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Re: Haven

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:06 pm
by Rising_Dusk
"I have been in this situation before. The greatest weapon our people used here - the dynamic screen - is unfortunately denied to us, unless you have at least a few dozen mounted men with working cross-communication and training as a unified whole. Our first priority should be abandoning as much of the city as possible and moving all supplies and civilians to a compact mass we can defend. One of our few advantages here is that we can rotate our forces, take breaks, and resupply for another round of combat, and we'd do well to maximize that advantage."

Ingram listened to Leon without turning away from the horizon. This man, Crux, was performing some sort of ritual. Ingram didn't understand what exactly he was attempting to do, but assumed it was of no danger to himself. Crux would soon be engulfed of the mass just as the rest of the city. For now Ingram would treat him as an enemy of his enemy, and therefore a friend. Leon's Machamp spoke shortly after Leon himself had finished.

"If we are driven to defense of the stockpile my guns will prove significantly more useful than in the sandstorm."

Obviously, Ingram pondered to himself. Before the Machamp could finish its very last word, Crux interrupted and stole Ingram's gaze for a moment.

"Hassim Ingram. Prepare your defense with haste...though we are not allies, I shall strike a truce with you. If you can promise me your band of ragtag trainers will not strike against me, I swear by the sands I will not slit your throats while you sleep. They fear Sutekh, I can get you time. Do we have an accord?"

"Dear God.." Even Ingram could not withhold a slight gasp at the creature only partially visible before him. He'd heard tell early in his Pokemon career in Karud of the sand devil that lived in the desert just north of the forest that Earstwrest had bordered. He had never seen the beast, though, nor had he even considered its existence. The name Sutekh was one of three beasts that roamed the whistling sea, or so the tale told. Perhaps Crux also possessed the other two in tow, a trump card to play against the mass. Ingram dared not prod the thought or ask Crux, as it was rightly not his business. He snapped to and focused once more upon Crux and his offer.

Ingram nodded. "Yes, I will abide that on the pain of death. We will use whatever time you can give us graciously." Ingram respected Crux for what he'd done today, but he wasn't completely sure just how far this temporary trust might extend. He decided to play it strictly by ear for the moment. Ingram turned his head to Leon just then to discuss what he'd suggested.

"We do not have nearly the numbers or coordination to utilize your dynamic screen as you say." Ingram figured this point was obvious, but at least it was polite to respond to it. "We also have no real underground facility or useful staging point from which to fall back on. The best we have is the basement level of the Pokemon center. It will house a large amount of people - but not all - and has only one access point that can be blocked. If the roof is torn off, however, we will be sitting ducks."

Ingram mused over the rest of the city. Everything else was just above-ground buildings. There was the department store, and it was the tallest building and had an underground level, but likely the first to fall in the storm. The Pokemarts across the city were no better off, nor were the houses. The abandoned warehouses were large, but with flimsy walling and no underground components.. The Pokemon center wasn't even big enough for all of the remaining civilians, let alone the trainers. Getting everyone together in hiding was necessary, but where could they go?

"I know this city as well as any could at this point, and can think of no location where we could get everyone. The department store does have an underground level, but if the building were to collapse... It might be our best bet, though." Ingram was deep in thought, but at the same time needed to get back to the Pokemon Center to let everyone know of what had transpired. "Come, Leon, we will discuss this further on the way back to the Pokemon Center. Crux, is there anything else you need before I go prepare what trainers we have?"

"Onward. We must anger it and direct its wrath upon them swiftly."
A cruel smirk played across the features of the creature, now floating in front of dozens of others of his type toward the volcano.

Re: Haven

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:09 pm
by Loki
Tobias stopped everyone as the radio in the room crackles and Ingram's voice calls out for backup on Rallis. Tobias was confused, there was no way ferals could be in the city now. He would have received word by now if there were any sign of feral activity passing through the river. Assuming it was a rogue trainer, Ingram would have not called backup. Tobias looked around the room and noticed that several trainers wished to answer the call. He points and motions several trainers to move out and find out what is going on over on Rallis.

Tobias noted, "If you get lost on the way to Ingram. Do not waste time and come back here, Haven cannot spare more than one trainer dying today." Most trainers nodded and left the center in haste. Tobias wondered if they would be able to reach Ingram in time but he wasn't afraid of Ingram dying, he was more worried about the other trainers. His radio crackles with some inaudible chatter in the background, Tobias ignores it but leaves the channel open in case of any reports.

It was around this time that Fargo took the time to introduce himself again. Tobias sighs and waves everyone over to ignore Fargo. "His name is Fargo, that's all you need to know. Now everyone here has names but since most of you seem to be the quiet types, I'll be the one to start. My name is Tobias, what is yours?" He looks at several trainers waiting for them to answer.

Re: Haven

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 8:14 pm
by Jericho Veronus
"His name is Fargo, that's all you need to know.

Though Terds was somewhat offset by the rudeness towards him by someone he had only just met and showed no intentional outright disrespect for, but he was more confused than anything. The man had waited until Terds had completed his story before motioning everyone to come back towards him after being the one who had sent them towards the wall to introduce each other initially. For such a short distance, it took quite some time for a majority to approach.

Terds looked down at Chauncey and made a motion with his index and middle fingers.

"It would appear our time is truly being wasted here. Let us search out someone with some actual pull around here."

The two rose simultaneously, both stretching their backs, leaning slightly back. And walked to the glass doors, tipping his hat first at Nurse Joy and the medic at the front desk, then to the group he had just addressed. Terds smiled to himself when he stepped outside, thinking about how great the hat actually shaded his eyes, finding humor as only the individual experiencing what he has would.

"I believe that Ingram fellow announced over the radio that he was up 'Rallis Street', so that is where we shall head."

Terds came to a realization as he looked both ways down the street he stood on.

"And since we have no concept exactly of where that is, it would appear we must utilize certain means."

Terds knelt beside Chauncey, pulling a dark handkerchief from inside his jacket, and tying it around the Houndoom's head, covering his eyes. Standing up, he removed his pocket watch.

"You have five minutes...go!"

Re: Haven

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:25 pm
by TheDeathstalker
Ruined Shipyard, Haven Docks

Shear insisted, and so they came.

These once busy ports laid in ruin, the sea once ruled by man now sloshed quietly over the shattered timbers. Upon these docks the ferals had chosen to unleash their wrath, and their reasoning was not lost upon the trio.

Shear dug through the wreckage, nudging through the lumber with dedicated fervor, knowing without knowing what laid beneath. At first the signs were subtle, a washed out engraving of a Lapras, a decaying scrap of net and a faint, familiar smell. But all that subtlety was cast aside as his snout uncovered a can of Lap-Licious Dog Food.

Zael saw the strength fall out of his companion, the shell's weight increased tenfold on his back, tears welling in his eyes. His arm lifted as if to console his friend, but found no words to back his compassion, letting his limb fall limp. They all knew of the near extinction of the Lapras due to this very industry, but to actually see it struck them all on an entirely new level.

Razor, however, never needed words, placing his head against Shear's, guiding him away, leaving him to rest in the quiet waters. Then he took to the skies effortlessly, positioning above the already crumbled structure, and erasing it.

Four lances of energy struck the ruins, breaking logs into splinters, splinters into dust. Zael almost lost his footing as the Hyper Beams shook the earth with their force, but with surprising deftness managed to move to more solid ground.

Razor set down once again next to Shear, placing a forepaw upon his steel shell, the dust just beginning to settle. Never looking at the destruction, the two left silently, giving the blast zone a wide berth.

Zael watched the two leave before inspecting the damage. Stepping up to the smoldering rim, he looked down into the crater to see something strangely wonderful. The blast had cleared the wood, but the melted metal and glass had created a deep, curved mirror. Looking at the reflection, Zael saw that same disgust with humanity he remembered so often in his father.

He turned around and began back to the central part of the city, but stopped after a few steps, rage boiling in his veins. Running back, he lept off the edge and dropping a heavy kick into the center of the glass, a spider web of fractures spreading out from where he landed.

"I'll never be you. Not ever."

"Now then, I'm late for a meeting..."

Re: Haven

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:16 pm
by Scarlet
The Previous Night

The soles of her shoes were thin, and they made nights harder on her feet than they had to be. Haven's perimeter was composed of hard-packed earth, rocky and untended. She felt every jagged stone and pebble right through the soles, all night, every night, harassing her feet as if her shoes weren't there. Felt every imperfection of the ground she could barely see. But Joanna knew the discomfort was worth it.

Because right at that moment, her shoes made her almost invisible to the Marowak ten yards away. Dead of night, away from the city, almost no visibility. Even without cover she would have felt safe. A few Pokemon saw well enough at night, she knew. But a Marowak couldn't. They were terrible scouts, especially in the dark. Size was the only thing they had going for them, possibly the only reason they survived among the horde. Small, therefore hard to notice, therefore better suited than most for excursions like this. The Marowak Joanna observed was about two feet shorter than her, and she was no giant. She could see it, but only barely, and only because it was moving.

She heard it well enough, though. Scaled feet landing on the ground; heavy, cautious steps. The softer stir of the earth as the Marowak disturbed it, young grass and small pebbles relocating with every movement. She even thought she could hear the wind whistling through small cracks in its second skull, shrill yet almost imperceptible. She heard it turn its head as she drew nearer. Quick, frantic movements, bone against scale. Looking for hostiles. Heard its weapon arc through the air, violently. The hiss the bone made as it swept past, dull and heavy. Visibly aggressive, even without an outlet. And worried. Aggressive because it was feral and because Marowak weren't the nicest of Pokemon to begin with. Worried because its companion, who should have been no more than ten feet away, had disappeared some time ago.

Joanna had seen that, too. A shadow come alive moved against the other Marowak, forced it away, was swallowed by the night. Joanna saw the remaining Pokemon panicking. Head swerving left to right, looking at everything, seeing nothing. Trying to find the shadow before it found him. Joanna stalked closer, crouching. She was close enough now to make out the Marowak's skin, brown and scaly. Its second skull, which once served only as a helmet but was now part of him, seemed to absorb what little light there was, pale and ugly and obvious, a yellowish shade of white. She moved closer. Saw the details of its crude, stained weapon as the Marowak held it in front of him, ready for a fight. She moved even closer. Close enough to be able to smell him, sweating and filthy and nervous. If he had turned around at that moment, they would have been face to skull-shielded face.

Joanna slammed against the Pokemon, knocking it to the ground, her knife buried in the exposed flesh below the Marowak's skulls. Brutal, controlled movements, swift and violent. She slid the blade down, retracted it, stabbed again. Felt the Pokemon twitch. Once, then twice, then nothing. Thin soles, she thought to herself, good for something after all. She remained crouched next to it and waited for Stranger to come to her.

"Eight in one night," she whispered, more to herself than the four-legged phantom that strode out of the shadows. "More than we used to see in a week, and this isn't all of them. More Marowak, a few Sandslash. They might as well have brought a marching band, with all the noise they're making." Stranger purred at the last. Stared straight at her mistress with something that might have been amusement in her eyes. Joanna smiled and said "Don't start with me, missy. You know I'm good enough to give you the slip, any night of the week. Besides, we still have work to do, and I'd hate to have to replace you with Big Z due to insubordination." The Luxray purred again in reply, shook its head, then turned to watch the shadows.

Joanna stopped, thoughtful. Haven was going to be hit hard, and soon, no doubt about that. The ferals had been more active than usual the past few days. Her nightly watches had been mostly fruitless. Nighttime didn't provide these particular ferals much of an advantage. Rock and ground types weren't the stealthiest Pokemon around. Even underground, their probes rarely got past Haven's defenses due to a few of the psychic Pokemon. So they mostly attacked by daylight, under cover of their impenetrable sandstorm.

Joanna started thinking about how the city would fare under a full scale assault, maybe from the entire green mass. Wondered what breaking the horde might end up costing them. She didn't consider desertion. She'd decided long ago that wasn't an option. She had a better chance of survival in Haven than out in the desert, against the horde, and there were good people here. Good trainers, too. Some of the best she'd met. She didn't know how their nerves would hold up against the entire horde, but even so, she felt they had a fighting chance. So why the hell haven't we made any progress? We don't even know what's leading them...

Sighing, Joanna stood and stared up at the night sky. Turned to Stranger and whispered "OK, let's go. Work to do." Together they melded into the shadows and continued their patrol, hunting Haven's enemies all through the night.
The noise outside woke Joanna earlier than she'd hoped. The building she'd taken up residence in wasn't the most solid in the city, but it was close. She figured the layers between the hard wooden walls were packed with concrete. Not much sound got through. Not that Haven made much noise in the first place. It didn't have any of the normal big city sounds she remembered from earlier years. There was no blasting, noisy traffic. No urgent sirens barking. No crush of people. It felt uninhabited, at times. A few hundred in what used to house hundreds of thousands.

The rumble of earth was audible even through the thick walls. She stood and looked through a window that gave her an unhindered view north. No hostiles in that direction. No activity from the radio. Not the ferals. Her radio crackled to life, then, and Ingram's request came through. She got dressed and wore heavy boots, brown leather, well made. Got her pack and hustled outside, making her way to Ingram. Saw a small group of people huddled together, Ingram amongst them, facing a lone man. His garb was dusty and worn, but it also looked settled. Not restrictive. Like a second skin.

Joanna hung back and nodded apologetically at the people she recognized, at Ingram, at the man in the strange garb. Listened to the rest of their conversation. Heard the man in the strange garb's name, and mention of the Garchomp leading the mass, and of the incoming attack. She spoke up as Ingram finished speaking to the Rai, the man called Leon. "Someone should go with Crux. We can't just sit back and expect him to defend us on his own, until he's forced to retreat." Or worse, she thought and waited, watchful.

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:28 am
by Kaome Sky Deathand
"Crux, is there anything else you need before I go prepare what trainers we have?"
The desert bandit tilted his head in thought. Before he could give voice however...
"Someone should go with Crux. We can't just sit back and expect him to defend us on his own, until he's forced to retreat." ...the woman who had joined the crowd spoke his silent missive. True, he was of the Asher-ban and he would gladly go forth into battle alone...but as the desert saying went: 'Use your enemies hand to grab a snake.' He would not turn down any extra bodies.

"If it is no trouble to your plans Hassim Ingram, I shall take those willing and ready to travel...for an ambush into the feral lines. Besides that I am quite used to my own devices." He took in the people nearby. "Look to your own first. Decide soon." He glanced at the woman, before turning to mount Sutekh, the sandstone Onix twisting its head to the side so Crux could grab a golden ring with ease. In one fluid motion Crux leapt on to the beast.

"We have little time...I can take one more, whoever is ready."
...and willing to ride with Deathshed the Devil...
Crux did not expect anyone to take his offer.

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:38 am
by Jericho Veronus
"We have little time...I can take one more, whoever is ready."

"I except your offer."

Terds had been not been walking for long before discovering that the Pokemon Center was actually closer to Ingram's location than he previously believed. Behind him a blindfolded Houndoom came charging, stopping next to Terds. He looked down momentarily to check his pocket watch and then looked past it towards the Houndoom.

"You're late, we must find a different route."

Untying the handkerchief, Terds tucked it away within his jacket and walked through the small crowd that had seemed to gather. He wasn't exactly sure what he was in for, or what he actually volunteered to do, but it sounded adventurous and an opportunity to once again further his ever gaining repertoire of excitement . He voiced himself again, attempting to ensure his position aboard the magnificent beast before anyone else could steal the opportunity.

"I've ridden my share of Onyx in the past, I doubt it will be too difficult to hold on as your passenger, or at least I hope so."

Terds tipped his hat towards the mysteriously cloaked figure, somewhat joking as he had said his last statement.

"Terds Fargo's the name. Hunted and Trapper Extraordinaire."

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:13 am
by Rising_Dusk
"Someone should go with Crux. We can't just sit back and expect him to defend us on his own, until he's forced to retreat."

Ingram had scarcely noticed Joanna amongst the trainers that had come at his call. He had been too focused on what was at hand. She spoke to help this bandit, Crux. While Ingram didn't particularly care for it, and if he charged into the mass alone and died, he wouldn't think twice, but... What right did Ingram have to condemn someone like that? Did he not deserve as much support and help as any of the people of Haven? She was right, as she usually was. Damned girl. Oftentimes he couldn't tell if he hated her being right or loved that he was humbled by it.

Ingram looked back at Crux as he began speaking.


"If it is no trouble to your plans Hassim Ingram, I shall take those willing and ready to travel...for an ambush into the feral lines. Besides that I am quite used to my own devices. Look to your own first. Decide soon. We have little time...I can take one more, whoever is ready."

It had seemed to Ingram that Joanna had already volunteered her services to Crux in the matter by speaking out. He didn't want to lose her to some suicidal fool's errand, but... Crux did this for Haven, not for himself. Ingram had not but respect for a cause such as that.

"If someone will go, I would not stand between them and their decision. I must attend to the trainers, though, otherwise.." Ingram smirked at Crux. "..Otherwise I might be caught out there with you, enjoying myself too much." Ingram loved the thrill of battling, especially with his Pokemon. Weavile, from atop the building at his right, snicked his claws together as a wicked grin overcame his face. Lucario, ever the disciplined one, simply nodded at Crux with his master at his side. Another now spoke, some man apparently willing to take the bullet for Joanna..

"I accept your offer. I've ridden my share of Onyx in the past, I doubt it will be too difficult to hold on as your passenger, or at least I hope so. Terds Fargo's the name. Hunted and Trapper Extraordinaire."

"Leon, come. We have work to do."
Ingram looked away from Crux and the strange man now standing beside him one last time, motioned for his Pokemon to follow him, and took off towards the Pokemon center with Lucario, Leon, and Ludavius next to him. Weavile, always preferring a more isolated route, followed from the rooftops.

The volcano's walls oozed of fiery reds and charred blacks. He stood before them, and it raged in his presence. It did not appreciate its territory being crept upon by him, and it would have him dead for his mistake.

"Excellent..."
The grin grew wider with every waking breath stolen by his lungs of the burning air.

And the planet trembled..

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:06 pm
by Scarlet
Joanna kept her eyes on Ingram as he rushed back to the Pokemon Center. He looked different, somehow. Not afraid. Disturbed, maybe. First by the newcomer’s report, then the advancing ferals. But his eyes and the set of his shoulders spoke of some kind of renewed determination. He was focused, not worried, in command instead of panicked. Good people, she thought, a fighting chance.

She turned to look at the man who’d taken up Crux’s offer, the unfortunately named Terds Fargo. Looked at his clothes. Light colors, light fabric, loud and obvious and new. There was a feather on his wide-brimmed hat. His rifle was the worst offense. Custom made, sleek dark wood, gold plating, extensively polished. Not something she’d trust, that was for damn sure. Altogether his getup was extravagant and wholly unnecessary, clearly intended to draw eyes.

Joanna shook her head and said “No, I’ll go. That Houndoom of yours won’t do you much good out in the desert. Not against these ferals. Besides…” Besides, we don’t need arrogant glory hounds finding a way to make things worse, she thought, but said “I haven’t seen you in town before. I doubt you have a radio, and we’re going to need a way to communicate in case things get worse.”

She walked towards Crux and his mount, wondering how best to latch on to the monstrous Onix. Started thinking twice about her decision as she neared them. She nodded a greeting at the strange desert bandit and cried out, "Call me Lane." Then, unsure if she was joking, Joanna asked, "He won't bite, will he?"

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:14 pm
by VZhitogoroshi
Leon nodded, wordlessly. Here was his place. Here, the lessons that had been learned at the cost of so many Rai lives could be put in to action.

"Let's go." He smiled. "Although I'm sure you would prefer to go with Crux, Ludavius."

The Machamp grinned in turn. "The thought had crossed my mind." Addressing Joanna, he added, "If you're doing this out of obligation it would be my honor to take your place. But if you honestly believe you are best utilized in the desert, I shall stand sentry here."

"I trust your judgment, Ludavius, and leave you to your own devices." As he began walking to the Center, Leon turned to Ingram and asked, "How much time do you think we have left? I have another pokemon who is a competent strategist. However, to have both it and Ludavius deployed is a mental burden and I won't be good for any personal combat for as long as they're both out of their pokeballs - and a short time thereafter."

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:25 pm
by Kaome Sky Deathand
Crux stood holding the rigging while the people figured it out.
Satisfied that the woman had put a decisive end to the question of who would go Crux opened his eyes. She approached him, nodding in greeting. "Call me Lane." he nodded in return. She hesitated for a moment, next to the form of Sutekh. The sandstone Onix took her in with it's diamond eyes, the jewels flashing with intelligence. The beast let out a small groan, like a sigh on a high note.
"He won't bite, will he?"

Crux chuckled.
He lightly tapped the golden ring in his hand, Sutekh slowly lowering into the ground without any effort till only the fin remained. The desert bandit extended his left hand in invitation toward the woman. "Kadja walc Dammen Lane. Sutekh is much like myself when it comes to desert flowers...they are to be appreciated, though not touched unless one knows where the thorns are."

He took her in, judging her weight and usefulness.
She carried herself well, she seemed accustomed to the harsh life of constant battle. She was determined, agile, brave. Though he did not know what she carried in the way of pokemon, from how she spoke to the man Fargo, whom Crux swore he had met before, she seemed to have something up her sleeve. Sutekh shifted in the earth...eager.

The Machamp spoke to the woman called Lane.
Crux shifted his gaze over his shoulder, then back again.
Waiting...

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:29 pm
by Jericho Veronus
“No, I’ll go. That Houndoom of yours won’t do you much good out in the desert. Not against these ferals. Besides…”

Terds stopped his advance towards the desert Onyx, and turned towards the woman off to the side.

"Well, I wouldn't be much of a gentleman, to deny the opportunity to a lady. Besides the exposure might introduce you into some real battling experience."

She appeared to him as somewhat stubborn and possessing some other reasoning for wanting to take his place than simply to scout out the ferals. He was disappointed in being cast from the position simply by an impulsive woman, but he was above causing any type of pity quarreling over such an inconsequential reason. Not to mention he was somewhat disheartened when he heard the insult to his Houndoom. He thought it showed a sign of weakness that she assumed measures without going beyond the clear physical observations, aside from Terds having not even planned on using Chauncey for more than letting him rest his rifle on him.

“I haven’t seen you in town before. I doubt you have a radio, and we’re going to need a way to communicate in case things get worse.”

Terds bowed to show a sign of courtesy as she passed towards the hooded figure's beast, though he did so somewhat sarcastically. Returning to his full standing position, he turned and began walking back the way he had just come when he originally arrived at the commotion. He smiled and looked down at Chauncey who looked back up at him.

"There's more than one way to roam around the desert old friend, besides we do have work to do. And I happen to already have an extraordinary idea, if I do say so myself."

Terds retrieved his black handkerchief once again from within his coat, this time unfolding its unusually bulky consistence composition and removing a small black radio, like those clipped to a majority of the city's security.

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 3:43 pm
by Scarlet
"If you're doing this out of obligation it would be my honor to take your place…”
The Machamp spoke slowly, in neutral tones, no distinguishable accent. Self-confident, calm, intelligent. Joanna shrugged, replied “Appreciate the offer, but I’d rather not separate you from your companion.”.

"Well, I wouldn't be much of a gentleman, to deny the opportunity to a lady. Besides the exposure might introduce you into some real battling experience."
She turned to Fargo as he spoke, nothing in her face. Turned to Crux again as soon as Fargo finished speaking, took his offered hand, let herself be helped onto the Onix. Settled onto it, using her legs to try to grip the leviathan’s sides. She couldn't tell if the desert wyrm was groaning or just moving. The stone segment she was on looked ancient. Not rounded or smooth, like most Onix. It was rough and weathered, like its master. Crux’s garb was looser than she’d first thought, she saw, now that she was closer. Not exactly a second skin. Dull colors, like the desert. He smelled dry.

“We’ve wasted enough time,” she said. “Let’s go.” Joanna sidled her pack onto her hip, secured it, kept a hand over it, close to her Pokemon, close to her knife’s sheath. Hooked her other arm around Crux, below his chest, and waited calmly, thoughtful, planning.

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 4:10 pm
by Kaome Sky Deathand
Crux helped Lane mount the Onix, making sure she was secure.
“We’ve wasted enough time, Let’s go.” He nodded in agreement.
For a moment he went stiff as she hooked her arm around him. It had been months before he had seen another human from outside the desert, longer still one that would freely put their hands on him. She was not of the desert, perhaps she did not know how much of a pariah he was to the outside world. Cursed some would say. The tense feeling only lasted a moment.

"Hold fast." he told her over his shoulder.
He struck the golden ring once, the form of Sutekh rising out of the earth and turning about as Crux pulled the ring to one side. The Onix turned to face the approaching sandstorm, hesitating for a moment as Crux spoke in the desert tongue.
"Sutekh! Sha-alun Lir cor Amuskeht! Dede-ahlay sune tarish!" In response, the beast roared before plunging into the earth. Crux let his free hand slide over the womans for a moment, just to be sure her grip was tight as the beast parted the earth before them. More than once he had seen someone slip from the rigging of an Onix and dash themselves on the ground. Desert sand was more forgiving than the earth hereabouts.

Crux removed his hand from above hers after the jolt of embracing the earth.
He stood, letting the natural motion of travel sway his body slightly. His right hand held the gold ring, his left open to the air, feeling the wind. He leaned out to the left, adjusting the course. Sutekh shaping the earth around them as it picked up speed. It's head dove beneath the ground, just the fin and segment upon which Lane rode remaining visible.

"We shall make use of the sandstorm...although it aides them with cover their lines are usually jagged, broken. They cannot keep a marching pace and weaken their own defense." He glanced at her over his shoulder then took her arm to support her. He slowly turned, crouching down with careful deliberate motions. Often he had rode free form on the back of Sutekh...as long as he was careful he would not slip from the mount. "You shall need protection from the element...here..." From within the confines of his garb he pulled an extra set of bundled cloth. It carried the same colors as his own.
"I will make for you a face mask that the sands will not obscure your vision harshly...if you permit me..."

His silver eyes gleamed impassive from the shroud covering his face.

Re: Haven

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:02 pm
by Jericho Veronus
Terds looked back over his shoulder, only slightly though, to see the massive creature dive to a shallow level beneath the sand’s surface. The sheer size of such an impact shook the immediate area around it with a thunderous booming sound. Upon the impact, Terds and Chauncey felt a blast of air rush past them and quickly subside. One way or another, I shall get my chance, he thought to himself as he faced front. Although irritated somewhat that he was not able to take advantage of what could have been a most excellent safari hunt, as well as a heck of a story, riding such a beast, Terds shrugged it off and regained his composure.

“Are you kiddin’? No way in hell I’m gonna drive out there with who knows whats roamin’ bouts.”

The mechanic looked up from the engine he was working on and handed his wrench to the Elekid next to him, who in turn pulled a different sized socket from the box and gave it to him. The mechanic lowered his gaze from Terds and went back to his work.

“Well, how much would it cost for you to be willing to part with one of your vehicles, for a short amount of time that is?”

“You spect me ta just rent out one of the buggies ta someone I ont even know. Far as I know you’re just tryin’ n get one of ‘em for a mad low price. Sides, these are for the city defenses...if I get any more of 'em workin.”

The mechanic never even looked up from what he was doing; the entire time keeping his eyes on the machine. While his Elekid kept his eyes, the entire time, on Terds and Chauncey standing there. For that, Terds wasn’t exactly sure just which one of the two he should be addressing as he spoke.

“I may be able to make it worth your while. Something that even if, by chance, your vehicle does not make it back, you still come out ahead.”

The mechanic’s eyes peaked above the metal contraption that separated the two pairs as Terds pulled a small locked box hanging from his belt, hidden beneath his coat.
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“Remember fine sir, if I fail to bring it back to you, it’s most likely that I’m dead.”

Terds, for the first time since he entered the public view of the city, lost his smile and developed a serious, monotone look on his face. The mechanic broke his gaze with Terds’ payment, which he was holding, and looked at Terds. After a few seconds of the two blankly starring at one another, a smile slowly crept back onto Terds’ face.

“I’m of course, merely speaking metaphorically. If I do not bring it back in time, remember that’s yours to keep.”

The mechanic’s attention returned to the contents of his own hand as Terds turned back to the workings of the desert buggy he was sitting in. He hadn’t started the engine, so he began flipping the few switches that surrounded the wheel, simply to ensure that they were loose enough to operate, when he figured out exactly what it was that they did.

“You know what to do.”

Chauncey barked back to Terds in response as Terds turned over the engine and the desert buggy came to life. It sounded a little tired and sputtered once or twice at first, but it progressed to a solid roar.

Terds stepped on the gas and it shot forward, leaving Chauncey standing next to the mechanic. He headed out into the vastness that was the desert surrounding Haven, his oddly-shaped rifle strapped into the seat next to him. Turning the wheel, he positioned the buggy towards the dust storm. He had reasoned that since that was the way the hooded figure had driven his Onix, then that would be the way he wanted to go.
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"I can't believe it’s real, n now it’s all mine. Ah actual fang from Raikou. That guy’s got no idea what he just gave up for that junkie buggy.”

The mechanic laughed hysterically and ran inside his shop. Chauncey watched him as he spoke, and upon his running into his shop, snorted and shook his head. Once the desert buggy was out of site Chauncey darted down an alley way between the nearest buildings and out of site.