daniel. He had removed Luke's memories in order to protect him.
The humans had most likely done something similar. Hiding the access panel in...plain...
Luke spun around and began to press against the walls, trying to find anything that might aid his search.
-
Sarah felt alive. Not because she had just wrestled a bony ocelot down into the trunk of her car, while the feat was thrilling it wasn't the main reason for her gained concentration. She felt her heart beating all the more swiftly, a thumping foreboding for things to come. Where were the others? Nova should be told about Himawari's mental state. But neither Nova nor anyone else had been heard from. Sure, Sarah had seen a couple move from building to building but she had no grasp on where they were as a whole group.
She rushed into the nearest building. Desks, tables and chairs laid in a mess. An old American flag slanted from the balcony above as an eerie reminder of dead times. It was silent, what if they had gotten killed? What if there were enemies around, fowl beasts that would claw her to bits if she shouted her presence? Sarah found comfort in her two guns.
"Hello?" She shouted. No response.
To the right were stairs that led to the second floor. On the way up the creaking stairs she saw two bullet holes in the plaster wall to the left. No blood luckily, it could just be something from a past settled fight. The fur on her neck tensed but there were nothing behind the corner. Just a long dusty hallway and that was it. But she stopped, the floor had many scraping footsteps that swirled the dust and left darker spots. The others must have been here, so much Sarah figured. Why the door at the end of the hallway was locked she couldn't understand.
"Why didn't they open this?" She whispered while trying to push it with her shoulder.
After a minute Sarah went outside again. No one was inside the building. Although she was certain something moved behind the locked door. Though in the haste she excused herself and blamed that on sleep deprivation. The next building was a large, made of concrete and stood like a mighty cube. Design was one of the militarys stronger points. She passed a steel door that swayed on its hinges, the lock had been destroyed with gunfire, which only made her question even more why the locked door before still remained so. Sarah went inside and peered through the solid glass panes viewing the workshop. It was flooded by the last red light of the day shining through one of the open ports. Nothing but rusted vehicles, workbenches and old moldy papers that stuck together on the greasy floor. "Hello!" Sarah shouted with force, but nothing more than rytmic drip drops were heard. She glanced at the roof, icicles had formed in the cold and damp room.
Just as her shoulders droppped and she stopped listening for a response footsteps were heard just outside. Sarah recognized the scent, it was Ip. She stepped out of the building and waved at him. With a quick glance towards the vehicles she saw that Himawari was gone.
-
Nova listened to the others present their opinions. He was about to say that indeed they should probably search elsewhere for some way to get the door open when Luke burst out angrily in front of him, then froze, then began apparently looking for something along the blood covered walls of the hallway. He went over to Luke in confusion, clearly missing whatever it was that he was searching for. "Luke," he said with a slight chuckle, "what are you doing?" While he was waiting for a response he turned to Katelyn and Warren and said, "You two go on and see if you can find a terminal or something somewhere else, I'm gonna stay here for a second."
----------
Ip was running towards the convoy when out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure waving at him. He turned and noticed that it was Sarah flagging him down. "Good," he thought, "I need to tell her about everything, she doesn't know yet..." He changed course and jogged over to her. "Sarah!" he exclaimed as he drew closer, "I'm glad to see you, you need to come with me now. We're in danger and we don't have time for me to explain it right here, so come with me to the convoy and I'll tell you on the way!" He motioned for her to follow and almost began to run back the other way, before remembering that she had beckoned him over. With a faintly embarrassed smile he looked back at her and said, "Hehe, and you can tell me, what was it you waved me over for?"
-
Sarah looked back and forth, dividing her attention between Ip and Himawari's now empty vehicle. When Ip finally came close enough she sighed and looked dead center into his eyes. "I've been looking for you!" She thought slightly of what she said. "No not only, you, I meant all of you, never mind." Again she breathed and glanced over her shoulder. "There's something wrong with Himawari, and I went to look for you and..." Sarah sighed with irritation "...and now she is gone."
Ip's word gnawed in the back of her head. We're in danger, from what? Thought we were supposed to be safe here.
-
"Wait a minute, Himawari is gone?" Ip felt extremely uneasy now, Himawari was out of her element here. "Well Nova's with several of them inside that building there," he gestured towards the hulking concrete cube, "There's a vault inside that should have weapons we can use to protect ourselves. If only we can figure out how to open it." He looked shiftily around and started fidgeting, Nova had sent him to get the others inside, he didn't have time to dilly dally here. "I know I'm probably confusing you, but come on, you need to come with me inside, the others will follow later." He turned and ran over to his car in the convoy then, and with renewed determination ushered all of the rather concerned looking non-fighting furs into the building. The whole time he was thinking of where Himawari could possibly have gone, what Nova and the others were up to, when they would all be overrun by super Consumers... If it weren't for the task at hand he probably would have been entirely overwhelmed. When he was sure that everyone was safe for the moment inside the lobby, he went up to Sarah again, slightly out of breath. "Alright," he said, "I suppose I should explain..." just then it hit him. Everyone was accounted for except... Jave. He looked at Sarah with a puzzled expression. "Say, you've been looking around for people, and Nova said it's my job to make sure they're all here, so... have you seen Jave around?"
-
"Eh..." Sarah stuttered for a second and dragged her feet across the snow. "Jave, well he warned me about Himawari..." Sarah took a moment to think about her actions, if she went overboard. No, she acted accordingly to standard procedure, if a seemingly delusional captive runs towards you shouting, you lock that seemingly delusional captive away. "..But he was shouting and running all over the place so I had to lock him away to keep everything calm." Sarah stared at Ip's puzzled expression and sighed.
"He's in the trunk of my car, no broken bones, I promise."
-
"In the trunk of your car?!" Ip shouted and put his hands on his head. "Why did you think- you know what, fine, let's just get him out of there." He ran as fast as he could over to the car, skidding and nearly falling over backwards on the wintry ground as he tried to stop by the trunk. With a face contorted by a mix of embarrassment, confusion, and panic, he flung open the trunk door to peer down upon a very scrunched-looking ocelot inside. "Hey," he said quickly, "sorry for uh, what Sarah did to you, but you need to come with us inside, now!"
-
Nova listened to the others present their opinions. He was about to say that indeed they should probably search elsewhere for some way to get the door open when Luke burst out angrily in front of him, then froze, then began apparently looking for something along the blood covered walls of the hallway. He went over to Luke in confusion, clearly missing whatever it was that he was searching for. "Luke," he said with a slight chuckle, "what are you doing?" While he was waiting for a response he turned to Katelyn and Warren and said, "You two go on and see if you can find a terminal or something somewhere else, I'm gonna stay here for a second."
Katelyn raised up her hand pointing at the door replying, "Nova... If it does open from a terminal, then we need power, and it doesn't look like any of these computers ran in a long time... If there is a back up generator here, we can syfin some gass from the cars or grab a few gass cans I saw in the garage, it might not be enough, but it will get some power going for an hour or two while we search for working computers."
-
Jave laid in fetal position and twirled his whiskers, gaping upon the large shadow that stood above him. He dragged his knees closer to his stomach before the shadow shrank and revealed a more timid wolf named Ip.
"I didn't do anything! She attacked me!"
Sarah shouted from a distance "You little brat!" and made her way over to the trunk, lightly pushing Ip out of her way and then dragged Jave down to the ground.
"I have rights, I have rights!" Jave proclaimed as his face was being pushed down into the snow. After a minute he relaxed and felt Sarahs grip loosening and eventually he was allowed to sit up. He hissed away flakes of snow from his snout and looked sternly down. He breathed deeply. "I am calm now..."
Sarah extended a paw and helped him up from the cold soil and then turned towards Ip saying. "All settled, we'll follow you."
-
Nova listened to Katelyn and nodded. "That seems like a good a plan as any," he said. "If you can find all the gas or materials we need to do it then I'll be happy to help in any way I can." He was feeling slightly more confident now that they at least had a plausible course of action, and was able to express the more charismatic attitude he was used to showing off without feeling too tense. Still though, he knew the danger that they were all in, and that something had to be done fast if they were to survive. Part of him wondered why they hadn't been overrun already...
----------
Ip watched the proceedings in a kind of helpless confusion, wondering if he should intervene to prevent Jave from getting hurt. It seemed like Sarah meant no true harm though, so he let the situation play out until everyone was settled enough to act like reasonable individuals. When they were ready he led them past the now lonely and empty cars and into the imposing building, where there were many others looking somewhat dazed but overall relieved to be in shelter. He knew that he should probably inform them to the danger they were apparently in, but he was never a very good public speaker. He also wondered if Nova wanted him to tell everyone and potentially cause panic when he wasn't physically around to subdue them. Instead of standing there awkwardly any longer he turned to Sarah and Jave and said, "I've gotta go speak to Nova quickly, I suppose you two are, er, in charge here or something until I get back." Without waiting for them to protest or even really acknowledge they had heard, he was out the door and bolting across the base to the concrete cube where Nova was.
-
Sarah sipped in air through closed teeth. She smiled at Jave, to sign that there wouldn't be any more trouble. "I just really hope everything is okay, the others seems so worried." Sarah spoke out, mostly to herself. Jave lifted an ear in curiosity.
She turned around "Hey, I'm not going to apologize for beating you up, and locking you in.. and... burying you in the snow."
"And pointing your gun at me" Jave added.
"Shut up and help me check out that everyone here is still fine." Sarah hissed.
-
A green jacket with the initials HH and some holes in it danced across the wind, and flew towards the fort. It entered one of the buildings and rested on the floor.
Somewhere in the distance a small figure appeard from behind some snowy hills and ran towards the base, limping.
Upon a closer look, it was a female human. Her clothes were all scratched and she had some wounds, which were bleeding. her skin was turning a grey blue, probably due to cold. Her black hair was all messed up.
It was Himawari Hyde and she was running for her life. The moment she was in the large group of Consumers the voice had overtaken her again, for a moment. Then she started hesitating on her plan. The voice sensed that and not benig strong enough to keep her under controll, it decided to leave Himawari to her fate with the Consumers.
The Consumers felt something familair inside of Himawari, but as soon as it decided to take a step back, they didn't hesitate to attack, scratching at her face and entire body. Some wounds so deep, she wasn't sure if she would even make it to the base. But she had to try.
She was almost there, when something had caught her leg, making her trip. It grabbed on to her back, so she squirmed out of her jacket. This gave her some time to run farther while the thing was keeping itself busy with the jacket. Once it realised Himawari wasn't in it, it threw away the jacket, making it fly away on the wind towards the base.
She saw the vehicle she drove with and tried to reach it, but just collapsed a few feet from it when something was tugging at her ankles. She looked back and saw a huge and disgusting monster smiling at her, growling. She kicked it in the face and tried to crawl away, but it quickly recovered and grabbed her leg again.
She screamed, feeling the last bit of her energy leaving her body. She had gone on for too long in the freezing cold.
-
Katelyn nodded once more and turned down the hallway planning on fetching the gass cans she saw early. Once in the main room she was a bit surprised to see so many furrys packed into a small room, it was crowded but oddly warm. Running a hand down her cheek she sighed softly and made her way outside just as she heard a blood curdling scream.
Her ears went erect instantly as she looked over to where the scream came from. It began to snow lightly now, small snow flakes drifting down towards the earth. Reaching over her back with her right hand she gripped her rifle and with her left, un-slung her rifle. Blinking a few times to get her eyes used to the whiteness. In three heart beats she raised her rifle up to her eye, peering through her high power scope and began to scan the surrounding forests.
Movement... Lots of movement, but there was something else.. Focusing on the shuffle she saw Himawari in the snow with one of the massive consumers on her heels. It was a blurred image, and there was brush in the way, but she had to take the shot. Lining up the cross hairs she flicked the safety off and fired. In a loud crack anyone would of been able to hear the projectile from her sniper rifle went forth, through a link in the fence, through the underbrush, and right through the skull of the consumer, obliterating anything from the shoulders up. Standing and shooting caused her to get the breath knocked out of her as she stumbled back, her arms felt a bit woozy from the jarring and the lack of preparation, but she hoped her shot was true, for Himawari's sake.
-
After scanning the immediate area one last time, Nova went after Katelyn to help her with her objective. It was then that he heard the scream, followed soon after by a deafening gunshot that he recognized as Katelyn's rifle, and bolted outside in alarm to investigate. He saw Katelyn looking staggered there in the snow, and in front of her in the distance he just made out one of the hulking consumers getting its head blown off and crumpling to the ground. In front of it lay an indistinct figure, he couldn't tell exactly what it was, but it looked an awful lot like Himawari and the fact that it was right next to her car confirmed that assumption in his mind. Drawing his weapon, he swore savagely as he noticed all the commotion coming towards them. Just as Harold had said, they were under attack in massive numbers now and these were clearly no ordinary adversaries. "Nova!" He heard from behind him, and turned to see Ip looking his usual timid self times about a million sprinting towards them. "Nova, what's going on, they're attacking us aren't they?" he said in a quivering voice. "I had just come over to-" Nova cut him off angrily with a wave of his blade. "It doesn't matter what you were doing, because right now you're gonna shut up and listen to me!" He glanced quickly between Ip, Katelyn, and the bunker where Luke and Warren still were. With a furious shake of his head he screamed out, "Goddammit it doesn't matter! No time for plans! All of you get inside the main building with the others, prepare your weapons, do something!! I'll retrieve Himawari, don't worry about me, just run!" He took off then, sprinting as fast as he could towards Himawari's body.
Through the blowing snow he saw the horde advancing on their position, a couple other particularly aggressive Consumers going straight for what the now decapitated one had started. Nova knew his gun was nowhere close to the caliber of Katelyn's but hoped it would be at least effective in holding them off while he rescued Himawari. As they closed in, he fired off several shots at each of them and watched as the force of the bullets impacting their flesh sent them staggering backwards. Feeling empowered, he lined up one more shot for each as he reached Himawari and attempted to drive a bullet between their eyes. To his dismay, though each shot was true and sent the monsters on their backs, it was clear by their blood curdling shrieks that they were nowhere close to dead. He didn't wait to watch them recover, instead he grabbed Himawari's freezing limp body with his left arm, wincing from the pain of the wound in his straining shoulder and jogged towards the main building. He could feel blood running down his arm and knew it was not his own; it was the only warmth emanating from the woman now. He hoped the others had made it inside and were faring better than his human friend, apparently barely alive and leading on a colossal mass of what surely were the most horrifying creatures ever to walk the Earth.
-
Once Katelyn got her breath back she looked to her left watching as Nova ran from the armory beside her. Pointing wordlessly she wasn't sure if he trailed her finger or not, but he found Himawari well enough in the snow. Looking behind herself she saw IP walking up as well and stayed silent through the conversation, simply darting her eyes back and forth before more movement caught her eye. Watching Nova run off again she provided fire support, shooting off three more rounds, sending the loud crack to echo off of the surrounding woods, but this time she fired from a kneeling position and was able to take the knock back much better. Lowering her rifle she took a mental note of how much ammo she had left, and where on her belt she kept spare clips for use. Looking back at IP she said, "IP, I need to stay here and take out as many as possible before they get too close, Im sure it will scare them off until they think of a way to attack without losing so many, or before they gather there numbers, I need you to get the gass cans from inside the garage and take it to the armory-" Katelyn then went into detail as fast as possible, where they where, to look for a generator inside the armory, and to find what computers turned on and see if he could round up others to check each one that still worked to open the vault door. "Did you get all that IP, You need to hurry, I only have so many rounds."
-
"Ok!"Ip yelled over the blast of gunfire. There was a rush of adrenaline, everything seemed to be falling apart. He sprinted through the corridors and rooms without looking back, focused on only finding the gas cans. Bursting through the garage door, he immediately started scanning the sides of the room. "Gas cans. Gas cans." Ip felt himself jump with adrenaline at the sight of a few gas cans in the corner. Quickly he grabbed one gas can in each hand and ran back down the corridor to the entrance "Hey! You coming with Katelyn?" he yelled before he sprinted into the armory. "Guys! I got gas for the generator, we have to do this quickly. They're coming for us." He came to a halt, almost dropping the cans as he put them down to open them up. "Ready?"
-
Katelyn's ears perked up darting behind herself from the sound of IP's voice. Standing up she lowerd her rifle after finishing off a clif. Pulling back the bolt she locked it into place and flicked off the lock, sliding out the clip and sliding it in her belt. Next to it was another one, fresh and ready for use. Sliding it into position she locked the clip and slid the bolt, loading the shell. Nodding towards IP she followed him towards the entrance of the armor where she stood at the door, scanning the area of death. "We need to find the generator and fill it, hopefully it still work." Swallowing lightly she lowerd her rifle so the barrel pointed down to her left. Lifting her right hand she started pointing at people at random, the ones that looked to be fitter then the others. "You you and you, down that way, you you and you, down the other-" She said, gestering to crouds as furrs began moving about eh building, looking through rooms, closets, and basements for the backup generator. "God I hope we find it in time..." She said after the last search group went off. Turning to look back outside she looked around once more, keeping guard while the others searched.
-
Nova pressed on with the thunderous claps of Katelyn's rifle echoing behind him, holding Himawari against him as best he could as he neared the entrance to the lobby. Without a backwards glance he flung the door open with a grunt and stepped inside the room now occupied by a good deal of the non-armed furs, Jave, and Sarah. He went over to a desk and propped up Himawari against it- she was alive, but she didn't look so good. Scratched, bleeding, and apparently very cold since her jacket was nowhere to be seen, she resembled a freshly-killed corpse more than a breathing human. All the medical supplies he had brought were still in his humvee, and there was no way he was going back out there now. He would never be able to make it out and back without being overrun. When he had first run out of this building after meeting Harold, he thought he remembered glancing Jave with Himawari in her car as he ran past the convoy. Maybe he could at least shed some light on what had happened to her. Nova walked up to him looking very exasperated and said, "Hey, as you can see, she's not doing so well. If I recall correctly you were the last one to speak with her, before she just... ran off and came back leading on an entire horde of those things. What did she say to you? Was she acting alright? Do you have any idea what possessed her to do what she did and nearly get herself killed?"
-
Jave stumbled in awe of the authority and sternness in Nova’s voice. “There was… she… she told me.” He felt his throat choking up, eyes staring and stuttering on the last word. Trying to catch any details from his and Himawari’s conversation, but it was scattered in the surrounding confusion. Outside there had been screams, gunshots and now all of a sudden Himawari is carried in here, bleeding and unconscious, or even dead. “She told me, and I’m not sure I remember correctly it was all… sorry” he had spoken to quickly and again stumbled off. “She told me that there was a voice talking to her, something about that she didn’t have much time left, what happened to her?”
Sarah was in chock but she couldn’t let any of her emotions show through while she was keeping the crowd calm. Everyone was anxious and it was showing, the other furs tensed as if they wanted to run away the young ones grabbed arms of the older others shook their heads in denial but most of them simply looked at her in despair, silently asking: what now? And she didn’t know the answer. After glancing she saw Himawari leaned against the table, seemingly unconscious, or even dead. If it was the former then just maybe she could help.
-
Himawari was unconscious, but she did not know this. In fact, she was dreaming, but she thought she was still running away from the Consumer, trying to kick it in its face. The Consumer stood up over her and grabbed her. She tried to scream, but she had no voice. In panic, she tried to hit it hard.
She then remembered her backpack was still in her car. She had left it behind.
Himawari tried to squirm her way out of the COnsumer's grip and opened the door. She grabbed the bag and got her pocket knife. When the Consumer grabbed her leg again, she turned her body around and stabbed it in the eye. It growled and staggered back, letting go of her.
She rushed towards the compound, but saw no one in any of the buildings. She tried to call out everyone's name. Nova, Jave, Sarah, Katelyn, Ip. But she couldn't even make a single squeek.
Confused, she stood against a wall hopelessy.
What could she do next?
In the meantime, her unconscious body started to get warmer. Not because of the somewhat warmer inside of the building. Her body was getting feverously warmer and sweat startedto form on her skin. She was also now breathing heavily, as if she was having trouble breathing.
-
A feeling of dread came over Nova as he remembered the conversation he had with Himawari just before leaving the HQ. Even though that was just over a day ago now, it felt like an age. She had warned him that something like this may happen around consumers, and these were no ordinary consumers at that, so who knew what they could be doing to her. Nova clutched his forehead with one hand and then looked up at Jave. "What's happened is that she appears to have gone out and actively contacted the consumers, and led them back here, but she was attacked in the process." he said. "She had told me that she has some special kind of... bond or connection with them and that stuff might happen to her, but I never thought it would be this bad." He looked over at where Himawari lay again, and was startled to see her gasping and heaving, sweat pouring from her brow even though she should have been hypothermic. At the same time he heard the furious roar of the consumers he had injured outside the door of the building and knew they'd be able to break in easily. "Jave! Sarah! Defend that doorway," he yelled, "keep them off of us as long as you can, barricade it if you have to, but I need to see if I can get through to Himawari! If she communicated with them once, maybe she can do it again..." He got down on his knees next to her and cupped her chin in his hands, turning her head so she would be looking right at him if her eyes were open. He shook her shoulder with his other hand and spoke forcefully, "Himawari, are you there? It's Nova, please, wake up! Talk to me now, come on we don't have much time goddammit! Wake up!!"
-
Something warm encased the lower part of her head. She lifted her hands to touch her own face and try to feel what was happening. When she realised she was dreaming, she let out a gasp and was so relieved. Nova and others weren't gone, they were still here. She was just trapped in the dream.
And, once the realisation came, she was able to open her eyes and saw Nova's face immediatly. She was kind of startled by this, as she didn't expect the furry wolven face to be right in front of her.
She held Nova's hands. They were nice, fluffy and warm.
Himawari let her hands drop and blinked her eyes a few times. The cold started to get to her again and she realised she had been sweating and that she wasn't wearing her jacket anymore. It stunned her a bit to find out she still survived the devasating cold with what she was wearing.
"Nova? How come I'm still -" She stopped, realising by the sounds coming from outside that there were bigger problems. Not only that, but her plan didn't exactly work out as she planned. Then again, she knew that the moment she tried to run away from the Consumers.
The question 'What's going on?' would also be irrelevant, as she knew what was going on. Because she couldn't think of any 'useful' questions, she decided to just look questionably at Nova and wait for him to speak. She had no idea what else to do.
-
Nova's eyes widened as he saw Himawari begin to wake up. She looked scared and confused, as if she was having trouble differentiating reality from whatever she had been experiencing unconsciously. She said a few words and then just sat there in somewhat expectant stunned silence, so Nova spoke again. "Oh, thank goodness you're awake, and alive more to the point. As you're obviously aware we've got a massive problem on our hands. I don't know what the hell you did, but from what Jave said to me I'd guess that other... part of you... took over or something. If you can remember, I need to know what you communicated to them. Even better would be if you could do it again and somehow get them to stop coming after us, at least for the moment. We're trapped here, Himawari, and you're the only option we have other than trying to fight them and praying for a miracle." He was getting upset and he knew it, not at Himawari as she assumedly had no control over what she did, but at himself for getting everyone into this mess. At how he had taken it upon himself to lead these people and now had utterly no control over the situation. At how all their fates potentially rested in the hands of a human, albeit one he trusted greatly, but a human nonetheless, and that he had no idea what would happen next.
-
Himawari shook her head with slight anger. Not directed at Nova, but at herself.
"I was stupid to think I could controll it and help you. Your group." She paused for a brief moment and lokoed around. She missed her backpack, or to be more precise: her father's pocketknife. It was probably still in her car.
She tried to stand up, her legs shaking. She collapsed quickly on the ground. She cursed a few words silently. Himawari didn't like being so weak.
"You're weak."
She could hear the voice speak to her.
Himawari remarked to it without anyone letting hear what she was saying: "You just showed me you are no stronger than me." She grinned fleetingly.
Once she regained some more strength she stood up again and leaned against the desk.
"I could try. Though I'm not sure this will work. But if it does and anything goes wrong with me..." Himawari hesitated. "You just consider me as one of them, allright?"
-
Nova watched with concern as Himawari struggled to stand up. She seemed to be fighting more than just her physical weakness, as if she was wrestling with some inner forces he had no concept of. She was finally able to stand up on her own, but with much difficulty. "What... what do you have in mind?" he asked hesitantly. Then he grimaced to himself, it didn't matter what she had in mind, whatever it was had to be better than nothing. "Actually," he said with a sigh, "you don't have to bother... explaining or anything. But I don't want to have to kill you, how will I know if something is 'going wrong?' You're clearly not yourself when being influenced by the consumer side of you, and I don't know what it even really looks like!" He could hear the monsters outside getting closer, angrier. The fact that he found himself caring so much for the life of this clearly severely affected human was rather distressing to him. He never left one of his own behind, always did everything he could for those in his resistance, but there comes a point when an individual may have to be sacrificed for the good of the group, and she wasn't even a fur... And yet he didn't want anything to happen to her. He had a feeling that they were going to need her far beyond the present moment if they were to survive here.
-
Ip stood up, looking around at all the furs looking around for the generator. He looked back, in front of him there was a large metal storage unit. "Looks promising" he said to himself. Without delaying any longer he placed his paw on the handle, it was so slightly warmer than it should have felt. It should have been freezing cold due to the lack of heating and it being metal. Something wasn't quite right. Nether the less he opened it up and inside was a decent looking generator. "Wonderful. Hey guys! I found it!" Letting the others know, there was no time to get it out and just poured in the gas. Pulled the ignition, and it began to rumble.
-
It was with fleeting steps and a heavy heart that Sarah took her eyes from the unarmed furs, holding both her paws up and doing her best to calm them down before she turned around. She walked beside Jave and whispered in his ear "Is this what you tried to tell me about Himawari?" Jave nodded. She rested her paw on his shoulder as a silent apology. The end seemed to be closing in, it seemed best to close any untied strings.
Sarah went up beside Nova and Himawari, she felt sorry that she never had the time to get to know them better and once they acknowledged her presence she was ready to speak, but swallowed her words. How could they be helped if she had almost given up herself, this wasn't like her. But this wasn't like the other times either, now their leader stood trembling, and she had no idea what was going on outside.
She searched for the words again, looked at Nova, Himawari and Jave and breathed "Hey...we're going to make it. This isn't when our story ends."
-
Himawari looked up when she heard Ip's voice. She was partially relieved, however, she knew she still needed to be some kind of decoy in order to make sure the others could get to safety.
Running her trembeling hand quickly through her hair, she looked at Nova, Jave and Sarah, and said: "You guys find some place safe. I'll... see what I can do."
Without looking back or listening to what anyone might say, Himawari walked to the door and went outside. The Consumers soon let their eyes fall on her and started to rush towards her. She closed the door behind her and ran off.
"You think you will survive?" The voice laughed.
"I will..." Himawari replied.
"Ha! How?"
She hesitated for a brief moment. "With your help."
"You think I will help you?"
"No," she said quickly, "But you can and will save your own self being if given the chance. I know you tried to kill me. Us. Back there, but think reasonably. If you would have succeeded, then you would have brought about your own demise."
She could feel the thing inside of her think.
Behind her, the Consumers were closing in on her fast. Himawari was getting nervous. If she had to die, so be it. Rather kill the thing inside of her along with her than let it live, but she had to give the others a chance of survival.
"Fine," it eventually said, "But you'll be mine from now on."
Himawari blacked out and felt a warm and comforting darkness envelop her.
-
Nova gasped as Himawari jumped up and dismissed them all, glaring at her as she marched out the door to greet the approaching horde. Her apparent lack of concern frustrated him, but he was astonished to see them all start chasing after her. He knew it would be fruitless to pursue her, and she was buying them more time after all, so he merely stood in stunned silence as she disappeared from view. He had heard Sarah speak behind him but had no words to say back. Instead he announced over his shoulder as he too marched defiantly out the door, "If there's a time to act it's gonna be now. I hope Ip and Katelyn found something over in the garage... we need to get that vault open and fast." Normally he would have liked to give an order or command at that point, but he saw no point in it. They were beyond any sort of orderly structure. Until he remembered... He whipped around and stuck his head back inside the door to the large main building. "Sarah! Jave! All of you! Get to the convoy and grab all your stuff from your vehicles! Weapons, ammo, medical supplies, anything we can use, take it and bring it inside!" he yelled, before darting off once again to the garage, hoping desperately to find that some progress had been made on opening the vault.
-
Luke scrambled around the vault, desperatly trying to find some way to open it. As time wore on, eventually he started shooting the door, but all he accomplished were a shallow bullet wound on his leg and wasted ammo. After what felt like hours, Luke slumped against a wall, defeated. Are you giving up, love? said a voice. Luke sat up and looked around, searching for the source of the voice.
Oh, come on, Luke. You know it's me. Then Luke understood. It was Daniel...but only in his head. "Great," he said out lout to no one in particular, "I'm talking to a ghost."
You'll figure it out, love. It's in your blood.
Luke tilted his lupine head in confusion. In his blood? What the devil did that mean?
He glanced over at the wall again, thinking hard. He heard rapid paw steps growing near, and he looked to see Nova, running toward the vault.
-
Nova ran up to the garage panting lightly and looked around. There were several others, but quickly he identified Ip and Katelyn, Ip bending over what appeared to be some kind of generator. Nova's heart jumped with the sudden sign of hope as he went over to examine the situation. "You found a generator!" he exclaimed. "Excellent work, but have you found what it powers? Any computers or terminals or anything? We haven't got much time, the consumers will leave us alone for the moment but..." he found himself getting slightly choked up suddenly, at the thought of their time perhaps being limited only by how long it took the consumes to rip Himawari to shreds. Regaining his composure and coughing once he continued, "In any case, spread out and try to find something. I'll go look back in the armory itself." He turned and started jogging past the garage and into the adjoining bunker-like building, but stopped as he noticed Luke standing by himself against a wall near the entrance. Nova remembered the car ride over, how sullen he had looked, and immediately was concerned again. He walked up to Luke and asked, "Luke, is everything alright? We're fighting for our lives here, I'd really appreciate it if you could aid in the search or something, or at least go over to the convoy and perhaps help retrieve supplies..." He looked over Luke's shoulder into the room behind. "I don't suppose you noticed anything in the bunker huh?"
-
Warren had been standing guard alone in the vault room. His initial search of the building had not been too successful and having lost everyone else, he'd figured the best thing to do would be to be at the vault immediately should any progress would be made. It was a long-short while he'd been there and his sword probably wouldn't last against one of those "super consumers". Especially considering how risky it could be if one of the consumers got into the vault and used whatever was inside.
The sign of progress was however quite blatant as the florescent light bulbs on the ceiling flickered on, revealing the room under a new light. The brown mess of rusted metal and poorly maintained furniture and metal plated walls in the damp contrasted with the pure smooth vault door. Warren's boots were almost orange with the mixture of water, rust dyed mud. The interesting bit came however when a small section of the wall slid open and a terminal slowly pushed out, making it look as though it had always been there, if not for like the vault door, it was also untouched by the neglect that had been brought on by the past years.
Warren would be lying if he said he hadn't been at least a little frightened by this sudden turn of events. He therefore carefully approached the wall terminal as the screen flickered on the black screen to show a wireframe model of the vault door and various information regarding the interaction. Pasted across the screen was a message that conveyed a simple two word command. "Swipe Card".
There was also a keypad and retinal scanner, so Warren assumed that besides needing a key card, you would also need the correct iris print and a key-code. This would obviously require hacking unless there were any still living members with registered access to the vault.
"well damn" Warren said to himself. He knew the retina scanner could be hacked pretty easily if he had a photograph of someone. There was also bound to be a key card that someone dropped. Perhaps it could even be possible to hack the admin computer to register a new user. He ran his paws around the terminal to see if he could perhaps open it up and try hack it from the inside. A few screws undone with one of Warren's multi-tools he kept on him and he carefully removed the front panel to reveal the circuitry. Warren smiled as this showed the terminal to be very out of date and could probably be hacked with a phone. God how he missed the internet.
Warren put the front panel down and made sure that none of the circuitry got damaged and the screen remained in the state it was. He wondered if he could go and find someone to let them know if the development. He also pondered upon whether he could go and look for any broken smart phones or data tablets or even keycards. Or if he should just stay put and wait. If he could hack this now, he could get what was inside and help the others. He looked again at the circuits.
"one of these have to open something..." he said to himself and started searching at least the room for anything.
-
Luke looked up at Nova, trying to clear his head.
"Sorry, Nova, I got...distracted." He turned his head away from Nova, trying to make it look as if he was looking at something. Nova was the only person who had seen past Luke's veneer of calm, cold, and distant. He doubted he could hide anything.
"Daniel...the furson I'm looking for...I heard his voice just now...telling me that the answer was in our blood." He looked back at Nova. "I might become a liability if I can't separate reality and fantasy." Luke shook his head. "But, back to the matter at hand, no."
He kicked a loose rock in frustration, and turned to the vault.
-
Nova folded his arms and looked at Luke sideways. "In... in our blood?" It sounded crazy to him, and although he didn't want to say it, he was increasingly concerned that Luke was indeed becoming a liability. However, now was not the time to start a discussion about sanity or voices in heads... he shuddered remembering that it was Himawari's voice in her head that was keeping them alive right now. "Well in any case," he continued with a slight sigh, "I'm gonna have a look around inside myself. Any help you can give others, as I said, would be uh, welcome... Stay alert, keep your wits about you." With that he dismissed Luke and proceeded into the bunker. Immediately upon entering, he saw Warren scurrying about the newly-energized space, opening drawers and peering under desks with zeal. "What the heck are you doing, Warren?" Nova asked with something of a chuckle as he walked in, as the prospect that perhaps he had found evidence of a way to open the vault was certainly encouraging. "Did the generator activate something useful?"
-
Warren vaguely acknowledged Nova's question and continued kicking a box that was filled with some junk.
"If you can see, the main light it on and a panel on the wall opened that can be used to open the vault. The tech is very outdated and could even be hacked with a phone, keeping in mind no one has really had use of one since the event. Alternatively we could find a keycard and password of someone who had access to the vault, including a photograph to pass the retina scan, keycard access and pin code. Working on this we could even find the administrative computer to register a new user,"
Warren turned around towards nova and stood straight with his paws helf behind his back.
"I could even try short circuiting the board, but that could shut us out entirely... questions?"
-
Nova watched the fox in amusement as he explained his plan. Once he was finished, Nova mulled over the options thoughtfully for a minute before speaking again. "Hmm, finding a keycard with a usable photograph, not to mention all that other information, could be a long shot. You say it could outright be hacked by a phone though? I wonder..." Although she had never said anything about owning one to him, Nova wondered if Himawari carried a phone with her. He knew humans insisted on maintaining such devices even in this world, since they have a tendency to go off on ill-advised adventures and don't have the tracking abilities that furs do. After a minute of staring off blankly into space he said, "I'll be right back, I'm going to go see if Himawari has a phone in her bag that we might be able to use to hack that thing. Great work Warren, see if you can find anything else useful in the meantime!" Immediately he darted back out of the bunker, engaging in a full sprint back across the snowy field towards the convoy.
-
Any trace of long kept innocence was thrown out as Sarah handed a small firearm to one of the young furs. Everyone needed some way to protect themselves; she quickly instructed the young one, not even blinking while doing so. Jave stood two vehicles away, struggling to bend and move around the seats with his burned skin. Bags upon bags were thrown out and crunched against the snow. Movement and cries everywhere.
Jave saw Nova sprinting. He crawled over the gear lever, bending on all four he lost balance and tumbled out. From the ground he shouted "Nova!?" He collected his breath from the fall "What's going on?" Not that he expected an exact explanation of their impending deaths but a thumbs down, well preferably a thumbs up, would be enough.
-
Ip sat down on the edge of the storage unit casually holding his gun. It seemed like no progress had been made on the vault. He wondered what laid beyond the mass of impenetrable matter. Why was the security so high? What could be so valuable to deserve that kind of security? Ip thought for a moment, imagining what could be within the room beyond the vault door. He looked at Warren "You seriously think this will work? I mean, can you even hack something using a phone? Look at that thing, I don't think they would build something like this and use software that can be hacked by a measly phone" He said
-
Nova arrived at the convoy, panting from the excitement even though he was conditioned to not have exerted much energy at all on the way over. He flung the door to Himawari's car opened and dove into it, not physically acknowledging the rather hilariously sprawled out Jave but speaking to him quickly anyway. "What's going on is that we're under attack by a horde of consumers, much stronger than normal ones. Himawari is using that... thing... inside of her to lure them away from us and distract them- AHA!" He found her bag and started rummaging through its contents rather violently. At this point he figured it didn't matter if he made a mess of her stuff. Continuing once again, he said "-distract them and give us time to prepare a defense. We found out what will grant access to the vault, now we just gotta figure out how to get around the security system. Warren thinks-" he gasped as there, sitting tucked in a corner of her bag, was a phone with a touch screen, exactly as were used in the billions just before humanity's collapse. He howled with joy and ducked back out of the car, slamming the door shut behind him with his foot. "He thinks he can hack the system with one of these!" Nova brandished the phone triumphantly above his head. There against the sky, he pressed the power button once, and like a miraculous second sun it lit up in his palm, ready for use. "Haha! I can't believe it... I've gotta get this to Warren now. Continue what you're doing, we don't know what's in the vault, but it never hurts to prepare as much as possible." Chuckling somewhat giddily he gave a parting wave to Jave and sprinted back along the path he had just came from.
Soon he arrived back at the bunker, where Warren and now Ip were still standing around. In he rushed, holding his prize out in front of him gleefully. "Guys! Warren! I've got Himawari's phone!" He stopped just in front of Warren and thrust it into his paws. "It's all yours now," he said with a grin, "so... go work your hacking magic!"
-
Warren jumped as the phone was thrusted into his paws and taking a few wires and usb cables out of his pocket along with his multi-tool, he set to work.
"This vault is horrificly old, and vault systems can be a nightmare to replace so they don't change out side of a software update." He said in response to IP's question.
"It will take me a minute or so, but how it works is that once one of the unlock sequences are passed, it unlocks the next sequence so if you can bypass the key card to unlock the passcode and retina scanner, and then bypass then in theory, you can bypass the safe."
Warren took the phone apart and did his best to wire up the phone to the safe's interface. It was going pretty well and the phone was a smart phone and definitely quite good for the job at hand. He managed to open the safe's system files with the phone's file browser and manipulated them to the extent he needed.
"It's like loading an operating system from the ram to access the locked hard drive." Warren turned to Nova quickly "Just need about 5 minutes"
he turned back to work and smiled.
-
Ip watched Warren get to work, gazing at all the wires. "Ahh that makes sense..." he said as he looked over at Nova to see of he looked as confused as he was. "Hey Nova, you think maybe somebody might be in there? I mean we have the idea of taking refuge in there, maybe some of the original occupants before Harold had the same idea if they had access to the place." He looked back over at the vault door. "I mean they would be stupid not to... just a thought" Ip looked down at his weapon, and was reminded that he no longer had his pistol that he gave to Himawari. "Oh yeah. Hows Himawari doing? I saw her earlier."
-
The Voice had taken over Himawari's body. Her eyes were once again bloodshot. Her teeth a bit mre sharper than before.
It noticed she wanted to get them as far away as possible from the fort. It conjured up a grin on her face.
It didn't feel quite at home in this body. It saw its own species and how it had adapted the body to their 'liking'. It wanted something too like that, but not as vulgar. Now it's not
Once it stopped in the snow, it looked around and saw the horde was standing right behind him.
Himwari saw for a moment that she had succeeded in leading away the horde of Consumers and was glad. She might never see again after this, or talk, or control her own body whenever she wanted, but at least she did what was right in her mind. Which was saving her... friends.
The Voice grew more self-conscious of itself and felt Himawari's happiness and sadness. These experience of emotions weren't of any interest to him and he quickly muffled her back into a state of slumber. No, not slumber... The Voice tucked her back and would mess around with her later. For now, more important issues were at hand.
It turned around and looked slowly through the horde and grinned once again. It started moving slowly towards the fort again, leading the horde after it. It took its time.
-
"I highly doubt anyone's inside," Nova responded. "There are probably no supplies in there, there's no power so there wouldn't be any lights or anything, and it obviously hasn't been opened since the war so whoever could hypothetically be in there would have to be damn near immortal to have survived so long." His brow furrowed as he opened his mouth to answer Ip's question about Himawari. He took a moment before responding, carefully wording his phrases so as not to alarm Ip. "And basically," he said slowly, "Himawari's distracting the consumer horde right now. Protecting us from them. Don't ask me how exactly, because even I don't understand fully. But she was confident and determined... so I wouldn't worry about her." He managed to crack a slight smile.
Nova then turned to watch eagerly over Warren's shoulder as the fox cleverly began his hacking exploits. For the first time since reaching the fort, Nova felt like there was some true hope for them, and his mind wandered to wonderings of what could be behind the mysterious vault door once they opened it. At the same time, Himawari was indeed always in his thoughts... despite his feigned confidence towards Ip, he wondered if she was still alive, and if she was, if she had managed to remain at all sane... Shaking himself violently he snapped out of his mental recession and looked at Warren again, still hunched over the phone. "Hey, how much longer do you think it's gonna be?" Nova said quickly, trying not to sound too much like a whiny little pup.
-
“You’ll soon be safe” Jave lied both to himself and to the nervous wreck of a fur that stood shaking before him. Jave reached for the last bag tucked away under the backseat, his skin stretched and tore against the rusted metal interior. A sickening smell struck his nostrils and he had to hold his breath in disgust, frowning until the bag was grabbed and tossed outside. It was quickly picked up by someone. Jave crawled out, the smell washed away in the cold air. “That’s that!” he yelled on all four, raised one paw from the layers of snow and waved towards the bunker. The nervous wreck hesitantly laid a hand on Jave’s shoulder; Jave gasped violently at the touch and swore with a hiss. “Just go.” He said. The other furs plodded through the snow, the collected mutter of clanking gear soon turned silent.
The air had gone clear and quiet, you could doubtless see for miles if elevated high enough. It would have been eerily calm though, to have storm and thunderous lightning instead. It would simply have resonated better with Jave’s pulse. This nightly silence did nothing but thicken the already choking clump he felt in his throat. Now the smell appeared again, it dried his mouth and watered his eyes. For a short moment a chilling wind dragged along, the utmost layer of snow was peeled off and swirled over the ground. Their touch felt like small grains of sand. The smell disappeared.
Jave’s leg made a great effort to disobey him. It was with heavy limps that he followed the flattened path towards the bunker. His furs had already entered; he could hear Sarah and her group just behind in the dark. It wouldn’t be harmful to rest a minute here outside. Wait for everyone; just take a moment to make sure all is fine. Jave leaned against the wall of the bunker and began nodding. The wind turned stale and a putrid stench overwhelmed his senses. Jave covered his mouth before violently coughing up bile. It ran through his fangs and fingers as small threads that slowly stretched to the ground. Through teary eyes he now understood where the stench came from.
From his arms and chest blood kept pouring down, sticking close to charred skin on its slow decline. Several burn injuries had opened up, some infected and reeking with a nauseating smell of pus. Sarah’s group passed by, they all looked horrified. Scared of the blood drenched, stinking, mutilated, burnt freak that were seconds away from crying.
Sarah grabbed one of the furs by the neck. “Go inside and tell Nova that I and Jave will come inside soon.” No one moved. Sarah dug her claws in and raised her voice. “I said go, everyone!”
-
Warren didn't even hear Nova as he asked how much longer. There was however a little countdown timer running in Warren's head. He found it fun to do those things in memory of how many old operating systems such as Windows would have the timer that never tells a god estimated time. The countdown was however fluctuating somewhere between 5 seconds and 5 minutes.
Warren finished editing one particular file that should, when executed, unlock the vault. He restarted the terminal and waited as it started up.
"It's just starting up, then it should let me unlock the vault door" he said stepping back to stretch from hunching over for the past 10 minutes. His spine wasn't the strongest bone in his body. The progress bar was going pretty slow considering how fast it started up last time. Then again it was running hastily compiled data strings. It's not like he didn't know what he was doing.
"Just give it a minute" he said, turning around to nova with arms crossed and smile showing. He took this opportunity to glance at everyone briefly to see any sign of a smile before quickly tuning back to the terminal and knocking the terminal with his paw.
Almost as if in a work of fiction, the screen flickered on and Warren tapped the enter button on the key pad and a loud humm could be heard throughout the room as ancient mechanical gears turned and an unlocking noise could be heard from the vault.
"Excelent," Warren exclaimed "let's just hope nothing is jammed".
He turned to the vault and watched as it creaked from being stuck in it's dormant position.
-
Nova gasped and put a paw up to his mouth in astonishment. "My god you've done it Warren!" he said breathlessly as the massive metal door swung open to reveal the vault's mysterious contents. It was pitch black for just a second, and then all the lights came on at once, illuminating the chamber within. It wasn't actually as large as Nova had thought it would be. The roof of the room was curved, so the shape of the vault's interior was half of a cylinder on its side, like an old traffic tunnel. It was no more than 50 feet long. Its contents were even more surprising. Lined up on each side were 5 robots of some kind, each plugged in to a terminal. They were about as tall as an average person, apparently used two tank treads to move around, and had a massive sensor bank where the "head" would be as well as two types of guns for arms.
Nova's eyes widened as he approached the machines and ran a paw over their immaculate silver surfaces. "What the heck are these..." he wondered aloud as he walked behind one of the terminals, all of which had lit-up touch screens on them and a control panel with a joystick. "And why are they locked up in here, they look like they've never been used..." He pressed a button on the touch screen marked "main startup sequence." Immediately there was a series of whirring and clicking noises, and the robot in front of him detached itself from the terminal, spread its "limbs," and stood there like a dog awaiting command. "Gah!" Nova shouted as the thing unfolded itself from its docking station and simultaneously a panel opened in the side of the square block of the terminal facing him. Inside was a kind of helmet with a visor, which Nova picked up and stared at. It was clearly intended for human use only as it made no accommodations for his ears or muzzle, but he could see from the images being projected on the inside of the visor that it was meant as a means to remotely control the robot. He glanced at the control panel then and noticed an option labeled "operational method control," which he pressed, instantly deactivating the helmet and instead putting all the info on the screen in front of him. "Haha, that's better." He said as he examined the screen.
Several numbers and measurements were being shown that he didn't understand, but there was enough that he did to make him shiver with a mix of fear and excitement. Among the central targeting reticule, charge gauge, and sensor settings were weapon indicators: "MG: Ready" on the left and "RG: Ready" on the right. Glancing at the long, sleek contraption on the robot's right arm combined with "RG" confirmed a suspicion in Nova's mind: These combat bots were equipped with railguns. The existence of hypersonic projectile weaponry such as this was hinted at during the war, but had never been confirmed. The race to develop it successfully had been a mini cold war in itself, as the implications of it were tremendous. Ultimately it had actually been deemed a WMD, in an attempt to dissuade countries from researching it and introducing it to the already unparalleled conflict. Of course, the war reached apocalyptic proportions without the help of railguns, but that would explain the state of these bots. They were probably kept locked in here as a last resort, to be used only in desperate situations because there would be massive outcry if the public heard about them. Nova wondered if the military itself even knew if they were safe, or if he would be in danger of evisceration the moment he tried to fire the thing.
Taking a breath, Nova guided the machine off its station using the control panel and watched as it rumbled smoothly over the concrete floor. He saw through its camera eyes as it rolled through the vault door and into the main room. Suddenly overcome with a childish giddy excitement, the kind he might have experienced playing FPS video games as a child while controlling fictional robots like this one, Nova yelled out of the vault: "Hey guys! I know you can see already, but get your tails in here! This... this is something else!"
-
Ip looked at Nova a little questionable of what he said. "Okay.." he felt slightly uneasy as the words "you don't have to worry about her" were said. He wanted to speak but then Nova turned his attention to Warren. Ip went into deep thought, wondering what would become of them? What was to happen next? He knew it wouldnt be easy, nothing was anymore. His thought was interupted by loud clanging of metal, he looked up to see Nova walking down into the vault. He stood up and walked to the edge of the vault entrance "Nova, what are you doing?" He jogged down to see what looked like robots. "W-what? Can we play with the toys later Nova because we need to get everyone in here. And we need to get Himawari" he said sternly. He turned slightly towards to vault entrance again "Nova!" he said loudly but not quite shouting, gesturing with his head towards the entrance.
-
As all the Furs piled into the vault, Luke wandered around, lost in thought. Vaguely, he was aware of Nova playing some sort of game, Ip trying to talk to him, and a wide variety of robots throughout the vault, but Luke couldn't focus. The weight of the sword on his back and the pistols at his hips were forgotten. His thoughts were on Daniel, and the file, which he was perusing as he walked. His file was surprisingly in depth, and as he looked, memories of Daniel flowed through his mind. The file mentioned numerous places where he had been assigned...Assigned where?...and missions he had carried out. One of those locations was...but that couldn't be right, could it?...was here. He ran over to Nova to show him.
-
Nova looked up from the console as Ip started talking to him and Luke ran up from behind. He grew rapidly more annoyed when Ip showed absolutely no interest the things that they had just spent all this time trying to obtain. "Ip are you crazy?!" he shouted, "Look at these things! Here, come over here and see for yourself, these are what we need to defend against the consumer horde! The others are taking care of themselves and there's nothing we can do about Himawari, but you could make yourself useful and start controlling one of these bots." By then Luke was right up in front of Nova and appeared to be holding some sort of papers with great interest. Nova looked down at them and back up at Luke's excited face and asked, "What is this, what did you find?"
-
"Nova," said Luke excitedly, "look at this! Daniel was stationed HERE! He's BEEN HERE!" He stuffed the file into Nova's paws, then waited, watching Nova's expression. In the back of his mind, the rational, cold part of Luke was screaming to put the file away and prioritize. They had been betrayed and he needed to prepare for an attack, but Luke was too focused on Nova's face to care.
-
"Whoa what? Slow down..." Nova said as he had the papers thrusted into his paws. "Daniel? That guy you've been looking for?" He skimmed the pages quickly, flipping through them and glancing at bits of random information. It was indeed the file of someone named Daniel, and his last listed stationed location was indeed Fort Peregrine. Next to this information were the dates of his stays at each base, and furrowing his brow in thought Nova tried to recall exactly what they could reveal... If he remembered correctly, Daniel was to be stationed at this base until well after the war essentially ended and the meteors fell. It was no guarantee in the slightest, but that at least gave Daniel a better chance of having remained in the local area than if he was transferred to a different location before military operations formally ceased. After another few seconds of browsing he smiled and looked up at Luke, who was staring intently at him rather like an extremely hungry puppy, Nova thought. He was slightly startled by his intensity but at the same time it was heartening to see Luke so happy about something. "Well you're right," Nova said as he handed the papers back to Luke. "This is an amazing find, Daniel was stationed here. And I'd bet that this was the last place he ever was, too. Unfortunately... it doesn't bring us any closer to finding him. I mean, he could've gone anywhere, and this file is of course only documenting what he did up until the war ended. I wish I could say something more, but..." he glanced anxiously down at the control console for the robot, "I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. And we have more pressing matters at hand now." He gestured to the rest of the robots, dormant and locked into their stations like tigers hiding and waiting to pounce. "If we survive to see another day, I promise I'll do my best to help you find him."
-
Luke took the file and stuffed it into his bag, happiness and excitment coursing through him. He looked at Nova and nodded, then let the analytical part of his brain take over. He scanned the equipment and moved to a console, then began to type in commands. He was no computer genius, but he was quite adept at hacking systems and giving rudimentary commands. Luke tried to access all of the androids, but the system was more heavily encrypted than he thought. Frustrated, he turned to Nova with a cold, nuetral expression and said, "I'll keep watch. Let me know if there's anything else I can do."
-
The Voice, as it called itself for now thanks to be able to know how Himawari addressed it, was closing in on the fort with the horde following it.
It halted the horde and glared at the buildings.
'Vault'.
The word came to its mind.
It steered Himawari's head to look for the building with this 'vault' and eventually found it.
A couple of Consumers in the horde was getting anxious and started making noises.
"Sush," The Voice gestured to them.
Some of them fell silent, most were still making noises of excitement. It had been a long time since they could actually hunt some prey.
It told the horde to wait with attacking untill he returned. For now, they should try and hide wherever they could. Only one may accompany it to the vault.
After choosing a single Consumer to walk with it to the vault, The Voice started to proceed to the buildings, walking slowly as to oppose no threat. At least not now. It wanted to see the rational capabilities of these beings and was quite interested. The more it got controll of Himawari's body and mind, the more it grew self-aware of itself and wanted to find out all kinds of things.
Perhaps this wasn't a smart move, but would they kill Himawari? The only human they have come to value? If they would threaten to kill him, then he has a whole horde in the back, waiting to attack.
-
Warren Slipped into one of the machines with a grin of accomplishment and grew accustomed to the controls as well as he could. The helmet was indeed a nuisance and so he settled with the screen display.
He'd heard of such powerful machines being made but he'd never actually believed it. The thought of Himawari crossed his mind and the hope she was doing alright.
The machine moved forwards as Warren commanded, a bit to slow for his liking, but it really was better than anything else for now and he'd admit to be having the time of his life being able to steer the machine marvel.
The railgun would do well in a straight line indeed, though the loading time would still have been a bit too slow for his liking though this would easily be made up for with the machine gun.
"This is brilliant!" He shouted like a child on christmas before shutting himself up as who knows what could be lurking around.
-
Sarah tried to console Jave, to her very best but at the end stood with sloped shoulders and a sense of desperation as every touch she gave was met with a painful shudder. She couldn’t even lay a comforting hand on his shoulder without a whimper. Jave gasped, seemingly random his breaths changed between a shallow hiss and deep violent pant, he couldn’t even stand up on two any longer.
“You’ve seen worse, this is nothing; this is nothing bad, nothing bad. Nothing.” Sarah went through a cycle of thoughts to get a hold of the situation. She has experience in medical treatment; she has experience in dealing with shock, and blood and stench. She stopped breathing from her nose to keep herself from becoming nauseous. She bent down to her knees and tried to evaluate Jave’s injuries… In an awful streak of luck most of his burns were located on his back, which was faced up and easily examined from her position. No fur at all was left, just charred skin. Below his left shoulder Sarah saw a burn that had eaten down to the flesh, it had healed very poorly and must recently have opened up since there was a grayish and lumpy secretion running down in a cluster of streams. It was infected; even the common layman could see that.
Sarah began to question whether or not this was her fault, could the wound have opened because of their earlier brawl? When Jave was scraping around in the back of her trunk he could have caused all sorts of damages to his sensitive hide. Her hand started shaking in the thought that she could have been responsible for this and for a moment she carelessly breathed through her nose and started coughing by the smell. Part of her felt the horrible urge to lightly kick Jave in his side; try to get him out of his state of shock so that they could move inside the bunker, inside the vault that hopefully had been opened, it had taken time but now Sarah felt the bitter cold of the outside. Her attempts so far had been of no use, she couldn’t touch nor talk with Jave, nothing got through. She felt her arms shaking out of anxiety. Jave trembled and whimpered, spoke in nonsensical whispers interrupted by quick inhales. Sarah felt even more helpless, soon she would have to drag him inside. The snow was eating down into the bones of her paws.
She skipped a heartbeat. A crunch was heard in the snow. Himawari stood in front of them. A sense relief fell through her chest and she smiled. Then she saw the consumer.
-
Nova nodded at Luke and then turned back to his control panel. Warren's giddiness made him smile, and he had to admit it was pretty damn fun. He accelerated the robot again and drove it out into the open field, expecting to be able to fiddle around with it a bit and get used to the controls. But then, walking across the field towards the bunker, was none other than Himawari... and a super consumer. His stomach dropped. He didn't know whether to feel incredibly relieved that Himawari was still alive, or terrified that she had clearly lost her battle with that inner force as evidenced by the fact that she was still alive. He stopped the robot between her and the bunker, it's two weapons leveled at chest height. "Damn, there must be some way to communicate with this thing!" Nova thought. There appeared to be a built in microphone to the console, so he figured there must be a comm system built into the unit. After a few seconds of anxious glancing around the screen as he watched Himawari and her gruesome companion approach, he found the mic controls. He entered a couple of commands and suddenly a red light appeared on the console next to the screen. He took a deep breath and spoke into it. "Himawari! Or whatever you are! This is Nova speaking. I'm controlling the robot you see in front of you. I know you can hear me and understand what I'm doing. Stop right where you are or I swear I will not hesitate to open fire!" He intentionally neglected to specify exactly who he would open fire on, as he knew that he couldn't just gun down Himawari like that... But the consumer was a different story, and after all, he was the one with the combat capabilities. He hoped that whatever was controlling her didn't sense the weakness in his voice.
-
Ip watched the machines roll out, and took a console for himself. "Seems fairly simple" he said as moved the robotic machine forwards, eventually making its way outside. He squinted at the screen seeing a small figure and something relatively large next to it. The robot was too far away but found a control to zoom in, revealing that it was in fact Himawari. He remembered Nova saying "You don't have to worry about her" and felt a rush of anger. He looked over at Nova who was now speaking into the control. Once he had finished speaking he strode over and gave Nova a little push "Nova, what the hell? You don't have to worry about her?!? That's what you said!" Ip pointed at his screen "Excuse me, but look at this bloody situation! Himawari is one of those things!" He went back over to his console "I guess its too late now, its shame. Because you let her go back out there" he said sternly and took a deep breath afterwards. Ip commanded his robot to aim at the large consumer, but slightly moving it towards Himawari a little.
-
The Voice grinned slightly, almost unnoticeable. Even though the wolf-dragon like creature put up a good show, it was as sure as it could be that the wolf-dragon wouldn't shoot Himawari down. The voice of the wolf-dragon, which it found out thanks to Himawari was named Nova, didn't sound hesitant. Nor were there any other indications that Nova would actually not shoot, but seeing the memories of Himawari talking to Nova made him pretty confident Nova wouldn't want to kill her, let alone in such a cold blooded manner.
It looked at Jave and Sarah for a second and smiled. Those two, especially the state they were both in wouldn't be able to fend off the Consumer it had brought along.
It signaled some gesture to the Consumer, but it didn't do anything. Yet.
"You better stay where you two are," The Voice told the two furs.
It glinstered at Jave for a moment and felt a sudden pain in its stomach and head. It didn't know why and cringed. The Consumer looked at its leader confused, but it moved its hands in a way to show it was all fine.
What the hell was that about? It wondered to itself.
"Me, you idiot." A female voice appeared in its head.
"My, my, Himawari. I thought we had an agreement. I had given you some time, your friends could have left, but they were too focused on getting in the vault."
"You know damn well you're lying. You would have gone after them." Himawari said in an angry tone.
"So you're breaking our deal? I thought you were better than that."
"I know what you're planning on doing with those two, don't you dare."
"Too late, I'm already am. Besides, what got you so worked up about anyways? They're all going to die eventually, one way or another."
Himawari fell silent for a moment. She knew she wouldn't be able to do anything, at least not enough to make a difference.
The Voice continued talking back, but spoke it out too. "Oh... I have a brilliant idea."
Himawari tried to argue and fight back, but she was soon muffled back.
It raised its head to look at Nova, or at least the robot. "Hello Nova, nice to finally be able to speak with you." It paused for a moment and grinned insanely. "I want you to listen to me carefully as well, or else these two..." Pointing at Sarah and Jave, "will be sacrficed by your own hands, whether you wanted to or not. I wonder if you would want to kill your own, your friends, by not just simply listening to me?"
-
Nova barely paid attention to Ip's anger, instead focussing intently on Himawari and the consumer. He didn't doubt that the force controlling her was powerful, but the notion that it could possibly make him, or his robot at least, do anything against his will in this situation seemed absurd. Especially since he had no problem blowing the consumer into the stratosphere. "You may speak," he said forcefully, "And I will listen to what you have to say, but I know that you hold no power over the rest of us. Nor will you ever force me to fire on my friends. You may have a significant numerical advantage over us, but our defenses and our resolve are strong. If you think you can win sheerly through threats and intimidation, I assure you that you are sorely misguided." He kept his finger solidly on the trigger for each of the robot's weapons, ready to engage should he sense that any of his friends were in danger.
-
A loud laugh erupted from Himawari's voice chambers.
"I did not expect that reaction at all, you amuse me, Nova."
It locked its gaze on the robot.
"I mean to say I have these hostages here. They have their own free will, of course, like you do. Do anything stupid right now is very unwise. I do not see you as an unwise being, Nova. Please tell me I am not mistaken in you." It said in a hollow voice, masking out Himawari's voice almost completely.
It waited for Nova's reply. In the meantime it was looking around, thinking more detailed about its plan.
-
Now it was Nova's turn to laugh. "Look at you!" he proclaimed, "Declaring that you're holding anything hostage... I can vaporize your consumer buddy there before he even moves an inch towards my friends. You asked me to listen to you, but you seem to be having an awfully hard time coming up with anything worth hearing. As I said before, I'm fully aware of the size of your army, but standing in front of me as you are I have a hard time believing in the credibility of any of your bluster." As he said these words Nova wondered briefly why he didn't just destroy the consumer right then and there. He really didn't buy into the thing's threats, but he had to admit to himself that he was concerned about the entire horde of enemies inevitably lurking just out of sight in the woods. But surely they would attack regardless of whether or not he kills one measly member of their ranks... His finger curled around the trigger for the machine gun, but he stopped himself. "No," he thought, "I don't know precisely what I'm dealing with yet... let it make the first move." He continued staring intently at the screen on the console, awaiting a response.
-
With three shallow kicks to his side Sarah had gotten Jave’s attention. His chock might have been severe but you easily recover when two mechanized war machines rolls into your field of view. Sarah whispered through her teeth “we’re in a situation here…” Jave, still down on all four looked in horror at the towering consumer standing besides Himawari. “… Can you use a gun?”
Jave whispered back through his teeth “never held one in my life.” Sarah began to unclip one of her pistols from her holster, using the most careful and minute movements she could. “A pistol will drop to the ground, you pick it up.” Her voice got more rash and blotchy, like an old diesel engine. “And then we run and shoot like we’re nuts.” Jave nodded, the nuts part he could do like a professional.
Whatever that thing in Himawari wants, whatever it seeks to achieve with them as hostages, it forgot something. These hostages have guns.
The gun got loose and fell to the ground with a loud crunch. Jave’s last controlled thought wasn’t one of encouragement “I’m going to die.”
-
"I have a propesition to make, Nova. If you even threaten me or do any harm to me or my..." It looked up and down at the Consumer next to itself. "My friend here, you will be putting yourself in even greater danger. You can reason with me, but with these creatures by their own?"
The Voice paused for a brief moment, giving a quick glance at Jave and Sarah. It whispered to them: "I'm not dumb nor deaf. I can hear you too fine. Don't you dare put yourselves in danger. Unless you want to put yourself in a situation where you'll hurt either Himawari or yourselves?"
It looked back up at Nova, the Consumer next to it was getting uneasy.
"If you don't meet my demands every one of you will die. There is a whole horde waiting out there and..." It lowered its voice, "Around the building, underneath it probably too. You are already in danger far more than you could have thought."
-
Sarah stopped dead in her tracks, spun around and aimed her gun towards Himawari and the consumer, unsure of whom to protect herself from. A small heap of snow formed at the end of her feet, she held the gun steadily with two hands, yet the iron sight refused to stop shaking. As did her voice. “Jave” she whispered furiously. “You are still on all four!”
Jave held the other gun loosely in his palm, his mind told him to run and stay at the same time. At the end his legs had the final saying and thusly refused to budge. “I’m sorry” the gun slanted more. “I can’t” and it fell to a bed of snow.
Sarah eyes twitched from left to forth, from forth to right and around all over again. She felt her heart dropping, as if her entire being fell down into an abyss. Her senses darkened for every tear that dripped down into the Snow below Jave, darkened by every quiet whimper that was drowned out by the overwhelming silence between the negotiators. Himawari, if that still was her, she didn’t have the same spark in her eyes any longer. No matter how depressed Sarah had seen her she always had that small resemblance of hope in her eyes. It didn’t matter if it was all faked, it helped many times. It was gone now, replaced with the dried out eyes of a suffocated fish. But what made her feel even worse was the machine that spoke with Nova’s voice. How her leader was now replaced by a pile of mechanized death.
Himawari spoke about them being surrounded. The paranoia set in. Sarah swore she could hear consumers crawling just outside her view. Still aiming at Himawari and the consumer she began to imagine that she would tap her trigger just by her shaking. She loosened her grip, maybe running like nuts would only get them killed. Best hear Himawari’s demands.
-
Nova wasn't sure how much to believe, and how much was just bluffing. They couldn't possibly have gotten the area surrounded, could they? He guessed he didn't really put anything past those super consumers, especially with that internal force of Himawari's at the helm... He looked to the side of the image being shown to him on the screen, saw Jave and Sarah backed helplessly against the wall, and Jave especially was in no condition to fight. If he was quick, he could shoot down the consumer, perhaps incapacitate Himawari, and get into some kind of defensive position... maybe... But he remembered that all throughout his campaign as the leader of this resistance, one of his driving motivations had always been to never leave a fellow fur behind, to work to save as much of his own kind as he could, especially when risking their lives was for such an uncertain outcome. Frustrated, he clenched his teeth and made as tight of a fist as he could around the joysticks controlling the robot, fingers itching to pull the triggers and blow all of these problems away and start an uncontrollable maelstrom of chaos that would eventually end itself for better or for worse but at least it wouldn't be standing here negotiating! But again he saw Jave and Sarah, he saw Himawari, whom he still intended to try and save, and ultimately he knew that he had no right to inflict any more pain upon them.
He dropped his hands and stood back from the console, took a breath, and stepped up again to speak into the mic.
"What do you want?" he said firmly, putting immense effort into making sure his voice didn't tremble or betray weakness. "I won't put my friends in any more danger... so again, if you're going to speak, then do it! But what could I, what could we, possibly do to benefit you? Why don't you just try and slaughter us all where we stand if you're so goddamn powerful!"
-
The Voice was slightly irritated at how Sarah and Jave were still trying to get out of this situation in their own way,
but luckily they seemed to have partially decided to at least let it rest and submit to their current fate.
It smiled when Sarah was shaking her gun at it.
It looked up again at Nova and grinned. "Yes, well, I would prefer if I can take at least one or two of you furry creatures with me. I promise you I will do them no harm. Once I'm done with them, I will release them, meaning I will not kill them either. They can join up with your group if they want to or go their own way after that," it said in an as-neutral-as-possible voice.
-
Luke, hearing raised voices, rushed back into the vault to find Nova arguing with a computer monitor. At first, he thought Nova had finally lost it, then he ralized Himawari was on the other end of the connection. Luke ran over to Nova, concern in his eyes. With paw-signals, he tried to communicate What do you want me to do?
-
Nova shot Luke a dead serious look and held up a finger, indicating he shouldn't try and do anything at the moment. He mouthed the word "listen" and gestured at the screen, so that Luke would know exactly what was going on. Turning back to the mic he said, "You want me to give you some of my own? How can I possibly trust-" he stopped himself, realizing that of course he could never trust the voice, and that any convincing it tried to do had to be taken with a grain of salt. But if the only way to get out of this mess was to merely risk some of their deaths instead of assuring them, then he would have to take that risk. "Fine." he said at length. "You can take them... but only if they consent! If not we will fight you to the end... Now... which ones of us do you wish to take? I should tell you I offer myself willingly if you wish to have me..."
-
"No!" shouted Luke. He instantly regretted it when Nova shot him and silencing stare. But Nova was a leader, and, while a great fighter, that's what he needed to be. So Luke whispered, "I'll go. I can handle myself if...anything happens." He glanced around the room. "They need you, Nova. You can't negotiate with lunatics. Especially HUMAN lunatics."
-
"I suspected there would be a lot of fuss about it, even if I cannot perceive it all what's going on at your side, Nova. Which is why I'll make it easy for you. You have two choices." It looked down at Jave and Sarah, suddenly wondering that it should give itself a proper name. But what kind of name?
It shrugged it off and continued talking to Nova: "Either you let me take these two instead or you choose amongst each other which of you will go. Fight over it for all I care, though it would amuse me."
The Voice looked for a brief moment at the two furry creatures and spoke softly: "I hope you'll consent... For your sake and the others."
It stared towards the robot, waiting for a reply. "Well? What will it be?"
-
Jave clenched his fists, half melted snow dripped between his fingers. His breath was deep and filled both lungs to their aching limit. No exhale, only inner heartbeats that echoed within the chest. For a minute all the worlds thoughts entered and leaved, told their reasoning and calculations, fears and predictions. Then two pillars of air rose from his nostrils, a dense cloud of worries that shot out in one pant. Jave looked at his fists and then closed his eyes.
“I’ll come with you”
Sarah dropped her aim and both shoulders locked themselves in a tense pose. Her eyes dried in the wind as she stared, they soon started to tear up.
“No! You can’t!”
“I can” he answered and gradually stood up, lost balance for a moment, felt nauseous, head started spinning, pain came back, he fell down again. Seconds later Jave tried to stand up another time, but this moment his legs failed him even quicker.
“I can” No one but himself heard those words, they were too quiet. Maybe they were thoughts or whispers, it didn’t matter. The fourth try he found balance and in a second he regained strength and hoisted himself up on both feet with striking ease. Then he noticed Sarah standing beside him, locking his arm around her shoulders, lifting him up.
“We consent” Sarah glared at Himawari.
-
Nova watched in breathless silence as his friends offered themselves to the faceless beast inside Himawari. He felt himself get weak and quivery as he watched Jave try to stand, as Sarah uttered those two damning words, as he stood there willingly holding his fire and letting them be taken away. It took a long time for him to compose himself enough to respond, fighting back an incomprehensible mix of anger, sadness, and guilt. Slowly he said through gritted teeth, "So there you have it you... monster. If that's what they want... take them. Take them now before I change my mind and blow you all to hell!" He was nearly sobbing now, panting heavily and gripping the controls with white knuckles. "And not that it means anything to you soulless fiends, but if you so much as inflict a scratch upon them, if they are anything but wholly intact when you return... I swear I will not rest until I have slaughtered each and every one of you or my brains lie scattered across the earth. Now GO!" He could barely stand to look at the screen any longer.
-
Himawari tried to scream at her companions, tried to stop the thing controlling her to whatever it was planning. But she realised even if she would be able to take back control of her body, they would all be in a more dangerous position.
The super Consumer next to her would most likely attack her and her anthropomorphic friends, seeing as only 'the voice' was controlling it now in some way. Take that away and they would all be doomed. Also every other Consumer under its command would also just do whatever they wanted by themselves if there would be no more higher power leading them.
She couldn't risk that. Himawari had to suffer and make her friends suffer to make the best out of the situation. Everyone here was in some way a hostage.
Another thing what was bothering Himawari was this 'plan' of this thing. She couldn't sense this plan, meaning it was keeping her in lock down from it.
Himawari decided to keep her mouth shut, literally and figuratively.
Maybe in time it will forget she is still around. When needed, she might be able to save her friends when they really need it and circumstances allow it.
"Fine!" The Voice waved its hands around, addressing every anthropomorphic creature. "Then I guess there is no point in arguing amongst yourselves any longer. To be honest, I'm glad this has been worked out so quickly."
It shifted its attention purely on Nova: "Oh they'll be intact when I'm through with them, don't you worry." An eerie smile crept over its face.
Signing the Consumer to help carefully carry Jave, it turned around, starting to walk away. "Don't hurt him, he needs to stay alive. Make him not suffer as much as you can. Sarah, just follow me if you will." It glared while turning its head around a bit to look at her and at the fort behind her.
-
Jave’s mouth shuddered, short uneven breaths that didn’t catch any air accompanied his blank stare at Sarah, and he looked at her as if to say, I didn’t agree on this. The consumer took a couple of long, dragging steps and picked him up, violently until it understood just how fragile these furs were.
Sarah couldn’t do anything but step out of the way and solemnly follow behind the consumer who was now carrying Jave. On one hand she felt the need to turn around, give a guilty look to Nova, and show him how they were doing this for him and the rest. But she chose not to, perhaps not looking back at all was the more cruel thing to do.
Jave’s arms swayed freely above the ground, he could turn his neck just enough to glance at Himawari. Is she still in there?
-
Himawari saw that Jave was hurt pretty badly and was even in a much worse state than when she last saw him. Glancing at Sarah, she could almost feel how pissed off the anthropomorphic creature might be.
Still though, this was better than the alternative.
In the meantime though, 'The Voice' started to come up with a name for itself, but it lacked enough imaginative ability to do so. There were too many names, but all too simple and basic. But perhaps that's just what it needed, a simple, basic name. Easy enough to understand.
It addressed Jave and Sarah while they were still walking, but not looking at them: "Hmm, if I would to have a name, what would it be? I wonder what. Honestly though, could you creatures perhaps mind helping me out here?"
It wasn't only asking because it had trouble coming up with an actual name, but it was also interested in seeing their responses.
While waiting for their response, The Voice kept on talking:
"I must say though, you two gave up pretty quickly. And so did Nova. I was expecting.... more. Somehow a bit more."
It partially glared at Jave, sensing he was looking at him. It saw a tired, but slightly worried look on the furry creature's face. A vile smile crept over its face.