The night air was cool and rain had begun in a soft drizzle, washing away collective grime from parked cars in the rather abandoned parking structure. Elsa didn't normally like heading this far away from their main entrances to the Undercity, there was something unnerving about being topside so far away from an easy return. Sure, the homeless population often hid them if things got hairy but there was so much that could go wrong.
Approaching the unusual.. truck with its attached trailer, Elsa's brows furrowed and she began to take little notes of its appearance. Dirty semi cab, peeling paint. Dents in the hood with a broken headlight. Head gave a tip off center, eyeing the trainer after a moment or two. It looked like it was about in the same condition, but like someone had inflicted the dents on it. They were too organized and repetitive in appearance. Someone was trying to make this thing look as uninteresting as possible, complete with a 'CALIFORNIA ORANGES' logo on the side.
"Hey Creepshow, what's in this thing anyway? Have you popped it open? No way its just a food truck." Another Morlock set to work jimmying the lock open and an automatic WHOOSH was heard as the electrical components slid the door open like a grocery store system. "...the fuck..?" The tiny thing poked her head in, eyebrows lowering further to marvel at all the high tech things in the back of that trailer. There were containment units, vials and some forms of hazmat suits it looked like. Far too fancy for any standard civilian stuff.
The small woman took a step back, hesitant to keep dicking around with this 'gold mine' as her friends had put it, "We should just cut this loss guys, I don't like th-"
"Hey boss look what I got!"
"BRUH STOP." Elsa's cry for her friend to stop messing around with a containment tub had hands flying to head as he managed to.. shatter what was likely meant to be unbreakable glass or heavy resistant plexi-material. FUCK.
Approaching the unusual.. truck with its attached trailer, Elsa's brows furrowed and she began to take little notes of its appearance. Dirty semi cab, peeling paint. Dents in the hood with a broken headlight. Head gave a tip off center, eyeing the trainer after a moment or two. It looked like it was about in the same condition, but like someone had inflicted the dents on it. They were too organized and repetitive in appearance. Someone was trying to make this thing look as uninteresting as possible, complete with a 'CALIFORNIA ORANGES' logo on the side.
"Hey Creepshow, what's in this thing anyway? Have you popped it open? No way its just a food truck." Another Morlock set to work jimmying the lock open and an automatic WHOOSH was heard as the electrical components slid the door open like a grocery store system. "...the fuck..?" The tiny thing poked her head in, eyebrows lowering further to marvel at all the high tech things in the back of that trailer. There were containment units, vials and some forms of hazmat suits it looked like. Far too fancy for any standard civilian stuff.
The small woman took a step back, hesitant to keep dicking around with this 'gold mine' as her friends had put it, "We should just cut this loss guys, I don't like th-"
"Hey boss look what I got!"
"BRUH STOP." Elsa's cry for her friend to stop messing around with a containment tub had hands flying to head as he managed to.. shatter what was likely meant to be unbreakable glass or heavy resistant plexi-material. FUCK.
Whilst the outside of the truck was rather inconspicuous, it appeared as though not quite as much effort had been put into hiding the inside. Everything was new, well packaged and from the looks of things... expensive. Toward the back of the cabin sat a few large, wooden crates strapped down to keep them from shifting in transit. The thick layer of dust that rested atop the crates was a sign that some of this stuff had possibly been shut away for quite a while... but why? The crates themselves were plain, aside from large, red letters stamped across the sides: "M.A.C." and "B.M.N.H.".
Secured in a strange, electronic machine that stretched along the entireity of one side of the cabin was the afformentioned containment tub. A relatively large, egg-shaped device made primarily out of metal and covered with a variety of blinking lights, LCD screens which read a whole host of data and, yes, the large windowed front shielded with definitely unbreakable plexi glass, providing a close up view to it's contents. Inside, a large mass of translucent red... something. Not quite a liquid, but definitely not solid. When moved, the mass would slowly slosh about inside of it's confinement.
The only clue as to the origin of any of this stuff would be the various allusions to 'Orion Industries' and a whole host of other 'Enterprises' and various other companies that must have put at least some of these things together... aside from that, a large file storage unit off to one side likely held at least some amount of information.
Was this truck currently in use? Transporting all the junk across the country? Or had it been left here, forgotten or possible even on purpose, for someone to find? Either way, despite the nature of it's cargo, it had been left with a somewhat suspicious lack of security. The electronic whoosh sounded, door sliding open as light began to fill the cabin, electronic beeps and tones sounding every so often as the group began to root through, though the most interesting thing, it seemed, was the egg.
If only these people were more careful... that very expensive and cool-looking device didn't last too long in their care. It'd fall, crashing into the ground as that definitely unbreakable plexi-glass gave way, shattering as it landed, contents beginning to spill out and leaving the remains of the device sat in the middle of a large, red and surprisingly thick puddle.
After a moment or so of silence, a dull groaning would begin to sound, echoing around the immediate area. Weird.
Secured in a strange, electronic machine that stretched along the entireity of one side of the cabin was the afformentioned containment tub. A relatively large, egg-shaped device made primarily out of metal and covered with a variety of blinking lights, LCD screens which read a whole host of data and, yes, the large windowed front shielded with definitely unbreakable plexi glass, providing a close up view to it's contents. Inside, a large mass of translucent red... something. Not quite a liquid, but definitely not solid. When moved, the mass would slowly slosh about inside of it's confinement.
The only clue as to the origin of any of this stuff would be the various allusions to 'Orion Industries' and a whole host of other 'Enterprises' and various other companies that must have put at least some of these things together... aside from that, a large file storage unit off to one side likely held at least some amount of information.
Was this truck currently in use? Transporting all the junk across the country? Or had it been left here, forgotten or possible even on purpose, for someone to find? Either way, despite the nature of it's cargo, it had been left with a somewhat suspicious lack of security. The electronic whoosh sounded, door sliding open as light began to fill the cabin, electronic beeps and tones sounding every so often as the group began to root through, though the most interesting thing, it seemed, was the egg.
If only these people were more careful... that very expensive and cool-looking device didn't last too long in their care. It'd fall, crashing into the ground as that definitely unbreakable plexi-glass gave way, shattering as it landed, contents beginning to spill out and leaving the remains of the device sat in the middle of a large, red and surprisingly thick puddle.
After a moment or so of silence, a dull groaning would begin to sound, echoing around the immediate area. Weird.
Fingers slid through the young woman's hair, teeth gritting in an obvious grimace, "Come on man... careful means careful! Look at all this stuff, its like looking at those high tech movies or something.." Elsa trailed off with a groan, stepping away from that puddle with a snort while Creepshow and the others made very audible 'EW' sounds. The rest of the grouping began collecting and carrying but Elsa.. wasn't entirely convinced. She wanted to leave all this stuff where they found it.
Itw as that sound of groaning that made the small blonde freeze up, eyes widening in skull. Was there someone else here? Was there a hidden speaker?
Jaw worked, clenching slowly as the polymorph began to skulk backwards and out of the truck, "We need to get out of this thing now. Stop carrying stuff-"
"Boss? I... think it came from this puddle?"
That immediately made the leader uneasy.. why would a puddle make that sorta sound? What could possibly be making it and what even was this gross mass. Snagging a piece of rebar from the ground outside, Elsa stalked back into the back of the truck with 'weapon' in tow. Eyebrows lowered and she'd begin to jab carefully at the mass of red goo, pondering if it was even possible. "You think... maybe its another mutant or something?"
Itw as that sound of groaning that made the small blonde freeze up, eyes widening in skull. Was there someone else here? Was there a hidden speaker?
Jaw worked, clenching slowly as the polymorph began to skulk backwards and out of the truck, "We need to get out of this thing now. Stop carrying stuff-"
"Boss? I... think it came from this puddle?"
That immediately made the leader uneasy.. why would a puddle make that sorta sound? What could possibly be making it and what even was this gross mass. Snagging a piece of rebar from the ground outside, Elsa stalked back into the back of the truck with 'weapon' in tow. Eyebrows lowered and she'd begin to jab carefully at the mass of red goo, pondering if it was even possible. "You think... maybe its another mutant or something?"
Puddle seemed to gyrate slowly on the ground, bubbling gently as the echoing groan became much more pronounced. The puddle. It was coming from the puddle. Whilst certainly not the most pleasing of sounds, beneath the sputters and gurgles it would be quite clear that this puddle had a voice... It'd be hard to make out as it it echoed through the vicinity, this was definitely the voice of a man drowning in jello.
Was it alive? Certainly looked that way.
There'd be no real action for the most part, though as time passed and the group spoke amongst themselves the groaning would grow clearer. Louder... and as Elsa moved into the truck to take a better look, the mass would freeze.
Silence and stillness, as though the thing could sense her presence. That is, of course, until she decided to prod the thing with the rebar. How rude.
It certainly wouldn't feel natural, the rebar passing into the mass every so slightly, though she'd be met with a good deal of resistance. It may look like a heaping pile of jello, but this stuff was strong. The silence would continue for a moment as Elsa inspected the strange goop until all of a sudden...
Red Puddle began to shudder uncontrollably, violently... rebar would be pushed out of the mass with some amount of force as that groan started to pick up again only this time it was a groan of the throat-hacking, blood curdling kind that began to fill the truck cabin with some volume, mass beginning to pull into itself slowly. Whatever was going on, it seemed as though this troubling mass had not taken kindly to Elsas inspection!
Something was definitely beginning to happen here... but who knew just what that meant?
Was it alive? Certainly looked that way.
There'd be no real action for the most part, though as time passed and the group spoke amongst themselves the groaning would grow clearer. Louder... and as Elsa moved into the truck to take a better look, the mass would freeze.
Silence and stillness, as though the thing could sense her presence. That is, of course, until she decided to prod the thing with the rebar. How rude.
It certainly wouldn't feel natural, the rebar passing into the mass every so slightly, though she'd be met with a good deal of resistance. It may look like a heaping pile of jello, but this stuff was strong. The silence would continue for a moment as Elsa inspected the strange goop until all of a sudden...
Red Puddle began to shudder uncontrollably, violently... rebar would be pushed out of the mass with some amount of force as that groan started to pick up again only this time it was a groan of the throat-hacking, blood curdling kind that began to fill the truck cabin with some volume, mass beginning to pull into itself slowly. Whatever was going on, it seemed as though this troubling mass had not taken kindly to Elsas inspection!
Something was definitely beginning to happen here... but who knew just what that meant?
As that rebar found resistance to the jello-mass, Elsa would instinctively take a step back with widening eyes. Holy smokes, was this thing actually alive?
Her Morlocks buddies would move forward, crowding their tiny leader as that quivery heap of.. whatever it was began to pull in on itself and the blonde worked her jaw slowly. It seemed very likely it was about to be a mutant and she'd haul in the man known as Creepshow, his skeletal features raised in surprise, "Go and get one of the hoodies from the stash duffle. We're likely gonna have something fucking naked to deal with." Was that a thing that happened with these situations? She'd seen movies, she had no idea for sure!
As soon as the morlock returned with a hoodie, Elsa worked her jaw and readied herself with that makeshift weapon as the blob tried to form something of a shape, "Alright, I don't know what you are but I got some questions- are you even sentient? Shit.."
Her Morlocks buddies would move forward, crowding their tiny leader as that quivery heap of.. whatever it was began to pull in on itself and the blonde worked her jaw slowly. It seemed very likely it was about to be a mutant and she'd haul in the man known as Creepshow, his skeletal features raised in surprise, "Go and get one of the hoodies from the stash duffle. We're likely gonna have something fucking naked to deal with." Was that a thing that happened with these situations? She'd seen movies, she had no idea for sure!
As soon as the morlock returned with a hoodie, Elsa worked her jaw and readied herself with that makeshift weapon as the blob tried to form something of a shape, "Alright, I don't know what you are but I got some questions- are you even sentient? Shit.."
The mass was growing, slowly solidifying as something began to form inside... was that bone?
As the thing began to form, it became quite clear that perhaps this was a person after all... why he'd been in this state and trapped in that strange device would't be much clearer, but as the skeleton began to form inside the mass, the red substance would begin to take form around it. The groaning grew louder as this happened, from the low, guttural noise it had been into a more distinguished voice. After a good few moments, the blob would stabilize, taking on the form of a young male who... considering he'd been trapped inside a robotic egg for god knows how long, looked in pretty good shape. Just as Elsa had predicted... the man was naked. He didn't seem to realize this from the off, though.
Despite his previously gelatinous look, he'd seem quite dry. Black hair sat messily atop his head, contrasting with the deep red skin that now covered the mans body. A look of great confusion plastered on his (subject to personal opinion) handsome face. He was complete and certainly seemed to have about as much idea as to what was going on here than the group of Morlocks that stood before him.
Head eventually lifted, confusion being exchanged with a rather annoyed looking expression as he shot a look over to the others with furrowed brows, hand balling into a fist as the other pointed over to them, "Ok. OK. Now you've really PISSED.ME.OFF." He'd shout, voice now more direct and lacking the strange echo it had had whilst he was a puddle. "You weird ass Frankenstein FUCK. What are you even doing on the beach?! WITH A SHOTGUN?! I don't even know where to start but I think it's about time I put you in your place." Teeth grit as he paused for a moment, quite visibly disorientated as he tried his best to make sense of his surroundings, "Gwen, you need to get the hell out of here and..." he'd pause, blinking, eyes focusing in as realization began to settle in.
Pointed finger would begin to tremble somewhat as his brain began to fire off all kinds of signals. This definitely wasn't the beach.
"Gwen.... G-Gw-" His voice was lower now, and he'd finally take real notice of the group stood before him... as well as the fact that he was lacking a little more than just his sense of reality.
"Where's... Gwen?" he'd ask, slowly taking a step or two backwards before bumping into those large wooden crates, "I shouldn't be naked..." Hands would lower as he covered himself up a little, "What's going on here? Where the hell is this?" And then, it'd click.
That was Elsa! Standing there, staring at his naked body in what appeared to be some kind of strange mobile laboratory. This was not good. How embarassing.
"Els... E-Elsa?! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? WHERE THE FUCK ARE WE? WE GOTTA GO, THAT BODY-SWAPPING FUCK'S RUNNING AROUND TOWN WITH A SHOTGUN!" He'd spout, stopping only to catch his breath, "Andifyoucouldgivememyclothesbackfirstthatwouldbegreat..."
As the thing began to form, it became quite clear that perhaps this was a person after all... why he'd been in this state and trapped in that strange device would't be much clearer, but as the skeleton began to form inside the mass, the red substance would begin to take form around it. The groaning grew louder as this happened, from the low, guttural noise it had been into a more distinguished voice. After a good few moments, the blob would stabilize, taking on the form of a young male who... considering he'd been trapped inside a robotic egg for god knows how long, looked in pretty good shape. Just as Elsa had predicted... the man was naked. He didn't seem to realize this from the off, though.
Despite his previously gelatinous look, he'd seem quite dry. Black hair sat messily atop his head, contrasting with the deep red skin that now covered the mans body. A look of great confusion plastered on his (subject to personal opinion) handsome face. He was complete and certainly seemed to have about as much idea as to what was going on here than the group of Morlocks that stood before him.
Head eventually lifted, confusion being exchanged with a rather annoyed looking expression as he shot a look over to the others with furrowed brows, hand balling into a fist as the other pointed over to them, "Ok. OK. Now you've really PISSED.ME.OFF." He'd shout, voice now more direct and lacking the strange echo it had had whilst he was a puddle. "You weird ass Frankenstein FUCK. What are you even doing on the beach?! WITH A SHOTGUN?! I don't even know where to start but I think it's about time I put you in your place." Teeth grit as he paused for a moment, quite visibly disorientated as he tried his best to make sense of his surroundings, "Gwen, you need to get the hell out of here and..." he'd pause, blinking, eyes focusing in as realization began to settle in.
Pointed finger would begin to tremble somewhat as his brain began to fire off all kinds of signals. This definitely wasn't the beach.
"Gwen.... G-Gw-" His voice was lower now, and he'd finally take real notice of the group stood before him... as well as the fact that he was lacking a little more than just his sense of reality.
"Where's... Gwen?" he'd ask, slowly taking a step or two backwards before bumping into those large wooden crates, "I shouldn't be naked..." Hands would lower as he covered himself up a little, "What's going on here? Where the hell is this?" And then, it'd click.
That was Elsa! Standing there, staring at his naked body in what appeared to be some kind of strange mobile laboratory. This was not good. How embarassing.
"Els... E-Elsa?! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? WHERE THE FUCK ARE WE? WE GOTTA GO, THAT BODY-SWAPPING FUCK'S RUNNING AROUND TOWN WITH A SHOTGUN!" He'd spout, stopping only to catch his breath, "Andifyoucouldgivememyclothesbackfirstthatwouldbegreat..."
It seemed smart that Elsa had sent someone to get an oversized hood from their stock back because sure enough.. there was a nudist right in front of them. Elsa's eyes went skyward, trying to avoid seeing anything she had no business or desire to gaze upon... but she'd lift a hand to block out that view just in case. Yep. That's a penis.
It was the sudden yelling and spouting off about how he was pissed that had the others taking up stance, Elsa holding a hand out to have them stand back. No good could come from attacking someone disoriented.. especially when what he was saying didn't make sense. Eyebrows furrowed, jaw working, "Eaaasy, pendejo.. Ain't no Gwen here just us, your friendly neighborhood watch." Someone was a comedian in this world.
As the red man began to assess and process however, Elsa would gesture with a finger for Creepshow to toss him that hoodie- thankfully he'd find it was just long enough to cover his shame. "I don't know what's going on man, but we weren't expecting to pop outta that egg thing like some weird Nickolodean gak stuff. You're obviously a mutant though.. and you're probably not gonna adapt well lookin' like that-"
The blurting of her name had everyone looking to their pint-sized leader and Els would tip her jaw down slowly, staring at Cadmus before that piece of rebar was lifted up, prepared to jam it through Cadmus's skull, "Alright fucker who are you, how do you know me? Huh? You with those fuckin' X-men? You with the fuckin' Circus?! Who are you, answer me before I fucking ice you."
It was the sudden yelling and spouting off about how he was pissed that had the others taking up stance, Elsa holding a hand out to have them stand back. No good could come from attacking someone disoriented.. especially when what he was saying didn't make sense. Eyebrows furrowed, jaw working, "Eaaasy, pendejo.. Ain't no Gwen here just us, your friendly neighborhood watch." Someone was a comedian in this world.
As the red man began to assess and process however, Elsa would gesture with a finger for Creepshow to toss him that hoodie- thankfully he'd find it was just long enough to cover his shame. "I don't know what's going on man, but we weren't expecting to pop outta that egg thing like some weird Nickolodean gak stuff. You're obviously a mutant though.. and you're probably not gonna adapt well lookin' like that-"
The blurting of her name had everyone looking to their pint-sized leader and Els would tip her jaw down slowly, staring at Cadmus before that piece of rebar was lifted up, prepared to jam it through Cadmus's skull, "Alright fucker who are you, how do you know me? Huh? You with those fuckin' X-men? You with the fuckin' Circus?! Who are you, answer me before I fucking ice you."
Cadmus was frozen in place, still trying to make sense of what was actually happening here. One minute he's on the beach getting blown to pieces by that freak Lukas and the next...
"Friendly Neighborhood what? You trying to steal my kidneys or something? Where's the ice bath? You get me naked in this place..." He'd take another look around. Nothing familiar, really... at least nothing that he'd recognize from a quick glance.
"I think you need to get out of my way and -" He'd be cut off by the over sized hood being thrown at him. He'd catch it, albeit somewhat sloppily as his senses were still dulled from being locked away in a goddamn robot egg... and though he didn't quite agree with the 'style'... it'd do. Better than being naked, at least. He'd put it on, and it thankfully covered his nethers.
"What are you talking about an egg? Of course I'm a fucking mutant what are you even..." he'd look somewhat annoyed, "Ah, I see. You're just being awkward, as usual. If this is your idea of a joke then you really need to re-think your strategy." He'd straighten out the hoody, flipping the hood over his head and burrowing his hands in the large pocket at the front, "And to think I actually thought you were kinda cool. At least cooler than the rest of the assholes at the Academy. RJ really knows how to pick 'em, huh?"
He'd have relaxed somewhat now that he wasn't on show to the whole world, taking a quick look around his surroundings again, "What is this place anyway? Another bunker?" He wouldn't have much chance of an answer, of course, as Elsa was now on alert, with her rebar held high. The man wouldn't flinch, instead raising an eyebrow as he shook his head lightly.
"Seriously you need to chill out, WHAT IS ACTUALLY WRONG WITH YOU?" he'd lean forward as his words grew louder, face taking on a mocking expression, and voice followed suit, "OH LOOK AT ME, I'M ELSA, GONNA GATHER UP ALL YOUR PARTS AND LET YOU REFORM IN A CREEPY ASS LAB THEN THREATEN YOU WITH A WEAPON THAT DOES LITERALLY NOTHING."
He'd shrug, eyes rolling as he took a step toward them, "Look, I don't have time for this. Why's everybody gotta be so weird these days? Just tell me, honest, who put you up to this? Was it Sera? I mean, you can tell me if it's Sera."
"Friendly Neighborhood what? You trying to steal my kidneys or something? Where's the ice bath? You get me naked in this place..." He'd take another look around. Nothing familiar, really... at least nothing that he'd recognize from a quick glance.
"I think you need to get out of my way and -" He'd be cut off by the over sized hood being thrown at him. He'd catch it, albeit somewhat sloppily as his senses were still dulled from being locked away in a goddamn robot egg... and though he didn't quite agree with the 'style'... it'd do. Better than being naked, at least. He'd put it on, and it thankfully covered his nethers.
"What are you talking about an egg? Of course I'm a fucking mutant what are you even..." he'd look somewhat annoyed, "Ah, I see. You're just being awkward, as usual. If this is your idea of a joke then you really need to re-think your strategy." He'd straighten out the hoody, flipping the hood over his head and burrowing his hands in the large pocket at the front, "And to think I actually thought you were kinda cool. At least cooler than the rest of the assholes at the Academy. RJ really knows how to pick 'em, huh?"
He'd have relaxed somewhat now that he wasn't on show to the whole world, taking a quick look around his surroundings again, "What is this place anyway? Another bunker?" He wouldn't have much chance of an answer, of course, as Elsa was now on alert, with her rebar held high. The man wouldn't flinch, instead raising an eyebrow as he shook his head lightly.
"Seriously you need to chill out, WHAT IS ACTUALLY WRONG WITH YOU?" he'd lean forward as his words grew louder, face taking on a mocking expression, and voice followed suit, "OH LOOK AT ME, I'M ELSA, GONNA GATHER UP ALL YOUR PARTS AND LET YOU REFORM IN A CREEPY ASS LAB THEN THREATEN YOU WITH A WEAPON THAT DOES LITERALLY NOTHING."
He'd shrug, eyes rolling as he took a step toward them, "Look, I don't have time for this. Why's everybody gotta be so weird these days? Just tell me, honest, who put you up to this? Was it Sera? I mean, you can tell me if it's Sera."
"Boss?" Creepshow would loom over Elsa the more and more that the annoying red man would ramble on, "Hey man maybe you should-"
The blonde in question didn't wait for Cadmus to finish up his smarmy question of 'whats wrong with you' before she was swinging that bar down for Cadmus's ankle, fully intent to shatter it upon impact if she could while totally unaware of his powers, "Eat shit, limp dick. You popped outta that egg man, you owe us answers. Creep, I told you we shoulda just left this truck alone remind me to not go on a supply run to an abandoned parking structure with you guys ever again." The bar was tossed and abandoned, turning her back to Cadmus with a snort, "I don't know a Sera, man. Look, we ain't got time for this. The night is in full swing and you've wasted my time with this Naked and Afraid gimmick. If you're gonna try to take me back to my mom, you're gonna have a hard time doing it."
Walking away from Cad mid convo seemed a very un-617 thing to do at least. Maybe that'd help him get the picture. But as she popped down from the truck and to the ground, she'd stand with the others and put her hands on her hips, "Alright so we obviously can't use that clown for food- I mean we probably could barbeque him but I'm not a cannibal.. so.. I say we cut our losses here and go hijack that Faded Glory truck that's parked outside the mall."
The blonde in question didn't wait for Cadmus to finish up his smarmy question of 'whats wrong with you' before she was swinging that bar down for Cadmus's ankle, fully intent to shatter it upon impact if she could while totally unaware of his powers, "Eat shit, limp dick. You popped outta that egg man, you owe us answers. Creep, I told you we shoulda just left this truck alone remind me to not go on a supply run to an abandoned parking structure with you guys ever again." The bar was tossed and abandoned, turning her back to Cadmus with a snort, "I don't know a Sera, man. Look, we ain't got time for this. The night is in full swing and you've wasted my time with this Naked and Afraid gimmick. If you're gonna try to take me back to my mom, you're gonna have a hard time doing it."
Walking away from Cad mid convo seemed a very un-617 thing to do at least. Maybe that'd help him get the picture. But as she popped down from the truck and to the ground, she'd stand with the others and put her hands on her hips, "Alright so we obviously can't use that clown for food- I mean we probably could barbeque him but I'm not a cannibal.. so.. I say we cut our losses here and go hijack that Faded Glory truck that's parked outside the mall."
By now, Cadmus had had enough. He was done with all these shenanigans though not quite ready for what was about to happen!
As the bar collided with his ankle, Elsa would likely feel some amount of resistance, the bar hitting and then slowly... passing through?
Instinct had kicked in, the mans body pulling apart as he very quickly transformed into a large, red mass again. This time, he wasn't a mere puddle, but a large, circular blob that filled out most of the cabin they were in. Hoody sat within this mass, floating in place, as did the rebar that would have by this point been swallowed up completely. A voice would echo out once more;
"WELL YA GONE DONE IT DIDN'T YA." he'd shout, "I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF IT'S YOU OR IF IT'S SERA OR IF THIS IS PART OF SOME ELABORATE BUDDY PRANK RJ PUT TOGETHER BUT SERIOUSLY YOU'RE REALLY STARTING TO GET ON MY NERVES AND I AM JUST KINDA DONE WITH THIS." He'd push forwards, moving closer to the group
"You really want to start something then be my guest, but I need to got shit to do and I gotta get back to the Academy."
As the bar collided with his ankle, Elsa would likely feel some amount of resistance, the bar hitting and then slowly... passing through?
Instinct had kicked in, the mans body pulling apart as he very quickly transformed into a large, red mass again. This time, he wasn't a mere puddle, but a large, circular blob that filled out most of the cabin they were in. Hoody sat within this mass, floating in place, as did the rebar that would have by this point been swallowed up completely. A voice would echo out once more;
"WELL YA GONE DONE IT DIDN'T YA." he'd shout, "I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF IT'S YOU OR IF IT'S SERA OR IF THIS IS PART OF SOME ELABORATE BUDDY PRANK RJ PUT TOGETHER BUT SERIOUSLY YOU'RE REALLY STARTING TO GET ON MY NERVES AND I AM JUST KINDA DONE WITH THIS." He'd push forwards, moving closer to the group
"You really want to start something then be my guest, but I need to got shit to do and I gotta get back to the Academy."
As that bar had passed through, Elsa had left it to focus on the conversation with her little posse, hands folding into her pants pockets.. at least until that massive blob of a jello spill came looming forward. Nose wrinkled at his insistence of these.. people that she didn't know. Creepshow and another would lurch toward the mass, Elsa turning on her heel with a scoff, "You know what? Maybe we should just push him into the Dropoff.."
"Boss, what if he's like you though?"
The realization dawned on Elsa, head twisting back to peer, quiet as she'd let that thought permeate her stubborn skull. Maybe he was a 'rifter' as they called it but what if.. Hands clapped several times, "Alright ok yeah my bad I shouldn't have started swinging. Look." She'd exhale slowly, several of the Morlocks looming beside her ready to try and take this mass of blob apart, "...Ok. I have to assume.. that you know me. But let's think about this. What does your Elsa even look like?" Brows gave a raise, hands gesturing slowly to herself, "Like get a good look man. Do I look like that Elsa? My hair, my face, my clothing.. Anything at all? Because I'll be honest, I wasn't here until the dimensional collapse and I'm just kinda trying to get by."
Hopefully that got him to stop, collaborate and listen because she was losing precious time. Hands went back to her pants pockets, head rolling to the side, "So look, here's the skinny ok? Six months ago there was some kinda.. dimensional slammer bammer or something.. people from different places got yeeted through time and space and now they're stranded here- probably stranded in other dimensions too." Shrugging her shoulders, Elsa would rub the back of her head, " truthlook man, I'm not your Elsa.. Sorry if that harshes your mellow but that's the truth. Now, I don't know shit about the Academy but I do know here in Seattle- you lookin' like that? You're probably safest with us.."
"Boss, what if he's like you though?"
The realization dawned on Elsa, head twisting back to peer, quiet as she'd let that thought permeate her stubborn skull. Maybe he was a 'rifter' as they called it but what if.. Hands clapped several times, "Alright ok yeah my bad I shouldn't have started swinging. Look." She'd exhale slowly, several of the Morlocks looming beside her ready to try and take this mass of blob apart, "...Ok. I have to assume.. that you know me. But let's think about this. What does your Elsa even look like?" Brows gave a raise, hands gesturing slowly to herself, "Like get a good look man. Do I look like that Elsa? My hair, my face, my clothing.. Anything at all? Because I'll be honest, I wasn't here until the dimensional collapse and I'm just kinda trying to get by."
Hopefully that got him to stop, collaborate and listen because she was losing precious time. Hands went back to her pants pockets, head rolling to the side, "So look, here's the skinny ok? Six months ago there was some kinda.. dimensional slammer bammer or something.. people from different places got yeeted through time and space and now they're stranded here- probably stranded in other dimensions too." Shrugging her shoulders, Elsa would rub the back of her head, " truthlook man, I'm not your Elsa.. Sorry if that harshes your mellow but that's the truth. Now, I don't know shit about the Academy but I do know here in Seattle- you lookin' like that? You're probably safest with us.."
Stopped just short of the group, waiting to see what they were going to try to pull next.
A loud, echo-y sigh would emit from the gelatinous mass.
"Go ahead and push me into whatever the fuck you want but I'm sure it's going to work just as well as hitting me with a fuckin metal bar."
He'd begin to approach once again, mass gyrating as it pushed through the cabin. She may be stubborn, but if this version had not met any version of Cadmus before (let alone this OG 617 version), she was in for a challenge.
"No, you shouldn't have started swinging." he'd respond, listening to her speak and realising that perhaps he was going to be safe enough in his regular, non blob form. He'd slowly transform back, just in time to respond:
"First. You're not my Elsa. And YOU look just like YOU, SURPRISINGLY. I mean, you took out all that crap from your face but seriously if that's your attempt at a disguise? No." Arms would lift to fold across his chest as he let out another sigh, "Dimensional collapse? You don't say?"
He obviously wasn't buying it. Why would he? He'd been enough of an asshole to most people he'd met that it was quite likely SOMEONE would want to mess with him to this extent. "And ONLY six months? Wow. Very impressive. He'd arch his brow once again at the mention of 'Seattle', "And we're in Seattle now? Wow, you really are trying to sell this to me." He'd push past them, hands hiding away in that hoody pocket once again.
"Look, I'm getting out of here. At this point I just wanna get home, check on Gwen and make sure nothing bad happened after that lunatic fucking shot me and SLEEP." His concern had dwindled somewhat... surely things hadn't gone too badly after he exploded into a thousand pieces? They wouldn't be trolling him like this if anything really bad had happened...
A loud, echo-y sigh would emit from the gelatinous mass.
"Go ahead and push me into whatever the fuck you want but I'm sure it's going to work just as well as hitting me with a fuckin metal bar."
He'd begin to approach once again, mass gyrating as it pushed through the cabin. She may be stubborn, but if this version had not met any version of Cadmus before (let alone this OG 617 version), she was in for a challenge.
"No, you shouldn't have started swinging." he'd respond, listening to her speak and realising that perhaps he was going to be safe enough in his regular, non blob form. He'd slowly transform back, just in time to respond:
"First. You're not my Elsa. And YOU look just like YOU, SURPRISINGLY. I mean, you took out all that crap from your face but seriously if that's your attempt at a disguise? No." Arms would lift to fold across his chest as he let out another sigh, "Dimensional collapse? You don't say?"
He obviously wasn't buying it. Why would he? He'd been enough of an asshole to most people he'd met that it was quite likely SOMEONE would want to mess with him to this extent. "And ONLY six months? Wow. Very impressive. He'd arch his brow once again at the mention of 'Seattle', "And we're in Seattle now? Wow, you really are trying to sell this to me." He'd push past them, hands hiding away in that hoody pocket once again.
"Look, I'm getting out of here. At this point I just wanna get home, check on Gwen and make sure nothing bad happened after that lunatic fucking shot me and SLEEP." His concern had dwindled somewhat... surely things hadn't gone too badly after he exploded into a thousand pieces? They wouldn't be trolling him like this if anything really bad had happened...
The insistence that nothing what she was saying was anything true and was just some sort of elaborate joke earned a blank stare.. and then a shrug of her shoulders, "Oookay! Whatever you say, you James Franco knock off." He was still blithering on and Elsa would purposely turn away and ignore him as he went on and on. The group began to discuss but Creepshow would watch after the red man unconvinced.
If this guy wanted to go off and do something stupid, Elsa wasn't about to let it jeopardize the others.
After a few moments, her head twisted around and a chortle was given, "Whatever you say man, if you got places to go then go but uhh.." Walking after Cadmus, she'd hook an arm around the Winnie the pooh lookin' guys shoulders and pointed in the direction of the city. Chunks of floating.. whatever it was- some looked like masses of earth and even a building or two that seemed.. frankensteined together even from this distance. "So.. I don't know where this academy is, but if you need a bus stop there's one over on Lincoln and Brooks. I mean I don't know how you're gonna get any tickets without money because you're out here running around with no pants but eh." Walking away, she'd link arms with one of the Morlocks, glancing back over her shoulder, "So.. since you know my name I guess I better ask yours. What's the name, man?"
If this guy wanted to go off and do something stupid, Elsa wasn't about to let it jeopardize the others.
After a few moments, her head twisted around and a chortle was given, "Whatever you say man, if you got places to go then go but uhh.." Walking after Cadmus, she'd hook an arm around the Winnie the pooh lookin' guys shoulders and pointed in the direction of the city. Chunks of floating.. whatever it was- some looked like masses of earth and even a building or two that seemed.. frankensteined together even from this distance. "So.. I don't know where this academy is, but if you need a bus stop there's one over on Lincoln and Brooks. I mean I don't know how you're gonna get any tickets without money because you're out here running around with no pants but eh." Walking away, she'd link arms with one of the Morlocks, glancing back over her shoulder, "So.. since you know my name I guess I better ask yours. What's the name, man?"
Cadmus continued to move until he reached the edge of the cabin, finding it somewhat strange that they were in the back of a truck?
Weird.
He'd watch as the others began to filter off into the night, dropping down from the cab and onto the ground as he took a look around, mumbling to himself as the cool night air hit him, "Could'a at least brought me some pants..."
It was then that some of the things 'Elsa' had been saying were beginning to click. Eyes widened as he took in the new surroundings and... this certainly was not Boulder, Colorado.
Heck, crazy as it looked this was also DEFINITELY NOT DARIEN CITY.
It'd take him a bit, but he'd eventually respond, lost in a pit of confused despair, "C-C-Cadmus."
Eventually, the man would shift on the spot, turning around to catch another look at Elsa as she made her leave, "WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?!"
Weird.
He'd watch as the others began to filter off into the night, dropping down from the cab and onto the ground as he took a look around, mumbling to himself as the cool night air hit him, "Could'a at least brought me some pants..."
It was then that some of the things 'Elsa' had been saying were beginning to click. Eyes widened as he took in the new surroundings and... this certainly was not Boulder, Colorado.
Heck, crazy as it looked this was also DEFINITELY NOT DARIEN CITY.
It'd take him a bit, but he'd eventually respond, lost in a pit of confused despair, "C-C-Cadmus."
Eventually, the man would shift on the spot, turning around to catch another look at Elsa as she made her leave, "WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?!"
So... maybe this version of Elsa was a shit talkin' little toughie from the hood but.. she wasn't fucking heartless. It was the stammering and tone of that utterance of a name that had her eyes lingering on the black haired guy. Ah man.. Exhaling slowly, hands lifted when the screaming started and she'd approach him fast, "Hey- Hey! Easy man not so loud. We'd like to not get apprehended tonight ok..? Ok."
Lips creased down, head tipping to the side, "Look.. I don't know if this means its finally clicked in your head but.. hey- look at me ok? Look. We'll figure it out if you want. I'm not good for a lot- my people need me.. but you're in a tough spot and you could definitely use a leg up so.. c'mon. Let's get you some real clothes, some food and maybe a place to crash for the night because I'll be honest.. that egg? Didn't look comfortable."
Hooking that arm through the taller man's own, she'd start to guide him to the group, "So.. Cadmus.. these are my friends- That's Creepshow. Blister.. Guttersnipe.. You'll get to know them and more if you stick around but we call ourselves the Morlocks." Stepping away once she'd gotten them somewhat acquainted, the disguise she wore dropped to reveal that good chunk of lavender and white skin that covered a large portion of her body. "We're gonna go pop that grate over there and get to hoofin' it ok?" The group was already working on pulling open the large metal square that led from the fixture underground, Els bobbing her head, "Come on, Major Tom."
Lips creased down, head tipping to the side, "Look.. I don't know if this means its finally clicked in your head but.. hey- look at me ok? Look. We'll figure it out if you want. I'm not good for a lot- my people need me.. but you're in a tough spot and you could definitely use a leg up so.. c'mon. Let's get you some real clothes, some food and maybe a place to crash for the night because I'll be honest.. that egg? Didn't look comfortable."
Hooking that arm through the taller man's own, she'd start to guide him to the group, "So.. Cadmus.. these are my friends- That's Creepshow. Blister.. Guttersnipe.. You'll get to know them and more if you stick around but we call ourselves the Morlocks." Stepping away once she'd gotten them somewhat acquainted, the disguise she wore dropped to reveal that good chunk of lavender and white skin that covered a large portion of her body. "We're gonna go pop that grate over there and get to hoofin' it ok?" The group was already working on pulling open the large metal square that led from the fixture underground, Els bobbing her head, "Come on, Major Tom."
Cadmus took a look into the back of the truck as Elsa spoke. He'd spot the smashed up egg, inspecting it from afar for a moment before looking back to her.
"You. Are. Fucking. Shitting. Me." he'd respond, still not quite sure what to make of this whole mess. Arms were flailed out as he swung them around to show off all the wild shit happening around them, "So I wake up in the back of a truck with no clothes and a bunch of floating shit in the sky and YOU JUST WANT ME TO FOLLOW YOU INTO THE SEWERS?" he'd send the death glare her way. Stupid. This was all stupid.
Just his fuckin' luck, huh?
Hands raised to hold the back of his head as he took another look around, "Oh, yeah, just come with me into the sewers with my boi CREEPSHOW what's the worst that could happen?!"
Despite all this, however... a pair of pants and some food really wouldn't go amiss right now... and considering his position, he wasn't really left with many other options... He'd sigh, hanging his head as he finally admitted defeat.
"Right. Fine. Whatever. Let's go. Shits ALREADY annoying why not just go the whole hog and wade through sewage for a little while."
Another glance was shot into the cabin, "But if I'm coming with you then.... we're bringing that thing."
"You. Are. Fucking. Shitting. Me." he'd respond, still not quite sure what to make of this whole mess. Arms were flailed out as he swung them around to show off all the wild shit happening around them, "So I wake up in the back of a truck with no clothes and a bunch of floating shit in the sky and YOU JUST WANT ME TO FOLLOW YOU INTO THE SEWERS?" he'd send the death glare her way. Stupid. This was all stupid.
Just his fuckin' luck, huh?
Hands raised to hold the back of his head as he took another look around, "Oh, yeah, just come with me into the sewers with my boi CREEPSHOW what's the worst that could happen?!"
Despite all this, however... a pair of pants and some food really wouldn't go amiss right now... and considering his position, he wasn't really left with many other options... He'd sigh, hanging his head as he finally admitted defeat.
"Right. Fine. Whatever. Let's go. Shits ALREADY annoying why not just go the whole hog and wade through sewage for a little while."
Another glance was shot into the cabin, "But if I'm coming with you then.... we're bringing that thing."
"Nope, I'm not shitting you, Baby Franco." Shrugging again, she'd wait patiently for the red skinned loser to get his bearings about the whole situation. As he flung his arms, Elsa held up a hand to once more block the view for what was likely to be revealed down under as he threw his limbs about, "Ugh come on man... you still don't have pants- d-don't be.. flashin' the world ok.. And yeah I mean I guess it's better than getting picked up by Seattle P.D. for having your dongle out for the public viewing to see?"
As he raved on with the bit about the sewers and took a verbal swing at her friend, the mutant in question would gently chime in, "Hey... that's not nice!"
"Creepy, please. It's ok he's just confused and probably a bit anxious." As Cadmoose took his time to process a bit more, hands went to hips slowly and the blonde would exhale slowly.. but then he was agreeing with the demand they bring that egg thing along, "No prob, Gak. You wanna keep your fun carrying case, it's chill. Creepy, go get it?" The massive mutant lumbered into the truck to collect the containment object while that sewer grate opened wide like a dark mouth. Els would lead the way, descending into the darkness with the others by snagging the ladder and just sliding down. The stench would immediately hit and waft but it didn't even affect the main posse anymore. You got used to it. Letting Blister lead the way, she'd wait patiently for Cadmus before pressing forward, "Alright we got a bit of a walk ahead of us but I don't think you'll care so much when we get in. We'll get you a shower, food.. clothes.. the whole nine yards ok?" Lips creased down, glancing back to Cadmus with a chuckle, "So.. what's this other version of me like? And the people you kept talking about? Them too."
As he raved on with the bit about the sewers and took a verbal swing at her friend, the mutant in question would gently chime in, "Hey... that's not nice!"
"Creepy, please. It's ok he's just confused and probably a bit anxious." As Cadmoose took his time to process a bit more, hands went to hips slowly and the blonde would exhale slowly.. but then he was agreeing with the demand they bring that egg thing along, "No prob, Gak. You wanna keep your fun carrying case, it's chill. Creepy, go get it?" The massive mutant lumbered into the truck to collect the containment object while that sewer grate opened wide like a dark mouth. Els would lead the way, descending into the darkness with the others by snagging the ladder and just sliding down. The stench would immediately hit and waft but it didn't even affect the main posse anymore. You got used to it. Letting Blister lead the way, she'd wait patiently for Cadmus before pressing forward, "Alright we got a bit of a walk ahead of us but I don't think you'll care so much when we get in. We'll get you a shower, food.. clothes.. the whole nine yards ok?" Lips creased down, glancing back to Cadmus with a chuckle, "So.. what's this other version of me like? And the people you kept talking about? Them too."
Was not usually a nice guy, and he certainly didn't think a guy named Creepshow would really care about him being nice or not. Then again, maybe he shouldn't have judged too quickly. Not that he really seemed to care.
He had other issues to deal with first...
He'd watch as egg was retrieved and... well, he followed Elsa. Turning his nose a little as the grate was opened and though it certainly wasn't pleasant... Cadmus had some sewer experience prior to this and managed to deal with it.
"Greaaaat. Sewer feet. Wonderful. Just... Just, well, excellent." He muttered as he trudged through the sewers, sticking close to the group.
When Elsa began to ask questions, he'd let out a sigh.
"Yeah, the other version of you. C'mon, now." he'd roll his eyes again, eventually deciding to just go along with it. What the heck, not like they had much else to talk about... It wasn't as though he'd awoken to some kind of hellish future or anything...
"Fine. You're alright. Little annoying but RJ likes you so I kinda gotta. Like I said before, I don't think I really have a problem with you."
He'd stop for a second, shrugging before continuing on behind them, "Aside from, y'know, when you attack me."
He had other issues to deal with first...
He'd watch as egg was retrieved and... well, he followed Elsa. Turning his nose a little as the grate was opened and though it certainly wasn't pleasant... Cadmus had some sewer experience prior to this and managed to deal with it.
"Greaaaat. Sewer feet. Wonderful. Just... Just, well, excellent." He muttered as he trudged through the sewers, sticking close to the group.
When Elsa began to ask questions, he'd let out a sigh.
"Yeah, the other version of you. C'mon, now." he'd roll his eyes again, eventually deciding to just go along with it. What the heck, not like they had much else to talk about... It wasn't as though he'd awoken to some kind of hellish future or anything...
"Fine. You're alright. Little annoying but RJ likes you so I kinda gotta. Like I said before, I don't think I really have a problem with you."
He'd stop for a second, shrugging before continuing on behind them, "Aside from, y'know, when you attack me."
"Mmm yeah.. you don't ever really get used to it. We'll get you a set of hydrophobic kicks too. We got a buddy down under that can do that to stuff.. they're really cool people." As they turned down the narrow passages, listening to the sound of that murk and mire flowing through the systems, it was the mention of RJ that had her brows raising. "...RJ? I don't think I know an RJ..." Lips twisted into that frown, rubbing the back of her head to try and see if she remembered anyone by those initials, "...This person liked me? Man, sucks to be him. Only person I ever formally dated was Remy and-- pft hahah.. that went up in flames."
Shrugging her shoulders again at the comment about attacking him, "I said sorry man, don't live in the past! Come on, we gotta turn here."
The collection of Morlocks turned through the twists, halting only momentarily at a steep slope that descended further into the darkness. Elsa would station her feet, holding out hand to help Cadmus down so that he didn't just slip into all the muck. Only once their feet hit a solid, level platform of ancient pavement did they keep walking.. and to Cad's surprise he'd see a rather well lit section of maze-like ruins. The Trenches were unforgiving to those who didn't know the lay of the land but the group easily navigated the area.
"Welp, Cadmus. Welcome to The Undercity." Ancient buildings, some even appearing to have this bizarre futuristic touch, littered the streets and areas of the underground city. Morlocks milled about, some working on construction while others just seemed to be bustling about going along their regular lives. Elsa herself would wander through the neon specked streets of their underground city and wandered into Duffy's Hutch. Drunk people hung around but otherwise the group went unbothered, some lifting hands to greet the collection as Els guided the way through the back. It didn't take long to lead Cadmus to a residential zone and she'd stop in front of an apartment complex, "This is the building where I live. I'll let you stick around until I can get you your own place- assuming you even wanna stick around."
Shrugging her shoulders again at the comment about attacking him, "I said sorry man, don't live in the past! Come on, we gotta turn here."
The collection of Morlocks turned through the twists, halting only momentarily at a steep slope that descended further into the darkness. Elsa would station her feet, holding out hand to help Cadmus down so that he didn't just slip into all the muck. Only once their feet hit a solid, level platform of ancient pavement did they keep walking.. and to Cad's surprise he'd see a rather well lit section of maze-like ruins. The Trenches were unforgiving to those who didn't know the lay of the land but the group easily navigated the area.
"Welp, Cadmus. Welcome to The Undercity." Ancient buildings, some even appearing to have this bizarre futuristic touch, littered the streets and areas of the underground city. Morlocks milled about, some working on construction while others just seemed to be bustling about going along their regular lives. Elsa herself would wander through the neon specked streets of their underground city and wandered into Duffy's Hutch. Drunk people hung around but otherwise the group went unbothered, some lifting hands to greet the collection as Els guided the way through the back. It didn't take long to lead Cadmus to a residential zone and she'd stop in front of an apartment complex, "This is the building where I live. I'll let you stick around until I can get you your own place- assuming you even wanna stick around."
Cadmus slowed his pace as RJ's name came up again, "Well, it's more than liked... he..."
He'd freeze. What did she just say? Was she? Did she?
Arms would fold across his chest, "Dude, don't even joke like that."
That ol' cajun swamprat was not someone Cadmus overly respected. He always thought the guy was kind of a creep... And he also had some amount of understanding of Elsa's history with the guy. But this? Surely even she wouldn't joke about something like that. Just... weird. And he'd just seen a bunch of floating junk in the sky.
He'd try to scrape that image from his memory banks as they approached the Undercity, more than a little relieved that he was finally out of the muck and back onto solid ground. Eyes took in the new sights and sounds, though he wouldn't seem overly impressed.
"Well, I'd love to be a little more enthusiastic about the idea but... I mean, if you got a shower down here then I guess that works good for me." He wasn't too keen on the whole sticking around thing... but if everything she'd been telling him was actually true... where else did he have to go?
He'd freeze. What did she just say? Was she? Did she?
Arms would fold across his chest, "Dude, don't even joke like that."
That ol' cajun swamprat was not someone Cadmus overly respected. He always thought the guy was kind of a creep... And he also had some amount of understanding of Elsa's history with the guy. But this? Surely even she wouldn't joke about something like that. Just... weird. And he'd just seen a bunch of floating junk in the sky.
He'd try to scrape that image from his memory banks as they approached the Undercity, more than a little relieved that he was finally out of the muck and back onto solid ground. Eyes took in the new sights and sounds, though he wouldn't seem overly impressed.
"Well, I'd love to be a little more enthusiastic about the idea but... I mean, if you got a shower down here then I guess that works good for me." He wasn't too keen on the whole sticking around thing... but if everything she'd been telling him was actually true... where else did he have to go?