Interesting Iscribble RP

Altodd: Is it the whole me-looking-like-I-did-before thing? The Umbra? Todd? D:>

Key: ...a little bit of everything... mostly the first bit...

Altodd: ... I'm sorry, Key... but... that's over now, right? Long over. And you said it yourself - I'm not that person anymore.

Key: *nods. she remembers saying that* ...I know. But it's... it's just lingering. In the back of my mind. And I really don't want it to...

Altodd: How can I help you? I'll do everything I can in order to help you, but how do I do it? <:/

Key: There isn't much for you to do, I just have to get used to it... I don't want to ask you to change. I shouldn't have to.

Altodd: ... Ah... I'm sorry that I can't somehow make this better for you... it must be painful... <:(

Key: *shakes her head* it's not as bad as you think... and you don't have to apologize.

Altodd: Why not? I'm the one who caused all this, aren't I? I can at least apologize... <:/

Key: You didn't do anything. Your past self did.

Altodd: *somewhat stubbornly, a mischievousness smirk half-forming on his face* Then let me apologize FOR him. Since. You know. He can't.

Key: *raises her eyebrows at him, but smiles, and concedes* okay, fine... if you insist. :P

Altodd: Alright then - on behalf of my past self, I apologize for the wrong that's been done to you. <:P

Key: Apology accepted, I guess. <:P You're a really nice guy, you know that? I don't get why you look so sad all the time...

Altodd: ... Oh? Uh... I don't know either... *he rubs his neck* ... maybe it's an unconscious kinda thing...

Key: Ah... well, maybe we can find a way to flip that frown upside down, huh? <:P

Altodd: Heheh... maybe... *he leans against a wall in the room, near the door, pondering over the last few days - just thinking. Thinking* ... Y'know... I wonder if I'll turn into a werewolf again anytime soon... I hope not...

Key: ...If you do, I just hope I can keep you in here.. apparently, you still listen to me when you're transformed...

Altodd: I do? So... uh... that would explain why you weren't torn apart when I woke up... you know how scary that is? Just... completely blacking out with the knowledge that when you wake up, you could have killed someone you really care about?

Key: *shakes her head* I wouldn't know... I'm pretty sure waking up as an infected was close enough, though. First thing i thought after I saw you bleeding on the ground was, "did I do that?"

up

Todd: *sleeps*

meanwhile

Altodd: *back from the fight on the Blank Space with Key* No one on our side died today...

Key: That's... that's good. Really weird, but good...

Altodd: ... Yeah... weird... maybe we've just gotten THAT good...

Umbra: *from outside, it shuts the door for them then disappears*

Key: *sees it before the door shuts, and shivers a bit, recalling her experiences with the things* ...

Altodd: *notices her shiver, and puts a comforting arm around her shoulders* It's okay... I can control them now, remember?

Key: *appreciates the comfort* I know... they're um... still kind of freaky, though. Just a bit.

Altodd: Yeah, I know... just glad they can't hurt us anymore... *he gently tugs Key into a hug* ...

Key: *hugs him back, resting her head on his shoulder. She couldn't NOT think about previous... things... not with the Umbra creeping about, and not with Altodd wearing his old clothes...* .....

Altodd: *as if he can read her mind, he whispers -* Am I making you uncomfortable? I can get out of these clothes if you want - I forgot that I was wearing them. D:>

Key: No, it's fine... if you do that, I won't be able to get used to them. <:/

Altodd: I can't stand it when you're all uncomfortable like this... and I mean I'M uncomfortable - this - these clothes aren't ME... far FROM it! I shouldn't be WEARING this!

Key: Well, it's no use COMPLAINING... <:/

Altodd: I'm not complaining, I just... ... *he sighs, then takes off his scarf, his hoodie, his shirt, his pants, leaving him with only his underwear* ...Those are just bad memories...

Key: *is actually a bit relieved by this* ...Well, alright... <:(

Altodd: ... ... Okay, taking off the shirt was a bit much... *he puts the oversized t-shirt back on so he isn't completely naked. He then gives Key a small, sad smile and a shrug, as if he's saying "Hey, what can you do?". He always seems to have a somewhat sad expression on his face - whether it is just him relaxing his facial muscles or if he really did feel so down, even he isn't sure. It makes Todd's usual grin such a large contrast, separating Altodd and Todd further into being two different people*

Key: *being so used to Todd's constant smile, the difference was painfully obvious to her. Was this really a good idea...? she sits down on the edge of the bed with a sigh, still unsure*

Altodd: *he sits down beside her* Hey... what's wrong? D:>

Key: *looks up, and gives him a brief half-hearted smile that fades quickly* ...I'm not even sure...

up

Todd: *continues to kiss Sarah, his desperation for her to stay showing in his body movements, in his touch, in his expression, even in his kiss*

meanwhile

Harry and Sam: *asleep*

Sarah: *can feels this, as it was incredibly obvious. she moves a hand to the side of his head, and breaks the kiss* Shh... calm down, Todd...

meanwhile

Claire: *eventually dozes off while staring at the night sky*

Todd: *he calms down, but only slightly, trying not to cry. He looks at her, a sadness taking over his features in place of desperation*

Sarah: ...I need you to understand that I'm doing this because I care about you... I never intended to hurt you.

Todd: ... *his voice breaks* ... It's not fair, Key... it's... it's just not FAIR...

Sarah: *it practically breaks her heart to hear him like this. Todd, the one person whose optimism she could always count on, sounding so broken like this? her voice becomes quiet* I-I know... I'm sorry...

Todd: Y-You helped me cope... c-cope when I was first cured... when I found out Harry had to kill Sam... I immediately turned to you... and now... n-now that I think about it... I feel like a dirty, horrible person... m-maybe th-that's why you c-can't stay... m-maybe it's just KARMA...

Sarah: *is once again shocked by this new information (is is possible to have your mind blown more than once without negative consequences..??)--he had never told her about any girl named Sam* Todd... you're FAR from being a horrible person... And... well, I needed you too...

Todd: ... "needed"... so... you don't need me ANYMORE...? *his sad expression worsens*

Sarah: W-What? No, don't you go misinterpreting my phrasing... D:>

Todd: Then what do you MEAN?? D8> *his panic is returning*

Sarah: *is getting quite distressed due to his panic, she gives him another suggestion* Todd, SHHHHH... don't freak out on me, okay?? D:>

Todd: *he stops, but there is strain in his expression, as if he is holding it all in, keeping it from flooding out like a dam to a massive river, a cork in a shaken sparkling drink, the smallest bits of it - his tears - still leaking out* Nnhghh...!

Sarah: *doesn't want to break down like Todd (one distressed party member is more than necessary), so she merely commands him* T-Tonight didn't happen. Key showed up, you spent some time together, she told you what was wrong, and you understood e-everything.

Todd: *only then does he relax, nodding sleepily in his trance* Understood... everything...

Sarah: *lets out a shaky sigh, trying to steady herself* ...G-Go back to everyone else... as soon as you do, you can fall asleep... only wake up when the others do...

Todd: *he nods again* ... Go back... sleep... *he shuffles off, laying down and falling asleep near the others, relaxed as if nothing happened*

Sarah: ... *sits down against a tree, resting her head back against a tree, suppressing a small sob. she needed to end this, tomorrow. she couldn't put it off anymore*

up

Todd: *sadly* ... You weren't seeing him BEFORE... but I bet you started to recently... really, Key... you don't have to lie... I know you too well for you to lie...

meanwhile

Harry: *stares blankly into space, that dazed smile still on his face*

Sam: ... Drinking his blood did THAT to him...? DB>

Sarah: *looks genuinely hurt--did Todd really think Key would simply abandon him like that...?* I... Why would you think...? I wouldn't... Is there anything I could say to change your mind...? D:>

meanwhile

Claire: Mhmm... being bitten by a vampire feels strangely... pleasing. It's kind of odd. ^^;

Todd: ... I don't know... all I know is you've done it before and are most likely doing it again...

meanwhile

Sam: >__>; ... "pleasing"...

Harry: *stays in his happy stupor, leaning on Claire*

Sarah: *is shocked by this bit of news. Key's cheated on Todd... with his alternate-timeline clone?* ...If... If that's what you really think, then maybe I'll just not come anymore. I didn't come all the way out here to have these accusations thrown at me...

meanwhile

Claire: *keeps combing through Harry's hair* ...It's exactly how it sounds.

Todd: No - no, why - *he grabs her wrist* Wh-why can't you just STAY? You don't HAVE to go back - and... and I'm sorry for think that you'd - just please - *the desperation is apparent in his voice at this point* PLEASE don't...! D8>

meanwhile

Harry: *closes his eyes, still smiling in his dazed manner*

Sam: ... Are you sure you didn't do anything else to him <:/

Sarah: *takes his hand off her wrist, and holds it in both of hers* I already told you why I can't stay...

meanwhile

Claire: No, I--Oh. Oh, I know what... *sighs* Fun. Hope it doesn't take too long to wear off...

Todd: The Creators can't track us down... they... they couldn't possibly track YOU down...

meanwhile

Sam: Wait - what D:/

Harry: *enjoys his dazed sleep*

Sarah: They can catch me leaving... and they can follow me out.

meanwhile

Claire: Um, vampires have the ability to "charm" people... It makes them all warm and fuzzy and trusting, and a lot easier to drink from...

Todd: It's worth the risk! D:>

meanwhile

Sam: ... Oh... D:>

Harry: *the charm soon wears off and he falls into a deeper sleep on Claire's shoulder*

Sarah: It won't be worth it if all of us DIE!

meanwhile

Claire: *continues stroking his hair* ...You should go back to sleep, Sam...

Todd: And why not?? You risk that every time you COME here!

meanwhile

Harry: *asleep*

Sam: I know... I just... can't... not after seeing THAT...

Sarah: *through her teeth* They're paying closer attention to everyone now. It's getting harder and harder to sneak out.

meanwhile

Claire: ...I'm sorry... you don't have to worry about me attacking you, you know...

Todd: Then stay here while you still can! D:>

meanwhile

Harry: *asleep*

Sam: ... I know... I just... can't exactly sleep while seeing that... do you think he'd still let you do that to him if you guys didn't have that weird... link... thing?

Sarah: *is quite sick of arguing with him already, so she grabs the front of his shirt, and pulls him towards herself, kissing him in an attempt to silence him*

meanwhile

Claire: *looks down at Harry* ...I don't know...

Todd: *he kisses Sarah back, tears soon sreaking down his face*

meanwhile

Sam: ... <:/

Harry: *asleep*

Sarah: *puts her arms around him, one hand on the back of his head. she tries her best to ignore his tears, lest she feel even more guilty for starting this charade in the first place* ....

meanwhile

Claire: ... *leans her head against Harry's, and closes her eyes, trying to sleep* ...

Todd: *continues to kiss Sarah, believing her to be Key. When he runs out of breath he simply takes another and starts kissing her neck, rubbing her back in that soft, loving way that he had*

meanwhile

Sam: ... *eventually goes back to sleep*

Harry: *asleep*

Sarah: *simply closes her eyes and allows him to, nuzzling him as he did. he needed his time with "Key" before she eventually had to leave him... though now she was extremely curious. What did Key do to make Todd think she'd run off with another guy? did she really cheat on him...?*

meanwhile

Claire: *is having difficulty falling asleep. she looks up, and notices the sky, stars brightly lighting up the night, unhindered by the factory smoke. she hadn't realized how much she'd miss seeing them* ...

up

Todd: S-Sarah?? Wh-why did you follow me - I'm just walking! Walking in the forest! No reason for it! D8

meanwhile

Harry: No, it's fine - I'm okay now. When I went into my beast form, I think it healed me or something. :)

Sarah: *puts her hand on his head and leans in closer* Sarah isn't here... see me as Key again.

meanwhile

Claire: Mmh... I.... I don't want to risk it.

Todd: *he face slackens a little, and he nods, mumbling out -* S'not... here... *- before blinking back into awareness and smiling widely at Sarah (now Key in his mind)* Wow! You just appeared out of nowhere! :D

meanwhile

Harry: Trust me Claire - I'm fine, and now I'm here to make YOU feel fine. Ah... and before you do it, because I know you will - you HAVE to, could you, uh... *he grins at her awkwardly, like a horny schoolboy* could you do that weird vampire-charm-power thingy on me?

Sarah: I'm a bit of a ninja, remember? :P It's good to see you. <:)

meanwhile

Claire: *is too hungry to question him, and she does as he asks, giving him a sultry smirk* Do you really want me to drink from you that badly?

Todd: It's good to see you too - we're staying with some robots right now - it's really weird. How's everyone else doing? D:

meanwhile

Harry: *his face reddens in embarrassment, and he covers his eyes, biting his bottom lip and nodding slightly* O-Okay - you got me.

Sarah: They're doing okay, but the creators are getting angrier by the day... It's like they're expecting you guys to come back... I really don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to sneak out...

meanwhile

Claire: Oh, it's nothing to be embarrassed about... *leans in a bit closer* You just have to earn it.

Todd: *a sadness appears in his expression* ... please... please try...

meanwhile

Harry: *is starting to look a bit dazed, his eyes locked with Claire's now. He whispers to her* ... How...?

Sarah: I will, I promise... like I told you earlier... If i feel like I can't visit you anymore, I'll warn you...

meanwhile

Claire: *whispers* come closer...

Todd: ... I just hope it never comes to that... D:>

meanwhile

Harry: *entranced, he leans closer to Claire, his breathing slow and steady. He feels warm and comfortable all over, loving what Claire has done to him*

Sarah: *nods* Me too... but at this rate... I'm not feeling too good about it.

meanwhile

Claire: *puts a hand on the back of his head, pulling him closer, and leans into his neck. Her lips brush against his skin when she speaks* Do you like this, Harry?

Todd: *fear tugs at his heartstrings and he only stares at Sarah, not exactly knowing what to say*

meanwhile

Harry: *he answers her as if he were doing so in his sleep (which he practically is) - groggily, mumbled* ... Yes... so good....

Sarah: ... <:( *opens her arms, offering a hug*

meanwhile

Claire: Good... *sinks her fangs into his neck, relaxing with relief once she tastes his blood* Mmn...

Todd: *hugs her tightly*

Wind: *blows through the trees, making the leaves rustle*

meanwhile

Harry: *still dazed from the charming beforehand, Harry moans, but not as quietly as he would have while in a more clear state of mind. All he cares about is the pleasure, such PLEASURE that Claire can give him*

Sam: *stirs a little from his father's moaning* mmnnh...?

Sarah: *hugs him back, resting her head on his shoulder. she really hopes she could end this charade sooner rather than later* ...

meanwhile

Claire: *doesn't notice Sam, as she is too engrossed in her feast to pay attention to anything else BUT Harry. His moans encourage her to bite a little harder, drink a bit faster, savoring the taste of his blood*

Todd: ... Key... you can tell me the truth, you know... you don't have to lie...

meanwhile

Harry: *enjoys every second of Claire drinking his blood - it just feels so good that he wouldn't even care if it was threatening his life - he wouldn't CARE, just so long as he could feel this good*

Sam: *groggily wakes up - the first thing he sees is his mother attacking his father* Wh - M-MOM?? D8

Sarah: *suddenly worries--could he tell it wasn't really Key??* ...What are you talking about?

meanwhile

Claire: ??! *is startled out of her trance by the loud cry, and looks at Sam, pulling away from Harry's neck. she suddenly realizes what that looked like, and resists the urge to facepalm* ...This was consensual.

Todd: I... I know... what must be happening... *he's holding back tears now* ... it's not the Creators... it's Altodd... you're seeing him again... aren't you...? It's... i-i-it's unders-standable... I-I mean, h-he's there f-for you all th-the t-time... a-and... I-I had to LEAVE you... a-and now you're seeing him... r-right...?

meanwhile

Harry: *still dazed* Msswhah...?

Sam: F-fuuuh...? D8 Y-You were - I-I mean, I-I get - s-since you're a v-vampire and all now, b-but... DDD8

Sarah: *is visibly shocked--did he really think Key would--* No! No, Todd, why would you think that...!? I--Why would I be coming back here if I could just stay back in the Blank Space with Altodd? I'm risking my LIFE for you...! D:>

meanwhile

Claire: Well... It's either i drink a little bit at a time, or I starve myself until I can't take the hunger anymore and just outright kill someone. I think you know which option I'd rather take. <:/

Todd: ... But that's why you're ending it... so you CAN be with Altodd all the time... and this must all be some charade - just to keep me happy until the "creators" find out or something! D8>

meanwhile

Sam: I-I know... b-but... uh... *he eyes Harry*

Harry: *still lies flopped over Claire, acting as if he is drunk, a dazed smile across his face* Mmh... s'good...

Sarah: You have no idea how ridiculous you're sounding right now, Todd. If I had wanted to be with Altodd, WHY would I have come to find you in the first place? If I didn't want to be with you anymore, I would've just not shown up in the first place!

meanwhile

Claire: *combs a hand through Harry's hair, adjusting him so that he was leaning against her shoulder* He'll be fine... I think I've had enough for today anyway...

up

Harry: Probably not - it seems like everyone in this fracked-up world is a racist xenophobe.

Todd: ... And they're all warring with each other out of pure hatred - nothing else? D:>

Sam: ... Well, we don't know THAT - maybe something CAUSED all this hatred for each other...

Iratus: ...

Zorua: ...Mmmmaybe we could--

Sarah: No. Asking about it is a REALLY bad idea. Thye already dislike us, saying the wrong thing might just tick them off. D;

Zorua: Mmhh... DX

Claire: ...

Harry: And get us thrown out of the city.

Todd: *trying to be helpful* Maybe we can ask the CIVILIANS? <:D

Sam: ... Maybe...

Iratus: (Won't THEY get mad?)

Sarah: I wouldn't be surprised, the war affects THEM too. DX

Zorua: >____<

Claire: ...I say we just lay low for a while. Unless someone comes up to us and talks to us, I don't think we should starts asking questions.

Harry: Right... now let's go find a place to sleep, please. DX

Todd: Hah, okay.

Sam: *jerks his head in a random direction, then walks that way*

Iratus: *follows*

Everyone Else: *follows*

*they manage to find a grassy area to sleep on*

Harry: ... Yay... DX

Sam: Better than nothing.

Sarah: *grumbling* mayaswelljusthavestayedintheforest...

Claire: *sighs*

Shidako: *comes back dragging a strange monster behind her--an odd hybrid THING with a hippo's body and a lion's head, and what looked like tentacles hanging out of its mouth* Hello again.

Zorua: O_____________O;;

Todd: ... I've never had hippo before. But I do like calamari. :D;

Harry: Whatever - we've found this place to sleep, now we need a fire.

Todd: Shidako! You're a dragon! Can't you, like, BREATHE fire? <:D;

Sam: DX

Iratus: ...

Sarah: *facepalms*

Shidako: *looks at Todd like he's insane* ...No. D:/

Claire: *groans in frustration--she can't even drink from the monster, as it was already dead* I guess we'd better start looking, then. DX

Zorua: XC

Harry: *in order to help Shidako carry the lion-hippo monster, he transforms into his beast form. He notes that when he transforms, he feels much better, as if all of his blood has regenerated. Putting this thought aside, he lifts the monster with a grunt, slinging it over his shoulder to carry*

Todd: Maybe the factory will have a fire? :)

Sam: Maybe.

Iratus: ...

Claire: We'll start there, then. *leads them off in that direction*

Sarah: *follows*

Zorua: *same*

Shidako: *stretches her arms, now freed of her burden. she licks the blood off her gauntlets*

Claire: *finds it extremely odd when she feels jealous* -__-;

*they all follow Claire to the factory*

At The Factory

*there are multiple fires for making steel*

Todd: Hooray! We were right! :D

Harry: Hrf. *puts the creature down*

Iratus: :)

Sam: *looks around - there are no robots there* ... Must've gone home...

Zorua: I wonder if they sleep...

Claire: That's a very good question.

Shidako: *flexes her claws* I'm hungry.

*and so they proceeded to skin, gut and cook the beast, giving a large portion to Iratus while everyone else took only what they wanted or needed*

*after the meal*

Todd: I didn't expect it to be so stringy. D:

Iratus: (I liked it.)

Harry: *has turned back so he doesn't have to take such a large portion* Good.

Sam: Yup. Now let's head back and get some freaking sleep.

Claire: *didn't eat much--the meat didn't satisfy her* Good idea. *gets up and leads them all out, back to that grassy patch*

Sarah: *wonders in the back of her mind if Todd was going to go out and look for Key again* ...

Zorua: *is extremely sleepy--she's turned into her fox form and fallen asleep on Iratus' head*

Shidako: *walks along, glad she was finally full for once* ...

Todd: *worries that Key may not be able to find him this time. Perhaps going out into the forest would be best, even if it means risking getting caught*

*they make it back to that grassy area. It doesn't take long for most of the party to fall asleep*

Harry: *he's still awake, watching Claire* ...

Todd: *sneaks away from Harry and Claire, knowing they'd have a fit if they spot him go into the forest - which is exactly what he does*

Sarah: *sees Todd leaving, and waits a few moments before sneaking out after him, following him into the forest*

Claire: *is hungry, and it shows--she hadn't had anything to drink for two days* ...

Todd: *he searches the forest, trying to look, to see if Key could possibly be out there* ...

meanwhile

Harry: *he scoots over so he's close to Claire* ... Hey Claire... need a drink?

Sarah: *follows him until they were deeper into the forest, and hides behind a tree. knowing she won't be able to sneak up on him, she figures she'll just bring him over* Todd!

meanwhile

Claire: *looks away from him, trying to force her hunger into the back of her mind* I-I'd rather not... not after the other night...

up

Captain: Sure.

*they all follow the captain and his guardsrobots in a rather disturbing mirroring of when they visited Death City. Citizens stop and stare at them as they walk closer and closer to the giant looming factory building in front of them*

Zorua: *looks up at the building in awe* o___o

Claire: *keeps her head up, trying to look confident*

Sarah: *walks along quietly, the complete opposite of Claire*

Shidako: *tries to look uninterested, but was in fact, quite worried--if they had to run, it would be much more difficult to escape from here than it was to escape death city* ...

Mechanical Birds: *chirp, attached to metal trees, greeting the newcomers*

Harry: *cautious*

Sam: *same*

Iratus: *scared* D8

Todd: *looks around the place in wonder*

*they soon enter the giant factory. Inside are worker robots, producing steel to be used for god knows what. The group is led up the stairs up, up to the office (which creaked open quite loudly) of the Grand Engineer, Toktis*

Toktis: *was sitting at his (its?) desk, a screwdriver in one hand, a non-working mechanical bird in another. He wears a copper waistcoat, copper everything from copper bowler hat, decorated with copper cogs, to a copper pocket-watch embedded in his shoulder, to his copper "trousers", which seemed to serve as armored plating. Everything else on him is steel, save for his eyes, which were two glowing yellow lights. He never once looks up from the mechanical bird* ... Unexpected. Quite. Peculiar.

Claire: *doesn't want to say anything from fear of being rude, but feels like they won't be acknowledged otherwise* Um... excuse me?

Shidako: *is very wary of the robotic being* ...

Zorua: *is actually rather intrigued* ...

Sarah: ...

Toktis: Flesh in the factory. Come to kill? Must murder? Not the time. Not the place.

Harry: We... we're not with Life City... D:/

Toktis: *he puts down the bird, but never drops the screwdriver. He begins playing with it* I see truth in you all. Why did you come HERE? Metal City is not a flesh city. Are you flesh, or metal? Or are you both?

Todd: Whah-huh? D;

Toktis: Flesh hungers for more flesh, but metal does not bend. We will not feed flesh it's flesh. We will live on without helping the blood and bones. The flesh must feast on itself. Hunt the lesser.

Sam: *confused*

Sam: ... ... We go to Metal City for help and are led to a robot that can't talk in a more straightforward way? D;>

Captain: Show some respect!

Iratus: D:> ??

Claire: *sighs* Guys, calm down. *to Toktis* We need shelter, if at least for a little while. Occulta wishes to kill us even though we have done no wrong to him. Could you please help us?

Shidako: ...

Zorua: ...

Sarah: ...

Toktis: Never did the metal say no to the flesh. There can be sleep, but flesh we cannot provide for the flesh.

Todd: Okay so wait - we can stay here, but you don't have food?

Toktis: *nods, his neck creaking*

Todd: So we'll just hunt it ourselves - no big deal, right?

Harry: Alright.

Iratus: :/

Sam: Alright - glad we've finally gotten somewhere. >__>;

Claire: *nods to the robot* Thank you. Is there a place we could stay? <:/

Shidako: *is visibly relieved*

Sarah: *sighs. she was glad that was done with*

Zorua: *is still a bit nervous*

Toktis: The flesh can stay anywhere, though not everywhere can stay the flesh. Outside with other life and flesh, or in the factory at night. The flesh may stay.

Todd: ... M'kay. :/

Harry: *sort of understands* Thank you.

Sam: DX

Iratus: DX ??

Claire: Thank you again. <:/ *to Harry* Do we go?

Everyone else: <___<

Harry: ... I... guess. *to Toktis* Thank you.

Toktis: *ignores Harry, fiddling with the bird again until it comes alive, hopping and chirping around his desk* ...

Everyone: <___<; *they leave*

Sarah: ...that was, um... interesting. >___>

Claire: No kidding... we need to find something to eat.

Shidako: I could easily catch enough food for all of us.

Zorua: Where would we cook it...?

Harry: In a city made of metal, there's sure to be a fire or two for public use...

Todd: Cooked food sounds really good right now...

Sam: I agree.

Iratus: *doesn't care either way*

Shidako: *nods* I'll go, then. I'll let you know if I need help. *runs off down the street, towards the forest, and vanishes*

Claire: *is feeling hungry again, but she decides to hold on until Shidako gets back* ...

Sarah: So... what do we do now?

Zorua: ...explore?

Harry: Explore a city like THIS? Nope. Not a good idea.

Sam: Awww! D:>

Harry: Those robots could turn on us!

Todd: <:/

Iratus: ...

Sarah: So then, we lay low for a while.

Claire: Basically... There's really not much we can do.

Zorua: Aww... So... we go find where we're going to sleep?

Todd: I suggest sleeping outside - I don't think robots will have actual beds for us to sleep in.

Harry: True.

Sam: I'm starting to think this was NOT the city to go to...

Iratus: :/

Claire: We can always leave, find somewhere else to stay... though I'm not sure how friendly the other cities will be towards us. :/

Sarah: Well... Death City didn't like us because we were alive, Life City doesn't like us because Claire and Todd are *air quotes* "dead," and these guys don't like is because we're not metal. Is there ANYWHERE we can go? D;

Zorua: .... :C

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Iratus: *roars a sorrowful, yet angry roar. He picks up a somewhat large rock and hurls it as far as he can (which is pretty damn far) to let out his frustration, then sobs into his hand*

Harry: ... Zorua's right... we really do need to go...

Todd: Hey - let the kid cry. D:>

Sam: <:/ ... *he watches Iratus sob, feeling sorry for his half-brother*

Zorua: <:( ... *pats Iratus' arm as he cries in an attempt to console him* Ira...

Claire: *watches Iratus, wishing there was something she could do--alas, she wasn't his real mother, and he was probably still afraid of her after the Necromancer incident... so she doesn't try* ... <:(

Sarah: <:/

Shidako: ... :(

Iratus: *grabs and hugs Zorua tightly, finding her as the only person he can truly talk to now. He cries, and cries, wishing he could stop, but unfortunately, he cannot*

Harry: *watches. He glances at Claire every now and then, as if this could tell him what she was thinking* ...

Todd: <:( ...

Sam: <:/ ...

Zorua: ! *hugs him back, stroking his fur comfortingly* It's gunna be okay...

Claire: *meets his gaze at least once, her expression giving away her inner conflict. perhaps it would be better for the group if she simply left...*

Sarah: <:(

Shidako: ... <:/

Harry: *notices this in Claire's expression (or perhaps it is because of their link), and immediately worries* D: ...

Iratus: *his sobs quiet down to a sniffle* ... (I-I'm okay now... I'm okay... *he stops hugging Zorua* (We should... be going...)

Todd: Good plan, Iratus. <:(

Sam: ... Right... <:/

Claire: ... *turns back to the city, and starts heading in that direction*

Shidako: ... *follows her*

Sarah: *looks back at the others before hurrying after Claire and Shidako*

Zorua: *keeps a hand on Iratus' arm as they walked, hoping it would provide some comfort*

*they all walk*

Iratus: *is quite numb now*

Zorua: *continues to stroke his fur, trying to make him feel better* ...

Claire: *is now seriously considering leaving--if she was the reason they were being hunted, then leaving would definitely be the best option.*

Everyone else: *walks*

*they arrive at the outskirts of the city. The strong smell of smoke and oil hit them like a boxing glove full of lead. From there, they can clearly see the busy city, the construction of what looks to be a giant hot-air balloon in the back of the city, the shops, the homes - the whole thing seems more like a town than a city, though everything is made of either steel or bronze*

Harry: ... We can't just enter this place. We'll be killed.

Todd: Then what do we do? D:

Harry: ... we could disguise ourselves?

Sam: As ROBOTS?

Harry: ... It was just a thought... >__>;

Iratus: ...

Claire: ...Lucifer said that if they knew we were enemies of Life City, they'd welcome us in with open arms... We may have to use that to our advantage.

Sarah: So... you're saying we march in there and go "HEY, we're running from Life City, can we be buddies?"

Claire: Not exactly like that, but yes.

Shidako: ...I don't like this plan.

Claire: It's not like we have any other choice. D:/

Zorua: >___>

Harry: ... How do we know Lucifer wasn't exaggerating?

Iratus: *quietly* (He was being truthful...)

Sam: I believe Iratus.

Todd: There's only one way to find out.

Claire: Yep... and so we go. *starts heading into the city*

Sarah: *hesitantly follows after her*

Zorua: *only moves when Iratus does*

Shidako: *really really really doesn't like this idea, but follows after them, as she really has no choice*

*as soon as they enter the city, steampunk-robot civilians run screaming from them*

Harry: Uh...

Robot Soldier: *points a gun-arm at them* HALT, FLESH!

Todd: Awesome... DX

Sam and Iratus: D8>

Zorua: D8>

Sarah: o_____o;;;;

Claire: Uh oh. We're not here to attack you, we're running from Life City. D:

Shidako: *really hopes they take that as an acceptable reason to be there*

Soldier: LIAR! NO FLESH IN METAL CITY!!

Todd: NO WAIT - SHE'S TELLING THE TRUTH! D8

More soldiers: *come* >:/

Captain: What's going on? What are these meat sacks doing here?

Iratus: (We're not gonna hurt you, we swear...!) D8>

Captain: Wait - two of you look like Death City creatures.

Todd: Wait - Claire and... who else? .__.;

Captain: You.

Todd: Ah, right. >__>;

Captain: You must be a new addition. What are undead such as yourselves mingling with flesh like THEM?

Harry: We're not ACTUALLY part of any cities - we've escaped from somewhere else and are just trying to find a place to stay... <:/

Sam: We're neutral! D:

Captain: I will have to see what Grand Engineer Toktis has to say about this.

Claire: Please, take us to him. I'm sure he'll understand our situation. D:>

Sarah: *wonders if it was at ALL possible for her to manipulate robots, but she wasn't about to give it a try* ...

Shidako: ...

Zorua: ...

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*the men of the group - the HUMAN ones, that is, all started to grow a bit scruffy, having been unable to access a razor for a while (the Between World must have frozen that for when they were there). This would not be such an important matter if it weren't for the fact that Todd is among those scruffy men*

Todd: I see a city in the distance! :D

Harry: ... It looks like steel... pure steel and copper.

Iratus: *his tail wags* :)

Sam: :D

Claire: *doesn't like the sound of that. At all* ...

Sarah: Hopefully they're nicer to visitors than Death City. DX

Zorua: Yeah. D:

Shidako: ...

Harry: We'll be fine. C'mon.

Todd: I trust you, Harry. :)

*they both walk towards the city*

Iratus: *hesitates, then follows*

Sam: *glances at Sarah*

Zorua: *sticks with Iratus*

Sarah: ? *glances back at Sam when she notices him looking* ...

Claire: *stays close to Harry, just to make sure he was okay*

Shidako: *follows them*

Harry: *stumbles along*

Todd: *follows*

Sam: *quickly looks away from Sarah and follows Harry and Todd*

Todd: *has noticed that Sam's been looking at Sarah then looking away like some school boy with a crush. He smiles approvingly*

Iratus: *follows the group*

Sarah: ... *follows after them. She really doesn't like where this is all going, she had too much to deal with already... Sam couldn't have picked a WORSE time to start getting interested again* ...

Claire: *puts a hand on Harry's shoulder to steady him* Slow down, Harry, that city isn't going anywhere...

Shidako: *walks along quietly*

Zorua: ...Wonder what the people here'll be like?

Harry: They might be following us - the... the people from Life City...

Iratus: (I have no idea...)

Todd: *walks along, blissfully unaware of what was happening between him, Sarah and Sam*

Sam: *looks down at his feet*

Lucifer: *suddenly appears in front of them, his wings large and white* ...

Sarah: *freezes in her tracks, gawking at Lucifer in shock (ohnoohnoohnoohgodnonononono)* D8...

Claire: !! *stops, putting an arm out to stop Harry, glaring at Lucifer*

Shidako: D:<!! *crouches, ready to attack as soon as he moves*

Zorua: !!! *takes a step closer to Iratus, knowing she stood no chance against Lucifer* D8

Lucifer: ... ... I know what you're all thinking... and I'm sorry, truthfully, for all I've done... but now's not the time for this. They're hunting you.

Harry: Who? And how do we know you're not LYING? D8<

Lucifer: Just... I know, it's hard, but it's important to trust me...

Iratus: ... (Father... y-you...) D8>

Lucifer: *refuses to look at Iratus, ashamed*

Sam: *glares at Lucifer, ready for any of his tricks*

Sarah: *takes an unconscious step back, AWAY from Lucifer* D8 .....

Zorua: ...

Shidako: *growls at him*

Claire: What do you want?

Lucifer: I only wish to warn you. It won't make up for my sins, but it's a start. The Mayor, Nox Occulta, sent me to find you all... and KILL you.

Harry: *readies himself in case Lucifer attacks*

Sam: *same*

Todd: *same* >:(

Iratus: *doesn't* D8>

Lucifer: ... I'm not here to hurt you. Like I said, I only wished to warn you - expect more to come for you.

Shidako: Why should we believe--

Claire: *cuts her off* Why does Occulta want us dead? We've done nothing to him.

Sarah: *only stands there in fear*

Zorua: ...

Lucifer: Because he's afraid... afraid of anything that's different... he wants to destroy all the other cities, destroy every other creature in this world that's not a part of his perfect little city. He's seen some suspicion come from you all, and now that you, Claire, are a vampire, it's sealed your fate. Occulta is a xenophobic madman. Now that you all have tainted Life City, he's willing to hunt you down to the ends of Concordia.

Todd: ... How can ANYONE think like that?

Lucifer: I wish I could tell you.

Harry: ... and he's willing to allow the other cities destroy each other? is that why he wanted us to plant the robot finger in that one vampire's place?

Lucifer: Correct.

Iratus: D8>

Claire: *now feels even more guilty* ...

Shidako: *still doesn't trust him* What are you going to tell him when you get back? That you couldn't find us? That we fought you off? How do we know you aren't just trying to slow us down? >:(

Sarah: ...

Zorua: ...

Lucifer: *angrily* Well I would have been more quick with this if you hadn't gotten all worked up over - *he huffs, then closes his eyes, counting backwards from five to zero* ... You'll just need to trust me. I'll tell Occulta that you made it to Metal City before I could get to you. He doesn't want it to look like you're an enemy of Life City, or else the Metal City robots may welcome you with open arms...

Todd: D: ??

Iratus: D8>

Sam: ...

Harry: *calmly* You should go, Lucifer. Thank you for the warning.

Lucifer: *nods slightly to Harry then backs away from them*

Iratus: (NO!!)

Lucifer: ??

Iratus: (NO, PLEASE - PLEASE DON'T GO!!) D8>

Sarah: !!?

Zorua: Ira... He has to, or we'll get caught... D:>

Claire: ...

Shidako: *calms down a bit* ...

Iratus: (No - no no no - he can - you can join us - Father can join us! Please! PLEASE!!) D8>

Everyone D: ... ...

Lucifer: *he sighs, looking at his son sadly* ... I'm sorry, Iratus... I'm no father to you... and I can't stay... *he then disappears*

Iratus: *stares at where his father was standing in anguish*

Sarah: *relaxes when Lucifer leaves* ...

Zorua: Ira... *lightly tugs at his arm* Ira, we need to go... D:>

Claire: *gives Iratus a sad look* <:( ....

Shidako: ...

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Altodd: ... I guess that's better than I expected, but... that's still pretty bad... <:/

Key: He was a bit scary sometimes... I don't think the fact that he got dragged HERE in the middle of the outbreak helped at all...

Altodd: ... I can imagine... D:> Ugh... just... we should maybe... I dunno... stop talking... we always head back into bad topics...

Key: Good plan. *continues tracing the lines of Altodd's chest, being very careful not to scratch him. She REALLY didn't want to get up* ...

Altodd: *he rubs her back, always willing to make her happy and comfortable*

Key: Mm... *half-closes her eyes, looking almost sleepy. she continues to lightly trace along his chest, enjoying his company and the warmth he provided*

Altodd: I like making you comfortable and all, but I think we might have to get up...

Key: But you're waaarm...

Altodd: But the Creators might not be too happy about that... they're agitated enough as it is... <:(

Key: Mmkay... when you put it that way... *gets out of bed, turning around to avoid looking at Altodd while he found some clothes* Umm... did the creators leave clothes for you in here?

Altodd: Uhhh... *he then notices a spare set of clothes beside the bed - it wasn't his normal body suit and armor - it was his outfit long before - the dirty hoodie and sweatpants, glove and scarf* ... ... *he reluctantly gets into the clothes* ... .. Okay, you can look.

Key: *turns around, and has to do a double-take* ...Um. Where's your armor? D;

Altodd: *quietly, his voice muffled by the scarf* ... This was all I could find... I'm really, really sorry...

Key: *looks down* It's fine... We should probably go out before--

Alarm: BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE frackING BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Key: *winces* That. *heads out the door, trying not to think too much about Altodd's sudden wardrobe change. She tried to think of it as "Oh, his clothes look like Todd's now" instead of "Oh, that's what he used to wear back when he was a complete psycho." Naturally, her attempt fails*

Altodd: *he follows Key out - he notices that the outfit he wears isn't just some replica - the thing was bloodstained. Particularly so around his right sleeve, where his arm was broken by a charger who had barely missed. The memory of the charger and the extreme pain of feeling his arm snap backwards sent a chill down his spine, and he shudders*

Key: *keeps walking down the hall, trying to ignore the profane alarm, hoping the outfit change wasn't going to be a bad omen*

meanwhile, back in Concordia, the group continues to travel through the forest

Claire: *has to help Harry walk, due to the fact that he still hasn't recovered from her last feast. she still feels incredibly guilty about the whole thing, and has decided not to drink from Harry unless there is absolutely no other option*

Zorua: *had taken to walking in her human form more often, feeling like she'd stick out less*

Shidako: *walks along, trying not to think of Altodd* ...

Sarah: *walks with the rest of them, casting nervous glances at Todd. she was going to have to pose as Key again that night, huh?*

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