((Robin Pounds continued from 100.2°))
Having killed somebody became easier as time went on, it turned out. Robin was so distracted with the cold and the dark, with trying not to trip or shiver too much, that she could even forget the feeling of giving that fateful shove for a little while. She could feel the goosebumps on her legs, under her stockings. She didn't want to think about how horrible she looked. Her hair had been tousled by the wind, and her nostrils felt crusty around the edges. Her mood hadn't been very stable either, cycling between anger at the situation and terror about her impending death and flat despondence.
Mostly, Robin was worried that Shawn was going to leave her. He was nice. He'd stuck his neck out for her so far, even though she was slow and sick and couldn't have been helping his chances any. What she'd done had been pretty unforgivable, though, and Robin thought there was a decent chance he really would leave her once she was somewhere warmer. Because of this, she almost dreaded entering town, even as her body reminded her that it was really quite chilly. Of course, some of her trepidation was probably the old fever apathy, telling her that it would be fine to just lay there and not get anything to drink even though her throat was screaming at her in prickly needles.
Not having any tissues on hand was also a nightmare. Robin was accomplished enough at blowing her nose by plugging one nostril and evacuating snot straight to the ground, but sometimes that made her ears plug up for reasons she couldn't quite understand. She hated that feeling more than almost anything else, how it made everything sound a little bit quieter and more distant, and so she worked her jaw constantly, yawning and clenching her mouth and just trying to hurry along that pop that brought a split second of pain and a few minutes of relief, until something in her head shifted and started the whole process over again.
She wished she'd had some music to listen to. She'd been trying to avoid talking to Shawn too much. She didn't want to accidentally get them back on the topic of Emily, didn't want to remind him of how bad a travelling companion she was. She wanted them both to just forget it. She couldn't exactly remember what excuse she'd given him, which wasn't good because if he asked her again there was a pretty good chance she'd mess up and say something different, and then he'd never trust her again. Then he would leave her for sure.
Robin had been trying to keep a decent pace, despite her lack of motivation, just so she wouldn't be too useless. The last five minutes had been especially productive; she'd actually managed to push herself close to a normal walking pace. The dirt and gravel crunched under her feet, and she saw the looming black shapes of houses, too angular to have been anything else. They felt ominous to her, as if they were intrusions into nature. The valley didn't feel like a place for humans. Robin had seen the burned out building on her way over. The dark stain where once a structure had stood somehow looked more right than these cabins.
It didn't matter. She'd have probably considered letting a whale swallow her if it meant getting out of the cold. A few unwelcoming houses were nothing. Robin didn't move ahead too much, however, waiting instead for Shawn.
There could be people already there, people who'd done what she had or who knew what she'd done and wouldn't be understanding. It was dangerous, and that was frustrating enough to get her seriously annoyed again.
Shelter was so close, but she'd have to wait a bit longer.
100.9°
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MurderWeasel
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CondorTalon
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((Shawn Bowe-Crooke continued from 100.2°.))
It had gotten dark, fast. Shawn was still walking behind Robin, even way past where the mountain path had added. Shawn was conflicted on what to do now, now that Robin had finally made it off the path, especially as they approached the town and Shawn could see the buildings in the distance. He had been throwing around the idea of actually leaving Robin once shelter was found. Although he felt bad about leaving a sick girl behind, the fact was that this was a game of survival. And as much as he didn't want to think about it, the fact remained that sticking with Robin would only hurt his chances. He wondered when he'd become a pragmatist. Or maybe he was still on edge because of what happened on the path.
He simply hoped that he'd find a way to keep both of them safe.
She wasn't talking much, and Shawn didn't feel like there was much conversation to be had, so he also kept quiet. It was rather awkward, he thought, but at least he'd be able to hear any threats easier. He kind of wished someone else was here, someone to converse with, but he didn't want a repeat of the previous scenario either.
Shawn noticed that Robin had slowed her pace as they got closer to the town. She didn't want to rush in there, huh? Shawn had to consider the possibility that someone could be hiding in any of the buildings.
For the first time since they met up, Shawn stepped in front of Robin. He slowly walked towards a set of buildings nearby, keeping his footsteps as quiet as he could. He looked back at Robin before going up against a wall, to check if anyone was in the street.
It had gotten dark, fast. Shawn was still walking behind Robin, even way past where the mountain path had added. Shawn was conflicted on what to do now, now that Robin had finally made it off the path, especially as they approached the town and Shawn could see the buildings in the distance. He had been throwing around the idea of actually leaving Robin once shelter was found. Although he felt bad about leaving a sick girl behind, the fact was that this was a game of survival. And as much as he didn't want to think about it, the fact remained that sticking with Robin would only hurt his chances. He wondered when he'd become a pragmatist. Or maybe he was still on edge because of what happened on the path.
He simply hoped that he'd find a way to keep both of them safe.
She wasn't talking much, and Shawn didn't feel like there was much conversation to be had, so he also kept quiet. It was rather awkward, he thought, but at least he'd be able to hear any threats easier. He kind of wished someone else was here, someone to converse with, but he didn't want a repeat of the previous scenario either.
Shawn noticed that Robin had slowed her pace as they got closer to the town. She didn't want to rush in there, huh? Shawn had to consider the possibility that someone could be hiding in any of the buildings.
For the first time since they met up, Shawn stepped in front of Robin. He slowly walked towards a set of buildings nearby, keeping his footsteps as quiet as he could. He looked back at Robin before going up against a wall, to check if anyone was in the street.
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Sideliner*
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(Lenny continued from A Swamp Without Moisture)
Shit, is it cold out here, Lenny thought. No, stop bitching! Bitching isn't manly. Just gotta, gotta deal with it until it blows over! Just think about...hey, what's that over there?
It was getting pretty dark, but Lenny could see a bunch of houses in the distance. Some of them looked strong, others looked they'd seen better days, but Lenny was happy nonetheless, because homes meant beds, and beds meant blankets.
Oh, hell yes! Lenny ran towards the series of shacks, the stick and his bag in tow, as always.
Shit, is it cold out here, Lenny thought. No, stop bitching! Bitching isn't manly. Just gotta, gotta deal with it until it blows over! Just think about...hey, what's that over there?
It was getting pretty dark, but Lenny could see a bunch of houses in the distance. Some of them looked strong, others looked they'd seen better days, but Lenny was happy nonetheless, because homes meant beds, and beds meant blankets.
Oh, hell yes! Lenny ran towards the series of shacks, the stick and his bag in tow, as always.
This is an archival account used by staff to port posts belonging to the handler Sideliner. 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
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Shawn caught up with Robin and got in front of her. She was a bit surprised that he was still willing to take a protective stance, but not disappointed. If anything, this raised her hopes that he might stay with her after all. If he believed her, whatever she'd said, then maybe he'd still protect her and keep her company, so she wouldn't have to die alone. Maybe he'd see now that she would be in big trouble on her own, sick and accused of murder.
Shawn made his way to a wall, and Robin followed, her boots scuffing along the ground a bit, making a scraping sound and kicking up a little puff of dust. She glanced around the area, keeping an eye out for anybody, but it was dark and her night vision wasn't great. She didn't hear anything, but people could have been waiting in ambush.
The frustration was nearly unbearable. The wind was blowing, again, or maybe the cool night air was just interfacing with her fever to make her feel that way. She shivered, and instead of it just being one tremor like usual, she just kept shaking for a good fifteen seconds, knees trembling and jaw working and everything just feeling cold and awful.
When she recovered, she looked at Shawn and simply asked, "What now?"
Shawn made his way to a wall, and Robin followed, her boots scuffing along the ground a bit, making a scraping sound and kicking up a little puff of dust. She glanced around the area, keeping an eye out for anybody, but it was dark and her night vision wasn't great. She didn't hear anything, but people could have been waiting in ambush.
The frustration was nearly unbearable. The wind was blowing, again, or maybe the cool night air was just interfacing with her fever to make her feel that way. She shivered, and instead of it just being one tremor like usual, she just kept shaking for a good fifteen seconds, knees trembling and jaw working and everything just feeling cold and awful.
When she recovered, she looked at Shawn and simply asked, "What now?"
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CondorTalon
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"What now? Well... wait here. I'm going to check out this building. I'll call you in if it's safe. If you see someone coming, call me."
With that, he moved around the corner, to where the door was. He opened it, and looked inside. it was still dark, so it was hard to see anything, but he was trying to look for any signs of movement, or hear breathing or rustling.
The building itself seemed to be rather small, one room only. Shawn stepped inside cautiously. He didn't want to use his flashlight, in case someone really was in here.
Though, actually, if someone was in here they'd already know he was in here. So he opened his bag, and fished for his flashlight. However, his foot caught an unseen chair, and he tripped just as he'd pulled the flashlight out.
It rolled across the floor and under the bed.
With that, he moved around the corner, to where the door was. He opened it, and looked inside. it was still dark, so it was hard to see anything, but he was trying to look for any signs of movement, or hear breathing or rustling.
The building itself seemed to be rather small, one room only. Shawn stepped inside cautiously. He didn't want to use his flashlight, in case someone really was in here.
Though, actually, if someone was in here they'd already know he was in here. So he opened his bag, and fished for his flashlight. However, his foot caught an unseen chair, and he tripped just as he'd pulled the flashlight out.
It rolled across the floor and under the bed.
** Zora Spencer, female no. 16, continued from… Hush, Hush
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.-Deuteronomy 31:6
Zora's dad had been the first to read that verse to her when she was six or seven and accidentally saw a graphic news story about a minority demonstration turning violent. It was silly, but she had been so scared she ran upstairs and woke her dad up and, between sobs, demanded that he check the house to make sure it was safe. He laughed and, at the time, she remembered being so mad at him for it, but looking back it was obvious that he was happy she needed him. He lead her back to her room, tucked her in, and then left to inspect, coming back only minutes later with a declaration of security. She remembered laying there in bed, face halfway hidden under her covers and her dad just sitting at the foot of her bed like a loyal knight.
"Are minorities all like that?" She'd asked quietly. He dad paused for a moment and looked at the ceiling before turning back to her.
"Most of them," He answered in a voice she wasn't used to. It was softer, almost a little regretful, like he hadn't wanted to expose her to the truth, "But I'm going to share something with you, alright? And whenever you're scared I want you to remember this." He'd continued, crossing over to her bedside table and retrieving her bible from the drawer, flipping through the pages before finding the passage her was looking for and reading the verse to her.
It had stuck with her after that. Now, than ever, she had to be strong. She had to get to the end. She had to live.
More than anything, though, Zora wanted her dad. And she wanted her mom and her brother and her dog. And she wanted to be able to go to sleep and wake up knowing they're just a room away. She wanted to hear their voices.
She hadn't spoken to a single soul since Dan shortly after waking up and it was beginning to wear on her. It had just been her by herself, constantly running to avoid danger, not sleeping, not eating. Not trusting people was taking a backseat to her desire for company, her desire to spend what could be the last of her days with someone that would comfort her if the end came.
Perhaps that's how she found herself in the town, maybe she was looking for a friend. Night had swallowed the valley, leaving her to rely on the moonlight for light after forgetting her bag in her haste, but she managed somehow. The town itself was eerie, decrepit houses surrounded by the looming pine trees. Part of her felt like she shouldn't be there, as if she were intruding in someone else's home. Which begged the question of who had lived there before and what had happened to them.
Zora continued down the streets, sticking close to the walls of the houses. She'd been tempted to enter a few of them, maybe hole up for the night and wait for morning, but she hadn't had the guts to open the doors, fearful of the old doors breaking the stark silence of the town, as well as would would be behind them. Instead, she looked for openings; doors, windows, anything that could provide her entrance while allowing her to maintain some kind of stealth.
Peering around a corner, Zora instantly froze upon catching sight of another girl a few feet away outside a house. She couldn't tell who she was from behind, only that she had blonde hair and was wearing the same issued jacket as she was. Her first instinct was to run, like she'd done so many times already, just bide her time until the end of the game came.
Be strong and courageous.
Zora took a few shaky breaths. She had tried to convince herself that all she needed was herself, it was only a couple days before she could win and go home. But that wasn't the case. She was so lonely and so scared and she wanted the comfort of another person more than anything. She didn't have any food or water, she couldn't realistically survive on her own now anyway. She'd need someone else.
There were a handful of blonde girls in her class; Felicia, Stephanie, Ashley. People she could trust, right? She was close with Felicia and Ashley was dating Marley, they'd help her, right? And she could help them, they could stick it out together. Only one person won, she knew that, but maybe God was trying to tell her something. Maybe this whole thing was His test. She'd be lying if she said her faith hadn't been shaken since being drafted, but what if this was all his plan?
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;
Shakily, Zora emerged from behind the house and walked forward a couple steps, careful not to get too close so as not to spook the girl.
"U-uhm," Her voice was hoarse and tired from disuse, but she tried to speak smoothly, "Excuse me? Can we talk?"
he will never leave you nor forsake you.
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MurderWeasel
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((Skipping to keep stuff fairly speedy, with approval.))
Shawn went in to check the building. Robin wasn't entirely sure what to make of that. He'd said he'd call her if it was safe, and that warmed her a little against the chill of the night. He cared about her, didn't want her to go in with him if there was something dangerous in there. That felt good. It made Robin think that maybe, just maybe, he'd stay with her. He had to, right? They'd been through a lot together, just in making their way down that mountain, and Shawn had cared for her, so he had to stay there and keep her company. They could die together, maybe.
If Shawn stayed with her, then that would make things okay in other ways, too. Her family would see that she wasn't scared. Her mother would see that she had a friend, someone to take care of her when she was sick. Her sisters would see that she'd found a bright spot, even amid all the darkness. Her father would see that she'd never meant for that to happen to Emily. Events had just progressed somehow, but if Shawn could forgive her and stay with her—if he, a total stranger, could find it in his heart to care for her and protect her—then surely her family and friends would too. Surely they would all laugh, and Robin wouldn't be that girl who killed someone and died cold and alone. She'd be the girl who was happy, who was always happy even when things got so bad, who was so brave and strong even when things went terribly wrong. She'd be the one who found some goodness, even when she was sick and had killed.
She was shivering badly now, and became aware of that when her right kneecap started bumping up and down, hopping along to the cold. Knocking knees were funny in cartoons, but Robin had long known that in real life they weren't so amusing.
Shawn was taking his time. Maybe he'd run into trouble, but there wasn't any screaming. He was just being thorough. That had to be it. He was searching each room to make sure that there was nobody there who'd hurt her, because even though they weren't very close friends he cared about her enough to help her off the mountain and out of the cold.
It was still kind of annoying. Robin was out here shivering. Her nose was running again, and so she wiped it, leaving a smear parallel to another two from earlier. It was disgusting wearing this dirty jacket, but she didn't have anything else and she didn't want to freeze. She wanted to cry or yell.
She almost did, when someone spoke behind her, asking to talk. It was another girl. There was always another girl there when Robin was at her weakest, ready to come and want something from her, an alliance or to be in her way or to talk. She didn't want to talk, but she didn't really have much choice in the matter, especially with Shawn inside so he couldn't step in on her behalf. Robin hoped it wasn't anyone out to get her. If she screamed, would he be able to make it in time?
Robin turned.
"Hi," she said. "Okay. We can talk."
It was Zora Spencer. She was a pretty, nice girl. A cheerleader. So full of school pride. Robin had been a bit jealous of the cheerleaders, because she'd never been able to do that. She could barely stay in tennis. She lost all the time and smiled because she didn't really care about tennis, but it did hurt a little bit. She wondered if it hurt when Zora's team lost, and almost asked, but it wouldn't have been polite to do so without finding out what the girl wanted first, since she'd initiated the conversation.
Shawn went in to check the building. Robin wasn't entirely sure what to make of that. He'd said he'd call her if it was safe, and that warmed her a little against the chill of the night. He cared about her, didn't want her to go in with him if there was something dangerous in there. That felt good. It made Robin think that maybe, just maybe, he'd stay with her. He had to, right? They'd been through a lot together, just in making their way down that mountain, and Shawn had cared for her, so he had to stay there and keep her company. They could die together, maybe.
If Shawn stayed with her, then that would make things okay in other ways, too. Her family would see that she wasn't scared. Her mother would see that she had a friend, someone to take care of her when she was sick. Her sisters would see that she'd found a bright spot, even amid all the darkness. Her father would see that she'd never meant for that to happen to Emily. Events had just progressed somehow, but if Shawn could forgive her and stay with her—if he, a total stranger, could find it in his heart to care for her and protect her—then surely her family and friends would too. Surely they would all laugh, and Robin wouldn't be that girl who killed someone and died cold and alone. She'd be the girl who was happy, who was always happy even when things got so bad, who was so brave and strong even when things went terribly wrong. She'd be the one who found some goodness, even when she was sick and had killed.
She was shivering badly now, and became aware of that when her right kneecap started bumping up and down, hopping along to the cold. Knocking knees were funny in cartoons, but Robin had long known that in real life they weren't so amusing.
Shawn was taking his time. Maybe he'd run into trouble, but there wasn't any screaming. He was just being thorough. That had to be it. He was searching each room to make sure that there was nobody there who'd hurt her, because even though they weren't very close friends he cared about her enough to help her off the mountain and out of the cold.
It was still kind of annoying. Robin was out here shivering. Her nose was running again, and so she wiped it, leaving a smear parallel to another two from earlier. It was disgusting wearing this dirty jacket, but she didn't have anything else and she didn't want to freeze. She wanted to cry or yell.
She almost did, when someone spoke behind her, asking to talk. It was another girl. There was always another girl there when Robin was at her weakest, ready to come and want something from her, an alliance or to be in her way or to talk. She didn't want to talk, but she didn't really have much choice in the matter, especially with Shawn inside so he couldn't step in on her behalf. Robin hoped it wasn't anyone out to get her. If she screamed, would he be able to make it in time?
Robin turned.
"Hi," she said. "Okay. We can talk."
It was Zora Spencer. She was a pretty, nice girl. A cheerleader. So full of school pride. Robin had been a bit jealous of the cheerleaders, because she'd never been able to do that. She could barely stay in tennis. She lost all the time and smiled because she didn't really care about tennis, but it did hurt a little bit. She wondered if it hurt when Zora's team lost, and almost asked, but it wouldn't have been polite to do so without finding out what the girl wanted first, since she'd initiated the conversation.
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Sideliner*
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Running up to the town, Lenny noticed one of the more impressive looking buildings. The brick house he looked at wasn't all that huge, but it was pretty cozy looking. He walked up to the front and turned the knob, but when he pushed, the door stayed where it was. Lenny pressed harder, to no effect. He then put his whole weight on the entrance, pressing his whole body up against the dark brown cover that denied him any chance of a rest, running place like he was on a very dirty treadmill. Still no budging.
Lenny backtracked, grimacing. He set down his things and had his right shoulder face the entrance. Without any warning, he dashed forwards, running, running, running, until...
THUMP
...he collided with the door, causing absolutely nothing to happen. Lenny turned around, sat with his back against it, and groaned.
Lenny backtracked, grimacing. He set down his things and had his right shoulder face the entrance. Without any warning, he dashed forwards, running, running, running, until...
THUMP
...he collided with the door, causing absolutely nothing to happen. Lenny turned around, sat with his back against it, and groaned.
This is an archival account used by staff to port posts belonging to the handler Sideliner. 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.
Even in the pale moonlight, Zora instantly realized what a grave mistake she'd made. She had ignored her gut, pushed the paranoia and fear below just because she was lonely. She had mistakenly believed she could wait out the storm with someone else, but as the girl turned back to face her, she realized what a pipe dream that had been, because the face staring back at her wasn't Felicia's or Ashley's. Instead, it was Robin Pounds.
Zora hadn't initially paid much attention to her name on the announcements, perhaps because she'd been more concerned with the minorities killing or because she'd written it off as an accident, but after coming face to face with her, Robin suddenly seemed much more dangerous. She'd already killed once before, what was stopping her from doing it again? As far as she knew, Emily had been just as lonely and just as eager to find company as Zora was.
She didn't know Robin personally, nor did she know what state of mind she was in or what she was capable of aside from what little she knew about the situation between her and Emily, which was limited to Robin killing her.
Her hands had begun to sweat despite the frigid cold.
She had to get out of there, that much she knew. There'd be no more succumbing to her loneliness. She wouldn't let her desire for company be the death of her.
"Oh..." She said softly, wracking her brain for the right words. "I, uh, I actually thought you were someone else, nevermind. I'm just... my bag is back there, I'm just gonna go get that, okay?" Her voice had started to shake toward the end, her nerves getting the best of her as she tried to worm her way out of the situation. She knew she was a terrible liar and an even worse manipulator. All she really had was her ability to run away, but even that had been hampered by the night and her lack of a flashlight or map.
So, all she could hope for was Robin's cooperation. She had to cross her fingers and pray that the girl wasn't malicious, or hadn't seen her scanning for an escape route or the nervous sweat percolating on her brow.
And above all else, she had to leave it in God's hands.
Zora hadn't initially paid much attention to her name on the announcements, perhaps because she'd been more concerned with the minorities killing or because she'd written it off as an accident, but after coming face to face with her, Robin suddenly seemed much more dangerous. She'd already killed once before, what was stopping her from doing it again? As far as she knew, Emily had been just as lonely and just as eager to find company as Zora was.
She didn't know Robin personally, nor did she know what state of mind she was in or what she was capable of aside from what little she knew about the situation between her and Emily, which was limited to Robin killing her.
Her hands had begun to sweat despite the frigid cold.
She had to get out of there, that much she knew. There'd be no more succumbing to her loneliness. She wouldn't let her desire for company be the death of her.
"Oh..." She said softly, wracking her brain for the right words. "I, uh, I actually thought you were someone else, nevermind. I'm just... my bag is back there, I'm just gonna go get that, okay?" Her voice had started to shake toward the end, her nerves getting the best of her as she tried to worm her way out of the situation. She knew she was a terrible liar and an even worse manipulator. All she really had was her ability to run away, but even that had been hampered by the night and her lack of a flashlight or map.
So, all she could hope for was Robin's cooperation. She had to cross her fingers and pray that the girl wasn't malicious, or hadn't seen her scanning for an escape route or the nervous sweat percolating on her brow.
And above all else, she had to leave it in God's hands.
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MurderWeasel
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Zora seemed taken aback. That set Robin on edge. Who could she have been mistaken for? There were a few blond girls, but did any have her build? But then, it was dark and cold and hard to concentrate. Zora was probably telling the truth.
The reason Robin was willing to give Zora the benefit of the doubt was that the girl's warm and positive demeanor had frozen over the second she'd figured out Robin's identity. She was fumbling around, trying to figure out how to get away. She thought Robin was going to attack her or something. Was that what the announcements did? Would everyone else react like this? But, no, Shawn hadn't. Shawn hadn't been upset, and he'd been right there. He'd watched Robin shove Emily to her death, and he hadn't abandoned her. That didn't make sense. Robin shivered and tried to think.
Shawn hadn't left her yet. Was he planning on it? Robin didn't think he'd go if there was nowhere to run to and nobody to go with. He'd have to stay with her. He cared about her, was protecting her. But, then, he was inside now. He'd gone in to check, and that was brave, but he'd left Robin alone out here, on the street. She could've at least followed him in, to get out of the cold. It would have been easy to get back out in a hurry. They could have left the door open. But if Shawn was there alone, maybe he didn't want her around to mess things up with anyone he found. Maybe he was going to prime anyone he found so they wouldn't worry.
Maybe he was keeping an eye out for a better ally, and planned to come out with someone else and tell Robin the house was nice and safe for her and then pat her on the head and say good luck and run off with his new ally.
Robin had been silent for a moment too long, trembling a little. Her nose felt prickly around the edges. She'd rubbed it too much. She had to figure out what to do. She wished Shawn was around to help, but she was also glad he wasn't here because that meant he'd never need to know that another possible ally had come by.
Zora hadn't killed anyone, and she was afraid of Robin. She was confusing Robin, making her doubt herself and Shawn. It could have been a clever manipulation, but Robin didn't think Zora was a very clever girl. She had everything else going for her, but not that.
Robin was pretty clever. She thought so, at least. Right now, she figured that this was really awkward, but it'd be best if Zora just went away and stopped complicating matters. Then she and Shawn could go back to the status quo they'd established.
"Oh," Robin said. "Sorry. Go ahead. Good luck."
She smiled. Zora seemed happy enough with this turn of events. She smiled a little too, and turned back the way she'd come.
Problem solved.
Robin waited until Zora had gotten about ten feet away, then bent down. The streets here were packed dirt, but the house she was next to had a line of bricks running along its edge, just a little hint of ornamentation. They were packed in pretty tightly, but Robin was able to pry one loose in just a couple seconds.
Zora had gotten about ten feet further. She'd be out of sight in a second, and she'd be out of Robin's hair. It wasn't a very big place they were all in, though. She'd probably be back. Maybe they'd bump into her later, or maybe she'd come back when she thought Robin was gone. Maybe she was going back for a sword or a gun to attack Robin with. Had she and Emily been friends? Maybe Zora had allies of her own, waiting. There was no way to tell what the girl was thinking, and Robin's mind was muddled anyways. She was getting frustrated trying to work it all out. Zora was needlessly complicating what should have been easy.
No, it was all well and good for Zora to go away now, but it'd be better if she just, well, stayed gone. Like Emily had.
Robin moved after Zora. She lifted her feet more with each step than before. Her boots were soft. There wasn't that much noise, and besides, it only took a couple seconds to catch up, just as Zora went around the corner. The burst of speed was a little tiring, but Robin knew this was important. She'd rest later. Just a quick thing to do.
"Wait," Robin said, quietly. "I think you dropped something."
She couldn't tell if Zora was going to run, or if she was going to turn, or if she was going to stop. All that mattered was she hesitated for just a second, and Robin closed in and swung the brick at the back of her head.
((GMing approved))
The reason Robin was willing to give Zora the benefit of the doubt was that the girl's warm and positive demeanor had frozen over the second she'd figured out Robin's identity. She was fumbling around, trying to figure out how to get away. She thought Robin was going to attack her or something. Was that what the announcements did? Would everyone else react like this? But, no, Shawn hadn't. Shawn hadn't been upset, and he'd been right there. He'd watched Robin shove Emily to her death, and he hadn't abandoned her. That didn't make sense. Robin shivered and tried to think.
Shawn hadn't left her yet. Was he planning on it? Robin didn't think he'd go if there was nowhere to run to and nobody to go with. He'd have to stay with her. He cared about her, was protecting her. But, then, he was inside now. He'd gone in to check, and that was brave, but he'd left Robin alone out here, on the street. She could've at least followed him in, to get out of the cold. It would have been easy to get back out in a hurry. They could have left the door open. But if Shawn was there alone, maybe he didn't want her around to mess things up with anyone he found. Maybe he was going to prime anyone he found so they wouldn't worry.
Maybe he was keeping an eye out for a better ally, and planned to come out with someone else and tell Robin the house was nice and safe for her and then pat her on the head and say good luck and run off with his new ally.
Robin had been silent for a moment too long, trembling a little. Her nose felt prickly around the edges. She'd rubbed it too much. She had to figure out what to do. She wished Shawn was around to help, but she was also glad he wasn't here because that meant he'd never need to know that another possible ally had come by.
Zora hadn't killed anyone, and she was afraid of Robin. She was confusing Robin, making her doubt herself and Shawn. It could have been a clever manipulation, but Robin didn't think Zora was a very clever girl. She had everything else going for her, but not that.
Robin was pretty clever. She thought so, at least. Right now, she figured that this was really awkward, but it'd be best if Zora just went away and stopped complicating matters. Then she and Shawn could go back to the status quo they'd established.
"Oh," Robin said. "Sorry. Go ahead. Good luck."
She smiled. Zora seemed happy enough with this turn of events. She smiled a little too, and turned back the way she'd come.
Problem solved.
Robin waited until Zora had gotten about ten feet away, then bent down. The streets here were packed dirt, but the house she was next to had a line of bricks running along its edge, just a little hint of ornamentation. They were packed in pretty tightly, but Robin was able to pry one loose in just a couple seconds.
Zora had gotten about ten feet further. She'd be out of sight in a second, and she'd be out of Robin's hair. It wasn't a very big place they were all in, though. She'd probably be back. Maybe they'd bump into her later, or maybe she'd come back when she thought Robin was gone. Maybe she was going back for a sword or a gun to attack Robin with. Had she and Emily been friends? Maybe Zora had allies of her own, waiting. There was no way to tell what the girl was thinking, and Robin's mind was muddled anyways. She was getting frustrated trying to work it all out. Zora was needlessly complicating what should have been easy.
No, it was all well and good for Zora to go away now, but it'd be better if she just, well, stayed gone. Like Emily had.
Robin moved after Zora. She lifted her feet more with each step than before. Her boots were soft. There wasn't that much noise, and besides, it only took a couple seconds to catch up, just as Zora went around the corner. The burst of speed was a little tiring, but Robin knew this was important. She'd rest later. Just a quick thing to do.
"Wait," Robin said, quietly. "I think you dropped something."
She couldn't tell if Zora was going to run, or if she was going to turn, or if she was going to stop. All that mattered was she hesitated for just a second, and Robin closed in and swung the brick at the back of her head.
((GMing approved))
Zora had never given much though to her future, not beyond graduating high school, but coming so close to someone who had murdered and exposing herself to the very real possibility of losing her life as well, she couldn't help but wonder. Who would she have been ten years down the road had the Program not come into her life? Would she have gone to college, gotten married, maybe even been a mother by that point? What kind of person would she have been? Truth was, Zora wasn't even sure she knew who she was in the present. She'd spent her life being afraid of every little thing, crossing streets to avoid minorities, or waking up her Dad to deal with the problems. She was running long before the Program, just not in such a literal sense. In her head, she had this idea of herself; the strong, collected huntress Zora who didn't need a soul and didn't depend on anyone, but she'd realized far too late that wasn't her.
She was the girl who ran from the problems life chucked at her, never once the hunter she'd mistaken herself as. If anything, she was the deer; wide eye'd and afraid of the world.
And so she made a promise to herself. Once she got away from Robin, she was going to be different. She wasn't going to fear anyone, not after Robin. She'd be strong, no more fearing her own shadow or giving into loneliness. She was going to do better after Robin. But right now, she needed to let herself be afraid, just this one last time of wanting her daddy to come and save her from the world before taking it into her own hands.
Robin seemed receptive to her lie, giving Zora her blessing to retrieve her non-existent bag. She'd been a little wary initially, unsure if she could trust a girl who'd been branded a murderer, but there was something about Robin. She'd killed, but she wasn't anything like all those villains you see in movies, she wasn't threatening Zora or unhinged. She just seemed like a normal girl, perhaps a little worn down and tired, but normal nonetheless. In fact, she wasn't much different than Zora herself.
And she smiled and wished her luck.
Murderers didn't do that, right? In a way, it seemed like she cared.
But she'd promised herself and there was no way to be sure of Robin's mentality, so she forced a return smile and began walking toward the edge of town, slowly at first, but quickly gaining speed once she'd rounded the bend. She could already feel herself beginning to relax as she caught sight of the tall pines in the distance. That's where she'd be the safest, hidden in the dense forest far from everyone else. She could find the stream again, maybe even retrieve her bag. And then the cabin where she was initially going to hole up. Things were going to work out, she had faith in that.
She could make it.
It was then that she heard Robin's voice from behind her, quieter and colder than before.
She motioned to turn around, almost instinctively as if she were back in the halls of Patriot High and a friend was calling to her.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
Before she'd even realized what was happening, Zora landed hard on her knees on the packed earth below, pain erupting in the back of her head as her vision blurred in front of her. The world spun around her as she tried to rise to her feet, instincts kicking in and urging her to run. The treeline wasn't far, she could make it if she could only get up.
She had to get away. This wasn't how this was supposed to happen.
Dazed, Zora attempted to sprint from her position, only for her body to collapse under her weight and the pain of the wound on the back of her head. The treeline had begun to melt into the skyline, her eyes struggling to focus as the ringing in her ears worsened. Even still, she could hear Robin's footsteps behind her, steadily closing in. She tried to form words, beg for her life maybe, anything, but it only culminated in a pained groan.
A second hit in the side of her head sent her sprawling to her side on the dirt. She could feel the warmth of her blood travelling down her temple and into her eye. She knew it was bad. She knew there was no coming back from this.
"S-stop..."
Words had finally returned to her, albeit it soft and pained.
She clawed at the ground, pushing herself back on her hands and knees, digging at the dirt and dragging herself pathetically toward the blurred treeline.
"Please," She begged, "Please, stop!"
Robin hadn't listened, delivering another blow to the back of Zora's head. Everything exploded into a burst of colored spots after that. Her arms went to her head, shielding it from Robin's blows. One after the other, the soft thud of the brick against her skull drowned out as her own anguished screams erupted throughout the town.
"He-help me! Daddy, d-daddy, please!" She screamed, several blows breaking her fingers on impact as she tried to shield herself from Robin's continuing strikes.
And then nothing.
Just like that, silence had returned to the area, save for Robin's ragged breathing as she stood over what used to be Zora Spencer, now a mess of gore and bone on the road, her bloodied cross the only recognizeable part of her.
She was the girl who ran from the problems life chucked at her, never once the hunter she'd mistaken herself as. If anything, she was the deer; wide eye'd and afraid of the world.
And so she made a promise to herself. Once she got away from Robin, she was going to be different. She wasn't going to fear anyone, not after Robin. She'd be strong, no more fearing her own shadow or giving into loneliness. She was going to do better after Robin. But right now, she needed to let herself be afraid, just this one last time of wanting her daddy to come and save her from the world before taking it into her own hands.
Robin seemed receptive to her lie, giving Zora her blessing to retrieve her non-existent bag. She'd been a little wary initially, unsure if she could trust a girl who'd been branded a murderer, but there was something about Robin. She'd killed, but she wasn't anything like all those villains you see in movies, she wasn't threatening Zora or unhinged. She just seemed like a normal girl, perhaps a little worn down and tired, but normal nonetheless. In fact, she wasn't much different than Zora herself.
And she smiled and wished her luck.
Murderers didn't do that, right? In a way, it seemed like she cared.
But she'd promised herself and there was no way to be sure of Robin's mentality, so she forced a return smile and began walking toward the edge of town, slowly at first, but quickly gaining speed once she'd rounded the bend. She could already feel herself beginning to relax as she caught sight of the tall pines in the distance. That's where she'd be the safest, hidden in the dense forest far from everyone else. She could find the stream again, maybe even retrieve her bag. And then the cabin where she was initially going to hole up. Things were going to work out, she had faith in that.
She could make it.
It was then that she heard Robin's voice from behind her, quieter and colder than before.
She motioned to turn around, almost instinctively as if she were back in the halls of Patriot High and a friend was calling to her.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
Before she'd even realized what was happening, Zora landed hard on her knees on the packed earth below, pain erupting in the back of her head as her vision blurred in front of her. The world spun around her as she tried to rise to her feet, instincts kicking in and urging her to run. The treeline wasn't far, she could make it if she could only get up.
She had to get away. This wasn't how this was supposed to happen.
Dazed, Zora attempted to sprint from her position, only for her body to collapse under her weight and the pain of the wound on the back of her head. The treeline had begun to melt into the skyline, her eyes struggling to focus as the ringing in her ears worsened. Even still, she could hear Robin's footsteps behind her, steadily closing in. She tried to form words, beg for her life maybe, anything, but it only culminated in a pained groan.
A second hit in the side of her head sent her sprawling to her side on the dirt. She could feel the warmth of her blood travelling down her temple and into her eye. She knew it was bad. She knew there was no coming back from this.
"S-stop..."
Words had finally returned to her, albeit it soft and pained.
She clawed at the ground, pushing herself back on her hands and knees, digging at the dirt and dragging herself pathetically toward the blurred treeline.
"Please," She begged, "Please, stop!"
Robin hadn't listened, delivering another blow to the back of Zora's head. Everything exploded into a burst of colored spots after that. Her arms went to her head, shielding it from Robin's blows. One after the other, the soft thud of the brick against her skull drowned out as her own anguished screams erupted throughout the town.
"He-help me! Daddy, d-daddy, please!" She screamed, several blows breaking her fingers on impact as she tried to shield herself from Robin's continuing strikes.
And then nothing.
Just like that, silence had returned to the area, save for Robin's ragged breathing as she stood over what used to be Zora Spencer, now a mess of gore and bone on the road, her bloodied cross the only recognizeable part of her.
F16, ZORA SPENCER: ELIMINATED
28 STUDENTS REMAIN
28 STUDENTS REMAIN
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MurderWeasel
- Posts: 3432
- Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:56 am
- Team Affiliation: Jewel's Leviathans
When Robin had lashed out at Emily on the trail, the whole thing had been quick and easy. One push, not even using that much of her force, had sent the girl toppling to her death. Robin had been a little surprised at how easy killing somebody was, but it made sense. She figured that was how people got so many kills. She'd never been a fan of the Program, but she knew some people racked up really scary body counts. She had this idea that Zora would go tense when the brick collided with her head and would then just drop over dead. No mess, no fuss.
It didn't go down quite like that.
Zora did drop. She fell to her knees, but she forced herself back up, pushed onward. Robin hesitated for just a moment. She glanced at the brick. There was blood and a few strands of long blond hair stuck to it. Zora was making for the trees. Robin thought she might just crawl off and die, but it wasn't certain. No, this had to be sure. Zora had to become gone. She couldn't pop up later to cause trouble, because if she did that would definitely mess things up with Shawn. Yes, Zora had to stay down, and if she wasn't going to go easily then so be it. They'd do it the hard way. Robin probably wanted this less than Zora did, but she was going to do what she had to.
So Robin walked after Zora. She didn't have to go very quickly now. She liked that; her breathing was already getting heavy from that little sprint, and her nose was running and the chills were coming back. Zora groaned and Robin swung the brick again.
Then Zora started begging, and that really got under Robin's skin. It wasn't like she wanted this to be long, but she couldn't exactly stop now, could she? Zora had to know that, and now she was just trying to make Robin feel bad about it, and that was no good. So Robin stopped listening and just let her hand move, let the weight of the brick add some momentum as she swung again and again. There were screams and there was snapping but they were a little bit distanced from her, like listening to the radio when she was really plugged up.
After a while, it was done. Robin panted. There was a lot of blood on the brick, now. The nail on her right index finger had chipped and bent, and so there was a little blood coming from there too, and it stung a lot and made her almost want to cry. A little blood had dripped onto the jacket, leaving some dark spots on the front to go with the snot on the sleeve. Robin would have tried to swap for Zora's jacket, but it was in worse shape. There might have been blood on Robin's dress, too, but it was dark and her dress was red so she couldn't really tell. She didn't care that much.
She tried to slow her breathing. Swinging the brick had actually taken a lot of energy. Her arms were a bit sore, and her breath had that nasty edge to it, her throat slightly raw like it always was when she worked herself too hard while sick.
Zora was a mess, and she was lying right in the middle of the road. Robin thought it might be good to do something about that, so she knelt and tried to tug Zora over to the side, into the shadows. The girl was too heavy, though, and her limp body wasn't easy to handle. She was just getting more blood on Robin's clothes. Robin let her drop back onto the dirt. It'd be alright. Shawn probably wouldn't come this way anyways.
So the problem was handled. Zora had gone away, just like Emily had. Robin was pretty satisfied with that, even if her throat hurt and her nose was running a little more and her nail was messed up.
She dropped the brick next to Zora, then turned and started back towards where Shawn had told her to wait.
It didn't go down quite like that.
Zora did drop. She fell to her knees, but she forced herself back up, pushed onward. Robin hesitated for just a moment. She glanced at the brick. There was blood and a few strands of long blond hair stuck to it. Zora was making for the trees. Robin thought she might just crawl off and die, but it wasn't certain. No, this had to be sure. Zora had to become gone. She couldn't pop up later to cause trouble, because if she did that would definitely mess things up with Shawn. Yes, Zora had to stay down, and if she wasn't going to go easily then so be it. They'd do it the hard way. Robin probably wanted this less than Zora did, but she was going to do what she had to.
So Robin walked after Zora. She didn't have to go very quickly now. She liked that; her breathing was already getting heavy from that little sprint, and her nose was running and the chills were coming back. Zora groaned and Robin swung the brick again.
Then Zora started begging, and that really got under Robin's skin. It wasn't like she wanted this to be long, but she couldn't exactly stop now, could she? Zora had to know that, and now she was just trying to make Robin feel bad about it, and that was no good. So Robin stopped listening and just let her hand move, let the weight of the brick add some momentum as she swung again and again. There were screams and there was snapping but they were a little bit distanced from her, like listening to the radio when she was really plugged up.
After a while, it was done. Robin panted. There was a lot of blood on the brick, now. The nail on her right index finger had chipped and bent, and so there was a little blood coming from there too, and it stung a lot and made her almost want to cry. A little blood had dripped onto the jacket, leaving some dark spots on the front to go with the snot on the sleeve. Robin would have tried to swap for Zora's jacket, but it was in worse shape. There might have been blood on Robin's dress, too, but it was dark and her dress was red so she couldn't really tell. She didn't care that much.
She tried to slow her breathing. Swinging the brick had actually taken a lot of energy. Her arms were a bit sore, and her breath had that nasty edge to it, her throat slightly raw like it always was when she worked herself too hard while sick.
Zora was a mess, and she was lying right in the middle of the road. Robin thought it might be good to do something about that, so she knelt and tried to tug Zora over to the side, into the shadows. The girl was too heavy, though, and her limp body wasn't easy to handle. She was just getting more blood on Robin's clothes. Robin let her drop back onto the dirt. It'd be alright. Shawn probably wouldn't come this way anyways.
So the problem was handled. Zora had gone away, just like Emily had. Robin was pretty satisfied with that, even if her throat hurt and her nose was running a little more and her nail was messed up.
She dropped the brick next to Zora, then turned and started back towards where Shawn had told her to wait.
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CondorTalon
- Posts: 459
- Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:22 am
Shawn landed hard after the fall, and his elbows took most of the impact. He groaned in pain, and stayed on his elbows and knees until the pain dissipated. It wasn't anything worse than his time with boxing had ever inflicted, but it caught him off guard.
He slowly stood, and headed over to the bed. He'd heard the flashlight roll around in this direction, and so he looked for it around the bed and on the bed, hoping that it hadn't gone under the bed. But he hadn't found it, and so was forced again to his knees to fish for it. It was hard enough that the flashlight had managed to find its way under the small space under the bed's frame, but he would also have to feel around for it, because it was even darker under the bed. Reaching in and grabbing around yielded no results, and he had to squeeze part of his body underneath before he finally managed to grab the object.
As he did, he heard muffled yelling coming from somewhere outside the house. He shuffled out from under the bed and stood, heading towards the door. He crashed against it, fumbling with the knob for a few seconds.
He opened the door. The screaming had stopped, and Shawn couldn't hear anything anymore. He walked, slowly, down the street, making sure to make no noise. If something had happened, and if someone dangerous was still here, he didn't want to draw attention to himself. His thoughts turned to Robin. Oh no, what if she was...?
Then he saw her. Or at least he thought it was her. It was still dark, but the silhouette looked familiar. But then... What had all the screaming been about?
"Robin? That's you, right?" he asked. He flicked the flashlight on, and pointed the beam towards the figure.
"What ha-"
And for the second time that day, Shawn's words died in his throat.
He slowly stood, and headed over to the bed. He'd heard the flashlight roll around in this direction, and so he looked for it around the bed and on the bed, hoping that it hadn't gone under the bed. But he hadn't found it, and so was forced again to his knees to fish for it. It was hard enough that the flashlight had managed to find its way under the small space under the bed's frame, but he would also have to feel around for it, because it was even darker under the bed. Reaching in and grabbing around yielded no results, and he had to squeeze part of his body underneath before he finally managed to grab the object.
As he did, he heard muffled yelling coming from somewhere outside the house. He shuffled out from under the bed and stood, heading towards the door. He crashed against it, fumbling with the knob for a few seconds.
He opened the door. The screaming had stopped, and Shawn couldn't hear anything anymore. He walked, slowly, down the street, making sure to make no noise. If something had happened, and if someone dangerous was still here, he didn't want to draw attention to himself. His thoughts turned to Robin. Oh no, what if she was...?
Then he saw her. Or at least he thought it was her. It was still dark, but the silhouette looked familiar. But then... What had all the screaming been about?
"Robin? That's you, right?" he asked. He flicked the flashlight on, and pointed the beam towards the figure.
"What ha-"
And for the second time that day, Shawn's words died in his throat.
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Sideliner*
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2018 8:12 am
Someone yelled far off into the distance.
Lenny sat up straight, ears picking up on the faint noise. He looked to the left of him, then to the right. Trouble's come, he thought. Should I...should I go? I don't know what's going...
He spotted a camera. It was pointing straight at him, never breaking sight to look anywhere else. It was looking at him, and him alone, and many were watching with it.
Including his family.
Lenny craned his neck and looked toward the soiled path, his eyes narrowed, his expression severe. One gunshot, Lenny, he thought, berating himself. One gunshot, and now you've turned into a pussy who thinks about running at the first sign of trouble. What 's with you? Didn't you want to live up to your dad's reputation? What were you going to do, retreat your way to fame and fortune?
Memories of Stella Barnes came back to him. Lectures about patriotism and obligations came to the forefront again. No running away. If not for my country, then for my family's reputation. With conviction, he walked off towards the direction of the sounds he heard...
Wait, why do I feel lighter than usuOH.
...then ran back, picked up his things, and jogged off to find the screamer once more.
Lenny sat up straight, ears picking up on the faint noise. He looked to the left of him, then to the right. Trouble's come, he thought. Should I...should I go? I don't know what's going...
He spotted a camera. It was pointing straight at him, never breaking sight to look anywhere else. It was looking at him, and him alone, and many were watching with it.
Including his family.
Lenny craned his neck and looked toward the soiled path, his eyes narrowed, his expression severe. One gunshot, Lenny, he thought, berating himself. One gunshot, and now you've turned into a pussy who thinks about running at the first sign of trouble. What 's with you? Didn't you want to live up to your dad's reputation? What were you going to do, retreat your way to fame and fortune?
Memories of Stella Barnes came back to him. Lectures about patriotism and obligations came to the forefront again. No running away. If not for my country, then for my family's reputation. With conviction, he walked off towards the direction of the sounds he heard...
Wait, why do I feel lighter than usuOH.
...then ran back, picked up his things, and jogged off to find the screamer once more.
This is an archival account used by staff to port posts belonging to the handler Sideliner. 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: 3432
- Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:56 am
- Team Affiliation: Jewel's Leviathans
"Hi, Shawn," Robin said. She smiled.
She wasn't really sure if Zora was still visible behind her in the beam of Shawn's flashlight. Hopefully not. She was a little unsure what to do, so she raised her hand to scratch her face, but then she saw her torn nail and lowered it down again. She didn't want to get blood on her face.
She sort of wished Shawn had taken a little longer coming looking. On the one hand, it was nice to see that he really was worried about her. On the other, she'd really been hoping to just go back to normal, and now it looked like that might be a little bit more difficult if he didn't feel like cooperating. He was looking at her, and Robin remembered that people back home were, too. She'd sort of forgotten that they were all being watched. It was the heat of the moment. She did not appreciate the reminder. What was her mother thinking?
She really didn't want to know.
She wanted to say something, to guide Shawn away and just go back to what they'd been doing before, but it didn't seem likely to be that easy. He'd wanted answers last time, so he'd probably want answers again now, and Robin didn't have anything ready, so really it would be good if they had a little quiet time so she could think something up.
She wasn't really sure if Zora was still visible behind her in the beam of Shawn's flashlight. Hopefully not. She was a little unsure what to do, so she raised her hand to scratch her face, but then she saw her torn nail and lowered it down again. She didn't want to get blood on her face.
She sort of wished Shawn had taken a little longer coming looking. On the one hand, it was nice to see that he really was worried about her. On the other, she'd really been hoping to just go back to normal, and now it looked like that might be a little bit more difficult if he didn't feel like cooperating. He was looking at her, and Robin remembered that people back home were, too. She'd sort of forgotten that they were all being watched. It was the heat of the moment. She did not appreciate the reminder. What was her mother thinking?
She really didn't want to know.
She wanted to say something, to guide Shawn away and just go back to what they'd been doing before, but it didn't seem likely to be that easy. He'd wanted answers last time, so he'd probably want answers again now, and Robin didn't have anything ready, so really it would be good if they had a little quiet time so she could think something up.