As Pak made her jump, Aishe winced at the resulting collision. She knew Kem's landing hadn't been soft and fluffy, and having Pak barrel into him was probably going to leave a mark. Helping them both rise, she watched Kem with some concern. He looked as if he were wishing he were anywhere but there, and while she sympathized she knew she didn't feel it anywhere as strongly as he did.
There was no fire escape on the building they stood on; or not a working one anyhow. A few scraps of metal showed fresh stress, and a twisted heap of metal in the alleyway below them showed what had happened to it recently. Too many zombies? Maybe. Aishe tried the next best thing; the door to the stairwell. It was jammed, or locked, or both, and no amount of ramming it with her shoulder was even budging it.
Aishe looked at the building Nic indicated. It wouldn't be as simple a jump, since the roof was on an
even level with theirs and this building had been lower than the last. Still, if she could make it she figured everyone else could too. As the youngster of the group she assumed she was a pretty fair representation of the weakest link, physically speaking. The building had a fire escape that led down to the ground, and oddly enough it did seem clear of undead.
[Are you all right?] She sent to Kem. [Can you do one more?]
Her sending echoed Nic's question and she flashed a grateful glance at the younger man, for his consideration. Aishe turned to Pak next.
"How about you, Pak? Are you up to it?"
The question was mostly rhetorical. They'd have to be up to it unless they wanted to remain here as a zombie appetizer. Kem would follow, she knew, if he had reason to. So it was up to her to give him reason.
"Geronimo is old... maybe Bansai this time," she said out loud.
Without any preamble, she took a decent-sized running start again and tried to repeat her previous performance. Both feet planted securely on the roof's ledge, she bent her knees, keeping her eyes on the next building, and shoved off with as much energy as she could muster.
Once again, the flying sensation. Once again she had the notion she was almost having fun! The landing wasn't going to be as smooth... but she stretched her arms out and twisted slightly. Her feet fell below the level of the next roof, but her jump had been good enough to land her at about waist level. Her twist and her outstretched arms were enough to crank her up onto the rooftop, in another roll, and she came up on one knee to perform an identical surveillance as the last time before waving to the rest of her friends.
Nevrat. Aishe Nevrat. Zombie Survivalist.
Streets of Nachton - Infected Area
‘Waiting on you.’
‘Don’t.’
‘Waiting on you.’
‘I always hated when you did that.’
‘Still waiting on you.’
Simon Huntington and Ellis Duban stood precariously on the edge of Nachton’s industrial district and watched the flurry of large men move crates of something heavy from the warehouse one hundred yards away from them to a waiting moving truck. The gun runners in Nachton were easy to find, at least the human ones were, it was the infiltration of werewolves that made this otherwise quiet outing unbearably difficult.
‘Still waiting.’
Simon rolled his eyes and looked over at his ex lover and recalled that he had killed her once and almost let her die again. Stupid choices and poorly executed ones put him here now, listening to her odd sense of tainted humor as they watched the humans load the guns into the truck.
‘We’re here to watch.’
Ellis sniffed with disdain.
‘It’s called reconn.’
With a dramatic sigh, Ellis pulled out a cigarette and lit it, not caring that she was undoubtedly giving away their presence. ‘I don’t recall ever teaching you this pussified way of doing reconn.’
Simon turned away and rolled his eyes again, no her way was just going down and killing them all but the driver, who undoubtedly knew where he was going, if he didn’t know what for or for who – the rest they always winged. Her way was painful, reckless and … well her way.
‘My way. I said we’d do this my way.’ Simon said with a firm voice as he knelt down to peer over the side of the building roof top.
Ellis recognized the tone and immediately wanted to shoot his fucking brains out of his head. Flicking her cigarette off the side of the building, which landed next to one of the large men who was keeping a look out, Ellis held her hands up and signaled surrender.
‘Fine, your way.’
Ellis would have gladly continued with her scathing advice for Simon if it had not been for a series of car accidents in the surrounding area. Both vampires jumped at the consecutive car crashes all around them, evening garnering the attention of the humans below.
Slowly Simon stood. 'What the hell was that?' Looking over at Ellis he saw that she had already crossed the roof top behind them and was looking down at an accident. 'Ellis?'
'What the...' Ellis' eyes widened and she began to wave Simon over, her hand finally realizing that anything less than a frantic wave would not be appropriate. 'Simon. Simon come over here. Simon...SimonSimonSimonSimonSimon.'
In a blink he was beside her on her right, looking over the edge. That could not be right, he thought to himself as the sound of soft whispered wailing filtered up into the night air to them.
'That is SO not my fault,' Ellis said quietly.
Aishe
16 years ago
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Something crackling appeared to be a rib, from the pretty wicked pain in his side. Kem wasn't displeased with that; for someone terrified of heights, and considering he'd made almost no 'landing' to speak of, save in the rudest sense of the word (ie: his body made an impact on something solid), he had expected worse.
That said, it didn't help when Pak slammed into him at full speed. He tried to get his arms around her to help cushion her fall and was only marginally successful. But they were both intact and Nic was sailing gracefully over the gap behind.
As Kem tried to catch his breath, Aishe's sending and Nic's question registered. He looked over the chasm once more. He'd managed with room to spare the last time, he thought, putting it into strictly analytical terms. Physically, sure, he could make it. Even with something busted. Mentally he was a quivering mess of vampire-jello, but he didn't see an option. Aishe had pounded pretty hard on the door to the roof and he wasn't sure that the noise had gone entirely unnoticed.
[Cracked a rib, I think,] he responded to Aishe. [Nothing life-threatening, but damnit we're watching a movie and having some drinks later.]
Outwardly he nodded, wincing a bit when Nic shook him slightly. "One more, ten more," he said with resignation. "I'm certainly not staying here with the zombies."
Watching Aishe cross the next gap, his heart leaped into his throat as she made a fairly risky leap, but she was up and over and waving disgustingly cheerfully. The excitement resonating across their bond helped dampen his panic. She was enjoying herself, he realized. Not the zombies, but the jumping. That, he mused, he could never understand. But if he turned off his brain, he would be able to get through this.
In life, Kem had been active. Running, jumping, and swimming had come very easily to him. He was thankful for that as he stepped back a few paces, and thankful for the fact that he didn't actually have to breathe. He'd stopped that when he'd determined it hurt too much.
Taking a running leap as Aishe had just a few seconds ago, he hurled himself out and up. It was the run and jump that were the tough part. In the air all he had to do was scream psychotically inside his head; he figured he was pretty committed at that point.
Landing was better in the sense that he didn't hit the rooftop sideways, but worse when whatever had cracked before decided to snap all the way. The remaining air that had been in his lungs came out with a gasp. Staggering upright, he groped gently around his side with his fingers. Something was sticking through his side, probably his rib, but he'd mess with it later. For the time being he turned his attention toward Pak, hoping to help her across or avoid another collision... whichever seemed most prudent.
That said, it didn't help when Pak slammed into him at full speed. He tried to get his arms around her to help cushion her fall and was only marginally successful. But they were both intact and Nic was sailing gracefully over the gap behind.
As Kem tried to catch his breath, Aishe's sending and Nic's question registered. He looked over the chasm once more. He'd managed with room to spare the last time, he thought, putting it into strictly analytical terms. Physically, sure, he could make it. Even with something busted. Mentally he was a quivering mess of vampire-jello, but he didn't see an option. Aishe had pounded pretty hard on the door to the roof and he wasn't sure that the noise had gone entirely unnoticed.
[Cracked a rib, I think,] he responded to Aishe. [Nothing life-threatening, but damnit we're watching a movie and having some drinks later.]
Outwardly he nodded, wincing a bit when Nic shook him slightly. "One more, ten more," he said with resignation. "I'm certainly not staying here with the zombies."
Watching Aishe cross the next gap, his heart leaped into his throat as she made a fairly risky leap, but she was up and over and waving disgustingly cheerfully. The excitement resonating across their bond helped dampen his panic. She was enjoying herself, he realized. Not the zombies, but the jumping. That, he mused, he could never understand. But if he turned off his brain, he would be able to get through this.
In life, Kem had been active. Running, jumping, and swimming had come very easily to him. He was thankful for that as he stepped back a few paces, and thankful for the fact that he didn't actually have to breathe. He'd stopped that when he'd determined it hurt too much.
Taking a running leap as Aishe had just a few seconds ago, he hurled himself out and up. It was the run and jump that were the tough part. In the air all he had to do was scream psychotically inside his head; he figured he was pretty committed at that point.
Landing was better in the sense that he didn't hit the rooftop sideways, but worse when whatever had cracked before decided to snap all the way. The remaining air that had been in his lungs came out with a gasp. Staggering upright, he groped gently around his side with his fingers. Something was sticking through his side, probably his rib, but he'd mess with it later. For the time being he turned his attention toward Pak, hoping to help her across or avoid another collision... whichever seemed most prudent.
Amberelle DeEspionne
16 years ago
The leap from the burning store's roof to a nearby building hadn't been difficult. The blonde was still crouched and creeping along cautiously, planning out her route before moving on to the next building. But, she quickly realized, it was getting harder to stay moving with the pain in her shoulder distracting her. A fine sweat had broken out on her brow and her vision was blurring from the tears gathering in her eyes. She had plenty of experience functioning and fighting through pain but that didn't make it desireable. Plus, her right arm wasn't very useable in its current state. That was a liability she couldn't afford.
Amberelle stopped next to the stairwell access, beside a puddle of water standing in one of the roof's low spots. Carefully removing one of her blood coated gloves, she pulled a bit of cloth from the backpack with her clean hand and moistened it. She grimaced at the stagnant smell but firmly wiped down her face and neck of all the blood splattered from her earlier kills. Ripping off the now tainted and filthy section she tossed it far away, then she bit down on a wad of the clean cloth and stood. Several deep breaths hissed out and she clamped her jaw down tight before twisting and slamming her injured shoulder into a corner of the brick wall. What was to her an extremely loud popping noise indicated her shoulder had slid back into joint even as she screamed into the cloth gag. Her knees buckled and she dropped down to the roof roughly. The Anantya sat there blinking away the tears that streamed down her cheeks now and shaking off the waves of pain that radiated through her. If it was for seconds or minutes, she honestly wasn't sure.
Shakily spitting out the cloth, the vampire pulled her glove back on and gingerly moved her arm, rotating it in circles to ease out the stiffness. Hunger gnawed at her gut as her body repaired and recovered. That was a sensation she found almost comforting because it was so common. Also it was much easier to ignore as she pulled herself back to her feet and pressed her sweaty forehead to the cool stone. A few deep breaths and she straightened and turned to look across the way towards Dubine.
Merde.. I sure hope there really is a cure, she whispered.
Amberelle moved towards the edge and built up to a good run before she pushed off, sailing over the now eerily empty street below to land smoothly on the next roof over. Only a few more and she would have to figure out where exactly in Dubine to go. And without the Tacharans here with her now, the young Anantya wasn't even sure she could get in to aid them. If there was anyone left alive to aid. 'Non! No thinking like that,' Amby refused to believe all of her friends could be.. changed. Her golden eyes shone in the night as they scanned the rooftop ahead, her jaw clenched. There would be some interesting zigging and zagging now.
Amberelle stopped next to the stairwell access, beside a puddle of water standing in one of the roof's low spots. Carefully removing one of her blood coated gloves, she pulled a bit of cloth from the backpack with her clean hand and moistened it. She grimaced at the stagnant smell but firmly wiped down her face and neck of all the blood splattered from her earlier kills. Ripping off the now tainted and filthy section she tossed it far away, then she bit down on a wad of the clean cloth and stood. Several deep breaths hissed out and she clamped her jaw down tight before twisting and slamming her injured shoulder into a corner of the brick wall. What was to her an extremely loud popping noise indicated her shoulder had slid back into joint even as she screamed into the cloth gag. Her knees buckled and she dropped down to the roof roughly. The Anantya sat there blinking away the tears that streamed down her cheeks now and shaking off the waves of pain that radiated through her. If it was for seconds or minutes, she honestly wasn't sure.
Shakily spitting out the cloth, the vampire pulled her glove back on and gingerly moved her arm, rotating it in circles to ease out the stiffness. Hunger gnawed at her gut as her body repaired and recovered. That was a sensation she found almost comforting because it was so common. Also it was much easier to ignore as she pulled herself back to her feet and pressed her sweaty forehead to the cool stone. A few deep breaths and she straightened and turned to look across the way towards Dubine.
Merde.. I sure hope there really is a cure, she whispered.
Amberelle moved towards the edge and built up to a good run before she pushed off, sailing over the now eerily empty street below to land smoothly on the next roof over. Only a few more and she would have to figure out where exactly in Dubine to go. And without the Tacharans here with her now, the young Anantya wasn't even sure she could get in to aid them. If there was anyone left alive to aid. 'Non! No thinking like that,' Amby refused to believe all of her friends could be.. changed. Her golden eyes shone in the night as they scanned the rooftop ahead, her jaw clenched. There would be some interesting zigging and zagging now.
Pakpao
16 years ago
It had taken her a second to get her head back together and realize she'd nearly killed Kem. Wincing when she got a good look at him and noticed he was more than slightly frayed at the edges.
[Sorry. All right?]
She half laughed when she hear Nic ask about the same thing and she could only imagine Aishe had put in her two cents as well. The half laugh turned into a full out giggle. For no apparent reason she remembered the first time she'd met Kem, that time it had been him plowing over her. Now look how well that had turned out, maybe this would have a happy ending too.
The humor, however, was short lived and she nodded grimly at Aishe.
"Guess I'm going to have to be."Â?
The jump didn't look at all easy and Pak bit her lip thinking about it. Oh look, fangs; must be the stress. She accidentally broke the skin and neatly licked away the small bit of her own blood she'd drawn.
No, no she couldn't do this in the make shoes. As much as it pained her she kicked them off. Roofs were not made to be walked on and she could feel some thing sharp poke her almost immediately and realized how much this was going to hurt. Well at least she'd had a good dinner, that should help with any repairs and minor injuries.
Backing up she again adjusted the bag and took off running. With out the advantage of a drop to the next roof she concentrated on using her mind to help her push off and gain any little advantage she could get. It worked, mostly.
She made it across to the next building with some room to spare, but again missed the landing this time falling to her knees, ripping her pants and skinning her keens and cutting the palms of her hands. Thankfully Kem, who she'd been trying to avoid this time, managed to catch her and keep her from falling flat on her face.
Looking up at him and Aishe with what dignity she could manage,
"Can I get a cape or a utility belt for the next roof top chase? Please?"Â?
[Sorry. All right?]
She half laughed when she hear Nic ask about the same thing and she could only imagine Aishe had put in her two cents as well. The half laugh turned into a full out giggle. For no apparent reason she remembered the first time she'd met Kem, that time it had been him plowing over her. Now look how well that had turned out, maybe this would have a happy ending too.
The humor, however, was short lived and she nodded grimly at Aishe.
"Guess I'm going to have to be."Â?
The jump didn't look at all easy and Pak bit her lip thinking about it. Oh look, fangs; must be the stress. She accidentally broke the skin and neatly licked away the small bit of her own blood she'd drawn.
No, no she couldn't do this in the make shoes. As much as it pained her she kicked them off. Roofs were not made to be walked on and she could feel some thing sharp poke her almost immediately and realized how much this was going to hurt. Well at least she'd had a good dinner, that should help with any repairs and minor injuries.
Backing up she again adjusted the bag and took off running. With out the advantage of a drop to the next roof she concentrated on using her mind to help her push off and gain any little advantage she could get. It worked, mostly.
She made it across to the next building with some room to spare, but again missed the landing this time falling to her knees, ripping her pants and skinning her keens and cutting the palms of her hands. Thankfully Kem, who she'd been trying to avoid this time, managed to catch her and keep her from falling flat on her face.
Looking up at him and Aishe with what dignity she could manage,
"Can I get a cape or a utility belt for the next roof top chase? Please?"Â?
Nicholae
16 years ago
Realizing he was thankful to have wound up with these three, instead of Ellis, the blond and the mystery man, Nic again felt a stab of pride. Right now Kem was as close to family as Nic had in Nachton, or anywhere else for that matter, whether Kem knew or approved or not. And knowing the man must be fighting terrible demons to continue on with what they faced reinforced Nic's feelings. How lucky he had met the man when he did.
Once more hanging back till the others made it safely to the other side, Nic joined them immediately after. This had been a longer jump, and he hadn't really taken the time to check it out as thoroughly as he should have, so when he reached the next building the heel of his shoe caught the rim along the outer edge of the roof, and even he took a tumble this time. Ever thoughtful of his face, his forearms broke his fall, and came up slightly scraped, but not bloody.
The scent of blood was in the air now though, and Nic knew it had to be coming from one of the other three.
"Kem? You doing okay there old man?"
As he waited for a response, his eyes skimmed Aishe, and Pakpao, but returned to the other male in the party. He held himself back, and didn't approach any of the other three. With the stress he was under, coupled with the energy he was expending, Nic knew he was going to need to feed soon, and he certainly didn't want to be tempted at this time and place.
Once more hanging back till the others made it safely to the other side, Nic joined them immediately after. This had been a longer jump, and he hadn't really taken the time to check it out as thoroughly as he should have, so when he reached the next building the heel of his shoe caught the rim along the outer edge of the roof, and even he took a tumble this time. Ever thoughtful of his face, his forearms broke his fall, and came up slightly scraped, but not bloody.
The scent of blood was in the air now though, and Nic knew it had to be coming from one of the other three.
"Kem? You doing okay there old man?"
As he waited for a response, his eyes skimmed Aishe, and Pakpao, but returned to the other male in the party. He held himself back, and didn't approach any of the other three. With the stress he was under, coupled with the energy he was expending, Nic knew he was going to need to feed soon, and he certainly didn't want to be tempted at this time and place.
Aishe
16 years ago
Apparently she was the only one who'd fared well this time around. Even the confident Nic stumbled and came up with a few bumps and scrapes this time, but it was Kem who was worrying Aishe. She could tell something wasn't right. Cracked rib, maybe something worse. He'd managed to help steady Pak but now the unmistakable scent of blood tinged the air and it was more then the minor scrapes Pak and Nic had, which were already beginning to heal over.
She narrowed her eyes and peered closer at Kem. If she could smell blood, what might the zombies smell? She had no idea if their sense of smell was as keen as a vampire's. But judging by he expression on Kem's face, they had to figure out something. Not only was it dangerous, but she didn't want him having to contend with a wound and the fire escape together.
Gently, she moved Kem's arm away from his side to reveal a spreading red stain. He looked down at it in some surprise and cursed softly. Even as he did so Aishe could feel pain, her odd empathy noting jagged zigzags of black and yellow.
Lifting his shirt, ignoring the darkening stains and the drops that clung to her own sleeves, Aishe winced as she saw the disformity on Kem's side. There was a jagged cut in the skin and the bloodied end of something that looked like a broken bone just visible through it.
"We have to fix you up. You can't keep going like this."
She narrowed her eyes and peered closer at Kem. If she could smell blood, what might the zombies smell? She had no idea if their sense of smell was as keen as a vampire's. But judging by he expression on Kem's face, they had to figure out something. Not only was it dangerous, but she didn't want him having to contend with a wound and the fire escape together.
Gently, she moved Kem's arm away from his side to reveal a spreading red stain. He looked down at it in some surprise and cursed softly. Even as he did so Aishe could feel pain, her odd empathy noting jagged zigzags of black and yellow.
Lifting his shirt, ignoring the darkening stains and the drops that clung to her own sleeves, Aishe winced as she saw the disformity on Kem's side. There was a jagged cut in the skin and the bloodied end of something that looked like a broken bone just visible through it.
"We have to fix you up. You can't keep going like this."
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
"Well shit."
Was Kem's initial response when Aishe pulled his shirt up. He'd felt and smelled his own blood, but he hadn't realized it was quite that bad. Aishe was right though. Not only was it approaching something closer to agony than he liked, but the scent of blood was everywhere.
He pulled his shirt off over his head, followed by the white t-shirt underneath with a hiss of pain. Balling them both up he pressed them to his side as he bit his lip, and stuck his right hand underneath. Gently groping around he put his back to the nearest solid object which happened to be another chimney, and pressed down until his rib began to slide back in.
He lost track of where everyone on the rooftop was for a few seconds as his vision went white, then black, and then sparkled with pretty lights for a bit. He had no idea where his rib was really supposed to be but he figured as long as it got out of the way so his skin could heal, he could stop leaving a scent trail. Gingerly pressing some more to be sure the bone was going to stay inside, Kem removed his fingers from the open wound and wiped them before the blood could crust over.
"Remind me again why being eaten by zombies was worse than this?" He panted, resting his head back against the chimney for a moment. At some point he seemed to have slid down the chimney so he was sitting, and he really didn't want to get back up immediately.
Somthing creaked and grumbled inside as his rib readjusted itself. That was pretty unpleasant, but apparently it was somewhere in the right vicinity if his body was trying to fix that up, too.
Finally deciding he could manage to be vertical again he took Aishe's offered hand and shoved himself upright with a lurching motion. He looked at his shirts all bundled up and then with a sigh, tossed them over the opposite edge of the building, as far from where they had planned to go down as he could. They landed in a bloody heap well across the way, giving them a good half a block from where they'd planned to descend.
"May as well be a diversion," he said. "I'll be all right." He focused on Nic, whose face was turning from one face to three faces and back again. "Just as long as we don't play Superman anymore."
Was Kem's initial response when Aishe pulled his shirt up. He'd felt and smelled his own blood, but he hadn't realized it was quite that bad. Aishe was right though. Not only was it approaching something closer to agony than he liked, but the scent of blood was everywhere.
He pulled his shirt off over his head, followed by the white t-shirt underneath with a hiss of pain. Balling them both up he pressed them to his side as he bit his lip, and stuck his right hand underneath. Gently groping around he put his back to the nearest solid object which happened to be another chimney, and pressed down until his rib began to slide back in.
He lost track of where everyone on the rooftop was for a few seconds as his vision went white, then black, and then sparkled with pretty lights for a bit. He had no idea where his rib was really supposed to be but he figured as long as it got out of the way so his skin could heal, he could stop leaving a scent trail. Gingerly pressing some more to be sure the bone was going to stay inside, Kem removed his fingers from the open wound and wiped them before the blood could crust over.
"Remind me again why being eaten by zombies was worse than this?" He panted, resting his head back against the chimney for a moment. At some point he seemed to have slid down the chimney so he was sitting, and he really didn't want to get back up immediately.
Somthing creaked and grumbled inside as his rib readjusted itself. That was pretty unpleasant, but apparently it was somewhere in the right vicinity if his body was trying to fix that up, too.
Finally deciding he could manage to be vertical again he took Aishe's offered hand and shoved himself upright with a lurching motion. He looked at his shirts all bundled up and then with a sigh, tossed them over the opposite edge of the building, as far from where they had planned to go down as he could. They landed in a bloody heap well across the way, giving them a good half a block from where they'd planned to descend.
"May as well be a diversion," he said. "I'll be all right." He focused on Nic, whose face was turning from one face to three faces and back again. "Just as long as we don't play Superman anymore."
Nicholae
16 years ago
He wiped a slight sheen from his upper lip, then rubbed the back of his neck, pausing to massage the taut muscles there.
Kem looked better than death, but Nic could imagine there must be a decent amount of pain associated with his injury. Focusing on who and where the blood was coming from gave it a bit less appeal, and for that Nic was grateful. He was also fortunate to be one of the vampires that ate little, and fed infrequently. He wasn't all that old, as the way of vampires went, but his constitution had always been a bit heartier than many. He assumed that went hand in hand with his need for a lot less sleep than most too.
Whatever the case might have been, watching Kem put himself right again gave Nic the time he needed to do the same. Once Kem had thrown away his bloodied clothes, Nic had made his way over to the next corner, where there was a ladder that went over the side of the roof.
Grabbing the iron tubing, Nic swung his body over the side, and stepped onto the second rung down. He bounced on the ladder a few times to make sure it was sturdy, then bellowed to the other three.
"Good show Kem. The area down here is still clear, but that might help it stay that way even that much longer. If we move, I think we'll make it to the ground without drawing any attention..."
'...I hope, anyway.' He whispered almost imperceptibly under his breath.
Right now they seemed to be having a stroke of awesome luck in eluding the crazed hordes. He briefly wondered how Ellis was fairing, but the thought was so brief it might not have even taken place. Nic's mind was back on self preservation, and he extended that to include those in his immediate group, but anyone else would need to fend for themselves.
Placed where he was on the stairs, he made up his mind to go down first this time. That way, he figured, he'd be able to stave off anyone who might come upon them, before the rest got down. If he could have thought of a way to carry Kem down, without inflicting that much more pain on the man, he would have. But Nic just couldn't see how he would do that.
Instead he would be there to help his friend when he reached the bottom, it help was needed.
Kem looked better than death, but Nic could imagine there must be a decent amount of pain associated with his injury. Focusing on who and where the blood was coming from gave it a bit less appeal, and for that Nic was grateful. He was also fortunate to be one of the vampires that ate little, and fed infrequently. He wasn't all that old, as the way of vampires went, but his constitution had always been a bit heartier than many. He assumed that went hand in hand with his need for a lot less sleep than most too.
Whatever the case might have been, watching Kem put himself right again gave Nic the time he needed to do the same. Once Kem had thrown away his bloodied clothes, Nic had made his way over to the next corner, where there was a ladder that went over the side of the roof.
Grabbing the iron tubing, Nic swung his body over the side, and stepped onto the second rung down. He bounced on the ladder a few times to make sure it was sturdy, then bellowed to the other three.
"Good show Kem. The area down here is still clear, but that might help it stay that way even that much longer. If we move, I think we'll make it to the ground without drawing any attention..."
'...I hope, anyway.' He whispered almost imperceptibly under his breath.
Right now they seemed to be having a stroke of awesome luck in eluding the crazed hordes. He briefly wondered how Ellis was fairing, but the thought was so brief it might not have even taken place. Nic's mind was back on self preservation, and he extended that to include those in his immediate group, but anyone else would need to fend for themselves.
Placed where he was on the stairs, he made up his mind to go down first this time. That way, he figured, he'd be able to stave off anyone who might come upon them, before the rest got down. If he could have thought of a way to carry Kem down, without inflicting that much more pain on the man, he would have. But Nic just couldn't see how he would do that.
Instead he would be there to help his friend when he reached the bottom, it help was needed.
Pakpao
16 years ago
Some day, say when she was five or six hundred years old, Pak was certain she’d get her subterfuge working perfectly. At the moment however, the combination of stress, fear and a nice bit of guilt was causing it to crack. Now, was not the time to let it get the best of her and she knew it.
Leaving Kem in very capable hands, she just cringed as Aishe put him back together again. Not able to take much more she followed Nic over to the ladder. Using the time and space to get her game face back on.
Maybe she had sold Nic short. OK so she still wasn’t his number one fan but he wasn’t as big an idiot as she’d originally thought and defiantly not a coward. She might try being nicer… maybe.
“Here, let me.”
Ladders she could handle and as one of the smallest members of their band of merry men she could test it, if it didn’t hold her it wouldn’t hold any one and you never knew when some land lord had skimped on maintenance or paid off a building inspector. So, Pak quickly scrambled over the edge and down the fire escape with no problems.
However, she was now on the ground, alone. For some god knows what reason she pulled out the gun Aishe had shoved at her and did her best to imitate a movie cop. That didn’t feel right so Pak hid in a door way instead. She could see a large group of shadowy figures traveling in a pack about a block away and they seemed to be moving this way.
Not willing to risk a shout and not wanting to push Kem harder than they had to she sent to Aishe.
[We’re going to have company here pretty quick. You two going to be able to manage?]
She started scanning the street for a likely car to steal and for some reason no one seemed to have parked on the street tonight. Bastards.
Leaving Kem in very capable hands, she just cringed as Aishe put him back together again. Not able to take much more she followed Nic over to the ladder. Using the time and space to get her game face back on.
Maybe she had sold Nic short. OK so she still wasn’t his number one fan but he wasn’t as big an idiot as she’d originally thought and defiantly not a coward. She might try being nicer… maybe.
“Here, let me.”
Ladders she could handle and as one of the smallest members of their band of merry men she could test it, if it didn’t hold her it wouldn’t hold any one and you never knew when some land lord had skimped on maintenance or paid off a building inspector. So, Pak quickly scrambled over the edge and down the fire escape with no problems.
However, she was now on the ground, alone. For some god knows what reason she pulled out the gun Aishe had shoved at her and did her best to imitate a movie cop. That didn’t feel right so Pak hid in a door way instead. She could see a large group of shadowy figures traveling in a pack about a block away and they seemed to be moving this way.
Not willing to risk a shout and not wanting to push Kem harder than they had to she sent to Aishe.
[We’re going to have company here pretty quick. You two going to be able to manage?]
She started scanning the street for a likely car to steal and for some reason no one seemed to have parked on the street tonight. Bastards.
Aishe
16 years ago
If their situation hadn't been so urgent Aishe might have taken a moment to admire her boyfriend's build. Broad-shouldered with a narrow waist and plenty of lean, wiry muscle in between, Kem wasn't too hard on the eyes if one could ignore the sticky blood caked over his left side and the odd lump that was obviously something sitting wrong.
All right, so she took a moment anyway.
[We're coming,] was her answer when Pak's sending jolted her awake. [I'm sending Kem down first.]
She would cover the rear. Pak had slid down the ladder with surprising ease, and Nic was following quickly behind.
"Your turn love," she said to Kem. "Sleep later."
Peering quickly over the rooftop, she noted the group Pak had warned her about. They were heading for the area the explosion had been in, it seemed, which wasn't far from them at all. There wasn't much chance they would go unnoticed, Aishe thought, but maybe they'd get lucky.
As Kem contemplated the side of the ledge, Aishe brushed her fingers across his cheek and pressed close to him for a brief, very gentle, hug.
[I'm proud to be with you, Kiamhaat,] she sent.
All right, so she took a moment anyway.
[We're coming,] was her answer when Pak's sending jolted her awake. [I'm sending Kem down first.]
She would cover the rear. Pak had slid down the ladder with surprising ease, and Nic was following quickly behind.
"Your turn love," she said to Kem. "Sleep later."
Peering quickly over the rooftop, she noted the group Pak had warned her about. They were heading for the area the explosion had been in, it seemed, which wasn't far from them at all. There wasn't much chance they would go unnoticed, Aishe thought, but maybe they'd get lucky.
As Kem contemplated the side of the ledge, Aishe brushed her fingers across his cheek and pressed close to him for a brief, very gentle, hug.
[I'm proud to be with you, Kiamhaat,] she sent.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Kem was tempted to sleep, indeed. Normally being treated as an invalid of some sort would have irritated him but he was starting to really feel it. Themental strain, the fact that his rib had seriously just been poking out of his side and he'd stuffed it back in place with his figners.. yeah, he felt justified in a tiny break. No rest though, for the undead. Because they were being chased by -other- undead who wanted to eat them. And stuff.
His mind was really wandering. Straightening up again he smiled back at Aishe and felt his cheeks grow warm when she sent to him.
[For trying not to be a liability? I guess that's all right then...]
At her urging he headed for the side of the building, stood in contemplation for a few moments, and then gripped the cool metal of the fire escape with white knuckles. Almost through with it... and then, he swore quietly to himself, he was never going up anything again. Ever. Nothing good ever comes of going upwards.
The action of climbing the ladder was a whole lot less enjoyable than it might have been otherwise. Between his sweating palms, his shaking hands, and the fact that his still-broken rib was creaking around in his torso like a loose bearing, it seemed his entire body was conspiring to mentally and physically screw him over.
Catching a glimpse of a pack of zombies, he noted that no one had mentioned anything to him.
[Look, I know I'm the weak link right now,] he sent to them each in turn, [but if you don't tell me where the danger is I can't help you or myself.]
Stifling his mild irritation he hung briefly from the ladder with the arm on his good side, then forced himself to let go for one last painful drop to the ground. A burst of light hit his face and for a moment he thought it was a car's headlights until he blinked and realized it was his side again.
Looking down he noted it looked mighty angry with him, but the skin wasn't broken. And he was on the ground. Hallalujah. Let the raving hordes come.
His mind was really wandering. Straightening up again he smiled back at Aishe and felt his cheeks grow warm when she sent to him.
[For trying not to be a liability? I guess that's all right then...]
At her urging he headed for the side of the building, stood in contemplation for a few moments, and then gripped the cool metal of the fire escape with white knuckles. Almost through with it... and then, he swore quietly to himself, he was never going up anything again. Ever. Nothing good ever comes of going upwards.
The action of climbing the ladder was a whole lot less enjoyable than it might have been otherwise. Between his sweating palms, his shaking hands, and the fact that his still-broken rib was creaking around in his torso like a loose bearing, it seemed his entire body was conspiring to mentally and physically screw him over.
Catching a glimpse of a pack of zombies, he noted that no one had mentioned anything to him.
[Look, I know I'm the weak link right now,] he sent to them each in turn, [but if you don't tell me where the danger is I can't help you or myself.]
Stifling his mild irritation he hung briefly from the ladder with the arm on his good side, then forced himself to let go for one last painful drop to the ground. A burst of light hit his face and for a moment he thought it was a car's headlights until he blinked and realized it was his side again.
Looking down he noted it looked mighty angry with him, but the skin wasn't broken. And he was on the ground. Hallalujah. Let the raving hordes come.
Nicholae
16 years ago
"Women."
Nic sighed under his breath when Pakpao deftly maneuvered her way past him on the stairs, and reached the ground ahead of him. Oh well, the best laid plans, and all that rot.
Holding the bars, with his feet pressed along side them as well, Nic slid the rest of the way down the ladder, and landed with a soft thud. He ignored Pakpao, not really aware of where she was at the moment, while he looked up to watch Kem cautiously make his descent. It was obvious there was something wrong, but Kem managed to make it down the ladder pretty quickly, all things considered. Along the way Nic received one of Kem's messages, which startled him this time just as much as it usually did.
'Sorry dude, I just now noticed them myself...guess I had my mind on something else...'
Nic apologized, turned, and scanned the street around him. Looking back Kem had reached the ground but seemed to waiver a little, so Nic set his hands on the back of his friend in an attempt to offer support, and help to steady the other man.
Looking up again he could see Aishe was following, and seemed to have complete control, so Nic moved over to stand next to Pakpao. Looking down at her bare feet, Nic shook his head.
"You going to be able to keep up, running without shoes?"
Grinning wryly Nic's eyes batted innocently at the woman, as he recalled their first meeting and some strange happenings with his own shoes. Not that he KNEW if Pakpao had been at all responsible for the occurrence, but he did have his suspicions. One day he might find out, but he wasn't holding his breath for it to be today.
Nic sighed under his breath when Pakpao deftly maneuvered her way past him on the stairs, and reached the ground ahead of him. Oh well, the best laid plans, and all that rot.
Holding the bars, with his feet pressed along side them as well, Nic slid the rest of the way down the ladder, and landed with a soft thud. He ignored Pakpao, not really aware of where she was at the moment, while he looked up to watch Kem cautiously make his descent. It was obvious there was something wrong, but Kem managed to make it down the ladder pretty quickly, all things considered. Along the way Nic received one of Kem's messages, which startled him this time just as much as it usually did.
'Sorry dude, I just now noticed them myself...guess I had my mind on something else...'
Nic apologized, turned, and scanned the street around him. Looking back Kem had reached the ground but seemed to waiver a little, so Nic set his hands on the back of his friend in an attempt to offer support, and help to steady the other man.
Looking up again he could see Aishe was following, and seemed to have complete control, so Nic moved over to stand next to Pakpao. Looking down at her bare feet, Nic shook his head.
"You going to be able to keep up, running without shoes?"
Grinning wryly Nic's eyes batted innocently at the woman, as he recalled their first meeting and some strange happenings with his own shoes. Not that he KNEW if Pakpao had been at all responsible for the occurrence, but he did have his suspicions. One day he might find out, but he wasn't holding his breath for it to be today.
Pakpao
16 years ago
It was Pak's turn to give Kem the wounded puppy look. She sure as hell wasn't coddling him; she'd helped to hurt him. Hell if any one was a weak link it was her, all she could do was run and throw things, she hadn't a clue what to do with a gun or any of that survival/self defense shit. She certainly had -no- idea what to do in case of zombie invasion, this was a learning experience all the way around. But, if they were all undead enough to indulge in wounded feelings and ego though more power too them. So she didn't press the issue and just let it go.
"If I have to regenerate half my toes I'll keep up."Â?
Pak stated with determination, although she did manage to soften it with a half smile. It had taken a bit but she'd recognized there was some humor in Nic's statement. She couldn't quite figure it but she heard it.
Good, every one was on the ground. That was a great first step.
"Run or walk? I think walking might attract less attention..."Â?
But she really wanted to run. It would be really handy if they could tell where the hordes were and if it was safe to run or not.
((LOL! Poor Nic he keeps getting caught in her moods.))
"If I have to regenerate half my toes I'll keep up."Â?
Pak stated with determination, although she did manage to soften it with a half smile. It had taken a bit but she'd recognized there was some humor in Nic's statement. She couldn't quite figure it but she heard it.
Good, every one was on the ground. That was a great first step.
"Run or walk? I think walking might attract less attention..."Â?
But she really wanted to run. It would be really handy if they could tell where the hordes were and if it was safe to run or not.
((LOL! Poor Nic he keeps getting caught in her moods.))
Aishe
16 years ago
Climbing down the ladder behind Kem, Aishe let herself drop lightly to the ground and stood straight once more. Tilting her head slightly, she considered Kem's rebuke and decided she, at least, was certainly guilty of what he'd pointed out.
[I'm sorry,] she sent simply, unwilling to draw any attention to them by saying it aloud. [You're right. I won't try to keep you in the dark.]
Injured he may be, but she knew Kem was up for a fight when the situation obviously called for one. And it was unfair of her to claim a lover's right to protect her beloved while denying him the same.
[But you're not the weak link, or you wouldn't have leaped across two rooftops, shoved your own rib back into place, and managed to get down that ladder without passing out.]
He could have half his argument, Aishe conceded. Kem was anything but a weakling. He was living proof... or undead proof, as it were, that one could be mild-mannered and unassuming without being a pushover.
Hearing Nic's softly-voiced question to Pak, Aishe looked down at her friend's feet. Sure enough, the Thai was barefoot. Her response made Aishe grin a little though. Trust Pak to be plucky under dire circumstances.
The question-asking went full circle as Pak voiced her own concern next. Assessing the situation Aishe responded by pulling out one of her hastily-grabbed handguns. "I don't think attracting attention is going to be a concern."
The small pack of zombies that had been heading toward the explosion was now veering in their direction. She counted six. Loathe to simply begin shooting, Aishe glanced around for a solution. There was nothing on the street that could really help them, she didn't think. And while the idea of safely firing at them as they approached was somewhat appealing, she didn't want to kill them if she didn't have to. Furthermore, the shots would only alert any more zombies in the immediate area.
So she hesitated, and waited for Nic or Kem to confirm their course of action, gun at the ready.
[I'm sorry,] she sent simply, unwilling to draw any attention to them by saying it aloud. [You're right. I won't try to keep you in the dark.]
Injured he may be, but she knew Kem was up for a fight when the situation obviously called for one. And it was unfair of her to claim a lover's right to protect her beloved while denying him the same.
[But you're not the weak link, or you wouldn't have leaped across two rooftops, shoved your own rib back into place, and managed to get down that ladder without passing out.]
He could have half his argument, Aishe conceded. Kem was anything but a weakling. He was living proof... or undead proof, as it were, that one could be mild-mannered and unassuming without being a pushover.
Hearing Nic's softly-voiced question to Pak, Aishe looked down at her friend's feet. Sure enough, the Thai was barefoot. Her response made Aishe grin a little though. Trust Pak to be plucky under dire circumstances.
The question-asking went full circle as Pak voiced her own concern next. Assessing the situation Aishe responded by pulling out one of her hastily-grabbed handguns. "I don't think attracting attention is going to be a concern."
The small pack of zombies that had been heading toward the explosion was now veering in their direction. She counted six. Loathe to simply begin shooting, Aishe glanced around for a solution. There was nothing on the street that could really help them, she didn't think. And while the idea of safely firing at them as they approached was somewhat appealing, she didn't want to kill them if she didn't have to. Furthermore, the shots would only alert any more zombies in the immediate area.
So she hesitated, and waited for Nic or Kem to confirm their course of action, gun at the ready.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Kem offered Nic a nod of mixed apology and thanks as he steadied himself. he hadn't meant to come off as an asshole, and being grouchy and in pain wasn't much excuse for lacking manners. He wasn't buying Pak's puppydog eyes though. They were just wrong, on her. Besides, she'd have had the same issues as he did.
Aishe, as usual, was her calm self. Readily admitting what she'd been doing her response in his mind was flavored with understanding, and it was more than soothing. He did feel like a heel, however. His friends were trying to help, and here he was snapping at them.
Apologies would have to wait, however. The very objects of Kem's disgruntlement had decided to switch directions and come at them in a slavering, flesh-hungry mob. Aishe was quick to raise her weapon but she stopped before firing a shot. At first Kem misunderstood her hesitation but it didn't take him long to figure it out. Where there was a small pack of zombies, it seemed, there would quickly be more. He'd thrown his shirts away to avoid drawing unwanted attention, and shots being fired were certainly going to negate that.
Not to mention, Kem thought again, as he had in the car, these were people. Bad enough he'd fired on them once already. he wasn't sure he could do it again. Glancing around as Aishe had done, he reached out and put his hand on her wrist, pointing down and away a few yards.
"There."
He was indicating the nearest manhole.
"Can we take them out quietly? At least without drawing any more attention? If so, we can get down there. Hopefully they're not in the sewers. We can get to Liefde that way."
Not to mention, snappiness aside, he was pretty sure there was a limit to the abuse his body could take, and poor Pak was starting to look stressed out as well. They couldn't rely solely on Aishe and Nic to fight them back through the streets.
There wasn't much more time to expound upon his theory, and hopefully he wouldn't have to. Like a bloodhound to - well, blood, the first of the small pack barreled into them, cruising straight for him and doing its best to bowl Nic over in the process.
Aishe, as usual, was her calm self. Readily admitting what she'd been doing her response in his mind was flavored with understanding, and it was more than soothing. He did feel like a heel, however. His friends were trying to help, and here he was snapping at them.
Apologies would have to wait, however. The very objects of Kem's disgruntlement had decided to switch directions and come at them in a slavering, flesh-hungry mob. Aishe was quick to raise her weapon but she stopped before firing a shot. At first Kem misunderstood her hesitation but it didn't take him long to figure it out. Where there was a small pack of zombies, it seemed, there would quickly be more. He'd thrown his shirts away to avoid drawing unwanted attention, and shots being fired were certainly going to negate that.
Not to mention, Kem thought again, as he had in the car, these were people. Bad enough he'd fired on them once already. he wasn't sure he could do it again. Glancing around as Aishe had done, he reached out and put his hand on her wrist, pointing down and away a few yards.
"There."
He was indicating the nearest manhole.
"Can we take them out quietly? At least without drawing any more attention? If so, we can get down there. Hopefully they're not in the sewers. We can get to Liefde that way."
Not to mention, snappiness aside, he was pretty sure there was a limit to the abuse his body could take, and poor Pak was starting to look stressed out as well. They couldn't rely solely on Aishe and Nic to fight them back through the streets.
There wasn't much more time to expound upon his theory, and hopefully he wouldn't have to. Like a bloodhound to - well, blood, the first of the small pack barreled into them, cruising straight for him and doing its best to bowl Nic over in the process.
Nicholae
16 years ago
Sewers! Of course! Mentally kicking himself for not thinking of it first, it then dawned on him WHY he hadn't thought of it first. THEY WERE FULL OF SEWAGE!!!
Casting a pained look at Kem, Nic abruptly turned to see what Aishe was aiming at, and drew his own gun. Before he could fire though, he was knocked off his feet, and thrown to the ground, a heaving fetid mess of writhing weight trying its best to have Nic for dinner. No thought to keeping a low profile, Nic's gun fired into the flesh on top of him, and after four shots, it went limp. Nic pushed the bloody, pulpy mess off, and rolled over to stand up.
Deciding he'd rather brave the stench of sewage, in lieu of rotting bodies, he ran to the manhole cover Kem had indicated, and pulled it away once he got a good grip on it.
"Ladies first?"
It was merely a stall tactic, for he was quite aware he had no choice but to go down into the hole as well. Seeing more zombies getting perilously close, he raised his gun and aimed at the closest, firing before his brain threw up any arguments. There just wasn't any time to mess around, and he couldn't think of any 'quiet' way to dispense of the creatures.
Casting a pained look at Kem, Nic abruptly turned to see what Aishe was aiming at, and drew his own gun. Before he could fire though, he was knocked off his feet, and thrown to the ground, a heaving fetid mess of writhing weight trying its best to have Nic for dinner. No thought to keeping a low profile, Nic's gun fired into the flesh on top of him, and after four shots, it went limp. Nic pushed the bloody, pulpy mess off, and rolled over to stand up.
Deciding he'd rather brave the stench of sewage, in lieu of rotting bodies, he ran to the manhole cover Kem had indicated, and pulled it away once he got a good grip on it.
"Ladies first?"
It was merely a stall tactic, for he was quite aware he had no choice but to go down into the hole as well. Seeing more zombies getting perilously close, he raised his gun and aimed at the closest, firing before his brain threw up any arguments. There just wasn't any time to mess around, and he couldn't think of any 'quiet' way to dispense of the creatures.
Pakpao
16 years ago
“Yuck!”
Every one deserved a gut reaction, especially considering she was barefoot. It was an inspired suggestion and logically she approved, but ooey gooey … blech… between her toes? The gunshots, however, made up Pak’s mind. She jumped at the sound and was officially more than willing to run through the swears.
Still less than comfortable with her gun she mentally threw several trash can lids, one after the other Frisbee style, at the closest zombies knocking them down. It wasn’t perfect but it did slow some of them down. With out further stalling she found her way down into the dark, damp, smelly mess and tried REALLY hard not to think about what she was stepping on, it was squishy. But at least it seemed to be safe; it would be a bit cramped for Nic and Kem, hell she was having to crouch a bit but beggars can’t be choosers.
Once below she reached out and gave an experimental tug on the man hole cover. She could move it, barley. The thing was more substantial than Pak had thought. Once Kem was below though he could help pull the cover back into place and hopefully keep them from being followed.
[Get every one down here and we’ll lock them out.]
She sent up to Kem. Weak link her ass, he could pull that thing a lot better than she could and the two of them could make short work of it. Granted she hadn’t been terribly specific there, but Pak trusted Kem to understand her thought process.
Every one deserved a gut reaction, especially considering she was barefoot. It was an inspired suggestion and logically she approved, but ooey gooey … blech… between her toes? The gunshots, however, made up Pak’s mind. She jumped at the sound and was officially more than willing to run through the swears.
Still less than comfortable with her gun she mentally threw several trash can lids, one after the other Frisbee style, at the closest zombies knocking them down. It wasn’t perfect but it did slow some of them down. With out further stalling she found her way down into the dark, damp, smelly mess and tried REALLY hard not to think about what she was stepping on, it was squishy. But at least it seemed to be safe; it would be a bit cramped for Nic and Kem, hell she was having to crouch a bit but beggars can’t be choosers.
Once below she reached out and gave an experimental tug on the man hole cover. She could move it, barley. The thing was more substantial than Pak had thought. Once Kem was below though he could help pull the cover back into place and hopefully keep them from being followed.
[Get every one down here and we’ll lock them out.]
She sent up to Kem. Weak link her ass, he could pull that thing a lot better than she could and the two of them could make short work of it. Granted she hadn’t been terribly specific there, but Pak trusted Kem to understand her thought process.
Aishe
16 years ago
So much for playing it quiet, Aishe thought as Nic went down under the first assailant. His gun went off several times... muffled, perhaps, but still loud enough to draw the attention of anything within a few blocks. She watched as Pak disappeared down into the dark, following Kem's idea and Nic's quick actions. Everything seemed to be happening at once.
Another one went down as a shot rang out from behind her and she realized Kem had pulled the trigger that time. She managed to get one off as well, but one of the remaining undead shoved her out of the way, sending her flying on its way toward Kem.
The last one caught her as she toppled and reeled her in with an impossibly strong arm. Aishe tried to get her gun up but the creature gripped her tightly. Praying Nic would help Kem out first, Aishe fended off her attacker with her free hand, bringing the heel of her palm up and slamming it into the zombie's nose. It squealed with horror as the bone shattered and cartilage popped out of place, but still it came on.
Quickly she reset her hand under its chin, shoving out just before it connected with her face. Her own hand was slipping in the blood that poured from its nose but she jammed her thumb into the skin under its jaw and kept pushing. They wrestled like that, held in a stalemate. The pavement was grinding into her back, but Aishe knew Nic would assist Kem soon and if she could hold on long enough, they'd get to her. She wished she could get some leverage, but she was lucky to be holding it off from biting her, at this rate.
Her delicate little fangs had poked out in the meantime and she found herself biting into her own lower lip. Opening her own jaws slightly to keep from drawing blood and frenzying the thing any further, she growled with irritation at the monster doing its best to snap at her and wished she could bite it and give it a taste of its own medicine.
Another one went down as a shot rang out from behind her and she realized Kem had pulled the trigger that time. She managed to get one off as well, but one of the remaining undead shoved her out of the way, sending her flying on its way toward Kem.
The last one caught her as she toppled and reeled her in with an impossibly strong arm. Aishe tried to get her gun up but the creature gripped her tightly. Praying Nic would help Kem out first, Aishe fended off her attacker with her free hand, bringing the heel of her palm up and slamming it into the zombie's nose. It squealed with horror as the bone shattered and cartilage popped out of place, but still it came on.
Quickly she reset her hand under its chin, shoving out just before it connected with her face. Her own hand was slipping in the blood that poured from its nose but she jammed her thumb into the skin under its jaw and kept pushing. They wrestled like that, held in a stalemate. The pavement was grinding into her back, but Aishe knew Nic would assist Kem soon and if she could hold on long enough, they'd get to her. She wished she could get some leverage, but she was lucky to be holding it off from biting her, at this rate.
Her delicate little fangs had poked out in the meantime and she found herself biting into her own lower lip. Opening her own jaws slightly to keep from drawing blood and frenzying the thing any further, she growled with irritation at the monster doing its best to snap at her and wished she could bite it and give it a taste of its own medicine.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Still dazed and confused, Kem's first emotion was slightly guilty relief when the first zombie tried to reach him by ricocheting off of Nic. It was dispatched rather noisily, but Kem preferred that over having a zombie eating his face. The second, as well, went down in a similar manner.
There was a brief respite and Pak had a chance to hop down into the sewers, but the remaining four zombies bore down on the other three vampires too quickly for escape. Without thinking, Kem raised his right hand with its gun and fired, glad Aishe had had the presence of mind to flick the safety off back in the gun shop. She took one out as well, and Kem registered Pak sending something to him before his world exploded in a burst of dazzingly bight lights and he felt himself sailing across empty space.
The zombie hit him with the force of a linebacker, throwing him back against the wall of the building they'd just descended from. Going with gravity, Kem simply let his knees do exactly what they wanted to do, which was buckle. The zombie snapped ineffectively above him. With his left arm clamped protectively against his injured side, Kem mustered up the energy to rise quickly. Sixteen hundred years of vampire brute strength went into the uppercut he launched with his right hand, and the butt of the gun cracked the zombie's jaw, knocking it back several steps.
Luck was finally with him; the undead critter staggered over the corpse of its pal and fell backwards. While, admittedly, Kem's first reaction to danger was to run, his ten-mile wide survival instinct kicked in before the flight mechanism had a chance to. He was over to the zombie before it could rise, slamming down into one knee and driving it with all his weight into its throat.
Still the thing struggled against him, even pinned down as it was. What the hell were these things made of, anyway? bringing his gun into play once more, he pressed it against the zombie's forehead.
And couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger on the detestable weapon once again. How much killing were they do to in one night? And why couldn't this thing just have the good sense to take its collasped trachea somewhere quiet and die in peace where Kem didn't have to see it? It had a face, for crying out loud. Its... his... his eyes were blue. He had a beard.
The hand clawing at his leg had a ring on it!
Kem was stuck there. This man had a life. He was at his limit. He'd already watched Pak take his car on a killing spree. He'd shot two zombies on the way into the gun shop. He'd jumped over buildings, turned his rib into jelly, and now this.
He knelt there as the zombie thrashed and clawed, unwilling to complete his move.
There was a brief respite and Pak had a chance to hop down into the sewers, but the remaining four zombies bore down on the other three vampires too quickly for escape. Without thinking, Kem raised his right hand with its gun and fired, glad Aishe had had the presence of mind to flick the safety off back in the gun shop. She took one out as well, and Kem registered Pak sending something to him before his world exploded in a burst of dazzingly bight lights and he felt himself sailing across empty space.
The zombie hit him with the force of a linebacker, throwing him back against the wall of the building they'd just descended from. Going with gravity, Kem simply let his knees do exactly what they wanted to do, which was buckle. The zombie snapped ineffectively above him. With his left arm clamped protectively against his injured side, Kem mustered up the energy to rise quickly. Sixteen hundred years of vampire brute strength went into the uppercut he launched with his right hand, and the butt of the gun cracked the zombie's jaw, knocking it back several steps.
Luck was finally with him; the undead critter staggered over the corpse of its pal and fell backwards. While, admittedly, Kem's first reaction to danger was to run, his ten-mile wide survival instinct kicked in before the flight mechanism had a chance to. He was over to the zombie before it could rise, slamming down into one knee and driving it with all his weight into its throat.
Still the thing struggled against him, even pinned down as it was. What the hell were these things made of, anyway? bringing his gun into play once more, he pressed it against the zombie's forehead.
And couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger on the detestable weapon once again. How much killing were they do to in one night? And why couldn't this thing just have the good sense to take its collasped trachea somewhere quiet and die in peace where Kem didn't have to see it? It had a face, for crying out loud. Its... his... his eyes were blue. He had a beard.
The hand clawing at his leg had a ring on it!
Kem was stuck there. This man had a life. He was at his limit. He'd already watched Pak take his car on a killing spree. He'd shot two zombies on the way into the gun shop. He'd jumped over buildings, turned his rib into jelly, and now this.
He knelt there as the zombie thrashed and clawed, unwilling to complete his move.
Nicholae
16 years ago
"Fuck this shit!"
Nic couldn't believe his eyes as the last of the lot seemed to split apart and go after both Aishe and Kem at the same time. Perhaps Pakpao could have remained behind a second or so longer? Perhaps not...and that was the last of the conversation in his head. Looking at Aishe, then Kem again, Nic had to make a decision quickly, or risk losing them both. These zombies might not be able to kill vampires, but Nic sure didn't want to see what the alternative might be... He had grown more than fond of Kem, and was liking Aishe pretty good now too...and it had taken a hundred years, give or take, to find these people...he didn't want to lose them now!
Whipping his head toward Aishe, Nic leveled his gun and fired off three shots, as he ran to Kem's side. Later he might look back on his actions, and shake his head in amazement, knowing how over dramatic he must have looked. But for now he really did need to get his head in gear, and do what he could to help these two get down below.
Kem had a gun shoved up against one of them, but wasn't pulling the trigger for whatever reason. Nic had no compunction, so he placed his gun to the creature's temple, and clicked off his shots in rapid succession. Three bullets were undoubtedly overkill, so to speak, but now that Nic was on a roll, he couldn't quit. Hoping Kem would have the ability to get up on his own, Nic moved to Aishe next, and saw his previous shots didn't do as much damage as he'd hoped. In fact, he wasn't sure if he'd hit this one or not.
Reaching down he grabbed the zombie's hair with everything in him, and jerked back with a force he had no idea he had.
"Can you get up?!"
He frantically yelled down to Aishe, as he flung the zombie as far away as he could, then looked back to Kem again, anxiety over his friends condition becoming huge. God help him if he had to carry both of them to the sewers. Nic would try, no question, he just didn't hold out a lot of hope in succeeding, and couldn't bring himself to consider what that might mean.
There just wasn't enough time!
Nic couldn't believe his eyes as the last of the lot seemed to split apart and go after both Aishe and Kem at the same time. Perhaps Pakpao could have remained behind a second or so longer? Perhaps not...and that was the last of the conversation in his head. Looking at Aishe, then Kem again, Nic had to make a decision quickly, or risk losing them both. These zombies might not be able to kill vampires, but Nic sure didn't want to see what the alternative might be... He had grown more than fond of Kem, and was liking Aishe pretty good now too...and it had taken a hundred years, give or take, to find these people...he didn't want to lose them now!
Whipping his head toward Aishe, Nic leveled his gun and fired off three shots, as he ran to Kem's side. Later he might look back on his actions, and shake his head in amazement, knowing how over dramatic he must have looked. But for now he really did need to get his head in gear, and do what he could to help these two get down below.
Kem had a gun shoved up against one of them, but wasn't pulling the trigger for whatever reason. Nic had no compunction, so he placed his gun to the creature's temple, and clicked off his shots in rapid succession. Three bullets were undoubtedly overkill, so to speak, but now that Nic was on a roll, he couldn't quit. Hoping Kem would have the ability to get up on his own, Nic moved to Aishe next, and saw his previous shots didn't do as much damage as he'd hoped. In fact, he wasn't sure if he'd hit this one or not.
Reaching down he grabbed the zombie's hair with everything in him, and jerked back with a force he had no idea he had.
"Can you get up?!"
He frantically yelled down to Aishe, as he flung the zombie as far away as he could, then looked back to Kem again, anxiety over his friends condition becoming huge. God help him if he had to carry both of them to the sewers. Nic would try, no question, he just didn't hold out a lot of hope in succeeding, and couldn't bring himself to consider what that might mean.
There just wasn't enough time!