Realistic or Modern CX-431: Main Thread (Private RP)

[Kalsagnia]

Jerry nodded and braced himself, pressing his back against Venom's and pushing his feet against the cool metal of the shaft.

"Alright, let's go", he said.


Gen, whose mind was beginning to clear up now, was about to say that he could handle the climb perfectly well when Seth grabbed him again and draped him over his shoulder.


"Hang on tight!" The sloth said in his sleepy manner.


He dug his claws into the walls of the shaft and began climbing up after the others.


"Can you see anything above us?" Jerry called to Kim. "Any kind of opening or something?"

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

Alex's face was beet red as Kim stopped him, feeling beyond embarassed after that long ramble. But felt instantly better after hearing Kim confirm they were friends. Of course Alex could just feel his brother's stare and looked back to see the cheekiest grin ever on Tom's face "Not. One. Word."


Alex and Tom soon took their turn to start climbing the vent. Pressing their backs against each other, interlocking their arms and firmly placing their feet on the vent walls and started climbing "You better not lose your footing Alex, it's a long way down and I don't feel like starting over." "Same to you Tom. But I doubt any of us would be doing much after a fall like that." Alex said as he peered down, instantly regretting it though as he felt slightly light headed after doing so, but quickly shook it off "Ugh, damn Vertigo. Any openings yet?"

 

[Roxirin]

Venom started walking, watching as Kim disappeared into the gloom. There was a long silence, and Venom was considering striking up awkward conversation, but there was a shout from above. "There's a side vent up here! It's big enough!" Kim called. Venom breathed a sigh of relief. "Good job, Kim! How much further?" "Not far!" 

 

[Roxirin]

(Hey... pssssssst.... this rp is a thing and you should totally post XD)

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

((I know, but I think someone needs to go get Kal back here.))


Alex and Tom were glad to hear that there was a new opening. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that holding each other up in the vent was starting to get uncomfortable on their legs and back "You know, it would really suck to get a cramp right now." "Please don't jinx us Tom."


((So, when do we start the second wave?))

 

[Kalsagnia]

(Aw crap, sorry for disappearing guys! My anti-depressants have really been messing with my head the past week or so!)


Jerry let out a sigh of relief at Kim's words and grinned in the gloom.


"Alright, let's shake a leg!" He exclaimed. "Before somebody actually does get cramp!"


Seth was quiet, but he smiled as he continued following the others.

 

[Roxirin]

A few more strained moments passed, and Venom found his feet right by the opening. "Now.... How are we gonna do this without one of us falling?" He thought about this for a moment. "Right, Jerry, I'm gonna pull my feet up and into the vent, and then I need you to push with your legs as hard as you can to get us both inside, alright? I won't let go of you, promise." 


Fifty floors up, an alarm clock went off, bleeping loudly. The figure in the bed beside the alarm clock was already awake and poised to press the 'off' button, which he did immediately. Stretching, the dragon Anthro unfolded his wings and gave them a few flaps to shake out any morning stiffness, then got up, taking an ornate black and gold scarf off the bed post and wrapping it around his neck, loose enough that he could dip his head down to conceal his snout, useful for when he didn't want to display any emotion. Quietly, he started muttering to himself as he remade his bed and tidied the room a little. 


"......he needs to set the alarm earlier....too late...why must they insist on alarms..... He wakes up fine without them.....he does, he does..." 

 

[Kalsagnia]

Jerry braced himself and nodded.


"Alright, let's do this!" He said, trying to hide how fast his heart was racing at the thought of plummeting down that dark vent.


He waited for Venom to move and then pushed as hard as he could, his knees shaking. He gritted his teeth and the moment seemed to last forever, but suddenly he and Venom were inside the opening, safe and sound.


***


There was someone waiting outside the dragon's room. A tiny yellow furred lion with a soft, fuzzy mane in baby blue. He was just about three feet tall and wearing a dark blue duffel coat, the pockets stuffed with objects he'd found whilst wandering around. He rocked back and forth on his heels, chuckling when he heard the dragon muttering to himself.


"Wakey wakey, rise and shine!" He called through the door.

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

Tom and Alex just waited for their turn to get into vent, being behind everyone else, thankful for their endurance


__________________


In another room, a Golden Brown Jackal had already been up for the past hour, getting in what he would call a light workout, performing pull ups on a high bar he had attached to one the walls in his room, counting as he went along "197...198...199...aaand 200." with that he jumped down, took a deep breath in and let out a long satisfied breath "Well that was a good wake up workout. Time to get dressed now I suppose." The Jackal remarked, noting that he was still only in his boxers. He walked over to his closet and pulled out a simple light blue muscle shirt, a pair of black fingerless gloves and combat boots, a Dark Grey Denim Jacket and Dark Grey Cargo pants. As soon as he got dressed there was a knock on his door and he moved to immediately answer it. As soon as he opened the door, the Jackal was greeted by a white Tiger Shark in a simple black bikini with a blank expression on her face "Good Morning Rolf." the shark greeted the Jackal flatly, who gave a small smile in return "Morning Claire. seems you remembered to actually put on the Bikini this time, though I'm not sure if I should feel disappointed by that..." Claire looked down at her bikini "Oh, perhaps I should take it off then." she said, showing no change in her tone form her greeting as Rolf looked at her with surprise, and somewhat glee at that thought "Wait, seriously!?" Claire then looked back at Rolf "No...that was a joke..." Rolf then hung his head in disappointment "Awww...bummer..." Rolf then gave a chuckle after that, and though Claire didn't show it, he could sense her joy "We should go meet up with the others." Claire said and headed towards the rest of the rooms with Rolf following behind

 

[Roxirin]

Venom gave a small sigh of relief and drew further into the vent, allowing room for Tom and Alex. "Alright you two, whenever you're ready!" 


Aneirin in opened the door, peering down the corridor both ways, before finally noticing the small Anthro at his feet. "Ah. It is only the small one. Has Aneirin missed something? He is not late, his alarm went off right on time... It did, it did...." 


In a parallel dimension, a hyena Anthro was lazing on top of a detached subway car, smoking a cigarette and staring up at the mindless graffiti scrawled over the ceiling of the station, neon colours illuminating dusty bricks. She sighed, checking her wristwatch, and then went back to string at the ceiling. Obviously something funny occured to her because she snickered softy, drawing her lips back to reveal glistening ivory fangs. Eventually, she decided she had to go, and got up, hand springing off the subway car and landing on her feet, walking over to a red X marked in spray paint, and concentrating briefly, disappearing with a glitch-like effect. She warped back into the real world suddenly, and right in front of Rolf and Claire. "Boo! HahahAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAaaaaa.......eehehehehhhheh...." Her laughter dissolved into little chuckles and she paused to get her breath back. "Morning, you two! Looking good, handsome." She drew a finger up underneath Rolf's chin, grinning, before turning to Claire. "You too, sexy. Is that a new bikini or am I imagining things?" 


(Alright, change of accent. She speaks sort of... Afro-American?? I have no idea what the accent is, but for reference she sounds like a slightly deeper version of Gloria from Madagascar)


(also, her EXACT laugh: https://youtu.be/FQaSRKP8Dho )

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

"Right!" Alex and Tom quickly climbed to the opening and copied what Venom and Jerry had done to get in the vent. Tom sprawled out, laying flat on his stomach to stretch his limbs a bit "Oof, sure hope we don't have to do that again anytime soon." Tom remarked as Alex just and stared down the shaft they just came from "I wonder how many floors we went up..."


_________________________


Rolf jumped a bit when the Hyena Anthro popped up. She was the only one so far that was able to hide from him so when she did pop up it always caught him off guard. Claire however had no reaction to the jumpscare though her heart rate did increase a bit when the Hyena called her sexy "Good morning Desta...no, this is my usual Bikini..." Despite the lack of emotion in her face, Claire did blush a little. Rolf just shrugged off the flirtatious greeting "I was wondering when you'd show up to hit on us Des. The day would have felt off without that." Rolf joked, almost tempted to flirt back, but decided against due to Desta's unpredictability

 

[Kalsagnia]

Seth, with Gen still over his shoulder, was the last one through the opening.

"Feels like hundreds", Jerry sighed, rubbing his sore legs.


***


Napoleon smiled up at the dragon and chuckled.

"I know it did", he said, "I just came to meet you. I figured we could walk to the cafeteria together".

Aneirin could be a bit strange, but Napoleon liked him a lot. Of all the guards he felt happiest around  Aneirin.

 

[Roxirin]

"Two floors." Venom stated flatly. "But good job. We're starting to get the hang of this team thing. Lead on, Kim." And with that, Kim turned tail and began leading them further into the vent system. As they went, Venom yawned, his eyelids drooping. This must be why fresh humans slept a lot, he though. So much movement for such a new body, and the climb had really taken it out of him. It was also stuffy in here (you'd think the air vents would do a better job), and he was beginning to feel very sleepy by the time the vent opened out. The chamber they were now in was more of an X junction than anything: Two much larger tunnels connected with the one they were in and another smaller tunnel opposite, and there was a large square of empty space between them. Peering down through the grate in the center, Venom could see a massive fan, rotating slowly and pushing air out and into the system. It was cooler here, but with fur the temperature was perfectly fine. Venom could see Kim flagging a little, too, and decided that enough was enough for now. "Alright everyone. It's been a very strenuous first day or so, and I think we all need to rest. We'll camp here for now. Any volunteers for the first watch? We need someone always looking out for the group to raise a alarm if anything happens. Kim raised a hand. "....I will. I'm not that tired, it'll be okay." "If you're sure." "Yeah." Kim smiled and went to sit in the entrance of one of the larger tunnels, turning her head to watch over the group, the tip of her tail twitching. She just hoped she wouldn't fall asleep without anyone else to keep her awake. 


Aneirin gave Napoleon a smile: a rare thing indeed. "Come, then, small friend. We shall go together. And then onwards to training! Training is his favourite." He made a happy rumbling noise at the thought of beating his 98% accuracy with a sniper rifle. There was a short pause, and then. "Does this one have any new riddles for Aneirin? He likes riddles, he does, he does." 


Desta winked at Rolf. "I know it would, honey." She proceeded to lead to way to the cafe, swaying her hips and lifting her tail just a little, more of a sultry stalk rather than an actual walk. 

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

Alex didn't feel all that tired either and decided two people on watch was better than one so... "I'll help keep watch as well. Two sets of eyes and ears are better than one right?" Tom would have taken this moment to come up with a clever shot at Alex here, but due to how tired he was at this point settled for something simple "Alright, but no funny business on the job." Alex just gave an unamused stare as Tom found a spot to lay down and nod off.


__________________________________


Rolf and Claire followed right behind Desta. Rolf didn't pay much attention to the Hyena as they walked to the Cafeteria, as he was mostly wondering what would be on the menu today, however, Claire couldn't help but watch the sway of the Hyena's hip and seemed to be in a bit of a trance as she completely ignored Rolf as he started talking "Hm...hope they got those pudding cups today. I feel like indulging my self a bit." the Jackal closed his eyes and visualized the pudding cup he desired but quickly returned to reality before his mouth started to water and then looked to Claire "So what about you Claire? Anything in particular you're craving right now?" Rolf waited for a response but soon realized that Claire didn't hear him "Uh, Claire?" Rolf then noticed Claire's eyes were seemingly fixated on something. When he looked to where Claire was looking, Rolf just gave a cheeky smile as he nudged her with his elbow which immediately snapped Claire out of her 'trance' as a very brief look of surprise appeared on her face "That's definitely not on the menu." Claire quickly looked away, her cheeks red from embarrassment, though you'd never tell by her expression "I don't know what you mean...I was just deep in thought...that's all." Rolf just kept giving Claire that cheeky smile of his "Oh sure, you totally were deep in thought about something." he chuckled as Claire hoped Desta didn't realise what she and Rolf were talking about

 

[Roxirin]

Kim moved over to make room for Alex and gave him a warm smile. "Thanks. I'm not sure I would have stayed awake by myself." She settled into comfortable silence for a while, before raising her head to look at Alex. "......What do you think your powers are? I don't even know if I have any. I haven't felt different since I got out of that tank. What about you?" She spoke softly, unsure of herself.


Desta gave a trademark hyena chuckle, but said nothing. Boy, I am irresistible. They reached the safe shortly afterwards, guards turning to look at them nervously as they entered, still not quite sure of the anthros' safety. Desta didn't help by going over to the first guy she found and slinging her arm around his shoulder, grinning at him with glistening fangs. "Hey there, baby. You doing anything tonight. Cause if you're not, then feel free to do me." She cackled (to which rifles were half raised), and then continued to grin widely, pushing down the barrel of the gun near to her and winking at the guy holding it. "Whoah there, down boy! No need to get frisky, it's six in the morning. Now, if y'all handsome boys will excuse me, I gotta get food or I will literally die. Form a line!" She called, then giggled, and then lined up to receive the food which had been specifically prepared for her. Goat haunch, but literally. The entire leg, roasted. Despite Desta insisting she could handle raw meat (which she could), the scientists still insisted  on cooking the meat to prevent infection spreading. 

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

Alex scooted next to Kim in the entrance and returned the smile "Well, it'll be my pleasure." He sat quietly with Kim, enjoying keeping her company, when she posed her question though, he looked very unsure himself "Hmm...I haven't actually given it much thought now that I think about it. Can't say I feel all that different either..." Alex then paused and then looked at his hand and motioned with it as if he was softly squeezing something "Although...ever since I got jabbed in the back, I've been feeling this tingling sensation throughout my body, almost like electricty. I mean it's not uncomfortable, but..." a mild look of concern came across his face "I sure hope that jab didn't do anything to mess up my nerves."


__________________________________


Rolf and Claire passed by the same two guards Desta...harassed. Rolf gave a mock salute as he greeted them "Hey guys, not exactly how you expected to start the day right?" the two guards seemed rather displeased with how they were man handled by Desta and didn't bother to respond to Rolf "Right...guess I'll move along then." Rolf did just that as Claire followed behind, not acknowledging the guards as she passed them by, though one them did start to stare at her to which the other guard loudly cleared his voice which seemed to get his friend to stop staring and stand at attention.


Rolf was a tad disappointed with his interactions the guards as he let out a sigh "Guess there are still a some guards who don't fully trust us yet." "Give them time...they'll come around eventually." Claire responded "We do have Captain Bishop and Dr. Mazak on our side." Claire naming one of the Heads of Security and an important scientist, both who were present at their awakening and gladly welcomed them. This helped Rolf feel alot better "Yeah, your right. Gabriel and Simon do have some influence around here. As long as they got our backs, and we keep working hard, everyone will warm up to us eventually."


Rolf and Claire soon got up to the cafeteria counter and were both handed a readied meal, for Rolf it was steak and eggs and for Claire a large chunk of cooked Tuna. Rolf also noticed there were pudding cups and quickly snuck one on his tray. The two then joined Desta at her table and noticed that not everyone had shown up yet "It would appear Napoleon and Aneirin have not shown up yet." Claire observed as Rolf started cutting into his meal "Ah, you know how those two are. Napoleon is probably trying to stump Aneirin with a riddle as we speak."


((Captain Gabriel Bishop and Dr. Simon Mazak...geez I wonder who they can be?))

 

[Kalsagnia]

There was no argument from Seth about setting up camp. Sleeping, after all, was what a sloth did best. He curled up, wrapping his great arms around himself and drawing in his legs.

"I don't believe it", said Gen, looking down at him, "he's already asleep!"

***

Napoleon looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Hmm...a riddle, huh? How about this one?" He shot the dragon a smile. "You will always find me in the past. I can be created in the present, but the future can never taint me. What am I?"

 

[Roxirin]

(Eyyy there she is!  )


Kim gave Alex a look of concern, and then without warning, moved to kneel in front of him, putting two fingers under his jawline, and then tapping his knee with her knuckles. "Well, your pulse and reactions are fine, so no problems there." She paused. "...Can you feel this?" She gently swiped his arm with her tail, testing for a reaction. Being the somewhat oblivious person that she was, she wasn't entirely aware of how awkward this must look.


They were nearly at the cafe, and Aneirin grinned at Napoleon about two seconds after he'd posed the riddle. "A memory, yes? He is not so easily caught out, this one must do better than that." He then walked inside, eying the guards, who all moved out of his way silently of averted their gazes. No-one had quite forgotten the incident. Aneirin didn't care. He took his breakfast (sushi and green tea) and went to sit with the others. "Aneirin wishes you all a good morning. How are these ones today?"

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

((The more I read Aneirin's dialogue...the more I can't help but read it in a Khajit accent...you're familiar with Skyrim and Elder Scroll games right?


Also I was thinking memory as well. History works also.))


Alex immediately went red in the face as soon Kim began her unexpected examination of him. He was caught completely off guard by it and he was momentarily stunned silent until Kim ran her tail on his arm and asked her question "Y-yes...I can feel that." Alex gulped nervously as he found the sensation oddly pleasant and was trying his best to stay composed "Is there anything else you need to check?" Alex asked nervously joking, he truly appreciated the fact Kim cared enough about him that she'd give him an examination...but he did feel it was a bit much and would have appreciated a heads up.


__________________________________


As soon as Aneirin and Napoleon arrived, Rolf shot them a greeting smile "We were beginning to wonder where you two were at." Claire nodded to greet the dragon "Good morning Aneirin, I'm doing well. How are you this morning?"

 

[Roxirin]

(Dude I have over 250 hours on Skyrim, I play solely khajiit characters, and I nearly lost all my save files the other day.... I got you XDD This one has wares if you have coin... I imagine Aneirin with a sort of deepish, gravelly voice that you're never quite sure is angry sounding or not xD Also American, like... New Jersey? IDK XDD)


"Nope, you're good. If you can feel that there's nothing wrong overall with your nervous system at least.... it could be adrenaline... from the fight...?" She added the last part quieter, glancing down before returning to sit beside him. "At any rate, I don't think it's serious. But you know, I'm not a doctor, so don't take my word for it, eheh..."


Aneirin smiled warmly back. "He is doing well. Looking forwards to training, is Aneirin." He replied, eating a whole sushi roll in one bite and then taking a sip of tea.

 

[Kalsagnia]

Napoleon chuckled and nodded.


"Yeah, you got it", he said. "Just you wait, I'll think of a much harder one next time!"


He followed Aneirin into the cafe, legs flailing as he climbed up onto a chair. No matter how many times he requested seats small enough for him, he was always ignored. Once seated, however, he smiled at Rolf and Claire.


"I was waiting for Aneirin", he explained. "He's getting too good at riddles!"

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

Alex calmed as soon as Kim returned to her spot next him and gave a small relieved sigh "Yeah, it probably is just my body coming down after the adrenaline high." he then smiled at Kim "And maybe you're not a doctor, but it's still nice to know how much you care."


__________________________________


Claire looked slightly more bored look than usual when Aneirin mentioned training and how he was looking forward to it as she had no interest in training and would rather lounge about "I guess if you're into that...I hope they don't put me up against the training bot again...that thing is evil." in actuality the bot she described was designed merely to dodge attacks, but it took effort to actually hit it, and effort takes work which has led Claire to refer to it as an evil abomination many times.


Rolf nodded in agreement to Napoleon's statement and shrugged as if stating the obvious "I don't think anyone is gonna be able to beat Aneirin at the riddle game. I mean he even guessed my clever riddle." at this point Claire interjected "It was actually pretty basic..." Rolf seemed offended by that statement and gave an exaggerated look of shock "Ah! You wound me my lady!" He said in an exaggerated wounded tone, at which point it was obvious he wasn't taking this seriously as he turned to Desta "Desta, what is black and white and read all over?" Rolf repeated the same riddle he asked Aneirin a while back

 

[Roxirin]

Desta immediately fired back with "A zebra in a blender. HA! HAHAHAHhahahahahahahah- seriously though. A newspaper, dude, I'm not THAT dumb. Also.... That's like the oldest and worst riddle ever." She grinned at him broadly before finishing her breakfast licking her lips slowly and looking pointedly at Claire the entire time. 


Aneirin looked quizzically at Claire. "This one does not enjoy training? Aneirin senses a.... Reluctance to move." He stated. "No way, really?! You're in good form today, Captain Obvious. EEeheheheheheheeee!" Desta giggled, but Aneirin looked confused. "His name is not Captain Obvious, it is Aneirin. This one is mistaken." 


"AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH"

 

[Kalsagnia]

Napoleon burst out laughing.

"Yeah, that's a pretty bad riddle, Rolf!" He chortled. "But just you guys wait! I'll stump Aneirin yet!"


He tucked into the steak he was having for breakfast and listened to the others talk about training. Truthfully he wasn't entirely looking forward to it himself. The training bot seemed huge compared to himself and the staff refused to let him train against something smaller. In fact they really couldn't seem to care less about his stature, even though it was their fault he was like this to begin with.

 

[Matt Kulex (Alex T.)]

Rolf just seemed to pout a little after everyone poked fun at him "Alright alright, so it wasn't that clever. I'm not a riddle guy." Rolf started digging into his pudding cup at this point as Claire finished her breakfast and felt Desta's stare on her but managed to remain composed. She gave a small shrug when Aneirin inquired about her stance on training "It's not so much that I'm reluctant to move, I just don't like doing alot of work that requires alot of effort...like hitting that evil training bot..." Rolf butted in at this point "She isn't called the lounge shark for nothing..." Rolf then paused then looked confused "Or she is? Ah whatever..."


Rolf finished up his breakfast and got up from his chair "Well, I'm gonna head over to training then. You guys catch up when you can." with that Rolf darted out of the cafeteria leaving the group behind. Claire was reluctant to stand up and head off to train as she contemplated going or not "Do you think they'll notice if I don't show up today?" Claire asked aloud as she looked down at a fork on the table and poked at it