Teen Ink
teenink
TeenInk How would you rearrange this old cliche? "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" http://t.co/xTNZxcKYxK
Fri May 24, 2013 10:17am Reply Retweet Favorite
TeenInk "Thinking is the best way to travel." - The Moody Blues http://t.co/5jzE5kVJyB
Thu May 23, 2013 10:55am Reply Retweet Favorite
TeenInk If this is the ending of the story, what is the beginning? http://t.co/gRzPosYXRi
(Carson; I love Nyx, she's great, hehe. It's so funny, though, in this and in AHoE we both (like Leafy) had characters that clashed, it's amusing.)
Tesla: Colorado
A snort escaped Tesla when Nyx dubbed her as "wired/(weird?)". She'd had worse. She pondered Nyx's words for a moment before replying, "Yeah, we could all mesh somehow, or we could all blow up in each others faces."
I guess Nyx isn't all sass and charm.........
"No.....humans aren't that bad." Tesla stared off in the distance as she spoke, "I knew a human once. Jennifer, we grew up together. I didn't have parents, so a Gifted couple and a few others raised me. One of them had a kid, Jen, but she didn't have a Gift. We lived in a neighborhood with a lot of Gifted extremists, they didn't care for humans much. We did our best to keep Jen hidden, or at least make 'em think she had a Gift, just a minor one or something."
Tesla looked down, her fingers picking at the fraying rubber on the steering wheel, "We were both fourteen, I guess someone heard us talking and found out. They just killed her, cornered us when we were out one day. She was part of the reason I joined the fight. This stupid as.s fight."
Tesla fell silent for a moment, then glanced over at Nyx, heat rising in her cheeks. "Sorry, don't know why I said all that." She chuckles self-consciously and changed the direction of the jeep, "But yeah, I guess your right. Maybe we will make something new when we're all together."
((When do you think Chay should wake up and we concious?))
(Haha Nacho, of course Hector has a heart! He's just a tad bit angry right now... And Carson, and can't say that Hector won't enjoy some sucking up XD )
Hector
The longer Leona spoke, the calmer Hector grew. Calmer, but also angrier. She definitely wasn't happy about him using his Gift on her, but he felt no regrets---that's what she got for using her Gift on his own turf against his men. And when she ordered him never to commander her ever again? Well, he nearly laughed. He might not have held some Commander status, but in his mind, people earned their responsibility and his respect, whether they currently had a military status or no.
When she mentioned his education, or lack thereof, in a negative way, his nose flared, but he chose to let the woman continue on with her rant. I might not have trained at the Texas Base, but I raised myself up from the bottom---which is something you can't say you did. Rather, someone else raised you up. And you 'intel' is incorrect, I might add. First, it's not some "personal war"---this has to do with every GIfted person in South America---, and second, I'm not failing, only in a brief deadlock. And, from what I've heard, all you up in North America haven't done anything spectacular recently, either.
But I'll let you finish your speech; I won't return your tactlessness with more tactlessness. You speak of respect, but you don't know the first thing about it. An uninvited visitor should not demand respect from their hosts.
He listened as she ranted on, eyes steely, and when she turned around to leave, he did nothing to stop her. Umbra appeared at his side---she must have been there the whole time, invisible. He didn't mind, though, nor was he surprised. Part of her job was keeping the night's peace. He trusted her, along with everyone else who frequented his morning councils. And most of his people, really.
And that's another thing, Leona. You must have no trust in your own men. Perhaps it's because of whatever the details were with your affair, or perhaps that's just how you people act in the official armies---I don't know. But if I visited Arizona and found out that you kept someone watching me? Why, I can't say I'd be happy about it, but I wouldn't be surprised. Not surprised at all.
"Let her go," Hector said aloud to Umbra, speaking of Leona. It didn’t take him long to figure out what he wanted to do, and now he as in a whirlwind. "For now." He glanced at Snooze, and almost laughed again. Obviously Leona didn't know this kid was one of the people she said she wanted to talk to---if she had, how would she have reacted instead? "I'll give her an hour. If she needs any provisions, send someone to give her what she needs," he continued, glancing back towards Umbra. "If Leona isn't out of here---out of the entire camp---by then, force her away. I don't want her lingering around."
His gaze then landed on the sleeping---were they even conscious anymore?---guards. "Have someone take these two the infirmary, to make sure they're okay. I'm fine. As for Snooze---oh."
Hector paused, feeling the boy grabbing onto his leg, as if squeezing it harder would ebb his anger. (which it didn't). He doubted the kid would ever go sneaking around---that was obvious---, and he also saw that he was bleeding in a few places. Whether it was from Leona pushing him to the ground or perhaps even using her claws, he didn't know, but it only made him more annoyed with the her. Snooze proceeded to blubber something about trying to catch the Rio train, and Hector vaguely wondered why he was trying to leave, but his mind was still largely focused on the other matters at hand.
“I’ll take Snooze to the infirmary,” he continued on to Umbra, his leg stiffening. He still needs to be dealt with. “Send someone to Mauve to get Louis to fix the window.” They didn’t need Leona’s help; Louis had the Gift of repairing objects with his mind. “I’ll tell everyone what happened in the morning council.” Hopefully the rumors won’t go crazy before then. His mind raked through for anything else he could have missed.
“Oh, and send a couple people to follow Leona until she leaves. Unconcealed. Rather obviously, actually. I want her to know we don’t trust her.” And she’d wig out otherwise. Umbra nodded, and he knew she wouldn’t forget his orders. She didn’t talk much, but she was a good second-in-command. “I’ll see you later.”
And with that, Hector started walking to the infirmary, his hand stiffly holding one of Snooze’s hands. The boy seemed more frightened than injured, which was good, at least. “I’m going to have the doctor fix your cuts,” he told him, in case the kid hadn’t figured it out yet, “and then we’ll talk.” His words were not unkind, but they were stern; and statement, not a request.
Snooze Central America
Waves of horror were rocking through Snooze's system. His door knob knees wobbled, and the only thing keeping him up was the grip on Hector. His eyes widened fractionally as the lion turned into a woman. And actual person, with sharp words and an ever sharper expression. He cringed every time her eyes glared at him, as if everything were his fault. Snooze doubted he'd be able to look at dandelions the same ever again, for they were the exact color of the flower. What a shame. Dandelions had such a pretty hue...
Snooze flinched as she came closer, speaking low and dangerously to Hector. Her glare found Snooze again, accusing and untrusting.
Why would I be eavsedropping? He couldn't help but to wonder, though his horror was still leaking through him in a constant stream. He continued to shake as the Lion Lady left--thank G.od--and as another girl appeared next to Hector. She seemed familiar, but Snooze was to busy focusing on the chattering of his teeth to pay to much attention to her. What he did notice, though, was his name in the mouth of Hector.
His wide eyes--pupils dilated, and still a little damp--flickered up to him. Abruptly, his small hand was in the much rougher hand of Hector. He couldn't help but to grip it firmly, evenif the man's hold was as if he had never held a child's hand before. Maybe that was the case.
Snooze felt his legs walking, as shaky as they were. Bursts of fire sh.ot up his knees, and as the shock slowly began to dry off of him, he realized he was, in fact, bleeding. And it hurt.
"...and then we'll talk." Came Hector's words. Snooze noce again glancd up at the man. In the early light of the morning, he didn't look mean, but didn't look kind. Despite this, Snooze couldn't find it in him to let go of his hand. It was too warm.
"Okay." Snooze whispered, slowly nodding. He didn't talk much, and he was finding it especially difficult to say more than that. The words were thick in his throat, clumsy in their release."I wasn't--I didn't mean--I'm sorry." He mumbled, swallowing. His mouth tasted like rust, and he looked away.
What was going to happen now?
(And if we're skipping to the next day, Karma, Chay can wake up. I think that would be okay...?)
((mmk....I'm also going to have her wake up with her belongings with her)
Chay- Platoon Six
Chay eyes slowly fluttered open, her eyes seeming to become less heavy after each time she repeated it.
Atleast this time I didn't wake up to company.
She looked around, taking deep breaths. Inhaling and exhaling slowly. She was relaxed, she didn’t understand why...but she was.
Chay looked around the room more closely this time, it was still porcelain white (very sanitary), the bed was directly across from the door-which was sealed, the ceiling was high, with blinding lights, there was a small nightstand next to her which had her belongs neatly set on it, on the other side was medical machines and doo-hickeys-the only thing she recognized was the heart monitor, there was no windows, but what struck her strange was the fact that the door had no knob.
So am I trapped? Or is there a secret passage-Chay rolled her eyes.
She concentrated on her breathing once more, minutes passed before the girl sat up, propping herself up on her elbows. Chay glanced down her bed-sliding down her legs, slowly lifting the white blanket up and over her leg to reveal where the burn was.
Her eyes widened to see it was almost completely gone. She took in a deep breath, running her hand down and over the mark--it didn’t hurt anymore.
What the he.ll is this?
She looked at the tubes connected to her arms and wrists-hands. She heard the heart monitor record her heart-how it started to race slightly.
Chay sat up completely-putting the blanket back she leaned back against the bed frame, sitting criss-cross with her belongs resting in her lap. Chay ran her hand through her bed-head hair before looking through her bag to make sure everything was there.
((I'll be really busy tommorrow, so I probably won't be able to post till sunday Roseatta: Choo is about to arrive in Texas, just a heads up))
Choo Texas
Choo was jarred awake by the bus driver’s announcement.
“Arriving at Texas Training Institute in ten minutes”
Choo groaned awake, the heat and stuffiness of the bus made her cross.
Why couldn’t the army afford one of those new-fangled driverless hovercraft?
Choo thought angrily, curling up in the pleather, seatbelt-less, chair.
Mph. Inventory.
She was still miffed about her assignment, though in the past hours she had somewhat rationalized her situation.
At least I’ll be helpful...
She thought, peering out the window as the bus came to a halt.
Luka: New York
Luka saw a girl with blonde hair standing near him, just outside the fence,
"Uh-Hi" the girl said, "Do you think you could help me out with something?" she asked him. Luka frowned suspiciously, wondering if this was a test. What if his interrogators were testing him to see if he was willing to disobey rules or see if he would try and make 'contact' with this girl. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his prison suit, thinking.
"What d'ya need, lady?" he asked thickly, his Russian accent making him sound odd. He didn't care if this was a test, he didn't care if this was a test, he felt like being a rebel. Luka walked closer to the fence and stood near the fence, he didn't want to get to close, the fence was probably electric.
Luka took one hand out of his pocket and yanke don the collar if his uniform, it was non very comfortable, the material was scratchy and it was too big for him. He scratched his neck and put his hand back in his pocket, he kicke dthe ground again as he waited for the girl to answer him.
(As a few of you guys may know from previous roleplays, I enjoy editing photos to make them look liek characters. Due to a snow day today instead of school, I've decided to make them for this roleplay as well. Here are the first few I've finished, I hope you like them! If for some reason your character looks different from the skelly description, I most likely have a rationale behind it---but if you really don't like it, I can redo it ^_^
Jury: h ttp://i1267.photobucket.c om/albums/jj543/elizabethe819/Busting%20Through/074291f1e48f5b43b3ec8cfb5d1896bf.jpg
Selah: h ttp://i1267.photobucket.c om/albums/jj543/elizabethe819/Busting%20Through/dbcf3253405200c3423c114bc94ec03d.jpg
Humphrey: h ttp://i1267.photobucket.c om/albums/jj543/elizabethe819/Busting%20Through/7d54cdbd61782c8590af0e431d940d19.jpg )
Hector
As many people knew, Hector was never one to shy away from talking or cracking a joke here and there. Most of the time, at least. There were two exceptions: when he was in the middle of making important decisions, and when he was especially anger. And in this instance, well...in this instance things were definitely going the latter for him.
As he led Snooze to the nearest infirmary, Hector didn't speak a word. A brooding raincloud practically followed above him, and although he could hear the boy talking to him---mostly just saying sorry over and over---he didn't answer. For now, at least, though, his anger still wasn't focused on Snooze, but rather Leona.
What a strange world she lives in, where you can't trust your own men, but yet you're expected to trust an unwanted visitor you weren't even expecting in the first place, he thought, sarcastic.
She was scared, though. I know that, he told himself. She wasn't thinking things through seriously, and didn't realize that I wasn't afraid of using my Gift on her. She felt powerless, and that scared her. At least, that's what he assumed. It wasn't the first time someone reacted towards his Gift in a negative way, and he certainly didn't think it'd be the last. Unsurprisingly, people didn't enjoy not being in control of their own actions.
As he stepped into the inside, the doctor waiting there---Hugo, he soon recognized---perked up upon seeing the two of them. The clinics were open night and day, and Hugo was probably close to the end of his shift, he realized. Hector led Snooze to the Gifted doctor.
"Fix up Snooze here, please," he said, tone lighter than the mood his presence evoked. Hugo nodded; he was mute, but was good at healing people. "It was...complicated. You'll find out later, I'm sure," Hector continued as if the doctor asked him what had happened. I don't really want to talk of it right now. "I'm fine, nothing hurt. I'll just wait here."
I have much to ask Snooze...and if Leona finds him like she said she would, well, I'll make sure she won't be around for long.
(Nacho, you can powerplay Hugo however you want to :) )
((Wow, Humprey's pretty good, except for a few small things. (like his eyes are amber-brown not green and his hair a bit shorter so it's in military regs.) Other than that's it really good, Leafy. :-D :-D))
((wow :O I like it, leafy, I like it. Originally when I wrote Jury, I had just finished, and was like Wow I just made Ice man from Top Gun completely by accident. yeah...))
(I'll look to at the pictures once I get to a computer, Leafy. I'm sure they are wonderful, as always ^.^ And whoa...I was about to create a doctor named Hugo...weird xD I hope you don't mind how I describe him :) )
Snooze Central America
Snooze wondered if Hector was bad with his rambling; this is why he never spoke much in the first place. The fear of being viewed as nothing more than an annoyance, a little kid...Alice never treated him with such behavior. Oh how the boys heart ached for the familiar laugh of his sister's, the feeling of having the small sense of family...
Tears príckled behind his eyes again, but Snooze refused to cry anymore. He didn't want to seem even weaker than he ready felt. Especially with his hand still in Hector's.
By the time they reached the infermary (a building that was surprisingly air conditioned for the patients), Snooze felt like he was put in a shredder and slapped out. They approached a doctor, and Snooze felt himself squeeze Hector's hand in surprise.
The man was slightly shorter than Hector, with vivid blue eyes. His hair was a shockingly bright flare of curly red. Both of the features contrasted greatly with the dark olive tone of his skin. Despite the odd features, the doctor gave off a warm presence. Snooze couldn't imagine him hurting anyone; he didn't even speak at Hector's words. He merely nodded, with maybe a slight tint of curiousity in his gaze.
Reluctantly, Snooze let go of Hector's hands. He did need to be healed...Still, he kept close to Hector's side. The boy had formed an unwilling trust with the man. Unwilling, because Snooze never even wanted to trust him. Ever. But now, he would be forever linked to rescuing him from the Lion Lady. And Snooze hated that, because trusting people meant attachment, and that would just lead to inevitable hurt. It was a viscous cycle that would never stop unless Snooze found Alice, he thought. Alice was his goal.
Hugo leaned down with a gentle smile. Actually, he was a little amused, even if he was hiding it well. He had never seen a child so close to Hector before. Softly, he laid his long fingered hands just above Snooze's bleeding knees.
Snooze had only been healed by a Healer once; the feeling came with a rush of relief. His skin seemed to come together effortlessly, blissfully without agongy. Snooze felt himself relax slightly with the absence of the pain as Hugo swiftly finished. Snooze felt brand new, even if he was still scared. Beyond scared, really.
Hugo stood up to his full height, before arching a dark brow. His lips puckered thoughtfully, then flickered to Hector questioningly. His look was one that said One moment, before he quickly went to a back room. Snooze blinked, and risked glancing up at Hector. Was he going to get in trouble? Be beaten? He pursed his lips, looking away as Hugo came out with a shirt, pants, and shoes all about Snooze's size. He held them up, an offer.
It took Snooze a moment to realize that his clothes were ripped by the glass. As if they were in better condition before, Snooze couldn't recall. Probably not.
(Carson and Nacho: Lol, I know. I got the book on the weekend and just couldn't put it down until I was done :)
Leafy: I like the picture of Selah! She doesn't have the glasses but besides that the hair and eyes and everything looks good :) That actually reminded me how I'd started getting pictures a while ago but then abandoned it, but I think I'll start working on it again.)
Jo: Central America
As usual, the rumors spread around the base lightning fast. Jo supposed that it was because such trivial dramas seemed far more entertaining in the midst of war, but she still didn't like it. It was one of the reasons she liked to keep her fake arm discreet, if not completely hidden.
Jo was on her way to scouting duty once again when some of those rumors reached her. She listened curiously as she was told of Leona's strange visit to the base last night. No one really knew for sure why she had come, except to perhaps put Hector in his place. Jo figured that was the most likely explanation, although it still seemed a bit mysterious.
She listened half heartedly as the story of how Leona had transformed into a lion was relayed to her.
"And she injured someone, too," The soldier she was talking to claimed. "A little kid. His name's Sneeze or Snooze or something like that."
Jo stopped walking to repeat the words in her head again. Snooze was still here? But how was that possible? He was supposed to be gone already... And why on earth would he be getting attacked by Leona?
She didn't take too much time to think it over before rushing over to the infirmary. Sure enough, Snooze was there. He seemed a little scratched but otherwise he was alright. Jo gave him a hard look to let him know how much trouble he was in.
"So I guess you're postponing your trip to Rio?" She asked, taking a seat across from him and crossing her arms.
Noah: Fort Paris
Noah immediately paid attention as soon as Bobbi uttered the word 'mission'. It seemed that he'd made a good choice in deciding to consult with her about it.
"Yes, I did," Noah answered her question too quickly. "A few days ago actually."
Noah could hardly contain his excitement. If he could get an assignment like this so quickly then he'd start rising through the ranks in no time. How lucky could he get?
Although he couldn't picture himself saying no to Bobbi's request, he had to ask first.
"What's the mission?" He asked, half curious half suspicious.
Selah: New York
Selah felt a bit relieved when he replied politely. Hopefully that meant her assumptions about the kid had been right and he wasn't some crazy war criminal.
"I need you to help me get onto a plane," she replied, cutting right to the chase. "In exchange I can help you get out of this prison... And maybe give you a lift to France."
Selah felt for the swiss army knife in her back pocket- she may not be a soldier, but in the midst of this war it would be insane for anyone to go around completely unarmed. She tossed the knife to the boy through the fence.
"What do you say?" She asked. "Deal?"
(Whoa, that is weird, Nacho, about Hugo o.O. And don't worry, you're good :)
Thanks, I'm glad you like them ^_^. Yeah I couldn't find a picture that I saw fit well enough with a crew cut for Humphrey or glasses for Selah, so I decided to go with the next best thing. And you never know, Humphrey might not have the chance to get a haircut and Selah's glasses might fall off haha. Anywho, here's a few more:
Noah: htt p://i1267.photobucket.co m/albums/jj543/elizabethe819/Busting%20Through/c183cdc2188f1dbfe4c9a6bba7c68a03.jpg
Chaylynn: htt p://i1267.photobucket.co m/albums/jj543/elizabethe819/Busting%20Through/c1a0858c231baedc3e36d47d330c4770.jpg
Aurora (I tried to do the black veins bit...so sorry if it looks silly :P): htt p://i1267.photobucket.co m/albums/jj543/elizabethe819/Busting%20Through/0418ccb4cad4e430bbed284f9fce775c.jpg )
Hector: Central America
Hector watched as Hugo healed Snooze. The boy's injuries, luckily, weren't all that terrible and it wasn't long before they were all gone. Snooze looked less tired, too, though he didn't notice that his body was still shaking some.
Being attacked by a lion out of nowhere is something that would traumatize someone, especially a little kid.
When the doctor brought out a set of clothes for Snooze, for some reason the kid hesitated, as if he couldn't believe what he was receiving. His clothes weren't exactly in good shape before, but now he definitely needs something new. Or rather, newer. Look at that---Leona practically ripped the shirt into shreds. Okay, perhaps that was a bit of an exaggeration, but that didn't help ebb any of his anger away.
"Go ahead, change," Hector told him patiently. And then I can finally ask you what the he.ll you were doing outside of that room. No sooner had he said that, Jo rushed in, taking a nearby seat. Speak of the devil. I still don't know why Leona had meant to talk to her, too, of all people. Though she probably wouldn't say, even if she did know.
When she mentioned how she knew Snooze was going to leave to Rio, Hector raised an eyebrow, turning towards the boy. "Why were you going to leave?"
Snooze Central America
Snooze did not want to change. Not one bit. Mostly because he didn't want to reveal the criss crossing scars on his back from the time he spent at a human base. The memories flickered in his head in a rush of waves, making him cringe. But he couldn't just disobey Hector so openly. No, his fear of the man was too great.
Just as he took the clones from Hugo--who gave an encouraging smile--Jo walked in. The boy froze, his green eyes meeting Jo's hard stare. He knew that look alright; he was trouble. A small flare of anger ignited in Snooze. It was small, but there. Why was Jo angry with him? Why did she even care was the real question. It confused Snooze very much, and kind of frightened him at the same time. If Jo cared about him, did he have to care about her?
Feeling the soft cotton of the new clothes--a black t shirt, blue shirts, with sturdy boots on the floor--he looked up at both of them, gulping.
"I need to find my sister Alice."Snoose explained dully, wiggling out of his fatter shorts. He didn't mind showing off his olive toned chicken legs; they weren't scarred like his back. His underwear was fine, too, but he swiftly put on the shirts which came with a belt. That was good, because Snooze was definately on the skinny side."And I promised I would leave, remember Jo?"He added, his brows furrowing in the unfairness of it all. "I crossed my heart. A real promise." Snooze sighed, looking very unhappy. Unhappy and anxious as he slipped off his shirt.
Just be fast, Snooze, be fast. He thought to himself in the transition of getting his new shirt on. His back revealed was something that made him uncomfortable. The scars were a shade lighter than his skin, raised and long. Whíp marks. The shirt fell over him and he stared up at Hector, Hugo, and Jo, frowning.
"Im sorry I didn't say goodbye."Snooze finally apologized, genuine, but straightened."It was easier...not to." Jo could understand that right?
Luka: New York
Luka caught the knife and fumbled for a few moments to get it in his pocket then he looked back at the girl, who still hadn't introduced herself. He pasued for a few moments and looked back at the group of prisoners to see if anyone had seen the knife being passed to him.
Honestly, Luka wasn't sure about the whole 'go-to-France thing, wasn't that a big Gifted base? Then again he was being treated like a spy and priosner by the humans who were supposed to be his 'team', could he really be treated much worse by the gifted? He thought for a moments, yankinking on the collar of his scratchy uniform. He stretched his fingers and looked at them the nails were dirty and rough clipped, but his fingers were still good for picking locks, or doing other various works that required delicacy, if he were patient enough that is. Luka thought this lady might just be using him as a tool, but hey, a ticket out of here sounded good to him, he'd only been here a few days and couldn't stand it any longer anyway.
"You got ya self a deal, Lady." he said giving her a crooked grin and shoving his hands back in his pockets to warm them.
"I'm Luka." he addedclicking hsi heel together and bowing ever so slightly, almost unnoticably, he'd seen some of teh fancy officers do this for ladies when he'd spied on one of their dinners onc eto se where they'd put teh scrape food.
Luka guessed he probably looked rther ridiqulous doing the bow himslef with his oversized prison uniform, his raggedy hair and dirty face, but at least he was trying right?
Kors: Northern New Mexico, close to the Colorado Border
He'd been flying for six hours on the second day when the first storm clouds began rumbling somewhere to the Southwest.
Cr.a.ap, he thought to himself. He'd flown in storms before, but he'd also landed in one or two, when they got too intense. And this one...well, it was covering the entire horizon to his right: stone-grey waves slowly rolling his way, a roar caught in their throats. Lightning bolts flashed more and more frequently in its midst.
D.a.m.m.i.t, he grumbled to himself, twittering angrily as a buffet of wind pushed at him from his right. He was roughly halfway to the Texas Base, if he remembered correctly. He could get there in less than two day...by flight. As The Cobra, it might take as long as a week, perhaps more. Kors wanted this war over ASAP.
After fifteen minutes, spatterings of rain began beating his body. Some of it slid off of his slick feathers, but the pressure was severe. The torrent picked up, making it harder to see. Kors rolled his little sparrow eyes and tucked in his wings, diving towards the ground. He spread his wings in an attempt to slow down, but he had misjudged-- there was no time, and the rain was pouring down too heavily.
Kors rolled his eyes back, flicking two mental switches at once, attempting to turn straight from The Sparrow into The Cobra. Next thing he knew, he was sliding through the mud, a jumble of scales, skin and feathers, before he finally came to rest as a coiled-up cobra, his whole body aching.
(Hey everyone! Glad to be back. ^_^
As always, Leafy, I love the pictures! I've been meaning to make some lately...I need to get on that. -_-
*sigh* Sorry if my post for Leona is a little rushed. My computer deleted my last attempt when I was nearly done...very frustrating.)
Leona: Central America
Leona found herself, yet again, in the headquarters of Hector Valentin, his soldiers glaring at her from their patrols in the halls and guarding locked doors. Though she acted otherwise, Leona took their subtle hints, following the hidden path they laid out for her. Only when she entered the kitchens did Leona spot someone who appeared to be a Captain.
The woman smiled tightly at Leona, giving the immediate feeling of being unwelcome. "Commander."
Leona nodded, pausing to wait by the counter for the news she had, for the past ten minutes since her breakdown, been expecting.
"Do you need any provisions?"
Leona's voice showed no surprise, only weariness. "Provisions?"
"For your trip back to the Arizona Base."
Leona nodded, expecting as much. The woman was openly glaring now, though keeping a level head and her same, tight smile.
Your a hot-headed freak. Leona could hear her fraud-father's voice in her head, shouting, tearing into her as she cowered, desperately trying to glare back at the man holding a beer bottle in her face, his hands white with anger. It'll get you killed, I swear it will. You're not as important as you think you are.
But another voice, a softer voice, spoke up. It wasn't just you, Leona. What was the infamous leader, the man who supposedly led these people from darkness, doing baiting you? He was supposed to be a leader. A peer, an equal, but he treated you as if you were nothing.
It wasn't him, Leona countered. I lost my temper when I shouldn't have...though if he had read the letter, this all could have been avoided. That does not excuse my behavior, regardless. I...reacted.
To fear. Pure, unhinged fear.
Leona lifted her chin, drawing out of her thoughts, and trying to banish the shaking that had entered her hands. She needed peace. Quiet. To be with her thoughts and find herself again. "I won't be leaving."
The woman's eyes flashed dangerously. "You broke the property of Hector Valentin."
"Yes."
"Threatened one of his protected citizens."
So the boy wasn't a soldier? "Yes."
"And made a fool of yourself before his soldiers?"
Leona smiled here. "I can make a fool of myself before you if you keep talking to me like a child."
The woman's hands balled into fists by her sides, but Leona rasied a hand. She could take threats. Anger. Even Hector's earlier arrogant behavior, as if he were the most important Gifted in the world. But admonishment Leona would not stand for, not when she had worked for her position, despite Hector's personal opinion of her, which she knew he had.
"You can tell Hector this," Leona said calmly, fully in control of her emotions. "And you can tell him exactly this. I will not be leaving, despite the fact that he has ordered my leave within the hour, which I know he has---I would have done the same. I respect Hector---" Leona could tell the woman was growing annoyed with her casual use of his name, "---but he is not the ruler of these lands, despite the impressive fact that he's won them over. That power, sadly, resides in the Commander of this region."
Leona's mouth turned down, and she saw the woman's hard expression lift, though only slightly. Clearly, the man was not popular among Hector's men.
"I will not leave because the war is about to be lost," Leona went on, and she saw the woman's expression lift completely, giving way to shock. "Hector is doing well, despite the section of territory he is currently about to lose, despite the fact that he claims a stalemate---much as we are about to lose land in North America despite claiming a stalemate. But we won't lose in the way you think. The humans will not win. Neither will we."
The woman frowned. "Excuse me?"
Leona held up her hand again. "Tell Hector what I've said, and tell him to read the note. If I leave now...it'll be too late to save us."
"Us?"
Leona had turned her back to sit on the stool facing the counter. She would not wander, nor seek out Hector. She would remain here until he came, respecting whatever was left to respect of him by not intruding any more than she had on his base. Hector would find her.
He had to. Or everything Leona had worked for would be lost.
You were a fool, Leona thought, closing her eyes, the woman still standing behind her. A fool, Leona.
"Yes," she said, more quietly than before. "All of us."
Bobbi: Fort Paris
Bobbi turned to glare at Jaden, gritting her teeth as she turned back to Noah. She didn't want to respond to Jaden. But it was so hard not to.
"I'm pretty good at what I do, you know," she finally ground out, her cheeks turning red from embarrassment and anger. "Just because I'm not flying high in the sky, being full of myself, doesn't mean I can't do anything. Imagine. I could kill you, take on your appearance, and no one would be the wiser."
Bobbi sent Jaden a cruel, wicked grin, turning to Noah with less excitment. She sighed. "I'm going to Fort London. Rumor is Commander Hail is there, but the main idea is to find some big-shot General of his. And, y'know." She made a slicing movement over her throat. "Take care of the problem."
Here, her cheeks turned a little more red. "I'm not the most awesome fighter, so...I'll need a soldier or two to help me out in there. Take them with me when it's time to get the job done." Her eyes flickered up to Noah's, and she grinned. "And, y'know, I happen to know a soldier...newly-graduated, actually."
Nyx: Colorado
Nyx watched the sky as Tesla spoke, ranting as she spoke of a girl named Jennifer and the girl's untimely death. And, as Nyx had expected, Tesla apologized once all was said and done.
"Don't apologize," Nyx said bluntly. "I'm a major secret-keeper. Pinky promises are legit in my book."
Nyx offerred a lazy grin, though it faded as Tesla's story sunk in. "I am sorry about that, though. My Mami died when I was little, I think because of me, since she'd been sick when she was carrying me. And we had to leave my Omi to die. We had to go. She was old."
Nyx shrugged. "We all have stories, I suppose."
(Dani: We can skip two days if you would like, so they can arrive at the Texas Base. ^_^)
Hail: Fort London
I'm going to see my brother soon, Hail repeated to himself, mostly in shock. After all this time. I wonder if he still hates me like Father does?
John had, after all, been one of his biggest abusers. The blame of their mother's death rested heavily on Hail, and John had always made a point to remind Hail. For years that had been his life. And now there John was, on his sickbed, holding all the hate for Hail as he had from the moment he'd been born.
Maybe he's changed. Maybe it's different now.
Hail, risking a smile, straightened his uniform in the mirror. It had taken everything in him to wear it, but he had to admit, it felt good on. His father would approve, as much as the thought made Hail want to clench his fists. Perhaps telling his father he would stay with the military would put them on better terms.
Hail repeated the speech he'd prepared to give his brother in his head: I'm sorry I left you and father. I wanted to do something, be useful, and mainly stop burdening you more than I had. So I left. I hunted. And you know what, John? I didn't find a thing. Not a damnn thing. I know now I can't fight for them, not anymore. I'll stay this time. We can fight together for once.
A knock on his door startled him. Hail, giving his black uniform---the red star on the right side of his chest being the only indication that he was a General and, to the humans, the next-in-line for Commander---a last glance, strode over to answer it. He was surprised to see the face of Dr. Jona staring back at him, her smile tight and unpleasant.
"General."
"Just Hail," he insisted, frowning. This woman had, after all, nursed him when he was sick as a child. Didn't she know him well enough by now to, at the very least, go by last names? "What is it?" Hail suddenly smiled. "Is it John? Has the doctor there cleared a second visitor?"
"...Hail." She hesitated, but Hail went on.
"Is he better?" He rambled on. "Did they finally give him the right injection? It was probably from the first trial...I knew there was something positive about his results from---"
"He's gone," Dr. Jona blurted, her eyes shining.
Hail froze, his hand still squeezing the doorknob in fading excitment. "Excuse me?"
"He passed away," she whispered, the tears spilling over. "Oh, Hail. I'm so sorry. It was early this morning, just past midnight. He was doing so poorly, and they just didn't know what to do. Dr. Girvaski was going to page you this morning to tell you not to come...we thought John had been asking for you, but..." she trailed off, and Hail's hand fell from the door.
"But he was just trying to make sure I wouldn't come," Hail finished, voice empty. "He didn't want me there."
Dr. Jona lifted her hand to stroke Hail's cheek, but he pulled back. She winced, shaking her head. "I'm sorry."
And with that, she left, still shaking her head.
