Welcome to the Mayan Prophecy, all. In this post, I'll just put a few guidelines down, to help make your time adapting and jumping in a bit easier. This is a role-play I developed years ago, but it fizzled, which made me sad, so we'll try and fix that.
1. While the end of this story is fairly set in stone, things can and will change, depending on yours and your character's decisions! Hell, even the final outcome can change drastically, depending on how well the group prepares. Everyone could die, or everyone could leave... it's up to you.
2. Don't be afraid to NPC! If you have questions or need help determining what you'll be encountering, feel free to message me, but otherwise, use your imagination. Your actions and NPCing could end up gearing the story in an entirely different direction and open up possibilities for side plots. That is what we want, isn't it?
3. General rule for mutations: If it wasn't a predator, it is now, and if it was a predator, it's even more effective. The forced evolution caused by (not giving it away! Hah) has caused everything to go on an evolutionary streak that makes whatever it was, as efficient a predator as it can be. Nothing has to be the same. Different breeds of dogs, for instance, could end up evolving different weapons and traits. Use your imagination.
4. Keep things modest. I don't wanna see rocket launchers - no one is going to have one of those. A pistol and a shotgun? Sure. An assault rifle? Why not, but keep your ammunition limited. I want the story to have an impact, on both the readers and writers; last time I did this, I had one writer tell me their heart was racing during one of the opening scenes.
I'll make an initial post, and everyone who has joined can jump in at any time. I'm new to the role-playing system on this site, so who knows, I may need your guys' help.
1. While the end of this story is fairly set in stone, things can and will change, depending on yours and your character's decisions! Hell, even the final outcome can change drastically, depending on how well the group prepares. Everyone could die, or everyone could leave... it's up to you.
2. Don't be afraid to NPC! If you have questions or need help determining what you'll be encountering, feel free to message me, but otherwise, use your imagination. Your actions and NPCing could end up gearing the story in an entirely different direction and open up possibilities for side plots. That is what we want, isn't it?
3. General rule for mutations: If it wasn't a predator, it is now, and if it was a predator, it's even more effective. The forced evolution caused by (not giving it away! Hah) has caused everything to go on an evolutionary streak that makes whatever it was, as efficient a predator as it can be. Nothing has to be the same. Different breeds of dogs, for instance, could end up evolving different weapons and traits. Use your imagination.
4. Keep things modest. I don't wanna see rocket launchers - no one is going to have one of those. A pistol and a shotgun? Sure. An assault rifle? Why not, but keep your ammunition limited. I want the story to have an impact, on both the readers and writers; last time I did this, I had one writer tell me their heart was racing during one of the opening scenes.
I'll make an initial post, and everyone who has joined can jump in at any time. I'm new to the role-playing system on this site, so who knows, I may need your guys' help.
The city of New York was no longer what it once was; in the few short years since the landing, the buildings had fallen into disrepair, the standard sounds of the bustling city had halted, cars littered the streets, lying dormant and eventually dying from disuse and becoming nothing more than mere obstacles in the path of both the mutated, and what survivors there were left.
The sounds permeating the city were otherworldly; from the shrieks of the infected echoing between tall steel walls and mirrored glass, to the absence of crickets and other creatures that were the norm... it seemed dead.
In the distance one could pick up the view of the spire; the great obelisk that now conquered the skies to the north, breaking the clouds and eventually even the atmosphere itself, ominously seeming to watch over the world it had conquered with such little effort.
Gabriel was out on his usual run, scavenging for the supplies which had since become so scarce. There had been plenty years before, but what didn't get plundered had spoiled from lack of care, and it was becoming even more difficult to get by.
He was cautious; a man well-versed in the art of survival at this point, ducking low between the cars and other obstacles littering the streets and sidewalks, his pistol in his hand. He seemed to ignore everything anyone had ever said about gun safety; his finger rested on the trigger at all times, ears carefully observing for noises that sounded closer than those he constantly heard in the distance.
Just another day in paradise.
The sounds permeating the city were otherworldly; from the shrieks of the infected echoing between tall steel walls and mirrored glass, to the absence of crickets and other creatures that were the norm... it seemed dead.
In the distance one could pick up the view of the spire; the great obelisk that now conquered the skies to the north, breaking the clouds and eventually even the atmosphere itself, ominously seeming to watch over the world it had conquered with such little effort.
Gabriel was out on his usual run, scavenging for the supplies which had since become so scarce. There had been plenty years before, but what didn't get plundered had spoiled from lack of care, and it was becoming even more difficult to get by.
He was cautious; a man well-versed in the art of survival at this point, ducking low between the cars and other obstacles littering the streets and sidewalks, his pistol in his hand. He seemed to ignore everything anyone had ever said about gun safety; his finger rested on the trigger at all times, ears carefully observing for noises that sounded closer than those he constantly heard in the distance.
Just another day in paradise.
The art of getting by had been a hard one for the man to master. Some people were fast, some people were strong, some people had keen senses and some people were good with weapons. Jason McRan was none of these things. He was the boy who had had his sandwich crushed in school, the boy who had had his glasses stepped on more times than he could count, the boy who had little to no agility and more often had his face in the dirt than his feet. In fact, it was a miracle he had survived this long- the only thing he had going for him were his wits. That was it, honest to God.
He was an intellectual person, not a physical person. Try as he might, he couldn't build up any muscle or even put on weight; he seemed to burn through it like tinder, thus leaving him with an almost skeletal frame after this whole thing went down. But perhaps his intellect (or what remained of it) had been what had kept him alive so long; that must be it because he had nothing else going for him really. He was as blind as a... A mushroom (I would say bat but bats aren't really blind) without his glasses and it was really a marvel that they hadn't yet cracked or broken in two. The scotch tape had kept them together for quite a while, for that he was thankful.
He was also thankful for the shotgun he had in his hands at this moment. He had stumbled upon it during his travels and it sort of stuck. Finding ammo was tricky and it was loud and attracted more mutants, but it had saved his hide on more than one occasion. It was a good friend in these dark times.
Anyways, the man was slowly making his way through New York in the hopes of finding something worth something, whether it be food or simple information. He'd take anything at this point- the cockroaches were starting to get old and he'd like to get out as soon as possible. They'd already almost taken a finger off, those damn insects, and if the cochroaches were the worst things here he'd be surprised.
Jason was totally unaware that there was another living human here besides himself and had long since forgotten what it was like to see someone who didn't have odd killing appendage things sprouting from their bodies, so when he saw a bit of movement behind a car he froze, not sure what to make of it.
How odd. Maybe it hadn't seen him yet...?
He was an intellectual person, not a physical person. Try as he might, he couldn't build up any muscle or even put on weight; he seemed to burn through it like tinder, thus leaving him with an almost skeletal frame after this whole thing went down. But perhaps his intellect (or what remained of it) had been what had kept him alive so long; that must be it because he had nothing else going for him really. He was as blind as a... A mushroom (I would say bat but bats aren't really blind) without his glasses and it was really a marvel that they hadn't yet cracked or broken in two. The scotch tape had kept them together for quite a while, for that he was thankful.
He was also thankful for the shotgun he had in his hands at this moment. He had stumbled upon it during his travels and it sort of stuck. Finding ammo was tricky and it was loud and attracted more mutants, but it had saved his hide on more than one occasion. It was a good friend in these dark times.
Anyways, the man was slowly making his way through New York in the hopes of finding something worth something, whether it be food or simple information. He'd take anything at this point- the cockroaches were starting to get old and he'd like to get out as soon as possible. They'd already almost taken a finger off, those damn insects, and if the cochroaches were the worst things here he'd be surprised.
Jason was totally unaware that there was another living human here besides himself and had long since forgotten what it was like to see someone who didn't have odd killing appendage things sprouting from their bodies, so when he saw a bit of movement behind a car he froze, not sure what to make of it.
How odd. Maybe it hadn't seen him yet...?
Gabriel hadn't seen him at first; he was trying to keep low and hidden, not wanting to attract any undue attention. He himself had stumbled on a few survivors over the years; most had fallen victim to slaughter and mutilation, and some had mutated themselves. He always refused to attach to them, however, as he knew it was a hindrance. He approached the front end of the car he had ducked behind and made to move from behind it, to another, before he caught something out of the corner of his eye.
Instinctively, he shot back to cover, subconsciously halting his breathing to absolutely nothing, hoping it hadn't seen him. He heard nothing. If it had seen him, he'd have known it, and likely, so would have the many other creatures in the area. He raised his head slightly over the car, and was surprised at what he saw.
Gabriel had watched men twice his size overcome and killed quickly, men better at him than surviving; he could claim luck, but he had none of it. He had survived, but the road map of a body he had told stories of countless injuries he had sustained in doing so. But this man... he wasn't anything like what he would have expected to find.
There was a part of him that pitied him, and another that was happy for him; the man was still alive, despite his obvious disadvantages. Gabriel began to stand slowly, arms lifting to raise his pistol to the form of the boy with the glasses as he broke the profile of the car. Keen eyes looked directly down the sights of the .45, leveling it with the center of mass.
He cautiously waved his other hand at the human, making a silent motion for him to come closer; he didn't want to shout, for obvious reasons, and he silently promised himself to simply drop the kid were he to shout himself, and run like hell from the oncoming onslaught.
Instinctively, he shot back to cover, subconsciously halting his breathing to absolutely nothing, hoping it hadn't seen him. He heard nothing. If it had seen him, he'd have known it, and likely, so would have the many other creatures in the area. He raised his head slightly over the car, and was surprised at what he saw.
Gabriel had watched men twice his size overcome and killed quickly, men better at him than surviving; he could claim luck, but he had none of it. He had survived, but the road map of a body he had told stories of countless injuries he had sustained in doing so. But this man... he wasn't anything like what he would have expected to find.
There was a part of him that pitied him, and another that was happy for him; the man was still alive, despite his obvious disadvantages. Gabriel began to stand slowly, arms lifting to raise his pistol to the form of the boy with the glasses as he broke the profile of the car. Keen eyes looked directly down the sights of the .45, leveling it with the center of mass.
He cautiously waved his other hand at the human, making a silent motion for him to come closer; he didn't want to shout, for obvious reasons, and he silently promised himself to simply drop the kid were he to shout himself, and run like hell from the oncoming onslaught.
Bloody hell.
Jane hated this. Just as she escaped from that horrible laboratory where they took her memories and replaced them with wings, just when she had started getting attached to those wings, and learning that people weren't all that bad, just when she had started to become a normal member of society, this happens.
And of all the misfortunes to befall her, she can't even fly safely. Damned crows attacked her last time she tried that, and she'd be an idiot to try again.
As she's stumbling through the mess that used to be New York City, she notices a gas station that looks relatively untouched. She quickly dashes in and out of cover, trying to get to the place that might have such a luxury as food.
But of course then she sees two men with guns staring each other down. She stopped and turned around just in time to not get shot, but it was too late to not be seen.
Damn you both to hell. I swear, this could not happen to anyone but me. Men with guns, in her experience, were not friendly. Even scrawny ones with glasses. Those ones were even worse because they had to prove how tough they were.
And they were all especially dangerous because they mistook her for a mutation. Y'know, because of her wings.
Jane waited behind a car, hoping they would forget she existed.
Jane hated this. Just as she escaped from that horrible laboratory where they took her memories and replaced them with wings, just when she had started getting attached to those wings, and learning that people weren't all that bad, just when she had started to become a normal member of society, this happens.
And of all the misfortunes to befall her, she can't even fly safely. Damned crows attacked her last time she tried that, and she'd be an idiot to try again.
As she's stumbling through the mess that used to be New York City, she notices a gas station that looks relatively untouched. She quickly dashes in and out of cover, trying to get to the place that might have such a luxury as food.
But of course then she sees two men with guns staring each other down. She stopped and turned around just in time to not get shot, but it was too late to not be seen.
Damn you both to hell. I swear, this could not happen to anyone but me. Men with guns, in her experience, were not friendly. Even scrawny ones with glasses. Those ones were even worse because they had to prove how tough they were.
And they were all especially dangerous because they mistook her for a mutation. Y'know, because of her wings.
Jane waited behind a car, hoping they would forget she existed.
Jason stayed completely still, his dark blue eyes widening as he saw a man rise from behind the car. He didn't seem like he was a mu-
Gun. He had a gun. He had seen robbers in action before and they were not friendly at all. Terrified for a split second, Jason brought his shotgun to his shoulder, taking a cautious step back as he quickly made sense of the situation. Okay... He wasn't dead, and now he was waving his hand... Okay. He probably wasn't a robber but he'd keep an eye on him just in case.
He jumped instinctively when he saw another flash of movement out of the corner of his eye- what was that? Looked like a woman but with wings- a mutant? Great. That was the last thing he needed right now. Glancing back at the man, he tilted his head in the direction she/it had disappeared in, carefully shoving his glasses up his nose as he slowly, silently approached him. It was difficult, making sure the guy wasn't doing anything funny and also making sure that the whatever-it-was wasn't acting dangerously. Peripheral vision was a marvelous thing, wasn't it?
Gun. He had a gun. He had seen robbers in action before and they were not friendly at all. Terrified for a split second, Jason brought his shotgun to his shoulder, taking a cautious step back as he quickly made sense of the situation. Okay... He wasn't dead, and now he was waving his hand... Okay. He probably wasn't a robber but he'd keep an eye on him just in case.
He jumped instinctively when he saw another flash of movement out of the corner of his eye- what was that? Looked like a woman but with wings- a mutant? Great. That was the last thing he needed right now. Glancing back at the man, he tilted his head in the direction she/it had disappeared in, carefully shoving his glasses up his nose as he slowly, silently approached him. It was difficult, making sure the guy wasn't doing anything funny and also making sure that the whatever-it-was wasn't acting dangerously. Peripheral vision was a marvelous thing, wasn't it?
Brinly was probably Jason's twin when it came to what they could and couldn't do. She was a tiny, weak thing with health problems out the kazoo and an unlimited number of fears and phobias.
She was small and light and could fit in small places. She could wriggle through small spaces in car windows (she'd done it before, mainly in the back windows of vans, however - the ones that can stretch a little), squeeze beneath things, and reach places many people could not. That was all she had. She wasn't bright at all, she wasn't strong, and she was terribly frightened. But maybe her ability to squeeze into places and hide was how she managed to survive?
As if to make matters worse for all those currently present, a high-pitched scream of terror came from about half a block away, around a corner, followed by some strange gutteral howling and snarling and a slamming noise. Upon closer inspection, one would be able to see at least two canine creatures lunging and attacking an older model vehicle. Well, once-canine creatures. The strange bulbous mutations and disgusting appearance suggested they weren't just any canines - on top of it, they were pretty large.
One of them had eyes that were glazed over and milky, as if their vision had been affected, though its claws were long and razor-sharp. The other one had two extra, spider-leg-like appendages, one being long and the other but a foot in length. The tips of them were pointed and sharp, though bloodied by constant assault on the metal vehicle. They were too large to fit in the window had they succeeded in breaking it open, but who knew how long she'd last subjected to such a terrifying attack.
Even if her scream was ignored, she screamed again, this time a word. Help.
She was small and light and could fit in small places. She could wriggle through small spaces in car windows (she'd done it before, mainly in the back windows of vans, however - the ones that can stretch a little), squeeze beneath things, and reach places many people could not. That was all she had. She wasn't bright at all, she wasn't strong, and she was terribly frightened. But maybe her ability to squeeze into places and hide was how she managed to survive?
As if to make matters worse for all those currently present, a high-pitched scream of terror came from about half a block away, around a corner, followed by some strange gutteral howling and snarling and a slamming noise. Upon closer inspection, one would be able to see at least two canine creatures lunging and attacking an older model vehicle. Well, once-canine creatures. The strange bulbous mutations and disgusting appearance suggested they weren't just any canines - on top of it, they were pretty large.
One of them had eyes that were glazed over and milky, as if their vision had been affected, though its claws were long and razor-sharp. The other one had two extra, spider-leg-like appendages, one being long and the other but a foot in length. The tips of them were pointed and sharp, though bloodied by constant assault on the metal vehicle. They were too large to fit in the window had they succeeded in breaking it open, but who knew how long she'd last subjected to such a terrifying attack.
Even if her scream was ignored, she screamed again, this time a word. Help.
Gabriel, at this point, was completely and utterly dumbfounded. He was prepared for anything and everything but this.At this point in time, it was rare to encounter one survivor at random, let alone two, and now three? He barely had the time to process everything when he heard the cries for help, now wrestling with his brain with the context of the situation.
He had left people to their own devices before, but this was different. It was a group - a group that had survived these many years despite everything that was going on, a group that could potentially be useful. Scavenging was becoming nearly impossible by himself.
He came to a decision, choosing to ignore the mutations on the girl; she had ducked for cover, which was not something the hostile mutants did.
"Ah, for fuck's sake," he grumbled to himself, knowing that the cry for help would attract the attention of almost everything in the area regardless of his choice. He stood from his cover and holstered his pistol to his thigh, reaching over his shoulder and retrieving 'The Bitch.'
Bitch was a shotgun he had modified himself; shortened choke, sawn-off barrel, stock removed for portability. It was his go-to tool for dealing with the big, bad, and the ugly.
He made his way towards the direction of the screams, shooting a glance to the man with the shotgun, as if asking him, "... well, you comin'?"
He had left people to their own devices before, but this was different. It was a group - a group that had survived these many years despite everything that was going on, a group that could potentially be useful. Scavenging was becoming nearly impossible by himself.
He came to a decision, choosing to ignore the mutations on the girl; she had ducked for cover, which was not something the hostile mutants did.
"Ah, for fuck's sake," he grumbled to himself, knowing that the cry for help would attract the attention of almost everything in the area regardless of his choice. He stood from his cover and holstered his pistol to his thigh, reaching over his shoulder and retrieving 'The Bitch.'
Bitch was a shotgun he had modified himself; shortened choke, sawn-off barrel, stock removed for portability. It was his go-to tool for dealing with the big, bad, and the ugly.
He made his way towards the direction of the screams, shooting a glance to the man with the shotgun, as if asking him, "... well, you comin'?"
Jason was torn; his natural self wanted to go see where the screams were coming from, but then his curious side wanted to go figure out what the winged girl was doing. He eventually decided that the other person was in more immediate danger and snapped his fingers, jerking his head in the direction of the cries. It was quiet and hopefully it'd serve it's purpose: to tell the bird person to head in that direction as well, provided she was still an intelligent somewhat-human being that could understand things like that and preferably not rip his head off while she was at it. If she didn't, well, God bless, but he was intrigued and hoped she would.
He made sure his shotgun was loaded, safety off (when was it never both of these things?) and slowly crept in the direction of the sounds, doing his best to keep his tall frame low to the ground. He stopped and peered around a rusted out car once he felt he had gotten close enough, trying to figure out the best way to go about this.
These things did not look fun and they were much bigger than him. Therefore he didn't know how many shotgun shots it would take to down them both and he really needed to conserve ammo. It would be best to avoid a conflict with them all together. The screams had probably already gotten the attention of everything in a five mile radius, so a little more noise wouldn't really hurt, would it?
He quickly glanced around, his large hand finally finding a small broken bit of cement. He weighed it in his palm for a moment before narrowing his eyes and targeting another beaten-up car some distance away from the van Brinly was currently trapped in. With all the strength he could muster, he chucked the baseball-sized bit of cement and ducked down again quickly, both hands clutching his shotgun again.
The cement bounced off the car loudly, hopefully distracting the dog things. If they were distracted then Brinly could make a run for it or he and this other guy could go in and pry her out. It wouldn't be long of a distraction, since they'd eventually figure out that there was nothing there and come back to the van, but it was enough time to at least start up the beginnings of an escape. Jason had done his part.
He made sure his shotgun was loaded, safety off (when was it never both of these things?) and slowly crept in the direction of the sounds, doing his best to keep his tall frame low to the ground. He stopped and peered around a rusted out car once he felt he had gotten close enough, trying to figure out the best way to go about this.
These things did not look fun and they were much bigger than him. Therefore he didn't know how many shotgun shots it would take to down them both and he really needed to conserve ammo. It would be best to avoid a conflict with them all together. The screams had probably already gotten the attention of everything in a five mile radius, so a little more noise wouldn't really hurt, would it?
He quickly glanced around, his large hand finally finding a small broken bit of cement. He weighed it in his palm for a moment before narrowing his eyes and targeting another beaten-up car some distance away from the van Brinly was currently trapped in. With all the strength he could muster, he chucked the baseball-sized bit of cement and ducked down again quickly, both hands clutching his shotgun again.
The cement bounced off the car loudly, hopefully distracting the dog things. If they were distracted then Brinly could make a run for it or he and this other guy could go in and pry her out. It wouldn't be long of a distraction, since they'd eventually figure out that there was nothing there and come back to the van, but it was enough time to at least start up the beginnings of an escape. Jason had done his part.
Oh, damn it all.
Jane was ticked off. Some idiot was screaming for help, which would do more harm for her, and anyone trying to help her than it would good.
She decided to sneak along towards where the noise was coming from, since the other people here were as well.
The first thing she noticed was the deformed nature of the dogs. She hadn't really encountered many mutants, at least any that she saw up close (besides crows.) These seemed dangerous.
Jane had a history with dangerous. Pretty unavoidable. By now she had just accepted it. She launched herself at the van as soon as the dogs' attention was drawn to the noise elsewhere, and they rushed to investigate. Their prey wasn't going anywhere, after all.
Using her wings as a force to launch herself far and fast, she landed right in front of the van, and grabbed hold of the door to pry it open.
Jane looked small, but she could definitely handle herself in a dark alley. Or anywhere, really.
Jane was ticked off. Some idiot was screaming for help, which would do more harm for her, and anyone trying to help her than it would good.
She decided to sneak along towards where the noise was coming from, since the other people here were as well.
The first thing she noticed was the deformed nature of the dogs. She hadn't really encountered many mutants, at least any that she saw up close (besides crows.) These seemed dangerous.
Jane had a history with dangerous. Pretty unavoidable. By now she had just accepted it. She launched herself at the van as soon as the dogs' attention was drawn to the noise elsewhere, and they rushed to investigate. Their prey wasn't going anywhere, after all.
Using her wings as a force to launch herself far and fast, she landed right in front of the van, and grabbed hold of the door to pry it open.
Jane looked small, but she could definitely handle herself in a dark alley. Or anywhere, really.
At the very least, her screams weren't constant! Her voice was too small to carry too far, so luckily they weren't but a block away, if that. She doubted anybody would care to come to her aid, but that instinct to seek help drove her to spurt out those cries for help.
And just when the glass looked like it was about to shatter, she heard a loud clang of something against metal. She jumped at first, thinking the noise was the van finally relenting under the constant assault of the creatures, but no! In fact, it was the opposite. They gave up entirely and went to seek out this new noise, ravenous snarls given to whatever it was. The blind one kept its nose near the ground, inhaling rapidly as it quickly made way to the source, its brethren following suit.
Just when Brinly thought she could perhaps lay low and wait for them to leave, she saw wings. Large wings and... a girl? The door flew open with some effort (she hadn't bothered to lock it since the creatures didn't have opposable thumbs and she really didn't want to spend a second longer close to them than she had to, but the damage did make it difficult for the door to work properly), revealing a quite surprised young woman staring at the one who did it.
Without thinking too much on it, she scrambled toward the woman and tried to crawl out of the van. Jane was the closest thing to human Brinly had seen in a while. Even if she was hostile, Bri trusted her without putting much thought into it. She'd likely remind herself not to be so foolish later, when she'd discover Jane wasn't some monstrous woman-creature who sought to wreak havoc and destroy lives. Though now she wasn't sure what to do. Sneak away? Run away? She felt no matter what she'd either be seen or heard. Was Jane the one who made that noise? Maybe that's another reason why she felt trusting.
And just when the glass looked like it was about to shatter, she heard a loud clang of something against metal. She jumped at first, thinking the noise was the van finally relenting under the constant assault of the creatures, but no! In fact, it was the opposite. They gave up entirely and went to seek out this new noise, ravenous snarls given to whatever it was. The blind one kept its nose near the ground, inhaling rapidly as it quickly made way to the source, its brethren following suit.
Just when Brinly thought she could perhaps lay low and wait for them to leave, she saw wings. Large wings and... a girl? The door flew open with some effort (she hadn't bothered to lock it since the creatures didn't have opposable thumbs and she really didn't want to spend a second longer close to them than she had to, but the damage did make it difficult for the door to work properly), revealing a quite surprised young woman staring at the one who did it.
Without thinking too much on it, she scrambled toward the woman and tried to crawl out of the van. Jane was the closest thing to human Brinly had seen in a while. Even if she was hostile, Bri trusted her without putting much thought into it. She'd likely remind herself not to be so foolish later, when she'd discover Jane wasn't some monstrous woman-creature who sought to wreak havoc and destroy lives. Though now she wasn't sure what to do. Sneak away? Run away? She felt no matter what she'd either be seen or heard. Was Jane the one who made that noise? Maybe that's another reason why she felt trusting.
Gabriel hadn't intended on being stealthy; in fact, when Ryan had thrown the rock, he had already crested the front of the car with his shotgun raised. Thankfully, he had caught a glimpse of the jerking movement, and then the soaring rock, and ducked down. He shot Ryan a look, but this look was different; it was almost as if he was commending him, adding a nod to show that he did good.
Then, the winged lady. Holy hell, she was fast. He didn't take any time in following her, watching the creatures trail away to investigate the noise, mentally noting that he needed to be conscious of them while all of this was going on.
He bounded behind her, unable to really keep up; his legs could only move so fast, and the ruck-sack he carried was fairly heavy itself, but he managed. By the time she pried the door open and Jane had started making her way from the confines of the van, Gabriel was there, to prove that gentleness was not something he knew.
He reached in for Brinly's arm, and if was successful in grabbing hold, he'd yank her forcefully from the van, barely allowing any normal person time to adjust themselves to the sharp movement.
"Let's go!" he exclaimed under his breath, pulling her along back in the direction they had come. But it wasn't going to be that easy.
These creatures were smart; they could be tricked, but their reasoning abilities were above-average for any lower creature, and they were on their way back. Both of them, running at a break neck pace, deformed tongues trailing from their mouths. Time to feed.
Gabriel saw this and released his hold on Brinly, but not before tugging her forward sharply. Here comes Gabriel's good-but-terrible luck. He raised his shotgun to eye level quickly, and aimed between the creatures running side-by-side, and pulled the trigger.
His shotgun was sawn-off for a reason. The pellets spread and made contact with both the fluffy puppies, the blind one taking the bulk of the shit to the face and skidding to a halt, obviously not dead, but definitely hindered.
The only one... Gabriel got the brunt of it. When the pellets made contact with the right shoulder of the creature it roared in pain, tripping over it's own injured leg and barreling into Gabriel, sending him soaring upwards and landing on a nearby sedan, shattering the window.
Breathlessly, he'd lie there, and while both beasts were slowed in their pursuit, he was in his escape. He had managed to somehow keep a hold of his shotgun. He began to lift himself slowly off the window, painfully dropping to the ground below, still winded.
This happened to him often; he'd always end up seriously injured, but always seemed to come out of it on top. That was just his lot in life.
Then, the winged lady. Holy hell, she was fast. He didn't take any time in following her, watching the creatures trail away to investigate the noise, mentally noting that he needed to be conscious of them while all of this was going on.
He bounded behind her, unable to really keep up; his legs could only move so fast, and the ruck-sack he carried was fairly heavy itself, but he managed. By the time she pried the door open and Jane had started making her way from the confines of the van, Gabriel was there, to prove that gentleness was not something he knew.
He reached in for Brinly's arm, and if was successful in grabbing hold, he'd yank her forcefully from the van, barely allowing any normal person time to adjust themselves to the sharp movement.
"Let's go!" he exclaimed under his breath, pulling her along back in the direction they had come. But it wasn't going to be that easy.
These creatures were smart; they could be tricked, but their reasoning abilities were above-average for any lower creature, and they were on their way back. Both of them, running at a break neck pace, deformed tongues trailing from their mouths. Time to feed.
Gabriel saw this and released his hold on Brinly, but not before tugging her forward sharply. Here comes Gabriel's good-but-terrible luck. He raised his shotgun to eye level quickly, and aimed between the creatures running side-by-side, and pulled the trigger.
His shotgun was sawn-off for a reason. The pellets spread and made contact with both the fluffy puppies, the blind one taking the bulk of the shit to the face and skidding to a halt, obviously not dead, but definitely hindered.
The only one... Gabriel got the brunt of it. When the pellets made contact with the right shoulder of the creature it roared in pain, tripping over it's own injured leg and barreling into Gabriel, sending him soaring upwards and landing on a nearby sedan, shattering the window.
Breathlessly, he'd lie there, and while both beasts were slowed in their pursuit, he was in his escape. He had managed to somehow keep a hold of his shotgun. He began to lift himself slowly off the window, painfully dropping to the ground below, still winded.
This happened to him often; he'd always end up seriously injured, but always seemed to come out of it on top. That was just his lot in life.
Jason was scrambling to keep up, although he quickly ducked when he saw Gabriel go flying. He made a mental note to check on him in a second as he brought his own shotgun to his shoulder and aimed at the creature that wasn't already downed.
The recoil was something he needed to get used to; his light frame was thrown back a little from the force of the shot. He went with the momentum and backed up to Gabriel, clutching at air for a moment before grabbing him by the back of his shirt and trying to haul him to his feet. 'Trying' was the key word there.
"C'mon," he hissed breathlessly, tugging fruitlessly on the much beefier man's shirt. "Get up- get up-" He quickly reloaded the pump action shotgun, taking aim again in case either thing tried to come after the two of them. The girls had left his field of vision, which made him nervous since he couldn't watch them and help them if he needed to. Hopefully they could watch their own backs because Jason was quite busy watching his own and Gabriel's.
The recoil was something he needed to get used to; his light frame was thrown back a little from the force of the shot. He went with the momentum and backed up to Gabriel, clutching at air for a moment before grabbing him by the back of his shirt and trying to haul him to his feet. 'Trying' was the key word there.
"C'mon," he hissed breathlessly, tugging fruitlessly on the much beefier man's shirt. "Get up- get up-" He quickly reloaded the pump action shotgun, taking aim again in case either thing tried to come after the two of them. The girls had left his field of vision, which made him nervous since he couldn't watch them and help them if he needed to. Hopefully they could watch their own backs because Jason was quite busy watching his own and Gabriel's.
Jane moved out of the way to let the big guy do his thing. Then the dogs started heading back towards them. Jane cursed under her breath. The guy's shotgun wasn't going to do much; Those things were huge.
When the dog knocked Gabriel off of his feet and onto a car windshield, Jane grabbed Brinly around the torso and propelled them both out of the line of fire.
When Brinly was safely hidden behind a dumpster, Jane gave her a look that said "Stay put," and then flew back into action, slamming herself into the dog who had received the most damage: who also happened to be unfortunately blind.
Instead of moving out of the way, Jane figured she could pick the thing up.
Her wings did most of the lifting, and before you knew it, Jane was holding it high above the streets.
The poor dog was snapping, snarling, and flinging its claws all over the place. Jane managed to avoid most of the attacks until it suddenly muscled itself free of her grasp, whipped around, and clawed her across the torso in one swift movement.
Of course it fell to its death, but Jane was also badly hurt. She came slowly crashing down to the ground. Unfortunately, she was in the middle of the street between the wrong end of Jason's gun and the angry teeth and legs of the beast.
It's long tentacle-leg thing lashed out and broke Jane's right wing as well. She managed to run away, miraculously not making much noise above a whimper. She ran back behind the car near Jason, hugged her stomach and tried not to cry.
When the dog knocked Gabriel off of his feet and onto a car windshield, Jane grabbed Brinly around the torso and propelled them both out of the line of fire.
When Brinly was safely hidden behind a dumpster, Jane gave her a look that said "Stay put," and then flew back into action, slamming herself into the dog who had received the most damage: who also happened to be unfortunately blind.
Instead of moving out of the way, Jane figured she could pick the thing up.
Her wings did most of the lifting, and before you knew it, Jane was holding it high above the streets.
The poor dog was snapping, snarling, and flinging its claws all over the place. Jane managed to avoid most of the attacks until it suddenly muscled itself free of her grasp, whipped around, and clawed her across the torso in one swift movement.
Of course it fell to its death, but Jane was also badly hurt. She came slowly crashing down to the ground. Unfortunately, she was in the middle of the street between the wrong end of Jason's gun and the angry teeth and legs of the beast.
It's long tentacle-leg thing lashed out and broke Jane's right wing as well. She managed to run away, miraculously not making much noise above a whimper. She ran back behind the car near Jason, hugged her stomach and tried not to cry.
((Sorry bout the wait guys.))
There were a few more people than she expected. Two guys and a girl with wings? What a group. Regardless, she seemed decently surprised when her arm was yanked and she found herself half-stumbling out of the van and struggling to run behind him.
When the whole ordeal with Gabriel occurred and he was sent flying, she instantly went to blaming herself, thinking he wasn't going to survive any attack that followed suit. Thankfully, the other man went to assist him. She didn't have much time to really pay attention to those two, though, as she was lead behind a dumpster and given a certain look from Jane.
Unlike the guys, she had nothing on her person to defend herself with. It was likely dumb, since she could have found some sort of improvised weapon to use, but for whatever reason she didn't have one on her. After this, if they survived and if the once-dogs were dead, she'd likely search around for a pipe or a two-by-four or something she could use as a weapon.
For now, though, she sat against the dumpster, curled into a ball, listening intently and waiting for it to be over. In a way she felt lucky. So far, all she'd endured was being spooked. However, now she had to deal with the guilt of Jane and Gabriel being pretty hurt. At least Jason was alright.
There were a few more people than she expected. Two guys and a girl with wings? What a group. Regardless, she seemed decently surprised when her arm was yanked and she found herself half-stumbling out of the van and struggling to run behind him.
When the whole ordeal with Gabriel occurred and he was sent flying, she instantly went to blaming herself, thinking he wasn't going to survive any attack that followed suit. Thankfully, the other man went to assist him. She didn't have much time to really pay attention to those two, though, as she was lead behind a dumpster and given a certain look from Jane.
Unlike the guys, she had nothing on her person to defend herself with. It was likely dumb, since she could have found some sort of improvised weapon to use, but for whatever reason she didn't have one on her. After this, if they survived and if the once-dogs were dead, she'd likely search around for a pipe or a two-by-four or something she could use as a weapon.
For now, though, she sat against the dumpster, curled into a ball, listening intently and waiting for it to be over. In a way she felt lucky. So far, all she'd endured was being spooked. However, now she had to deal with the guilt of Jane and Gabriel being pretty hurt. At least Jason was alright.
Everything had been going fine until Brinly jinxed Jason's luck.
The spider-dog thing had regained its feet and was looking rather unhappy that it's long appendages had been jacked around. Its multi-eyed gaze locked on Jane, since she appeared to be the most wounded out of the three of them and it wanted an easy target. It let out a gutteral hissing noise and started to advance on her before receiving a shotgun blast to the face.
"Here- here!" Jason called to it, backing up quickly to lure it away. Jane didn't really seem like she could take it on right at this moment, what with her gash and broken wing. He'd draw it away so she could regroup and maybe get some help from somebody-
He hadn't expected the creature to be able to jump so far, like a jumping spider or something, and he let out a startled yelp as he was bowled off his feet. Glasses- he'd lost his glasses- if that thing broke them he'd be so mad-
But first things first: not die, then find glasses. He staggered to his feet, using his shotgun for support, before getting swiped across the face with the claw part of the spider leg and he was roughly thrown back to the ground.
He saw the fanged maw coming at his head (fuzzy as it was, he could still identify it) and for a moment he panicked. The shotgun was brought around with the ferocity of adrenaline and smacked the thing in the side of the head, knocking it off its course and sending its face into the ground instead of into his chest. He scrabbled away and unloaded his last four shots in what he hoped was its head (he had an idea it was judging from the way it finally seemed to stop moving), taking a few gasping breaths once he was done. He felt the warmth of the blood trickling down his cheek and the thought frightened him for a moment...
Glasses. Glasses first. After a minute of pawing around for them he finally found them and stuffed them back on so he could see again. The frames were a little bent, but it was nothing new. He'd fix it later. With a shaking hand, still high on adrenaline, he reloaded his shotgun clumsily with ammunition from the chest pocket on the faded and dirty polo shirt he wore and took a deep breath, stumbling back to Gabriel and Jane.
"Wh-where's the other o-one?"
The spider-dog thing had regained its feet and was looking rather unhappy that it's long appendages had been jacked around. Its multi-eyed gaze locked on Jane, since she appeared to be the most wounded out of the three of them and it wanted an easy target. It let out a gutteral hissing noise and started to advance on her before receiving a shotgun blast to the face.
"Here- here!" Jason called to it, backing up quickly to lure it away. Jane didn't really seem like she could take it on right at this moment, what with her gash and broken wing. He'd draw it away so she could regroup and maybe get some help from somebody-
He hadn't expected the creature to be able to jump so far, like a jumping spider or something, and he let out a startled yelp as he was bowled off his feet. Glasses- he'd lost his glasses- if that thing broke them he'd be so mad-
But first things first: not die, then find glasses. He staggered to his feet, using his shotgun for support, before getting swiped across the face with the claw part of the spider leg and he was roughly thrown back to the ground.
He saw the fanged maw coming at his head (fuzzy as it was, he could still identify it) and for a moment he panicked. The shotgun was brought around with the ferocity of adrenaline and smacked the thing in the side of the head, knocking it off its course and sending its face into the ground instead of into his chest. He scrabbled away and unloaded his last four shots in what he hoped was its head (he had an idea it was judging from the way it finally seemed to stop moving), taking a few gasping breaths once he was done. He felt the warmth of the blood trickling down his cheek and the thought frightened him for a moment...
Glasses. Glasses first. After a minute of pawing around for them he finally found them and stuffed them back on so he could see again. The frames were a little bent, but it was nothing new. He'd fix it later. With a shaking hand, still high on adrenaline, he reloaded his shotgun clumsily with ammunition from the chest pocket on the faded and dirty polo shirt he wore and took a deep breath, stumbling back to Gabriel and Jane.
"Wh-where's the other o-one?"
Gabriel, by this point, had regained his faculties; he was no longer winded, though his side was aching. Bruised ribs, he thought; they always hurt like hell, and hampered his mobility, but in the heat of the moment they weren't important. He happened to look up to see Jason being assaulted, and rose his shotgun up- with one hand. It was a mistake he'd repeat time-and-time again, the twelve gauge echoing a roar that was deafening as it sent another spray. He aimed high, doing his best not to strike Jason, just as Jason had fired the blasts into the things face. It would strike it in the side, and send it rolling off Jason, freeing him that much easier.
Gabriel grunted as he got to his feet fully, taking off into a quick jog and to the man, reaching a hand out to roughly strike his shoulder with an open-hand.
"She's over here- for Christ's sake, we need to go!" and with that, a multitude of shrieks and bone-chilling roars could be heard off in the distance. Gabriel knew where he was going, though. He ran over to Jane, and if she wouldn't object, he threw his shotgun into the holster on his back, and scooped her up in the traditional wedding-day hold, taking off into a run. He burned. He hurt. But she was worse.
"Follow me; look for a manhole marked with a red 'X.' That's where we need to go,"
It was his escape plan; it was about a block away, which was too damned far in his mind. They would be gaining, they would have heard the gunshots. They needed to go and get out of sight, and fast. He never slowed down, plain assuming the others would be following him. They needed to get to his safe house. He'd probably be covered in Jane's blood at this point, which meant he'd need to clean his jacket, and change into fresh clothes when they got back. Nothing like a little potential Hepatitis to really make a man care about bathing.
Gabriel grunted as he got to his feet fully, taking off into a quick jog and to the man, reaching a hand out to roughly strike his shoulder with an open-hand.
"She's over here- for Christ's sake, we need to go!" and with that, a multitude of shrieks and bone-chilling roars could be heard off in the distance. Gabriel knew where he was going, though. He ran over to Jane, and if she wouldn't object, he threw his shotgun into the holster on his back, and scooped her up in the traditional wedding-day hold, taking off into a run. He burned. He hurt. But she was worse.
"Follow me; look for a manhole marked with a red 'X.' That's where we need to go,"
It was his escape plan; it was about a block away, which was too damned far in his mind. They would be gaining, they would have heard the gunshots. They needed to go and get out of sight, and fast. He never slowed down, plain assuming the others would be following him. They needed to get to his safe house. He'd probably be covered in Jane's blood at this point, which meant he'd need to clean his jacket, and change into fresh clothes when they got back. Nothing like a little potential Hepatitis to really make a man care about bathing.
Jane didn't object to being carried- At least in the moment. She typically didn't appreciate being touched, but for now she'd allow it.
Tears flowed freely as her abdomen bled. She tried to pull in her wings so that they weren't easily grabbed or caught on something. The pain from her right wing was enough to make you wish you were dead. She needed medical attention, and fast. Hopefully, whatever was beneath that manhole cover Gabriel mentioned had a first aid kid of some sort.
Jane rolled over and put her face in Gabriel's shoulder. She didn't want to see anything, and right now he was the closest thing to safety and comfort that she had. This was a nightmare she could't wake up from.
Tears flowed freely as her abdomen bled. She tried to pull in her wings so that they weren't easily grabbed or caught on something. The pain from her right wing was enough to make you wish you were dead. She needed medical attention, and fast. Hopefully, whatever was beneath that manhole cover Gabriel mentioned had a first aid kid of some sort.
Jane rolled over and put her face in Gabriel's shoulder. She didn't want to see anything, and right now he was the closest thing to safety and comfort that she had. This was a nightmare she could't wake up from.
Jason flinched back when Gabriel made to smack his shoulder, not sure if it was intended to be malicious or not. Although he was taller, he was much scrawnier than the man and he could probably get snapped in half by Gabriel if he tried hard enough.
But he couldn't worry about that right now. He was already gone with Jane and he needed to catch up.
As he passed Brinly's dumpster, he reached out and grabbed her arm, dragging her along until she could run herself. "C'mon!" he gasped to her, out of breath and feeling his glasses slipping from his nose already. Dammit. He released her hand to fix his glasses, since he'd never see a big red X if it was right in front of his face without the thick lenses.
The boy was a mess. He couldn't run worth beans. His legs and arms were all over the place and every so often his worn out sneakers would skid on the pavement and almost send him toppling to the ground. There was a reason he had gotten a scholarship for science and not for, say, basketball.
But he couldn't worry about that right now. He was already gone with Jane and he needed to catch up.
As he passed Brinly's dumpster, he reached out and grabbed her arm, dragging her along until she could run herself. "C'mon!" he gasped to her, out of breath and feeling his glasses slipping from his nose already. Dammit. He released her hand to fix his glasses, since he'd never see a big red X if it was right in front of his face without the thick lenses.
The boy was a mess. He couldn't run worth beans. His legs and arms were all over the place and every so often his worn out sneakers would skid on the pavement and almost send him toppling to the ground. There was a reason he had gotten a scholarship for science and not for, say, basketball.
While Gabriel was busy leading the other two back to wherever the Hell, Brinly was busy cowering behind that dumpster. Still. And truth be told, she likely would have remained there until she was attacked again (because she always chose the wrong moment to get up and leave - I.E. one where there were creatures lurking nearby).
Thankfully, however, despite hearing fast approaching footsteps and freezing in fear from them (she might have been too afraid to discern them as friends instead of foes), when she was yanked up, she followed rather noiselessly. Aside for the quiet yelp of surprise when she was plucked, and a grunt as she struggled to get solid footing.
She was incredibly clumsy, especially when dragged like that. Thankfully, he let go of her not too long into the run. Even though she wasn't sure where they were going (she didn't catch the bit about the big red X), the young woman wouldn't at all slow down. Or speak.
She felt out of shape.
Her breathing was uneven and wrong and shallow, and she was dizzy after a few moments of running as much as she had, but all this wasn't even noticed in the moment of shock she lived in at present.
((Sorry about the wait guys.
. I was moving.))
Thankfully, however, despite hearing fast approaching footsteps and freezing in fear from them (she might have been too afraid to discern them as friends instead of foes), when she was yanked up, she followed rather noiselessly. Aside for the quiet yelp of surprise when she was plucked, and a grunt as she struggled to get solid footing.
She was incredibly clumsy, especially when dragged like that. Thankfully, he let go of her not too long into the run. Even though she wasn't sure where they were going (she didn't catch the bit about the big red X), the young woman wouldn't at all slow down. Or speak.
She felt out of shape.
Her breathing was uneven and wrong and shallow, and she was dizzy after a few moments of running as much as she had, but all this wasn't even noticed in the moment of shock she lived in at present.
((Sorry about the wait guys.
. I was moving.))