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Post by Skidar on Jan 29, 2018 3:06:15 GMT
Three weeks was a long time to live in the bare-bones junkyard office. Though with Johnny, Sheila, Nico and Angel's help Elroy had been able to make-shift fortify the office with better insulation and build a fire place and stove to keep them warm. Elroy had been glad Nico was back but wasn't sure why Sheila and Johnny weren't so keen about him being there. He didn't bring it up, he didn't need anymore trouble than he already had to deal with. Which was pretty much everything at this point.
It was early in the morning and he was brewing some cowboy-style coffee in a pot on their rugged stove. He took his mug back to his desk/bed in the corner of the office where he had been doing the numbers and conversions to the incinerator in order to make it heat to the hottest temperature possible. It had to work. He'd had Angel help move Molly's statued form into the office. He kept her in the corner behind a screen. It killed him to see her frozen in pain. He didn't even know if she was still alive, he had to try though. He set the mug down and flicked through his sketches, scratching at his scraggly overgrown 5oclock shadow and pushing his ever lengthening curls from his eyes. The remodeling of the incinerator was nearly complete, he just had to test it and hope for everyone's sake it didn't explode.
--
Kate woke up from where she had been sleeping next to Kalyn. After her father's capture she had been scared about what had become of him. His mother had ordered radio silence from him in case Alfonse turned him against them, and Kate had been sworn not to talk to him either through the Tpaths for the same reason. She felt terrible, and responsible. She turned and pressed closer to Kalyn for warmth. THe library seemed darker and colder than ever. They were running low on rations, and Kate's fantasy of flying off to get help now seemed hopeless.
Angani was awake and tending to the sick int he library with Kaiser. He never left Kaiser's side anymore, and after he had returned to his old safe house to find it compramised, and everyone inside it gone, he never left the library either.
Rapid was nearly healed by Seda and Angani's handiwork, and was settled near the door of the library as a sort of last line of defense in case there was a breach. He looked over at Dane and rested a hand on his shoulder to wake him. Time to tag out for some quick shut-eye.
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 30, 2018 23:20:52 GMT
Kalyn lifted her arm, scooting closer into Kate, their breath misting in the cold air. Her heart panged with regret, seeing how despondent Kate had become. She didn't speak as much, and so much of her fire had dimmed. She rubbed Kate's hands between her own, trying to coax some of the warmth back into them. So cold, and it was likely to get colder. She racked her brain with something to say, a way to distract Kate from her thoughts. "Breakfast should be ready soon," she mumbled, aware of how their voices carried in the quiet open room. "Could do with something warm."
Kaiser yawned into his hand, wrapping a blanket around his shoulders tightly from where he was sat perched at the end of an empty hospital cot. He picked up his steaming cup of water, holding it gratefully between his hands. They didn't have the resources to enjoy coffee as much anymore, with stores running so low, but he found himself happy enough with anything to warm his bones. He smiled at Angani tiredly.
---
Alliser sat by the fire of Zeke's bar, legs crossed and resting his head in his hand as he stared into the flames. They'd managed to patch the bar up as best they could after the invasion of the Rebel thugs. The windows had all been boarded by planks torn from the tables, and thick bars had been fixed into place across the doors. He glanced over at Layla, doubt clouding his eyes. By all rights they should have returned to the Academy by now, but he found the idea of abandoning Zeke abhorrent. Returning to the bar hadn't been as shocking for Alliser as it had been for him - he'd expected the damage when he had stolen him away that day. What he hadn't accounted for, was the loss of Lorenzo.
Alliser closed his eyes, dropping his forehead to his palm and groaned quietly. "What do I do, Layla?" he asked quietly. "He's miserable."
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Post by Skidar on Jan 31, 2018 0:08:47 GMT
Sheila woke up to Bobby whining to go out. As soon as she opened the door Duke and Rambo rushed after him. Angel had left them there for protection and to keep Bobby company. The three dogs ran around in the snow barking and baying in the early morning snowfall. Sheila turned and frowned at the lump of blankets where Nico was sleeping. She didn't trust him. She didn't know why Elroy did, its like he'd forgotten the whole ordeal in the Green House. Maybe he had... in anycase, she had been sleeping in shifts with Johnny to keep an eye on the little jerk in case he tried anything again. She went to go cook them something for food with the limited supplies they had. Usually it was flavorless rice or oats. But it would fill a growling stomach...
Elroy heard her and got up, passing their screen 'room' area and peering inside. Johnny was alone, asleep. He slipped inside and sat on the end of Johnny's cot. "Wake up Johnny, I made java." he patted his shoulder. "I gotta get a move on before the snow gets deep. I think its almost ready."
--
Kate sighed. "Yeah." she grumbled and sat up, rocking some serious bedhead. She stood and tugged on her coat but didn't move towards the mess line. She stared towards the window, green eyes staring intently at the wintery sky. "Maybe we should skip breakfast..." she murmured.
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 31, 2018 0:35:31 GMT
Kalyn frowned at her, trying to follow her line of sight. "You're...not hungry?" she asked, worry tugging at her.
---
Johnny roused slowly, blinking blearily at Elroy's shape. He let the covers fall as he sat up, still wrapped up in his thick jacket from the day before. "What are we taking with us?" he yawned, rubbing the grit from his eyes. He found it difficult mustering up much excitement, disheartened at the prospect of going out into the snow. He still managed to smile at Elroy, shoving his weariness aside. "Think it'll be today?"
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 31, 2018 0:39:28 GMT
im so mad guys im SO MAD!!!!!!!!!!!
Levi frowned from where he sat, perched on the couch arm rest. He could hear Zeke banging around in the bathroom and quietly muttering to himself. Levi had gotten to him to at least take a shower. He'd been in a miserable fog ever since the night of the raid. And Levi couldn't take it much longer. "You know," he called, "he's probably dead." There was a beat of silence before Zeke poked his head out with a withering glare.
"Thanks, asshole, that makes me feel so much better."
"What I mean is, there's nothing you can do for him. And nothing you could have done for him. So beating yourself up like this isn't worth it." Zeke shook his head, scowling as he pulled his shirt over his head. His hair, still wet, was stuck up in every direction, but he didn't care enough to fix it. "You have me. And Layla. And Alliser! You were gonna break up with Lorenzo, anyway, right? So now you just don't have to!" He smiled optimistically while his brother just returned with another tired glare.
It had been like jumping into cold water for Zeke, returning to the bar. After holing up for the night with Alliser, he'd been so ready to make up for lost time and face the world with the man he'd missed for so long. But the world was quick to remind him of what they were returning to. The bodies in the street and in the bar still haunted him. And then the news of Lorenzo. That had hit him like a cold blade through the heart. While he'd been sequestered safely away, people had been terrorized and captured and...He shied away from the thought.
Levi sighed and patted his shoulder. "Ok come on. I want a drink and you said I'm not allowed to touch the tap, so you have to get it for me." He waved his hand and started down the steps. He walked slowly at first until, with a smile, he heard Zeke's reluctant steps following him. He entered the bar with a grand gesture and a grin towards Layla and Alliser, with Zeke plodding along behind him. "Well, contrary to what he'd like us to believe, my brother is, in fact alive!"
---
Dane lay curled up next to Rapid, his head resting on his shoulder. The past three weeks had been a hell of a culture shock. After the Surge, he'd at least been able to cling to the idea of his wealth and privilege. But not here. He was just another nameless refugee in this hellhole. He'd clung to Rapid like glue, and barely spoken to anyone, aside from a few mumbled, one-word responses. His eyes fluttered open and he looked up at his friend. "Wha...what's happenin'?" he yawned.
--
Nico heard movement in the tiny house and forced himself not to fidget beneath his blankets. The past three weeks had been both nice and horrible. Elroy didn't seem to have any recollection of what had happened. He treated him the same as he always had. Though he had a great deal more on his mind, but still. It was a refreshing experience compared to the countless nightmares he'd had of Elroy hunting him down and taking all his wrath out on him. He wasn't so lucky with the others. Sheila clearly remembered. He'd kept his distance from her, not wanting to give her the chance to confront or out him.
He hadn't heard from Alfonse since he'd taken him over. He couldn't decide if that was a good or a bad thing. Despite how relatively quiet the past three weeks had been, his nerves were just about spent. He was convinced Alfonse was always looking through his eyes, searching his mind for any reason to take him over and stop his heart or make him walk off a cliff or drown himself in the ocean. After all, he didn't feel any closer to finding where the Council was. He tightened his blanket around himself and squeezed his eyes shut.
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Post by Skidar on Jan 31, 2018 0:51:06 GMT
Elroy shrugged. "If its stable. I need to test it, but I'm worried is... I might only have one shot. The whole incinerator just isn't built to reach this kind of heat. It could explode, it could collapse... Its so risky." he kneaded his brows. "Maybe that's why I've been putting it off... truth is it was ready two days ago but its so unstable I've been too afraid to test it. If it's a one shot wonder it'll collapse or burn out and then I've lost her forever... if it works and she's really gone... same thing." he stared at the floor. "She's lost either way if I keep her locked up in stone." He rubbed his eyes. "So here's our first, last and probably only shot." he stood up. "Eat up then lets call angel, we'll need some help moving her." he went over to Nico and shook his shoulder. "Wake up, bud, lets eat. Today's gonna be big." he set a coffee next to him. "Hopefully in a good way."
--
Rapid rubbed his eyes. "My shift is over, lets go find a non-crowded place where I can catch some sleep too." he stood up and cracked his back before tugging Dane to his feet. "I can't sleep sitting up like that I'll turn into a giant right angle." he yawned and headed towards the back of the library with Dane under his arm.
Seth was sitting on the floor behind the librarians desk playing cards with Seda and Olivia. "Its hard to play this game with socks on you hands." he muttered, mumbling with his hand. "What are we playing again?"
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 31, 2018 1:07:39 GMT
Alliser looked up at Zeke's entrance, a warm smile taking over his features. Zeke had the uncanny ability to instantly soothe him, and anything that troubled him could be temporarily warded off in his presence. He pulled himself away from the fire, walking over to him and taking his hand gently. "You look warm," he said softly, running his hand through the wild wet strands of hair framing Zeke's face. "Feeling any better?"
---
Johnny smiled sympathetically. He was usually the reckless member of the party, but this situation was decidedly too life-or-death for him to act so blasé. He gripped Elroy's shoulder lightly, glad to feel that he had picked up some of his missing weight. "This'll work out," he promised, letting Elroy go. He made his way into the makeshift kitchen, seeing Sheila cooking something up. He wrapped his arms around her, giving her a tight squeeze and planted a quick peck to her temple. "Morning delicious, smells gorgeous," he smiled into her neck cheekily.
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Post by Skidar on Jan 31, 2018 1:12:40 GMT
Sheila smirked and swatted him lightly with her stirring spoon, she saw Elroy talking to Nico out of the corner of her eye and frowned. "You need to tell him." she sighed. "Otherwise when this all blows up, and it will, we'll just be two other people that kept secrets from him." She frowned. "Plus, I think he's up to no good..." she stabbed at a potato in the frying pan.
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 31, 2018 1:21:37 GMT
Johnny glanced up at Elroy and Nico, frowning. He wanted to trust that Nico had done the right thing by leaving the Rebels, but Sheila had made good points about Alfonse's methods of play. "I know," he said, brow furrowed at the ground, giving Sheila space as she hacked at the food. "But he's also doing him some good. Elroy's happy that he's here. I don't know if I want to take that away from him." He looked at Sheila, toying with his lip between his teeth. "If it looks like something's off today...I'll mention it to him."
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 31, 2018 1:41:55 GMT
Nico closed his eyes and let out a sigh before rolling over and sitting up. He feigned a yawn and stretched. He peered cautiously over at Sheila and Johnny before busying himself with his coffee. He took a sip and made a face. "I don't know how you drink this shit all the time," he muttered with a half smile. Setting down his mug, he sighed and glanced at Elroy. "So, it's done, then? You really think it's gonna work?" He frowned, concerned.
--
Zeke's shoulders immediately relaxed, seeing Alliser. He smiled and cupped his cheek. "I'm always warm," he laughed quietly. He leaned down and kissed him, allowing himself a brief moment for his nerves to unwind. Alliser had been his only solace in this whole thing. At least he was safe, and here where he could make sure he stayed that way. "I'm...okay," he murmured after reluctantly breaking away. His arms snaked around his waist and pulled him close. "Did you sleep okay? You were gone when I woke up...I got nervous..." He let out a breathy laugh, regretting saying anything.
--
Dane let Rapid pull him up and he brushed off his clothes. A worthless effort. Everything here seemed to be caked in dust and dirt. Surprisingly, he'd gotten used to it, though touching most things still made his skin crawl. "You poor thing," he sighed. "I can fall asleep anywhere, no problem. It's a gift."
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 31, 2018 1:56:02 GMT
Alliser melted against his form, quirking an amused smirk at him. "I couldn't sleep," he apologised. "I'm sorry for worrying you." He took a fortifying breath, pulling away from Zeke as he glanced at Layla. "But I've been doing some thinking. And Zeke, I don't want you to worry - I feel comfortable in this, and I won't be so far away, really, but - " he cut off his rambling with a huff, annoyed with himself. "I'm going back to the Academy. We've had radio silence, and that worries me. I'm hoping...that we'll find Lorenzo, there." His voice trailed off quietly, and he looked up at Zeke, searching his eyes for confirmation he had decided to do the right thing.
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 31, 2018 2:06:49 GMT
"It's okay," he mumbled with a dopey smile. He let him slide out of his hold, though he chased him with his hands, unwilling to let him get far. But once he began to speak, he froze. His breath caught in his throat. "Go back?" he croaked. He looked around at the others before focusing back on Alliser. "What if...what if you get caught. Or...I mean...Do you think you can find him? Do you think he's okay? No wait... What if you get hurt? I'll go with you, you can't go by yourself. I mean...you really think he's okay? I can't let you go, I can't lose you." He spoke fast, pacing around in a tight circle with his hands clutching his hair.
Layla came up beside Alliser with a sigh. "Oh boy," she mumbled, watching her brother-in-law spiral into a self induced panic. "Zeke, honey, calm down okay. Just chill for two seconds and let's listen to the man's idea." She turned to Alliser and raised a brow. "He's right though, you can't go by yourself. I love you, but you're not great with conflict."
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Post by Skidar on Jan 31, 2018 2:24:42 GMT
Elroy sighed. "Truthfully, I don't know. I've never done anything like this before. I hope I did everything right...the stakes have never been higher. " he groaned. "I gotta try though, right?" He looked over at Nico
-
Rapid smiled as they headed to the rare section of the library with cots. As a guard, Rapid was allowed to use one on his rest breaks, but he decided to give up his bunk for the other citizens to use. He had a mat on the floor in the back he preferred. He settled down on his back with a groan of contentment. "Lucky you, I'm so stiff I can hardly move."
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 31, 2018 2:28:16 GMT
Alliser tutted at Layla, crossing his arms defensively as he drew himself up amidst Zeke's chatter. "If things go well there won't be any conflict," he shot back at her cheekily. "You, I could take along. But, and no offence meant, Levi, you're not the best at subterfuge." He propped himself up against the bar, brow furrowed at the ground in concentration. "Frankly, my brother's probably noticed I've been gone all this time. He hasn't sent me any message, though, which leads me to believe that he might think I've abandoned the cause." Alliser smirked at Zeke, shrugging. "Which...well. I guess I have." He tapped his finger against his arm. "But, Zeke, we didn't find his body here. The Rebels have taken prisoners before, though not so much in recent years, so I believe there's a chance he's back at the base. My plan is to sneak in, find wherever they're keeping prisoners these days, and spirit them away." He shrugged. "It needs some polishing, but that's about the gist of it."
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 31, 2018 2:51:44 GMT
Levi threw his arms up indignantly. "What? I'm the best at...that thing you said. Whatever that means. Hon, what's that mean?" he asked, tilting to the side to look at Layla.
She waved her hand. "Don't worry about it, babe, Alliser's right." She frowned and folded her arms to think over her friend's words before looking over at Zeke. He was standing there, fidgeting stiffly. "I think we could do it. The trickiest part would be finding where they're being kept."
Zeke frowned, looking between her and Alliser. "I don't know. What if something goes wrong? What if you get hurt or they capture you? What if Kian finds you, I don't trust him. I know he's your brother and everything, but still..." He looked down nervously. "I don't know..."
--
Nico smiled weakly before looking away. "You're a brave guy, El," he muttered, the words twisting his heart painfully.
--
Dane sighed and settled down on the floor near him. He knew he was giving up his cot for someone else. His sense of charity and goodness had struck him these past three weeks. For all his wealth, he'd never come across such a decent person in his life. It was baffling. And charming. "I can imagine. You've been tense since we got here. And I'm sure longer than that." He rubbed his shoulder comfortingly with a soft smile.
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sometime after ten, hope you'll be up! also.... WILL PROFILE thatisall 
