Setting
Default Location for Skinwalkers
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The City Zone is a part of 
Skinwalkers.
13 Characters Here
Clive [1] "Anything has its worth, and if it's got value, I want it."
Liron Aldaine [0] "A battle is not fought with soldiers or wars, but actually with information. These problems would be easily curable if only I could find out more about that pesky pack..."
Sasha [0] "I will snap you like a twig."
Hond *Maw* Taring [0] "If you want to fight me, you better be ready to loose."
Cru [0] "If you want to know something, you have to earn the right to hear it. If you want something, you just have to figure out a way to steal it... if you can."
Caddie [0] *Under Construction*
Nadiel Kirsch [0] "A spy, like a writer, lives outside the mainstream population. She steals her experience through bribes and reconstructs it. "
Rudi Cuan [0]
Camille S. Myriad [0] The Medic
Tatiana Nikolai [0] "I. Am. Better. Live with it."
Start Character Here »
- 30 posts here • Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Setting
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It was getting towards the tail end of summer, and the lack of water was beginning to bite across the City Zone. Out in the ruins, the streams had begun to dry up, and those who lived there were struggling to get anything to drink. The big river was a possibility, but it cut through many strange old industrial ruins on its trip down, and often picked up something deadly on the way. Drinking from there was always a risk. The drought drove people to desperation, which had been both good and bad for Cru's Army.
As they controlled the reservoir, even sunk down to half-capacity as it was, they were still in command of a bigger safe water supply than nearly all the others put together. As a result, many of the free skinwalkers in the area had submitted to the army in recent weeks. The young Barkers, and a few of the stronger, larger Mao had been taken to the barracks for training as soldiers, the rest had been tattooed with the red symbol of the army to mark them as serfs, as property more than people. They would be put to work growing crops on the land around the reservoir, or employing their skills as builders, assistants, or servants as they were needed.
Stood on one side of the reservoir was a place known as The Stockade. It was the main centre of Army activity, and where the troops and the head members of the Army lived. A few others were permitted places if they wished, based on the quality of their service.
From the outside it was a patchwork of twisted iron, old plated and bit of car roughly welded and screwed together to for a defensive outer wall, with guard posts on the top. Flags fluttered from the ramparts in the dry breeze, bearing the jagged, black dog symbol of Cru's Army.
Inside was a have of activity. Several buildings dominated. First was Cru's dwelling, large and decorated as it was, one of the few places with a working generator and electricity. Second was the barracks, home of the soldiers. There were storehouses and armouries, a crude hospital and a jail which had been dug into the ground itself, in order to preserve some space.
In the centre, the focal point, and also one of the main entertainments laid on for the pack members was the Fighting Pit. It was a fairly large area, sunken into the ground to the point to the point that no-one would be able to clamber out. Around it was an area for seating, which was currently around half full, a good number of off-duty soldiers coming to watch the fights. Some sat in their uniforms, leant forwards in their seats. Others were draped across a few chairs in the form of large, hairy canines, panting in the heat.
Beneath a canopy on one edge of the fighting pit sat the throne, an imposing seat constructed from scrap metal and bones, where Cru sat to survey the games. He was not present for the fight, though the area was not entirely unoccupied.
A young woman stood to one side of the throne, looking over into the pit with an expression of vague disapproval. They liked to have at least one of the upper ranks keeping an eye on the fights in case things got out of hand, thought it was hardly Lieutenant Hati's favourite pass time.It brought back some rather unpleasant memories, and besides; the fights were nothing but an excuse for the troops to torment feral Skinwalkers and mutants, there was rarely any doubt as to who was going to win at any one time, it was just a matter of how long the unfortunate creature they had captured kept on fighting.
That morning the unfortunate creature was a feral Barker, appearing in the form of a starved, mange-ridden mongrel creature that paced back and forced, growling in a hysterical fashion at its opponent. The opponent of course was one of the soldiers, taking the shape of a sleek black dobermann that towered over the feral.
There was no doubt as to how the fight was likely to end, and Hati found it hard to work out why people would be entertained by this sort of glorified execution...still it did serve a very important role. It kept the troops happy, and as long as they had the numbers and the muscle then there were few able to stand against them in the region.
As they controlled the reservoir, even sunk down to half-capacity as it was, they were still in command of a bigger safe water supply than nearly all the others put together. As a result, many of the free skinwalkers in the area had submitted to the army in recent weeks. The young Barkers, and a few of the stronger, larger Mao had been taken to the barracks for training as soldiers, the rest had been tattooed with the red symbol of the army to mark them as serfs, as property more than people. They would be put to work growing crops on the land around the reservoir, or employing their skills as builders, assistants, or servants as they were needed.
Stood on one side of the reservoir was a place known as The Stockade. It was the main centre of Army activity, and where the troops and the head members of the Army lived. A few others were permitted places if they wished, based on the quality of their service.
From the outside it was a patchwork of twisted iron, old plated and bit of car roughly welded and screwed together to for a defensive outer wall, with guard posts on the top. Flags fluttered from the ramparts in the dry breeze, bearing the jagged, black dog symbol of Cru's Army.
Inside was a have of activity. Several buildings dominated. First was Cru's dwelling, large and decorated as it was, one of the few places with a working generator and electricity. Second was the barracks, home of the soldiers. There were storehouses and armouries, a crude hospital and a jail which had been dug into the ground itself, in order to preserve some space.
In the centre, the focal point, and also one of the main entertainments laid on for the pack members was the Fighting Pit. It was a fairly large area, sunken into the ground to the point to the point that no-one would be able to clamber out. Around it was an area for seating, which was currently around half full, a good number of off-duty soldiers coming to watch the fights. Some sat in their uniforms, leant forwards in their seats. Others were draped across a few chairs in the form of large, hairy canines, panting in the heat.
Beneath a canopy on one edge of the fighting pit sat the throne, an imposing seat constructed from scrap metal and bones, where Cru sat to survey the games. He was not present for the fight, though the area was not entirely unoccupied.
A young woman stood to one side of the throne, looking over into the pit with an expression of vague disapproval. They liked to have at least one of the upper ranks keeping an eye on the fights in case things got out of hand, thought it was hardly Lieutenant Hati's favourite pass time.It brought back some rather unpleasant memories, and besides; the fights were nothing but an excuse for the troops to torment feral Skinwalkers and mutants, there was rarely any doubt as to who was going to win at any one time, it was just a matter of how long the unfortunate creature they had captured kept on fighting.
That morning the unfortunate creature was a feral Barker, appearing in the form of a starved, mange-ridden mongrel creature that paced back and forced, growling in a hysterical fashion at its opponent. The opponent of course was one of the soldiers, taking the shape of a sleek black dobermann that towered over the feral.
There was no doubt as to how the fight was likely to end, and Hati found it hard to work out why people would be entertained by this sort of glorified execution...still it did serve a very important role. It kept the troops happy, and as long as they had the numbers and the muscle then there were few able to stand against them in the region.
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Options were a funny thing. They could be hindered by anything at all. Tatiana regarded this as she walked out Cru's living quarters. She was headed to the fights.
There was something mildly delicious about the way a simple feral could still be so optimistic that he could win against a soldier. Mentally reminding herself to ask Cru if he wouldn't mind her taking part, she made sure her t-shirt was smooth. It had been a while since she had killed something.
She wondered if he would be at the arena. it would be the perfect time to ask him. Her husband seemed at his best at seeing blood spill. Or at seeing someone bow to him. She shrugged to herself, and kept walking.
Once she reached the entrance, the entering soldiers respectfully made space for her to pass. It wasn't that difficult. She was slender, but tall, and her muscled were the thin kind you got that seemed hidden. She was build like a runner, or a hurdler.
There was someone next to the throne. "Afternoon, Lieutenant." she greeted the Barker, sitting in a smaller seat that was next to Cru's. "Anything interesting happening?" she asked, eyes on the Pit. Hmm... mongrel against a Doberman. Mongrels were often half-starved with food, so they could be like little firecrackers. Always out with a bang. And so it did. It lunged at the Doberman, aiming for the neck. The larger hound dipped down and seized it's front leg. The yelp echoed across the pit, and the crowd cheered.
There was something mildly delicious about the way a simple feral could still be so optimistic that he could win against a soldier. Mentally reminding herself to ask Cru if he wouldn't mind her taking part, she made sure her t-shirt was smooth. It had been a while since she had killed something.
She wondered if he would be at the arena. it would be the perfect time to ask him. Her husband seemed at his best at seeing blood spill. Or at seeing someone bow to him. She shrugged to herself, and kept walking.
Once she reached the entrance, the entering soldiers respectfully made space for her to pass. It wasn't that difficult. She was slender, but tall, and her muscled were the thin kind you got that seemed hidden. She was build like a runner, or a hurdler.
There was someone next to the throne. "Afternoon, Lieutenant." she greeted the Barker, sitting in a smaller seat that was next to Cru's. "Anything interesting happening?" she asked, eyes on the Pit. Hmm... mongrel against a Doberman. Mongrels were often half-starved with food, so they could be like little firecrackers. Always out with a bang. And so it did. It lunged at the Doberman, aiming for the neck. The larger hound dipped down and seized it's front leg. The yelp echoed across the pit, and the crowd cheered.
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Liron couldnât believe his luck. The person in front of him was a splitting image of himself. He had hair of the same shade of brown and a similar visage, although the nose was a little wider and his mouth was a bit thinner. He was also lacking the feathers that marked his hair, neck, and shoulders. With a quiet smile, he finally addressed the man for once. âCome with me,â he ordered. It was then that he realized the red tattoo that marked the person - the serf - in front of him for what he was. âItâs easy work, promise.â He stayed motionless, before peering at the person more closely. That scared look in his eyes, probably a Squeaker then. âAlso, you can call me Lark. Promise I wonât bite.â
Liron had finally gotten that one piece that would help him immensely. Yet another addition to his network of spies, he would allow him to truly get out and start looking for those rebels. âHurry up,â he stated again, as the other guy followed him with shuffling steps and blank eyes. That drought was such a blessing in disguise if it allowed a skinwalker like him to fall into his grasps. He looked towards the twisted metal that formed the wall, and the proud flags of Cruâs Army. âCome in,â he called towards the Squeaker. âI donât have all day to coax to everywhere with a piece of cheese.â
The Squeaker, or so he assumed, followed him, and finally opened his mouth to speak. âWhere are you taking me?â he asked, his eyes still dull. Submitting to the army had probably been difficult, but there was really no other choice unless the Squeaker wanted to die of thirst. This brought a slightly annoyed light into his eyes as he remembered his new enemy - The Pack, or whatever they were called.
âJust my room. Do you have a name?â Liron felt awkward walking on the ground, his stride was ungainly and forced. If only he could turn into a kestrel like he wanted to, but that would scare away the Squeaker and ruin his relative anonymity. The Squeaker remained quiet. âOh, no name?â asked Liron quietly. âFine then, if youâll be so stubborn.â He hurried his pace, but kept his hand on that of the Squeaker, pulling him as he went. The Fighting Pit was surrounded by a crowd of off-duty soldiers, who filled up approximately half of all the available seating. What disgusting uncivilized behavior. The mongrel made an unfortunate choice of moves and the soldier took advantage of that⊠Liron tore his eyes away from the bloody spectacle. âLetâs seeâŠâ he muttered to himself upon arriving at what looked like a warehouse, âAh, there it is!â With a smile, he pulled a rusted, old door open to show an immaculate office-type setting. âThis is my office. And your new home,â he added as though an afterthought.
Pulling the door shut and the Squeaker on the comfortable armchair behind the desk, his eyes became a little colder as he prepared to brief the new member of his spy force. âSqueaker, your job is just to sit here and cover for me.â There was really no point is telling him too much about what he did anyways. With that said, he pulling open a cabinet, and threw a copy of his clothing at the Squeaker. âCome on, change. And exactly what are you?â
âIâm a Squeaker obviously,â stated the Squeaker with a roll of his eyes, before slowly changing into the blue shirt and pants that Liron had thrown him. âSo, Lark, what exactly am I supposed to do?â
Liron declined to answer, before handing the Squeaker a small shard of a mirror, a candle, and a few pieces of flint. Looking around his spotless mirror with a smile, he checked his reflection in the mirror that hung above the table, and turned back to the Squeaker, pulling the mirror from his weak grasp. Arranging it, so that it pointed at his larger mirror, he placed the candle in front of it. âIf someone comes in here looking for me, light the candle, and Iâll be there shortly.â He liked using mirrors for the purpose to long-distance communication, but they were ever so rare⊠The mirror above his table would reflect the light towards the messenger station downstairs, who would then send another Feather towards his way.
He left his office then, before changing into his kestrel form. It was ever so much more comfortable - less of the ungainly walking that he possessed. Flapping his wings once, twice, he lifted into the sky, before circling over The Stockade. His keen eyesight caught sight of Lieutenant Hati and Tatiana standing in the canopied area⊠well, actually Tatiana was sitting in her own throne. Circling downwards, he remembered that he wanted to talk to Interrogator about possible information found about the rebels. Seeing the jail, he continued to circle downward before bringing himself to a stop, mid-air. Hovering in front of the jail, he let out a harsh, âkee kee keeâ sound, trying to get someone to open the door for him.
Liron had finally gotten that one piece that would help him immensely. Yet another addition to his network of spies, he would allow him to truly get out and start looking for those rebels. âHurry up,â he stated again, as the other guy followed him with shuffling steps and blank eyes. That drought was such a blessing in disguise if it allowed a skinwalker like him to fall into his grasps. He looked towards the twisted metal that formed the wall, and the proud flags of Cruâs Army. âCome in,â he called towards the Squeaker. âI donât have all day to coax to everywhere with a piece of cheese.â
The Squeaker, or so he assumed, followed him, and finally opened his mouth to speak. âWhere are you taking me?â he asked, his eyes still dull. Submitting to the army had probably been difficult, but there was really no other choice unless the Squeaker wanted to die of thirst. This brought a slightly annoyed light into his eyes as he remembered his new enemy - The Pack, or whatever they were called.
âJust my room. Do you have a name?â Liron felt awkward walking on the ground, his stride was ungainly and forced. If only he could turn into a kestrel like he wanted to, but that would scare away the Squeaker and ruin his relative anonymity. The Squeaker remained quiet. âOh, no name?â asked Liron quietly. âFine then, if youâll be so stubborn.â He hurried his pace, but kept his hand on that of the Squeaker, pulling him as he went. The Fighting Pit was surrounded by a crowd of off-duty soldiers, who filled up approximately half of all the available seating. What disgusting uncivilized behavior. The mongrel made an unfortunate choice of moves and the soldier took advantage of that⊠Liron tore his eyes away from the bloody spectacle. âLetâs seeâŠâ he muttered to himself upon arriving at what looked like a warehouse, âAh, there it is!â With a smile, he pulled a rusted, old door open to show an immaculate office-type setting. âThis is my office. And your new home,â he added as though an afterthought.
Pulling the door shut and the Squeaker on the comfortable armchair behind the desk, his eyes became a little colder as he prepared to brief the new member of his spy force. âSqueaker, your job is just to sit here and cover for me.â There was really no point is telling him too much about what he did anyways. With that said, he pulling open a cabinet, and threw a copy of his clothing at the Squeaker. âCome on, change. And exactly what are you?â
âIâm a Squeaker obviously,â stated the Squeaker with a roll of his eyes, before slowly changing into the blue shirt and pants that Liron had thrown him. âSo, Lark, what exactly am I supposed to do?â
Liron declined to answer, before handing the Squeaker a small shard of a mirror, a candle, and a few pieces of flint. Looking around his spotless mirror with a smile, he checked his reflection in the mirror that hung above the table, and turned back to the Squeaker, pulling the mirror from his weak grasp. Arranging it, so that it pointed at his larger mirror, he placed the candle in front of it. âIf someone comes in here looking for me, light the candle, and Iâll be there shortly.â He liked using mirrors for the purpose to long-distance communication, but they were ever so rare⊠The mirror above his table would reflect the light towards the messenger station downstairs, who would then send another Feather towards his way.
He left his office then, before changing into his kestrel form. It was ever so much more comfortable - less of the ungainly walking that he possessed. Flapping his wings once, twice, he lifted into the sky, before circling over The Stockade. His keen eyesight caught sight of Lieutenant Hati and Tatiana standing in the canopied area⊠well, actually Tatiana was sitting in her own throne. Circling downwards, he remembered that he wanted to talk to Interrogator about possible information found about the rebels. Seeing the jail, he continued to circle downward before bringing himself to a stop, mid-air. Hovering in front of the jail, he let out a harsh, âkee kee keeâ sound, trying to get someone to open the door for him.
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(Colai)
She was frightening to the prisoners, though she wasn't at all scary on the outside. They knew what she could do, and how she would do it. And she knew that they wouldn't step out of line, because she was there. She could have unlocked all of their cages and simply let them roam around. None of them would come near her, and none of them would try to escape. They knew that her bite was poison to them. A deadly poison that crept and strangled their nerves, that disabled their ability to move around, and to speak. She couldn't help but think this, and relish the thought. Every so often there would be a plead, for her to let them go. They knew that this was not going to happen, and only the new prisoners would be stupid enough to test Colai's patience. For the older residents of her esteemed jail, the Interrogator would leave them well enough alone, knowing that they knew their place here, they were the bottom of the food chain. She was at the top, and it would stay that way for all eternity.
But she did have to admit, having fresh meat to play with, people and skin shifters alike that didn't know the rules of her jail was too much fun for Colai. Especially when they didn't know how, or when to shut up. Most of the older residents just kept their traps shut, or tried in vain to tell the other, newer people that they shouldn't talk as well. Colai loved these moments. Her thoughts wandered as she looked at the blood spattered on the walls of the jail. This was home to her. There were many true spiders scuttling along the walls and the floors. She let poisonous, and harmless spiders occupy this part of Cru's army. She didn't mind them, but they often found themselves in the small, disgusting cells of each prisoner, and wormed their ways into the prisoners bodies. Nasty sights, and a nasty smell, and a horrible sound when the he, or she realized they had been bitten by spiders shrieked and moaned in pain. The bites would ooze puss, and it was quite disgusting. But she loved the sound, the smell, and the terrified looks on their faces.
"Please, please." A stuttering, soft voice filled the jail. It broke through Colai's thoughts. Her ears tingled with the sound of the voice, she waited to hear it again. She wanted to hear it again. That meant, someone was in for death, or some type of beating that she would take pleasure in. Her ears were still ringing with the high pitched tones, and she soon realized that this meant that the breaker of the twisted rules she had made was a child. A slow feeling crept into her stomach, like a fuzzy mist. The kind that you get when the sun is too hot on the road, and a mirage appears. It crept into her vision, causing her eyes to become glazed for a moment. She waited a few seconds more, but the voice had vanished, and the hopeful bubble in her mind that thought of entertainment for the day popped in the split second that the voice was gone. She slumped back against the wall and examined her nails. They were long, sharp, and beautiful to her. But caked beneath them was filth. Muck, and mud mixed with the dark burgundy tinge of old blood that very nearly matched the color of her dark hair. She picked at them for a moment, before reaching behind her and scraping them against the once white and sterile walls of the jail, a metallic screeching filled the jail, and the stirring of the other prisoners was what she could hear for a moment, before they became absolutely still, once more. For a sound rang through the air, a tentative, haunting tune that ricocheted off of the filthy walls.
I have something in my pocket..
It's something nay, to be kept at bay..
But this object in my pocket..
Is something that will behave..
The night will fall..
The sun will rise..
The rebels are in their grave..
For Cru's army will prevail..
In red, and crushing rage..
Anger splashed through Colai, and she saw red, and only red. Crimson splotches blocked her vision for a moment, but soon faded. But the voice had persisted, and she could still hear it. The voice was so small, so weak and tender. But there was something in their that Colai did not like. There was that of fate, when she slowly, and deliberately began to walk across the large hallway, bars were lined on the left wall, and the right wall was simply cracked and broken tile, with streaks of blood, and anything else that Colai desired to be splattered across the wall. But that voice, it scared her. She felt chills crawl up her spine, and she found herself stopping halfway down the hallway. The voice emanated from the very last cell that was occupied. The newest prisoner that they had picked up. A child.
Ice cold their hands will be..
When they finally see..
What is, and will always be..
The darkness that comes with triumph..
The light that comes from fire..
Perish if we must..
Be careful who you trust..
This song is at an end..
And so is one who truly believes..
That peace, will never fall..
Upon this hallowed..
Torturing..
Hall..
She began to walk again, but the words of the song seemed to be trapped in her head, in the very same cold voice that had bounced around the room but just one second ago. Her pace quickened, but the hall seemed to stretch out, dizzying her. Her legs seemed so short, and her arms were not elegant and graceful. She wasn't dressed in the old clothes she had been wearing a minute ago, and her hair fell to her knees instead of to the middle of her back. She felt herself slide, and suddenly she was on her knees, looking into a pool of her own, dark burgundy blood. Trailing in the pool of blood, blending in immediately was silky strands of matted, ebony hair. The blood became still, and the ripples disappeared, and what she saw made her scream.
"GET OUT! YOU MONSTER! YOU FREAK! GET OUT!" Her mother's eyes were gone, and in it's place were hollow, red sockets. You could see the veins rippling in and out as they began to trail out of the empty holes. Darla's hands seemed to be stuck in the blood as it coagulated around her fingers, she screamed again, but the blood was running and creeping around her, it was encasing her body, and finally it snapped her mouth shut, she could only watch, and listen to her mother scream, old memories.. Old fears.
"GET OUT! DID YOU HEAR ME? I WANT YOU OUT OF MY HOUSE, YOU NASTY, FILTHY MUCK!" Her mother broke blood vessels across her face, bumps and bruises, and Darla realized that her mother's head was bent at an odd angle. It was broken. The spine was snapped, and sticking out of the back of her head. Her brains had begun to leak through her eyes, and her teeth were decaying before Darla's very eyes. Darla closed her eyes, she squeezed them closed, tighter than she had ever closed them before, the last thing she heard, was her mother's deathly screams, and then there was darkness.
"Kee kee kee." Colai's eyes shot open, and she snarled harshly, looking around the jail area. The fluorescent lights flickered for a moment, and remained completely on, before she heard the sound again, "Kee kee kee". She knew who it was, and she pushed off of the wall and unlocked the jail door. Light flooded into the jail, and a prisoner slammed himself into the bars, his thin, bony arms sticking out as he seemed to be stretching for the light. There was a hunger in his eyes, and his tongue hung out, useless. It was completely dry, these prisoners would die soon. His eyes were no longer lit, but simply black, dead, there was no hope left in this man's eyes, and Colai could see that. She ignored the rasping of the man's voice, but a metal, and cold edge to her voice was imminent as she spoke with Liron. She didn't like to talk to anybody but herself, and her prisoners. Glaring at the kestrel, she hissed between her two front teeth, before opening the door wider. She wasn't inviting him in, but she was going to ask what he wanted.
"What the hell do you want?" She said, her sharp voice pierced through the air. She wasn't one to mince words, Colai got what she had to do done, and then she was over it. It was like killing someone. You kill them, blood spatters, their cries ring through your ears, and then they're dead. Deprived of all emotion, the satisfaction of life, and their soul. But they don't care, because they are dead. She didn't give a second thought to the nightmare she had just had, but it was in the back of her brain, lapping along the edges of her mind. She didn't want to think about it. Nothing was supposed to scare her. But that dream.. It told something else. Her eyes softened immediately, but there was still the sting in her voice that meant she didn't want to talk. But she sort of knew she had to, so with a resigned grunt she took a step out, and felt her shoes touch the ground outside of the jail. Shrugging her shoulders, she closed the door behind her, and focused on the kestrel, waiting for him to either transform back into the other form, or to just caw at her again.
"You got anything about the rebels?" She asked, casually. In the softest voice imaginable. Her voice was silky smooth, and very near as persuasive as Cru's voice. But her eyes glittered, there had been something about the rebels in the song she had heard the prisoner sing in her dreams. It was interesting, this twist of events. Coincidence, she was sure.
As she waited, she slipped back into her own thoughts, and began to think about other things. Things that nobody else wanted to think about, unless they were as cruel as her. Colai was sliding into her stupor, a stupor of her thoughts. A coma that wrapped her in the wonderful screams of victims, and her flawless work when it came to cutting their toes, fingers, and eyes out without killing them.. Oh yes, today would be a fun day
(Cru)
"At ease, soldier." Cru commanded in the deep, rustic voice he had gained over the past few years. He had not aged a bit, not since he had turned twenty. He still had the commanding air, for one that looked so young in his years. His sharp, brown eyes glanced around the area, as though daring anyone to come up and punch him, to see how one of the soldiers came out of a fight with his leader. Grimacing, he began to walk across the camp, heading for the arena. It was obviously the only entertainment he had for now. He found that watching others beat themselves up, and kill each other was something funny. It wasn't stupid, and it also wasn't very good for the army, but it kept them occupied. He had decided to give rewards to the one that killed the most, and fought the most, but honestly he had seen nothing like that kind of champion yet.
It was a simple gift, but it meant that all eyes were on that particular soldier, he was being doted upon, and watched over by Cru himself. This was an immense honor in a soldier's point of view. And Cru smiled cruelly at this, wondering when someone would actually become "Cru's Champion". There were plenty of soldiers that may have been able to pull it off, but it was possible that no one would be able to. Cru was somewhat of a pessimistic, and critical person. He had a good eye for combat technique and skill. Which meant that it was impossible to fight and be given a compliment by Cru. He would simply brush off a victory by telling the soldier what he had done wrong, and if the soldier did not win, Cru would say nothing. Because the soldier would be dead. Cru finished his thought, and realized that the soldier he had told to relax, was still standing in front of him. The vague, and discouraging look he through at the soldier told a simple command, "Get out'ta my face."
"S-Sir?" The soldier stuttered, looking at him with wide, frightened eyes. They were a deep blue, but Cru didn't notice this. He just waved his hand in front of the soldier, and the soldier scuttled off. He was a barker, most of the soldiers were barkers, and a few Maos. The soldier that had been standing in front of him was skittish enough to be a fucking chihuahua. What had happened to quality over quantity these past few months? It seemed like they were letting anyone and everyone into Cru's Army. Well, whatever. Cru supposed there was somewhat of an influence when you had more members instead of a few skilled ones. But still..
He had reached the arena, and settled on the throne without even taking notice of his wife - Tati - or his lieutenant Hati. He turned towards his wife, and gave her the crooked half smile that was his trademark smile, there was always just the slightest smirk in that sweet, sincere smile. It was like he was egging you on without meaning to. His smirk seemed to mean something like this: "Haha, if you look at me the wrong way, I kill you. If you breath the wrong way, I kill you. If you think about breathing the wrong way, or looking at me the wrong way, I still kill you." That's what seemed to go on in his mind most of the time. He was rather dark on the inside. He flashed his wife that smile one more time, but it was more sweet, this was his wife after all. Then he turned towards Hati. His eyes glowed for a moment, then settled. He always glowered at her, but that didn't exactly mean that he was angry. Sighing softly, he slumped in his throne and watched two, big black dogs beginning to tear each other in half. He couldn't tell the soldier from the mongrel, but it didn't matter to him that much. He spoke in a bored drawl that he reserved just for his right hand man.. Woman.
"So. Hati. Have you spoken to the Interrogat--I mean, Colai about evidence of Rebels?" He didn't expect her to answer this particular question, because they all knew that Colai wouldn't move out of her jail if she didn't want to, but usually she did creep around in the shadows. Colai was the only one that literally hated Cru's guts. She didn't care if he threw her out of the army, because she could fend for herself, unlike all the cowardly soldiers couldn't. He knew that if he lost her to the rebels, it would be torture for the soldiers. She knew every single path there was to the army, every exit and entrance. There were secrets throughout the barracks, and all the soldiers feared her. You would often hear the bone chilling cries of death and torture that came from her side of the camp. They all knew what would happen if they crossed Cru, they would be sent to Colai. That was the worst possible thing that could happen to you here, you would get sent to the Interrogator. The Jailer. There were numerous nicknames and rumors about what was held in the jail, and what happened to the people that lived in the jail. Fear rippled through even the biggest, toughest soldiers. Most of them were all brawn, and no brain. But even the smarter ones knew that they would never survive even a night in the jail. It was suicide to cross Cru, because of Colai. And he liked that.
That didn't mean he got along with her, but that wasn't the case right now. He returned his thoughts, and focus to Hati with a small smirk, and no sincerity in his face this time. "So, tell me, Hati. What is going on with the Rebels that is making the soldiers so... Skittish." He grimaced at the word. He had noticed that all the soldiers in the stands, that were watching the fight seemed to fidget, or murmur to each other. The only ones that weren't, were the ones actually fighting for their lives. He tsked beneath his breath for a moment, before sitting up straight, and wrapping his fingers around Tati's. Bringing her hand to his lips, he pressed it against them for a moment, before dropping her hand back into her lap. He watched the two black dogs brawl for a moment, before growing bored of this.
He stood up, and whipped out a shot gun, pulling the trigger, a blast echoed through the arena. He had killed the mongrel, and the soldier phased back into his normal form, looking completely annoyed, his face reddening. He began to shout, but turned around and saw that Cru was the one holding the gun. The red seeped out of his face, and all of a sudden he was completely white, pale. He muttered something and backed away, through the entrance he had come through to fight in the arena.
"Soldiers. This, is what I am talking about. This is how we will deal with the rebels. We will fight back, and we will prevail. This is non-negotiable. You will not fail, I WILL NOT FAIL. These rebels are going to die, and we will walk in triumph across their graves, the victors and the supreme rulers of the city."
The soldiers bellowed, and many began to scream in a complete adrenaline rush. It was but a single moment, but some of them even phased into their dog forms, howling praises to their role model, Cru. The biggest, toughest, and scariest of them all. He knew how to rally, and to get them up on their feet. These new soldiers were piss and vinegar, and the old ones were just as good as the new. The perfect balance between adrenaline, and experience would keep this army together. He would make sure of it. He was in fact, quite content with where he was. But as he said and thought all these things, he turned back to Hati, and his eyes were bright he was still waiting for an answer from her. There was no more excitement in his voice.
"Well?" Obviously you could see that Cru could change his personality on a moment's notice. That was the way a leader had to be. But he was prepared to laugh at his lieutenant if she had no information for him. As was his job to. Being a leader was fucking hard, but it was fun at the same time. His expression was dark as he remembered his question, and waited for her to answer it.
Those rebels were going down.
She was frightening to the prisoners, though she wasn't at all scary on the outside. They knew what she could do, and how she would do it. And she knew that they wouldn't step out of line, because she was there. She could have unlocked all of their cages and simply let them roam around. None of them would come near her, and none of them would try to escape. They knew that her bite was poison to them. A deadly poison that crept and strangled their nerves, that disabled their ability to move around, and to speak. She couldn't help but think this, and relish the thought. Every so often there would be a plead, for her to let them go. They knew that this was not going to happen, and only the new prisoners would be stupid enough to test Colai's patience. For the older residents of her esteemed jail, the Interrogator would leave them well enough alone, knowing that they knew their place here, they were the bottom of the food chain. She was at the top, and it would stay that way for all eternity.
But she did have to admit, having fresh meat to play with, people and skin shifters alike that didn't know the rules of her jail was too much fun for Colai. Especially when they didn't know how, or when to shut up. Most of the older residents just kept their traps shut, or tried in vain to tell the other, newer people that they shouldn't talk as well. Colai loved these moments. Her thoughts wandered as she looked at the blood spattered on the walls of the jail. This was home to her. There were many true spiders scuttling along the walls and the floors. She let poisonous, and harmless spiders occupy this part of Cru's army. She didn't mind them, but they often found themselves in the small, disgusting cells of each prisoner, and wormed their ways into the prisoners bodies. Nasty sights, and a nasty smell, and a horrible sound when the he, or she realized they had been bitten by spiders shrieked and moaned in pain. The bites would ooze puss, and it was quite disgusting. But she loved the sound, the smell, and the terrified looks on their faces.
"Please, please." A stuttering, soft voice filled the jail. It broke through Colai's thoughts. Her ears tingled with the sound of the voice, she waited to hear it again. She wanted to hear it again. That meant, someone was in for death, or some type of beating that she would take pleasure in. Her ears were still ringing with the high pitched tones, and she soon realized that this meant that the breaker of the twisted rules she had made was a child. A slow feeling crept into her stomach, like a fuzzy mist. The kind that you get when the sun is too hot on the road, and a mirage appears. It crept into her vision, causing her eyes to become glazed for a moment. She waited a few seconds more, but the voice had vanished, and the hopeful bubble in her mind that thought of entertainment for the day popped in the split second that the voice was gone. She slumped back against the wall and examined her nails. They were long, sharp, and beautiful to her. But caked beneath them was filth. Muck, and mud mixed with the dark burgundy tinge of old blood that very nearly matched the color of her dark hair. She picked at them for a moment, before reaching behind her and scraping them against the once white and sterile walls of the jail, a metallic screeching filled the jail, and the stirring of the other prisoners was what she could hear for a moment, before they became absolutely still, once more. For a sound rang through the air, a tentative, haunting tune that ricocheted off of the filthy walls.
I have something in my pocket..
It's something nay, to be kept at bay..
But this object in my pocket..
Is something that will behave..
The night will fall..
The sun will rise..
The rebels are in their grave..
For Cru's army will prevail..
In red, and crushing rage..
Anger splashed through Colai, and she saw red, and only red. Crimson splotches blocked her vision for a moment, but soon faded. But the voice had persisted, and she could still hear it. The voice was so small, so weak and tender. But there was something in their that Colai did not like. There was that of fate, when she slowly, and deliberately began to walk across the large hallway, bars were lined on the left wall, and the right wall was simply cracked and broken tile, with streaks of blood, and anything else that Colai desired to be splattered across the wall. But that voice, it scared her. She felt chills crawl up her spine, and she found herself stopping halfway down the hallway. The voice emanated from the very last cell that was occupied. The newest prisoner that they had picked up. A child.
Ice cold their hands will be..
When they finally see..
What is, and will always be..
The darkness that comes with triumph..
The light that comes from fire..
Perish if we must..
Be careful who you trust..
This song is at an end..
And so is one who truly believes..
That peace, will never fall..
Upon this hallowed..
Torturing..
Hall..
She began to walk again, but the words of the song seemed to be trapped in her head, in the very same cold voice that had bounced around the room but just one second ago. Her pace quickened, but the hall seemed to stretch out, dizzying her. Her legs seemed so short, and her arms were not elegant and graceful. She wasn't dressed in the old clothes she had been wearing a minute ago, and her hair fell to her knees instead of to the middle of her back. She felt herself slide, and suddenly she was on her knees, looking into a pool of her own, dark burgundy blood. Trailing in the pool of blood, blending in immediately was silky strands of matted, ebony hair. The blood became still, and the ripples disappeared, and what she saw made her scream.
"GET OUT! YOU MONSTER! YOU FREAK! GET OUT!" Her mother's eyes were gone, and in it's place were hollow, red sockets. You could see the veins rippling in and out as they began to trail out of the empty holes. Darla's hands seemed to be stuck in the blood as it coagulated around her fingers, she screamed again, but the blood was running and creeping around her, it was encasing her body, and finally it snapped her mouth shut, she could only watch, and listen to her mother scream, old memories.. Old fears.
"GET OUT! DID YOU HEAR ME? I WANT YOU OUT OF MY HOUSE, YOU NASTY, FILTHY MUCK!" Her mother broke blood vessels across her face, bumps and bruises, and Darla realized that her mother's head was bent at an odd angle. It was broken. The spine was snapped, and sticking out of the back of her head. Her brains had begun to leak through her eyes, and her teeth were decaying before Darla's very eyes. Darla closed her eyes, she squeezed them closed, tighter than she had ever closed them before, the last thing she heard, was her mother's deathly screams, and then there was darkness.
"Kee kee kee." Colai's eyes shot open, and she snarled harshly, looking around the jail area. The fluorescent lights flickered for a moment, and remained completely on, before she heard the sound again, "Kee kee kee". She knew who it was, and she pushed off of the wall and unlocked the jail door. Light flooded into the jail, and a prisoner slammed himself into the bars, his thin, bony arms sticking out as he seemed to be stretching for the light. There was a hunger in his eyes, and his tongue hung out, useless. It was completely dry, these prisoners would die soon. His eyes were no longer lit, but simply black, dead, there was no hope left in this man's eyes, and Colai could see that. She ignored the rasping of the man's voice, but a metal, and cold edge to her voice was imminent as she spoke with Liron. She didn't like to talk to anybody but herself, and her prisoners. Glaring at the kestrel, she hissed between her two front teeth, before opening the door wider. She wasn't inviting him in, but she was going to ask what he wanted.
"What the hell do you want?" She said, her sharp voice pierced through the air. She wasn't one to mince words, Colai got what she had to do done, and then she was over it. It was like killing someone. You kill them, blood spatters, their cries ring through your ears, and then they're dead. Deprived of all emotion, the satisfaction of life, and their soul. But they don't care, because they are dead. She didn't give a second thought to the nightmare she had just had, but it was in the back of her brain, lapping along the edges of her mind. She didn't want to think about it. Nothing was supposed to scare her. But that dream.. It told something else. Her eyes softened immediately, but there was still the sting in her voice that meant she didn't want to talk. But she sort of knew she had to, so with a resigned grunt she took a step out, and felt her shoes touch the ground outside of the jail. Shrugging her shoulders, she closed the door behind her, and focused on the kestrel, waiting for him to either transform back into the other form, or to just caw at her again.
"You got anything about the rebels?" She asked, casually. In the softest voice imaginable. Her voice was silky smooth, and very near as persuasive as Cru's voice. But her eyes glittered, there had been something about the rebels in the song she had heard the prisoner sing in her dreams. It was interesting, this twist of events. Coincidence, she was sure.
As she waited, she slipped back into her own thoughts, and began to think about other things. Things that nobody else wanted to think about, unless they were as cruel as her. Colai was sliding into her stupor, a stupor of her thoughts. A coma that wrapped her in the wonderful screams of victims, and her flawless work when it came to cutting their toes, fingers, and eyes out without killing them.. Oh yes, today would be a fun day
(Cru)
"At ease, soldier." Cru commanded in the deep, rustic voice he had gained over the past few years. He had not aged a bit, not since he had turned twenty. He still had the commanding air, for one that looked so young in his years. His sharp, brown eyes glanced around the area, as though daring anyone to come up and punch him, to see how one of the soldiers came out of a fight with his leader. Grimacing, he began to walk across the camp, heading for the arena. It was obviously the only entertainment he had for now. He found that watching others beat themselves up, and kill each other was something funny. It wasn't stupid, and it also wasn't very good for the army, but it kept them occupied. He had decided to give rewards to the one that killed the most, and fought the most, but honestly he had seen nothing like that kind of champion yet.
It was a simple gift, but it meant that all eyes were on that particular soldier, he was being doted upon, and watched over by Cru himself. This was an immense honor in a soldier's point of view. And Cru smiled cruelly at this, wondering when someone would actually become "Cru's Champion". There were plenty of soldiers that may have been able to pull it off, but it was possible that no one would be able to. Cru was somewhat of a pessimistic, and critical person. He had a good eye for combat technique and skill. Which meant that it was impossible to fight and be given a compliment by Cru. He would simply brush off a victory by telling the soldier what he had done wrong, and if the soldier did not win, Cru would say nothing. Because the soldier would be dead. Cru finished his thought, and realized that the soldier he had told to relax, was still standing in front of him. The vague, and discouraging look he through at the soldier told a simple command, "Get out'ta my face."
"S-Sir?" The soldier stuttered, looking at him with wide, frightened eyes. They were a deep blue, but Cru didn't notice this. He just waved his hand in front of the soldier, and the soldier scuttled off. He was a barker, most of the soldiers were barkers, and a few Maos. The soldier that had been standing in front of him was skittish enough to be a fucking chihuahua. What had happened to quality over quantity these past few months? It seemed like they were letting anyone and everyone into Cru's Army. Well, whatever. Cru supposed there was somewhat of an influence when you had more members instead of a few skilled ones. But still..
He had reached the arena, and settled on the throne without even taking notice of his wife - Tati - or his lieutenant Hati. He turned towards his wife, and gave her the crooked half smile that was his trademark smile, there was always just the slightest smirk in that sweet, sincere smile. It was like he was egging you on without meaning to. His smirk seemed to mean something like this: "Haha, if you look at me the wrong way, I kill you. If you breath the wrong way, I kill you. If you think about breathing the wrong way, or looking at me the wrong way, I still kill you." That's what seemed to go on in his mind most of the time. He was rather dark on the inside. He flashed his wife that smile one more time, but it was more sweet, this was his wife after all. Then he turned towards Hati. His eyes glowed for a moment, then settled. He always glowered at her, but that didn't exactly mean that he was angry. Sighing softly, he slumped in his throne and watched two, big black dogs beginning to tear each other in half. He couldn't tell the soldier from the mongrel, but it didn't matter to him that much. He spoke in a bored drawl that he reserved just for his right hand man.. Woman.
"So. Hati. Have you spoken to the Interrogat--I mean, Colai about evidence of Rebels?" He didn't expect her to answer this particular question, because they all knew that Colai wouldn't move out of her jail if she didn't want to, but usually she did creep around in the shadows. Colai was the only one that literally hated Cru's guts. She didn't care if he threw her out of the army, because she could fend for herself, unlike all the cowardly soldiers couldn't. He knew that if he lost her to the rebels, it would be torture for the soldiers. She knew every single path there was to the army, every exit and entrance. There were secrets throughout the barracks, and all the soldiers feared her. You would often hear the bone chilling cries of death and torture that came from her side of the camp. They all knew what would happen if they crossed Cru, they would be sent to Colai. That was the worst possible thing that could happen to you here, you would get sent to the Interrogator. The Jailer. There were numerous nicknames and rumors about what was held in the jail, and what happened to the people that lived in the jail. Fear rippled through even the biggest, toughest soldiers. Most of them were all brawn, and no brain. But even the smarter ones knew that they would never survive even a night in the jail. It was suicide to cross Cru, because of Colai. And he liked that.
That didn't mean he got along with her, but that wasn't the case right now. He returned his thoughts, and focus to Hati with a small smirk, and no sincerity in his face this time. "So, tell me, Hati. What is going on with the Rebels that is making the soldiers so... Skittish." He grimaced at the word. He had noticed that all the soldiers in the stands, that were watching the fight seemed to fidget, or murmur to each other. The only ones that weren't, were the ones actually fighting for their lives. He tsked beneath his breath for a moment, before sitting up straight, and wrapping his fingers around Tati's. Bringing her hand to his lips, he pressed it against them for a moment, before dropping her hand back into her lap. He watched the two black dogs brawl for a moment, before growing bored of this.
He stood up, and whipped out a shot gun, pulling the trigger, a blast echoed through the arena. He had killed the mongrel, and the soldier phased back into his normal form, looking completely annoyed, his face reddening. He began to shout, but turned around and saw that Cru was the one holding the gun. The red seeped out of his face, and all of a sudden he was completely white, pale. He muttered something and backed away, through the entrance he had come through to fight in the arena.
"Soldiers. This, is what I am talking about. This is how we will deal with the rebels. We will fight back, and we will prevail. This is non-negotiable. You will not fail, I WILL NOT FAIL. These rebels are going to die, and we will walk in triumph across their graves, the victors and the supreme rulers of the city."
The soldiers bellowed, and many began to scream in a complete adrenaline rush. It was but a single moment, but some of them even phased into their dog forms, howling praises to their role model, Cru. The biggest, toughest, and scariest of them all. He knew how to rally, and to get them up on their feet. These new soldiers were piss and vinegar, and the old ones were just as good as the new. The perfect balance between adrenaline, and experience would keep this army together. He would make sure of it. He was in fact, quite content with where he was. But as he said and thought all these things, he turned back to Hati, and his eyes were bright he was still waiting for an answer from her. There was no more excitement in his voice.
"Well?" Obviously you could see that Cru could change his personality on a moment's notice. That was the way a leader had to be. But he was prepared to laugh at his lieutenant if she had no information for him. As was his job to. Being a leader was fucking hard, but it was fun at the same time. His expression was dark as he remembered his question, and waited for her to answer it.
Those rebels were going down.
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MIRA M.
Mira found herself wandering. That's all she seemed to be doing these days. She really didn't have much of a purpose but to make people laugh she realized. She wasn't sure if she should feel upset about that or not. Didi it matter? as long as she took care of what she needed to do did it matter if she was actually needed? yes. Everyone wanted to be needed. It was a humanity thing. Strange considering she wasn't actually human. She shook her head and frowned at her train of thought. Thinking like that was what got you like Colai. Poor creature. She didn't dislike the jailer...nor was she really scared of her....it was more like she pitied her. She heard the roar of the crowds as Cru riled them up. Something about rebels. Did she really care about the rebels? No. Did she think they where stupid for going against Cru, HELL yes. Mira didn't really fear Cru, but she respected him and felt loyalty, not to his cause, but to him for saving her. She was in his debt.
What was the point of the rebels? did they think they had a chance against the greatest Barker there was. Strong fierce and quiet frankly slightly cruel and maybe a little crazy. Ah well what great dictator wasn't? She thought with a grin. She sighed and wondered what she could do. Maybe go help the medic? no, she didn't have any experiance in the medical feild. Her thoughts on it where, if you where slow enough to get the injury then you deserve it....kinda like death. It happens. Maybe she could go challenge someone to a duel of wits? no, there where hardly any smart beings around here...and her jokes usually just slid over their heads.
What to do? She bit her lip and considered going to find Cru. She had yet to bug him enough to kill her or kick her out...did she want to push that? not really but maybe there would be some good pickings. She sighed and made her way towards the yells of excitement, a small smile placed on her lips.
Mira found herself wandering. That's all she seemed to be doing these days. She really didn't have much of a purpose but to make people laugh she realized. She wasn't sure if she should feel upset about that or not. Didi it matter? as long as she took care of what she needed to do did it matter if she was actually needed? yes. Everyone wanted to be needed. It was a humanity thing. Strange considering she wasn't actually human. She shook her head and frowned at her train of thought. Thinking like that was what got you like Colai. Poor creature. She didn't dislike the jailer...nor was she really scared of her....it was more like she pitied her. She heard the roar of the crowds as Cru riled them up. Something about rebels. Did she really care about the rebels? No. Did she think they where stupid for going against Cru, HELL yes. Mira didn't really fear Cru, but she respected him and felt loyalty, not to his cause, but to him for saving her. She was in his debt.
What was the point of the rebels? did they think they had a chance against the greatest Barker there was. Strong fierce and quiet frankly slightly cruel and maybe a little crazy. Ah well what great dictator wasn't? She thought with a grin. She sighed and wondered what she could do. Maybe go help the medic? no, she didn't have any experiance in the medical feild. Her thoughts on it where, if you where slow enough to get the injury then you deserve it....kinda like death. It happens. Maybe she could go challenge someone to a duel of wits? no, there where hardly any smart beings around here...and her jokes usually just slid over their heads.
What to do? She bit her lip and considered going to find Cru. She had yet to bug him enough to kill her or kick her out...did she want to push that? not really but maybe there would be some good pickings. She sighed and made her way towards the yells of excitement, a small smile placed on her lips.
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Just outside the base, there was an almost sickening thud, as Sasha slammed a man against the stone wall, his large hand tightening around the man's neck. Sasha smiled as the traitor gasped for air, his hands grabbing Sasha's arm. "I will ask you one more time." Sasha said. "Then I will break you." he had found a letter written by the man to another soldier, talking about their plot to kill the master. Normally, he would have handed the man over to the interrogator, but lately, Shasha hadn't got much action, and he was just itching to cause someone pain.
When the man didn't answer, Sasha grabbed his arm, turned him around and brought him to his knees by kicking him in the back. He grabbed the man's hand and brought it behind his back, moving it in a way than someones arm should never move, and brutally snapped his bone. The man screamed in pain, and Sasha picked him up and once again slammed him hard against the cold stone wall.Â
"WHO WAS THE LETTER ADRESSED TO?!" Shasha yelled stomping on the man's foot. He smiled as he saw the fear in the man's eyes. He loved that look.Â
Finally, the man's mouth began to open, but instead of an answer, the man decided to seal his fate, by spitting on Sasha's face.
He really shouldn't have done that.
Sasha made his way to the arena wiping the blood off of his face.Â
"Master." he said, bowing to Cru. He nodded to both Tali and Hati as he shifted to dog form, and watched for any potential threats to his master.
When the man didn't answer, Sasha grabbed his arm, turned him around and brought him to his knees by kicking him in the back. He grabbed the man's hand and brought it behind his back, moving it in a way than someones arm should never move, and brutally snapped his bone. The man screamed in pain, and Sasha picked him up and once again slammed him hard against the cold stone wall.Â
"WHO WAS THE LETTER ADRESSED TO?!" Shasha yelled stomping on the man's foot. He smiled as he saw the fear in the man's eyes. He loved that look.Â
Finally, the man's mouth began to open, but instead of an answer, the man decided to seal his fate, by spitting on Sasha's face.
He really shouldn't have done that.
Sasha made his way to the arena wiping the blood off of his face.Â
"Master." he said, bowing to Cru. He nodded to both Tali and Hati as he shifted to dog form, and watched for any potential threats to his master.
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Tati returned Cru's smirk with her own. It was a slightly more relaxed, a little more sadistic version. You got the impression that the exact phrase she was thinking was "I wonder how fast I can kill this one..." She watched the gunshot, saw the soldier turn, and her husband address the crowd. She regarded him as he took his seat again.
"Bored so fast? I thought you enjoyed the fights?" she asked, one eyebrow raised. There was a slight teasing edge to her voice.
Shasha walked up, wiping blood off his face. She returned his nod, waiting for the next fight to start. She was bored. She lounged a little more in her seat, picking at her claws which had extended out. It seemed it was going to be another bumbling soldier versus a mongrel. Soldiers seemed to have a problem with thinking. They were okay with strategies, but only if they were taught them well in advance.
"Bored so fast? I thought you enjoyed the fights?" she asked, one eyebrow raised. There was a slight teasing edge to her voice.
Shasha walked up, wiping blood off his face. She returned his nod, waiting for the next fight to start. She was bored. She lounged a little more in her seat, picking at her claws which had extended out. It seemed it was going to be another bumbling soldier versus a mongrel. Soldiers seemed to have a problem with thinking. They were okay with strategies, but only if they were taught them well in advance.
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The door unlocked in front of him, as his wings beat the air laboriously. Liron was able to catch a glimpse of the conditions inside the jail - the lights were on, and a prisoner was slammed against the bars, and reaching towards the frail sunlight that shone inside. But most importantly, he saw the one person that he was looking for - Colai, the spinner. He was terrified of her, and shuddered slightly, before the headwind suddenly ceased behind him. Opening his wings to the largest possible wingspan, he was able to glide onto the ground with a semi-graceful landing.
She shot him an angry glare, before hissing between her teeth. Liron continued to look at her, with a piercing look in his yellow-ringed black eyes. There was no reason to get so upset over a meeting, was there? The Spymaster and the Interrogator were supposed to work together, after all. The door opened a slight bit wider, and Liron was able to take in more of the sights of the jail. More prisoners were seen - most with thin arms, much like his own, and black, lightless eyes. Blood splattered the walls, and inside the nicks and crannies, his keen eyes caught the sight of spiders.
âWhat the hell do you want?â she asked him, her voice sharp as nails and those various weapons used by the soldiers of Cruâs Army. Of course, she wasnât quite pleased to see him - Colai didnât quite like to talk to him, at the very least. He gave a shrug of his feathered shoulders, waiting for her to come out of her haunt. The door opened towards him, and he gave a slight flutter out of the way.
Being unable to speak, he remained silent, but noticed the slightly warmer air in her eyes. With a grunt, she stepped out of the building before shrugging and turning her unnerving eyes his way. The door was then closed, and Liron snatched his eyes away from the prisoners inside. âYou got anything about the rebels?â Her voice was soft, nearly like velvet, and quite persuasive. Her eyes were strangely glittering, and Liron was caught off guard. âStrange. I would have expected that she would bite my head off for simply showing up.â
âKee kee kee?â he cawed again, before turning away from the Spinner. Turning his hand backwards to look at her, he opened his wings to catch the air. Leaping into the air, he prepared to change, and quickly formed into his humanoid form. His wings lost their feathers and with a sudden change became humanoid in form. At the same time, his claw-like feet and legs elongated. When all the pulling and twisting transformations were over, there stood a tall, slight man with feathers in his brown hair.
âColai, no easing into the subject?â he stated with a slight smile, but remained tense. Spinners were venomous in either form. His eyes became a little harder, just barely, as he replied to her second question. âNothing much about the rebels yet. Maybe Iâll get a breakthrough soon,â he continued his voice still light and lyrical. His information is only for his eyes after all. His and Cruâs, of course. Even if he was prone to sharing the only thing that kept him alive in the army - in a straight out fight heâd probably be the first one dead, Colai wasnât the most trusted off all of the leaders of Cruâs Army. Yes, she was helpful as she controlled the Army through fear, but no one knew what went on in that mind of hers. âJust asking if you got anything for me,â he continued. âAnd warning you that Iâll be gone for a few days, so you wonât be able to coerce information out of me for a while.â He backed away from the young long-haired Spinner all the while, before flashing a forced smile. âNothing really important actually.â
He heard Cru cheering on his barbaric army, as his soldiers started baying to the high heavens. He gave another shudder, the smile dropping from his face. He heard his excited voice that he used for whipping up a frenzy, but Liron was quickly able to force that away from his thoughts. Whatever disturbing things they did was justifiable - there was no way that they could make their final paradise with rebels running this way and that. He turned back towards Colai, waiting for more information - if she wanted to share, that is.
Cru had the spirit of a leader; he was strong, charismatic, and could twist his large Barker and Mao army around his finger with the minimum of effort. Liron viewed himself as lucky that Cru had found an use for him - otherwise, heâd be one of those slave-like workers like most of the other Feathers. Or more likely, dead.
She shot him an angry glare, before hissing between her teeth. Liron continued to look at her, with a piercing look in his yellow-ringed black eyes. There was no reason to get so upset over a meeting, was there? The Spymaster and the Interrogator were supposed to work together, after all. The door opened a slight bit wider, and Liron was able to take in more of the sights of the jail. More prisoners were seen - most with thin arms, much like his own, and black, lightless eyes. Blood splattered the walls, and inside the nicks and crannies, his keen eyes caught the sight of spiders.
âWhat the hell do you want?â she asked him, her voice sharp as nails and those various weapons used by the soldiers of Cruâs Army. Of course, she wasnât quite pleased to see him - Colai didnât quite like to talk to him, at the very least. He gave a shrug of his feathered shoulders, waiting for her to come out of her haunt. The door opened towards him, and he gave a slight flutter out of the way.
Being unable to speak, he remained silent, but noticed the slightly warmer air in her eyes. With a grunt, she stepped out of the building before shrugging and turning her unnerving eyes his way. The door was then closed, and Liron snatched his eyes away from the prisoners inside. âYou got anything about the rebels?â Her voice was soft, nearly like velvet, and quite persuasive. Her eyes were strangely glittering, and Liron was caught off guard. âStrange. I would have expected that she would bite my head off for simply showing up.â
âKee kee kee?â he cawed again, before turning away from the Spinner. Turning his hand backwards to look at her, he opened his wings to catch the air. Leaping into the air, he prepared to change, and quickly formed into his humanoid form. His wings lost their feathers and with a sudden change became humanoid in form. At the same time, his claw-like feet and legs elongated. When all the pulling and twisting transformations were over, there stood a tall, slight man with feathers in his brown hair.
âColai, no easing into the subject?â he stated with a slight smile, but remained tense. Spinners were venomous in either form. His eyes became a little harder, just barely, as he replied to her second question. âNothing much about the rebels yet. Maybe Iâll get a breakthrough soon,â he continued his voice still light and lyrical. His information is only for his eyes after all. His and Cruâs, of course. Even if he was prone to sharing the only thing that kept him alive in the army - in a straight out fight heâd probably be the first one dead, Colai wasnât the most trusted off all of the leaders of Cruâs Army. Yes, she was helpful as she controlled the Army through fear, but no one knew what went on in that mind of hers. âJust asking if you got anything for me,â he continued. âAnd warning you that Iâll be gone for a few days, so you wonât be able to coerce information out of me for a while.â He backed away from the young long-haired Spinner all the while, before flashing a forced smile. âNothing really important actually.â
He heard Cru cheering on his barbaric army, as his soldiers started baying to the high heavens. He gave another shudder, the smile dropping from his face. He heard his excited voice that he used for whipping up a frenzy, but Liron was quickly able to force that away from his thoughts. Whatever disturbing things they did was justifiable - there was no way that they could make their final paradise with rebels running this way and that. He turned back towards Colai, waiting for more information - if she wanted to share, that is.
Cru had the spirit of a leader; he was strong, charismatic, and could twist his large Barker and Mao army around his finger with the minimum of effort. Liron viewed himself as lucky that Cru had found an use for him - otherwise, heâd be one of those slave-like workers like most of the other Feathers. Or more likely, dead.
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(Colai)
She relaxed in the next instant. Liron was one of the few people that she could become completely relaxed over. She had reacted too much to him coming to her jail. She didn't like when people were so close to it. But she ignored this, her eyes were still piercing into his, and her lips trembled gently as she grimaced for a moment, and nodded her head. She was ready to tell him what she knew, which was not much. Well... It wouldn't matter to him anyway. Her eyes shone with crimson for a moment, but that was just at trick of the light. Most likely.
"I've heard a few things that the prisoners tell each other." She spoke reluctantly, she liked working with Liron. But that meant she could tolerate him. She didn't like anyone in the friendly way, or even the other way. "Like" really meant "Tolerate" to Colai. And that was the way it was going to be for a long time to come. "Honestly, the only thing I've heard, and seen is that the Rebels are riling up every single loner out there. We can't have anything like this happening. If the Rebels happen to pick up enough strays, and train them in their ways they may have an army just as good as Cru's, even if he refuses this can happen it may still become a reality." She spoke naturally, fluidly, and intelligently. She was ready with the answers Liron wanted. Rolling her eyes, and muttering in disgust, she noticed a lone spider that had traipsed and gotten through the crack of the open door to the jail. She cooed to it gently, and beckoned for it to come to her.
It scuttled over to her, completely at ease on the palm of her hand. She held her fingers apart, and whispered to it softly. It slowly began to spin a web between her fingers, it was silvery and glossy. This spider was not a poisonous one, but it was definitely one that's bite would make you itch for a very long time. Her lips pulled back into a smirk, a smirk that showed she really was crazy. Highlights in her eyes made her look completely insane. She was insane, and everyone in the army knew that.
"If you're not going to be around for a few days, I don't see any reason in why I should stick around this dump either." Colai seemed to agree with herself on this, and for just a moment the frown, and the dark, dangerous look in her eyes decreased. For one moment, she looked pretty, almost like a girl. But in a flash, it was back. Her eyes hardened, and grew even sharper than before, more dangerous if you will. But her voice told Liron that she was willing to become maybe an ally for this time, even though they were on the same side that didn't count as being a friend, or an ally to Colai. She knew that Cru didn't want to lose her because of this, but she wasn't in his debt. She had come because she was drawn to pain and suffering. Nothing else mattered to her.
"Liron. Where are you going?" Her voice was almost human, but it was still terrifyingly soft. Her eyes shimmered with a longing to get out of this place, and her hair fell over her face for a moment. She was greasy, and unkempt. But it wasn't in the dirty way. It was in the way that she had resigned trying to be normal, that she had given into her true nature that lay beneath the skin. She looked exactly like a spider would in human form. It was impossible not to tell that she was a spinner. She tensed, and her knees bent gently as she snarled, she felt something in the wind. It wasn't anything someone else could feel. It was a knowing feeling. She knew that something was coming, that Cru's army may not last through this. But she didn't want to say that to anyone else, simply because she relished this feeling.
"I may be leaving for a few days, too." She added. That was not something she necessarily needed to say to him, but she felt like this was the person closest to her, the perosn that she talked to the most. She didn't mind that he was afraid of her. In fact, she understood why he was afraid. But she didn't care about his feelings, or his fright. She cared about the knowledge he could get her, so that she could tear those Rebels apart. Her hands balled into fists, and her eyes glittered. "I'm not staying in this hell-hole longer than necessary." Liron would know what she meant. She meant that she hated it here, and that she may rebel against Cru any moment. She didn't give a damn if Liron went to Cru and told him, she just wanted to get out of here. "Listen, birdbrain. I've told you what I know, but honestly I may know a bit more, or I think I do.. But Cru takes for granted what is right beneath his nose." She was trying to hint something to him. He wouldn't understand at first, but later on he would realize. "Just think on that when you're flying."
(Cru)
"Hello, Sasha. You don't have to hang around so much." Cru was simply thinking about Sasha's needs, for he seemed to be glued to Cru's side most of the time. Throwing this thought aside, he turned to Tati and gave her that crooked smile of his, that made his eyes gleam with evil, and plans for the future.
"There are more important things to think about right now." He spoke with baited breath, waiting for someone to ask what was more important than this. Clearing his throat, he began to nod to himself, before walking out of the arena, and calling over his shoulder. "I want you three to meet me in the living quarters." This was not right, something was wrong. For he rarely let anyone in the living quarters of Cru and his wife. He refused to let anyone take away his privacy. Something was troubling Cru, quite a lot.
He phased in a single instant, his dog form was much more impressive. Gangly limbs were now strong, and supple. Muscles rippled, and he barked a loud, roaring bark. He was like a lion in disguise as a dog. Bounding away from the arena, he expected his most trusted people to follow, or they would learn that if they didn't follow his orders, everything would fall apart. Like last time..
She relaxed in the next instant. Liron was one of the few people that she could become completely relaxed over. She had reacted too much to him coming to her jail. She didn't like when people were so close to it. But she ignored this, her eyes were still piercing into his, and her lips trembled gently as she grimaced for a moment, and nodded her head. She was ready to tell him what she knew, which was not much. Well... It wouldn't matter to him anyway. Her eyes shone with crimson for a moment, but that was just at trick of the light. Most likely.
"I've heard a few things that the prisoners tell each other." She spoke reluctantly, she liked working with Liron. But that meant she could tolerate him. She didn't like anyone in the friendly way, or even the other way. "Like" really meant "Tolerate" to Colai. And that was the way it was going to be for a long time to come. "Honestly, the only thing I've heard, and seen is that the Rebels are riling up every single loner out there. We can't have anything like this happening. If the Rebels happen to pick up enough strays, and train them in their ways they may have an army just as good as Cru's, even if he refuses this can happen it may still become a reality." She spoke naturally, fluidly, and intelligently. She was ready with the answers Liron wanted. Rolling her eyes, and muttering in disgust, she noticed a lone spider that had traipsed and gotten through the crack of the open door to the jail. She cooed to it gently, and beckoned for it to come to her.
It scuttled over to her, completely at ease on the palm of her hand. She held her fingers apart, and whispered to it softly. It slowly began to spin a web between her fingers, it was silvery and glossy. This spider was not a poisonous one, but it was definitely one that's bite would make you itch for a very long time. Her lips pulled back into a smirk, a smirk that showed she really was crazy. Highlights in her eyes made her look completely insane. She was insane, and everyone in the army knew that.
"If you're not going to be around for a few days, I don't see any reason in why I should stick around this dump either." Colai seemed to agree with herself on this, and for just a moment the frown, and the dark, dangerous look in her eyes decreased. For one moment, she looked pretty, almost like a girl. But in a flash, it was back. Her eyes hardened, and grew even sharper than before, more dangerous if you will. But her voice told Liron that she was willing to become maybe an ally for this time, even though they were on the same side that didn't count as being a friend, or an ally to Colai. She knew that Cru didn't want to lose her because of this, but she wasn't in his debt. She had come because she was drawn to pain and suffering. Nothing else mattered to her.
"Liron. Where are you going?" Her voice was almost human, but it was still terrifyingly soft. Her eyes shimmered with a longing to get out of this place, and her hair fell over her face for a moment. She was greasy, and unkempt. But it wasn't in the dirty way. It was in the way that she had resigned trying to be normal, that she had given into her true nature that lay beneath the skin. She looked exactly like a spider would in human form. It was impossible not to tell that she was a spinner. She tensed, and her knees bent gently as she snarled, she felt something in the wind. It wasn't anything someone else could feel. It was a knowing feeling. She knew that something was coming, that Cru's army may not last through this. But she didn't want to say that to anyone else, simply because she relished this feeling.
"I may be leaving for a few days, too." She added. That was not something she necessarily needed to say to him, but she felt like this was the person closest to her, the perosn that she talked to the most. She didn't mind that he was afraid of her. In fact, she understood why he was afraid. But she didn't care about his feelings, or his fright. She cared about the knowledge he could get her, so that she could tear those Rebels apart. Her hands balled into fists, and her eyes glittered. "I'm not staying in this hell-hole longer than necessary." Liron would know what she meant. She meant that she hated it here, and that she may rebel against Cru any moment. She didn't give a damn if Liron went to Cru and told him, she just wanted to get out of here. "Listen, birdbrain. I've told you what I know, but honestly I may know a bit more, or I think I do.. But Cru takes for granted what is right beneath his nose." She was trying to hint something to him. He wouldn't understand at first, but later on he would realize. "Just think on that when you're flying."
(Cru)
"Hello, Sasha. You don't have to hang around so much." Cru was simply thinking about Sasha's needs, for he seemed to be glued to Cru's side most of the time. Throwing this thought aside, he turned to Tati and gave her that crooked smile of his, that made his eyes gleam with evil, and plans for the future.
"There are more important things to think about right now." He spoke with baited breath, waiting for someone to ask what was more important than this. Clearing his throat, he began to nod to himself, before walking out of the arena, and calling over his shoulder. "I want you three to meet me in the living quarters." This was not right, something was wrong. For he rarely let anyone in the living quarters of Cru and his wife. He refused to let anyone take away his privacy. Something was troubling Cru, quite a lot.
He phased in a single instant, his dog form was much more impressive. Gangly limbs were now strong, and supple. Muscles rippled, and he barked a loud, roaring bark. He was like a lion in disguise as a dog. Bounding away from the arena, he expected his most trusted people to follow, or they would learn that if they didn't follow his orders, everything would fall apart. Like last time..
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Hati's remaining, yellow-gold eyes glanced over at the approach of the Todd, Cru's wife....or whatever stood for such a union in this place. She didn't like to pry. The Lieutenant gave a nod to the woman as she went to sit down, out of respect and acknowledgement of rank, before turning her attentions back to the fight, not looking round to answer the question that came from Tatiana.
"Nothing special. The usual bloodbath." she responded, the act of speaking revealing her sharp, white teeth, more suited to the mouth of her canine form than her human. Many Skinwalkers retained animal traits, and that was one of hers.
Hati's disdain for the arena fights was something fairly well known in The Stockade...but then so was her background, so it was hardly a surprise that someone who had almost been torn to shreds and had been left permanently disfigured by dog fights would have a hatred for the fighting pit. Still it was occasionally something that was made light of by the troops.
Hati tensed as she spotted the approach of Cru, and she straightened her posture, lowering her head as he made his way past. There weren't many in The Stockade who would look Cru in the eye...not for long anyway. For Barkers, body language was important, and attempting to act challenging was more than enough to get you mauled.
"Sir." she stated in greeting, raising her head again when he was safely past.
The Leader sat down, and seemed content to ignore post him and his companion, so the Barker turned her attention back to the fight. That was until she was asked the question, something she wasn't keen to answer.
"I haven't spoken to Colai, no. I didn't see she'd have much of use as of yet, as no-one seems to have captured any of them." she responded.
It seemed a reasonable enough response.
That and she just didn't like going down to Colai's miniature hell. Cru seemed to love having her around, for some unfathomable but reason, but as far as Hati was concerned, she was a dangerous lunatic who could easily turn on them all and murder half The Stockade in their beds while they slept. Spinners were a nasty bunch at the best of times, but it seemed the one Cru had found was even nastier than usual.
The disgust at the thought of venturing down into that spider-choked pit full of dying Skinwalkers distracted her, until the metallic scent of blood hit her nose and she caught sight of Sasha's arrival. It was something that briefly stirred her curiosity, but it seemed there were other things to attend to rather more urgently. Cru demanded her attendance, and the irregularity of it meant that it was best she got on with it.
Shortly after Cru's form leapt off into a run she began to concentrate, triggering the change reflex and provoking the strange feeling of the transformation. The early transformations were extremely painful, but the Skinwalker body adapted, releasing a rush of strong endorphins to mask the reshaping bones and twisting muscles. Soon a tall, black canine stood in the place of the woman, and took off at a run, carrying her things rather carefully in its jaws. Hati's canine form was a large breed, as were most of the commanders, but was more light and agile in form rather than strong and muscular. Hati was build to be hunting dog, rather than a fighting dog, and it showed.
She sprang from under the canopy and broke into a run, weaving in between soldiers and servants as she fell into line behind the leader.
"Nothing special. The usual bloodbath." she responded, the act of speaking revealing her sharp, white teeth, more suited to the mouth of her canine form than her human. Many Skinwalkers retained animal traits, and that was one of hers.
Hati's disdain for the arena fights was something fairly well known in The Stockade...but then so was her background, so it was hardly a surprise that someone who had almost been torn to shreds and had been left permanently disfigured by dog fights would have a hatred for the fighting pit. Still it was occasionally something that was made light of by the troops.
Hati tensed as she spotted the approach of Cru, and she straightened her posture, lowering her head as he made his way past. There weren't many in The Stockade who would look Cru in the eye...not for long anyway. For Barkers, body language was important, and attempting to act challenging was more than enough to get you mauled.
"Sir." she stated in greeting, raising her head again when he was safely past.
The Leader sat down, and seemed content to ignore post him and his companion, so the Barker turned her attention back to the fight. That was until she was asked the question, something she wasn't keen to answer.
"I haven't spoken to Colai, no. I didn't see she'd have much of use as of yet, as no-one seems to have captured any of them." she responded.
It seemed a reasonable enough response.
That and she just didn't like going down to Colai's miniature hell. Cru seemed to love having her around, for some unfathomable but reason, but as far as Hati was concerned, she was a dangerous lunatic who could easily turn on them all and murder half The Stockade in their beds while they slept. Spinners were a nasty bunch at the best of times, but it seemed the one Cru had found was even nastier than usual.
The disgust at the thought of venturing down into that spider-choked pit full of dying Skinwalkers distracted her, until the metallic scent of blood hit her nose and she caught sight of Sasha's arrival. It was something that briefly stirred her curiosity, but it seemed there were other things to attend to rather more urgently. Cru demanded her attendance, and the irregularity of it meant that it was best she got on with it.
Shortly after Cru's form leapt off into a run she began to concentrate, triggering the change reflex and provoking the strange feeling of the transformation. The early transformations were extremely painful, but the Skinwalker body adapted, releasing a rush of strong endorphins to mask the reshaping bones and twisting muscles. Soon a tall, black canine stood in the place of the woman, and took off at a run, carrying her things rather carefully in its jaws. Hati's canine form was a large breed, as were most of the commanders, but was more light and agile in form rather than strong and muscular. Hati was build to be hunting dog, rather than a fighting dog, and it showed.
She sprang from under the canopy and broke into a run, weaving in between soldiers and servants as she fell into line behind the leader.
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Tatiana nodded to her husband, and stood up. This was important for Cru to be forsaking his privacy. She waited for the others to go, cast one look at the arena, and shifted into a run. She was a sleek, red fox, the same color as her hair, and well-recognised. Barkers could be unrecognisable in their animal form, but she would be noticed. She was pretty much the only Todd in the City.
Bounding after Hati, she caught up with the large dog's pace, staying slightly behind. It was a habit of hers not to let anybody at her back if she could help it. And she could help it. It was a short run to the quarters, and once they were inside, she shifted and shut the door behind them, taking the coat she kept by the door and wrapping it around her.
It looked so strange. She was used to only seeing Cru in here, but here they were, Hati and Shasha with them. It was why she wore the coat. normally she wouldn't have bothered.
Bounding after Hati, she caught up with the large dog's pace, staying slightly behind. It was a habit of hers not to let anybody at her back if she could help it. And she could help it. It was a short run to the quarters, and once they were inside, she shifted and shut the door behind them, taking the coat she kept by the door and wrapping it around her.
It looked so strange. She was used to only seeing Cru in here, but here they were, Hati and Shasha with them. It was why she wore the coat. normally she wouldn't have bothered.
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Rudi shrugged lightly as he looked about the area, his nose working furiously. So many new smells in this new territory, all of them assaulting his senses.
"Okay... So..." He grumbled, an ivory hand brushing a bit of his hair from his face. A soft screech caught his attention and his attention immidiatly went to a black tom cat, guarding a scrap of meat. Smiling he slowly made his way to the cat.
"Excuse me, but can you help me..?" He asked, his head tilting kindly as he gave the cat a bit of jerky from his back pocket.
"Mew..." The cat nodded.
"Okay... So..." He grumbled, an ivory hand brushing a bit of his hair from his face. A soft screech caught his attention and his attention immidiatly went to a black tom cat, guarding a scrap of meat. Smiling he slowly made his way to the cat.
"Excuse me, but can you help me..?" He asked, his head tilting kindly as he gave the cat a bit of jerky from his back pocket.
"Mew..." The cat nodded.
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Liron stumbled backwards, as Colaiâs unnerving eyes continued to pierce into his. Maybe he shouldnât have bothered her, although he had to admit, his relationship with her was tolerable - at least she deigned to talk to him at all. She gave a grimace, after a tremble of her lips, causing Liron to be slightly terrified that she would bare her poisonous fangs in his direction and cause him to disappear into a puddle of something, or whatever happened when she bit someone. He, luckily, hadnât seen that yet. It was then that she nodded, bringing his terrified thoughts to an end. But - before he was able to completely calm his nerves, her eyes flashed a brilliant crimson, driving him back into a state of heightened senses.
âIâve heard a few things that the prisoners tell each other,â she finally said reluctantly to the freaked-out Liron. âHonestly, the only thing Iâve heard, and seen is that the Rebels are riling up every single loner out there. We canât have anything like this happening. If the Rebels happen to pick up enough strays, and train them in their ways they may have an army just as good as Cruâs, even if he refuses this can happen, it may still become a reality,â her speech was naturally fluid as she gave him some important, and necessary information. Liron couldnât help but feel indebted to her for her information; he, himself, had refused to tell her more, but she had indeed given him exactly what he needed to make up his mind.
Colai rolled her eyes, but Liron hardly noticed, as his hazel eyes caught sight of something in the corner of the doorway. With an annoyed mutter on Colaiâs part, he turned his head and saw exactly what he hoped wouldnât be there. A dark-colored, not to mention, huge spider paused there.
With a shudder of disgust, he could hardly tear his eyes away. Colai gave a quiet, gentle coo towards the eight-legged arachnid, and it went its scuttling way towards her hand, while Liron could do nothing but turn his eyes away. Still - even with all of his self control in place, his eyes kept wandering towards the spider, which was now spinning a silver web between her fingers. Colai was whispering to it, crooning something under her breath, before smirking suddenly.
That once again scared Liron. But, of course, little did not. âIf youâre not going to be around for a few days, I donât see any reason in why I should stick around this dump either.â Her eyes and changed in his sight⊠and she seemed normal. Not like a spinner, with their greasy, unkept, and sociopathic aura, but as a normal person. But before Liron could react to this feeling, her normal self was back, worse than before. But even so, he could feel that she was kinder than she thought, maybe an ally even? He looked down slightly, his head lowered from its previous aloof, and slightly arrogant bearing - he really shouldâve shared his information.
âLiron, where are you going?â she asked him with a soft voice. It was soft as usual, but then she gave a slight snarl, leading Liron to stare around, looking for a reason. Did someone come a little too close to the jail or something? âI may be leaving for a few days, too,â she stated to him, while he tilted his head slightly. âIâm not staying in this hell-hole longer than necessary,â with that comment, her eyes balled into fists. His eyes widened - Cru really should know about this. He drew himself up, as tall as he could, but then relaxed again. Cru would probably know about it anyways. âListen, birdbrain,â Birdbrain?! His shock manifested itself as a tensing of his body; it had been a while since someone had called him that. âIâve told you what I know, but honestly I may know a bit more, or I think I do. But Cru takes for granted what is right beneath his nose. Just think on that when youâre flying.â
He had no idea what she was talking about, and shrugged accordingly. âWhatever you say, Colai. Whatever you say.â Her opinion was one that he respected, but when she didnât make sense - it was difficult to heed. But yes, he would try to think about the enigma that she posed him - even if the only reason was to keep his mind occupied when flying. His hazel eyes still attracted to the spider spinning its hypnotic web between his fingers, he started to speak, with a joking manner. âBirdbrain, Colai? I was hoping you respected me a little bit more.â But he digressed. The topic was important. âWell, Colai, Iâm just going out into the city to investigate on the disappearance of one of my spies - theyâre late with their information.â
He then gave a slight, hesitant smile in Colaiâs direction, trying to fight off his fear. After all, even when she terrified him, she was still an ally - right? At least, he hoped so. âThanks for the information; the Rebels are acting up again, arenât they?â Turning slightly away from her, and kneading his palms worriedly, he continued, quietly. âWell, if you donât mind my company, I could probably help you with getting out of here - call it a lift?â His voice gained momentum. Seeing as Colai really wanted to get out, he may as well try to help. Even though she scared him, even though there was doubt about her true allegiances, he was still her co-worker. And he owed her to boot. Her information - it just came to confirm his own suspicions. Instead of sending out spies, it was time for the Spymaster himself to do a little nosing around. âAnd - if youâre willing - could you maybe give me some backup out there? If theyâre acting up, things might get hecticâŠâ
The wind started up again. A dry, gusting wind that caused the red flags of Cruâs Army to flap. It blew its way through Lironâs hair and feathers, and one brown feather flew away on the wind. His hand came up to those that fell into his eyes, and he gave a slight sigh. âDarn it,â he murmured, âI thought my molting was over...â
âIâve heard a few things that the prisoners tell each other,â she finally said reluctantly to the freaked-out Liron. âHonestly, the only thing Iâve heard, and seen is that the Rebels are riling up every single loner out there. We canât have anything like this happening. If the Rebels happen to pick up enough strays, and train them in their ways they may have an army just as good as Cruâs, even if he refuses this can happen, it may still become a reality,â her speech was naturally fluid as she gave him some important, and necessary information. Liron couldnât help but feel indebted to her for her information; he, himself, had refused to tell her more, but she had indeed given him exactly what he needed to make up his mind.
Colai rolled her eyes, but Liron hardly noticed, as his hazel eyes caught sight of something in the corner of the doorway. With an annoyed mutter on Colaiâs part, he turned his head and saw exactly what he hoped wouldnât be there. A dark-colored, not to mention, huge spider paused there.
With a shudder of disgust, he could hardly tear his eyes away. Colai gave a quiet, gentle coo towards the eight-legged arachnid, and it went its scuttling way towards her hand, while Liron could do nothing but turn his eyes away. Still - even with all of his self control in place, his eyes kept wandering towards the spider, which was now spinning a silver web between her fingers. Colai was whispering to it, crooning something under her breath, before smirking suddenly.
That once again scared Liron. But, of course, little did not. âIf youâre not going to be around for a few days, I donât see any reason in why I should stick around this dump either.â Her eyes and changed in his sight⊠and she seemed normal. Not like a spinner, with their greasy, unkept, and sociopathic aura, but as a normal person. But before Liron could react to this feeling, her normal self was back, worse than before. But even so, he could feel that she was kinder than she thought, maybe an ally even? He looked down slightly, his head lowered from its previous aloof, and slightly arrogant bearing - he really shouldâve shared his information.
âLiron, where are you going?â she asked him with a soft voice. It was soft as usual, but then she gave a slight snarl, leading Liron to stare around, looking for a reason. Did someone come a little too close to the jail or something? âI may be leaving for a few days, too,â she stated to him, while he tilted his head slightly. âIâm not staying in this hell-hole longer than necessary,â with that comment, her eyes balled into fists. His eyes widened - Cru really should know about this. He drew himself up, as tall as he could, but then relaxed again. Cru would probably know about it anyways. âListen, birdbrain,â Birdbrain?! His shock manifested itself as a tensing of his body; it had been a while since someone had called him that. âIâve told you what I know, but honestly I may know a bit more, or I think I do. But Cru takes for granted what is right beneath his nose. Just think on that when youâre flying.â
He had no idea what she was talking about, and shrugged accordingly. âWhatever you say, Colai. Whatever you say.â Her opinion was one that he respected, but when she didnât make sense - it was difficult to heed. But yes, he would try to think about the enigma that she posed him - even if the only reason was to keep his mind occupied when flying. His hazel eyes still attracted to the spider spinning its hypnotic web between his fingers, he started to speak, with a joking manner. âBirdbrain, Colai? I was hoping you respected me a little bit more.â But he digressed. The topic was important. âWell, Colai, Iâm just going out into the city to investigate on the disappearance of one of my spies - theyâre late with their information.â
He then gave a slight, hesitant smile in Colaiâs direction, trying to fight off his fear. After all, even when she terrified him, she was still an ally - right? At least, he hoped so. âThanks for the information; the Rebels are acting up again, arenât they?â Turning slightly away from her, and kneading his palms worriedly, he continued, quietly. âWell, if you donât mind my company, I could probably help you with getting out of here - call it a lift?â His voice gained momentum. Seeing as Colai really wanted to get out, he may as well try to help. Even though she scared him, even though there was doubt about her true allegiances, he was still her co-worker. And he owed her to boot. Her information - it just came to confirm his own suspicions. Instead of sending out spies, it was time for the Spymaster himself to do a little nosing around. âAnd - if youâre willing - could you maybe give me some backup out there? If theyâre acting up, things might get hecticâŠâ
The wind started up again. A dry, gusting wind that caused the red flags of Cruâs Army to flap. It blew its way through Lironâs hair and feathers, and one brown feather flew away on the wind. His hand came up to those that fell into his eyes, and he gave a slight sigh. âDarn it,â he murmured, âI thought my molting was over...â
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(Colai)
He was scared, and she knew it. His words were a blur of random gibberish in her head as she continued to croon and smile at the tiny spider in the palm of her hand. The web was already very delicate, and intricate. It spiraled out from the center in a deadly array to all the flies in the area. It was beautiful, and she could tell that this spider was slightly different from the rest. She had always wondered why nature had turned her into a spinner. It wasn't her fault that she had a poison bite, and that she could climb walls. Everyone feared her, and she liked it that way. But it was getting tiresome. She couldn't help her aggressive, and passive attitude towards everyone but spiders. It was her way, she was crazy, and she knew it. She didn't even deny it when someone called her insane. Why? Because it was the truth. She believed in the truth, but that didn't mean she didn't lie.
Well, if you donât mind my company, I could probably help you with getting out of here - call it a lift? She would take him up on that offer. It also seemed that he wanted back up. She hadn't acknowledged that she would accept his offer, but she would anyway. She hadn't been outside the camp with someone in a while, usually she scavenged by herself. She had met many people, and a few skin walkers here and there. She remembered each and every one of them. She did have somewhat of a good memory, but she did not remember a lot of her past either way. She continued to watch the spider, scrutinizing it's every move. It was such a delicate, beautiful creature. It actually had a strategical mind in it's own way. It was like the spider knew how to create a web to capture flies. It was just trying to survive. She could understand that. She had done that for a large portion of her life, she understood what it meant. When to be compassionate, and when to be simply cruel and ruthless.
A short burst of memory flashed into her head, and faded just as quickly. It left her surprised for a moment. It hadn't been a long memory. In fact it wasn't quite a flash back at all. It was a simple song that her mother had sang to her, before she had gone crazy. Even though it's melody was haunting, and eerie, she had fallen asleep to her mother's lullaby every night her mother sang it to her. It seemed to have a calming affect on Colai, and her body relaxed from it's tense, uptight pretense.
I have a secret, you'd understand.
The horrible, terrifying matter at hand.
The bright silky web, grew strong and sturdy.
The big black spider caught the little white birdy.
It cackled and wrapped it's dinner in silk.
It preferred flesh.
And it preferred blood.
It was never seen crawling, or slithering in mud.
This creature is startlingly bold, and quite pretty.
It's mind is sharp, and confusingly witty.
Why, you ask?
Because that is a spider's task.
Colai didn't know why her mother sang this song to her. It was short, and it was a rhyme more than a song. Her mother hadn't liked spiders all that much before she... Turned into a spinner, and Colai had never understood why her mother had sung this to her. It perplexed her for some reason. But she shook this thought away, and began to sing to the spider, who stopped in the middle of the strong web it had wound between her fingers, and it almost seemed to listen. It was an interesting creature, it's legs were poised beneath it, and it's silken threads quivered as she swayed, she began to sing. "I have a secret, you'd understand. The horrible, terrifying matter at hand. The bright silky web, grew strong and sturdy. The big black spider caught the little white... Birdy. Her thoughts turned the brown kestrel that had become a black dot against the blue sky. She felt a pang for a moment in the gut of her stomach, but she ignored it as she continued to sing the haunting little rhyme, until it was finished.
The spider began to spin after her voice faded away. She hadn't realized that she could sing so well. There was a nostalgic way to her voice, it made you long to hear more, and then all of a sudden it made you hate her. She could feel these emotions boiling up into her, even. She was tainted by the sound of her own voice, and it frightened her. She could speak, but she would never sing again in public. Not after that incident.. That one incident in the past. She jolted for a moment, startling the spider to scuttling around the web for a moment, trying to balance itself. She had made it dizzy. She murmured an apology to it, and stood stock still. Why do I remember all these things? I thought they were locked away inside of me, unreachable. That's the way I want them to be. She thought to herself, before grunting softly beneath her breathe. She didn't want to return to the jail. Carefully transporting the web, and the spider; she attached the nearly invisible threads to the wall of the jail by some type of miracle, and crouched low to the ground.
She began to walk, in the smoothest, most graceful gait anyone would ever see. Being a spider didn't help this much, but she had always been a silent walker. She could move herself effortlessly across any type of land, and nobody would hear her while she did. It made you wonder when Colai would appear. She crouched in the shadows, and sprinted across between buildings. She felt like having a bit of fun. Launching herself at the nearest building she saw, she hung onto the wall, pressing her body against it as she began to crawl upwards. She felt herself grow stronger as she let the spider part of her take over her human form. Hissing beneath her breathe, she felt her fangs begin to slide out of her normally sharp canines. Grinning to herself, she leaps towards the rim of the building's roof. Grappling it with her fingers, she flipped herself onto the room, and stood there for a moment. She had made it to the arena in less than two minutes.
Launching herself towards the middle of the arena, she lands dead in the center, her teeth exposed as she looked around herself. It took all of the soldiers a while to understand what had happened. But shouts of fear, and fright rang through the arena as she grinned, righting herself. Hissing at the nearest soldier, he went, screaming to the side of the arena. Hoisting himself over the wall, he huddled with his friends, staring at her with wide eyes.
"Who wants a good fight?" She taunted, her lips stretched taught over her teeth. "Anyone?"
Oh yes, this would be fun.
He was scared, and she knew it. His words were a blur of random gibberish in her head as she continued to croon and smile at the tiny spider in the palm of her hand. The web was already very delicate, and intricate. It spiraled out from the center in a deadly array to all the flies in the area. It was beautiful, and she could tell that this spider was slightly different from the rest. She had always wondered why nature had turned her into a spinner. It wasn't her fault that she had a poison bite, and that she could climb walls. Everyone feared her, and she liked it that way. But it was getting tiresome. She couldn't help her aggressive, and passive attitude towards everyone but spiders. It was her way, she was crazy, and she knew it. She didn't even deny it when someone called her insane. Why? Because it was the truth. She believed in the truth, but that didn't mean she didn't lie.
Well, if you donât mind my company, I could probably help you with getting out of here - call it a lift? She would take him up on that offer. It also seemed that he wanted back up. She hadn't acknowledged that she would accept his offer, but she would anyway. She hadn't been outside the camp with someone in a while, usually she scavenged by herself. She had met many people, and a few skin walkers here and there. She remembered each and every one of them. She did have somewhat of a good memory, but she did not remember a lot of her past either way. She continued to watch the spider, scrutinizing it's every move. It was such a delicate, beautiful creature. It actually had a strategical mind in it's own way. It was like the spider knew how to create a web to capture flies. It was just trying to survive. She could understand that. She had done that for a large portion of her life, she understood what it meant. When to be compassionate, and when to be simply cruel and ruthless.
A short burst of memory flashed into her head, and faded just as quickly. It left her surprised for a moment. It hadn't been a long memory. In fact it wasn't quite a flash back at all. It was a simple song that her mother had sang to her, before she had gone crazy. Even though it's melody was haunting, and eerie, she had fallen asleep to her mother's lullaby every night her mother sang it to her. It seemed to have a calming affect on Colai, and her body relaxed from it's tense, uptight pretense.
I have a secret, you'd understand.
The horrible, terrifying matter at hand.
The bright silky web, grew strong and sturdy.
The big black spider caught the little white birdy.
It cackled and wrapped it's dinner in silk.
It preferred flesh.
And it preferred blood.
It was never seen crawling, or slithering in mud.
This creature is startlingly bold, and quite pretty.
It's mind is sharp, and confusingly witty.
Why, you ask?
Because that is a spider's task.
Colai didn't know why her mother sang this song to her. It was short, and it was a rhyme more than a song. Her mother hadn't liked spiders all that much before she... Turned into a spinner, and Colai had never understood why her mother had sung this to her. It perplexed her for some reason. But she shook this thought away, and began to sing to the spider, who stopped in the middle of the strong web it had wound between her fingers, and it almost seemed to listen. It was an interesting creature, it's legs were poised beneath it, and it's silken threads quivered as she swayed, she began to sing. "I have a secret, you'd understand. The horrible, terrifying matter at hand. The bright silky web, grew strong and sturdy. The big black spider caught the little white... Birdy. Her thoughts turned the brown kestrel that had become a black dot against the blue sky. She felt a pang for a moment in the gut of her stomach, but she ignored it as she continued to sing the haunting little rhyme, until it was finished.
The spider began to spin after her voice faded away. She hadn't realized that she could sing so well. There was a nostalgic way to her voice, it made you long to hear more, and then all of a sudden it made you hate her. She could feel these emotions boiling up into her, even. She was tainted by the sound of her own voice, and it frightened her. She could speak, but she would never sing again in public. Not after that incident.. That one incident in the past. She jolted for a moment, startling the spider to scuttling around the web for a moment, trying to balance itself. She had made it dizzy. She murmured an apology to it, and stood stock still. Why do I remember all these things? I thought they were locked away inside of me, unreachable. That's the way I want them to be. She thought to herself, before grunting softly beneath her breathe. She didn't want to return to the jail. Carefully transporting the web, and the spider; she attached the nearly invisible threads to the wall of the jail by some type of miracle, and crouched low to the ground.
She began to walk, in the smoothest, most graceful gait anyone would ever see. Being a spider didn't help this much, but she had always been a silent walker. She could move herself effortlessly across any type of land, and nobody would hear her while she did. It made you wonder when Colai would appear. She crouched in the shadows, and sprinted across between buildings. She felt like having a bit of fun. Launching herself at the nearest building she saw, she hung onto the wall, pressing her body against it as she began to crawl upwards. She felt herself grow stronger as she let the spider part of her take over her human form. Hissing beneath her breathe, she felt her fangs begin to slide out of her normally sharp canines. Grinning to herself, she leaps towards the rim of the building's roof. Grappling it with her fingers, she flipped herself onto the room, and stood there for a moment. She had made it to the arena in less than two minutes.
Launching herself towards the middle of the arena, she lands dead in the center, her teeth exposed as she looked around herself. It took all of the soldiers a while to understand what had happened. But shouts of fear, and fright rang through the arena as she grinned, righting herself. Hissing at the nearest soldier, he went, screaming to the side of the arena. Hoisting himself over the wall, he huddled with his friends, staring at her with wide eyes.
"Who wants a good fight?" She taunted, her lips stretched taught over her teeth. "Anyone?"
Oh yes, this would be fun.
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Mira
âIm going out, if anyone asksâŠim probably stealing something.â Mira said to the two men at the front entrance as she approached them. At first they just stared at her. She smiled sweetly.
âWould you rather I be stealing the little stack of goodies under your bed then soldier?â she asked the one on the right. He grew pale and shook his head. The one on the left grinned only slightly, as he was trying to be serious while on the job. Suddenly she spotted Colai doing her creepy spider thing.
ânever mindâŠâ she mumbled and took off after her. Whatever that girl was up to would sure as hell be entertaining.
Mira had made it to the arena just as Colai did. She watched as the spider woman launched herself towards the middle of the arena and scared the living bejeezes out of the nearest soldier. He went screaming to the side of the arena. He threw himself to relative safety.
"Who wants a good fight?" She taunted, her lips stretched taught over her teeth. "Anyone?"
Mira considered taking her up on that offerâŠ..but realized, not only did Colai seem like the fight to kill type, but she had several disadvantages against the graceful arachnid womanâŠ.but wasnât she just complaining to herself about not having any funâŠthis would be fun...if not deadly.
She watched for a moment then shook her head.
âMaybe sometimes I do feel like dying.â She thought and jumped over the edge of the arena.
âI'm inâŠby the by you need to work on your social skill. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.â Mira stated earning her a few chuckles as everyone watched for Colaiâs reaction anxiouslyâŠ.including Mira.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAW
Maw wandered the ruins, thinking up his next plan of action. Attack Cru and his Crew of course, but how, when and where were still all toss ups. He ran his fingers through his ebony hair and considered consulting his âtroopsâ Where were they any ways?
He closed his eyes and listened hoping at least one of his group was around, though he found it unlikelyâŠ.they tended to be off doing their own thing. He smiled then shook his head. He would have to find them soonâŠto planâŠand find food.
He dropped to his knees and changed into his animal form, a large black dog. His animal form was majestic and beautiful for lack of a better word. He stretched, and yawned then lifted his nose to the air and caught a whiff of one of his members, let out a ear splitting howl, then set off at a sprint.
âIm going out, if anyone asksâŠim probably stealing something.â Mira said to the two men at the front entrance as she approached them. At first they just stared at her. She smiled sweetly.
âWould you rather I be stealing the little stack of goodies under your bed then soldier?â she asked the one on the right. He grew pale and shook his head. The one on the left grinned only slightly, as he was trying to be serious while on the job. Suddenly she spotted Colai doing her creepy spider thing.
ânever mindâŠâ she mumbled and took off after her. Whatever that girl was up to would sure as hell be entertaining.
Mira had made it to the arena just as Colai did. She watched as the spider woman launched herself towards the middle of the arena and scared the living bejeezes out of the nearest soldier. He went screaming to the side of the arena. He threw himself to relative safety.
"Who wants a good fight?" She taunted, her lips stretched taught over her teeth. "Anyone?"
Mira considered taking her up on that offerâŠ..but realized, not only did Colai seem like the fight to kill type, but she had several disadvantages against the graceful arachnid womanâŠ.but wasnât she just complaining to herself about not having any funâŠthis would be fun...if not deadly.
She watched for a moment then shook her head.
âMaybe sometimes I do feel like dying.â She thought and jumped over the edge of the arena.
âI'm inâŠby the by you need to work on your social skill. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.â Mira stated earning her a few chuckles as everyone watched for Colaiâs reaction anxiouslyâŠ.including Mira.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAW
Maw wandered the ruins, thinking up his next plan of action. Attack Cru and his Crew of course, but how, when and where were still all toss ups. He ran his fingers through his ebony hair and considered consulting his âtroopsâ Where were they any ways?
He closed his eyes and listened hoping at least one of his group was around, though he found it unlikelyâŠ.they tended to be off doing their own thing. He smiled then shook his head. He would have to find them soonâŠto planâŠand find food.
He dropped to his knees and changed into his animal form, a large black dog. His animal form was majestic and beautiful for lack of a better word. He stretched, and yawned then lifted his nose to the air and caught a whiff of one of his members, let out a ear splitting howl, then set off at a sprint.
The way Clive saw it, if lack of water didnât kill him, boredom surely would. He had spent the last several hours making his way across the City Zone, searching for any remaining channels of water. All the prominent streams and brooks were quickly drying out in the summer heat, and that was worrisome. It was the main reason so many people went flocking to Cru and his stupid little reservoir. But really, being oppressed and treated like subservient creatures⊠was life really worth that?
Clive didnât think so. Heâd even risk drinking from the polluted river rather than give up his freedom to Cruâs Army. However, that was obviously going to be a last resort â it was why the bandit changer was crouching in the dry bed of what had once been a clean and reliable stream, poking at the dry dirt with clawed fingers. There wasnât a hint of moisture left. Clive clicked his tongue, rising to his feet⊠this wasnât good. Yes, the Pack had enough to get by, but without any pure streams of water, their resources just might run out⊠and if the sunny sky was any indication, rain was out of the question. The rainwater was all polluted anyway.
âWell, this was pointless,â Clive sighed, turning back towards a passage of ruins. So now the lack of water had been unfortunately confirmed, he would have to do something about the boredom. He had left early in the morning to check on the streams, so he hadnât gotten the chance to talk with anyone yet. It was always boring alone after all, and the City Zone was more barren than ever with everyone flocking to the reservoir⊠not that Clive really interacted with strangers all that much. âI should probably go back,â he murmured, before slowly beginning his walk back to the others⊠back to where the Pack would be.
Although he walked at a languid pace, Clive was alert â he was tense. It was evident from the way his clear blue eyes flitted from side to side, glancing at the shadowed rubble of old buildings, from the way he breathed and stepped quietly, both to avoid attention and also listen for others. One never knew what lurked in the ruins, and the last thing he needed was a mutant on his tail. Or what he considered worse â one of Cruâs followers. They could get pretty irritating. Although many of the buildings â what legends call âskyscrapersâ were collapsed, some still stood upon brittle foundations, intact, âBut not for much longer,â he thought grimly.
In the desolate landscape, Clive stood out quite a bit in his monochromatic attire â white sleeveless shirt, with a long black vest over that, gray shorts and black sandals, but what really stood out was his hair. It was cut in layers, and strangely enough, it alternated black and ash. From the front, one would think he just had messy black hair, but any other angle proved otherwise. The last, innermost layer was made of longer black strands, which he had tied back into a low ponytail. From the strange hair and the clawed fingers, his identity as a bandit changer was rather obvious. Did he blend in? No.
Did he care?
He wasnât really on thieving duty at the moment, so there wasnât all that much benefit to blending in anyway. Besides, he really didnât see the point. However, at the same time, he was still being wary of possible enemies. As he continued walking, his hand latched onto the silver charm bracelet on his left wrist to keep it from jangling. It was quite the noisy trinket, but Clive rarely took it off. Why? He never said much more than that he was a little attached to it. Heâd put it in his pocket, but it was filled with little goodies heâd picked up on his short excursion â well, perhaps more took without notice rather than simply âpicked upâ. It wasnât all that much since his priority had been checking the water supplies, but heâd found some odds and ends: bits of food, a switchblade, a satchel of obsolete coins⊠and some things that others would have deemed useless. However, Clive always did say, everything has its worth.
However now that heâd gotten a couple prizes, the bandit found himself craving a couple more. Perhaps he could win some from his dear comrades? âIâve been a little too quiet nowadays,â he chuckled to himself. It was the truth. With recent happenings and such, he hadnât really gotten around to pulling tricks on his fellow allies⊠and without that, well, life could get pretty grim, and nobody wanted that.
Just then, a familiar sound cut through the air, and heard the prolonged howl of his leader. âThatâs my cue,â Clive grinned before racing off towards the direction of his leader. âIf Mawâs howling, thereâs no danger,â he mused, disregarding all his previous caution. The prank could wait until later. It seemed that the Pack was finally going to get moving.
Clive didnât think so. Heâd even risk drinking from the polluted river rather than give up his freedom to Cruâs Army. However, that was obviously going to be a last resort â it was why the bandit changer was crouching in the dry bed of what had once been a clean and reliable stream, poking at the dry dirt with clawed fingers. There wasnât a hint of moisture left. Clive clicked his tongue, rising to his feet⊠this wasnât good. Yes, the Pack had enough to get by, but without any pure streams of water, their resources just might run out⊠and if the sunny sky was any indication, rain was out of the question. The rainwater was all polluted anyway.
âWell, this was pointless,â Clive sighed, turning back towards a passage of ruins. So now the lack of water had been unfortunately confirmed, he would have to do something about the boredom. He had left early in the morning to check on the streams, so he hadnât gotten the chance to talk with anyone yet. It was always boring alone after all, and the City Zone was more barren than ever with everyone flocking to the reservoir⊠not that Clive really interacted with strangers all that much. âI should probably go back,â he murmured, before slowly beginning his walk back to the others⊠back to where the Pack would be.
Although he walked at a languid pace, Clive was alert â he was tense. It was evident from the way his clear blue eyes flitted from side to side, glancing at the shadowed rubble of old buildings, from the way he breathed and stepped quietly, both to avoid attention and also listen for others. One never knew what lurked in the ruins, and the last thing he needed was a mutant on his tail. Or what he considered worse â one of Cruâs followers. They could get pretty irritating. Although many of the buildings â what legends call âskyscrapersâ were collapsed, some still stood upon brittle foundations, intact, âBut not for much longer,â he thought grimly.
In the desolate landscape, Clive stood out quite a bit in his monochromatic attire â white sleeveless shirt, with a long black vest over that, gray shorts and black sandals, but what really stood out was his hair. It was cut in layers, and strangely enough, it alternated black and ash. From the front, one would think he just had messy black hair, but any other angle proved otherwise. The last, innermost layer was made of longer black strands, which he had tied back into a low ponytail. From the strange hair and the clawed fingers, his identity as a bandit changer was rather obvious. Did he blend in? No.
Did he care?
He wasnât really on thieving duty at the moment, so there wasnât all that much benefit to blending in anyway. Besides, he really didnât see the point. However, at the same time, he was still being wary of possible enemies. As he continued walking, his hand latched onto the silver charm bracelet on his left wrist to keep it from jangling. It was quite the noisy trinket, but Clive rarely took it off. Why? He never said much more than that he was a little attached to it. Heâd put it in his pocket, but it was filled with little goodies heâd picked up on his short excursion â well, perhaps more took without notice rather than simply âpicked upâ. It wasnât all that much since his priority had been checking the water supplies, but heâd found some odds and ends: bits of food, a switchblade, a satchel of obsolete coins⊠and some things that others would have deemed useless. However, Clive always did say, everything has its worth.
However now that heâd gotten a couple prizes, the bandit found himself craving a couple more. Perhaps he could win some from his dear comrades? âIâve been a little too quiet nowadays,â he chuckled to himself. It was the truth. With recent happenings and such, he hadnât really gotten around to pulling tricks on his fellow allies⊠and without that, well, life could get pretty grim, and nobody wanted that.
Just then, a familiar sound cut through the air, and heard the prolonged howl of his leader. âThatâs my cue,â Clive grinned before racing off towards the direction of his leader. âIf Mawâs howling, thereâs no danger,â he mused, disregarding all his previous caution. The prank could wait until later. It seemed that the Pack was finally going to get moving.
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The howl echoes through the air of the ruins, into the rafters of an old church, that stood decaying in a compact square.
The noise caused a creature inside to awake with a start and take off in a clumsy flurry of feathers and legs. The creature settled on the ground a little distance from its previous hiding place, looking round in confusion and mild panic. The creature was a ratty looking pigeon-type bird, with rather unkempt feathers. Several stripes of old fabric clung to its form, hanging off its wings in tatters....they were either an indication that the stupid creature had gotten caught in some old curtains...or that it was a SKinwalker.
Two features rather set it apart from another of the other feral pigeons wandering the ruins. First was the prominent patch of red features on its chest, forming what was known as a 'heart' marking that distinguished it as a Bleeding Heart Dove, not something one would expect to see in such a place. more prominent was a second red marking, though this was not nearly as delicate or natural. A large, jagged crimson mark was branded across the creature's back, the symbol of Cru's army...something that marked this particular shifter as property rather than an individual.
This mark left it fairly clear as to what they were. The dove was an escapee, someone who had run from The Army. If they had had any sense they would have made a run for it and taken their chances in the wasteland...but the Skinwalker in question was somewhat lacking in the sense department.
The bird took flight awkwardly, up onto a low roof, struggling to retain its balance. It lowered its head to watch, catching sight of the source of the noise and ruffling its feathers nervously. Dogs could eat pigeons with ease if they wanted to, and it was not the strongest of fliers.
The noise caused a creature inside to awake with a start and take off in a clumsy flurry of feathers and legs. The creature settled on the ground a little distance from its previous hiding place, looking round in confusion and mild panic. The creature was a ratty looking pigeon-type bird, with rather unkempt feathers. Several stripes of old fabric clung to its form, hanging off its wings in tatters....they were either an indication that the stupid creature had gotten caught in some old curtains...or that it was a SKinwalker.
Two features rather set it apart from another of the other feral pigeons wandering the ruins. First was the prominent patch of red features on its chest, forming what was known as a 'heart' marking that distinguished it as a Bleeding Heart Dove, not something one would expect to see in such a place. more prominent was a second red marking, though this was not nearly as delicate or natural. A large, jagged crimson mark was branded across the creature's back, the symbol of Cru's army...something that marked this particular shifter as property rather than an individual.
This mark left it fairly clear as to what they were. The dove was an escapee, someone who had run from The Army. If they had had any sense they would have made a run for it and taken their chances in the wasteland...but the Skinwalker in question was somewhat lacking in the sense department.
The bird took flight awkwardly, up onto a low roof, struggling to retain its balance. It lowered its head to watch, catching sight of the source of the noise and ruffling its feathers nervously. Dogs could eat pigeons with ease if they wanted to, and it was not the strongest of fliers.
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Nadiel paused, the dusty air tickling her nose and drying her fur giving it a gray appearance, when in all reality it was darker brown. She raised her head, dark beady eyes watching her surroundings vigilantly. Time passed unobserved for the sunlight could not be found there. And there she was, in those tunnels under the ruins like sewers under a city. The only difference was that the tunnels were only large enough for squeakers. It was their only safe house and way to stay under the radar. She scrapped her pink paws over the rubble but her eyes were still watching the tunnel stretching out behind her. She had detected only the tiniest of noises but it was the worst noise to hear. Even Squeakers, being at the bottom of the food chain already, could attack one another. They generally clung together for survival but fights were common over the best scrap of food or the best nest to sleep in. Also, at the bottom, you could be preyed upon by other skin walkers like Todd, Bandit, Feather, and Mao, and of which evoked fear in her body. The kind that made you want to sleep with your eyes open.
She finally turned her head away to continue shifting the rubble. Her true goal was to build a new nest, a home for her to return to if things went down the wrong path. After the last scrabble her friends had returned aboveground to move south but she had remained. She had a reason to remain. Her pack needed her didn't they? Her whiskers twitched as they brushed the sides of the tunnel making it feel like she were being closed in. Her vision couldn't confirm it, being as bad as it was since her mouse form didn't have the vision of a human. However, her other senses made up for it. She pressed a paw against the wall of dirt and pushed hearing the wall crack before giving in and crumbling over her paws in a flurry of dust. She blinked a few times before scurrying down the tunnel and into an open chamber. Her senses picked up the residue scents of fox and squeaker. It was old den that had been used before but had been abandoned due to some sort of disaster, most likely. She scuffled around, investigating, pressing her paws to the walls, listening for the quality of the walls, sniffing for any hints as to why it had been abandoned. When she came upon one wall the texture changed, taking on a metallic and rusted quality. She brushed her whiskers over the metal and found the hole that had to lead to the abandonment of the den. Water or some sort of liquid had probably flooded the den leaving the other animals to flee. She chattered under her breath, which in human form would have been a grumble of complaint. She would have to cover the hole with a clay-like substance and she knew exactly where to find some.
She clambered up the slope, letting the deafening silence cover her escape. She stopped at the end and raised her nose to scent-check the outside world. The world that had been taken over by skin walkers was prevalent, and abandoned by their parents she believed they didnât have the same sense of values as a human would. Killing was a normality, and Cruâs Army wouldnât let the skin walkers forget it. The memory brought a sharp pain in her chest. She had only been so small when she was pushed out into the world, instilling fear early on in her bones and flesh. A shiver raced down he spine but she suppressed the urge to return back to the tunnels. Nadiel pressed forward and carefully ambled out of the hole. She peered around watching the ruins and the desolate scene that wasnât at all lonely. She knew danger hid in every corner waiting for the naĂŻve to come closer. She clicked her teeth in anxiety before feeling the shift of bones and power. Soon enough she stood up feeling only slightly safer in human form. At least she had a chance to fight off a dog or cat this time unless they were human too. She hesitated for several minutes going back and forth about the consequences before she finally walked on towards the crumbling world of the ruins.
Nadiel reached down for the red dirt, ignoring the worms and other creature that squirmed away from her fingertips. She had to watch them, feeling some sort of relation to those bugs but nonetheless she only needed the clay. She wasnât going to hurt them. She scooped up the red clay and quietly palmed the clay, feeling the material and making is suitable to her needs. Engrossed in this task, she didnât hear the howl on the wind until the last moment. Nadiel flew across the room in a panicked retreat and not realizing that she wasnât a mouse, ducked for the rubble only to hit her head with a soft thump on one of the rocks since most of it had just been a flurry of movement. It hadn't hit her too hard. However, Nadiel hissed between her teeth so that she wouldnât make a sound and huddled against the rubble trying to silently pick out the danger. Minutes passed but as she calmed, the sound began to become recognizable and warmer. Something that she knew in her mind and recognized but couldnât put a finger too. âThe Pack. That howl. Are they calling me? I donât wanna get in trouble for not coming. I should just check.â She murmured before gathering herself and heading back to her nest. If the pack was calling for a meeting then she needed to hurry and finish up her business.
Nadiel sprinted towards the area she knew she had heard the howl from. Judging from direction and general assumption she knew where she would find them. Her human form was enough to keep her safe while traveling but her body was small and lithe enough to catch some speed. Her other form could do the same but she figured she wasn't as fat as most rats because of her own list of resources. Without a decent water source she found that food was imperative. They provided the nutrients and what little water that could be found around the ruins. Even the oldest carcass carried some sort of nutrient that could prolong her survival and she wasnât bothered about eating carrion. Nadiel was sure that she could stomach anything as long as it benefited her. However it was hard to come by even a carcass or bit of fruit these days. With a sigh, she rounded a corner and paused to scan the long stretch of ground cautiously. Being as careful as always Nadiel. She shook her head, rattling her own thoughts out of her mind before taking up a slow jog since she was getting closer anyways.
She finally turned her head away to continue shifting the rubble. Her true goal was to build a new nest, a home for her to return to if things went down the wrong path. After the last scrabble her friends had returned aboveground to move south but she had remained. She had a reason to remain. Her pack needed her didn't they? Her whiskers twitched as they brushed the sides of the tunnel making it feel like she were being closed in. Her vision couldn't confirm it, being as bad as it was since her mouse form didn't have the vision of a human. However, her other senses made up for it. She pressed a paw against the wall of dirt and pushed hearing the wall crack before giving in and crumbling over her paws in a flurry of dust. She blinked a few times before scurrying down the tunnel and into an open chamber. Her senses picked up the residue scents of fox and squeaker. It was old den that had been used before but had been abandoned due to some sort of disaster, most likely. She scuffled around, investigating, pressing her paws to the walls, listening for the quality of the walls, sniffing for any hints as to why it had been abandoned. When she came upon one wall the texture changed, taking on a metallic and rusted quality. She brushed her whiskers over the metal and found the hole that had to lead to the abandonment of the den. Water or some sort of liquid had probably flooded the den leaving the other animals to flee. She chattered under her breath, which in human form would have been a grumble of complaint. She would have to cover the hole with a clay-like substance and she knew exactly where to find some.
She clambered up the slope, letting the deafening silence cover her escape. She stopped at the end and raised her nose to scent-check the outside world. The world that had been taken over by skin walkers was prevalent, and abandoned by their parents she believed they didnât have the same sense of values as a human would. Killing was a normality, and Cruâs Army wouldnât let the skin walkers forget it. The memory brought a sharp pain in her chest. She had only been so small when she was pushed out into the world, instilling fear early on in her bones and flesh. A shiver raced down he spine but she suppressed the urge to return back to the tunnels. Nadiel pressed forward and carefully ambled out of the hole. She peered around watching the ruins and the desolate scene that wasnât at all lonely. She knew danger hid in every corner waiting for the naĂŻve to come closer. She clicked her teeth in anxiety before feeling the shift of bones and power. Soon enough she stood up feeling only slightly safer in human form. At least she had a chance to fight off a dog or cat this time unless they were human too. She hesitated for several minutes going back and forth about the consequences before she finally walked on towards the crumbling world of the ruins.
Nadiel reached down for the red dirt, ignoring the worms and other creature that squirmed away from her fingertips. She had to watch them, feeling some sort of relation to those bugs but nonetheless she only needed the clay. She wasnât going to hurt them. She scooped up the red clay and quietly palmed the clay, feeling the material and making is suitable to her needs. Engrossed in this task, she didnât hear the howl on the wind until the last moment. Nadiel flew across the room in a panicked retreat and not realizing that she wasnât a mouse, ducked for the rubble only to hit her head with a soft thump on one of the rocks since most of it had just been a flurry of movement. It hadn't hit her too hard. However, Nadiel hissed between her teeth so that she wouldnât make a sound and huddled against the rubble trying to silently pick out the danger. Minutes passed but as she calmed, the sound began to become recognizable and warmer. Something that she knew in her mind and recognized but couldnât put a finger too. âThe Pack. That howl. Are they calling me? I donât wanna get in trouble for not coming. I should just check.â She murmured before gathering herself and heading back to her nest. If the pack was calling for a meeting then she needed to hurry and finish up her business.
Nadiel sprinted towards the area she knew she had heard the howl from. Judging from direction and general assumption she knew where she would find them. Her human form was enough to keep her safe while traveling but her body was small and lithe enough to catch some speed. Her other form could do the same but she figured she wasn't as fat as most rats because of her own list of resources. Without a decent water source she found that food was imperative. They provided the nutrients and what little water that could be found around the ruins. Even the oldest carcass carried some sort of nutrient that could prolong her survival and she wasnât bothered about eating carrion. Nadiel was sure that she could stomach anything as long as it benefited her. However it was hard to come by even a carcass or bit of fruit these days. With a sigh, she rounded a corner and paused to scan the long stretch of ground cautiously. Being as careful as always Nadiel. She shook her head, rattling her own thoughts out of her mind before taking up a slow jog since she was getting closer anyways.
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MAW
(sorry its short)
Maw caught wind of Clive and Nadiel at about the same time. He skidded to a halt and waited for his troops to come to him. He stretched out on the ground and huffed. He only happened to look up and spot a bird above him. He gave a wolfish grin and ruffled his fir but pretended not to see the creature. He waited patiently for his group to meet him.
He let out another ear splitting howl, to tell them the general direction he was in before pacing back and forth, impatient getting the best of him.
(sorry its short)
Maw caught wind of Clive and Nadiel at about the same time. He skidded to a halt and waited for his troops to come to him. He stretched out on the ground and huffed. He only happened to look up and spot a bird above him. He gave a wolfish grin and ruffled his fir but pretended not to see the creature. He waited patiently for his group to meet him.
He let out another ear splitting howl, to tell them the general direction he was in before pacing back and forth, impatient getting the best of him.
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Get out of here! We can make it fine without youâŠ. OUT!
Big brother! Wait! Donât go!
âJoseph!â The male awoke with a start, his body drenched in sweat and his chest heaving with heavy pants. Taking a moment to calculate where he was, the Barker sighed. It was his bunker⊠not the blood-coated street that had appeared in his dream.
Standing, the boy slid from the thin blanket that separated him from the chill of the fall air. âI need a heaterâŠâ He grumbled, pulling on a hefty hoodie. There was no need for a shirt under, there never was. âOr a fire place..â He said, smiling softly as he pulled on his boots. The night had once again brought nothing but nightmares and loss of sleep. He was already a light sleeper, ready to spring at any questionable sound, as he was trained.
Opening his bunker door, he gave a slow stretch, his body popping into place. He waved good morning to a group of Soldiers and began his walk towards the only thing his stomach cared about at the moment⊠Food.
It had been at least a few hours since he had returned to the Army Camp with the help of a stray. His ears perked to the sound of his leaders voice. Through bored eyes he quickly made his way towards his leader, scilently passing the others of his 'pack', his eyes kept toward the ground. Seeing the others in their forms he shrugged and shifted.
A moment later, after the sound of shifting bones quieted, there he stood, his sleek body now coated in a fine chocolate colored fur. Cropped ears twitched to every sound, and a curled tail was held high. As he approached the... rather large Cru, his tail drooped slightly. He would just pass the large male, letting him know he had returned to camp, all the hope in his eyes transfixed on the thought that he would be in some kind of trouble for not letting his superior know of his arrival the night before.
Big brother! Wait! Donât go!
âJoseph!â The male awoke with a start, his body drenched in sweat and his chest heaving with heavy pants. Taking a moment to calculate where he was, the Barker sighed. It was his bunker⊠not the blood-coated street that had appeared in his dream.
Standing, the boy slid from the thin blanket that separated him from the chill of the fall air. âI need a heaterâŠâ He grumbled, pulling on a hefty hoodie. There was no need for a shirt under, there never was. âOr a fire place..â He said, smiling softly as he pulled on his boots. The night had once again brought nothing but nightmares and loss of sleep. He was already a light sleeper, ready to spring at any questionable sound, as he was trained.
Opening his bunker door, he gave a slow stretch, his body popping into place. He waved good morning to a group of Soldiers and began his walk towards the only thing his stomach cared about at the moment⊠Food.
It had been at least a few hours since he had returned to the Army Camp with the help of a stray. His ears perked to the sound of his leaders voice. Through bored eyes he quickly made his way towards his leader, scilently passing the others of his 'pack', his eyes kept toward the ground. Seeing the others in their forms he shrugged and shifted.
A moment later, after the sound of shifting bones quieted, there he stood, his sleek body now coated in a fine chocolate colored fur. Cropped ears twitched to every sound, and a curled tail was held high. As he approached the... rather large Cru, his tail drooped slightly. He would just pass the large male, letting him know he had returned to camp, all the hope in his eyes transfixed on the thought that he would be in some kind of trouble for not letting his superior know of his arrival the night before.
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Without hearing an answer, Liron changed into his kestrel form. With a flap of his brown wings, he lifted into the sky - it was never good for his own sanity to stay terrified for very long. He looked down at the events from above - The First Lieutenant was crossing Cruâs path, the people in the shaded areas had disappeared somewhere, and Colai was still there, crooning to that spider of hers.
A soft song drifted on the breeze, and he startled, falling from his comfortable altitude. Catching himself with a spreading of his wings, he started to listen to her singing. He could only catch the beginning of her words, even as he strained his hearing to its limits. She sang well⊠but he had heard better - although none of them were Spinners, of course.
He left her there - he had important things that he had to get ready before he was ready to go. Namely food and water for him, as well as all those codes and materials he needed as a Spymaster. Not to mention, a disguise.
Circling upwards, he returned back to his office - Warehouse 2, allegedly filled with clothing and various other supplies. Ducking in through the window, which was always open for both his use and his spies, he saw his Squeaker-double napping on his table, drooling all over his papers. Lironâs yellow-ringed, black-eyed glared at him, before flying over and pecking him sharply in the ear.
âWha-!â was the speechless answer of the Squeaker as he jerked upright.
Liron fluttered away from the table, before his limbs elongated and feathers disappeared. In the place of the kestrel was a man - an angry man. âI put you here to watch over my stuff. Not take a nap and ruin all of my notes.â
âThey arenât notes,â replied the Squeaker insolently. âTheyâre just symbols.â
Liron glowered at him, before turning his attention away. âGet me the first three pieces of paper, one of the Skinwalker outfits, a single shard of glass, and the package on the upper right-hand corner of the desk,â he ordered.
The Squeaker moved slowly, before handing over said things to Liron. âAny more requests, Lord Feather?â His voice was mocking⊠but Liron, of all people, didnât pick up on this.
Liron looked at him blankly. âLord Feather?â he gave a slight smile, âNo oneâs ever called me that before.â He quickly changed from his blue clothing into the black Skinwalker clothing before placing paper and glass into the inside pockets. Tucking the package under his arm, he strode outside, before looking for Colai. The packet contained food - enough food for even him to last for one day - and a small amount of poison.
It was standard for all of his spies to carry something like that - but to this day, Liron could count the number of times his spies had taken the poison on one hand alone. But it was always better to be safe than sorry.
He looked outside, the emptiness of the shaded area next to the Arena, grating on his nerves. He strode closer, his gait uneven and rough, before looking over the suddenly silent soldiers - their usual banter cut short. Liron walked towards the two thrones - for Cru and his wife - before leaning against Cruâs. It was then that he looked at the Pit, before recoiling slightly.
There was Colai inside - why? And even worse was the fact that she was facing Mira - the Jester. Yes, Liron didnât quite know what her role was, but that was not the point. The point was that two of the Executive Party of Cruâs Army were facing off against each other. âS -,â his statement was cut off when he realized exactly what kind of image that would bring. They needed to at least pretend that they were stronger than all of the other Skinwalkers in the city - or they would be deserted by their army.
âIâm in.. by the way, you need to work on your social skill. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar,â stated Mira, as the nearby soldiers chuckled. Dangerous, this was. Liron caught a few of the more wary - the smarter - ones stealing glances at Colai. Ah, she was always feared.
Liron cleared his throat, before raising his voice slightly. This was distasteful to him, but he owed an image of strength and cruelty to Cru, at the very least. âWhy donât you two get to it already?â he called, in a bored tone. âI, at the very least, could be better entertained by a battle - not talking.â Then with a slight apologetic look at the pair, his eyes narrowed slightly, âCome on. Unless you jumped into the Pit first before thinking it through.â
A soft song drifted on the breeze, and he startled, falling from his comfortable altitude. Catching himself with a spreading of his wings, he started to listen to her singing. He could only catch the beginning of her words, even as he strained his hearing to its limits. She sang well⊠but he had heard better - although none of them were Spinners, of course.
He left her there - he had important things that he had to get ready before he was ready to go. Namely food and water for him, as well as all those codes and materials he needed as a Spymaster. Not to mention, a disguise.
Circling upwards, he returned back to his office - Warehouse 2, allegedly filled with clothing and various other supplies. Ducking in through the window, which was always open for both his use and his spies, he saw his Squeaker-double napping on his table, drooling all over his papers. Lironâs yellow-ringed, black-eyed glared at him, before flying over and pecking him sharply in the ear.
âWha-!â was the speechless answer of the Squeaker as he jerked upright.
Liron fluttered away from the table, before his limbs elongated and feathers disappeared. In the place of the kestrel was a man - an angry man. âI put you here to watch over my stuff. Not take a nap and ruin all of my notes.â
âThey arenât notes,â replied the Squeaker insolently. âTheyâre just symbols.â
Liron glowered at him, before turning his attention away. âGet me the first three pieces of paper, one of the Skinwalker outfits, a single shard of glass, and the package on the upper right-hand corner of the desk,â he ordered.
The Squeaker moved slowly, before handing over said things to Liron. âAny more requests, Lord Feather?â His voice was mocking⊠but Liron, of all people, didnât pick up on this.
Liron looked at him blankly. âLord Feather?â he gave a slight smile, âNo oneâs ever called me that before.â He quickly changed from his blue clothing into the black Skinwalker clothing before placing paper and glass into the inside pockets. Tucking the package under his arm, he strode outside, before looking for Colai. The packet contained food - enough food for even him to last for one day - and a small amount of poison.
It was standard for all of his spies to carry something like that - but to this day, Liron could count the number of times his spies had taken the poison on one hand alone. But it was always better to be safe than sorry.
He looked outside, the emptiness of the shaded area next to the Arena, grating on his nerves. He strode closer, his gait uneven and rough, before looking over the suddenly silent soldiers - their usual banter cut short. Liron walked towards the two thrones - for Cru and his wife - before leaning against Cruâs. It was then that he looked at the Pit, before recoiling slightly.
There was Colai inside - why? And even worse was the fact that she was facing Mira - the Jester. Yes, Liron didnât quite know what her role was, but that was not the point. The point was that two of the Executive Party of Cruâs Army were facing off against each other. âS -,â his statement was cut off when he realized exactly what kind of image that would bring. They needed to at least pretend that they were stronger than all of the other Skinwalkers in the city - or they would be deserted by their army.
âIâm in.. by the way, you need to work on your social skill. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar,â stated Mira, as the nearby soldiers chuckled. Dangerous, this was. Liron caught a few of the more wary - the smarter - ones stealing glances at Colai. Ah, she was always feared.
Liron cleared his throat, before raising his voice slightly. This was distasteful to him, but he owed an image of strength and cruelty to Cru, at the very least. âWhy donât you two get to it already?â he called, in a bored tone. âI, at the very least, could be better entertained by a battle - not talking.â Then with a slight apologetic look at the pair, his eyes narrowed slightly, âCome on. Unless you jumped into the Pit first before thinking it through.â
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As always, the signal from his leader proved true when Clive managed to slip past the shadier buildings without any unwanted âencountersâ. It was to the extent that the city even seemed a little lonely in all its barren, dying glory. Maybe the heat had scared the mutants away⊠yeah, sure. It was more likely that they had flocked to whatever little sources of water there was remaining. After all, even mutants needed water. With a sigh, the Bandit paused his brisk gait to glower up at the sunny sky. The sunlight silhouetted what buildings remained standing. It might have been pretty if it hadnât been the reason his tongue felt like sand.
Just then, another howl cut through the air, alerting Clive of a shift in location. He quickly adjusted his route. Well, at least he had been travelling in the general direction. Now with a clear idea of where Maw was, he resumed his former languid pacing, taking slow strides instead of his swifter pace. There was no need to waste energy in that way after all, if he was so close to the others. Soon enough, as he rounded one of the larger crumbling ruins, he caught sight of a massive black dog â a familiar and welcome sight. Clive watched for a moment as the beast paced back and forth, back and forth, before approaching.
âHey! Impatient much, Maw?â Clive asked giving a careless wave in greeting before seating himself on one of the nearby piles of rubble. This City Zone, with all its crumbling buildings and its tall ruins, was a labyrinth in its own right. It could take time to get used to it. Lazily bringing one knee to his chest, he slouched as he rested his jaw upon his knee, watching his leader. âAm I late? Well since Iâm the first one here, I suppose not,â he said. âI was out checking the streams for water. Theyâre drying up. Youâve got a plan for that, right?â
And then the wind shifted. Although Cliveâs nose wasnât exactly as sensitive as some other changers, the scent the air carried was strong enough for even him to recognize. âNadielâs close,â he chimed, well aware that he was stating what was obvious to Maw. âI canât catch wind or noise of any of the others,â he added before shifting his position, stretching out as comfortably as he could over a mass of eroded concrete. âThey better get here sooner than later,â he grumbled to himself and glanced up at his leader with his clear blue eyes.
âSooo⊠what for now?â
Just then, another howl cut through the air, alerting Clive of a shift in location. He quickly adjusted his route. Well, at least he had been travelling in the general direction. Now with a clear idea of where Maw was, he resumed his former languid pacing, taking slow strides instead of his swifter pace. There was no need to waste energy in that way after all, if he was so close to the others. Soon enough, as he rounded one of the larger crumbling ruins, he caught sight of a massive black dog â a familiar and welcome sight. Clive watched for a moment as the beast paced back and forth, back and forth, before approaching.
âHey! Impatient much, Maw?â Clive asked giving a careless wave in greeting before seating himself on one of the nearby piles of rubble. This City Zone, with all its crumbling buildings and its tall ruins, was a labyrinth in its own right. It could take time to get used to it. Lazily bringing one knee to his chest, he slouched as he rested his jaw upon his knee, watching his leader. âAm I late? Well since Iâm the first one here, I suppose not,â he said. âI was out checking the streams for water. Theyâre drying up. Youâve got a plan for that, right?â
And then the wind shifted. Although Cliveâs nose wasnât exactly as sensitive as some other changers, the scent the air carried was strong enough for even him to recognize. âNadielâs close,â he chimed, well aware that he was stating what was obvious to Maw. âI canât catch wind or noise of any of the others,â he added before shifting his position, stretching out as comfortably as he could over a mass of eroded concrete. âThey better get here sooner than later,â he grumbled to himself and glanced up at his leader with his clear blue eyes.
âSooo⊠what for now?â
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MAW
âHey! Impatient much, Maw?â Maw heard clive ask. he gave a gruff almost growling bark and watched as his soldier and friend sat. He shifted back quickly and smoothly as Clive was asking about the water and if he had plans. He scuffed.
"of course i have plans. I wish the rest of out crew would shake a leg and move their asses faster when i call." Maw sighed.
"well until at least Nadeil shows up we play the waiting game" Maw sighed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MIRA
âWhy donât you two get to it already?â someone called, in a bored tone.
Mira looked up to find Liron jeering at them.
âI, at the very least, could be better entertained by a battle - not talking. Come on. Unless you jumped into the Pit first before thinking it through.â he said. Mira grinned. It didn't look like spider girl was going to move. shock maybe? She rolled her eyes.
"It looks like the arachnid here isnt going to make a move...maybe i shocked her with the fact that someone as lowly as me would challenge her...maybe you should come down here and show her how its done." Mira said with a firty wink. She grinned and looked around.
"that's right folks i just challenged the great Liron, this should be a battle of epic proportions!" she said in a stage whisper.
âHey! Impatient much, Maw?â Maw heard clive ask. he gave a gruff almost growling bark and watched as his soldier and friend sat. He shifted back quickly and smoothly as Clive was asking about the water and if he had plans. He scuffed.
"of course i have plans. I wish the rest of out crew would shake a leg and move their asses faster when i call." Maw sighed.
"well until at least Nadeil shows up we play the waiting game" Maw sighed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MIRA
âWhy donât you two get to it already?â someone called, in a bored tone.
Mira looked up to find Liron jeering at them.
âI, at the very least, could be better entertained by a battle - not talking. Come on. Unless you jumped into the Pit first before thinking it through.â he said. Mira grinned. It didn't look like spider girl was going to move. shock maybe? She rolled her eyes.
"It looks like the arachnid here isnt going to make a move...maybe i shocked her with the fact that someone as lowly as me would challenge her...maybe you should come down here and show her how its done." Mira said with a firty wink. She grinned and looked around.
"that's right folks i just challenged the great Liron, this should be a battle of epic proportions!" she said in a stage whisper.
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Nadiel came to an abrupt stop as another howl floated to her ears. He certainly was becoming impatient, and the more irritable he got the more she wanted to go back to her den and just sleep off the day. Avoid being seen for a few days, maybe find some resources for herself. She nibbled on her lower lip hesitantly, unable to come to a decision. What if the Mao had decided to show up? A shudder made her teeth click in anxiety although this only spurned her on to actually go and meet the others. She could face whatever awaited her and then disappear without them getting angry. Nadiel wronged her hands and glanced about pleadingly, as if hoping the horribly old ruins would give her an answer. She sat down on her haunches and let the sounds of creatures scurrying amount the rubble come to her ears. A comforting sound since she knew she was safe for the moment and not a note later. After a few deep breaths Nadiel rocked back up on to her feet and pushed on towards the pack.
She paused at the top of a large pile of rubble, having taken the time to climb it without making a sound. Nadiel peeked over the rocks to watch the black dog shift into his human form. Clive, the tricky bandit, was already seated a bit below her and to her right asking the leader about resources, something she wished she had the courage to do.
"Of course I have plans. I wish the rest of out crew would shake a leg and move their asses faster when I call." Maw sighed and Nadiel flinched accordingly. "Well until at least Nadiel shows up, we play the waiting game" Maw sighed for a second time and Nadiel fidgeted uncomfortably. With the recent troubles, maybe he had been overworking himself? Perhaps he was more irritable than usual? She shook her head lightly. No. He was probably just the same as always and would expect news of Cru's Army that she didn't have just yet. What time did she have between looking for resources and scouting for information? Hardly enough to get anything truly useful.
Nadiel braced herself and clambered over the rocks to come to a pause above Clive, not eager, or brave, enough to move closer lest either of them decide she would be more useful as a chew toy. Not that she didn't trust them to a certain extent however she liked living whether it be on a leash or not. "Maw." She acknowledged him first, shyly, before she glanced to Clive. "Hello, Clive." With both greetings done and her submission offered up without hesitance she sat down a bit more comfortably and watched the two. "I'm sorry that I arrived later than expected. I was caught up with some things."
She paused at the top of a large pile of rubble, having taken the time to climb it without making a sound. Nadiel peeked over the rocks to watch the black dog shift into his human form. Clive, the tricky bandit, was already seated a bit below her and to her right asking the leader about resources, something she wished she had the courage to do.
"Of course I have plans. I wish the rest of out crew would shake a leg and move their asses faster when I call." Maw sighed and Nadiel flinched accordingly. "Well until at least Nadiel shows up, we play the waiting game" Maw sighed for a second time and Nadiel fidgeted uncomfortably. With the recent troubles, maybe he had been overworking himself? Perhaps he was more irritable than usual? She shook her head lightly. No. He was probably just the same as always and would expect news of Cru's Army that she didn't have just yet. What time did she have between looking for resources and scouting for information? Hardly enough to get anything truly useful.
Nadiel braced herself and clambered over the rocks to come to a pause above Clive, not eager, or brave, enough to move closer lest either of them decide she would be more useful as a chew toy. Not that she didn't trust them to a certain extent however she liked living whether it be on a leash or not. "Maw." She acknowledged him first, shyly, before she glanced to Clive. "Hello, Clive." With both greetings done and her submission offered up without hesitance she sat down a bit more comfortably and watched the two. "I'm sorry that I arrived later than expected. I was caught up with some things."
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MAW
Maw saw Nadial coming and stared at her. She looked nervous, almost scared of him. He frowned, had he done something that would cause her fear? He didnât want to be a leader like Cru. He didnât use fear to rule, only loyalty. He knew he could be a little high strung at times but he didnât know he came off as a dictator.
âmawâ she acknowledged almost shyly.
âHello Nads, anything new?â he asked already knowing the answer from the look on her face. He wished he could manage to scrounge up more information but he knew one person could only do so much.
Maw stood and started towards the broken tree line.
âCome with me, we need to talk. Cru is putting the pressure on, there isnât enough food to go around any more and the water sources are scares due to his damns." Maw sighed running his fingers through his hair.
"We are going to attack tonight. A stealth mission more than anything. Besides, I cant seem to keep track of all my members obviously, and you two are my most trusted soâŠwill you join me?â Maw asked as he stepped into the cover of the few treeâs there were and faced them.
Maw saw Nadial coming and stared at her. She looked nervous, almost scared of him. He frowned, had he done something that would cause her fear? He didnât want to be a leader like Cru. He didnât use fear to rule, only loyalty. He knew he could be a little high strung at times but he didnât know he came off as a dictator.
âmawâ she acknowledged almost shyly.
âHello Nads, anything new?â he asked already knowing the answer from the look on her face. He wished he could manage to scrounge up more information but he knew one person could only do so much.
Maw stood and started towards the broken tree line.
âCome with me, we need to talk. Cru is putting the pressure on, there isnât enough food to go around any more and the water sources are scares due to his damns." Maw sighed running his fingers through his hair.
"We are going to attack tonight. A stealth mission more than anything. Besides, I cant seem to keep track of all my members obviously, and you two are my most trusted soâŠwill you join me?â Maw asked as he stepped into the cover of the few treeâs there were and faced them.
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