Exoskeleton - IC

Subject: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 2:53 am

Exoskeleton

"You have been chosen to be a scavenger, young heroes. You are our future and our survival. You are our Hope."

Link to OOC: https://roleplex.rpg-board.net/t226-exoskeleton-arachnophobia-at-a-whole-new-level-ooc

Now, if you do not know the origin or story of Exoskeleton, please read the OOC. Thank you.

You know the rules... Now get started.
I will start:

"As Harrison exited through the sewer lid that lead in and out of Utopia, there had already been several more people leaving. They each climbed out one at a time. He squinted as the light from the sun burned his eyes. He forced himself onto the hot ground, and the grey rocks burned his skin. He stood up, and looked around. No creature in sight.

Then he heard it. The buzzing. It was subtle at first, just a ring in his ear. But then it got louder, and louder, and louder. They all turned towards the noise. It looked like a cloud at first, but then it began to become more clear. Mosquitoes. They all began to run as the flying insects began to move, inch by inch, closer to them."

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 5:53 am

Serenity climbed above ground from Hope, squinting as the sun shone at her face. She tugged at the red ribbon holding back her dirty blonde hair in a loose braid. She kept a tight grip on a backpack strap, the item flung ocer one shoulder and another hand on her dagger. Serenity had a glock 26- which held only a few rounds- that was fastened to her belt. She looked around, expression unimpressed.

Her voice was quiet and soft, sadness evident as she said to no one in particular, "this is a giant graveyard." Serenity sighed as she took a step forward, looking around the waste land. She had heard of stories of how people changed after coming above ground- she heard that in Rattown there is a guy with a gas mask and messed up emotional state from it. She had heard even more of deaths in this land. She didnt want to die, of course, and would try not to, but Serenity felt like this trip for food was a dead man's job.

Serenity began walking farther forward, unsure of where she was going. How did she get ahold of food, anyways? How much food is enough? Serenity turned to look at everyone in the Hope group, eyes still squinting as they were accustomed to a life underground. Her boots kicked up a cloud of dirt, as if bored. Serenity spoke up, voice now holding no emotion. "Anyone know where we can go?" Serenity did hope that not everyone in the group of Hope citizens were newcomers. If there were some people who had been above ground before, maybe they could help an things would go a lot more smoothly. She might even survive this mess.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 2:19 pm

One of the scavengers of Utopia was too slow, and the mosquitoes eventually caught him. One bite was all it took. The blood drew the pack. The whole swarm of mosquitoes stopped the chase and literally ate the boy alive. Harry didn't even know his name. He kept running, only to hear the screams of the stranger who was being torn to pieces. He realized that this would be a lot harder than he thought.

The rest of the scavengers went to the east, but Harrison took to the north. He thought that if he went a different way than all the others, maybe he would find more supplies.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 2:36 pm

Mouse slowly climbed up the metal bars and out of the manhole cover that marked the exit of Rattown. She crawled away from the edge of the dark hole, and rose up to her feet, slowly looking around as her clothing rippled in the wind. Everything was the same, but there were also obvious changes, from two years ago. The land in the immediate vicinity was nothing but a barren desert, the death of plants leaving no roots whatsoever to hold the soil in place. Much had eroded away into dust, and the passage of time was marked only by the shifting dunes, trails of the sand blowing away into the wind. Ruins of structures sometimes rose out of the ground, punctuating the landscape, great heaps of metal that had corroded until it had no value as salvaged material. It was everything Mouse remembered, quiet desolation she thought she would never again be forced to suffer. However, fate had been cruel, and two years after surviving on the surface, after nobody had volunteered to take her place, she had been chosen randomly a second time, out of many others. It had made her heart sink, but she would not give up her life so easily. This time, she would use what she had learned, and she was prepared to face this strange, hostile world.

Blinking once, the only part of her face visible large, dark eyes, surrounded by skin that was fair, but marred by scars, she looked over her shoulder, to ensure none of the others would follow her, and proceeded to walk away from the pit in the ground. She would not linger here, for every moment she spent around newcomers would endanger her own safety. They were loud, and some wore colors that tragically stood out against the sand and dust. Some moved too suddenly, and all humans were regarded as prey to the things living here. Mouse knew insects, and so she had done everything to disguise herself, to make it so that she blended almost perfectly with the dominant landscape. She knew their compound eyes, and how they perceived things around them. Mouse would not let them see her as anything more than another cloud of sand, for everything she wore blended.

Going by the position of the sun, Mouse had a sense of direction, of where she was supposed to go. Deciding to venture away from the others, she chose to go west, and moving steadily, quickly re-gaining the balance on the sand that she thought she had lost a long time ago, she vanished among the dunes, her fading shape the only aspect of her that the others exiting the manhole cover saw. They could choose to follow her, or go with the others, but Mouse did not want them to try. Newcomers knew little firsthand about this place, and some things simply could not be learned unless you experienced them yourself.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 8:50 pm

And so the games began.

Few lived to tell the tales that shrouded the infamous wasteland that was the over world. Ripe with danger, creatures were there to kill you at every turn. Each with it's own set of weapons that can kill you in several different ways. However, few of even the most experienced scavengers who came to the over world now had seen everything it had to offer. If it did, they would probably not be alive. Mouse, while obviously very experienced in the art of evading the enemy, which was the best way to stay alive, (As engaging an enemy means a likely hood of injury) was one of those who had not seen all of what the new world had to offer.

And so even some of the most dangerous predators kept their distance from their would be prey. Few creatures were in a specific area, for a reason unknown to those coming up. They had fled the area like pidgins would when a hawk flew overhead. Except these pidgins have razor sharp mandibles and venom and strength and armor. Nothing should be able to act as a deterrent to such dangerous adversaries.

Should.

It was very large, but it was like a desert dwelling crocodile. The toes and fingers on it's limbs were built like a Shovel-Snouted lizard's, which it could have very well have been before it mutated. They were fringed, and allowed it to almost 'swim' through the sand, or dig rather efficiently. It's eyes and noes were positioned on top of it's head like a crocodile's, and it's coloration was like that of a sun colored rock, which matched the desert sand very well. It was burrowed underneath the sand and in wait, in almost a sleep like mode, it's breathing was very slow and it's eyes were closed. However, this trance was broken when it felt vibrations in the sand. It didnt move, but felt carefully, sensing the vibrations in the area. When the vibrations were strong enough it opened it's eyes to see. None would notice such a small movement, as most people saw what they wanted to see, and nobody would take more the a quick glance at when seemed to be a few rocks.

It's eyes were complex, and were elliptical like that of a venomous snake, but they had intelligence in them. It's head was nearly three feet long, and was anchored by a powerfully muscled neck. It's jaws were built to penetrate the armor of the creatures it hunted. It was very large, much larger than most species of insect. However, it was not arachnid nor arthropod. It was covered in brown scales that matched the color of the sand. It had four powerfully built limbs. It's hind legs more muscled than the front pair, giving it the ability to run on it's hind legs alone. It watched as the familiar shape pass by. He had seen it several times before, and his master had always been pleased with him when he brought one or two to him. He hadnt known why though. Once the shape had passed, his head rose from the sand. The previously normal few rocks that poked out under the sand revealed themselves to belong to one of the behemoths of the desert. It rose from the sand, it's powerful hind legs pushing it's weight up and off the group like pistons. Sands fell all around it as it shed it's expertly dawned cloak. Behind it rose a long and muscular tail which was built both for balance and for whipping like that of a monitor lizard's.The girl had passed it without noticing, but unlike the insects her clothing was built to trick, it was not as easily fooled.

The reptile placed it's front legs on the ground and began to move after the girl, catching up rather quickly, as it's build was rather dexterous. When is was close to the girl it stood up on it's hind legs, rearing up above it's item of interest. It's large body cast a shadow over the girl, darkening her and the area around her. It would be an impressive sight, as the creature was tall enough in this position to block out the sun, creating an eclipse like scenario. It made no noise, but watched the girl silently, to see what she did next. It was unfamiliar with her intentions once she saw it. It knew first hand that these two legged apes could be both kind and murderous. It's scared and missing eye was proof of this. But it would remain optimistic until given a reason otherwise. It was big enough to survive whatever the being below it could throw at it. So without reason to attack yet, why would it?

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 9:28 pm

As a shadow cast itself over Mouse and much of the surrounding area, she turned, and gave a startled gasp at what she saw, her right hand going to her satchel and grabbing the hilt of her dagger, though she didn't pull it out. It was merely a reflex, and being extremely cautious, aware that being injured in this place could spell the end of her, examined the creature, first, and slowly backed away from it, using the same calm, careful pace that she always used. A somewhat small relief, the creature was not a bee or other flying insect, swooping down to devour her. It was a large reptile, and, for whatever reason, it looked at her in an almost expectant way, as though waiting to see what course of action she took. For whatever reason, it did not attack, and forcing herself to relax, Mouse released her dagger, and raised her hands, palms out, to the creature, hoping to avoid provoking it in any form or fashion. Unlike insects and arachnids, which relied on main nerve clusters to power thought, reptiles had developed brains, and a greater degree of intelligence, which she could see lit the beast's single good eye. It was far from mindless, and as it had not attacked her, Mouse did not want to harm it, either.

She backed away until she was out of the creature's shadow, and then stopped, but the entire time, said nothing. She could speak to it, if she wished, but reptiles could not reply, and words carried on the wind could attract other creatures. More often than not, the creatures that sounds attracted were hungry, and even now, in the presence of a formidable beast that could probably defeat insects and arachnids with ease, she did not want to attract any predators. So the silence remained, just Mouse, the reptile, and the desolate sound of the wind as it whipped the sand away from the dunes. She lowered her hands and kept them at her sides, her eyes simply watching what it would do. To flee quickly would not matter, nor would trying to hide from the advanced elliptical irises, and the intelligent mind that could discover her sanctuary with ease. Mouse could only hope that it would not see her as food, though the least to say, its behavior was strange.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:58 pm

Harry trudged through the wasteland, but the wind was getting stronger. As if it was urging him to turn back. He was just about to listen to the wind's calls when, he saw it. A skyscraper. The wind was thick with dust so he could not see it at first, but it was clearly visible now. It was less than 80 meters away, and a huge shadow overcast Harry's small figure. He pushed himself through the torrent winds, and eventually reached the tall building. The door was made of glass, and was broken. It was partly buried so you could not see the metal bottom. He climbed in through the broken glass, and it seemed as if the wind stopped. The chandelier hanging sideways from the ceiling swung side to side. It was dark, but still light enough to see. He looked around. It was a lobby for a hotel, but of course he didn't know that. He didn't even know what a hotel was.

There were several couches, all centered around a coffee table with a television with a broken screen hanging from the wall. He had seen a TV before, only rich people had them working. They were all over the scrap yards, however. There was a front desk, with flyers scattered across the marble counter top and the tile floor beneath it. He picked one up. It showed an odd land mass covered in sand surrounded by water, with an odd plant that had a thin brown trunk and very big, flat leaves. It was tilted to the side. He dropped the flyer and moved on.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 2:56 am

Not far from the Mouse and the giant lizard was a small trailer park, almost completely devoid of life. A few stray tumbleweeds rolled across the barren dirt streets, and the wind howled through the windows eerily. A very quiet skittering could be heard, the source of which was a large pillbug, about the size of a cow. Across it lay two saddlebags, one of which was filled with supplies like food and firewood and the other of which held arrows, knives, and a few bullets. Atop the pillbug was a neatly-folded green hoodie. Walking next to the pillbug was a man clad in black jeans and a black jean jacket. A black gas mask shielded his face, and in his right hand was a handgun. At his right was a small skinny brown-haired girl with a bow in her hand. She wore a white tank top and jeans. On her back was a black quiver hanging from a brown leather strap. Hanging from the belt of her jeans were three well-balanced throwing knives. The two people and the bug walked in silence through the desolate trailer park, stopping every time they heard something move. Miranda (the girl) had a downcast look on her face, like she was perpetually depressed. She turned her head towards Edgar and tried to make some sort of conversation.

"So Ed," she said "Um, how's it going?"

"Is this how you're going to get me to talk?" Edgar muttered rudely "By badgering me with useless trivial questions?" Miranda jumped back a step or two as if Edgar's coldness had actually struck her, and was silent for another moment or two.

"I'm just trying to be nice." Miranda muttered sadly "I mean, if we're going to be fighting monsters together for the next year, then we might as well get to know each other better."

"You don't want to get to know me, Miranda." Edgar retorted in an almost monotone voice "My job is to gather supplies and keep you safe. This isn't vacation."

"I know you've got the whole cryptic apocalypse survivor going on, but it wouldn't be bad to know a little bit about each other."

"Like what?"

"Like, what's your favorite color?" Edgar stopped dead in his tracks, and so did the pillbug. He was startled initially by this question; nobody ever really asked him that. It was a trivial question indeed, but it was so uncommon. At first he didn't want to respond, but then he looked over into Miranda's eyes and all he could see was her similarities to Rose. She had the same light blue eyes and tan skin, but Rose's hair was a different style and was black, whereas Miranda's hair was light brown. Their noses were the same, and so were their oftentimes peppy personalities. He was silent for a few more moments, and then began to walk again.

"Olive green." he finally said "What's your's?"

"Violet." Miranda replied. For the first time in a while, she smiled just a little bit. Maybe Edgar wasn't as bad a guy as she thought. "So wha-" she was quieted by a loud "SHUSH!" from Edgar. He held his left index finger to the mouth of his mask, and slowly lowered himself towards the ground.

"Climb up on that trailer behind us." he said "Something's coming." Miranda nodded and grabbed three more arrows from out of the pillbug's satchel. She now had on her ten arrows and three knives. She ran over to the rusting ladder on the side of one of the trailers behind them and climbed it with agility. She crouched on the roof of the park with her bow in her right hand and an arrow in the left. From her higher vantage point, she could see the approaching threat; lumbering one street down from the one Edgar was on was an enormous scorpion. It was at least twenty feet long, with enormous crushing pincers and a long tail that hung high above it, the stinger of which was several feet long.

"It's a scorp." Miranda called down to Edgar.

"Fantastic." he replied "Haven't fought one of them in a while. Bring it over!" The pillbug slowly crawled into an adjacent alley and climbed into a rusted out dumpster to hide. Miranda notched an arrow, pulled back on the bow, and let it fly. The arrow soared through the air and collided with the base of the scorpion's stinger. There was a monstrous roar, and the beast turned around to find the source of the attack. It wound up one of its claws and smashed the trailer separating itself from Edgar into smithereens. The scorpion walked across the base of the destroyed trailer and stared Edgar in the eyes. Edgar drew his blade and gun, and prepared for a fight. Miranda drew another arrow and waited for the fight to begin.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 3:04 am

Baron B. Serrallgin

Spoiler:

The roar of the 500 Magnum.

That deafening boom that makes Baron hear nothing for a few seconds... Something he wishes he didn't have to get used to. He was just selected for the next batch of poor souls from Hope that venture out into the surface to get some supplies from the irradiated wasteland. An operation he likes to call "population curbing!" Because when you send hundreds of people out into the wasteland full of monsters and it's certain that they'll come back in the tens. In short term, you waste a little bit of supplies from all the people that get killed. Long term, it'll be a lot less mouths to feed, so resources aren't a problem. Plus, there's a high chance that someone will loot the dead sap's stuff! So it's a win win. Looking back to Baron first getting selected; it was a truly heart sinking moment. Because he's never expected to be selected for these stupid suicide runs.... Well. He knew there was a chance. With him being a physically fit man that was relatively young and in shape. Which is why, fortunately for him, he tried honing his skills, getting ready for when they come for him. Unfortunately, he's being shipped out to a wasteland full of monsters that want to nom his face off, and he doesn't have a hint of experience with the surface world. So, his odds are uneven as they get. They declined his offer to just shoot him in the head. Because that'll save him a good deal of stress and possibly getting disemboweled by monsters.

So, Baron carried a small arsenal with him, and a very specialized one at that. He wore tactical body armor (For what good that'll do) over his chest with plenty of pockets, with cargo pants on his legs. He wore a brown hooded long-coat/cloak that concealed most of his body. He had on a good gas-mask on his face, since he didn't want to add inhaled deadly toxins on top of his plate. Finally, he had a tactical belt that had all of his weaponry. Baron had plenty of weapons on his belt. Usually he went for the lightweight kind of pistol that he can draw on the drop of a dime and shoot something in the face. He used fancy little revolvers. Because he thought they were bad ass, and had a bit of use. Only problem was that they would be hard to reload on the fly, and were a bit slow. Including his trusty drill. Which he'll use to drill everything in his way.

The lone wanderer walked the wasteland. Looking for something... Someone. Maybe he'll find someone nice to talk to.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 4:01 am

Serenity sighed as no one seemed to reply- probably too busy taking in the surroundings. She still kept a tight grip on her dagger as she began walking, keeping a weary eye out for insects. She decided that if no one else was going to help, she would work on her own. Though it would be nice to have someone with exeperience to help her fight or give her tips, She told herself that she would be fine for now.

As she walked, Serenity picked up a thick stick, fiddling with it before keeping a tight grip on it with the hand opposite the one with teacher dagger. Maybe it could help later.... somehow. She walked on, footsteps slowing as she passed by an old house. A storm was brewing and she needed shelter. It was still somehow standing, though the bricks were coated with dust and grime and all the Windows had shattered. She looked around before stepping through the empty doorframe that had shards of wood splinters around it, signifying that a door had, indeed, once been present before something- whether it be a creature or a storm from mother nature, herself- had beaten it down. The floor was covered in sand, but there was no sound of creaking present so Serenity figured it was safe to walk across.

She examined a few household items- a television that had its screen completely shattered rested on a metal T.V. stand that was coated with dust, it's center bending down from holding so much weight for who-knows-how-long. Serenity looked at it in curiosity before swiping her hand across the stand, a cloud of dust being lifted into the air from the contact and soon disappearing as it mixed with other particles in the air. She wondered what it was like back then- she heard that T.V.s were everywhere before the incident. Serenity's eyes, that were for a moment filled with curiosity, went back to having a sad look to them. She was probably going to die above ground when she hadn't even seen television in action yet. Before being chosen to go above,her dream was to become rich, as many childish dreams involved. Now it was to live, which she would be lucky for if such a case happened. She needed to find a gas mask if she wanted to, also. There were so manyd angers she'd heard of above...

Serenity looked around the front room of the houses, no longer curious after such a thought. What if a creature were here right now? Serenity backed towards the doorway, keeping her back against the wall so that nothing could sneak on her and yet she could still make a break for it through the doorway. She dropped her stick and touched the clock, suddenly anxious. No one was in the house that she knew of, but the girl still felt safer when she heard her voice ring through the house, "Hello? Anyone there?" No insects would reply, of course, but Serenity wanted to ask the question and let it float in the air for her own feeling of security. If there were no creepy casualties, she would search for a mask here.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 4:07 am

Harry began to cough. He knew he had to find a gas mask soon. No one offered him one once they left, so the radiation slowly tore away at his lungs. He climbed up the cement stairs of the skyscraper, and searched every floor for a mask or possibly some food. The first floor has almost all locked doors. One was busted down, as if it had been torn from the hinges. He stepped inside, and found a dust-filled hotel room. It had two king-sized beds, with the sheets torn apart like an animal went through them. It also had a small kitchen with a microwave and an oven, as well as a fridge. He opened up the fridge to reveal a stench and some moldy tomatoes. The fridge must have been off for years. He exited the room through a door that led to the balcony. As soon as he stepped outside the winds nearly pushed him over. He immediately stepped back in and moved on.

Second floor, nearly every door was open. All had the same interior, but some were more damaged than others. Flipped beds, ripped off toilets, etc. He eventually found one room, B10, that's door was closed. He slowly turned the knob and walked in, only to be horrified by the site. A half eaten human corpse, still covered in rotting flesh. Flies the size of Chihuahuas flew off the body to reveal the terrifying look on the bodies face. Harry nearly threw up. He went to the kitchen to search for food. As luck may have it, he found a canister of nuts. Cashews and salted peanuts. He started to eat them ,but then decided to save them for later. He stuffed the small cylinder in his pocket and left.

He continued on through the building, not a gas mask to be found. He headed back down, but realized he could not leave. There was a storm outside. The storms of this wasteland were like sandstorms, only with debris. They were torrent and violent, and nearly unsurvivable. He had heard the stories of the past scavengers. Some of their buddies were lost in these storms, and they had to stay inside. So he did. He went to floor three, with the only untouched bed in the whole complex, and slept as the winds tore at the windows.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 6:19 am

It had been a quiet day so far. No attacks, no other people. The former was unusual, but the day was far from over. Bugs were the most plentiful creatures on planet before the apocalypse, and they still are. Just now they were also on the top of the food chain, and humans are not. For this reason Xena kept her eyes and ears peeled, trying to detect any danger the trailer park might offer. She was leaning against a motor home, scanning left and right. Beside her was Lance, who was occupied with the fuel line. If they were lucky one of the trailers would have some in the tank. The two of them were several rows down from Edgar and Miranda and didn't hear anything until the fight broke out.

Xena tapped Lance on the back. "We got company." Before scrambling up the side up the vehicle without use of the ladder. From over the top she could see a boy and a girl locked in combat with a scorpion. It seemed like they were in trouble, especially if they didn't have something that could piece it's carapace. The bow that the girl had would likely have to be aimed at a joint, eye, or the mouth to do any damage. There was something strange she felt, hard to explain, almost like deja vu. For some reason she felt that they should help them. She let go and dropped back down to the ground. "There's two young scavengers tangling with a scorpion. I could use some more venom for my weapons, I'm all out." This was true, but she didn't say her real reasoning. Lance probably wouldn't understand.

Her blades made no sound as she drew them from the sheaths on her back. Their carbon steel blades glinted in the harsh light. Without waiting for a response Xena rounded the corner and rushed at the scorpion from behind. She didn't bother looking behind her. There was no doubt that Lance would be hot on her tail, and with his flamethrower quite literally. Her mind was focused and ready to strike the moment she got in range. It's moments would be predictable, and it's armor not too much hindrance for her master crafted swords. If it was a fight they couldn't finish, she would have turned tail instead of rushing in.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 6:34 am

Lance was having no luck with getting any fuel from the trailer. Empty, all of them he thought to himself. At least it was quiet today, almost too quiet. But the quiet did mean that he was able to stop and look for fuel and rest without as much worry about getting attacked by the bugs.
Then Xena tapped him on the shoulder and announced that they had company. So much for a quiet day he thought as he sighed. He put away the hose he was using to siphon the gasoline and took out his shotgun, cocking it as he did so.
Shotgun at the ready, he ran after Xena. If it wasn't for the poison, he probably would've protested. After all what did he care about the scavengers? It wasn't like he owed them anything, in fact they might try to take their equipment.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Sun Dec 15, 2013 12:12 pm

Serenity waited. And waited. There was no reply. She felt her muscles relax as she picked up her stick and began looking through the house for a gas mask. She didn't think that many people in the past had gas masks, so she was hoping that whoever once lived here was overly-cautious. That would be nice. She walked through the house, trying to think of where someone would keep such an item. She eventually walked into one of the bedrooms of the house.

The bed was no longer useable, it's center completely caved in by time except for metal springs sticking out from the furniture. Serenity got on her hands and knees and looked under the bed, coughing a little. Her mom and dad keep their important things in boxes under their bed, so maybe the concept hadn't changed. Serenity was rewarded with a metal briefcase that held a metallic shine to it. She opened the item to find... papers that had been yellowed with age. She picked up on, and it's edges crumbled from the contact. The center was still in tact, however, and Serenity was able to read the paper. It was speaking of a nuclear factory being built in 2015- old New. News everyone obviously knew.

Scowling, Serenity walked over to the closet, swinging open a door. She looked down at the deteriorating cardboard boxes that were all cluttered in a pile on the floor of the closet. Why not look in it? Not like it would change anything. She moved away all the cardboard boxes,noting that all of them were empty. She made it to the bottom of the pile and held back a scream. A corpse lied there, gas mask on, with its rotting flesh still present. The dry air had somehow mummified and hid it from the insects. Then the smell that the cardboard boxes had hidden hit her. She moved away, gasping for air and holding her nose as the smell of rotting flesh entered the ait before glancing bask at the corpse. It would be so easy to get the gas mask... She winced at her own idea. No, that was inhumane. But above ground wasn't humane.

Serenity reached forward and grabbed the gas mask, fastening it from the corpse's head. It's jaw fell off as she did so. How disgusting. Serenity examined the gas mask once she had it in her grasp. A Half-Life. She examined the brand title. MSA Elite. She heard those were good. Serenity whipped off the incident with her jacket sleeve before looking at the mummified corpse, tears falling. "I'm sorry," her voice cracked. She slipped on the mask and instantly felt relief on her lungs.

Serenity could still hear the winds outside as the storm raged on. Serenity walked into the hallway and rested her back against the wall at the very end of it, tears still falling from sadness and hopelessness. She was still worried of creatures and people that actually lived above. She had heard that they weren't very helpful. Then again it could just be a rumor.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:36 pm

The reptile's eye darted to the area where the girl went. The hilt of something, it looked like a smaller version of it's master's silver claws. Perhaps this girl had a smaller claw herself? She was obviously female, and much younger than his master. Perhaps the silver claws came with age? Or was it in males only? It did not know. It relaxed slightly as the girl's movements became slower and more fluid. Sudden movement put any predator on edge. It cocked it's head to the side in confusion when the girl raised her arms up, her palms first, and backed away. What did she think he would do?

The creature fell from it's upright position, using it's for legs to catch itself and land softly in the desert sand. It leaded it's head in, and stuck it's snout mere inches away from Mouse's abdomen. It breathed in from it's nostrils taking in her scent. It's body vibrated, and a deep sound emanating from within it's chest. It retracted it's head, only to move it around Mouse again, nudging her back forward, as if telling her to follow it. It's motions however, were frozen as it heard the roar of an arthropod in the distance. It made a half snarl, before pushing Mouse once again. It couldnt fight the scorpion now, even though it was hungry. For now it would have to get this girl to Jedidiah. It could worry about the Scorpion later. And so the reptile nudged Mouse again, silently communicating for her to follow it. It was intelligent enough to try to communicate with those who could understand, but those who could understand didnt always do so. But it would try it's best to help in any way it could.

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He watched. He always watched. He was never the smartest, or the fastest, or the best fighter, but he was good at listening and watching. He was a very large man, and his skin was deeply tanned and scarred, the polar opposite of this girl who was small and had very pale skin. He had witnessed people survive the insects but die at the hand of the environment, who was the most dangerous of serial killers. The mask on his face was ominous, the black eye holes had seemed completely empty devoid of life. But he had an aura of patience around him. He had kept quiet at first when he heard a voice. He did not speak often. Speaking was a hinderance. He did not use his ability to speak regularly. Actions spoke louder than words anyway, as his one eyed friend had learned. Normally, he would have left by now like a desert ghost, like the hermit he was, and disappeared. But this girl... she would need help. The way she spoke out to see if anything was there... If it were anything or one else but him she might be dead right now.

He knew how the girl felt. He probably felt even worse. Having lived for so long above ground. The very air, arid as it was, was heavy. In the parts of town where many buildings rose from the ground, where skyscrapers knifed into the sky occupied with man eaters rather than the men themselves, he felt heavier, older. He had found a few newspapers, filled with pictures where people filed through the streets like it was nothing. Now it was a Catch 22 just trying to cross a block in the daylight. He wondered what it was like then. He knew he had been alive during that time, but he was too young to have remembered. He at least hoped that was the case at least. He couldnt remember a lot of things. What kid of son didnt remember his mother's name? Didnt remember what city he was from? He guessed he was, at least. He stepped out into the hall, his movements slow and with purpose. They made little to no sound, and eventually he stood at his full height in the middle of the hallway, unnoticed. He would wait for the girl to look his way. He had waited much longer durations of time before. He could wait for her to see him.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Mon Dec 16, 2013 10:17 pm

The scorpion lunged at Edgar with its massive right claw, hoping to crush him before a fight could break out. Edgar, though, was not an assailant you could simply swipe at once and kill. He waited until the last moment and vaulted the creature's claw, rolling over it with grace. The scorpion caught Xena out of the corner of its eyes and swung at her with his enormous tail, hoping to swipe her out of the way. An arrow whizzed towards the scorpions face and shot it in one of its eyes. The monster roared and reared up on its back four legs. Edgar sprinted towards one of the legs still on the ground and swiped at one of its joints with his machete. The blade cut cleanly through the scorpion's leg, causing it to slowly begin to tip over. The scorpion roared out loud and fell onto its right side. It was practically vulnerable to any crushing blow right now. Edgar saw the newcomers before he could strike and froze. Other scavengers were never a good thing to find out here, especially ones like these two who obviously knew what they were doing. Miranda gasped and pulled back her bow, aiming her next arrow not at the now-defenseless scorpion, but at Lance. If the newcomers attacked, she'd let the arrow fly, whether it meant this man's death or not. Of course, something in the back of her head challenged this, saying that she could never end a life even if she had to in order to save Edgar, but she tuned that voice out for the time being. In her time up on the surface, Miranda had learned that a conscience wasn't always a good thing to have.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Mon Dec 16, 2013 11:18 pm

Sserenity had her eyes closed, sucking in air through the mask designed to cover only half of her face. She wasn't goin to live- the thought kept going through her mind. What is the likelihood of serviving? Close to none. Likelihood of finding food? Better, but still low. She remained in her position, back pressing her backpack against the wall, before Finally opening her eyes. A dark figure loomed in front of her.

Serenity's eyes whidened in surprise and she held in a scream when her mind processed that it wa a human before her. Gas masks were going to take some getting used to. Her new one showed her eyes, but the one the man before her was wearing seemed a bit freaky to her. At least she thought it was a gas mask... He was larger than her an more tanned... Obviously he had been above ground longer than her. She hadn't even realized until that moment that she had instinctively readied her dagger when she noticed the figure before her. Serenity lowered her hand and her eyes turned back to their normal sad expression.

"I'm sorry," she began slowly. Serenity waited a moment before continuing, hesitant, "who are you? Are you going to kill me?" She had to include the last question- she was scared of death and not ready for it to claim her, but ever expecting it, so she was afraid yet expecting the person before her to become cold blooded. She had heard of people going nuts from the above ground experience and murdering others.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Tue Dec 17, 2013 2:04 am

Xena was almost within melee range when the scorpion lashed out with it's tail. However, scorpion tails only move fast one way. When their striking. It was poorly suited for attacking someone in her position. She dove out of the way, while forcefully connecting her left katana with the joint of the farthest segment. A bluish liquid splashed came forth as it's stinger came clean off with ease. She kicked it back towards Lance, but not so it was in his way. Now that she had what she came for they could have just backed and let the the young scavengers finish it off themselves, but there was still a scrap of honor left in her, and the feeling from earlier. It was unlikely that Lance would question their further involvement in the heat of battle, so she continued. She leaped forward, landing directly behind the creature. Her momentum and weight was used in a chopping attack, her swords coming down on the back legs on either side of it's body simultaneously.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Tue Dec 17, 2013 2:07 am

Mouse was still perplexed by the reptile's behavior, and tensed again when it brought its snout within inches of her, sniffing, taking in her scent. However, when it proceeded to nudge her, the weight shoving her slightly, forcing her to catch her balance, she realized it didn't seem to behave in a hostile manner, though the sound of an arachnid predator nearby, which sounded like a scorpion, alarmed it. The nosing behavior seemed to be an attempt at communicating, and when it began to move to walk somewhere, she got the distinct sense that it wanted her to follow it. Not wanting to anger it, or for whatever reason, seem rude, Mouse began to follow it. She was sent to the surface to gather supplies, but overall that wouldn't serve much purpose, if she were dead in the first place.

She would follow it wherever the reptile wanted her to go, it wasn't acting threatening, and in many ways, seemed tame, and familiar with humans. It was still a wild animal, but this beast did not want to readily attack her. That much would mean it had her trust, until it did something that might change her opinion of it. It was quite a strange thing, but it fit on the surface. A gigantic reptile leading a girl who in many ways seemed to belong to the surface world, for her silence fit it well.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Wed Dec 18, 2013 12:22 am

Lance caught up to Xena in time for her to leap behind the scorpion. Time to lower the bug's numbers by another one he thought. He aimed his shotgun at the creature's head and squeezed the make shift secondary trigger. Flames of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit shot out from the under barrel flamethrower onto the scorpion's face. If the scorpion was like a regular scorpion, this would ignite its eyes, the flesh of its mouthparts, and the tiny hairs covering its mouthparts and body.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Wed Dec 18, 2013 2:55 am

Baron B. Serrallgin.

The bullets were calling to Baron, the more he heard, the faster he went.

Given that he had the slightest clue of what's going on, he would have thought to take it slow. He drew the Magnum he had kept by his side, and kept it clenched tightly with both hands. In case anything pops up, he'll blast it's head wide open. He passed through alley-way between houses, and came in sight of the group of Edgar, Miranda, Xena and Lance. These people were fighting a scorpion, something like that. One of them even had a f*cking flame-thrower, and it looked quick effective. It was the perfect opportunity - Not a soul had noticed him yet. Baron could easily kill all four of them merely because he has the element of surprise (And steal their stuff). But, he knew that plan had a high margin of total failure. One slip up and he could be fighting a four people he pissed off and a butthurt scorpion... Well, he could wait for a winner to out of the fight before trying to kill them. But, because of flamethrower boy; it looked like the Scorpion was on the losing end. Maybe he can get on their good-side, and help them - Strangers that'll probably murder him! Then again, they're all working towards the same goal in the end. So it might help Baron not get murdered if he works with a group. Baron drew his Smith and Wesson 500 Magnum, and pointed it at one of the scorpion's eyes. However, logic quickly stepped in and told him what would be the smarter thing to do in this situation. "Hey!" Baron made himself known. Since he had a feeling that they might react negatively if he just start shooting from no where. "Need a hand?"

This can go two ways;

They either kick his ass, or they become the best of all friends.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Thu Dec 19, 2013 1:05 am

Well there goes dinner Edgar thought when he saw the scorpion erupt into flames. The monster was dead as a stone. It burned in silence, its shell popping occasionally as its internal organs cooked and expanded. The monster's eyes popped, causing green blood to pour from its sockets. The scorpion's tail flew off when Xena slashed at it and it writhed on the ground a few feet away for a few moments, its nerves still containing a bit of energy. Edgar sheathed his knife but kept the gun leveled at Xena's face. This wasn't his first trip up here, and he was well aware that scavengers would do just about anything to get supplies, even kill other humans.

"We don't want any trouble." Edgar said, his gun still raised "We don't have any supplies. Do not attack us." Miranda felt a familiar nudge at her side, and saw in her peripheral vision that Bob the pillbug was now laying on its belly next to her; the creature held all of their supplies in the saddlebags on its sides. Miranda still had an arrow pointed at Lance's chest. She didn't trust these newcomers for a single second. Hopefully they wouldn't recognize her so that she could ambush them if they attacked Edgar. The longer she held that arrow, though, the tighter her hands got on the bow. These newcomers weren't bugs like the other things she'd shot; they were people just like herself and Edgar. She wasn't sure if she'd actually be able to kill another human, but she was trying not to think about it. If she concentrated very hard, she could make out the eyes of Lance's mask to be the compound eyes of a hornet or a wasp. She focused on this image and could almost see a wasp hovering right there. Infact, if she thought hard enough, she could almost hear that demonic buzzing.

Hovering fifteen feet behind Miranda was a green wasp the size of an eagle. It's stinger glistened in the sunlight and the tip was wet with poison. Bob sensed this but Miranda believed that it was just her imagination projecting the characteristics of a wasp onto Lance. Bob, though, had no way of communicating with Miranda and was not intelligent enough to realize that it should alarm her of the wasp's presence. Wasps presented no inherent danger to Bob because of its hard armor, so he simply laid there staring at the sun, looking like the exact thing that it was; a dumb pack animal.

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Thu Dec 19, 2013 1:31 am

After he had finished off the scorpion, Lance leveled his shotgun at Miranda, who was pointing an arrow at him. He was about to say something to in response to Edgar, but at that moment he noticed the buzzing wasp behind her.
He would've thought nothing of just shooting Miranda and diving out of the way as he pulled the trigger, however the wasp might come after him next. So he yelled out at Miranda "Wasp behind you!"

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Thu Dec 19, 2013 1:50 am

Miranda froze, her arrow still pulled back and the buzzing still in her head. So she wasn't such a great imaginer after all. She slowly started to turn her head, but thought better of it. She didn't believe him, of course. Anyone would make up anything to get a weapon pointed away from them. She was trying to be brave like Edgar was, yet her bravery only amounted to stupidity. Edgar didn't believe them either until the wasp came into view behind her. He moved his pistol from where it was aimed at Xena and fired, blasting the wasp's head clean off. Miranda seized up at the gunshot and heard the sickening smack of the wasp's body hitting the ground. Edgar noticed something, however. That man's voice seemed very familiar. Miranda lowered her bow and placed the arrow back in her quiver. She wasn't going to kill someone who had just saved her life. Miranda looked down at the wasp carcass on the ground and squirmed. She'd never get used to how big these things were.

"Who are you?" Edgar said to Lance, his gun still out but not aimed at anyone in particular "I know you from somewhere."

Subject: Re: Exoskeleton - IC Thu Dec 19, 2013 2:42 am

Harry looked outside the hotel room window. The storm seemed to have stopped. For now. He knew they were frequent, at least that was what he heard from the survivors. He decided to pack up and leave to explore other parts of the barren landscape.

Harrison looked ahead. Nothing but cracked sand and pebbles. Dust blew into his eyes, and he coughed. Not just from the dust, but from the radiation. It could destroy his lungs if he didn't find a mask soon.

He walked for hours. At least, that was what it felt like to him. It wasn't really hours, but the constant pain in his knees and in his lungs was enough to make the stroll feel like an eternity. Eventually, past all the dust, a gas station was visible. He knew them as corner stores, since there was no gas down below. He came up to it and looked around. He tapped the canisters full of gasoline. "What's in these things?" he said to himself. He moved on into the store. All the loot seemed to be behind the desk, as if someone lived here. His jaw dropped. It was a lot compared to anything that the scavengers brought back. Chips with brands he didn't even know about. Soft drinks, which was something completely new to him, and anything else you might find in a corner store.

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