Realistic or Modern x A Fight for Survival x~Zombies Bite (IC)

[Nightblade]

Nik tried focusing on keep watch, the occasional whimper or movement from Matt was serving to distract him.
He sighed and looked through the scope of his sniper and luckily it was quiet on the front. no sign of even the undead.
After a particularly loud whimper, Nik knew he had to do something, the kid would give away their spot.

Fixing the sniper on its stand , he shuffled so that Matts head was resting against Niks chest.
Nik stared down the scope while holding onto Matt, muttering some soothing words in Russian.
He had no idea if it would help, but at this point Nik had to try something or else the kid would wake up worse off.
Feeling stressed and exhausted from the night terrors.

Mentions: DistressedDisaster : Matt

 

[DistressedDisaster]

Matthew Williams

Matthew felt his dreamscape shift slightly, as his consciousness changed from entire blackness to a familiar and not dead voice accompanied by a bit of warmth. He didn't understand the words, but the tones were pleasant enough to hear after only just breaking from the icy grip of his terror. He did wake for a brief moment as he was settled somewhere different, but the short perception of his position being at least semi-safe was well enough for exhaustion to drag him back into sleep. This one was thankfully suiting up to be dreamless.

While he would definitely react differently when he awoke, at the moment, he was too exhausted and run down by days of stress to do anything but accept this as a better alternative than being awoken in the midst of a raid or something. This was how he ended up slipping back asleep. Rested against Nik's chest as the russian peered down a scope of a rifle.

mentions: Nightblade (nik)

 

[Nightblade]

Nik Kasanov
Appearance
​

Nik saw Matt quiet down and relax into the embrace. Giving a sigh of relief, he focused on scouting.
Despite getting Matt to quiet down, Nik did not release his gentle but firm grip as the younger guy got much needed sleep.
He would have to speak with him about that. Matt had seemed exhausted when their shift started.

If the night terrors were frequent then it would cause problems down the line. One idea came to Niks mind, but it was a conversation for another time.
Pulling out a water canteen and taking a drink, Nik focused his gaze on a small horde forming outside the reach of both the East and West.
Picking up his Radio, he let the home base know about the possible threat.

After the message was sent in, Nik focused his attention on the horde, despite it moving away from everyone.
The other scouts would keep an active eye out for the horde, allowing Nik to relax.

Mentions: DistressedDisaster - Nik

 

[Bellz]

Alex Bailey ​

Alex pulled Robert through the thick blanket of snow falling around them, her eyes desperately trying to see through the pure white as she looked for a place for them to go, anywhere but where they were in that moment. The howling only amplified, causing the woman’s breathing to accelerate. At the sound of her walkie turning on, she looked down to it as Eli’s voice came through the static. When he spoke of her listening carefully, the woman slowed her steps for only a moment. Pausing in what would be the middle of a street downtown. Her eyes searched the area around them, trying to look above the snowfall line at the buildings towering high above them. She could hardly see anything. Reaching for her walkie, she pressed the talk button, ”I can’t see shit Eli and the temperature is dropping.” her voice shook, clearly scared at the situation they were currently in.

Before she could say anymore, there was a something shifting through the snow to her left, kicking up piles of it as the ice crunched beneath its feet. There were multiple sounds just like that and Alex couldn’t speak as she stayed very still. These definitely weren’t walkers…

A low animalistic snarl came from her right and she pulled Robert closer to her, tugging his hand so that he stood behind her. Alex hadn’t thought it to be possible, the animals were unaffected by the virus…they had livestock back at the base that was tended to every single day. But the sounds were all too obvious, she could easily guess what beast it belonged to. ”Dogs.” Was all the blonde could speak into the walkie before the hounds circled closer, there appearance now visible as they stood only a few feet away.

Alex didn’t dare move as the dogs snapped their jaws at them, snarling menacingly as they took in their prey. Their flesh like the other walkers, was falling apart by the pieces, bits of flesh hanging off their muscles and tendons, some exposed. They were horrifying to look at. Different breeds could be seen, from Doberman to little ankle biting Chihuahuas. The blondes eyes took them all in as she slowly took one step back. As she did so, the dogs took a step forward, their noises getting louder as they readied themselves for the chase. Robert was so close behind her that she could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck. She turned her head slightly about to speak to him when she saw an opening in the flurries of snow above, almost like a sigh, the steeple Eli had been talking about appeared into view. Eyes lighting up, she continued to look at it before speaking to Robert, ”Prepare to Run. Don’t worry about shooting, leave that to me. Just Run.” With that, she turned her back to the beasts and pushed Robert in the direction of the steeple, ”GO GO GO!” She cried out and the dogs lunged forward, Alex with gun in hand, aimed quickly, firing before the gun even landed on her target.

The Labrador in the front stood no chance as its head exploded on impact, painting the snow flurries and the blankets of snow around it ruby. Alex turned and sprinted towards Robert, who was now ahead of her by a bit. The dogs were fast but the thick snow was able to slow them down enough to where the humans were able to keep a distance. Alex didn’t look back as they trudged quickly through the snow, her arm reaching out to continue to push Robert forward, ”Don’t slow-“ With blinding speed, a hound leaped out from her right, lunging towards the woman and knocking her out from behind Robert and to the ground. Alex screamed as the dog clamped on to her arm which was protected by layers and layers of thick coats. She tried to fight the dog off, gasping at its face with her hands as it continued to bite deeper and deeper into her coat, trying desperately to reach the delicious flesh that was sure to be at the end of the clothing.

All thoughts in her mind told her that this would be the end, ”GO! RUN!” She shouted to Robert, a perfect distraction for him to make it to the church.
with: Robert CkSmalling
mentions: Eli Shireling ; Theo Misty Gray

 

[CkSmalling]

Robert Sloan Jr.
[with Bellz (Alex)]
​

Robert wondered how a girl of such a young age could muster the strength to pull a very old and heavy man. Basic flight/fight response he thought. Must be the a side effect. The sound of the howling at the distance wasn't too comforting. Wolves maybe? But in a downtown area? Impossible. They stopped at a street downtown trying to listen in on the conversation over the walkie. He hated to agree but the street was pure white. Seeing a few distance ahead of them was nearly impossible, let alone seeing a steep slope near a building. After Alex got the bearing, they moved.

Suddenly, they stopped. The sound of growling to their left was unmistakable. The low growl, the equidistant space between them and the low body movement suggested only one breed domesticated canine species. "Dogs" They both said together. Their skin was rotten and peeling off, eyes white like snow. How they managed to see them is a mystery. He took out his gun ready to cover Alex's back when the time comes. But instead he got very weird orders. "Run??!! And leave you behind? Are you mad???" Before he could even say another word, Alex shouted and He made a run for it.

As he was running, Alex was shouting something and got suddenly cut off. He looked back and saw Alex being mauled over by a huge dog. His instincts told him to run, but his heart said otherwise. He made a 180 and rushed towards her, gun on the ready. A dog was charging towards him so he fired 3 shots indiscriminately. It did not kill the dog but it slowed down to a crawl and that was good. The dog that was on Alex was moving around too much so firing from where he was would have been a huge mistake. He moved towards her and kicked the dog on the jaw dislodging it from her and fired 5 shots, 3 missed but two hit its body and head.

"You can scold me later on but right now we have to move. Now!!!!" He lifted Alex of her ass and wrapped an arm around her and pushed her gently in front of him and smiled. "WE HAVE TO RUN!!!!!" He had a few bullets left and he knew that but time was of the essence.

 

[Shireling]

Eli Cartwright
​

It wasn't long before he and Theo, kicking up snow behind them, had the steeple of the church in their sight as well. If not for Eli's navigation, they likely would have been lost on the way to rescue the two wayward scouts. As they got onto the avenue, they could see the figures of Alex and Robert darkened against the backdrop of white. They got there just in time to see Robert kick a dog in the side of the face.

"Jesus Christ, you're telling me there's dogs now!?" He shouted in exasperation, now brandishing his rifle freely as he picked up his pace to rejoin the two. After a brief skirmish, the actions of which Eli could not follow as they happened so quickly, he and Theo were able to herd the whole group into the sanctuary of the church. The interior of the building was dimly lit by what light did filter in from the stained glass windows. The place was empty and blessedly free of decaying bodies, zombies, or corpses, one of the only pristine buildings in Manhattan save a thick layer of dust over everything.

"How bad is it?" Eli murmured, taking out a short flashlight and flicking it on. He onced-over Robert and saw that the blood he was covered in was not his own and he asked the old man to bear his arms and legs. Nothing seemed lacerated, so he passed the light next over Alex.

CkSmalling Misty Gray Bellz

 

[Misty Gray]

Theodore Ashworth
​

Theo listened as Eli explained how he thought his father was proud of him. He was glad David was pleased with Eli's new role as a scout and that he himself hadn't refused the lad his request to join the team. It was sad hearing how Eli's mother had died during childbirth. He looked down and sadly nodded in agreement with regards to the limited medical resources now available. Theo wasn't sure what his own mother's chances of survival would have been in a world free of zombies, but part of him was still of the belief the brain tumour would have killed her regardless. His own father, however, he believed would still be living in that ideal world. Theo wouldn't have been forced to end his old man's life. He suspected a lot of things would have been different and he would by now have even had a family of his own.

Hearing Alex's voice only served to confirm the reason behind his own melancholy. People had stopped living because life was now all about surviving. The girl spoke up to say she and Robert were losing visibility in the storm, rendering them practically lost. Eli spoke up to tell Alex to head towards the church, to which Theo nodded in agreement with the young man's plan of action.

Theo rushed with Eli back towards the distant steeple, not slowing his pace as he ignored the snow to navigate the land he was now tediously familiar with after so many years patrolling it. What was surprising, was arriving on the scene to see Robert kicking a dog. Theo quite liked dogs, but he soon came to realise these particular animals were not to be considered pets. "You're kidding me...." he grumbled, swinging his rifle into his hand and holding it ready to aim and fire.

Once inside the church, Theo observed as Eli shone a light onto Robert. it was soon determined the young man was fine and it wasn't his own blood. The light was then brought to Alex and Theo stripped his focus away from guarding them to look to the girl and await her response...

Shireling (Eli) Bellz (Alex) CkSmalling (Robert)

 

[Bellz]

Alex Bailey​

Alex cried out in pain as the dog was kicked from her arm, teeth puncturing her arm just enough to draw blood before it was killed. The blonde didn’t argue as she was lifted up off the ground and pushed forward. She did her best to start running, dazed from the shock of what just happened. Looking up, she was relieved to see that Eli and Theo were there as well as they all headed towards the empty church. The place smelled of musk and dust as they entered. The entire place seemed eery as it was dimly lit by the light coming through the stained glass windows, spreading soft flecks of color around them.

Once she was sure it was safe, Alex made her way towards the floor. Gasping out breaths as she held her arm. Terrified of answering Eli’s question, she stayed silent as they gave Robert a once over with the flashlight. After a moment Eli flashed the light onto him and the woman squinted at the bright light, tears still slightly blurring her vision as she tried to hide her features. It would only give away what she knew was true. They had asked Robert to show his arms and legs and Alex knew she wasn’t going to be able to get away with hiding anything…not the she wanted to.

Her eyes glanced up at the three men who looked at her expectantly and she nodded her head once before moving to remove her arm through the punctured sleeve. Hissing out lowly as the wound rubbed against the fabric, she pulled her arm out completely before the fresh and glistening bite mark was revealed in the light, blood oozing from it slowly…the area around it already starting to blacken.

Alex held a hand up to her mouth and shook her head, a sob racking through her as she just stared at the wound. She wasn’t going to be leaving the church alive. At least that’s what she thought. ”I…I can’t go back.” She confirmed with the group. If she were to return to the camp, she could risk infecting others. They didn’t know if this dog bite was different from the other species they were use to…most didn’t make it without amputation.
with: Robert CkSmalling ; Eli Shireling ; Theo Misty Gray

 

[Shireling]

Eli Cartwright
​

Glancing at the wound once, Eli sighed, "Jesus H. Christ." She had been bitten, and as far as he knew there were only two options: death or amputation. He had to think on his feet, otherwise she was a goner. He thought about just putting a bullet in her head, putting the flashlight back in his coat pocket. He reached like he was going to draw his sidearm, but his arm froze before he could move it much. The sight of another human being's eyes glistening with tears that mingled with the sweat of fear, her disheveled hair tangled from the ordeal, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Not while there were other options. She was simply too pitiful, perhaps, too human to shoot her like a dog and leave her carcass in the wasteland as food for God-knows what. He glanced at the other two men, and before waiting for their input he began to act, explaining, "Come on, guys, we're not like those pricks at Saloon. We take a risk for one another."

"Here, Robert," Eli tossed his rifle at the man, "take this and put it to good use. It will be more useful than that Glock of yours."

He then promptly unfastened the belt he wore on the exterior of the overcoat, unbuttoned his overcoat, and unfastened his belt. His pants were well-fitting enough that it was mostly unnecessary, so it would be put to much better use as a tourniquet. Silently, he knelt down and began wrapping the leather around Alex's arm at the elbow despite her protestations, wrapping it as tight as it would go before knotching the belt. He knotched it again, waiting until Alex let out some sound of pain before finally being satisfied.

"Listen," he warned, "it's gotta be tight on there, otherwise the infection spreads and you'll die." He took out his somewhat large combat knife from the unfastened belt on his coat. It had a bit of a serrated edge, and could probably take her arm off, but it would take some doing. He decided against it, putting the knife back in its sheathe. "Keep pressure on it with your free hand." He explained. "If I try to take this arm off here, you'll bleed to death. We have to get you back to Taurus."

He stood back up, buttoning his coat and fastening the belt with his holster and cartridges back around his waist. He unbuttoned the leather cover on his holster and drew out his revolver. "We should get moving," he said to no one in particular, "we don't have a lot of time." He rolled back his sleeve and made a note of the time on his watch as being 12:15 PM. He figured she could last maybe thirty minutes, maybe less. He had no idea. He hoped the tourniquet would buy them time.

He turned his attention back to Alex then, holding out a gloved right hand to her. "Can you walk?" His face showed an amalgam of concern, fear, and determination all in one intense gaze. If they weren't careful, the disease would take her too quickly and they might end up in her situation before too long.

Bellz Misty Gray CkSmalling

 

[Misty Gray]

Theodore Ashworth
​

Before Alex even shook her head or made any movement, Theo was already sure he knew what was going to be revealed. The fear in her eyes followed by her sobbing was enough to confirm she had been bitten. He quickly shook his head when she said she couldn't go back. He masked his grave feeling with a neutral expression as he couldn't accept that the girl wouldn't be coming back with them. He couldn't let her see any fear or worry in his face. With Eli's age and Robert's inexperience, Theo had a sinking feeling that he was going to have to do it all over again. He still remembered with complete clarity the day he had to kill his own father who had been infected and now he suspected he would have to kill again. Alex was so young and sweet, certainly not deserving of such a premature and grisly end. If it came down to it, he knew he would have to make that decision rather than place the burden on the other two men present.

Eli proceeded to wrap his belt tightly around Alex's arm, hoping to buy them some time by doing so. She would have to lose her arm, but it was preferable to the girl losing her life. It became clear to all of them that they needed to get back to Taurus and fast. When Eli asked Alex if she could walked, Theo decided to help the girl to her feet. Believing he was physically stronger than the others, Theo figured he would be able to support the girl - perhaps even carry her - whilst keeping up as much speed as possible. "I'll help Alex get back to HQ with us. I need you two to cover our backs," he suggested.

Theo would already set off walking, supporting Alex as much as was needed, before ordering one of the other two to contact Taurus HQ to have Beth and the other medical staff ready to deal with Alex on their return. "You're coming back with us, Alex. We're not leaving you," he reassured her.

Shireling (Eli) Bellz (Alex) CkSmalling (Robert)

 

[DistressedDisaster]

Matthew W.


Time passed unbeknownest to Matt as he slept peacefully, his body eager for the rest in this moment. After a while of peace, he stirred again, blinking awake against a fabric, one that...moved? He was disorientated for the moment as his brain begrudingly began processing his environment once more.

He took short stock of what he could see through the slanted view from his current position, not yet having moved. A shirt, a gun...some cement...Where the hell...

Oh. A roof of some kind maybe. Hadn't he climbed a roof with Nik earlier?

He paused as his brain sluggishly finished its evaluation. The results of it brought a bright bit of heat to Matt's face as he realized the current circumstances.

Im laying on Nik's chest....Nik. In the middle of a scouting mission....Asleep.

Immediately, for no reason, his face went a brighter red as he slipped into a small spiral of distress because he literally fell asleep against someone that he was only platonic acquaintances with at the time. Why.

He worried the skin of his lip for a moment, drawing a bit of blood to his mouth while mustering up the courage to at least tell him that he was awake.


"H-Hey...?"

It came out as a squeak, unlike the casual tone he had wished for, and he felt himself cringe at the sound of it. Was he twelve now? Its not like it was a big deal. .....Right?

Nightblade

 

[Bellz]

Alex Bailey​

The blonde was already accepting what she thought would be her fate. Her eyes thick with tears as she looked away from the men, she hoped that instead of letting her suffer, they would just put an end to her quickly. Alex’s crying stopped for a brief moment as Eli spoke up, stating that they weren’t like the West side, that they would take risks for one another. She watched in confusion as he unfastened his belt before he silently knelt down to wrap the leather around her arm.

Alex didn’t move or speak as he did so, letting him do as he wished up until the point where the belt was beginning to become too tight, causing her to yelp out in pain. He warned her that if they didn’t do this, the infection would spread, and she nodded in response, tears watering her eyes again as he then pulled out a larger combat knife. She swallowed harshly as she continued to look at the knife, luckily for her, he had decided against his decision to chop the infected arm off in the church. She placed her hand on the bite, pressing into the wound deeply as Eli told her to apply pressure.

Still sitting on the ground, Alex’s ears were beginning to ring slightly as the world around her was starting to get hazy. She wanted to sleep. Her head was heavy as she looked up at Eli to answer his question, ”I think so…” She muttered lightly, reaching for both hands that were offered to her by Theo and Eli. Once she was somewhat steady on her feet, she felt a little more alert than before. With Theo’s support, the two of them huddled back out into the storm outside. The chill hitting them like an icy wall. Alex’s heart raced as her head looked around, trying to see past the snow flurries out into the middle of the large intersections around them. The howling in the distance warned them that something was moving around them, but they had to press on.

***​

Luckily for the team, they were able to get through the territory quickly and the gates came into view. Alex was already beginning to fade fast, weak from trying to stay awake too long as she held onto Theo. Once the medical staff took Alex in, they gave the rest of the team an inspection just to make sure everything else was okay before letting them go.
with: Eli Shireling ; Theo Misty Gray ; Robert CkSmalling
(I think we can end it here, as I plan to move on to the next chapter within a day or so)

 

[CkSmalling]

Robert Sloan Jr
[Mentions: Bellz (Alex), Misty Gray (Theodore), Shireling (Eli)]
​

The light didn't bother Robert one bit. He was still in shock of the events that transpired right in front of him. Who would have known dogs would be infected as well. Is there a place safe anymore? He barely heard what Eli had said but he knew what he was checking. He showed him his hand and legs. After he was inspected, the strength to relax and lower his hands was not there, he simply sat there like a statue, trying to process what had happened. O what could have happened of they didn't find the church.

When it was Alex's turn to be inspected, he turned his head. His hands followed the rules of gravity finally, the strain in his shoulder gone. He was happy to see her breathing but it seems like something was off. She was reluctant to show her hands and feet first. He had no clue what was going on. After she lifted her arm, there was scratches. Probably from when the kicked the dog from her arm. "Oh my God Alex I am so so soo sorry!!!! Oh my I am so stupid!!!! I should have shot the dog rather than kick it off you. Oh no no no no no no!!!!!!" He grabbed his head and started walking away from the others, repeating the same word over and over and over like it would turn back time or something.

suddenly Eli called his name, he looked up and he was given a rifle. A weapon he had no idea of operating but there was no way he would repeat the same mistake again. A flashback of what Alex taught him flowed into his mind. Every steps from reloading to aiming suddenly became clearer. He looked at the rifle. Same as the Glock he had only longer and much more louder. Looks like they weren't giving up just yet. And he was determined to not disappoint again.

Looks like he was on overwatch with Eli. As the escort team, he was very much determined to keep everyone alive till they reach HQ. His glock was a backup. As they stepped out of the blistering cold, he prayed that his senses will not betray him. The journey was long and he needed them if they were to make it back alive. He made a promise to himself. If they make it back alive, He was going to undergo weapons training. This mistake will not happen again.

 

[Nightblade]

Nik Kasanov
Appearance
​

Nik looked at Matt as soon as he began to wake up.
Taking care not to scare him, He spoke in the softest tone he could.

"You needed the rest and it comforted you"

Nik said like it was no big deal. Getting the signal that the replacement team were in place,
Nik helped you up to your feet.

"Lets go get some food and rest, you can share my bunk"

Mentions: DistressedDisaster - Matt

 

[Bellz]

Chapter 4: A Forced Alliance ​

TAURUS
Date: Dec, 21, 2017
Time: 0900 hours (9am)
Weather: Below freezing, sunny, clear skies, snow still blankets the area
SALOON
Date: Dec, 21 , 2017
Time: 0900 hours (9am)
Weather:Below freezing, sunny, clear skies, snow still blankets the area

Date: Dec, 21 , 2017
Time: 0900 hours (9am)
Weather: Cold. Very Cold.
tags;

South

North

code by pasta​

Bexley Withers

​

It had been a few weeks since the Doc had admitted to the biggest mistake in the universe and Bexley had a lot to think about over that period of time. Sleep was almost non existent as guilty thoughts swirled around in her head telling her that she had kept this information from the East for far too long, that it should have been addressed as soon as she was told. The information would only do good things for the fate of humanity as they knew it…so what kept her quiet? Part of it was fear, not wanting to deal with the consequences of tampering with such a virus…as that’s what had gotten people into trouble in the first place. Another part of her told her that she couldn’t rely on the East…And finally, it was pride that kept her from saying anything, having just separated completely from the East, she didn’t enjoy crawling back to them with her tail between her legs.

She couldn’t figure this out on her own…this was all much bigger than her. Bex needed the help and she knew she had to get it fast. That morning, the brunette bounced of bed, having been lying awake for hours and headed into Saloon to round up a few men and women to take with her as security. If she was going to head into Eastern Territory, she was going to take the best of the best to cover her backside. Who knows what those people are thinking?


The town area was quiet, not much excitement happening since the attack weeks ago, they finally were able to properly recover and repair damages from the fires. The Western leader watched as a group of kids kick a ball out in front of them before running after it quickly, her mind briefly thinking of Atticus once more. Deciding not to dwell on it too much, Bex made her way towards the bar, hoping to find a few people inside. Before this however, she stopped by the scouts station..looking for someone to send message of a meeting over to the East. She stopped the first scout she saw and relayed the information, ”You are to arrive at the front gates and tell that hippie trash that I will be arriving with a few other members shortly. Its an urgent matter that needs to be addressed. Can you get this message there?” When the scout confidently spoke of being able to carry out the task, Bex smiled and patted him on the back. ”Hurry. I’m going to gather a group now.”


With that, she headed out towards the bar and headed inside, making a beeline for behind the bar before anyone could say anything. "You better watch out children. If anyone has drank my bottles of whiskey, I'm going to have to put them on the naughty list and Santa won't be getting them shit." It had briefly crossed Bexley's mind that Christmas was only a few days away now...but the once cheerful and splendid holiday had lost all hope and meaning after the end...

THOSE ON THE WEST FEEL FREE TO BE AT THE BAR, I NEED A FEW MEMBERS TO HEAD WITH BEX TO THE EAST. VOLUNTEERS?
Misty Gray MadiRaiCat DistressedDisaster Nightblade shadowz1995 Melanin-Gxdess Folklord

EAST PEOPLE, ENTERTAIN YOURSELVES FOR A FEW POSTS

 

[Shireling]

Eli Cartwright
​

As the weeks had passed by, Eli had been occupied in typical scout stuff. Making the rounds, training with firearms and melee weapons, and serving as a sentry. In his free time, he was either taking care of the pigs like he was used to doing or visiting other folks in the colony. One of the folks he had been to visit a few times was Alex Bailey, who was on the mend from her amputation, although the amount of blood lost during surgery was substantial and the infection had caused a fever that very nearly claimed her life. It was the first day he could go to see someone he considered to be his oldest friend in the scouts without wearing a mask and gloves, and no doubt he felt a special interest in her case because it had been his decision to take her back to Taurus and ultimately his decision to save her rather than euthanizing her. He felt that, finally, he could be certain his gamble had paid off.

He showed up in the medical ward, wearing what would be deemed his "civvies," i.e. just some boots, slacks over longjohns, and suspenders alongside the trademark flat cap. He was so much altered from his usual carriage as a scout that the desk attendant at the clinic didn't recognize him at first, before finally waving him on inside. Once inside the clinic, he walked along rows of people who were in for minor ailments and more serious conditions. A few cases of frostbite, as it was that time of the year. The lowlight afforded by the kerosene lamps made the clinic feel warmer than it was, and somewhat cozy despite the constant coughing and wheezing of the sick.

Finding Alex's bed behind a few mostly-transparent curtains, he drew them back and took a seat in a wooden chair that he had stolen a few days ago from a nearby empty bed for the purpose. He held a vaguely rectangular something wrapped in newspaper in one hand and in the other candy of some kind. As he sat down, he leaned forward a bit and placed his hand on the side of the bed.

"Hey, Alex, you gonna sleep your life away or are you gonna talk to me?" He said, loud enough to hopefully wake her up.

Bellz Misty Gray (Possibly, cause Beth works in the clinic, I dunno)

Solomon Cartwright
​

"`Not coming.' said Bob, with a sudden declension in his high spirits; for he had been Tim's blood horse all the way from church, and had come home rampant. `Not coming upon Christmas Day.'

Martha didn't like to see him disappointed, if it were only in joke; so she came out prematurely from behind the closet door, and ran into his arms, while the two young Cratchits hustled Tiny Tim, and bore him off into the wash-house, that he might hear the pudding singing in the copper.

`And how did little Tim behave. asked Mrs Cratchit, when she had rallied Bob on his credulity, and Bob had hugged his daughter to his heart's content.

`As good as gold,' said Bob,' and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.'

Bob's voice was tremulous when he told them this, and trembled more when he said that Tiny Tim was growing strong and hearty.

His active little crutch was heard upon the floor, and back came Tiny Tim before another word was spoken, escorted by his brother and sister to his stool before the fire; and while Bob, turning up his cuffs -- as if, poor fellow, they were capable of being made more shabby -- compounded some hot mixture in a jug with gin and lemons, and stirred it round and round and put it on the hob to simmer; Master Peter, and the two ubiquitous young Cratchits went to fetch the goose, with which they soon returned in high procession."

"Mr. Solomon, what's a goose?" Demanded a girl with two missing front teeth from her seat behind a too-tall table in Taurus's dingy schoolroom. Solomon looked up from the book he was reading from to them, pacing back and forth in front of the room, and smiled. "A goose, Cynthia, is a kind of bird that lives on the water."

The young girl nodded, but didn't seem quite satisfied. Finally, she spoke again, "what's a bird, Mr. Solomon?"

"Everyone knows what a bird is, silly!" Interrupted a particularly trying girl about four years the other's elder. This caused Solomon to intercede on the younger's behalf. "Liliana, need I remind you that you were once also ignorant of what a bird is before you make fun of others." He then smiled sweetly at Cynthia. "A bird, dear, is a flying animal. Ones with wings." And he made a demonstration which elicited a bit of laughter and a satisfied smirk from Solomon that he could keep them entertained.

Another student shot his hand up, and was called upon. "Mr. Solomon, who was it that made lame beggars walk and blind men see?"

Solomon closed the book and set it in his lap, sitting against his own desk. He thought for a moment and said, "Well children, you know how, in only a few more days it will be Christmas?"

They nodded enthusiastically.

"Well," Solomon began, rubbing his chin, "just like your parents might have presents for you on Christmas Day, a long time ago there was, I suppose, a very special child. He was born in Bethlehem, in a place called Judea. And when he was born, three wise men came across the desert and brought him gifts. They brought him gold, for this boy was born a king. And they brought him frankincense and myrrh, oils that the priests would burn in the temple, for he was a holy child."

"And he healed blind men?" The student asked.

Solomon smiled wryly, "That's what the stories say, son."

Another student piped in, "But Mr. Solomon, I thought Frankenstein was a monster?"

Solomon could not stop himself from bursting into laughter, which led everyone to laugh, save the questioner who merely looked confused. Solomon calmed the class after a moment's mirth and reopened the book. "Now, everyone, listen up or you won't find out what happens to Mr. Scrooge."

 

[Misty Gray]

Theodore Ashworth​

Theo had been extremely thankful that the medical staff had been able to keep Alex alive, having had serious concerns during the desperate rush back to HQ from the chapel they'd found the teenager in. Still, Alex had suffered a great loss in having to have her arm amputated. Theo had made sure to visit her in the infirmary whenever he had the time to do so. As usual, much of his time was spent maintaining and strengthening the East's security. There was something quite concerning as of late and Theo couldn't quite piece it together. Super-zombies and infected dogs no doubt sounded alarm bells in everyone's minds.

On the day Alex was hurt, Theo also returned to Taurus to learn Bexley had made the decision to cut all ties with the East and cease trading. He couldn't help but think she was having a knee-jerk reaction, and not the first he'd known her to have. Still, he hoped and expected her reasons for making such a hasty decision were well-informed and not borne out of anger towards him. He had been made fully aware that she had blamed him for any losses the West had suffered on the day the zombie horde attacked. It seemed they both had ill-feelings towards each other for how that day had been handled. In reality, he knew they both had room to be petty and he had to berate himself for being sucked into it. What they had together was gone and what mattered in the present was ensuring everyone they cared for had a future.

As he walked near to the front gates, his attention was caught by one of the West's scouts. Theo approached the gates and was informed Bexley and some others from the West intended on arriving soon. Apparently, they had an urgent matter to address. Theo simply nodded to the scout to give confirmation he understood the message. He then set about making his way to David's living quarters to inform the leader of the message he'd been given. Theo wasn't sure he trusted the West considering how badly the last meeting went, so if a further meeting was to go ahead, he would just have to make sure they increased security in case there was ill-intent.

Shireling (David)

 

[MadiRaiCat]

Mackenzie O'Leary​

Location: Saloon Bar
Mentions: None
Interactions: Bexley ( Bellz )
Outfit: x

Mackenzie stood in the Saloon Bar, staring intently large paper target tacked to the abused wooden wall to the left of the bar. The wall was full of blade indentations, nicks, and cuts from several different throwing blade practices. A lot of those were probably on her behalf, but Mac couldn't help that practicing her aim helped relax her. The wonderful sound of metal meeting paper and wood filled her ears as a knife sank into the wood a few inches to the right of the bull's eye. She grinned, taking a sip of scotch from her glass on a nearby table as she admired her handiwork.

"That's all fine and dandy, sweetheart. But you missed," Mackenzie heard someone say from behind her. Turning to look over her shoulder, Mac quickly recognized the talker as one of the lower ranked scouts. She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing down any rude words she most certainly wanted to stay and instead looked back to the target in front of her. "I don't know I did," Mac responded, shrugging one shoulder as she picked up another blade. With a flick of the wrist, the blade sank directly into the middle of the target: bull's eye.

Turning back to the scout, Mackenzie grabbed her glass and took another sip of scotch. "It just so happens that the first blade landed right where a male of average height like yourself's heart would be," she responded, raising an eyebrow at the look of realization on the scout's face. He turned and walked away without another word. Mac let out a low chuckle and sat her glass down, walking towards the target to pull the knives from the wood. Just as she did, she heard a familiar voice enter the bar. A rare smile graced Mac's lips as she turned to her friend and leader behind the bar. "I think whoever drinks your whiskey has a bit more to worry about than the Naughty List. Maybe like, I don't know, losing their fingers?" she teased the woman, holding up a hand and wiggling her own fingers.

codedbycrucialstar​

 

[DistressedDisaster]

Matthew Williams

Matt accepted the help without a word, face bright red. He was totally fine with heading back immediately, and maybe not thinking about this.

That had been at least a week ago, maybe more. He'd been doing his best to avoid Nik after that, feeling increasingly more awkward anytime he ran into the fellow westerner. He found himself heading to the bar eventually, aiming to hopefully relax a bit. Unfortunately, that thought was a bit dampered when he spotted a scout leaving the bar, seemingly a bit startled. He entered shortly to see Bex and Mac, and called out as he approached.

"Alright, who scared the scout this time. He looked like someone just attempted murder in front of him."

Walking to the bar, he took a seat and leaned an elbow up on the counter before turning to face the two women. These two were horribly terrifying when they wanted to be. But Bexley's recent decisions had left him a bit annoyed with her for the past week or so. He understood that she had been angry, but the choice was foolish and reckless. It was unlikely that the East would even accept any reconciliation if they tried, at least not without some clauses punishing the western side.

Of the two women, he only gave Mac a nod in greeting, while seemingly failing to greet Bexley. He would admit this was stupid, but he was sitting on a rocky loyalty to the leader's recent choice. He tapped his fingers against the wood quietly, looking towards the other two in silence.

Mentions: Nightblade
With: Bellz MadiRaiCat

 

[Bellz]

Alex Bailey

​

The last couple of weeks had been hell for Alex. Not only had she almost died from blood loss and a high fever, but she had lost her left arm in the process of it all. She had been in the hospital wing for weeks and although she was getting plenty of rest when she needed it, the woman was antsy to get out when she was awake. Right now, the woman was asleep having just taken pain medication to help with the raw opening that was still healing on what was left on her arm. She hadn’t heard anyone enter the room, shifting slightly in her sleep, still aware of the IV hooked up to her, she was careful in her movements. A familiar voice pulled her from her slumber and she turned her head to the side to see who it was, a sweet smile forming on her lips as she saw Eli sitting beside her bed. ”I don’t know.” Her voice cracked slightly as she stretched out her legs lightly under the covers, ”Sleeping my life away sounds pretty good.” She teased. ”But I guess I can talk to you.” The woman managed to chuckle lightly.

Eli had been visiting her a few times, along with Theo and Robert. The woman owed her entire life to the three men who decided to save her and she swore that she would help them in anyway she could once she was out of the stupid hospital bed. She especially owed her life to Eli, who’s quick thinking saved her. ”How’s scouting?” She asked him lightly, moving slightly as she shifted up in her bed, struggling to do so with just the one arm for a moment until she was up in an upright position. She knew she was most likely going to get a talking to for moving and sitting in such a manner, especially when she should be laying down, but she didn’t care.

Her eyes looked down to see that he was holding some sort of object wrapped in newspaper along with some kind of candy in the other hand. ”Well I hope you brought those for me.” She said, the smile still firmly on her face, the medication she was given had finally kicked in. ”Cuz if you are going to eat that candy in front of me, I must say that’s just cruel.”
with: Eli Shireling

Bexley Withers
​

Bex let out a chuckle as Mac said that people who drank the leader’s whiskey had more than just being on the naughty list to worry about. It was true, they would definitely lose their fingers if anyone were to touch her bottle. ”You know me so well, Mac.” The woman said before finding the right bottle that she had hid in a special spot behind the bar. A few shots of the good stuff would help calm her nerves before heading over to the East. At least, she hoped it would.

Before she could say anymore, Matt spoke up, revealing his presence as he too stepped into the bar, taking a seat and leaning against it before turning towards them. Bexley went to grab a shot glass before pouring herself an overflowing shot. Noting that Matt only nodded to Mac, the woman scrunched her nose at the man before taking the shot quickly. After a long pause, the woman sat the shot glass down before turning to Matt. ”I know I’ve been a shit leader lately okay, your silence is making that pretty clear.” She huffed before leaning against the bar. Looking to Mac and Matt, she sighed before speaking. ”We are going to the East.” She stated simply, hoping that they would understand what this meant before she had to spell it out for them. Bexley hated admitting she was wrong…absolutely loathed it. ”This was my fucking fault.” She sulked slowly before shaking her head.

”I’m going to fix this and make it right…but I’m going to need some back up. I don’t trust the East and heading into their territory has been a big no no for me for a long time. I’m going to need people who can watch our backs as we head to meet with dear old Santa.”

Bex looked to Matt directly, but was speaking to both of them. ”Think you can help me out?” Really, she was looking for his forgiveness. The woman knew that she was making decisions that could shift her most loyal members to the East if she wasn’t careful.
with: Mac MadiRaiCat ; Matt DistressedDisaster

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Jylene Ferrea

To say Jay had been busy these past few weeks would definitely be an understatement. There were so many different people needing her help, both mentally and physically. It tired her out, to say the least. She thought getting Ivan back on his feet was going to be her easiest assignment; until they brought Alex to her. It was tough on everyone, no doubt Alex the most. But definitely for Jay as well. This was only because her actual medical training only went so far. She did her best and what she could for her over the next few weeks. She wanted to counsel her too, try and help her adjust the best she knew how but wanted her to rest up before the real healing had to begin.

Any other injuries she would deal with, not having more than 2 hours of sleep a day. Even though she was getting the work done, she was exhausted and short-tempered. But, everyone wanted to talk or wanted her to handle this scratch and that cut and, well, she couldn't just straight up say no, could she? When things started calming down, she managed a trip down to the bar. If she couldn't sleep, she may as well drink to pass the free time until someone needed something else from her. When she walked into the saloon, she was putting her hair up and smiled. Mac, Matt, and Bex were already sitting at the bar when she arrived. She only caught the end of their conversation and tilted her head as she took a seat. "What are we helping out with and why do you sound so... Strange?" She asked. Since she was so focused in helping with the healing, she didn't exactly know about all that was going on. She looked between the three of them, now aware that she had stepped into something a bit more serious than she expected.​

Mac ( MadiRaiCat ), Matt ( DistressedDisaster ) Bex ( Bellz )[/center]

 

[Shireling]

David Cartwright
​

"Come in, Mr. Ashworth. Please, do sit down and take a bit of coffee while you wait. I'll be with you in just one moment." David said, visible in the bathroom with a straight razor and trimmers in his hand trimming away portions of his unruly beard into something neater and more easily-kept. Hector, the ever-present servant, gestured to a simple aluminum tray that had on it a very expensive-looking copper coffee pot and several matching cups along with mismatched ceramic vessels for sugar and cream.

Whether he took the offer or not, David came in from shaving only a few minutes after Theo's entry. He looked confident, beaming, but if someone were paying close enough attention they might see that his face had become a bit careworn and fatigued. David straightened his tie and poured himself a cup of coffee, adding a bit of cream but no sugar. He raised the cup to his lips and blew on it a bit to cool the beverage before taking a short sip. He took his seat by the window and turned his attention towards the scout leader. "To what do I owe the visit, Theodore?"

Misty Gray

Eli Cartwright
​

"Scouting has been blessedly uneventful," he said chuckling, in answer to her query. He looked pained as she tried to sit up, but she had already achieved it before he could offer to help. When she made allusion to the candy, he smiled and handed it over. "No, this is for you. I found it in a, get this, a working cooler in a Walgreens. I think it should still be good, but I haven't checked obviously." The thing he had handed over was a wrapped regular-sized Kit-Kat bar, a rare find indeed.

"But if the chocoate's no good, maybe you'll like this instead. I found it in somebody's house a while back. I know I'm a scout now, but scaving is in my blood, I think." He handed over the wrapped rectangle which, when opened, turned out to be a hardback copy of The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson. He had actually found the book a few months earlier and it had been sitting in his brother's library until the other night, when he had come to Solomon asking what sort of reading material a bookish girl might like. To this, Solomon was at a loss, but finally decided that, as per everything he had ever heard or read about the fairer sex, women like poetry.

Eli reclined in his chair expectantly to see if the gifts had the desired effect on Alex, namely making her forget for a few minutes that she was lying in a dingy infirmary with one of her arms chopped off.

Bellz

 

[MadiRaiCat]

Mackenzie O'Leary​

Location: Saloon Bar
Mentions: Ivan
Interactions: Bexley ( Bellz ), Matt ( DistressedDisaster ), Jay ( Melanin-Gxdess )
Outfit: x

Mackenzie couldn't help but grin slightly when Matt entered, wondering about the scout she had just sent pack with some less-than-friendly remarks. "That would be me," she answered him, waving nonchalantly. "He tried to tell me my aim was off. You all know I'm the first to admit when I miss. But I didn't miss." Noticing Matt's nod towards her, Mac returned the gesture, examining the expression on his face when he didn't greet Bexley. Mac knew that some people were upset with Bex's decision to cut ties with the East. Although she had suggested the split, Mac couldn't help but understand why they were angry. It was a loss of trade they weren't ready for, even with the increased scouting missions and explorations. Nevertheless, Mac was loyal to the West and her leader, not questioning her decisions in the slightest.

The redheaded woman was a bit surprised when Bexley spoke up, not really expecting her to grovel, in a sense, over her mistakes. Mac chewed on the inside of her cheek, a bit annoyed that Bexley was blaming herself for this entire situation. It had been a group suggestion, and with the East's lack of understanding what their mistakes were, Mac thought it was well deserved. Nevertheless, she was loyal, and would have her leader's back regardless of the situation.

Just then, Jay walked into the bar, questioning what they were talking about. Mac took a sip of her scotch as she looked over the medic. It had been a while since she last saw her, let alone talked to her. Mackenzie imagined that Jay had been super busy these past few weeks with injuries and maybe helping out the Doc with his research. Mac could tell Jay was exhausted, and slid behind the bar to pour her a glass of whiskey as well. She placed the glass in front of the medic. "Bex wants to make up with the East," Mac answered Jay before turning her attention to Bex again. "I'll go with you, I still don't completely trust the East, and would like to keep them in my sights."

codedbycrucialstar​

 

[DistressedDisaster]

Matthew Williams

Matthew sighed as she began speaking. With a small huff he offered a lopsided grin.

"Yeah yeah. You're an idiot. But you're our idiot. And we can't exactly let you go grovel to the east all alone, it'd be suicide. Might as well all die together."

He gently puts a hand on her shoulder as a way of showing support,only for Jay to wander in. Turning, he offered her a firm glance, hoping she was not about to jump into the conversation unaware. He pulled his glasses off, cleaning the lenses on the inside of his shirt. Quietly cursing to himself. His sight was such shit. He was amazed that he hadn't died sooner. But even if he hadn't needed the glasses, he would have kept them. They were his father's. And when he sight had begun to worsen in his younger years, he'd donned them to surprising success. Still, he didn't know how much longer they'd work for him. But he was seemingly more at ease with the situation with Bexley at the time. He tuned into the conversation with a hum, not really hearing what had been said.


Bellz MadiRaiCat Melanin-Gxdess​

 

[Misty Gray]

Theodore Ashworth​

Theo took a seat when it was offered, but didn't take David up on the offer to have himself a coffee. He hadn't intended on sticking around for long, figuring David would have enough to be doing and he himself would need to ensure the East was guarded during the potential meeting with the West. Theo sent Hector a nod and a friendly smile, but otherwise remained silent and he sat with his hands on his lap and his fingers interlocked.

When David emerged from getting himself shaved and dressed for the day, Theo sat up a little straighter and observed the man, not oblivious to how tired the leader looked. Theo couldn't help but reason it was to be expected, considering everything they were up against, especially recently.

When asked about the purpose of his visit, Theo stood up and stepped closer to the window, glancing outside for a short time before looking back to David. "One of the West's scouts came to our gates a short time ago. He informed me that Bexley Withers, along with some other from the West, intend on coming here today in hopes of addressing an urgent matter with you." Theo folded his arms and once again looked out of the window. "Are they to be granted access to have this meeting with you?" he asked.


Shireling (David)