|
|
Post by KUKUR on Jul 6, 2016 8:14:07 GMT
SHAMEES I A dying cat meowed wretchedly from another alley. Rats rummaged in exposed trash and a foul stench seeped from the grimy, piss-stained walls. Above, glaring prominently from a clear, blue sky, was the sun mercilessly burning upon the earth, making my black suit a cage of fire on my body. I wiped a bead of sweat on my temple with the back of my hand and trudged onward. I remember Hatim informing me of a new vigilante in Arkham. It was a message in the passing; new, rising vigilantes come and go, and weren’t often worth the attention. Those lucky quitted with their life and the Initiative never on their trail. Those that weren’t were caught and punished, or were another dead body on the street. It hadn’t been long since the new vigilante surfaced, but I had just seen perhaps the same one that Hatim had told me in action and the trail seemed worth following. It was another super. The movements weren’t very human and I didn’t believe that a young girl could have had that much training to overpower a grown man. It wasn’t skill that I saw. It was unnatural, raw power. My eyes knew what was human and superhuman by now. But that wasn’t the story that convinced me to visit the ghetto where the mysterious vigilante had retreated into. She had taken the prize the robber sought and returned it. She had need for the money, too. She was dirty and thin, yet she chose to do the noble thing. Kindness was an ocean people carried in them. One single action of it was an excess. I entered by an abandoned building and searched the first floor. I stopped by a doorway, finding the blue-haired girl seated against the wall. cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Jul 6, 2016 21:34:23 GMT
KUKUR likes this
Post by cryptid on Jul 6, 2016 21:34:23 GMT
 It had been a bit of a long day... I had to leave my other place that I had squattd in since soome other people had come in it. Probably drug dealers, from what I had seen. I could have just morphed into something and scared them away, but something told me they were the type to shoot first and ask questions later.
After that, I was just walking down the streets with my duffel bag. It has all my items in it from ever since I left the compound. I wasn't able to go to the local shower for the past week due to the local authorities blocking off access to it. I don't dare to go to the local water... It's far too contaminated, and getting sick isn't exactly something I'd appreciate right now...
Things got a little more excited after I saw the crook running off with someone's purse. I dropped my bag next to the victim and darted after the guy. He turned into an alleyway where he was with some other goons. I felt I was being watched by someone else but I didn't care. It turned out I was still in my Syncsuit, since it automatically cleans itself and I hadn't found enough quarters that day to wash my clothes. I guess it worked for the better, because when they tried to gang up on my with their knives, I promptly sprouted those awful wings and hooves like the Jersey Devil. They started screaming and dropped the purse. I returned back to my normal state and picked up the purse and brought it back to the lady. She was very thankful... I still felt like I was being watched.
I decided to make my way and find another place to squat for the night. Thankfully, I had found a can of beans in another alleyway that I figured would make for a good supper. I found the old place and made my way through. The place was leaky, since it had long been condemned, but what construction crew was actually going to tear the place down in an area like this. After setting my bag down while still in my outfit, I sat down and pulled out a book and the beans, opening it to the chapter I had been reading beforehand. My fingernail turned into a claw and I used it to open the can. While I was reaching in the bag to find my spoon, I saw him in the doorway. My heart jumped at the sight of the man. He didn't seem to live here in Arkham. I could tell because he wasn't dressed the way normal residents dressed.
I gulped and looked up at him. I guess it was now or never in regards to figuring out if he was friend or foe. "H-hi... I'm Jenny... Who are you, sir? D-do you live here?" I gritted my teeth under my lips. That was a bad mistake, I'm not a good liar. He knew I knew he didn't live here... Then again, perhaps he wasn't bad... But who in Arkham was good?
KUKUR ,
|
|
|
|
Post by KUKUR on Jul 8, 2016 9:11:12 GMT
SHAMEES II I saw an opened can and an opened book. I saw a girl, no more than fourteen, and a guilty look. What crime had I caught her red-handed in, I wondered. She wore an interesting suit that fit around her body like spandex. It did not seem like a fashion statement to me. It looked like a tech suit of some kind. She was the one. Though the nervous expression fidgeting at her face was unlike that of the unhesitating fighter that I saw, the short blue hair made her hard to forget. I offered a friendly smile to ease her worries. She didn’t seem dangerous, but I knew better than to let my guard down. I scanned the room from ceiling to floor as though I was checking out the furniture. “No, I don’t live here. I was just passing by,” I answered, knowing full well that the question had been asked out of the spur of the moment. I knew that she knew that I didn’t live here. I stepped forward and stopped a foot before her, gesturing to the space beside her. “I’m Shamees and I work for White Industries. Do you mind if I sit there?” cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Post by cryptid on Jul 9, 2016 1:06:27 GMT
I had gulped when I saw him smile at first and folded my legs up a bit closer to my chest. He has wanted to talk, but his eyes... Something about them was familiar. "Hey... You were the one following me today, aren't you? So that means you saw what I did to those robbers..."
I eyed him... He didn't smell like he was a part of them. He wanted to sit down on the old couch. "Check for needles first... I don't know who's been in here or what they've been doing..."
I couldn't exactly figure out his motive... What was someone like him doing somewhere like this? I relaxed a little bit and took a bite of the can of beans. Might as well eat as he talked. "So... What does White Industries do, exactly?"
KUKUR ,
|
|
|
|
Post by KUKUR on Jul 9, 2016 7:54:13 GMT
SHAMEES III The couch was not very lovely. It left a cold feeling on my pants as though something that was wet had not completely dried off. I looked at the cracked, empty wall across us, where colorful graffiti spread in thick letterings including a drawing of a black testicle at a corner. I hummed in confirmation, peaceful, as though I was looking at nature on the vandalized wall. Yes, yes I did see what she did to those robbers, but I did not comment on it yet. I answered, “White Industries? Oh, well, you know. Trade, importation, exportation, research, manufacturing. Your usual millionaire stuff. I’m not a big part of it. I’m just your average sales representative. I wished I was an accountant, but I forgot to take a college degree for it. Took up economics and business management. Not sure exactly what I was thinking.” There was a rumbling on the floor above us. Bits of dust and pebbles poured down. I looked from the ceiling to the girl. “Are they throwing a party here?” cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Post by cryptid on Jul 9, 2016 21:42:44 GMT
I listened as he explained, finishing up the can of beans and discarding it to the side where a large pile of trash was. The trash can had long since been removed. I looked up after hearing the rumbling and feeling some Sheetrock fall in my hair.
"Well... I guess that shoots down my plan of staying here tonight..." I sighed and pulled out a cloth rag from my duffel bag and wiped off the fork. "That's nice, Mr. Shamees, but something tells me you're here for something else other than to recruit for an industry... Either that, or you're extremely short staffed." I stretched out my arms and replaced the napkin and fork.
"So... Tell me... Why did you come to see me? I'm just a dirty girl squatting in places all over Arkham... Don't even have parents or go to school. I'm a nobody. Why did you come to visit a nobody?" I hopped that nobody was actually upstairs and it was just the shifting foundation... But those chances were slim. Whatever made the rumbling was in the building. I readied my claws again, but continued sitting down on the floor. No sense in getting up yet.
KUKUR
|
|
|
|
Post by KUKUR on Jul 11, 2016 7:54:00 GMT
SHAMEES IV The girl’s supper was barely a meal, but it was a feast for someone out in the streets. She had finished it in no time and threw the can into a dump of trash just on the side. “Not for work, sadly,” I confirmed, looking at her. “If I could put you in a job in White Industries, I would, but I’m simply an ordinary employee. There’s nothing I could do for you there, sorry… Sorry, too, for following you. For barging in like this.” I leaned forward, my forearms pressing on my knees, curiosity glinting in my eyes. “But you’re not really just a nobody. You’re one of those supers. I don’t know how you got it or if you were born with it – I’m not going to ask. I’ve seen lots of people like you. Most of them, from the Initiative. Ever heard of them? Because they could help you. And you would probably help them and a lot of people too, like that lady back there.” cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Jul 16, 2016 15:24:59 GMT
Post by cryptid on Jul 16, 2016 15:24:59 GMT
I looked over at him and sighed. Everyone kept bringing up the Initiative... "I... Can't exactly join them... It's a long story... You see... I'm pretty sure that the army is looking for me."
I stared out the window towards the city. It was dark... Gloomy. I hated it. "Don't get me wrong, I'd love to join them... But they do contracts with the army. They'd turn me over, most likely. I want to help people though! I have powers, but I just don't have the resources to use them..."
I kept staring out the window, my legs still against my chest. I really wanted to help out. I turned my head to look at Shamees.Something was off... I wasn't sure it was it was but the way he asked about the Initiative made me suspect that there were other elements at play other than talking to a homeless mutant like myself. I eyed him as I attempted to detect his motive.
KUKUR
|
|
|
|
Post by KUKUR on Jul 24, 2016 3:22:01 GMT
SHAMEES V The military? I couldn’t completely believe her, especially with how readily she divulged the information to me. I haven’t heard news of the army secretly raising human weapons on their side. Where did she come from? I met the girl’s watching eyes, gently saying, “Kingsport is a bad place for people like you. If they caught you, they would hand you back in the military regardless. For your own safety, it would be better if you stopped…” I paused. “What’s your name? And how old are you?” cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Jul 24, 2016 20:42:42 GMT
Post by cryptid on Jul 24, 2016 20:42:42 GMT
I looked over at him, seeing that he was a bit distressed. I wondered if I should pretend I didn't hear him. I put the novel back in the bag and pulled out another book. "Jenny Mulder. Fourteen years old. Also, I trust you enough to disclose this information, because if you even go close to the military, I know how to run, or make it to where you don't talk."
A soft smile appeared on my face, along with a faint giggle. "But you wouldn't do that, would you? Also... I was kidding about making it to where you couldn't talk. It's getting late, you might want to return back to Kingsport it gets dangerous at night, Mr. Shamees." I then put a a finger on my chin as I thought for a second. "Is there anything else you need? I'm afraid I can't really spare anything... Maybe protection if you need it to get out of Arkham..."
KUKUR
|
|
|
|
Post by KUKUR on Jul 29, 2016 9:51:42 GMT
SHAMEES VI Talking vigilantes out of their activities never worked. For them to pursue justice while the Initiative’s banners hovered about was either dedication or stubbornness – or a combination of both. But Jenny was different. Her reason was purely altruistic if I were to believe her words. But I wanted to believe in kindness. I knew it existed, rare as it was, and maybe it was here all along. But reality was different. She was putting herself in an unneeded risk. If I were a simple man with a heart ruled by the coin, I would have turned her in to the military. How she had faith in me – a complete stranger – surprised me. Was it naiveté? I wasn’t being honest to her. I wondered if she were smelling the faint lies underneath my words. “I can escort myself out.” I pressed my hands on my thighs and pushed myself up, standing. “Although… you’re probably right, except it’s always dangerous in Arkham. If it wouldn’t be too much of a bother, maybe you could be my bodyguard for tonight?” I took out my wallet and offered her the money. cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Post by cryptid on Jul 30, 2016 4:20:27 GMT
 I looked up at him as he explained his predicament and asked for me to escort him out. When he offered me the money, the neurons weren't connecting in my brain to figure out that he was willing to pay me. When I did figure it out, everything rushed to me at once. I was contemplated if I really needed the money, he claimed to be a simple businessman, an he probably needed the money more than I. That thought was quickly dissuaded by the fact that he was a businessman, and the fact that he had a steady stream of income. On the other hand, I had offered my services without asking for pay...
I broke off from my train of thought and realized that it was rude to keep him waiting. I reached out for the money and took it before stuffing it in my duffel bag. "Thank you... I could have probably found some on my way back, but this is much appreciated." I didn't count the money, I knew I could make the dollar stretch with whatever. I grabbed the bag and picked it up.
"Seeing as how this play is occupied, I'll be finding another place. I hope you don't mind if I bring this along, Mr. Shamees." Whether he liked it or not, the bag was coming with me. No sense having my clothes and books stolen. Speaking of, I needed to find somewhere to shower, since I was going to be meeting up with Thomas soon. If th gooons hadn't moved yet, I'd be making sure they moved.
I walked to the door and opened it before stepping outside. I turned around to Mr. Shamees. "Which way did you come from? And don't tell me it's just down an alleyway, because we both know that's bullcrap." Ah yes, I'd probably need to cover those bases just in case Mr. Shamees wasn't what he professed to be. Regardless, something about him made me think he wasn't exactly like that, and that perhaps I shouldn't be so worried about him.
KUKUR
|
|
|
|
Post by KUKUR on Aug 1, 2016 3:08:26 GMT
SHAMEES VII I felt my lips tugging into a wry smile. Finding some on her way back…? There was only one way to pick up money on the streets. “You’re welcome.” I patted her twice on the shoulder and waited for her to gather her belongings. I hadn’t been expecting her to leave them behind. “No, not at all,” I replied. The bulk of her bag looked heavy for someone who was supposedly in the run from the military. Books, maybe? But where would she have gotten those? I followed her outside, turning and looking at the dirty walls of the place that was Jenny’s home for one last time, and closed the door behind me. Though nighttime was thick, the city of Arkham continued to roar with life at the distance, without the ardor and passion that made cities a blinding sun to those who were raised knowing a smaller world. I laughed softly at Jenny’s language. “I wouldn’t last a day in Arkham. No, I came through the train. From Sentinel Hill. I’ll feel easy if you could take me all the way to the station.” My hand briefly fell on her shoulder before it hang down my side. I walked by her side. “If you’re going to squat, anywhere but Arkham would be a better place. If you come to Sentinel Hill, I might be able to visit you from time to time,” I said conversationally. But she was most likely in Arkham to avoid the Initiative. This wretched city had sunk so deep into the pit that the heroes have abandoned it. cryptid |
|
Monsters are only as scary as you make them out to be...
|
Post by cryptid on Aug 2, 2016 19:25:30 GMT
 I walked with him towards the station and smiled as he spoke about Sentinel Hill. "Actuallly, when I first came to Kingsport, I did squat there for a few nights. But, then again, there were a lot more cops and such that made it hard to move around. They don't take too kindly to homeless people, you know?" I adjusted the strap and looked around at everything.
"Besides, I feel like I'm making difference here. I'm able to help the people that are unfortunate enough to live here and help them fight the common criminals around here. I'm nowhere close to being able to fight the mob bosses and stuff, but at least I can make some kind of difference." I patted his shoulder. "You're probably making a difference where you live, right Mr. Shamees? Even if it's only a little bit, it always helps out. Although..." I bit my lip and looked down at the ground.
I had heard of the Initiative and the fact that they were helping to fight crime.. They had helped stopped the old alien threat and such and stopped big time criminals that were attacking Kingsport and other countries. However, I rarely saw a hero walking through Arkham or seen any news about a hero helping out citizens. "I wish more people would fight crime that weren't limited to the Initiative of Greater Good. I would love to help out more and maybe be a part of a team. Like Watchmen, or the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or the Teen Titans! Oh, those are some cool superheroes. They really inspire me to do all I can, you know?" I couldn't stop smiling when I thought of all the superheroes that I read about. They were always ready to lend a hand and help people out.
I made sure that nobody was following us as we continued towards the train station. I sighed and looked up at Mr. Shamees. "Thanks for listening to me as I talk. I really don't have that many people to talk to here." I giggled. It wasn't really that much of a joke but I found it a little funny. At least I had my books to keep me company here. All in all, it wasn't so bad here.
KUKUR
|
|
