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Post by Wolfie on Apr 22, 2023 18:17:18 GMT -7
Darkness. So much darkness. Her first thoughts, were probably not her greatest ever. Not that she would know for sure. She couldn't remember anything before the darkness. She was sure that there had been a before. She wasn't entirely sure how she knew, but she knew. Not that knowing was helping her in the least, but somehow it felt better than not knowing. As if not knowing would...change something, somehow.
At least now I know there was something else. But...what was it? She could hear the sounds of something nearby. Breathing. Something is breathing. Or, at least it sounds like something is breathing... She wasn't quite sure what it was, but it reminded her of someone else breathing - as if they were nearby, too. Not that she could see them in the dark.
It's not entirely dark though, there's light. Up there. Her eyes had noticed it belatedly, but there was light. Small candles that seemed to be hanging from the walls above and around her. They didn't light up the area at all, providing only a small glow that seemed bleak against the otherwise dark blanket that seemed to cover everything.
There's others here, I think. Maybe others like me? People who don't know...who they are, or where they are? Something about that disturbed her. It made her feel like she should do something, anything, to make sure they were okay. She did the only thing she could think of, deciding to call out to those around her, at the very least. Her voice sounded odd to her own ears, somehow both familiar and unfamiliar in its calm and confident tone."Hello? Is anyone else out there?"
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bird
Chronicler 
Posts: 60
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Post by bird on Apr 23, 2023 12:49:37 GMT -7
It's cold Izumi thought, suddenly awakening to the same unknown environment. She sat still in silence for a moment, thinking about this unusual circumstance before she noticed the presence of someone else around her
There's a person She thought and then rolled her eyes at her own overly straightforward appraisal Are they the one who brought me here? She wondered Wait. Brought me here? Was I somewhere else before? I don't recall... And while she was contemplating this she heard someone call out
"Hello? Is anyone else out there?"
Izumi hesitated to respond but ultimately decided to call back out "I'm here" she reported "But do you know where here is? I don't remember this place... Or much of anything for that matter" She asked deciding to trust the stranger
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 23, 2023 18:25:05 GMT -7
The voice was feminine, or at least she thought it was. It sounded feminine. It sounded...was that scared? Uncertain? She wasn't quite sure. Whoever they were, they seemed as unaware of their predicament as Nym was. Nym. That's my name. Nym. It wasn't much, but it was a start - a step forward compared to where she was before, mere moments ago.
"I'm...not sure. Where we are. I...don't remember where this is, or if I've been here before." She could hear others now, slowly stirring around them - no one else had spoken up, but Nym felt like they were all listening to her, staring at her - or at least in her direction. She couldn't see them, but somehow it felt like they were all looking to her, waiting for direction.
"I think...there must be a way out of here, right? Perhaps a door that leads...out?" Not that she knew where out was, but it had to be better than this place - perhaps somewhere with light, where she could see who else was here with her. With nothing else to do, and no other ideas coming to mind, Nym decided to begin moving.
She stepped carefully, sliding her way across the floor until she felt something solid in front of her - a wall, one of the ones with the candles way up high. "I'm going to try heading out of here...towards where the lights get brighter, over to the left..." She wasn't sure if the others would be able to tell which way was left, but there was definitely an area that appeared brighter than the rest. Hopefully they'd be able to use that as a marker. "Anyone who doesn't want to stay here, should probably come with me. Hopefully...there's a door, or something, over there..."
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bird
Chronicler
Posts: 60
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Post by bird on Apr 24, 2023 9:43:56 GMT -7
Izumi attentively listens to the woman To the left? She stumbles around in the darkness before seeing the faint light she was talking about. She carefully follows along the wall towards the lighter area, and as she progresses she notices something
"...A breeze?" she comments feeling the wind lightly brush against her face "So this probably leads outside" she deduces and then makes a slight bit more haste in her approach, but still staying behind the woman
Should I really be relying on her like this? Not that she isn't trustworthy but it seems unfair to put it on her shoulders if she's in the same predicament as me Izumi silently goes to the wall on the other side of this odd hall and makes haste in progressing forward on her own, she never strays too far from the others though "Be alert, don't rely entirely on others Izumi" She whispers under her breath
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Arrival.
Apr 24, 2023 9:57:43 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by neonannihilator on Apr 24, 2023 9:57:43 GMT -7
As this conversation is happening, Weston is touching the ground and trying to get a general feel of the vibe of the place, trying his best to decipher what these two unknown people are saying.
After realizing his ungloved hand is too cold to feel anything he sits down and focuses on the duo Kneeling relatively close to them well also staying in the shadows trying not to get noticed.
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 24, 2023 10:31:07 GMT -7
There were others, Nym had no doubt about that now. At least one of them was following her direction, possibly more. She still wasn't able to see them, but she could hear them, coming closer to her but not quite bumping into her. Luck, that was. The voice behind her had mentioned a breeze, and Nym was glad she wasn't imagining things - she'd felt it, but had thought maybe it was just her mind playing tricks on her, or making her hopeful of an escape. A breeze means there's an opening, somewhere...or at least, that there's an outside? We just need to find it...
"Yeah, there's definitely a slight breeze...maybe we're getting closer?" She had no idea if they were or not, but she kept sliding forward, careful not to lift her feet too high. The last thing she wanted to do was step on something, or someone. Or worse, step onto nothing. She put that thought aside, deciding she would deal with it if it ever became a problem.
"Did you say something?" The girl - she was fairly certain it was a girl, or at least they had a feminine tone - behind her had said something, but Nym hadn't been able to make out the words. She didn't stop moving, knowing that she was leading them...well, somewhere. Which meant she had to keep leading them. "Oh! The wall feels...different here. Like...wood? Maybe?"
She'd felt the change suddenly, a shift in the feel of the wall. It went from the cold, rough surface, to something more akin to a wooden wall. She wasn't quite sure why or how she knew, but her mind told her it was a difference that reminded her of wood. "I think there's...maybe a door here, or something?"
She ran her hands over the wood, trying to find anything that felt like it would open the door. There. Something...metal? Metallic? Yeah, metallic. It's round...maybe a handle? She wasn't quite sure, but there was something there. She grasped it, giving it a slight tug and feeling it firm up beneath her hand. She paused, realising she had no idea what was on the other side of the door. "I...think I found a way to open it...ready?"
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bird
Chronicler
Posts: 60
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Post by bird on Apr 24, 2023 10:50:46 GMT -7
Izumi makes her way closer to the door by feeling where the breeze is coming from and bumps into the woman "Sorry" she apologises and steps back "Go ahead" Izumi nods at her wait she can't see me She realizes and then sighs at herself "I'm ready. I'd like to get out of this place" she says hoping to get outside of this strange building as quickly as possible.
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Post by liqueur on Apr 24, 2023 16:34:06 GMT -7
Alas, for those who had not the sight to see the stars, nor the hands to grab and pluck them from the sky. How strange their taste, cores of crimson and electric blue and white, all tasting of blood....
Consciousness, like an electric shock. Without pomp or ceremony was Lukas abruptly awake, eyes snapping open and body twisting upright in a single leap, hand going down to his belt for something that was not there. Where.....Was he? Why was he? Was this another mission? What was a mission? Was he assigned to missions, did he obey a superior, what-Wincing at the sudden torrent of thoughts, Lukas compartmentalized them, leaning back and breathing softly until his head cleared. He was slightly thirsty. No physical injuries. No rations. A few silvers, equating to not much at all. Although he could only see darkness, it was oddly comforting to him. Darkness had never been his foe, that he was sure of, although he could not say how he knew. His hearing picked up raised voices off in the distance. Two female. They sounded young, somewhere along his age, maybe a bit younger. Was he young? How old was he again? All he remembered when he tried to concentrate was a dim recollection of a cheap white wax candle, flame sputtering in the gloom....Then nothing.
Frowning, Lukas stretched silently. He was clothed, and would not die of exposure, although he didn't know how he recognized the word or the danger behind it. He had too little information. Cocking his head, he scented a faint breeze. That made him both somewhat less and more relaxed. A breeze meant he would not suffocate in this strange dark room. However, it also meant the outside world. Too many variables. And those two females......He shrugged after a moment's thought. Only certain humans were enemies, and he didn't think those girls were. But how did he know that? Another grimace, at the lack of memories in response, a grey fog inside his head. Instinctively following the wall, he stealthily crept closer towards the breeze and the others, using touch and hearing more than his eyes.
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 24, 2023 21:25:40 GMT -7
Right...I need to open it. It was a simple thought, but as Nym considered the implications, she couldn't help but wonder if it was somehow dangerous. I don't know what's beyond this door. There could be danger. Things waiting to harm us. Or maybe kill us.
She wasn't sure what danger there could be, perhaps some sort of animal, or less friendly people. The thought fluttered through her head, the idea of people killing people. It didn't scare her, like she'd have expected it to do. I should be scared, right? That's the logical thing... So why aren't I?
Before she could consider it too much, there was the sound of movement nearby. Another person, or a few. It was hard to tell in the light. For now, we just need to get out of here...whatever comes next we'll deal with it then.
Taking a deep breath, she placed her grip firmly on the door. "Alright, I'm going to open it. Be ready."
Ready for what? She pulled firmly on the door, something about the ring handle in her hand making her think she needed to pull, rather than push. She was rewarded, almost instantly, for her effort as the light shone in through the opening, blindly bright after the complete darkness. "Wow, that's bright. Oh, wow."
Her eyes adjusted, slowly, to find a staircase before her. It was old, built of stonework and winding upwards and every so slightly to the right, before curving out of sight.
"I guess...we go up?" She didn't look back as she took to the stairs, either ignore of the flow of people her hair left behind her, or not caring. If she'd been more aware, the black and blue suit, skin tight and highly flexible, probably would've given her more pause. But her focus was on the stairway, and more importantly - the possibly exit, and hopefully answers.
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bird
Chronicler
Posts: 60
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Post by bird on Apr 25, 2023 3:49:24 GMT -7
"Of course there's more" Izumi sighs and hastily ascends the stairs now finally catching a glimpse of the woman ahead of her Oh, her hair is purple. Can people have naturally purple hair? Well not that it's any of my business She shrugs and then looks down at her own outfit, a school uniform with a grey cardigan over it I probably shouldn't have gone up the stairs first while wearing a skirt but it's too late to turn back now
She glances back finally catching a glimpse of the others behind her Ah, that's a lot more people than I was expecting she says looking to the 3 or so people behind her and fixing her skirt Whatever, ignore it. Just focus on moving forward, There are more important issues right now She says while expectantly looking to the top of the stairs
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Post by liqueur on Apr 25, 2023 6:41:19 GMT -7
As soon as the female opened the door, Lukas had instinctively slipped back into the welcome shadows, a faint frown of displeasure on his face at the abrupt and searing light. He waited for a few seconds, allowing his eyes to readjust to the new environment, and cast a quick glance around the room for curiosity's sake before turning his attention back upon the others. Were female humans supposed to have purple hair?
She also wore a body-suit that seemed almost like his own, although his was, more wisely, looser to allow for greater mobility, with alternating black and grey that would have blended in well in darkness..But, he supposed, it would have been too much to ask for favorable conditions again. However, the other female seemed to wear a school uniform, although how he knew what that was... Discarding that futile notion, Lukas blinked as the schoolgirl took the initiative to begin climbing the stairs first.
Foolish for her to be the second one in, as her speed was lesser to his. He considered the options, before deciding to slip up the stairs behind the two girls. He didn't want his back wholly unprotected, after all.
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 25, 2023 8:22:07 GMT -7
Two were following her, their footsteps loud against the otherwise quiet air. She could hear others, coming in behind them - slowly, perhaps, but there nonetheless. She didn't bother turning around to look, or didn't want to turn around and look. She was interested to see how many there were, but she also knew that her focus needed to be ahead of them. In case there's any danger. Although, what am I going to do if there is something dangerous. I'm not exactly equipped with anything...I guess I could hit it? Would that do anything? It'll have to, not much choice on that...
"Oh." The word slipped her lips as she exited into a circular room, stone walls surrounded them. It wasn't a large room, barely even ten metres across. It was, however, large enough for the group to fit into without any hesitation. Her quick glance backwards had confirmed that; eleven of them, so far, including what appeared to be a school girl, and older man, and someone who looked dangerous. It was the dangerous looking man that her eyes hovered over, something about him setting off a feeling in Nym's mind. It wasn't that she immediately disliked the man, simply that he stood out to her.
"Well, I guess this is a dead-" No sooner had she begun to speak, than a section of the wall had begun to slide downwards, opening ever so slowly before her eyes. She blinked a couple of times, before realising that the wall was opening to the outdoors. "I guess...this is the way out?"
She had taken only one step before realising there were other individuals in the opening, slowly coming into sight. What are they wearing? Is that...armour? It's silver. And metal...it looks like armour. Why are they wearing armour? And are those...those look like...spears? No, they have blades. Halberds. They're halberds...why do they have halberds? The thoughts rushed through her head as she realised the two armoured individuals had stepped to the side, as if allowing a way for the group to pass through and outwards.
When she took her first steps towards the now-open wall, Nym watched the two for any signs of reaction. She could tell they were, in turn, watching her, but they made no move to stop her. Determined not to look uncertain, she passed through and out onto... Is this a balcony? No, it's a part of...a tower? This is a tower. We were inside a tower. What is going on here?
The thoughts ran through her mind even as she glanced out towards a wide open valley, the sun high in the sky and illuminating the tall grasses, the mountains surrounding it all...and in the distance, what appeared to be a city surrounded by tall stone walls. "Where are we?"
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Arrival.
Apr 25, 2023 8:35:11 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by liqueur on Apr 25, 2023 8:35:11 GMT -7
When part of the wall retracted, Lukas' face did not show any sign of surprise, although a faint wariness entered into his distant grey eyes as he saw the soldiers. Immediately, he thought them.. Primitive. Their armor is bulky and relies upon overlapping metallic plates. Hadn't he seen some of them before, though...? He could not recall. However, they were most certainly the most dangerous humans he'd seen so far.
Rather than follow directly after her, however, he continued to appraise the two soldiers. For soldiers they undeniably were. At length, he opened his mouth and spoke in a soft, measured baritone that nonetheless carried a hint of warning.
"Identify yourselves and your rank. What mission were you given?" For, after all, everything had a mission. Everyone was given one. His...He didn't recall..
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bird
Chronicler
Posts: 60
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Post by bird on Apr 25, 2023 8:57:54 GMT -7
"This is ridiculous" were the only words Izumi could muster at the sudden shifting wall with people inside They look dangerous, but they don't seem intent on stopping us She reassures herself and passes by them onto the balcony "This... None of this makes sense" Izumi sighs not being able to make sense of the situation and the drastic change in landscape
I want to go home She whines in her head Though i don't even know where home is She looks out toward the city "I suppose that'd be the best place to head, maybe we can find help" She suggests Help? What for? The memory loss? Well I guess we could at least find shelter She quickly moves on "Is there a way to get down from here?" She asks surveying the balcony looking for some kind of way down
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 25, 2023 10:03:04 GMT -7
"Welcome, welcome. I'm, assuming you have some questions. Well, no time for those now. No time at all. Come with me, if you'd please. I would prefer that you follow...wilingly." The voice came from an individual dressed in dark coloured armour, a chestplate that seemed to carry a collection of minor scratches and scars along its edges, as if well used. "Many questions, many questions...but not for me! I'm just here to guide you. This way, if you'd please. You are a slow lot, that's for sure...come along now!"
The woman turned without another word, heading offer towards the left of the tower and disappearing into the shadows. The sound of her footsteps - hard metal tapping against the stone beneath - seemed to echo ever so slightly against the otherwise quite of the world.
"I would prefer if we weren't late!"
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 25, 2023 10:03:11 GMT -7
Nym had barely enough time to register the words of the other two - both spoke softly, barely above a whisper, but with a varying of tones to them - before another had appeared. A woman in dark armour, who seemed...rather happy? She reminds me of a child. The short brown hair, the slightly shorter height at which they stood...all of it seemed to be reminiscent of a younger girl, and yet there was an air of competence to them. A clear sign that they walked with confidence and awareness of what they were doing - no doubts in their physique or mind.
"Actually I do have a - and she's gone...alright..." The armoured woman had turned and left before Nym could even get her sentence out. Clearly not concerned with their confusion, or their hesitation. Nym turned to the others, her left eyebrow raising in a questioning look. "Any one against following? She seems to know where she's going, which is more than I can say for us..."
She didn't wait for an answer from the others, deciding that she would head down to wherever it was this armoured woman was leading them. If for no other reason than...well, she seemed confident. A confidence that Nym somehow knew meant that no matter what this group ended up deciding, they'd be at this woman's mercy. Hopefully she's merciful and friendly, then...
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Post by liqueur on Apr 25, 2023 10:15:31 GMT -7
Lukas' expresssion tightened imperceptibly as his query was ignored. They were unknown elements. Clearly a component of a trained and existent armed force of unknown origin. He hadn't spotted any insignia or markings to give away any possible denotations.
He weighed his options. Currently he was outnumbered, in unknown territory held by a superior number of unknown soldiers. Without a map, he didn't fancy his chances of resistance. However....He turned his head, settling his gaze upon the two females he'd heard. One of them had something along the lines of training present in their stance. The other seemed to be rather less so.
"Civilians should not be present or engaged in paramilitary operations," He said in a faintly disgruntled tone, before slipping in front of Izumi. Although he still didn't know what mission he had, he knew civilians had to be protected. That, was still clear in his mind.
"They should not be inclined to do undue harm. If so, I will deal with the threat." He assured Izumi, although he knew how hollow the words were. Hollow or not, they were still sacrosanct in their own way. If he would die to give a civilian even a second more life, he would die in the pursuit of duty, which was his ultimate aim...But how did he know that?
A faint frown descended upon his expression, even as he followed after the soldiers, checking to make sure Izumi was still present.
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bird
Chronicler
Posts: 60
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Post by bird on Apr 25, 2023 10:27:27 GMT -7
"What would we be late for?" She ponders aloud "And she seemed to know we were here..." After being stuck in thought for a moment when she sees Lukas step up and reassure her she snaps back to reality "That's certainly reassuring, you have my thanks in advance" She bows her head slightly to him as they follow the knight
Do lots of people come out of this tower? is this a routine thing? Izumi groans now wanting answers more than ever Hopefully she takes us to someone who can give us answers She sticks close behind Lukas and follows quietly
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Post by Wolfie on Apr 25, 2023 13:57:26 GMT -7
Skinsuit - as Nym had suddenly taken to calling him, due to his dark suit that was similar to her own - had begun reassuring the school uniform girl, speaking words that seemed to present an ideology towards protection. It wasn't anything specific that irked Nym, in fact she was glad that someone else was stepping up to offer their services in the protection of the group. It meant she could focus on where they were going, and who they were following.
Not that I've made any headway of real worth in those categories... She glanced around her again, trying to make sense out of the areas they were passing through. They'd left the tower, passing by stones laid out throughout the hill they were now heading down, almost as if they were purposely placed. The entire area seemed cultivated to a degree, controlled and maintained as if someone was coming here regularly. The stones reminded her of something, some thing that she had seen before. A specific place with a designed purpose...
"It's a graveyard." The words had slipped out of her mouth before she could even realise she'd spoken aloud. The brunette ahead of her had turned ever so slightly at her commentary - the first reaction since they'd left the tower. She didn't say anything in response to Nym's spoken phrase, nor did she deign to add her own commentary. In fact, aside from turning her head ever so slightly, she'd barely turned at all. Some guide.
The path led further downwards, twisting out of sight and leading towards what Nym could only assume would be an entryway into the city ahead. It was clear in her mind that they were heading there, although their exact destination was lost to her. Slowly, she let herself drift backwards ever so slightly, coming in line with Skinsuit. She kept her voice low as she passed on her thoughts to him. "We're headed into the city, obviously. I'm counting on you to keep an eye out on my back...and the others."
She didn't motion towards the other eight members of the group. They had followed relatively silently, a few speaking to one another in hushed tones. Most looked like a varying degree of individuals you'd expect to find in public; a few were slim, slender and beautiful. One or two were definitely heavier in build, either fat or muscle hidden beneath shirts. One looked like an utter nerd. A nerd? That's a weird thought...but he does look like someone who you would find reading a book...
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Post by liqueur on Apr 25, 2023 14:27:08 GMT -7
Although Lukas nodded, his expression was guarded as he examined the motley group following behind them. All of them he classified as civilian of one form or another and dismissed. The rather bold female with purple hair, however, he wasn't sure what to make of. She didn't appear to have military training, at least, not any he recognized, but she had also been the most ordered one so far.
As they passed through the graveyard, he made sure to closely examine the terrain, memorizing nooks and crannies in case there was any reason to retreat or advance back to this position. He kept a constant eye on their guide. The fact that they had made no attempts at negotiation or clarification meant that they thought they held absolute advantage. Enough to not bother with notifying them or granting the civilians any amenities.
However....What then did they want to do with them? A gaggle of civilians...And himself. Perhaps they wanted to use the former as leverage over the latter. That would make sense....But then they'd have simply done so right from the get-go. Not for the first time, he wished for his men. Wait, what men?
Another furrowing of the eyebrows for a few seconds, as he tried to recall...But then it was whisked away. Sighing, he set his sights on the path ahead, glancing back to make sure he had track of everyone in the group. The city would make things extraordinarily difficult to oversee.
"Make sure not to leave or break away."
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