Learning How to Fly

[darius1]

Cardian stood and nodded to Ezekiel "Thank you for that" He turned to the nun and bowed "Sister, i thank you for taking in the girl, and i thank you for trusting me" He looked at his boots for a moment then looked her in the eyes "I know that not many people trust in the KG anymore and I'm ashamed of that, I -I want to help you people." He looked again at the cheap table and peeling wallpaper "I pledge at least a quarter of my wages to this orphanage!" he said, removing his helmet. As the faceplate was lifted he saw a flicker of recognition in her eyes "Another factor to this kindness is the fact that...well i adopted my own son and daughter from here, they are both healthy and strong, but they remember the state of this old place and have asked many a time for me to help" He smiled slightly "so i am"

[Paladin89]

With the embrace of a caring father, Ezekiel held the girl, her small size making her seem like a small doll in the arms of a giant.  Turning, the mutant walked to the door of the room, but before he left he turned slightly, looking back at Cardian.  His eyes were cold as his hackles raised showing off the rows of sharp teeth, "Not many people trust the KG...I wonder why..."  With a hiss, Ezekiel left the room to bring the girl upstairs.
Mother Tabatha stood looking off at the door, even after Ezekiel's large form had disappeared and his heavy footsteps could be heard going upstairs.  She sighed,  "Oh Ezekiel, what are we going to do with you."  Looking over at Cardian she frowned, "I'm sorry sir, he has had a very difficult life thanks to the KG.  And it is something he can not quickly or easily forgive, let alone forget.  I don't think anyone in his position could."
Her frown slowly turned to a weak smile as she sat down in an old chair, "Still thank you for the donation that you have so generously offered.  It is greatly needed, though some will most likely object," hinting to Ezekiel, " Luckily he has learned that my word is absolute around here."
"So now that I can see your face I had thought I had recognized your voice.  I rarely forget those who come through our doors to adopt.  Though its good that Ezekiel wasn't here when you did.  He probably wouldn't have let you leave the house alive with any of our children...So how are the children?  Well behaved I hope.  If not I may have to come by sometime and remind them about what they were taught!"

---

Martin walked down the street, a happy little song rolling off his lips as he walked.  "Sun in the sky, wind in my hair, but what can be more fair, then my beautiful gal."
After a bad start to the day, a good catch from playing on the street corner had really picked up his spirit.  He continued down the street humming away to the little ditty playing in his head.
Across the street stood a large menacing door.  A Krimson Guard stood near by, watching all those who came an went.  
Curiosity itched at the back of his mind, but it wasn't his own.  Stopping he eyed the door for a moment, waiting for the following question.  What is that? Skye's curious voice came ringing through his mind.
That is the main gate that goes  into Deadtown.
Deadtown, what is that?
Repostioning he guitar case Martin reponded, Its an old abandoned part of town, taken by the metal head several years ago.  No one goes there anymore, except for the Guard and theres no telling why they go there.
Skye went quiet for several minutes though Martin could feel her mind working.  He shrugged and began to move along; Skye would catch up.  Besides, the Krimson Guard was beginning to take notice of him, which was the last thing he needed!
I think we should go explore it!
Martin stopped in his tracks abruptly, a look of shock on his face, "WHAT," he said out loud!
Passerby's looked at him with queer expressions from his sudden out burst.  Martin's face had begun to turn red as he tried to compose himself.  Oh how he wanted to look up at the roof tops but he had to keep acting normal.  WHY!  What would going into Deadtown solve?  There is no point in it!  No, no, no, we are not going into Deadtown!  Its far to dangerous and besides, we need a key to open that big freaking door.  You don't have a key so you wont be able to get through.
Martin felt Skye harden in her stance, which made him frown.  Things were about to go down hill, quick, whether for him or her, most likely him.
Just hear me out little brother, I am not as daft as you some times may think I am.
Folding his arms, Martin frowned, Would you like me to recall -
Do not answer that, Skye said quickly, cutting Martin off.  You said that its an abandoned part of town, which means there may be some abandoned parts for the oven, free for the taking!  It would save us money which is something we desperately need to do!  Besides, what are you worried about, metal heads.  I've seen the pictures, and I'm far bigger and stronger then most!
That may be so but, what do you plan to do if we come across something bigger  then you.  Run, okay, that will work until we need to get back through the wall.  We could use the free parts but its not worth the risk!  Besides we don't have a key.
No we do not have a key, but he does, Skye said, focusing on the Krimson Guard standing guard near the door.
"Dang it...and my day was starting to get good..." Martin mumbled as his frown deepened.

[npc]

It was just another day for a soldier of the Krimson Guard.  And it could be summed up with one word...dull.   Being assigned to guard the main gate to Deadtown was definitely not the most exciting thing in the world.  Unfortunately someone had to do it...
Pacing back and forth the KG watched all those who came and went.  Everyone kept to themselves, or were trying hard to not make eye contact with the KG.  If they did there was no telling what would happen!
As the KG ended another lap he stopped and looked around noticing a young man in dirty cloths watching him.  With nothing else to do the guard shifted his weapon and gear and began to walk towards the man.  The young man watched him for a few moments longer then turned and disappeared into the crowd.  The KG shrugged then returned to his post.
After several hours nothing had changed except where the sun was in the sky for the KG.  He began another lap, hoping that his relief would be here soon when he heard something come from an alley.  Turning the KG eyed the alley with suspicion but saw nothing.  With a shrug he turned and began to start another lap when he heard the strange noise again.  Turning around he eyed the alley for a few moments then readying his rifle began to cautiously walk to the alley.  Rounding the corner he brought his gun up but found nothing.  There was nothing that could have made the noise he heard!  The only things occupying the alley was some bags of trash and an empty dumpster.
With a last look around he shrugged and turned around.  Not a second later the guard heard the sound again.  With a snap he turned and brought his gun up!  Standing but just a few feet away was an ottsel...wearing pants.  Weird.  The KG lowered his weapon when he saw the ottsel grin and point behind the guard.  "Hm?"  the guard turned just in time to see a man's foot slam into his face. 

[Paladin89]

Depositing the guitar in a corner Martin sat down on an old mattress.  Actually it was several mattresses stacked on top of each other three high and set next to each other to make a three long and two wide block.  Taking off his hat Martin began to pull the money they had collected from his pockets.  Wasn't much by most peoples standards but Martin had learned to get the absolute max out of every cent.  Getting up he deposited it all in a jar then returned the jar to a hidden spot in a vent.
"Well that should last us for a week if we ration everything right," said Martin, returning to the mattresses with a small notebook and pencil.
Laying back on the blankets and pillows that had been piled up on the mattresses Martin began to jot down items into the notebook as Skye's fuzzy blue head appeared above.  "Perhaps after going into this Deadtown we will find somethings that may let us save money,"  Skye said, dropping in through the hole.
"Or we'll end up dead.  But I suppose both are probable," Martin shrugged.  
"Oh how negative you are," Skye said as she walked over to the mattresses, threw her wings back, and promptly fell over onto Martin.
Martin began to kick as he yelled out in alarm as a large fuzzy mass landed on top of him!
"Besides you have me!" Skye said laying her head down on the mattresses, a small grin running across her muzzle as she closed her eye, relaxing on the mattresses.
After a few moments Martin stopped kicking.  With a grumbling thought Skye heard Martin's voice ring out in her mind, Fine...you win.  Lets go...
"Aw, that is better," Skye said, rolling just enough for Martin to wiggle out from under her.
Martin sat up and gasped!  Looking back at Skye he eyed her with annoyance, "You're just terrible," he hissed.
"And you still love me!"
Grumbling Martin got up and walked over to a far wall and grabbed his messenger bag.  With a sigh he turned and looked at Skye, "I guess I'll meet you there..."
Skye jumped up with a happy yelp from the mattresses, hopped over to the spot right below the hole in the ceiling and then jumped out.
Shaking his head Martin began making his way down the stair that lead from a large office that stood above the warehouse floor.  "She sure does enjoy adventures."

After several minutes Martin was standing just outside the gate to Deadtown. He had found the guard in an alley way knocked out cold, which helped solve one problem.  Still, it was a little worrying as to who or what had knocked out the KG.  It definitely wasn't Skye that was for sure.
Looking around him, he could see a little down the street people where busy going about their own business.  No one would notice a thing.  Now how to get through...
Martin looked around pondering this when he heard Skye from the alley, "What about this yellow card thing?"
Martin walked back to the alley where Skye stood, looking down at the Krimson Guard.  Key card hung from his belt, including a bright yellow one.  There just so happened to be a yellow pass sign by the gate. 
With a grin Martin removed the key from the guard's belt and turned around, ready to go.  As he did the man moaned, "Ah my head...what tha-"
The guard was cut short as Skye's large fist slammed into his face...and most of his upper body.  And once more he was out cold.  "Well that was refreshing," Skye said as she pushed Martin out of the alley and up to the gate with her large head.  "Come on now, before some one notices!"
"You're one to talk!" Martin said, swiping the card.  "You're in the middle of the street and you don't want anyone to notice!  I think a big freakin' door opening will be the least of our worries!"
A long beep rung out from the door then with a low rumble and a metallic clank the door began to open.  Martin stepped back then pocketing the key, quickly got up onto Skye's back.  As the door opened Skye walked through into a very alien environment.  A minute late another beep sounded and the gate closed behind them.

[dbkillerex]

DB was on one of those days, his bloodlust was lifted from him with sunrise upon hearing all about his legion's success. Food would be plentiful for weeks, he got his hands on armor piercing rounds and sat by his favorite place near the bazaar watching a rare blood-red sunset the night before. Amongst his bi-polar days this was as good as it gets..

He woke up on the grass, stared across to the side to observe the enormous vegetables in the east garden and attempted to ignore the patrolling KGs. He was wearing his armor but was covered in rags and had his face covered in dust and mud stripes. What to do today... He thought I deserve a day off. DB lifted himself up off the ground and wrapped some cloth around the "SD" painted in mocking gold over his stolen shoulderpads. I'll stop by HQ to view the financial reports than I can look for some new recruits He laid out his day plan pitying the apathic street-walkers around him with their boring lives.

Benjamin jogged down to the factory, "No criminal activity spotted, just some... colinary disasters" He said, looking down at the ham. "But i don't see any activity inside the facility..." taking his rifle to his hands from the strap on his back Ben glanced inside the broken window.

DB paced quickly around the streets whene he bumped into some familiar olive green armor

"Watch you step civilian" Benjamin said kindly turning to whomever hit him when he was struck with shock. "You.." His reflexes told him to knock the man down but he knew that many civilian lives will be lost around this kind of fight. He glanced around at the children by the sidewalk and sighed

The impact didn't manage to shake DB out of balance, looking down he remarked "Huh, you've been busy benjah eh?, investegating this pork?. Something's not cosher about this crime scene of yours." He put up his charming smile and in his mind there was a thought to kill benjamin. But no, this was too fun, the priceless look on his face. "Have fun... an' don't forget to do your hamwork"

Almost outraged by DB's childish humor Benjamin cocked his rifle, but he wasn't as reckless to think of discharging his firearm in the street. "Reported sighting of wanted criminal code-name D.B at current location. Requesting reinforcements down 32 road."

DB carried on down trails he's rarely gone exploring whene suddenly a beautiful chime rang in his ears, he jogged over after the woman's voice to see Martin performing in the street corner. Such talent, wish I'd kept my old guitar He thought while tapping his feet to the music's rythm. He hung around like a shadow for about 10-15 minutes before he had to bolt, reinforcement was on his tail for a good couple hours later.

===========
Recovering from his tiresome day DB refreshened back at HQ and in his room he put his gauntlet against the light "Good n shiny again" He whispered proudly with his low voice. He inspected closely all his blades and armor resting on the small bed. Time to go his mind raced, he slipped into his blue shirt and fit his shoulder-pads; one made form metalhead cranium, the other from KG armory. Securing his 3-strap belt and fastening his sheaths to it he took some extra time to pull on his gauntlets and fingerless gloves. Surprisingly it all didn't feel very heavy, only familiar.

John moved a chunk of a broken wall off of him as if moving a heavy chair. He gazed beyond the rubbles which he lay on to observe the broken city, looking around for any tresspassing metal-heads that could serve as his snack. Deadtown has been home for him for quite some time No humans and (only) weakling metalheads, my kind of town He thought as he let out a low grumble. Dinner, now. His place for the night was inside one of the buildings, he stood on the ledge about 15 feet above ground level and jumped down to crush a slinger under his feet. His chest grumbled as he let out fierce roar that echoed all through the swamp. He brought down his razor sharp claws into the metalhead's torso and skull and ripped his metal-gem clean off.

John began munching on his well-deserved lunch, joyfuly flapping his wings when suddenly he heard footsteps from the gate, clacking footsteps. Shoes... John recognized the difference and faded into the scenery like a chameleon. He could see a small and a large figure in the distance and remained at a curious distance hoping they didn't notice him folding his wings back.

He went out to the street from his HQ at port and picked up a zoomer to travel toward the slums. He jumped off and began scowering the street for potential recruits when something strange caught his eyes, the man playing the guitar was here again, but it appears as though he was going into a restricted area. Deadtown DB thought How'd he get clearence... His querstion was answeared by a sharp groaning from the nearest ally ...No, can't be DB chuckled outloud and pointed toward the gate "You sneaky little begger. I can use someone like you.." DB Jumped down what semed like a crater which led to the gate and while pressing his hands down onto the frame discharged jolts of crackling blue eco through the mechanism. "Come on.. come on" He muttered. Although the gate seemed reluctant to open there was not much blue eco couldn't operate. The doors screeched and the gears spun and soon enough his way was clear.

DB paced into the familiar territory, it was a prime refuge place if the metal-heads don't frighten you. Usually a couple stingers dig up around here so I need to keep an eye out.

The metal-heads most common around here were slingers - nasty blue buggers who stand on two feet and sling shots of dark eco far and wide, these are slow enough to escape if one is light on his feet. Next in line were the rapid gunners- equipped with a dark eco blaster in their right hand they shoot dark eco rounds in rapid succession of about 3-4 rounds at their opponents, and are usually taken out with blasters from hiding. beside the stingers and grunts who are pretty much everywhere the area is half a swamp- And this swamp is deadly and inhabits two kinds of amphibian metal-heads.

From step to step and over unstable platforms DB followed the sound of the martin's footsteps.

[Paladin89]

Looking all around like an eager child, Skye looked around at Deadtown, resisting the urge to stick her head in every nook and cranny.  The gloomy feeling that fell over the area, brought on by the decaying building and piles of rubble, was lost on her.  As much as this may seem like a terrible place it was something new to explore!
As she looked through shattered windows, gaping doorways, and cavernous holes where walls should be, Martin looked around nervously.  His bo staff was strapped to his back, his hand grabbing its smooth wood surface as his eyes fell on every shadow, mind wondering if he had seen something move or if it was just his imagination.
"You should lighten up!  Nothing says adventure like a little danger!" Skye said sticking her head through a hole in a wall.
Since we are on the subject of danger I suggest we stay quiet! Martin hissed mentally.  I don't want to alert anything to our presence, though I wouldn't be surprised if our presence is already known...And how in the world did you get me to agree to this!  This has to be the worst -[/color] 
"I found an oven!" Skye said aloud, cutting Martin off.
"Why do I bother," Martin grumbled.
A large hole in the side of a building looked into both the first floor and the second floor where a chunk of the second stories floor had fallen into the first floor.  Skye pulled her head out of the upper story and lowered it, glancing back at Martin, "Hop on my head and I will lift you up."
Still grumbling Martin slid off of Skye's back than sat down on her broad forehead.  With her powerful neck, Skye lifted Martin as if he weighed no more than a doll.  Negotiating her head, and Martin, through the hole, Skye carefully lifted her package to the second floor.  
Swinging his legs up and over Martin negotiated his way from Skye's head to the floor.  It was an awkward angle as only the top of Skye's head made it through the hole, her eyes just barily peaking over the top of the floor.  But after a little negotiating, and nearly falling through the hole thanks to a loose board, Martin stood looking about.
The room, an old kitchen, was dull and damp, thanks to the swampy atmosphere of Deadtown. Spider webs covered everything and dust floated through the air, appearing as little golden specks as it floated through beams of sunlight that shown through a hole filled roof.  Doors to shelves and cubers  hung open at awkward angles, or completly fallen off on to the floor, broken or rotten off from their hinges.  A refrigerator stood with its door open wide, its interior now occupied by mold and dirt.  A hole in the counter top was what remained of a sink, fallen through from a rotten frame.  But over in the corner of the room sat what Martin and Skye had hoped to find, an old battered oven.
Carefully making his way through the room, not wanting to fall through the rickety floor, Martin approached the oven.  It was covered in dirt and the door lay open, either left that way or from a broken latch.  Luckily they weren't after a new latch.
Grabbing behind the oven, Martin pulled slowly, worried that shifting the weight of the kitchen appliance would send it crashing through the floor.  Floor boards creaked and moaned but after several agonizing minutes Martin finally pulled the oven out far enough to get behind it.  Skye, curious with Martin's work, reared back and planted her front claws on the wall, taking care not to cave in the rest of the wall, so she could reach higher and stick her head through a window.  From time to time she would pull her head out to look around before looking back through the window to watch Martin clank around on the back of the oven.  From time to time Martin would toss something out but it seemed to be slowing going.  Skye leaned her head on window seal bored.  It was going to be a long day.

[dbkillerex]

The asphalt crumbled under his feet with every cautious step he took prowling. His camouflage shifted as he moved about like a ghost toward the neighboring house. The sound of metal components being tinkered with has made ground for quite a commotion Metal heads will take notice He knew, preparing to claim this meal his own. As John turned the corner his jaw slightly dropped What is this He stared up at the strange reptilian and listened as it spoke in clear English with such feminine voice.

"Won't u let me give you hand?" John's blue colors emerged out of grey & green, his camo fading from back to head. His tail hovered right to left and shiny yellow eyes rose up to meet Skye's. A freak.. A walking, talking freak like me he rejoiced. His back straightened in curiosity like a scouting meerkat "You seem awfully curious as to explore my territory" He said in his low grumbling voice attempting to smile but ending up with a teeth-full grin.

Johns wings flapped slowly to adjust, striking over the metal covering his body with the sound of a clapping cyborg. If they're hostile, I'm outnumbered.. The thought scratched the walls of John's mind so he tilted his head to glare in Martin's direction.

[Paladin89]

"Nope...nope...nope," came Martin's voice from behind the oven.  Each time he spoke he lightly tossed a part from the oven off to the side. "Nope...nope..."
"Still nothing?" Skye asked, her head lying on the window seal, a look of utter boredom on her face.
"Nope...nope...wait!"
Skye's head raised, eyes wide with excitement as her ears stood up.  Finally Martin had managed to find something and they could move on to more interesting things!.
"Nope..."
Skye's head dropped with a huff.  A small plum of smoke puffed from her nose in irritation as she stared at the oven, as if trying to will Martin to work faster. But she knew it wouldn't work.  Never had before, so it wouldn't now.
After a few more minutes Martin finally stood up with a grin.  Reaching into the oven he gave a small yank which resulted in a pop and a crack.  Skye continued to eye him as he pulled his arm out, "And its like they say, all good things comes with a little patience!"
Stepping from behind the oven Martin had in his hand a small device, an eco regulator.  It was one of the things that failed on the old oven causing it to overload and...explode.  Martin looked at the regulator as he deposited it into his messenger bag, "Its a little old but it seems to be a heavier model then the one on the old oven.  We'll need to start it slow but I think we can eventually give it more juice."
Skye perked  up at the find, "So does that mean we're done!"
"Ha, your funny!  But no, we still need to find some heating coils, and another insulator panel.  Still this was the big thing we needed, and probably the most expensive.  I may be able to pull the coils off this oven but the panel looks to be in bad shape.  Just a little longer and we can go looking about some more." Martin said, walking back to the oven.  
Kneeling down he reached into the recesses of the oven once more.  "Just keep watch will ya!"
"Fine..." Skye moaned, tired of waiting.  She never looked out, never thinking that something would try to jump her.
That's when she heard the voice.  Skye's cat like ears raised up as she heard the voice from down below.  Martin stopped, he had heard it too and was now looking over his shoulder at Skye.  He gave a quiet nod to Skye to see who it was as he slowly moved from the oven and quietly retrieved his bag and bo staff.  He didn't approach the windows as Skye pulled her head out, he didn't need to, for as Skye saw the thing outside an image of it flashed through his mind.
Skye withdrew from the building and looked down at the creature below her.  It was tall but she was almost twice its height propped on her hind legs, as it stood.  She looked at it with suspicious interest, "So is this a metalhead, little brother?" ignoring the creature's question.
"Really!  Your going to let it know that I'm up here!" Martin hissed.
"I'm pretty sure it already knew from all the clanging and banging," Skye remarked, looking sideways through the window at Martin.   "Besides he doesn't seem that threatening.  I thought metalheads were suppose to be blood thirsty monsters."
"They are!  Maybe its trying to draw you into a false sense of security.  Anyway, maybe you should answer it before it gets angry!"
Skye eyed the strange bease with the blue colored skull gem.  "This is your territory hm, doesn't look like much to me."
Martin slapped his forehead with his palm, "Don't make it angry!"
Skye rolled her eyes as she continued to watch the metalhead infront of her.  She conintued to stay proped on her hind legs, keeping her height advantage over the metalhead.  "Oh shut it you!  Its true, this place looks like garbage!"
Martin groaned, "We're going to die!"

[dbkillerex]

John gritted his teeth for a moment "You're not very experienced scavangers are ya... You've got slingers, grunts and shielders at almost every pathway and I would be right to say they all know you're here". Taking a step closer to the building John called out to martin "So there's two of you?, hybrids" He imagined a smaller version of skye peeping out of the window, wearing a scrappy armor put together from the wreckage. "You should know metalheads can't talk. Numbskulls the lot of them..."

"She's right, it's junk." He grinned again trying to clarify himself "I am merely an experiment of a twisted human mind. Staying away from the guns and men in red." He paused, swallowing once "But I am no hora-quan" John lay down like a tired hound in-front of skye "This junkyard is home, it's where I am normal. Only place I can be..." He seemed disgusted by his words "Human again.."

"Bu..But now you are here.. Somehow you've found a way to fit into the city" He looked up in what could be called a hopeful expression had his blank eyes shown emotion. "Teach me, I will do anything...".