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Post by Skidar on Jan 5, 2018 5:12:10 GMT
Rapid peered around the corner. Nothing but empty streets piled with snow over the smashed buildings and overturned cars. Good. It was better than seeing a Reboot member prowling around, or a rival group smashing windows and looting for supplies. He felt bad for generalizing. It wasn't like he wasn't doing the exact same thing. He already had a huge duffel bag over his shoulder piled with canned goods he had found in an overturned grocery truck outside a store. He'd taken all he could carry and now he needed to find his was back to his group, hiding in the basement of the Chinese Restaurant in hiding. He gingerly stepped out to cross the street, hoping he wouldn't be spotted. He was still nursing bruises from a previous attack with a much more violent group of muscleheads.
--
Angani tugged his scarf off his mouth as he stepped onto the most unstable floor of a tall building. He had been helping Robert Calden's group find stragglers trapped in the buildings and bringing them to more relatively safe places. Angani saw a lot of death going in as a scout but mostly he was just trying to find Kaiser. With Kaiser able to send Tpaths and Angani only being able to recieve, finding each other was difficult. Kaiser's group was in hiding, so he wasn't sure where they were. Angani couldn't stop looking for him. He had come close before, but had to run when Reboot attacked. Now he was high in one of the most damaged buildings int he city, staring out of a gaping structural hole the size of a bus.
"Where are you babe." he murmured weakly. "Please be warm..." he shivered and turned to make his way back downstairs after raiding the medicine cabinets for supplies to help the others. He took a few blankets as well and headed back down the stairs.
--
Emery blew into his hands. Freezing. He was sitting in the eves of the warehouse near the docks keeping watch. He never though about being cold before. Now it was inescapable. Without power there was no warmth, and if Reboot spotted smoke from fires they often raided them. Either way, they could die. He shivered hard and watched Piper return with some food. She was unaffected by the cold, she felt terrible watching other people freeze to death and had become the designated wood gatherer and water fetcher for the people to keep them inside and huddled to share the warmth. Emery sent a Tpath to her. Password?
Piper looked up at his hiding spot, she looked exhausted. Knock Three Times on the ceiling if you want me.
Emery smiled at their little joke and replied. Twice on the pipe if the answer is no.
Piper smiled and crossed their trip wire and headed inside.
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 6, 2018 2:19:00 GMT
Nico wandered through the streets. He was supposed to be patrolling, but he couldn't focus on much of anything through the fog that filled his head. The bitter cold air was too quiet for comfort and he kept sending sparks through his body to try and fill his ears with static. But that had quickly stopped working--he could barely notice the buzzing anymore, and so he was left with nothing but freezing, still air. As he passed the hole were a building's door had once been, he paused. Something cut through the silence. The sound of footsteps plodding down stairs. He furrowed his brow and looked around before taking a step towards the building. He poked his head in and looked around at the empty, crumbling building, scowling. Oh fuck it. He knew it'd be smart to sneak around and ambush whoever was here, but he was exhausted, cold and honestly didn't care. "Hey, who's here?" he called out.
(lol idk man im so tired im nico rn)
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Post by Skidar on Jan 6, 2018 2:27:20 GMT
Angani froze in the stairwell hearing the voice and pressed against the wall. The voice sounded young enough but still, he couldn't be too careful. Things had gotten pretty feral pretty fast in the City. He swallowed hard and stepped around the corner and blinked in surprise. "Nico?" he squinted. He never really talked to the kid but he had been Elroy's TA at the Academy hadn't he? He went down the last few steps and tugged his scarf down to show his face. "What are you doing out here?"
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 6, 2018 2:36:04 GMT
Lorenzo stepped into La Ŝovelilo, teeth chattering as he stamped the snow from his boots at the doormat. He ripped the gloves from his frozen fingers and began rubbing them, trying to wear off the numbness. "Not a lot going on out there today," he informed Zeke, stepping to hover over a small gas heater. "Small time looting by both sides, but nothing too close to our side of town."
---
Kaiser was perched on the balcony to one of the library's upper store rooms, casting his eye out over the city. His eyes were closed, and as the sonar receded into nothing, he sat in chill darkness. In the last month he had become more and more despondent, hardly speaking to anyone, eating little. Angel had been a supportive friend, one that Kaiser would dearly miss if he ever gave up on him, but it had been a month now without a sign from Angani. He'd sent so many Tpath's his mind had gone numb, despite Angani's inability to respond. He knew that didn't mean he was gone, technically. Angani might be caught up in any hundredths of the dangers they all faced now. But what if he had been speaking to dead air all this time? He dropped his brow to his knees, wrapping his arms over his head, shivering. He'd keep himself out here in the wind as punishment. It felt fitting. Who knew what Angani was going through? He might be buried in the snow somewhere. He choked at the thought.
---
Alliser wrapped his arm around Layla's tightly, stealing her body warmth. "I hope your brother keeps his bar warm," he stammered. "Exactly how safe are we, this deep in the city? I'd hate to be murdered for a cheap beer." He pulled his coat tighter around him, tugging the collar up so that it covered half his face, keeping the frost from his exposed neck. Better, but next time he wouldn't make the trek in his Armani coat.
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Post by Skidar on Jan 6, 2018 2:47:57 GMT
Rapid reached Zeke's bar and walked down the alley, tapping his knuckles gently on the door. He made several stops on this daily milk run of his. So many people either injured and snowed in or afraid to leave hiding had to get supplies too. He always made sure to spare some things for his boss. He dug around in his bag for some things they might need.
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 6, 2018 2:55:18 GMT
Nico frowned, his hands clutching in his pockets, sparks already charging up. He looked at the approaching figure, confusion and anxiety painted on his face. This guy knew him. But how much did he know? "Who are you?" he mumbled, ignoring the man's. "I don't know you."
---
Zeke looked up. The worried expression he'd held since Lorenzo had left this morning quickly melted to relief as he saw his boyfriend's face. "Well," he began, already coming out from behind the counter to meet him, "no news is better than bad, right?" He reached forward and took his cold hands in his own to warm them. He jolted, the icy skin slicing like a knife against his fire-heated hands. "I wish you wouldn't go out there alone," he murmured quietly, not looking him in the eye.
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Layla tugged him along. "Oh quit whining. I swear, you boys have no back bones." She rounded the corner, walking confidently. "Don't worry. Zeke's place is pretty open door. It has to be with a brother like Levi. Besides, if anything goes south, I can make us disappear." She looked over at him with a sly grin.
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 6, 2018 3:05:11 GMT
Lorenzo smiled at Zeke, seeing his expression soften. He lifted a hand to his boyfriend's face, pulling the corner of his mouth up. "You should smile more, babe. You'll get frown lines." With a laugh he returned his hand to Zeke's gratefully, rolling his shoulders under his jacket. He couldn't seem to shake the cold from it. "Hey, my specialty in the force was stealth operations. I'm good. Besides, I feel better knowing you're here and safe." Lorenzo leaned forwards and gave him a quick peck. Hearing Rapid knock, he ran over to whisk the door open. "Rapid! Come in, come get warm. Had a safe run?"
---
Alliser whined. "Of course not. I've been very open about my lack of backbone, darling. This is why I keep you." He nodded, sharing the smirk with her. "I have told you what a fan I am of your talents?" He saw lights glowing in the snow ahead, one of the few places brazen enough to be so openly inhabited these days. "That must be the bar, then."
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Post by Skidar on Jan 6, 2018 3:14:23 GMT
Rapid smiled shyly and stooped to enter the bar. "It's alright, saw a few... saw a few that didn't make it but I managed to get enough for everyone else." he started setting supplies on he table. Bread. A few gallons of fresh water. Canned food. Kerosene. And a treat. "Found some of these." he set down a package of strawberries. "Cold hasn't killed em yet. Got some for my other group too." he set his back back on his shoulder and looked warily around the corner into the bar. "Are you... open?" he asked in confusion. "Why?"
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Angani put up his mittened hands slowly. "Its ok. I worked at the Academy in the health building, I'm a nurse." he turned his pack towards him to show the red cross painted on the front. "I'm not here to hurt you, or anyone. I was looking for survivors and medicine to help them." he shivered in the wind. "And I found you, come on, I'll take you some place warm."
--
A tall, freckled redhead stuck his head out the window of the libarary. "Hey Kaiser, come take a break, you'll freeze into a statue out here." Seth called. "Soup line's ready too and Angel want's to talk to you. Says its something important."
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 6, 2018 3:40:52 GMT
Zeke looked up at him and the corner of his mouth twitched into a slight smile. "Gee, thanks. Is that a threat? You're gonna break up with me if I get frown lines?" His smile warmed and he closed his eyes against his kiss only for Lorenzo to rush away. He sighed and dropped his hands and turned to watch Rapid scurry in. He grinned, though guilt gnawed at his chest. He was stowed away, safe in his bar while everyone was out there, scraping together enough for them to survive. "Thanks Rapid. You're a lifesaver." He sifted through the supplies and shrugged at his question. "Yeah, it doesn't feel right to hole up, honestly," he muttered, only half truthfully. He knew having Levi in his corner gave him at least a little protection. "If people need a place to duck into and get warm, who am I to turn them away? Besides," he sighed, "end of the world? Can't really think of a better reason to drink."
Layla grinned, wrapping her arms around herself against the cold. "Yeah, thank god Zeke's a fire slinger too. I didn't realize this was going to make everything so damn cold." She pried herself away from Alliser and pushed the door open and stumbled in when it swung open under her weight. "Whew!" she huffed, steadying herself and looking up at the three gathered near the door. "Oh...hey." She grinned, her smile widening when she saw her brother-in-law's exasperated expression.
Zeke sighed and motioned to Rapid and Enzo to stay put before he made his way over to the newcomers. "Hey little bro!" Levi cheered, pulling him in a tight hug to steal some warmth. "And oh, look, it's your little cop pet. Cute." He peered around Zeke and gave Enzo a sneering look, knowing Zeke wouldn't let him do anything to him. After a moment, he pulled away and looked at his brother. "Now listen, before you complain, don't worry. You won't even know we're here. We just wanted to have a drink with our pal, Al here."
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Nico frowned, backing up a few paces until he hit the brick wall. He stared at him a few moments longer, piecing together the vague memories of the nurse. "Right." He looked away, his shoulders slumping. With relief or misery, he wasn't sure. "I don't need help."
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Post by Skidar on Jan 6, 2018 3:49:21 GMT
Angani sighed. "Nico, its not safe to be alone out here." he murmured. "Do you at least have some place to stay? I just want to make sure you're ok before I head back." he looked down the windy street. "Not like it gets any better than this out here." He paused then looked over to him. "Do you... do you know a flyer by the name of Kaiser? I've been looking for him." he tried to control the shake in his voice. "He's been missing since the Surge. I gotta find him... It's why I'm out here."
--
Rapid peered around the corner over the top of Zeke's head. "Who's that?" he asked warily. They didn't seem phased at all by the bleakness of the City. The cold, the weather, the power down. They just seemed like they were here for a good time. Was that even possible? Tension hadn't left Rapid's shoulder's since the night of the Surge. Now he felt doubly jumpy and envious of these customers. So care free. He wished he could relax. He stepped back out of view of the patrons, which was hard to do in the alcove being 7 ft tall.
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 6, 2018 3:58:05 GMT
Alliser frowned at the familiar name, an uncomfortable feeling settling over his shoulders. He followed the couple inside, his sight zeroing in on Zeke almost immediately. "Oh, fuck," he blurted.
Lorenzo gave Levi a friendly wave at the hostile look, before perking up at the awkward exclamation. He peered at Alliser, following his line of sight straight back to Zeke. Weird reaction. Estranged brothers? "Hey," he said, walking over to the newcomers. He stood beside Zeke, slinging an easy arm around his middle. "I'm Lorenzo. Former Commando, just so we get that out there. Not looking to arrest anyone today though, just here to make friends," he laughed, fumbling in the atmosphere.
---
Kaiser turned at the sound of Seth's voice, unsettling the thin layer of snow that had begun to cover him. "Did he tell you what it was about?" he croaked, feeling his way carefully back into the library.
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Post by Skidar on Jan 6, 2018 4:12:35 GMT
Seth helped him through the window and shut it behind them. "Not sure. I think he got a Tpath from someone." he headed down the steps into the heart of library. There were close to 500 people camped out inside it looking for warmth and shelter. It was half run by former Commandos and half run by volunteers. Everyone was trying to help one another stay safe and warm. There wasn't much else they could do.
Alan was walking down the non-fiction aisle where his family was camped and stooped to give Kate and Lilah their soup bowls. "Drink up you too, it'll help warm you up." he sat beside Lilah and checked the bullet wound in her shoulder, healing with a back scar after he had crudely pried the bullet free after digging her out of the collapsed Commando station. Lilah was alive, but very sick from infection. He was trying to keep her safe, but he was worried.
Kate slurped her soup. "Is it safe to go outside?"
"No." Alan grunted. "Stay in the library." he ordered.
Kate groaned and slurped more soup. She had been at the Academy when it was attacked and flown the coup with her classmates. Now she didn't know where most of them were. She stood up. "I'm gonna go for a walk."
"Stay in the--"
"--library. I know." Kate sighed back to Alan and went for a stroll towards the Mystery section.
"She'll be fine." Lilah wheezed. "Don't worry so much."
"I worry just the right amount." Alan helped her lift her bowl to drink. "Without the ability to regenerate more power... my powers are fading. I can't protect her like I used to."
"She can protect herself. She's strong." Lilah smiled weakly. "Like her dad." she touched his face and coughed weakly.
"Get some rest." Alan urged. "I'll read you your book." he settled close to her and stroked her long silvery blonde hair while he read her novel aloud to her in hushed tones.
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Post by beffalumps on Jan 6, 2018 4:17:09 GMT
Olivia strolled into the library, a tiny woman scurrying after her. "You know it's a bad sign when it's warmer underground than it is above," she muttered, slowing down for Seda to catch up. "And everything's nearly picked dry out there..." She paused and looked up, a smile coming to her face when she spotted the two men nearby. "Oh, I didn't realize anyone else was out here. How're you holding up Kaiser, honey? Any news on Angani?" She reached forward and brushed the few flakes of snow left on his shoulders.
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Zeke scowled at his brother. Did he have to be so obnoxious and loud about everything? He knew this had been what they fought for, but the rest of the city was in crisis. Couldn't he at least try to blend in? Especially in public?? He swallowed his frustration and looked up at their guest. Immediately, his heart jumped to his throat and his jaw dropped. Every drop of warmth in his body quickly rushed to his face. "Oh my god...." he squeaked. Everything else around him dissolved into wordless buzzing. What was he doing here? What was he doing with Levi and Layla??
Levi cocked his head. "What the fuck is with you two?" he muttered, already reaching into his brother's mind. He didn't have to go far--the memories were already buzzing at the front of his mind. His eyes widened and he turned, doing the same with Alliser. As the picture came together a smile pulled onto his face and after a moment he dissolved into giggles and had to stagger away. "Holy shit. Alliser you dog!"
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Nico wrapped his arms around himself. "I'm fine," he repeated, his voice stiff. He shook his head in response, closing in on himself again. "I don't know who that is."
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Post by Skidar on Jan 6, 2018 4:28:33 GMT
Angani nodded sadly. "Ok... well, be safe ok? If you need help go to the warehouse or the Chinese Restaurant. I think there's a group near the library." he dug into his bag and handed him some energy bars. "Don't forget to eat." he smiled weakly then bundled up and headed down the street into the whipping winds.
--
Rapid stayed back from Zeke and Lorenzo as they talked to the strangers. He still felt nervous around new people. He figure they knew each other, he should at least stick around in case things went sideways again. He stashed his bag under the counter and wandered behind it to get some of the snow melt water kept in the water cooler bottle. Running around did make him thirsty. He picked up and whole jug one handed and drank with it hovering a few inches above his mouth, no germs to spread. He swallowed and set the giant 5 gallon jug down and almost squashed a patron's glass who was sitting on the counter. "Oh sorry!" he gasped nervously and clutched the jug so fast back against his chest that he cracked it and water sloshed down his front. "Shit..." he hissed and started grabbing for towels. So far so much for relaxation...
--
Angel was still recovering from nearly losing both feet after Elroy crush his flight boots. He turned and saw Kaiser and the others. "Kaiser!" he coughed. "Someone found this on the sidewalk near the old Asclepius statue in the park." he handed him a half melted sea-shell candle. Tacky torquise blue. The same candle that used to take up residence in Kaiser and Angani's living room. "I think it was Angani. He was at the shrine!" he coughed again. "He's alive, and obviously doing well enough to walk that far. I think he's looking for you too!"
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Post by noodlerface on Jan 6, 2018 4:36:02 GMT
Kaiser furrowed his brow in interest, following Seth closely. His eyes burned from overuse and it wouldn't hurt to give them a break. He straightened at the sound of Olivia's voice, flinching at her query. "None, yet," he broke off, voice muffled. "Angel said he has news though, it might..." He didn't want to think it had to do with Angani. Most often these days, it didn't. He'd had his heart broken enough. He shrugged at her helplessly, rubbing at his eyes. "Well, it might be something, anyway." Hearing Angel, he turned to face him, hardly daring to believe the news. Taking the candle from him, he peered at it through sonar, feeling his shoulders begin to quiver. He laughed breathlessly, wiped at his eyes. The back of his hands came away wet. "I need to go, I need to find him!" He dashed towards the nearest window.
---
If Alliser's throat hadn't closed up, he found he would have made much the same noise as Zeke. As it was, he gagged as Levi spoke, and he reflexively swatted him. "Stay out of my mind, Levi," he snapped, the sound of Levi's voice breaking his intense interest in Zeke's face. God, he looked well for all the time that had passed. "We talked about privacy." Abruptly he felt hot, and he pulled open the collar of his coat. "I'm suddenly very thirsty." He shot a traitorous look at Layla. This isn't one of your illusions, is it? This is cruel, even for you.
Lorenzo eyed Zeke closely, noticing how red in the face he had become. Right. This was awkward. He cleared his throat, stepping around the side of the bar. "I think we all are. What are you having?"
Hearing the commotion from the giant at the other end of the bar, Alliser snorted. "Whatever he's having."
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sometime after ten, hope you'll be up! also.... WILL PROFILE thatisall 
