Virgil smiled as they rummaged through the kitchen for food. The cans of beans were good, very good. Even if it wasn't a complete protein, Virgil needed some amount of amino acid in his body. He picked up a few cans and put them into his bag; the extra weight would barely be noticeable.
Virgil continued searching, finding a few tins of canned pineapple and canned peaches. He placed those in his bag as well, and then he heard a thud.
"I didn't hear anything," Virgil responded. "Still, though..." Virgil picked his shotgun up off the ground and started heading out of the kitchen.
"I'll go check it out." Hopefully he wouldn't need to use his gun.
Reverie
Day 4 afternoon
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BROseidon†
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MurderWeasel
- Posts: 2566
- Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:37 am
"Yeah, sure," Adam said. "I can hold it steady for you, too."
Maynard was scared of the ladder, or heights, or his own shadow or whatever, but Adam was used to it by now. It was probably good. Kept them on their toes. Adam glanced around, keeping an eye out for anyone else outside. No one in sight. Good.
The metal rungs of the ladder were cold and slick with the rain. His hands prickled, but it was a minor discomfort, not anything that would make him risk falling. He started his climb, his gaze fixed in front of him, as he watched the landscape get slightly further away with each rung. Adam wasn't afraid of heights—as a gymnast, he couldn't be—but he still didn't like looking down from them too much. This ladder was particularly jarring because it rattled a little, wiggled slightly beneath him. Climbing with his bag was no easy proposition, but he managed.
A few seconds later, and he pulled himself up onto the platform with a clattering a bit louder than he'd been hoping for as his sword caught against one of the rungs. He was outside a window, one which, fortunately, was cracked open at the bottom. Adam dug his fingers underneath and lifted it up, wincing a bit as it gave out a groan. He couldn't see anyone inside at the moment, which meant he could assume meant the coast was at least momentarily clear. If anyone came to check out the noise well, he'd take that as it happened. He could probably drop from this height and be alright to run, if he was careful about it.
"Pass up your bags," he hissed down to Maynard. "Then come up. Looks clear here, and we can get in the window."
The time spent getting Maynard's bag would hopefully be enough for any possible welcoming committee to make it there. Adam didn't fancy Maynard's odds of beating as hasty a retreat as he could manage.
Maynard was scared of the ladder, or heights, or his own shadow or whatever, but Adam was used to it by now. It was probably good. Kept them on their toes. Adam glanced around, keeping an eye out for anyone else outside. No one in sight. Good.
The metal rungs of the ladder were cold and slick with the rain. His hands prickled, but it was a minor discomfort, not anything that would make him risk falling. He started his climb, his gaze fixed in front of him, as he watched the landscape get slightly further away with each rung. Adam wasn't afraid of heights—as a gymnast, he couldn't be—but he still didn't like looking down from them too much. This ladder was particularly jarring because it rattled a little, wiggled slightly beneath him. Climbing with his bag was no easy proposition, but he managed.
A few seconds later, and he pulled himself up onto the platform with a clattering a bit louder than he'd been hoping for as his sword caught against one of the rungs. He was outside a window, one which, fortunately, was cracked open at the bottom. Adam dug his fingers underneath and lifted it up, wincing a bit as it gave out a groan. He couldn't see anyone inside at the moment, which meant he could assume meant the coast was at least momentarily clear. If anyone came to check out the noise well, he'd take that as it happened. He could probably drop from this height and be alright to run, if he was careful about it.
"Pass up your bags," he hissed down to Maynard. "Then come up. Looks clear here, and we can get in the window."
The time spent getting Maynard's bag would hopefully be enough for any possible welcoming committee to make it there. Adam didn't fancy Maynard's odds of beating as hasty a retreat as he could manage.
((GMing approved))
Maynard held his breath as Adam ascended the ladder, hands clenched by his side in apprehension. The other boy made it look so easy, but he couldn't help but feel nervous all the same. What would he do if Adam fell? He didn't want his partner to get hurt. Adam was nice - a little aloof, but nice all the same - and had gotten them this far, which was something Maynard truly doubted he'd've been able to do by himself. He winced in unison with Adam as his shunted the window open, only releasing his breath and relieving the tightness in his chest once Adam was safely positioned on the landing.
Adam whispered for him to pass his bags up, and Maynard readily complied, stretching on his tiptoes so as to give Adam the best chance of retrieving them. He'd done well carrying them by his side or hoisted over his shoulder - it was tiring, but not as bad as it could've been. But with what little grip he'd retained on the slippery concrete severely diminished, however, his arms shook visibly as he held his dufflebag up, his arms tensing with the strain of its weight. He threw it upwards, with as much energy as he could muster. It wasn't enough. It brushed past the window, and though Adam fumbled with it for a few seconds, attempting to get a proper grip on it, it still fell back down. Maynard caught it by a hairbreadth, teetering awkwardly as he regained his balance.
He hated how weak he was, both physically and emotionally. If only he was a bit more like Adam, Adam who was so strong and stoic.
He chose not to strain himself with the next try, nor with his final bag, which proved a great deal more successful. Once he was sure Adam was secure with his belongings, Maynard took a deep breathe and began his ascent of the ladder. He'd always been slightly nervous around heights - it wasn't some crippling phobia or anything like that; it just took a bit of comfort and security. So with Adam holding the ladder firmly in place and his eyes clenched tightly shut, climbing up to join the other boy wasn't near as difficult as it might've been.
It sure wasn't easy, though.
He only opened his eyes again once he reached the fire escape, hands gripped tightly around the rungs of the ladder.
"Thanks, Adam," he said, his voice wavering as his eyes accidentally caught a glimpse of the ground below him, before darting them back to face his ally. "For everything."
Maynard held his breath as Adam ascended the ladder, hands clenched by his side in apprehension. The other boy made it look so easy, but he couldn't help but feel nervous all the same. What would he do if Adam fell? He didn't want his partner to get hurt. Adam was nice - a little aloof, but nice all the same - and had gotten them this far, which was something Maynard truly doubted he'd've been able to do by himself. He winced in unison with Adam as his shunted the window open, only releasing his breath and relieving the tightness in his chest once Adam was safely positioned on the landing.
Adam whispered for him to pass his bags up, and Maynard readily complied, stretching on his tiptoes so as to give Adam the best chance of retrieving them. He'd done well carrying them by his side or hoisted over his shoulder - it was tiring, but not as bad as it could've been. But with what little grip he'd retained on the slippery concrete severely diminished, however, his arms shook visibly as he held his dufflebag up, his arms tensing with the strain of its weight. He threw it upwards, with as much energy as he could muster. It wasn't enough. It brushed past the window, and though Adam fumbled with it for a few seconds, attempting to get a proper grip on it, it still fell back down. Maynard caught it by a hairbreadth, teetering awkwardly as he regained his balance.
He hated how weak he was, both physically and emotionally. If only he was a bit more like Adam, Adam who was so strong and stoic.
He chose not to strain himself with the next try, nor with his final bag, which proved a great deal more successful. Once he was sure Adam was secure with his belongings, Maynard took a deep breathe and began his ascent of the ladder. He'd always been slightly nervous around heights - it wasn't some crippling phobia or anything like that; it just took a bit of comfort and security. So with Adam holding the ladder firmly in place and his eyes clenched tightly shut, climbing up to join the other boy wasn't near as difficult as it might've been.
It sure wasn't easy, though.
He only opened his eyes again once he reached the fire escape, hands gripped tightly around the rungs of the ladder.
"Thanks, Adam," he said, his voice wavering as his eyes accidentally caught a glimpse of the ground below him, before darting them back to face his ally. "For everything."
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Ruggahissy
- Posts: 1593
- Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2018 4:13 pm
Michelle shrugged and made a non-comital noise. "Maybe. Whatever it was, we're coming with you," she said with a firm nod.
Still clutching her treasures she got up and quietly left the kitchen. In the hallway she leaned her head into a room. There didn't seem to be anything. She walked with her heel first, slowly lowering the rest of her foot second to try and be as quiet at possible.
There didn't seem to be anyone around. She sighed, but then out of the corner of her eye something moved. She snapped her head to look at whatever it was and saw the window. Michelle walked towards the window and gazed out. It was still raining. Her breath caused a fog on the dirty glass. With her index finger she drew a simple happy face, which suddenly went squiggly when she noticed a set of fingers where the window was slightly open.
She gasped and scrambled to open the window with her left hand while juggling the cans still. After a few attempts the window was wrenched open and she stuck her head out as she moved some of her hair behind an ear. She looked down and saw Adam and Maynard.
"EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeee"
She screeched happily and and dropped every last can, sending them rolling all over the floor. Michelle flushed and her one hand flew up to the side of her face while she continued looking down, smiling.
Gwen is going to be so excited. I won't tell her who is out is here. It'll be a surprise.
"Gwen! Virgil! It's good people! Come help get them inside!" she called behind her.
She looked back down and waved frantically at the boys.
Still clutching her treasures she got up and quietly left the kitchen. In the hallway she leaned her head into a room. There didn't seem to be anything. She walked with her heel first, slowly lowering the rest of her foot second to try and be as quiet at possible.
There didn't seem to be anyone around. She sighed, but then out of the corner of her eye something moved. She snapped her head to look at whatever it was and saw the window. Michelle walked towards the window and gazed out. It was still raining. Her breath caused a fog on the dirty glass. With her index finger she drew a simple happy face, which suddenly went squiggly when she noticed a set of fingers where the window was slightly open.
She gasped and scrambled to open the window with her left hand while juggling the cans still. After a few attempts the window was wrenched open and she stuck her head out as she moved some of her hair behind an ear. She looked down and saw Adam and Maynard.
"EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeee"
She screeched happily and and dropped every last can, sending them rolling all over the floor. Michelle flushed and her one hand flew up to the side of her face while she continued looking down, smiling.
Gwen is going to be so excited. I won't tell her who is out is here. It'll be a surprise.
"Gwen! Virgil! It's good people! Come help get them inside!" she called behind her.
She looked back down and waved frantically at the boys.
Gwen slowly followed at the back of the trio, empty-handed, the cans scattered carelessly on a table where she'd set them in her rush. She was concerned, but she wanted to be brave; she doubted anyone who was trying to be stealthy or hostile would make so much noise. She just had to stay calm and collected and everything would be fine.
Maybe then her heart would slow up a bit.
Gwen then heard Michelle, squealing, and she jumped in the air. "Michelle?" She called, startled. What if she'd been attacked, was she in danger, she was only out of sight for a few moments, what could've happened? Oh, god, what would she do if something happened?
Then she heard her call out, and let out her breath.
"Michelle, who is it?" She hurried around the corner and saw her looking down out of a window.
Maybe then her heart would slow up a bit.
Gwen then heard Michelle, squealing, and she jumped in the air. "Michelle?" She called, startled. What if she'd been attacked, was she in danger, she was only out of sight for a few moments, what could've happened? Oh, god, what would she do if something happened?
Then she heard her call out, and let out her breath.
"Michelle, who is it?" She hurried around the corner and saw her looking down out of a window.
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BROseidon†
- Posts: 298
- Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 9:08 pm
Michelle had seen the newcomers out through the window, and her excitement indicated that they were probably good people. She did generally have good judgment about people, after all.
Except her girlfriend was a killer.
Well, maybe. Maybe there had been some misunderstanding. Some mistake. Maybe Kammy had killed in self defense, or something had happened that made her not really responsible.
Or maybe she was a gladiator.
Still, Virgil had to trust Michelle. He didn't have a choice. She and Gwen were the closest thing to family that he had right now, and he couldn't let that go.
"All right, let me get that window open." Virgil placed the shotgun on the ground next to the window, looking outside at what looked to be Adam Morgan. He'd always seemed like a nice enough guy, and Virgil hadn't heard his name announced as a killer yet. He could probably be trusted.
Virgil pushed up on the window, but it was stiff. Years of not having been opened had fortified its shutness. Still, Virgil pushed, and even in his malnourished state he was able to get the window open.
"Need a hand?"
Except her girlfriend was a killer.
Well, maybe. Maybe there had been some misunderstanding. Some mistake. Maybe Kammy had killed in self defense, or something had happened that made her not really responsible.
Or maybe she was a gladiator.
Still, Virgil had to trust Michelle. He didn't have a choice. She and Gwen were the closest thing to family that he had right now, and he couldn't let that go.
"All right, let me get that window open." Virgil placed the shotgun on the ground next to the window, looking outside at what looked to be Adam Morgan. He'd always seemed like a nice enough guy, and Virgil hadn't heard his name announced as a killer yet. He could probably be trusted.
Virgil pushed up on the window, but it was stiff. Years of not having been opened had fortified its shutness. Still, Virgil pushed, and even in his malnourished state he was able to get the window open.
"Need a hand?"
This is an archival account used by staff to port posts belonging to the handler BROseidon. While this handler hasn't been around in quite a while, should they return and wish to take custody of this account and/or its posts, they are welcome to do so by contacting staff.
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MurderWeasel
- Posts: 2566
- Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:37 am
Adam started as the window was opened further with a groan. He'd gotten the bags up, gotten Maynard up, so of course it was now when they'd be found. Nothing could ever go wrong when there was still a possibility of getting out in a convenient fashion.
Looking up, though, the face he saw was not one which caused him immediate concern. He didn't know Michelle super well, but everything he'd ever heard and seen pointed towards her as a nice person. More than that, she just looked like a nice person. Even her reaction gave this impression, as she shrieked for others to come help them, dropping whatever she was holding to clatter against the floor. The names she called filled Adam with still more hope; none of them had been listed as killers.
"It's our lucky day," he said to Maynard. He tried to force a smile, but it didn't feel right after so long making himself keep a blank face.
He stood, and saw Virgil coming. When the boy offered him a hand, Adam nodded.
"Thanks," he said. He held up his bags, ready to pass them to Virgil and then climb in through the window.
There was that momentary feeling, like maybe handing over all his supplies for even a second was a bad idea, but these people were showing them an awful lot of trust by letting them in. They could've slammed the window. They could've kicked Adam off the balcony. All kinds of trouble they could have caused and had chosen not to. So they were, for the moment, worthy of trust.
And had someone mentioned Gwen, sometime before? The name stuck with Adam, but amidst the rain and cold he just couldn't figure out why.
Looking up, though, the face he saw was not one which caused him immediate concern. He didn't know Michelle super well, but everything he'd ever heard and seen pointed towards her as a nice person. More than that, she just looked like a nice person. Even her reaction gave this impression, as she shrieked for others to come help them, dropping whatever she was holding to clatter against the floor. The names she called filled Adam with still more hope; none of them had been listed as killers.
"It's our lucky day," he said to Maynard. He tried to force a smile, but it didn't feel right after so long making himself keep a blank face.
He stood, and saw Virgil coming. When the boy offered him a hand, Adam nodded.
"Thanks," he said. He held up his bags, ready to pass them to Virgil and then climb in through the window.
There was that momentary feeling, like maybe handing over all his supplies for even a second was a bad idea, but these people were showing them an awful lot of trust by letting them in. They could've slammed the window. They could've kicked Adam off the balcony. All kinds of trouble they could have caused and had chosen not to. So they were, for the moment, worthy of trust.
And had someone mentioned Gwen, sometime before? The name stuck with Adam, but amidst the rain and cold he just couldn't figure out why.
Maynard fought back a gasp as Michelle suddenly appeared at the window, shunting it open and excitedly jabbering at the pair of them. He liked Michelle - they hadn't been particularly close back at school, but she was a really friendly girl and a fellow vegetarian to boot, which was always a plus in Maynard's book.
Michelle shouted for others to join them - Virgil and... Gwen. For a moment Maynard's eyes widened, confusion etched across his features as he processed what Michelle had said. Gwen couldn't really be here, could she? Or maybe it was another Gwen that Michelle'd referred to - there might've been others at their school, right? Despite his reservations, Maynard couldn't help but let the smallest of smiles stretch across his face, grinning as Adam spoke of how this might be their lucky day. He nodded in agreement, and though he attempted to retain a little bit of scepticism about their situation, he couldn't help but feel a little bit more excitement, and a little bit more optimistic.
Virgil arrived at the window, asking Adam if he wanted a hand. As his partner raised his bags upwards, Maynard wiped a limp hair out of his face and stood up a little straighter. If it really was, despite all odds, the Gwen he liked - loved? He couldn't really tell - so much, had talked about poetry and nature and had such an awesome time with, then he wanted to make a good impression, didn't he?
He bounced lightly on his feet, clutching his bags to his chest, impatient to see whether it could really be possible.
Michelle shouted for others to join them - Virgil and... Gwen. For a moment Maynard's eyes widened, confusion etched across his features as he processed what Michelle had said. Gwen couldn't really be here, could she? Or maybe it was another Gwen that Michelle'd referred to - there might've been others at their school, right? Despite his reservations, Maynard couldn't help but let the smallest of smiles stretch across his face, grinning as Adam spoke of how this might be their lucky day. He nodded in agreement, and though he attempted to retain a little bit of scepticism about their situation, he couldn't help but feel a little bit more excitement, and a little bit more optimistic.
Virgil arrived at the window, asking Adam if he wanted a hand. As his partner raised his bags upwards, Maynard wiped a limp hair out of his face and stood up a little straighter. If it really was, despite all odds, the Gwen he liked - loved? He couldn't really tell - so much, had talked about poetry and nature and had such an awesome time with, then he wanted to make a good impression, didn't he?
He bounced lightly on his feet, clutching his bags to his chest, impatient to see whether it could really be possible.
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Ruggahissy
- Posts: 1593
- Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2018 4:13 pm
(Tiny bits of GMing and a time skip. Please let me know if any of this needs to be changed >_< )
Thankfully, Virgil came up and helped open the window the rest of the way. He grabbed hold of Adam and lugged him up while Michelle leaned out the window, helping with the bags, nearly falling before Virgil used a free hand to keep her from tipping out the window.
Both boys were inside and Michelle rushed Adam, shaking his hand and then jumped on Maynard, hugging him before realized Gwen was behind her and quickly stepping back to let them have a moment.
"You can rest. You're safe with us," she said gently to Adam.
As night fell the three vegetarians ate a can of beans each while the hardier boys had a dinner of beef broth. Michelle put the empty cans out in the rain to collect water and the group was able to have powdered Kool Aid drink with the single can of fruit for dessert.
It wasn't the best meal. It was a far stretch from even a tv dinner, but it was better than what they'd had so far. It was like having a family dinner with everyone sitting around talking and eating.
The group took some of the padding off of the hospital beds, flipped them to disguise any stains and made the waiting room into one large bed. A few blankets from the hospital's closets kept the group warm and together they fell asleep.
It was morning and a beam of sunshine fell square on Michelle's face. She stirred and rubbed her eyes sleepily. No announcement yet. She blinked a few times and observed her sleeping friends. They were so peaceful looking. She bit her lip and hugged herself. Michelle wanted to touch them. She wanted to stroke their hair, but that would of course mean waking them up. After a moment of observation she realized she was shivering.
She'd always had poor circulation and was thus frequently cold, especially in her hands and feet. Quietly she slipped her arm back into her sling and tip toed past the sleepers to get more blankets for herself from the supply closet.
"You've never been to Niagara Falls," she said quietly in a sing-song voice while she walked the empty hallway to the closet. Outside what was left over from the rain was still dripping down the roof and windows. "I have seen water. It's water, that's all."
Thankfully, Virgil came up and helped open the window the rest of the way. He grabbed hold of Adam and lugged him up while Michelle leaned out the window, helping with the bags, nearly falling before Virgil used a free hand to keep her from tipping out the window.
Both boys were inside and Michelle rushed Adam, shaking his hand and then jumped on Maynard, hugging him before realized Gwen was behind her and quickly stepping back to let them have a moment.
"You can rest. You're safe with us," she said gently to Adam.
As night fell the three vegetarians ate a can of beans each while the hardier boys had a dinner of beef broth. Michelle put the empty cans out in the rain to collect water and the group was able to have powdered Kool Aid drink with the single can of fruit for dessert.
It wasn't the best meal. It was a far stretch from even a tv dinner, but it was better than what they'd had so far. It was like having a family dinner with everyone sitting around talking and eating.
The group took some of the padding off of the hospital beds, flipped them to disguise any stains and made the waiting room into one large bed. A few blankets from the hospital's closets kept the group warm and together they fell asleep.
It was morning and a beam of sunshine fell square on Michelle's face. She stirred and rubbed her eyes sleepily. No announcement yet. She blinked a few times and observed her sleeping friends. They were so peaceful looking. She bit her lip and hugged herself. Michelle wanted to touch them. She wanted to stroke their hair, but that would of course mean waking them up. After a moment of observation she realized she was shivering.
She'd always had poor circulation and was thus frequently cold, especially in her hands and feet. Quietly she slipped her arm back into her sling and tip toed past the sleepers to get more blankets for herself from the supply closet.
"You've never been to Niagara Falls," she said quietly in a sing-song voice while she walked the empty hallway to the closet. Outside what was left over from the rain was still dripping down the roof and windows. "I have seen water. It's water, that's all."
((Eliza Patton continued from Catus Carnival))
Eliza's lungs burned as she ran.. She been going for hours now, her sides ached, and her clothes were soaked. She didn't mind the discomfort though.Quite the contrary. It reminded her that she was alive.
She paused, leaning against a nearby stop sign as she caught her breath. As the pain in her chest faded, she stared forward at the hospital building looming before her. A flicker of movement in one of the windows caught her eye. She rubbed her eyes and took a closer look. It was gone.
Almost unthinkingly, Eliza moved towards the building. It would certainly liven things up if someone was there. They could talk, swap stories, trade insults. She smiled. There might even be a fight. The sheer amount of possibilities was rather exhilarating.
With one swift motion, she yanked open the front door and walked inside the hospital. The smell of death washed over her as she walked past several corpses on her way to the next floor. Chuckling to herself, she tapped her rifle on the walls as she leisurely ascended the staircase. She could hear a voice now. She wasn't close enough to make out any words, but their mere presence was encouraging.
She quickened her steps as she reached the top of the stairs. Whatever was going on up there, she didn't want to miss it. She laughed to herself as she swaggered around a corner, coming to a stop with her gun pointed at the bedraggled girl that stood before her. This ought to be fun. A small grin spread its way across her face as she issued a mocking greeting.
"So, what did I miss?"
Eliza's lungs burned as she ran.. She been going for hours now, her sides ached, and her clothes were soaked. She didn't mind the discomfort though.Quite the contrary. It reminded her that she was alive.
She paused, leaning against a nearby stop sign as she caught her breath. As the pain in her chest faded, she stared forward at the hospital building looming before her. A flicker of movement in one of the windows caught her eye. She rubbed her eyes and took a closer look. It was gone.
Almost unthinkingly, Eliza moved towards the building. It would certainly liven things up if someone was there. They could talk, swap stories, trade insults. She smiled. There might even be a fight. The sheer amount of possibilities was rather exhilarating.
With one swift motion, she yanked open the front door and walked inside the hospital. The smell of death washed over her as she walked past several corpses on her way to the next floor. Chuckling to herself, she tapped her rifle on the walls as she leisurely ascended the staircase. She could hear a voice now. She wasn't close enough to make out any words, but their mere presence was encouraging.
She quickened her steps as she reached the top of the stairs. Whatever was going on up there, she didn't want to miss it. She laughed to herself as she swaggered around a corner, coming to a stop with her gun pointed at the bedraggled girl that stood before her. This ought to be fun. A small grin spread its way across her face as she issued a mocking greeting.
"So, what did I miss?"
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Ruggahissy
- Posts: 1593
- Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2018 4:13 pm
It was rare recently for Michelle to be alone. With such dangers possible around every rusted house and flower bed, being in ones own company was a luxury that could no longer be afforded to those who weren't the danger themselves.
Why was she alone? Michelle sighed and pushed her brown waves away from her face. She was given the last look out shift and she fell asleep, she realized. Adam and Virgil would ream her out if they ever found out. Luckily she woke up before they did. For once her poor circulation had been a good thing. She stood on tip toe to bring down a few fleecy hospital blankets. They smelled musty from years of being in the supply closet and she wrinkled her nose.
From elsewhere in the building she heard the banging of a door. Her eyes widened for a moment in response. She blinked and looked down at the blankets in her hands.
"What about China? Have you seen the Great Wall? All walls are great if the roof doesn't fall," she sang-whispered.
From her right a girl flung open the door and stood with a weapon pointed at her.
There was a moment of crystalized silence. Michelle didn't hear any stirring meaning her friends were still asleep. She could shout and they would come running. She could tell Eliza her friends were just down the hall as a threat. However...
Brining them into this meant the possibility of them getting hurt. Eliza would see them coming if they did wake up. If they didn't it would be shooting fish in a barrel. Even without that, she knew how Virgil felt about other people with weapons. With the options laid out in front of her, the choice was obvious.
"Nothing," she said in her calmest voice, clutching the blankets to her chest with her one free arm. The blankets hid the fact that her breathing became heavier.
"I came in here to get out of the rain yesterday and look for supplies. There were already some bodies around."
Her glance dipped down to the weapon and then back up to its wielders face. She was pretty sure she'd heard Eliza's name on the announcements. Michelle steeled herself. She reminded herself that Eliza was a kid like everyone else.
"Are you alright?"
Why was she alone? Michelle sighed and pushed her brown waves away from her face. She was given the last look out shift and she fell asleep, she realized. Adam and Virgil would ream her out if they ever found out. Luckily she woke up before they did. For once her poor circulation had been a good thing. She stood on tip toe to bring down a few fleecy hospital blankets. They smelled musty from years of being in the supply closet and she wrinkled her nose.
From elsewhere in the building she heard the banging of a door. Her eyes widened for a moment in response. She blinked and looked down at the blankets in her hands.
"What about China? Have you seen the Great Wall? All walls are great if the roof doesn't fall," she sang-whispered.
From her right a girl flung open the door and stood with a weapon pointed at her.
There was a moment of crystalized silence. Michelle didn't hear any stirring meaning her friends were still asleep. She could shout and they would come running. She could tell Eliza her friends were just down the hall as a threat. However...
Brining them into this meant the possibility of them getting hurt. Eliza would see them coming if they did wake up. If they didn't it would be shooting fish in a barrel. Even without that, she knew how Virgil felt about other people with weapons. With the options laid out in front of her, the choice was obvious.
"Nothing," she said in her calmest voice, clutching the blankets to her chest with her one free arm. The blankets hid the fact that her breathing became heavier.
"I came in here to get out of the rain yesterday and look for supplies. There were already some bodies around."
Her glance dipped down to the weapon and then back up to its wielders face. She was pretty sure she'd heard Eliza's name on the announcements. Michelle steeled herself. She reminded herself that Eliza was a kid like everyone else.
"Are you alright?"
How was she?
The question was so banal. Did this girl have any idea, any idea at all where they were? Eliza laughed. One would think that she'd be able to to think of more interesting things to say, considering the circumstances. She took a step forward toward Michelle, gesturing with her rifle as she spoke.
"I'd say I'm doing pretty well. I'm not dead, that's a plus. What about you? Anyone try to kill you yet?"
She smiled. This girl was obviously no threat, seeing her condition. Eliza felt a slight chill go through her as she noticed the other girl's uneasiness. It couldn't hurt to have a little fun with her.
She took another step forward. She could almost taste the tension in the air. Keeping her gun trained in front of her, she stood and waited for an answer.
The question was so banal. Did this girl have any idea, any idea at all where they were? Eliza laughed. One would think that she'd be able to to think of more interesting things to say, considering the circumstances. She took a step forward toward Michelle, gesturing with her rifle as she spoke.
"I'd say I'm doing pretty well. I'm not dead, that's a plus. What about you? Anyone try to kill you yet?"
She smiled. This girl was obviously no threat, seeing her condition. Eliza felt a slight chill go through her as she noticed the other girl's uneasiness. It couldn't hurt to have a little fun with her.
She took another step forward. She could almost taste the tension in the air. Keeping her gun trained in front of her, she stood and waited for an answer.
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Ruggahissy
- Posts: 1593
- Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2018 4:13 pm
"That's good."
A running repetition in her head went around and around, reminding her that Eliza was a student at their school like all of the others. In daily life, she wouldn't hurt anyone. No one would have. It was the game that made them think they had to be killers and that thought process fed on itself, making more and more violence.
Treating her like she was a killer would do no good to anyone. No one wants to be treated like they're a monster. If she was too far gone and if she was too wrapped up, at least she wouldn't know the others were there and sleeping. They'd hear the noise and wake up and be ready. She hoped that didn't happen. She hoped that no one had to die.
"No," she said, shaking her head. "No, no one has tried to hurt me. Oh- oh you mean this?"
She shifted the blankets into her left arm to reveal the sling.
"This was just an accident. Some of the rocks gave way where I was standing. I'm a klutz, ya know?"
Eilza stepped forward and it seemed she was challenging her, trying to frighten her. Michelle didn't move and held her soft gaze on the other girl.
"Can you put that away?" she said gently. "You might feel like you need to do that, but you don't. I don't' want to hurt you. The people who put us here are causing more than enough pain on their own. They don't need our help."
A running repetition in her head went around and around, reminding her that Eliza was a student at their school like all of the others. In daily life, she wouldn't hurt anyone. No one would have. It was the game that made them think they had to be killers and that thought process fed on itself, making more and more violence.
Treating her like she was a killer would do no good to anyone. No one wants to be treated like they're a monster. If she was too far gone and if she was too wrapped up, at least she wouldn't know the others were there and sleeping. They'd hear the noise and wake up and be ready. She hoped that didn't happen. She hoped that no one had to die.
"No," she said, shaking her head. "No, no one has tried to hurt me. Oh- oh you mean this?"
She shifted the blankets into her left arm to reveal the sling.
"This was just an accident. Some of the rocks gave way where I was standing. I'm a klutz, ya know?"
Eilza stepped forward and it seemed she was challenging her, trying to frighten her. Michelle didn't move and held her soft gaze on the other girl.
"Can you put that away?" she said gently. "You might feel like you need to do that, but you don't. I don't' want to hurt you. The people who put us here are causing more than enough pain on their own. They don't need our help."
Gwen had a lovely night. She'd spent it talking with Maynard, mostly, and it made her so happy that he was still alive and well and hadn't been endangered or anything. His friend Natali had died, which was really sad, but Gwen was mostly just glad Maynard was okay. Plus all the canned foods they found, while not exceptional, were much better than the rations they'd been assigned, and a new thing to enjoy was always so much better than just eating the same old thing.
Adam was nice, and Gwen still had Michelle and Virgil, who were also really nice. Gwen was glad she'd met up with this group. She'd been lucky to stay safe and comfortable (relatively) for so long, while so many other people were scared and alone.
For the first time, Gwen slept easily that night.
Gwen was awoken the next morning by the sound of talking. She'd always been a light sleeper, so she blinked awake when she heard Michelle's soft voice. She heard her talking, saying some rather unsettling things. Gwen sat up. Everyone was still here but Michelle, which meant
someone else was inside the hospital.
Gwen made a point of not running, but walking slowly and methodically down the hallway and towards the supply closet.
"Michelle, who is-"
Gwen was interrupted as she froze at the sight of the gun Eliza was holding.
Adam was nice, and Gwen still had Michelle and Virgil, who were also really nice. Gwen was glad she'd met up with this group. She'd been lucky to stay safe and comfortable (relatively) for so long, while so many other people were scared and alone.
For the first time, Gwen slept easily that night.
Gwen was awoken the next morning by the sound of talking. She'd always been a light sleeper, so she blinked awake when she heard Michelle's soft voice. She heard her talking, saying some rather unsettling things. Gwen sat up. Everyone was still here but Michelle, which meant
someone else was inside the hospital.
Gwen made a point of not running, but walking slowly and methodically down the hallway and towards the supply closet.
"Michelle, who is-"
Gwen was interrupted as she froze at the sight of the gun Eliza was holding.
((GMing Approved))
Put the gun away? Eliza frowned. There was no way in hell that she'd just back down like that. She was in control here, no matter what that girl in front of her thought. She kept walking forward.
Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. She raised her rifle and aimed at the wall beside Michelle. She needed to show that she meant business.
Just as she was about to pull the trigger, she heard a voice. She didn't have much time. Eliza took a deep breath and fired. The sound of the shot filled her ears, accompanied by screaming. She took a step back, savouring the chaos surrounding her.
The next few moments were a blur. She saw the other Michelle run towards her and grab her gun. Eliza pulled back on it, but it wouldn't budge. Shit. Desperate for a way out, she fired the gun again.
That seemed to do it. Eliza felt the other girl's blood splatter onto her as she pulled the rifle free. Time seemed to move in slow motion as Michelle fell. Eliza could feel the injured girl's gaze on her as her breathing became slower and more ragged.
As Eliza continued to stare at the girl lying at her feet, she noticed something. Her mouth was moving, as if she was trying to say something. Although her every instinct was screaming at her to get out of there, Eliza's curiosity was piqued. What could this girl be trying to say to her? Against her better judgement, she knelt down in the rapidly expanding pool of blood around them and listened.
Put the gun away? Eliza frowned. There was no way in hell that she'd just back down like that. She was in control here, no matter what that girl in front of her thought. She kept walking forward.
Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. She raised her rifle and aimed at the wall beside Michelle. She needed to show that she meant business.
Just as she was about to pull the trigger, she heard a voice. She didn't have much time. Eliza took a deep breath and fired. The sound of the shot filled her ears, accompanied by screaming. She took a step back, savouring the chaos surrounding her.
The next few moments were a blur. She saw the other Michelle run towards her and grab her gun. Eliza pulled back on it, but it wouldn't budge. Shit. Desperate for a way out, she fired the gun again.
That seemed to do it. Eliza felt the other girl's blood splatter onto her as she pulled the rifle free. Time seemed to move in slow motion as Michelle fell. Eliza could feel the injured girl's gaze on her as her breathing became slower and more ragged.
As Eliza continued to stare at the girl lying at her feet, she noticed something. Her mouth was moving, as if she was trying to say something. Although her every instinct was screaming at her to get out of there, Eliza's curiosity was piqued. What could this girl be trying to say to her? Against her better judgement, she knelt down in the rapidly expanding pool of blood around them and listened.