[IC] From The Ashes

[Swarley]

"Well I'm a commie through and through so I kinda have to you know?" Naomi says with a small laugh at the end of her statement. She then laughed a bit awkwardly at the next joke, half convinced that she would be hit if she didn't make it clear that it was not what she wanted. "I think I'm mentally sound enough as is, and that little tap of your cane made me feel as good as I can, anything from your friends might be a bit overkill." She said with another awkward laugh, her eyes betraying a bit of fear about the big guy. It's not that she'd never been hit by an anthro before, but every time she had been it hurt like a bitch and this guy was at least twice as big as anyone that had given her trouble before. She did have to admit that the other two weren't bad, she could imagine herself having some sort of relationship with either of them if she didn't already know they wouldn't be into her political ideals.

"If you're looking for food I may be able to help you out. There's not much in the way of fine dining or any of the fresh stuff you might find at more organized settlements like the one I come from or some of the military ones, but there's some passable canned stuff that I may be able to get you a discount on. Other stuff is a mixed bag, high powered firearms and other such nonsense are a rarity I hear, but I don't really deal with weapons so I don't know much about that stuff." Naomi said with a smirk, she had thought of asking for some form of payment for her bargaining services, but she realized that it would probably be better to get some allies rather than a pack of cigarettes or some bullets.

It was then when a familiar looking man approached Naomi. It wasn't like he was an old friend or something, but Naomi recognized him from somewhere, she assumed that he had spoken to her when she was handing out pamphlets or spit in her face or something. Surprising to her he actually gave her some food, two cans in fact. She smiled to herself and then looked at the man. "Thanks, but you didn't need to do this, I'm sure you need some food of your own." She said with a well meaning smile as she attempted to hand back one of the cans.

The intercom's message left Naomi a little worried. She had come here to get away from the front lines but now it seemed that they were coming to her. She turned back to the human girl who had originally bumped into her. "If you need some supplies, I suggest we move quickly because I'm going to get out of here before the fighting starts and head anywhere but here."

[gogojakeo]

Keane's Perspective:

Keane was surprised when the girl tried to give a can back to him. "No, I don't eat too much anyway, it won't be missed," he replied, and refused to take back either of the cans, "I'm Keane, by the way, I-I'm from Ireland, if you can't tell from the accent."
Keane was quite nervous, he had never spoken to a girl before, unless you count the traders. The only person he had had real conversation with was Seamus, and he had known him all of his life.

[Silver Fox]

Skylar chuckled a bit at the response to her joke, giving a soft apologetic smile at the sound of a hint of fear within the voice. "Yes, though I think only Xurga would really hurt. Ashiek and Keepa don't really hit hard on their own." she joked as she gave a teasing grin.

"Hey! I hit plenty hard!" Ashiek barked with a smirk, playfully bumping the blonde Apelesshar before teasingly poking the half breed's cheek.

"<Awe in so sorry honey bunny, your just too cute to stop teasing. I mean really Apelesshar seem to have quite the fetish for have breeds. Could earn a lot of gold too...>" The canine snickered teasing before backing off with this hands raised slightly in surrender as the large tiger man glared down at him.

"<Stop teasing him Ashiek. Or he will really think you plan to sell him at a Apelesshar brothel.>" Xurga said firmly, his voice calm, though he had a soft smile cross his lips.

"<Ah I would never! For all the beautiful men and women are for me alone to enjoy!>" Ashiek joked as he brushed his fingers through his bangs with a wink of a red eye.

"<If I remember correctly, didn't you get shut down by that young fox girl back home before we left?>" The human girl teased toward Ashiek. Skylar shook her head at her companions chatter before smiling at Naomi after she spoke to the man. Requesting that they should hurry since the announcement came on, and her companions agreed. Fighting wasn't what they were looking for after all, especially a Apelesshar fight.

"Alright lead the way if you could. Just the food will be fine. Our weapons I believe will suffice." Skylar said with another bright smile.

[Hawlin]

Keepa blinked, narrowing their eyes at Ashiek from the poke, their still mostly obscured by the hood and the scarf. That kind of attention is the exact reason he started covering up, doing what he could to hide himself from others. However, he was mostly ignored back in he tribe and wasn't too used to the attention until they had started the journey and they were...made aware.

The bunny slugged Ashiek in the shoulder while he was backing off.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I disapproved of being seen as an object that jokes were being made about being sold. I was out here for knowledge and glory with the two, and I feel like I've done little to earn any respect. Besides the jokes about being sold, the teases about belonging to Ashiek were almost enough to make me cry at times...but I supposed it was better than living in the tribe. I have money, I have food, I have...friends? Well, I had Skylar, she couldn't see me, and I guess that's why I was fond of her. She was always so kind, I couldn't help but share my food and water with her when she needed it; I could see why the others protected her. I guess I've begun to adopt that purpose, my current one is laughable, at best.
Fortunate, grateful, honored? I was a little unsure how to word how I felt about Xurga. At the least, I felt safe having someone so big standing around. I could hold my own in a fight, but the insurance of a hero on your side...Hmm.
And then there was Ashiek......I wish he wasn't so mean, sometimes. Okay, so I don't really know what I think about him. I mean, something about how he talks about me makes it hard to speak...so I hope he got the message from the punch

[Cartwright]

((Ze opening post for me character is here! I will put in a union center post tomorrow. Sorry!))

Metro Center Surface Gate

The sounds of the metal door being banged on could be heard on the other side, and the guards got up to do their usual opening and shut routine. There were about 5 guards on this gate, situated around a small barricade with a fire place in the middle, and upon hearing the sound of the door being banged on the group got, three posting up with what guns they had, one grabbing some sort of makeshift flame thrower, and the last one going over to unlatch and open the door. It took time to open the door, a good minute or so, but when it was started to crack open the men readied their guns, ready to see who was on the other side, or what if the unfortunate survivor was taken by the beasts of the apocalypse.

Fortunately, the door opened to reveal the one who knocked it, a individual in heavy clothes and armor with a gas mask still on from some trip through a hot zone. He was almost perceived to behuman, but the structure of his body and the fact there was a bushy tail coming from his back side said otherwise. Regardless, he gave the group a wave, then grabbed a dufflebag that sat next to him by the handle, tossing the bag and following it in so the door could be closed shut. Once everything was back to normal, one of the guards went to get the bag while the other approached the stranger. "Welcome back. Glad to see a demon didn't kill you yet." The man said, his arms crossed and his weapon hanging off a gun sling attached to it. The stranger only chuckled before reaching up to take off his mask, revealing his canine-like face.

"Well, the monsters are there are more active since there are now more people dwelling on the surface. Found this lying around not too far from here.. Seems like there was a group that got jumped by some watchmen before I went out there. Damn things need to just die off." The fox.. or wolf looking man said, sighing before he attached the mask to his belt and began walking into the bustling streets of the market, pointing to the bag as he left. "You needed medicine and some clothes? Pretty much the most important things I found in there.. Aside from a lot of other things."

"You mean there's more things out there?" The guard asked, already following the other man. That caused the anthro to stop and look over at the two, a sense of worry being visible in his eyes.

"Yes.. But something strange is there too.. Something that makes your spine ache with intensity and nervousness. I advise you send nobody there." With that the stranger was off into the market, his rifle hugging his back by it's strap and his handgun resting in a chest holster. He knew he had no money, but at times it was enjoyable to see what was going on in the stations after dealing with the nightmares outside the gates.

[Cartwright]

((Here you go bro. Sorry it took soo long to process the request XD))

Union Station

"What? What's the matter?!" A man shouted down the stalls to another person who was running with a shotgun in his hands. The one who was called out came to a halt and went over to the man where they spoke in a quiet tone. Upon hearing what the runner had to say, it was rather evident a sense of panic kicked on and he began unslinging a rifle that had rested on his back. "Fuck! Really?! Go then go!" He shouted, pushing the shotgun armed person and running after him.

It wasn't long until everyone who was associated with or labeled the authority of Union Station was making their way through the crowds towards the gate that held the surface. Someone with a good ear could hear scratching and banging while the number of guards started building up, each man finding a spot to get a good aim at the door. There was a crowd forming around that time, and a couple of the men turned around to disperse the people, but something else was happening, the sounds of heavy and fast footsteps against thin metal echoing from the air vents that gave the station well-needed oxygen. It seems something, is out of the ordinary.

[Swarley]

Naomi turned to the young man. She could have insisted that he take the food back more but she decided to keep it, who knows when she'll need more food and if she'll get it, especially if she's going to try to make her way to Stadium-Armory on the surface. She put the cans in her bag and shrugged. "The name's Naomi, I guess you could say I'm from Serbia but I don't remember being there except for the language, so I'll just say I'm from Stadium-Armory because that's really where I grew up." She smiled before turning back towards the group that was standing in front of her.

"If you follow me I'll show you around the 'food market' and you can pick and choose what you wish." She walks down the strip that served as the food market, a few people stared at her but they seemed to make a conscious effort not to look at her when they saw the 7-foot tall tiger walking with her. "As you can see there really isn't much to be found here. Most people sell canned goods, but if you get really lucky you can find some sewer rat or, on the very rare occasion, chicken. Though you won't want to eat that unless you have some reliable way of cooking it. I don't know much about the economy from... Huntington I assume? But in Metro Center they use a barter economy, so you won't really get far unless you have something to trade, and old money basically means jack-shit to these people, though some still accept it." Naomi remembers learning that the hard way, coming from a society without much in the way of possessions and absolutely nothing in the forms of an economy.

Naomi points to a small stall at the end of the station. "Now if you want I can get you somewhat of a discount from that store over there, the guy who runs it was Serbian and is a communist sympathizer, so I can say a few words to him and you can trade lesser value items for better food. That being said he only stocks disgusting canned goods like what I was drinking earlier, so it would probably be better for you in terms of quality to go elsewhere."

[Silver Fox]

Skylar smiled before following the sound of the steps of the woman, her cane continuing to tap gingerly in front of her as she walked so she didn't abruptly crash into something or someone. This place didn't really smell as clear like Huntington. And the sounds of constant chatter was really new, she could hear many merchants yelling out for their wares, some people arguing, others simply chatting about anything. Quite a few commenting their fears over the 8 foot tiger man walking with them.

Xurga did tend to scare people it seemed, just by his presence. He was the authority figure of their group, there was no denying that. But he was a kind and fair man, he took care of her all these years and hunted food for the tribe. Hunting on the surface was no new thing to him.

Listening to Naomi's words, Skylar pondered a little before repeating the words in Elviran for the more animalistic group members.

The large tiger frowned thoughtfully before glancing toward the merchant this Apelesshar mentioned. "<We will see how the cheaper wares are. Skylar, be sure to test if any are inedible. For now, we cannot waste too many resources just so our tongues are satisfied.>" Xurga instructed firmly, his long tail flicking slightly.

Nodding, the blonde Elviran smiled toward the communist guide. [b]"Your merchant will do, we are not a very picky sort. Elvirans don't really use much economics since there are groups who hunt and gather supplies. But I believe some use pretty stones for trade, and some water." she mused as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small brown pouch. Shuffling it a little as a few colorful bright gems fell into her palm.

"We also have some cloth made from our tribe if need be." Skylar said softly.

Ashiek snickered at Keepa's reaction, flinching a little as the as lightly smaller male socked him in the shoulder. The canine trapped his left arm over his forehead dramatically before holding his arm like it was broken. "<Oh such cruel fate! To be struck by such a beautiful boy is but a crime! The rejection! Whoa is me! May the sky turn black and may the gods rain fire upon me!>" he wallowed dramatically before grinning a little.

Skylar promptly lifted her cane, moved it over her shoulder to smack the tip against the top of his wet canine nose, without ever turning towards him. "<Easy there Ash, your just going to confuse poor Keepa with your antics. And everyone else around wondering what your gesturing about.>" Skylar smiled softly.

Ashiek was hard to understand sometimes, and he was a bit odd, but him and Skylar have been friends since childhood. She knew he had a good heart, he just didn't express it the way regular people did. And he was a little egotistical sometimes. Although she knew he meant no harm with his jokes, she probably could guess that Keepa may not be so understanding of them. Ashiek did tend to take his jokes too far.

Ashiek gave a gruff 'OW!' In Elviran, rubbing his nose and giving a pout. "<Not you too my fair Apelesshar Mole!>" he pouted playfully.

It was a teasing name from home, since she was blind like a mole. Of course, she didn't take offense when Ashiek used it, well she didn't really mind at all but as children, Ashiek was the one who tended to beat anyone who said it to her. He was a violent troublemaker back then. Sometimes even now.

[Cartwright]

Minutes crept by while the anthro who had just came from the surface wandered through the stalls. He saw many things, a diversity of races from all skin tones and distinctive physical features, but something caught his attention after his quiet stroll. Seeing the typical crowd was one thing, but seeing a group of anthros mixed with humans was something not usually seen in the metro center. That immediately got the man's focus, and he watched the group for a minute before turning away to find something else to occupy himself in, then a head poke out from the stall the stranger was standing next to, revealing an old bald man who nudged the younger hybrid.

"Heya! Ya wanna buy something?" The stall owner asked, revealing his array of wares to the anthro. While some were of actual use; ropes, gas mask filters, even some ammunition, they were nothing the heavy jacket wearing man could afford.

"S-sorry bud. I don't really have the cash to get someth-"

"Well you better think over what you're carrying, kid. They say those skinheads are the ones threatening the station. Who knows what'll happen when they break in and bullets start flying, eh? If they get ther' hands on you you know you is good as dead." The stall owner pointed out, but he began squinting his eyes around the dog tags the anthro wore then laughed as he gave the young male a heavy pat. "But seems like you already get the fair share of hell, yeh?"

Immediately, the anthro started gripping the dog tags hanging around his neck and shaking his head to the man once the old baldie started spotting out the ranger emblem on them. "No need to started talking that way old guy. Some people expect a lot out of me and probably would scold me for taking a break in these stalls... Look I'll tell you what: Keep it on the down low and I will come by your stand when I get the money. Good deal?"

"Eeh I doubt it.. But no need to cause a ruckus infront of my stand young fox. This old man has experienced enough ruckus for one day with these soldiers running around. Hope those kill squads dont sneak in!"

That was already the lingering question, though.. Could someone in the crowd be a hate filled killer looking for something to cause chaos? If so that made a huge number of people in the metro center would already be in the lines of 'impure' according to the kill squads on the red line. Anyone could be a target.

[jdh97]

In a gloomy recess towards the edge of the Metro Centre, half-hidden by sporadic shadows cast by the flickering overhead lamp that was on long list of things that needed to be amended, but it was menial in comparison to most others due to the low public frequentation, was a door. It was mad solid block of heavy bolted-iron, with no windows, slits, or means of seeing anyone knocking. Altogether a featureless and unassuming door, save for the metal disk that could be rotated upwards to reveal a keyhole. This was the residence of one: Edgar Oscar Constant.

The remoteness of his house, in an area haunted by none but a stray traveller or clueless child, spoke volumes about the man that dwelled within. An aloof man, rarely seen in public. He preferred his own autonomous existence for as long as he was able before he finally deemed it necessary to help the community he was reluctantly part off, less they confiscate his abode and, more importantly, all the meticulously hand-scrawled notes that were kept inside which had consumed the better half of the last twelve years of his life. The guards had come to terms with his odd habits, recognising him as a useful asset, as any attentive dweller would have also.

Currently, behind the locked door that was draped in shadows, Edgar was working by the light of an unshaded table lamp. It was one he had played with, so that a lower current ran through it; conserving energy and meaning it only spat of a meagre quantity of light ,so that his room was actually very dim, all besides the desk, which is all he needed to see. With a dextrous hand, the dwindling pencil held in a vice like grip as it flitted across the page of a well-used notebook, Edgar was able to transfer all his thoughts and ideas that may have come from the briefest moment of inspiration to paper, for future consideration, and potentially even the use of other lesser minds.

The verge of a breakthrough drew ever nearer, Edgar writing at a terrifying speed, the words and symbols scratched down with the fanaticism and excitement of a man who knew their importance, and was in unbelieving awe, yet it rendered him emotionless in a trance-like state that had soon enveloped him.

And then the voice from the intercom, breaking the strange meditation, and caused a great fury to rise up from within Edgar, that he smacked a fist to the desk and swore at a God whom he did not believe in. The recovering from this outburst of anger was quick; he was a logical and reasonable man, and not one who was so prone the tedious tendencies, such as brooding moods and angry vendettas.

He exhaled deeply, none the less, looking down at what he had written. Even when his time had been cut short, he had still made some progress; he knew now that he the Farads he needed on the capacitor for his latest project. It would of course require a visit to the surface, for which he doubted very much he would be able to find volunteers.

Nevertheless, he got up, snatching his satchel off the springy mattress of his bunk, and shoving his notebook and pencil into it, stringing his gasmask around his neck so that it hung loose, swaying with his step.

He opened the door, on the inside it had a valve that needed to be turned five times counter-clockwise to open; the lock on the outside was an addition made by Edgar, as it was the best he could do with the resources, a simple lock and key piece. He locked the door behind him, pocketing the key in his faded denim jeans, which he would has despised wearing before life down in the tunnels, but now it was the most practical thing, and practical things lasted a lot longer down here than pretty things.

He strode through the dirty streets, caked in trodden-in muck and biological waste and refuse. Even in his sturdy leather boots, Edgar was sure not to tread in puddles that looked like they might be deceptively bigger than they first appeared.

Even in the dark sheepskin coat the he wore, its cuff and collar showing off the oily-warm coat, Edgar bristled at the sheer number of people, throngs of them, all moving at varying speeds and velocities, their paths not quite predictable, yet somehow nobody seemed to be collided with one another.

He was not sure how long he was dissolved in his work, but he felt the slight bags under his eyes, and they ached when an area was too greatly illuminated. As such, he was not entirely sure what state the station was in; he could sense an air of worry, and noticed the lack of guards at his posts, but then remembered what had been said over the intercom; he had forgotten briefly in his pondering and absent-mindedness of reality.

The market area seemed to be thriving, as maggots thrive off a decaying carcass, blissfully ignorant of the threat behind the gates, and all too concerned with the what fraud they could pull on the next unsuspecting survivor. Edgar disliked the markets, far too many merchant were extortionate, and charged more than they needed to get by, trading goods away for easily half of the value they got.

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing, Edgar thought, shaking his head sadly, which is precisely when he caught glimpse of a peculiar and beguiling band. The anthropomorphic figures stood out, even in the swarming station, particularly a beast that must have been eight feet tall.

Edgar had always held a special fascination for the Elvira, questioning many in his youth, but over time he had become more and more of a recluse, journeying out only to improve a generator or fix a grid fault, and they had become an increasingly intermittent sight for him to behold. More impressive, however, than the towering colossus, was a peculiar form with large ears akin to a rabbit’s; Edgar had been given several corpses of Elvira that had been killed beyond the confines of Metro Centre at his specific asking, and had found out a considerable amount about them, though since vivisection was never an option, it was not as much as he liked. As such, he considered himself to be fairly adept in anthropomorphic physiology and anatomy, and there was something about the slender frame that screamed of a uniqueness that Edgar could not quite place, and that enthralled a deep hunger for answers within himself.

Despite the urge to approach them, he knew it would be a mistake, his common sense telling him that if they did not assault him for his brashness and perhaps rudeness, then they certainly would not be compliant. This opportunity though, he knew was too good to miss, and perhaps they would even journey to the surface, where he could accompany them and find a capacitor suitable; it was not uncommon, from his knowledge of Elvira, he knew that they visited the surface in more recent years.

Nowadays most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that the only things one never regrets are one's mistakes, Edgar thought, remembering the words of Lord Henry Wotton. He shrugged, the worst that could happen was likely a bloody nose and a few missing teeth, but the counter side of the coin was experience and understanding that only field work could obtain.

Taking a deep breath, he strode towards the arousal of his attention, who was interacting with the group of Elvira, and after standing awkwardly at the edge of their attention, he took a step forward, and boldly stated, “I am, Edgar Oscar Constant proud servant of science, and curator of many a wonderful thing. It is with humblest intentions that offer my assistance to a spectacle that a great benevolence and serendipity bestowed upon me today, for the cost of only observing and learning more about your customs and ways.”

He took a deep bow. This was directed at the smaller two anthropomorphs, and he hoped to the high heavens that not even they heard, even though that was almost an impossibility, for the moment the words were out of his mouth, he realised how much of a fool he must have looked, even to a passer-by, let alone an Elvira. That was the last time he let himself listen to classical literature for advice.

[gogojakeo]

Keane's perspective:

After Naomi turned around, Keane decided he'd better go back, he didn't want to be out when Seamus got back. He walked back to his house, and decided to have a nap.

Seamus' perspective:

Seamus decided that it was no use waiting any longer. Another train was coming in a minute to take him back to the Metro Centre, and he had an emergency ammo box with more than enough ammo. This one he had kept hidden, he was sure that Keane knew the code to his regular box. He really tests his luck, he thought, looking in all of me stuff. He wanted to teach Keane a lesson, but didn't know how.

[Hawlin]

Keepa rolled his eyes at Ashiek's reaction, convinced they couldn't win. He resolved himself to pulling out his notebook and continuing his journal. It was supposed that the contents were ideas, deviations of science to cause or augment his alleged arsenal. He merely tapped at the half-finished page with his pen as he turned away to make it clear he was done being toyed with. Those who've read it in the tribe were usually unable to read even a single word, earning him much distrust with the superstition of 'Keepa's Spellbook' arising from the French text.

"<Keep it up and I may bite you...>" he grumbled, barely loud enough for any of them to hear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<Translated from French>
<Translated from Elvarian>

"<Teargas...acid...wouldn't that just be mustard gas? Maybe it would be easier that way...a bit hard to control, though. Where would I get Cholride based halogen, anyway? I don't have a proper lab and would just end up burning myself, anyway...maybe in a liquid to start...hmm~>" I muse to myself as I section off the page, hypothesizing the contents of old neon bulbs to maybe contain something useful if I could reliably harvest the gas and distil negative Chloride...assuming any bulbs were still intact on the surface, it would be quite the unassuming find.
Before long, I had the start of a shopping list of what otherwise looked like junk if not for the annotations. They were mostly leads based on a hunch, but most of it could at least be supplemented into my previous creations. While I was lost in my thought, I had almost bumped into a man who had approached the group. Without a clue of what he was saying beside bits and pieces, I was able to glean that he wanted to join us to the surface and that he knew science. He looked a bit old, in my opinion, but I suppose one foolish Apelesshar dying on the surface would be one less of us. "<Can we keep it?>" I joked to the others, shutting and stuffing my notebook back into my bag before continuing, "<I think it talks funny, and it actually has hair!>" I tease with a small laugh before remembering that he probably couldn't understand me.
"Oh, ehm... Bonjour! We are going, the surface" I manage, hoping my English held up well enough to at least be friendly. "You provide self for self?" I add, certain I messed a bit up when I had intended on asking if he was able to provide for himself. I never really got a chance to see one up close, especially one with facial hair like this one. Interesting is a word, I suppose.

[gogojakeo]

Please note, unlike my other posts, this is written in the perspective of a third person narrator. This is because this involves interaction between Seamus and Keane

Seamus got back, and Keane wasn't in the front room. He checked the bedroom, and there he was, sleeping. Seamus figured that he needed it drilled into his mind that he wasn't to look into his stuff. "Oi!" he shouted at Keane, "Get up!"
The shouting abruptly woke up Keane, and he was scared that something was happening, "Wha-what?" he was confused about what was happening. Sheamus grabbed the collar of Keane's shirt, and pushed him against the wall hard. Keane felt his back hit the wall, and was very scared now.
"You know what you've done!" Sheamus shouted in Keane's face,
"Wha-what have I done?" Keane asked
"Don't pretend like you don't know!" Sheamus screamed as he slapped Keane in the face, "You've been looking in my ammo box! Who knows what else you look in!"
"I-I'm sorry!" Keane tried to aplogise
"You bloody well will be if you do it again," Seamus threw Keane onto the floor, and walked back into the front room.

[Silver Fox]

"<Ooooo a bite eh? Have you been reading one of those sexual guides books Apelesshar have? You kinky little bunny!>" Ashiek smirked at the hybrid before watching him scribble away at his little book. Before glancing toward Skylar who quickly waved to them that she was going to get them some supplies at the store before walking off toward the merchant.

Red eyes watching her to make sure she was fine, he glanced away toward a Apelesshar who spoke. Ears twitching as he tried to make out the English words. Sighing a little as the man bowed to the incorrect people. It was traditional to greet the more higher ranked individual first, especially a Achashverosh like Xurga. It was impolite to not do so. Even if he couldn't understand them, Xurga was good at watching individuals and probably already disliked this action.

As Keepa seemed alright in letting him come, Ashiek clicked his tongue and moved closer to him. "<I don't think that's such a good idea. I know your sciency and stuff, but that doesn't mean a Apelesshar scientist is not trouble.>" Ashiek said with a soft concern crossing his face before turning and translating to Xurga.

Xurga grunted, as his eyes glared at the new Apelesshar in examination before looking down at Keepa thoughtfully. "<This is Keepa's journey. It is his choice what he does and considers right and wrong. We are here to simply lend aid when needed.>" he said, giving a slight encouraging smile to the young hybrid.

Skylar traded some goods and set them in her bag. With a satisfied smile she picked up her bag and gingerly tapped her cane in front of her as she went to join the others. It was then someone bumped into her, roughly enough to make her fall back to land on her bum.

"Ah sorry!" the blonde said instantly as she slowly got to her feet.

"Watch where your going wench! I just washed these clothes and thanks to you their all dirty again!" Came a shout which sounded like a gruff man. By the smell, he was a somewhat clean person and he didn't have fur so he was probably a human.

"Really, I'm sorry." Skylar apologized again, bowing a little.

A sound of a annoyed huff was heard before she stiffened as a arm wrapped around her. "Well if your really sorry, I suppose you could repay me with a little something." he said, surely a smirk upon his face.

Apparently, the man did not realize she had traveling companions, two of which looked absolutely furious. Xurga glared and seemed ready to charge foreword, but Ashiek beat him to it. The faster canine bolted over and suckered punch the man's right cheek.

"Hands off!" Ashiek snarled angrily in accented English.

The man fell back and yelped and stood angrily and seemed ready to fight back, until Xurga caught up, his giant fists and claws ready to make his own strike. Gulping the man ran away. Skylar sighed a little and tilted her head. "<Wonder what he wanted?>" she asked curiously.

Ashiek glared after him before gingerly patting down Skylar and made sure she was alright.

[jdh97]

Edgar recovered from his bow and watched the brief discourse between the inimitable accessories that even after his extensive studies and conversations with Elvira, he could not understand, his gaze level and steady as the colossus regarded him with a firm frown, not showing that his nerves frayed before the bellicose intimidation that came with enormous size and strength. He rubbed the nape of his neck, embarrassment lending his subconscious motor functions to this particular habit, hoping that his chances to travel with such a plethoric spectrum of characters, whose habitual and traditional practises he wished so much to document, despite the possibility that he had not bought enough paper to do so, had not been devastated.

Then the anomalous figure spoke, its face still receded inside its clothing, and the words coming in fractured English, the accent incongruously French, with even some vernacular to match, but had thick and irregular undertones of a much more distinct tongue that Edgar could only assume was that off the Native Elviran. The articulations fell from her rose-petal lips with a breeze of melodic harmony, scented with affability and cordiality; greeted with unguarded honesty of the party’s intentions, he was extended what Edgar rationalised as an unanticipated offering to accompany them.

What a charming idiolect she has, Edgar thought; those quaint little mistakes only exaggerate her delectable façade and petite frame. Accompanying her, for I assume she is indeed a female from her frame and voice, given the connotations of meekness and high pitch; determining gender from face alone is difficult when so much was hidden and abnormal, would without the faintest shadow of a doubt, be an absolute pleasure. Perhaps even after I have gained her trust further, the other members of her party would not be so sceptical towards questioning? Indeed, it is something I thrive towards, a deep understanding could be gained from the expedition that is incontrovertible, as I very much doubt that there will ever be another Elvira as forthcoming as this one before me.

“I can provide for myself, my dear creature friend, I might I say that I am captivated to make the acquaintance of such a-” Edgar stopped, remembering the shambolic English she spoke, adjusting his words accordingly, after as sigh, and a shake of the head as he tut towards himself, “I am happy to meet you.” Edgar said in a voice that was halfway between friendliness and detached inquisitiveness, extending his hand.

It was then that he heard profanities spewed behind him, and upon directing his eyes towards the sounds, found out that it was directed towards the seemingly blind stick-wielding flower of a girl. The two unoccupied Elvira were quick to protect their own, the smaller reacting faster, quickly assaulting the foul-mouthed putrescence for his double-entendre, the mammoth reinforcing this retaliation by his mere presence, causing the man to scarper. It seems that he would be safe in this group.

Turning back to the sleight Elvira, he spoke the words, “It would be my undeniable pleasure to accompany such a party as yours to the surface.”

[Cartwright]

The ranger kept silent as he leaned against the stall he had situated himself nearby, his eyes peering over the now building group of anthros and humans alike. One of them seemed to be getting most of the attention, a smaller one with a book in his hands. The leather jacket fellow being in the spot light for some reason was something the canine had expected.

Everything looked like a usual link up and leave towards the surface, until the conflict sparked off between two of the Elvira tribe associates and a random stranger of the metro. The hybrid himself was already making his way forward, his ears folding back slightly in an attempt to cancel out some of the shouting that was coming from the anthro who had nailed the human in the face. He was ready to start pulling people apart, his hand simply feeling over the handle of his weapon to keep tabs on it in case things get lucky.

Fortunately as the fight started, it ended and by the time the stranger approached the group the other man was gone and the old man was speaking. The anthro simply waited, his arms crossed until he could find a chance to speak. Once silence returned, the ranger began to talk, his tail patiently swaying left to right. "Seems like you lot are starting up a show for these folks.. Perhaps it is best to relocate to another section of the station before more trouble comes your way?" As he spoke, his eyes glanced between each person before they ended on the more massive tiger.

[Hawlin]

It occurred to me that inviting an Apelesshar into the group without announcing my reasoning wouldn't be welcomed. Even Ashiek broke from his usual self to point this out. I was about to reply, since I felt an odd need to, before Xurga gave me some desperately needed reassurance. The safety of the tribe came first, but staying to ourselves would never last forever; having another mind may even serve as a respite from Ashiek's unrelentingly odd impertinence...as I doubted the human even knew who I was...

OH!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Good, goods!" Keepa chirped after Edgar cut off, assuming that was the end of his sentence before the event broke out. Turning, he realized the others were already on it...and that the curved shortsword (pic in cs) from his hip had already been drawn, the polished bone blade glinting in the dull light. He had been about to jump before seeing the situation conclude with the human fleeing at the mere sight of Xurga.

Keepa sighed, almost slightly disappointed in tone as he sheathed the sword. "I am Keepa" he spoke, still watching the scene while stuffing his book back into the messenger bag; the words 'Lvre de Sorts' on the cover turned towards Edward for barely a second before he continued. "We no...ehrm...human, like...they do not" Keepa tried to explain, stumbling over their words, flustered and distracted. The next person, an Anthro like the rest, took Keepa by casual surprise from their suggestion. Keepa seemed to grasp enough of what was said to agree with a nod, readjusting their hood as an ear flicked back into position with a light jingle from a charm that hung from a piercing.

[Silver Fox]

"<Gee Sky, you sure make scumbags hot under the collar. Just stay close okay? I'm going to have a heart attack next time.>" Ashiek sighed as he patted the top of the blonde Apelesshar's head as Xurga placed a slightly concerned paw on her left shoulder.

Skylar simply sighed and shook her head. "<Ashiek, you shouldn't of got violent like that. It makes people uneasy. You know Dad could of just scared him off without actually hitting him.>" Skylar scolded gently, earning a huff from the canine of the group before she turned toward a new male voice.

This time by scent, he seemed also to be a anthro. Pointing out that they should probably move because of the ruckus they caused. She gave a polite smile, her hands neatly placed on top of her cane. "Our apologies. We won't be staying long don't worry. I believe now after getting our supplies we shall head up to the surface. Hopefully we haven't caused too much conflict." she said softly before translating the anthro stranger to her companions.

Ashiek scoffed and nonchalantly shrugged as his red eyes eyed the hybrid. A mixture between some canine, most likely a wolf, and a fox. Hybrids of this sort wasn't uncommon within the Elvira tribe, heck it was hard enough finding a mate that was somewhat related to the species. "Feh even if that didn't happen, just walking in here is causing a scene. Sure us handsome canines aren't that intimidating by mere appearance, but get one of these bad boys, people will look and talk anyways." he said as he pointed a thumb over his shoulder at Xurga.

Xurga's bright bluish green eyes looked at the stranger, eyes narrowed as he looked him up and down. Round ears twitching at Skylar's words, he gave a soft grunt before glancing toward Keepa. He had enough of this Apelesshar place. The sights, the smells, it was all quite unholy. Quite a few times if this was on his turf, he would of gladly laid judgement on several of low life selfish scum. But he refrained and remained calm, simu wanting to move on.

"<Keepa, let's move. We don't want to stay any longer in risk of a fire fight. It's your choice to take him or leave him.>" The black tiger's voice boomed, strong and deep sounding. He nodded to the other two before walking through the station to the surface exit.

Ashiek gave a dramatic sigh before following after him, gingerly taking Skylar's left hand. Usually, he allowed her to walk on her own since she was able to navigate just fine, even without eyes. Now he was just being a bit protective and just didn't want to wander off.

Skylar blinked as she walked as well, picking her cane up a bit as she followed Ashiek's lead. But smiled non the less as she quickly grasped Keepa's hand. "<Ready to go?>" she asked cheerfully.

[gogojakeo]

Keane's perspective:

Keane was shocked about what had just happened. He never thought Seamus would turn on hum, but you can never be sure with Seamus. Could feel some blood on his hair, and decided that he would go out for a while, so as not to get into another argument. He left, and went to find the girl, Naomi.

[jdh97]

Keepa. What an enjoyable name, how it fell from the mouth or played out in the mind, her unorthodox tainted French enunciation inflecting it with perfect synergy; the first syllable was tremulous with her melodic pitch, and the name seemed to end on a breath. Yes, it was most enjoyable, and Edgar stood entranced for a few second, replaying the sound in his mind, memorising and reflecting upon it.

His eyes focused again, however, when he noticed her notebook. This creature became more and more enthralling; he had never considered the Elvira to be a particularly well educated bunch, as they were painted as savages, similar to the monstrosity that stood over the group, and Edgar supposed he had not allowed that prejudice to vanish. Nevermore would it tarnish his mind; in his best efforts, he would remain an unbiased observer, already learning much from the atypical Elvira, and they had not even conversed properly, but doubted whom else, besides him, would care. It did not matter too greatly, as though the yearning for the company of another great mind was strong, Edgar’s self-satisfaction gained from learning what others had not was substantial enough to ebb this desire.

On the cover of this book were the words, “Livre de Sorts”, French, which Edgar spoke, and realised that Keepa would probably be more comfortable talking in that tongue than he would be uncomfortable. French was a language he had a basic understanding of, and so the final word was a mystery to him; “Book of…” was all that he could translate. Trying to figure out the final word was a train of thought quickly derailed, first by Keepa explaining that her company were not too fond of humans, and second by the newcomer who spoke decent English.

Edgar paid little heed to his warnings, knowing that he would likely leave with the party, and then return when he felt it necessary, and Metro Centre would be no different to when he left. He stroked his beard languidly as this new beast cast his gaze around all those situated nearby, already speculating about what it is this journey would entail.

After the blind girl and canine-headed anthropomorph spoke their words, the huge beast uttered something in a guttural snarl, and they began to make their way off, only the blind primrose staying to enquire about Keepa.

“<We are leaving?>” Edgar asked.