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 Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 11:18 am
Awakened by his sudden jaunt into the air, Rufus steadfastly remained motionless. Over time, Rufus had become quite adept at playing possum. It came in handy when the odds were stacked too high him, or when he inadvertently walked into a dangerous situation and didn't want to get involved.
Happens a lot these days.
"Jeb, this man is hurt," Johnny explained as he skidded to a halt.
Jeb hurried Johnny into the house and had him set Rufus down on an old tattered couch. He called for Samantha, and she came running.
Safely down on the couch, Rufus listened intently to the voices around him, none of them familiar. These days, an injured man usually became a windfall for whoever found him first. Wasn't uncommon that folks would drag a man home to rob him before offing him and dumping the body back outside. Whole lot safer that way, seeing as how the second-most robbed folks were ones who just robbed somebody. He could feel the breeze floating in through the open door and set a few good-sized rocks to hovering just outside. Never know, right?
"Sam, go get the first aid kit." Jeb then did a quick evaluation of Rufus's injuries. "You alright, Johnny?"
Seems the theme of the day is "unexpected." Must've done something right to cheat death twice in one day. Letting the rocks drop back to the ground, Rufus makes the motions of stirring out of unconsciousness, then jolts to sittiing upright. Nice touch.
"Who the--!?"
"It's okay, you're safe. I'm Johnny, I... er, we saved you from those Carocs."
"We who?"
"Who do you think?"
Bo smirked, walking through the door and Rufus simply shook his head.
"Razzle-Dazzle. I'll be damned. Looks like we're both real lucky today."
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Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:09 am
Remy _ LeBeau The spectre of a woman sighed, a sound made to seem almost like the hiss of a snake. She answered, "The fabled city of Rome child, therein you shall find the ancient Gladiator Coliseum. That is where the Games are to be held." The withered hand of the crone turned and the image changed in the golden globe to show the coliseum. "You should begin your mission young one, but be wary. Just because he is male and weak, the sorcerer is not easily overcome. You must take care of his creative use against his enemies. Plus, he is within the company of two other males, both of whom possess power of their own. Both of whom shall also be in the Games." " Bah! I will find this sorcerer and bring him to you. As for me bringing his companions that will cost extra. Pity you want them alive though... Anyways I shall be on my way and shall see you in Rome." Shiva turned her back to the older woman eager to get this job over with. She really would've prefered a mission where she could kill her prey rather then just capture.
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Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 7:05 am
Jeb made quick work of Rufus's injuries. They were minor and there weren't many of them.
"Well, son, looks like you're gonna be just fine," Jeb said. "If you don't mind me asking, what were you boys doin' in the city to anger all those Crocs?"
"Now that doesn't matter, Jeb. What they were doing is their own business," Samantha scolded. It was clear who wore the pants in this family. "Now, either of you want somethin' to eat? We don't have much, but we have plenty to offer."
Johnny smiled. Even though the family struggled to feed themselves, they would give up everything for someone else.
"And you boys can stay as long as you need," Jeb said.
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:06 pm
Despite the hospitality, Rufus' lip curls into an exasperated sneer.
"Don't hafta do anything to anger Carocs. Two steps in the wrong direction is all it takes most of the time. Awful nice of ya to invite us into your home, thinkin' we were up to somethin'."
"Now--" Bo pauses, realizing he does not know the man's name, "--These people were kind enough to open up their home to us. You ought not be so rude."
Springing up off of the couch, Rufus plants himself in front of Bo, much too close for comfort.
"'Scuse me!? Rude!? Who the hell you think you are? All y'all are just strangers, so I see NO reason to lie down and take it while Stranger #3 over here quizzes ME about what I was up to. Like it takes ANYTHING to get in trouble out here!"
Jeb quickly interjects, stammering between the two, trying to calm them down.
"No, I... I didn't mean anything by it. We don't get guests very often, and I was just trying to make small talk..."
Bo smiles wearily, shifting slightly to condescention as his smile travels to Rufus' eyes.
"As I said, don't worry about my friend here. He's had a long day, and he must be a bit cranky."
"Cranky!? Oh HELL no. Lookee here Merlin, I don't gotta take this from you or from anybody. I get by just fine on my own and I wouldn't even BE in this mess if it weren't for you. Forget this s**t, man"
Rufus shoves Bo aside and huffs toward the door, his hand on the knob as Bo's voice fills his ears again.
"Nor would you be alive."
Rufus stopsallowing his shoulders to slump as he lets out a weary sigh. Not taking his eyes off of the door, he answers sullenly.
"No. Maybe not."
"Rufus turns to face everyone, their faces alternately irritated and expectant.
"But that doesn't mean you get to treat me like s**t, or like I'm crazy for taking exception to the idea I was up so no good. I'm tired of every door I cross treating me like I'm some sorta criminal--"
"Are you?"
Bo stands silently, expectantly, his words-- the words everyone was thinking-- sucking the air out of the room as Rufus stares disbelievingly at first, then defeatedly.
"Strike three, razzle-dazzle. Strike three."
The room briefly echoes with the slam of the door as Rufus steps out into the night, his face creased by the weight of sheer disappointment.
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:16 am
"Rufus!" He heard the voice call out after him as he stormed from the small home. "Rufus will you please wait?"
Of course he had no intention of waiting, that is until he saw Bo materialize from out of nowhere directly in front of him.
"That's cheating." Rufus barked to which Bo simply nodded with a half attempted smile.
"Perhaps but in this day and age you do what you need to do when it comes to helping or surviving." Bo draws a breath and says calmly. "Come back to the house."
"So ypou can accuse me more of being a thief?" Rufus angrily said. "So you and everyone in there can look at me and think I'm lower than dirt? Have you any idea...?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do." Bo interjected. "How old are you?"
"...23." Rufus answreed reluctantly.
Bo nodded. "I am 27. A mere four years older than you, but I know exactly how people are treated when they display gifts above others. My friend, when I was 15 years old, my village was attacked by invaders. I thought to help with my...talents. In the chaos I accidentally killed the man who lead the attack against us, and do you know how I was repaid for defending my home and family?"
Rufus said nothing. he just stared into Bo's deep brown eyes.
Bo answered,"I was banished for life. From that moment on, I no longer existed to my friends nor my own family."
"Banished? You saved their asses and they banish you?"
Bo nodded silently. He paused, taking a brief moment to reflect and then continued. "Because my talent killed a man. It's been now 12 years that I have been out in this world alone. Since I was a boy. Don't you get why I asked what I asked?"
"Suspicion?"
Bo shook his head,"No. I asked to simply relieve my own conscience so I might see I was not the only one who had to survive in desperate times. I stole. I would use my talents to take the food from others' mouthsvwhen I was desperate enough. Other times I would sneak wyat goods I could from peddlers' carts so I would have something to eat."
Bo placed a hand on his shoulder,"Can't you see? You are not alone. Those people back there are not judging you. The young man who aided us...he has gifts, and the old couple accept him as such. They accepted us."
Rufus gritted his teeth,"They accused..."
Bo interrupted,"No my friend, they did not. They simply asked what we were doing in the city as a way of starting conversation. You are so used to the bigotry against our kind that you naturally assumed they were accusing you of mischief. Yet they were not. They offered us the use of their home and their food. You saw their pantry. They can barely feed themselves and yet they are offering their comfort to us, strangers. You know as well as I the risk of such generosity."
Bo and Rufus's heads snapped up and stare into the night at the sound of an ear splitting animalistic shriek.
Bo continued,"We also know well the threats of the night, whether we possess gifts or not."
He nodded his head back in the direction of the home. "Come. We've both had a long eve. Their young one Johnny helped save our lives. perhaps just this once we might repay their kindness with an evening's conversation around the dinner table?"
A low growl from between the two young men draws a smile from Bo. "After all, I believe we are both hungry enough."
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:45 pm
Obeying the growl in his stomach, Rufus nods. Tough enough to get a meal at all these days, nevermind a hot one.
"Yeah, sure. 'Spose it won't hurt nothin' to stick around a while. We get murdered in our sleep tho, I'm kicking your a** at the pearly gates."
Rufus turns and heads back to the house, Bo rolling his eyes behind. Once inside, they find the family gathered around the table, preparing to eat. They all look up at Rufus and Bo, a bit confused and a whole lot expectant. Stammering his way into the nearest chair, Rufus manages a "mumblemumblesorryboutearlierawfulniceofyatohaveusmumble" of a greeting while BO sighs, taking the next chair.
"What my friend was TRYING to say I'm sure is that we're extremely sorry for our actions earlier and VERY much appreciate your generosity. Thank you."
Taking the hint as she takes a heaping spoonful of potatoes, Rufus nods his agreement.
"Uh, yeah... real sorry 'bout that. So..."
Rufus glances over at Johnny.
"Razzle-Dazzle here says you've got powers too. So, spill it kid, what can you do?"
Rufus takes a bite of bread and chews idly, waiting for Johnny's answer while Bo facepalms.
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Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:23 pm
Johnny finished the mouthful of stale biscut.
"I can run pretty fast and I'm real strong."
Rufus laughed. "Blunt, aren't ya? Well, how fast and how strong?"
"I'm faster than any animal I've seen by a lot. And," Johnny laughed. "I haven't run into anything that I can't lift, crack or smash."
"And he's a damn hard worker, too!" Jeb interjected.
They shared a chuckle, and Johnny asked, "So what can you two do?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 4:36 pm
An underground meeting hall, one used in the ancient world before the great cataclysm... Meticulous in it's all metal-furnishings and the great round table centered on the floor, it is the meeting place of the ones known as the Glasser Foundation, Hastur's cultist ties to the outside world. Each man and woman are dressed in fine attire with the expression of superiority on each of their faces. A man in a dark suit stands up and says in a unfeeling tone of voice,"I have called you all here for a rather unique purpose. We have a ... visitor if you will, that is interested in aquiring our services." "I was not aware that our services were for hire." Says a woman from the shadows. "For this one, or should I say three, it will be." The group leader says. He turns to the head of the great table and a glowing magical hologram of a shadowy female figure hovers in the air, surrounded by her deep green aura. The man speaks,"The Triad, ladies and gentlemen." Each of the numerous men and women around the table bow their heads in homage, paying the elder women their due respect. The spectre in the glowing image speaks, her mental voice in their heads,"My sisters and I have made contact with you to hire your services for the Games. There are two mortals in the village once known as New York. One is an earth-based power wielder named Rufus. The other is a unique youth by the name of Johnny who sports strength and great speed. We wish them to be captured and contained. Delivered to the Great Coliseum in the kingdom of Rome." "And the payment?" A member asks. The spectre of the Triad extends her withered hand towards the intrusive member and slowly his flesh is turned painfully to solid gold. The other members look shocked but then smile, their hearts as cold as a glacier at this display of power. The Triad spectre says,"There is your payment for your troubles. Divy it up as you wish. The two men are accompanied by a sorcerer, but do not bother with him. We have contracted another to dispose of him for our leisure. My sister will pave the way for you to make your move." The vision then vanishes. *****Outside in the remnants of New York, a mere mile away from the small gathering in the family home, a figure stands atop one of the great monoliths of the past era. The third and final triad member stands imposing and points a finger at the decimated Statue of Liberty that lies fallen over into the thick marsh. A powerful surge of sorcery emits from the old woman's finger and basks the Statue in it's dark energies. Slowly the eyes of the towering statue grinds open and it begins to rise to it's feet - ALIVE! Miguel OHara "And he's a damn hard worker, too!" Jeb interjected. They shared a chuckle, and Johnny asked, "So what can you two do?" Bo is about to answer Johnny's question when the sounds of chaos in the city and morbid screams of terror alert them all!
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Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:03 pm
As the hologram of the Triad fades into the darkness, the opening of a victorian fan can be heard from the shadows. Out walks the head of the dark group herself, Victoria Glasser. She looks at the others with a bit of dissappointment in their obediance towards the Triad. "You bow to them as though you belonged to them. But you know who you truly belong to don't you, my darlings?" Some at the table hang their head and others just cough at the nervous tension in the room. Victoria walks out followed by the others and moves through the halls of the subterainian part of their founding building. The screams of many can be heard as she passes doors with numbers on them, the halls resembling an asylum of sorts. Her eyes go milky white as she walks through the halls. She speaks only one word and is instantly connected to her beloved master. "Hastur" On the roof top of a skyscraper still standing in the city of New York the yellow cloaked figure still watches those who shall soon know his name. His name is carried to him on the wind as he is contacted by his human avatar. He smiles wickedly under his mask as he watches the ants below. "Yes, my beloved?""My lord, I have just come from the meeting with them." "And they asked for the two, the humans?""As you said they would. Though I know the answer I still must ask, is that disgusting bandaged freak in position?" "Oh don't speak so ill of my brothers choice in creatures. I will admit that he is near even my great power but this task will sully him so.""And of course you will begin? With those sad little scums as the catalyst?" "Oh, don't forget your place, my love. Though you reign with that which your kind envies so, you are still one of them to the likes of us.""I ... I will not forget that..." Victoria's eyes return to normal as she walks into a hall crowded with rich socialites and aristocrats of all kinds. A sick smile crawls on her face as the band plays on and the chatter continues. **** The cloaked demon turns away from his true targets and to the other humans that scurry along the streets minding their own ways with ignorance to the true horror that is above them, and below them. He simply raises his hand to summon the creatures he loves so, those he has created for the soul purpose of furthering the spread of insanity that feeds him. The ground in the middle of the street cracks and opens, swallowing a few cars and cause a mass of people to run. From below bursts a wave of disgusting abominations upon the likes these people have never seen. They run in terror as some are swept by flying monstrosities to the air and to their deaths. The screams of horror reach the three outside of the city and they rush to see its source.
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Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:38 pm
Bo jumps from his seat at the old couple's table and runs to the door, throwing it open.
Chaos is reigning down in the ancient village of York. Fires seem to be erupting...blood curdling screams and unearthly wailing!
"What is going on down..."
Bo then slowly looks up and takes a step back as the giant, now-animated, Statue of Liberty is making it's way towards them...thus towards the elderly couple's home.
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Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:02 am
By that time Johnny, Samantha and Jeb were outside seeing what the commotion was about. Seeing the statue walking towards her, Sam immediately fainted into Jeb's arms. After staring at the impressive sight, Johnny turned to Jeb.
"Take Sam down into the cellar. You two should be safe there."
Jeb nodded and turned toward the cellar door. While he wasn't happy about not helping Johnny, he realized that the boy could do much more against something like this than he ever could. Besides, he needed to stay with Sam.
"So ... do you have any ideas, Bo?"
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Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:18 am
"This ain't time for ideas, it's time to make s**t happen."
As the Status of Liberty lumbers closer, Rufus raises a large cone of rock from the ground. With obvious effort, he re-orients the cone, keeping the sharp end pointed toward the statue, then hurls it into the air, without ever touching it. The cone rockets toward the statue's head, bursting through its eye and flying out the opposite side, ancient tour pamphlets raining to the ground behind it.
"Wow." Johnny blinks a few times, staring at the gaping hole in the statue's face.
"Yeah, it's just a little thing I d--"
Rufus' mouth goes slack as the statue keeps stomping forward, seemingly unaware of injury.
"--s**t. A'ight, maybe it is time for ideas. Got any?"
Regardless, Rufus doesn't waste any time, sending a barrage of large, saw-like rock discs at the statue's legs.
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Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:42 pm
*As the statue stomps towards them it form starts to contort into something horrible. It looks down at the group, its face twisting and contorting from its original form to a sick organic mesh of eyes, teeth, and tendrils. It opens its mouth and spews out a wave of other twisted abominations. They take flight on broken wings and scream down toward them. Some of the creatures land and surround them, others circling in the air or picking up and devouring random bystanders. The creatures whip at the three and start to close in. Their master looks down at them from his rooftop and smiles.*
"Now remember, my children, we need them alive."
*As he watches he is distracted for a moment by the one who is working as his partner. He turns from the scene to speak*
"What is it now, Hunter?"
"I have found the female. Nothing really to look at, heheh. Not like your little tart!"
"Shut your filthy mouth about Victoria, Hunter."
"Oh, touchy touchy. Alright so then go along with this plan of yours I'm guessing?"
"Just to what you were created to do, you foul beast."
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Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:02 pm
The Hawk-people were well equipped to climb back up to their craggy homes. Cory, however, was not. Thus, it had taken hours for the three to journey up the mountain side.
What Cory saw, however, surprised her. While there were plenty of Hawk-people doing very well, the vast majority of them were sick. Frail. Almost dying, it looked like.
"What's been going on up here?"
"We have lived well for years, but in the past months, our people have grown very ill. Children are increasingly stillborn. Some are born....wrong."
The raspy voice stopped for a minute, as if haunted by old memories.
"It began when we excavated ruins not far from here. We found an old building, seemingly one of human design, but one containing a great power source. However, since removing the bizarre stones from their holes, our suffering has started."
He stopped again and rubbed his eyes.
"You appear to be rather gifted with gadgetry. As the building appears to be human, we had hoped you could perhaps discover why it exudes such a plague upon us."
Despite the previous attempts on her life, Cory couldn't help but want to aid them.
"Of course I'll help. In any way I can."
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Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:33 pm
The colossal Statue would prove to be a problem, but in his years out in the world he had come to know one thing that all demons had in common...
Bo says,"Shield your eyes, both of you!"
Rufus and Johnny quickly throw their arms over their eyes. The young Native American sorcerer clenches his fists and claps them together over his head and a blinding flare of light explodes into the dark sky, blinding the beasts and sending them scattering!
...a fear of light.
The face of the Statue morphs back to it's normal visage and it stands upright over them all. It lowers the great torch towards them and a torrent of fire blasts towards them and Bo brings up a magical force shield around them and the small home behind them just in time!
The fire grows stronger and rufus and Johnny can see the sweat grow on Bo's brow as he strains under the might of this attack!
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