[ it's been chaos! moreso than usual. first the cats disappeared, then the townsfolk started getting more and riled up -- dying their hair, breaking things.... and then the same thing started happening to the sleepers. before long, it had swept across deerington. ]
[ now, a sleeper can't even turn around the corner without being assaulted, by townsfolk, or even other sleepers. friends? no longer. that's the case for wolfwood, as well! he stands out in a crowd, to say the least. and they've been more than happy to swarm him. he's around an alley with them in hot pursuit, perhaps even getting tired from constantly having to fight off these shmucks -- maybe even so tired that it takes him a second to notice he's not alone ]
[ a small figure is in the alleyway with him, and makes a grab for his hand, sleeve, or arm, whatever she can take hold of. ]
Over here! Quick!
[ the figure's dressed just like the townsfolk going nuts -- a mask that covers her face, and oversized hoodie that makes any other feature very hard to make out. but his sharp senses can pick up on some off details. there seems to be a moustache? painted onto the colorful mask, her disguise is definitely too big for her, and her hand is pretty obviously trembling as she insistently pulls at him to get him to come with her. the smell of blood is also in the air, but, uh, that may be the case wherever he's been, frankly ]
[ despite how hard she's trying to pull him, she doesn't have the physical strength to budge him even a centimeter, so honestly, it's entirely up to him if he's going to let this stranger lead him deeper into the alley or not ]
[The novelty of being on Earth, in a town that has trees and an honest-to-God lake hasn't quite worn off yet. But the whole getting attacked by random gangs of morons thing is definitely taking the luster off it a little. It's what Wolfwood might think to himself later, if he ever gets away from those gangs. For some reason, though, they just seem to pop up wherever he tries to go.
It's almost like he's paying for some sins in a past life or something.
The average person is really not a problem for Wolfwood to handle. Unfortunately, constant waves of them over hours coupled with the strange saps in his energy this place seems to be doling out is not making this easy. He had to ditch the Punisher an hour ago when it abruptly became too heavy to carry - probably the most offensive thing that's happened to him. On top of that, he's been trying not to kill anyone. This is proving easier said than done, especially after getting decked and kicked a few times. So as he goes sprinting down the alleyway his patience is starting to get very thin--
--and then his sleeve gets snagged by a kid lurking behind a bin.]
What the-- [Honestly Maya might get dragged forward a couple of paces before Wolfwood stumbles to a halt and whips around, expression harried and not all that welcoming.] The hell do you think you're doing?!
[Are even the teens getting in on this now? This one looks like a stiff breeze could blow her over.]
[ yeah, she is absolutely getting dragged forward, almost losing her balance and crashing into him, and just kind of hanging onto his sleeve with the one hand to keep herself from falling on her face. she's wincing, too, not that it's visible behind her mask. ]
[ but uh oh. looks like her disguise worked too well... clearly, it was the moustache. it's striking fear and irritation into his heart ]
No, no! I'm not one of them, mister! It's my disguise. [ she'll let go of his sleeve long enough to tug down her hoodie and show part of a deer tattoo on a shoulder. this may or may not be comforting, considering other sleepers have also been affected by... whatever's going on. but oh well ]
I have a hiding place! I can take you there.
[ there's the sound of a mob approaching in the distance. they haven't been spotted yet, but, uh, not much time left for him to deliberate ]
[Mister? Funnily enough it's that which pulls him into check, his mouth snapping shut before he can yell anything further. Now that he's paying attention, yeah, this one isn't acting like the townspeople - or dressed quite right. The tattoo is extra proof, though it's not really needed.
He snorts through his nose sharply, reassessing.]
Yeah, well, it worked. [Good job on the costume. Wolfwood hasn't forgotten the impending mob; the sounds of running feet are still a ways off, but he knows from experience how fast a gap like that can close when someone's motivated. Something these guys have in spades. He casts a quick look down the alley in the direction he'd intended to go, then snaps his gaze back to the girl quailing in front of him.]
This better not be a trap. [He points at her - for emphasis! - before jerking his thumb over his shoulder.] Show me.
[He's probably not indicating the right direction, but it's more the gist of it. Lead on.]
[ yeah her disguise is great, thanks for noticing!! she puffs up a little at the "praise", despite this not being the time or place ]
Well, being stealthy is one of my talents....
[ she says, and then immediately misses a step and very nearly avoids tripping and eating shit ]
[ how reassuring. she's also flashing a smile that she doesn't realize he can't see, but her voice picks up like she really is trying to reassure him. ]
Don't worry. I promise on my fake mustache's honor, I won't let you down!
[ with that, she's scrambling over to a set of bins haphazardly turned over -- there's debris scattered everywhere. she starts to pull it apart with one arm, making something of a pathway -- but he'll notice, if he does follow, the further in they go, the more it does start to resemble an actual secret path. ]
[Wow, so reassuring. He has to bite back a groan when she almost trips over her own feet. This isn't the time to regret his choices.
Wolfwood does follow her despite his misgivings. When she starts rummaging through the garbage that's when he begins regretting his choice. Is her hiding place just in the trash? 'It could work,' he thinks to himself, even though he'd probably prefer taking a beating than cramming into one of those cans.
But... no, that's not what her idea is.]
If you already got a hiding place, why're you still running around out here? [He doesn't wait for an answer, instead stepping forward and pushing her shoulder towards the left to hopefully move her out of the way a bit.] --Christ, hold on.
[Wolfwood abruptly grabs one of the bins and hefts it aside much faster, sweeping a lot more of the debris along with it. They don't have time to mess around.]
[ like him! she does obediently sidestep once while he does the heavy lifting, making this so much faster. which is good, because the far off sounds of the mob are starting to get closer. but then she tugs on his sleeve again to get his attention, ducks under his arm, and starts shimmying behind where the bin was -- there's a pathway close to the wall. a little ways in, probably just about when he's truly reconsidering whether or not he wants to die behind some trash bins, she's running her hand over the wall. ]
[ it takes a fair bit of effort with one hand, but her fingers dig into it, pulling what appears to be a false panel off of it! and lo and behold... a tunnel. she can slip through easily enough, but it's gonna be a tight squeeze for him. suck it in ]
[ she crawls through before he does, but she's looking back to make sure he's following ]
[Wolfwood wouldn't call himself the poster child for those who should be helped out of a tight spot. Speaking of tight spots... when he gets a look at the tunnel Maya uncovers, he has to grimace.]
You have to be kidding.
[He may grumble, but he can hear those shouts getting closer. And right now he doesn't want to end up in another fist-fight with these guys. It could go south too easily; this girl might end up in the middle of it too.
So he grits his teeth, turns sideways, and scrabbles his way into the tunnel as well. It's definitely tight - she'll hear him cursing the whole way through.]
[ clearly he is a damsel that needs rescuing? by a girl half his size? but thankfully for him, it is not a long tunnel, so he doesn't have to squeeze himself through too much. also (not) thankfully for him, once maya's out on the other end, she's reaching out one hand to try to help pull him through. this will do nothing, but it's the thought that counts. maybe? ]
... You're really big....
[ thanks maya. what's waiting for him at the other side when he does make it out is interesting. it seems to be the remains of a basement apartment -- a small one. abandoned, a bit dusty, but not bad. it's dimly lit because there are only tiny slits of windows, but some sunlight still peeks through. there's a kitchenette with a bunch of non-perishables on the counter, a hot plate that may or may not work, and a little bathroom off to the side with a shower. in the living room is a large pile of blankets that approximates a bed and some miscellaneous sundries. seems like this weird girl managed to gather some useful items. ]
Umm... hang on one sec.
[ she'll crawl back into the tunnel once he's out ]
[Look at him, all up to date with words that describe parts of trees. He's a fast learner. With a last huff he manages to haul himself out of the tunnel. Wolfwood didn't take that offered hand - sorry Maya.
Blinking as he looks around, there's a hint of confusion in his face. Whatever he was expecting at the end of this tunnel, it wasn't a shabby little apartment. Has she been living down here? It's a sobering thought.]
What the hell is - hey! [And she's already scooted back out the tunnel. He whips around and whisper-yells after her.] Where are you going?!
[ imagine if she really did just take him to her sad hobo apartment and absconded ]
[ but no, she'll get an offended!!! huff!! in response to his mastery of tree parts, and no response otherwise. she's not going far, though, she's just closing up the secret entrance on the other end of the tunnel. he'll hear her fumbling around a little to do just that, and then returning ]
[ and sinking to the ground in front of him, letting out a little sigh of relief now that it seems like the danger has passed ]
This is my secret hideout! Isn't it cool? Even though no one's lived here in a long time... there's still electricity and water and everything!
[Okay, then that's fine. Forgive him for thinking the worst always - it's a habit he'll never break. Once she comes back through she'll find him staring at her with his arms crossed.]
That's something but I wouldn't go betting on it being totally abandoned. Surely someone else out there has to know about it.
[Not from the dusty looks of things, sure, but the building owner? Shaking his head, Wolfwood steps around Maya and goes to check what he can see through the window gaps. It's definitely not easy to see out so would likely be the same for anyone looking in. It could even be boarded up outside, based on how much light there is.]
You planning on being here a while?
[Food supplies. Hideout. Some semblance of organisation.]
[ while he's doing his inspection he'll also notice an actual door that's been extremely boarded up. heavy looking door too. ]
[ maya watches him do this, tilting her head ]
Maybe, but I figure they're all too busy being a crazy mob right now....
[ she's a little disappointed he's not more impressed with her secret hideout finding skills. but maybe he's just cranky because he's hungry.... and had to run from an angry mob on an empty stomach. understandable. ]
'Till I have to find somewhere else, yeah. You can have some food if you want, by the way! The hot plate works.
[ maybe that'll cheer him up. in the meantime, she's finally easing her disguise off. adding to the sad state of affairs, once the mask is off, it's pretty clear she's had some run-ins with the townsfolk already. she's well bruised with a black eye, a split lip, and angry red hand-shaped marks on her throat. she's still only using the one hand to try to get out of the hoodie, too, so that's pretty telling ]
Mobs're crazy. People on their own tend to be a bit smarter.
[Occasionally, anyway. Maya's unmasking doesn't reveal a surprise, but it's still not pleasant to see what she's been hiding under there. Wolfwood's expression twists when he gets a good look at her injuries. A scrawny thing like her wouldn't have stood much of a chance against a motivated lunatic. It leaves a nasty feeling in his gut.]
I'm not hungry. [He might be, but he's not thinking about that right now. Moving away from the window again he comes back over as Maya gets stuck halfway out of the hoodie. She might get the sense he's looming over her ... and then he grabs hold of the bottom of the hoodie.] You'll end up strangling yourself like that.
[He's going to help her out of it, even if he's going to be critical as hell while doing it.]
Huh? Really? Getting chased around didn't get your appetite up?
[ if only he knew how rare it is to offer her own food. she mumbles something else ridiculous that's lost in the struggle against her disguise. it's big enough that she can probably wiggle out of it eventually, but she does seem to sense he's looming and goes very still. ]
[ which is helpful to him, actually, because then he can pull the thing off in one go, revealing the last bit of ass-kicking: her other arm's pretty heavily and sloppily bandaged. and slowly getting more blood-soaked. looks like the bandages were made from her actual outfit, too, which is missing a few pieces ]
[ once it's off, she's just looking up at him uncertainly ]
Once the hoodie is off, Wolfwood's eyes just narrow at what that arm looks like. No doubt all this running around and yanking strangers off the streets has not helped the state of it.]
Jesus, kid, did you pick a fight with everyone in town?
A good snack helps with that too, yanno! You're not you when you're hungry or however that went...
[ but that's as far as she's going to press it. he's a big boy, he can get himself food if he's hangry. which he probably is. or maybe he's just got a cranky personality. that's the impression she's getting. no appreciation for his knight with a shiner and no armour ]
[ also it's probably fine. she puffs her cheeks out!! in offense!! at this accusation!! ]
No, I just got here! I was minding my own business, they're the ones who picked a fight! And it's "Maya", not kid!
[Wolfwood balls the hoodie up and dumps it on the kitchen counter. This whole thing is a lot. He is, perhaps, starting to feel a bit bad that this scuffed-up girl has gone to all this effort to save him when clearly most of that effort should have been directed to patching herself up.
So he huffs, because that's a full sentence.]
I'll eat later. [A normal person might give their own name in response, but Wolfwood just skips over that for now.] Either way, you'd have been better off staying in here rather than coming out to run around some more.
Weeell..... We sane people gotta stick together, right?
[ in other words, she is incapable of minding her own business. before getting any medical supplies, though, it's very important that maya go over to the kitchen counter to smooth out her hoodie nicely and move it away from the general food area. then she'll dig through one of the cupboards to present a first aid kit!!!! ]
Take that!
[ there's just a couple of rolls of bandages and some alcohol swabs left in there now, but it's better than nothing ]
I'm not really that good at first aid.... but um, if you got cut anywhere, I can probably help you wrap it up.
[ she's assuming he wants it for himself even though he doesn't really look injured ]
[Well, that's better than nothing. He inclines his head a bit when she thrusts the first aid kit at him, before sighing and wiping a hand down his face.]
I'm not cut up. [Wolfwood had gotten hit with the business end of some baseball bats, only he's not about to say as much. Can't be seen, anyway.] You're the one bleeding all over yourself.
[Taking the kit out of her hands, he cracks it open with a critical glance. It's basically the same stuff he'd use if he was at home.]
I don't want to deal with you passing out from blood loss, so go sit down.
[ wow, offensive!!!!! it's very tempting to huff back at these rude accusations, but captain cranky seems to want to help, for some reason, and her arm is still bleeding slowly under her wad of makeshift bandaging, so she does as she's told with a small sigh ]
If you run into them again, watch out for the guys with nailbats. That's what got me.
[ once sitting she falls quiet, rolling up the remains of her sleeve for easier access ]
[Finally, some cooperation. He raises his eyebrows slightly at the nailbats comment, but it's beyond saying much about at this point. They've all seen what these local hooligans have been picking up for their rioting.]
If they try that shit on me, they won't like where I shove their bats.
[Wolfwood pulls out a tiny bottle of antiseptic and shakes it a little, before grabbing a cotton ball.]
I've got no idea why they're all being such lunatics either.
Well, I dunno how it started, but once a mob starts going, it's easy for other people to get swept up in it... Dreamers, too.
[ that comes out more somber than she intended, and she's not eager to linger on the subject. she is not a seven foot tall buff guy who can make good on those threats, but the last thing she wants to do is admit to this stranger she's scared, so clearly!! time to lighten the mood? ]
Me too!! If one of those creeps comes at us, I'll really let 'em have it!
[ puffing her cheeks out for emphasis. maybe she can get a smile or laugh out of this guy, or at the very least, a non-scowl ]
[It does get some raised eyebrows out of him, does that count?]
Yeah, their shins won't know what hit 'em. Okay, hold still.
[Wolfwood says that at the exact same time he starts swabbing the cut on her arm. It may not be enough warning for the stinging that is about to ensue.]
[ it is not enough warning for sure, she yelps!!! comically at first, but it seems to strain her throat so it becomes a coughing fit. by some miracle, she keeps the injured arm still for him, but the rest of her hunches over ]
[A bit of an outsized reaction to his mind. Then again, Wolfwood's pain tolerance could charitably be called 'insane', so he's not really going to judge her for that. The coughing gets a slight frown out of him.]
You can grab some water when I'm done. [He's not about to stop halfway then come back to it, that's just mean. Wolfwood continues swabbing for a few seconds before letting go of her arm and diving back into the kit for the gauze.] Even though their shins deserve whatever you'd give 'em, probably better off not trying it for a while.
[ she does recover just as quickly, just a bit of a wince as he works and back to a bright grin. gotta keep the bravado up ]
I'll try to restrain myself... but I can't promise anything if those creeps get you cornered!
[ since clearly, he needs the protection from his new three foot tall bodyguard. she tries not to fidget in place while he's getting the gauze, since the wound hasn't even closed yet. a bit of blood trickles down her arm. now she sounds quieter. contrite, even. ]
.... Thank you. Sorry about, um.... all the blood....
[ yes, it's that time where maya apologizes for being hurt ]
[It's gauze time, though he's quick and efficient about it. There's no getting around the discomfort of it for Maya - at least he's taping it up before she has much time to think about it.]
You can kick 'em higher than that. Might work out better for you.
[If she can't fight fair, fight dirty. He snorts a bit, straightening up and tossing the gauze back into the kit.]
[ she makes a valiant effort to keep grinning through it and pretend she isn't in pain, but it is very obvious that she is. it takes enough effort that she stops talking for a minute, (incredible) though she nods in response to the kicking advice. yeah!! kicking!! ]
[ once it's over and he's putting the gauze away she lets out a long breath through her nose. ]
Is it always like this here?
[ crazy angry mobs and such. it may become apparent she is fresh blood here. pun intended ]
[There's something almost nostalgic about lying low in a hidden room while people riot and burn things outside. Almost, Wolfwood thinks, as there were vanishingly few times where he would just stay put and not go out and join the fray in some manner. Or run for it. He has no better options at present; he's too new in Deerington, too lacking in firepower, and to top it off he has an injured girl on his hands. So he stays put. Listening.
It's only after dusk settles in that he gets up from the chair he was lounging in and steps over to the window. It's been quiet out there for a while now - at least an hour. Without turning to look at Maya, he still talks to her:]
[ maya had sacrificed some of her makeshift futon (mostly blankets) to hand over to this man, in case he wanted to lie down. a futile effort, just like when she'd offered her food to him earlier. oh well ]
[ despite still not knowing his name, she didn't seem to have any concerns about sleeping in the same room. she'd settled down not too far away from him in her own little pile of blankets in the hours he's spent lounging, trying to get some rest.... with mixed success. a couple of hours at a time at a time at best, every so often he probably noticed her waking with a start, or mumbling "Nick....." to herself. weird ]
[ she'd started stirring and rubbing her eyes a few minutes before he speaks up, and makes a face at him ]
It's Maya. [ a bit of a huff, but she gets up proper to take a peek out the windows too ] Really? You want to go back out?
[The 'Nick' thing had startled him the first time, since it was close enough to what people used to call him that it was - unexpected. But it seemed like sleep-talk, or something like it. He hadn't told her his name either... just a coincidence.
He'd forcibly put it from his mind rather than dwell on it, so he'd pretended not to notice she was waking up earlier. Wolfwood sidesteps a bit when Maya comes to the window, letting her see what she can. The slice of the ground out there looks barren and dark.]
I've gotta know if they're actually gone, or if those assholes are just bidin' their time somewhere else.
[Absently, he also thinks he'd really like to have a smoke.]
[ maya gets up on her tip toes to peer out the window herself, and it does look pretty barren and abandoned. she hadn't heard any recent noises, either.... at least, when she'd been awake. but this guy looks like he had been watching the whole time, so he'd probably know, right? ]
[ she is hesitant to leave the safety of this little apartment.... but she does still owe this guy for bandaging her. and maybe there are other people out there who need help ]
Right! Time for some covert investigation!
[ how covert is it going to be, really? ]
Well, my disguise won't fit you.... but do you want to borrow my mask?
Well, I figure if you had to go undercover or something.... [ but it doesn't seem like he needs to hide. unlike her. so she won't press the issue. just the mask wouldn't be a very airtight disguise. despite the moustache ]
But okay! Let me just put on my sneaking outfit and we can go.
[ she grabs the hoodie she struggled to get out of mere hours ago and now struggles to get back into it ]
[That's not a 'no', though. She's old enough to make her own terrible decisions if she wants to. He moves away from the window and heads towards the door.]
Do you have any knives in here?
[Look, if she has food, she might have kitchen implements.]
W-Well, anyway! [ plan b, laugh it off and pretend it didn't happen! ] I've got a couple. Just hang on one sec, I'll get 'em for you.
[ she is once again assuming he wants them for himself, and apparently has no issue giving away kitchen implements to a guy whose name she doesn't even know. maya disappears into the kichenette and reappears with one sad rusty butter knife and a regular paring knife to offer to him ]
[It is funny, not that he'll show it. At this point he figures the only way he'd stop her from following him out of there is if he tied her down or knocked her out. Not really things Wolfwood feels like doing to his 'rescuer', even if it would be better for her.
When Maya offers up the knives, Wolfwood takes them with a critical look. The butter knife might give someone tetanus if it scraped them ... maybe.]
Slim pickings, huh. Well, [he hands the butter knife back to Maya and keeps the paring knife] if someone comes at you you're better off throwing this at their head.
[ he has successfully discouraged her from coming with him, no knock outs or tying up required! but maybe it's not the best thing, because sooner or later, she'd probably have to go out on her own. or maybe someone else will find her little hidey hole ]
[ a bit cheekily: ]
I guess whoever lived here before must have taken all their best fighting utensils with them in the move. Sorry about that.
[ she takes the butter knife back, nodding along to his advice.... and puts it down on the counter. will it stick? who knows ]
So, um.... there's a rusty door, or the secret entrance! Pick your exit. Both of 'em are surrounded by garbage, by the way.
It's a good hideout! You can come whenever you want, by the way. Even if I'm not here.
[ she still doesn't know this guy's name. ]
Ah, but what if you need hel...
[ she starts to say after him, but then he's already out the door before she can even finish the sentence. she doesn't follow, but she peers out after him, watching until he's completely out of sight, just to make sure he's safe. she would be absolutely no use to him if he was attacked, but apparently that doesn't stop her from worrying ]
[Getting in and out of that hidey hole is a bit of a chore, for someone Wolfwood's size. What's more, he's acting cautiously, in case there are any more lunatics waiting in the alley outside to jump anyone coming by. He's not in the best shape to retaliate if they are - it would be great if he had any kind of weapon. Or his strength.
After a while though he does make it outside. It's eerily quiet, compared to the night before. Deserted. That doesn't make him feel much better, but it's preferable to finding a mob. Once he's oriented himself and found the window that lines up with Maya's place, he squats and knocks on it three times.
And then he loiters, waiting. If she's going to follow him outside he's going to wait until she does so.]
[ presumably she will have heard him swearing under his breath his way out, which is probably the only indication she got that he wasn't getting horribly mauled or killed. once he's gone, she starts to tidy up, despite there being very little to tidy up. then tap tap tap ]
[ he said "Don't follow me if I don't tap on that window"... but he tapped? so he wants her to follow? well, he hasn't really given her an answer to anything she asked him, so.... at least he's consistent ]
[ she isn't too keen to go out there herself, but.... well. maybe there are others who need help. and if he wants her to go with him, he probably won't let her get murdered. apparently, that's good enough. so she stashes the butter knife and the mask in her hoodie and heads out. ]
[ a couple of minutes later he will spot her comically peeking out at him from behind the wall. very subtle ]
[He's been in that spot for more than a few minutes now, just keeping an eye on both ends of the alley way. Desperately wishing he had a cigarette - loitering without one is just sad.
When Maya peeks out he turns his head and nods.]
Looks that way. I haven't heard a damn thing since coming out here. [Rising to his feet, Wolfwood casts another look down the left hand end of the alley.] Either it's over, or they've moved on from here.
[ she peeks out for a second more, as if scanning the perimeter.... then fully comes out from behind the wall, coming over to him. ]
It'd be nice if it was over.... [ she sighs a bit, looking over her own injuries. it'd be nice to be able to walk outside without worrying about getting murdered. but she doesn't want to look vulnerable in front of this guy, so she gives him a grin ]
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no subject
[ now, a sleeper can't even turn around the corner without being assaulted, by townsfolk, or even other sleepers. friends? no longer. that's the case for wolfwood, as well! he stands out in a crowd, to say the least. and they've been more than happy to swarm him. he's around an alley with them in hot pursuit, perhaps even getting tired from constantly having to fight off these shmucks -- maybe even so tired that it takes him a second to notice he's not alone ]
[ a small figure is in the alleyway with him, and makes a grab for his hand, sleeve, or arm, whatever she can take hold of. ]
Over here! Quick!
[ the figure's dressed just like the townsfolk going nuts -- a mask that covers her face, and oversized hoodie that makes any other feature very hard to make out. but his sharp senses can pick up on some off details. there seems to be a moustache? painted onto the colorful mask, her disguise is definitely too big for her, and her hand is pretty obviously trembling as she insistently pulls at him to get him to come with her. the smell of blood is also in the air, but, uh, that may be the case wherever he's been, frankly ]
[ despite how hard she's trying to pull him, she doesn't have the physical strength to budge him even a centimeter, so honestly, it's entirely up to him if he's going to let this stranger lead him deeper into the alley or not ]
no subject
It's almost like he's paying for some sins in a past life or something.
The average person is really not a problem for Wolfwood to handle. Unfortunately, constant waves of them over hours coupled with the strange saps in his energy this place seems to be doling out is not making this easy. He had to ditch the Punisher an hour ago when it abruptly became too heavy to carry - probably the most offensive thing that's happened to him. On top of that, he's been trying not to kill anyone. This is proving easier said than done, especially after getting decked and kicked a few times. So as he goes sprinting down the alleyway his patience is starting to get very thin--
--and then his sleeve gets snagged by a kid lurking behind a bin.]
What the-- [Honestly Maya might get dragged forward a couple of paces before Wolfwood stumbles to a halt and whips around, expression harried and not all that welcoming.] The hell do you think you're doing?!
[Are even the teens getting in on this now? This one looks like a stiff breeze could blow her over.]
no subject
[ yeah, she is absolutely getting dragged forward, almost losing her balance and crashing into him, and just kind of hanging onto his sleeve with the one hand to keep herself from falling on her face. she's wincing, too, not that it's visible behind her mask. ]
[ but uh oh. looks like her disguise worked too well... clearly, it was the moustache. it's striking fear and irritation into his heart ]
No, no! I'm not one of them, mister! It's my disguise. [ she'll let go of his sleeve long enough to tug down her hoodie and show part of a deer tattoo on a shoulder. this may or may not be comforting, considering other sleepers have also been affected by... whatever's going on. but oh well ]
I have a hiding place! I can take you there.
[ there's the sound of a mob approaching in the distance. they haven't been spotted yet, but, uh, not much time left for him to deliberate ]
no subject
He snorts through his nose sharply, reassessing.]
Yeah, well, it worked. [Good job on the costume. Wolfwood hasn't forgotten the impending mob; the sounds of running feet are still a ways off, but he knows from experience how fast a gap like that can close when someone's motivated. Something these guys have in spades. He casts a quick look down the alley in the direction he'd intended to go, then snaps his gaze back to the girl quailing in front of him.]
This better not be a trap. [He points at her - for emphasis! - before jerking his thumb over his shoulder.] Show me.
[He's probably not indicating the right direction, but it's more the gist of it. Lead on.]
no subject
Well, being stealthy is one of my talents....
[ she says, and then immediately misses a step and very nearly avoids tripping and eating shit ]
[ how reassuring. she's also flashing a smile that she doesn't realize he can't see, but her voice picks up like she really is trying to reassure him. ]
Don't worry. I promise on my fake mustache's honor, I won't let you down!
[ with that, she's scrambling over to a set of bins haphazardly turned over -- there's debris scattered everywhere. she starts to pull it apart with one arm, making something of a pathway -- but he'll notice, if he does follow, the further in they go, the more it does start to resemble an actual secret path. ]
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Wolfwood does follow her despite his misgivings. When she starts rummaging through the garbage that's when he begins regretting his choice. Is her hiding place just in the trash? 'It could work,' he thinks to himself, even though he'd probably prefer taking a beating than cramming into one of those cans.
But... no, that's not what her idea is.]
If you already got a hiding place, why're you still running around out here? [He doesn't wait for an answer, instead stepping forward and pushing her shoulder towards the left to hopefully move her out of the way a bit.] --Christ, hold on.
[Wolfwood abruptly grabs one of the bins and hefts it aside much faster, sweeping a lot more of the debris along with it. They don't have time to mess around.]
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[ like him! she does obediently sidestep once while he does the heavy lifting, making this so much faster. which is good, because the far off sounds of the mob are starting to get closer. but then she tugs on his sleeve again to get his attention, ducks under his arm, and starts shimmying behind where the bin was -- there's a pathway close to the wall. a little ways in, probably just about when he's truly reconsidering whether or not he wants to die behind some trash bins, she's running her hand over the wall. ]
[ it takes a fair bit of effort with one hand, but her fingers dig into it, pulling what appears to be a false panel off of it! and lo and behold... a tunnel. she can slip through easily enough, but it's gonna be a tight squeeze for him. suck it in ]
[ she crawls through before he does, but she's looking back to make sure he's following ]
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You have to be kidding.
[He may grumble, but he can hear those shouts getting closer. And right now he doesn't want to end up in another fist-fight with these guys. It could go south too easily; this girl might end up in the middle of it too.
So he grits his teeth, turns sideways, and scrabbles his way into the tunnel as well. It's definitely tight - she'll hear him cursing the whole way through.]
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... You're really big....
[ thanks maya. what's waiting for him at the other side when he does make it out is interesting. it seems to be the remains of a basement apartment -- a small one. abandoned, a bit dusty, but not bad. it's dimly lit because there are only tiny slits of windows, but some sunlight still peeks through. there's a kitchenette with a bunch of non-perishables on the counter, a hot plate that may or may not work, and a little bathroom off to the side with a shower. in the living room is a large pile of blankets that approximates a bed and some miscellaneous sundries. seems like this weird girl managed to gather some useful items. ]
Umm... hang on one sec.
[ she'll crawl back into the tunnel once he's out ]
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I don't need to hear that from a twig.
[Look at him, all up to date with words that describe parts of trees. He's a fast learner. With a last huff he manages to haul himself out of the tunnel. Wolfwood didn't take that offered hand - sorry Maya.
Blinking as he looks around, there's a hint of confusion in his face. Whatever he was expecting at the end of this tunnel, it wasn't a shabby little apartment. Has she been living down here? It's a sobering thought.]
What the hell is - hey! [And she's already scooted back out the tunnel. He whips around and whisper-yells after her.] Where are you going?!
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[ but no, she'll get an offended!!! huff!! in response to his mastery of tree parts, and no response otherwise. she's not going far, though, she's just closing up the secret entrance on the other end of the tunnel. he'll hear her fumbling around a little to do just that, and then returning ]
[ and sinking to the ground in front of him, letting out a little sigh of relief now that it seems like the danger has passed ]
This is my secret hideout! Isn't it cool? Even though no one's lived here in a long time... there's still electricity and water and everything!
[ apparently the bar is that low ]
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[Okay, then that's fine. Forgive him for thinking the worst always - it's a habit he'll never break. Once she comes back through she'll find him staring at her with his arms crossed.]
That's something but I wouldn't go betting on it being totally abandoned. Surely someone else out there has to know about it.
[Not from the dusty looks of things, sure, but the building owner? Shaking his head, Wolfwood steps around Maya and goes to check what he can see through the window gaps. It's definitely not easy to see out so would likely be the same for anyone looking in. It could even be boarded up outside, based on how much light there is.]
You planning on being here a while?
[Food supplies. Hideout. Some semblance of organisation.]
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[ maya watches him do this, tilting her head ]
Maybe, but I figure they're all too busy being a crazy mob right now....
[ she's a little disappointed he's not more impressed with her secret hideout finding skills. but maybe he's just cranky because he's hungry.... and had to run from an angry mob on an empty stomach. understandable. ]
'Till I have to find somewhere else, yeah. You can have some food if you want, by the way! The hot plate works.
[ maybe that'll cheer him up. in the meantime, she's finally easing her disguise off. adding to the sad state of affairs, once the mask is off, it's pretty clear she's had some run-ins with the townsfolk already. she's well bruised with a black eye, a split lip, and angry red hand-shaped marks on her throat. she's still only using the one hand to try to get out of the hoodie, too, so that's pretty telling ]
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Mobs're crazy. People on their own tend to be a bit smarter.
[Occasionally, anyway. Maya's unmasking doesn't reveal a surprise, but it's still not pleasant to see what she's been hiding under there. Wolfwood's expression twists when he gets a good look at her injuries. A scrawny thing like her wouldn't have stood much of a chance against a motivated lunatic. It leaves a nasty feeling in his gut.]
I'm not hungry. [He might be, but he's not thinking about that right now. Moving away from the window again he comes back over as Maya gets stuck halfway out of the hoodie. She might get the sense he's looming over her ... and then he grabs hold of the bottom of the hoodie.] You'll end up strangling yourself like that.
[He's going to help her out of it, even if he's going to be critical as hell while doing it.]
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[ if only he knew how rare it is to offer her own food. she mumbles something else ridiculous that's lost in the struggle against her disguise. it's big enough that she can probably wiggle out of it eventually, but she does seem to sense he's looming and goes very still. ]
[ which is helpful to him, actually, because then he can pull the thing off in one go, revealing the last bit of ass-kicking: her other arm's pretty heavily and sloppily bandaged. and slowly getting more blood-soaked. looks like the bandages were made from her actual outfit, too, which is missing a few pieces ]
[ once it's off, she's just looking up at him uncertainly ]
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No, it just pissed me off.
[Anger always gets priority over hunger.
Once the hoodie is off, Wolfwood's eyes just narrow at what that arm looks like. No doubt all this running around and yanking strangers off the streets has not helped the state of it.]
Jesus, kid, did you pick a fight with everyone in town?
[The compassion is overwhelming.]
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[ but that's as far as she's going to press it. he's a big boy, he can get himself food if he's hangry. which he probably is. or maybe he's just got a cranky personality. that's the impression she's getting. no appreciation for his knight with a shiner and no armour ]
[ also it's probably fine. she puffs her cheeks out!! in offense!! at this accusation!! ]
No, I just got here! I was minding my own business, they're the ones who picked a fight! And it's "Maya", not kid!
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So he huffs, because that's a full sentence.]
I'll eat later. [A normal person might give their own name in response, but Wolfwood just skips over that for now.] Either way, you'd have been better off staying in here rather than coming out to run around some more.
You got any medical supplies in here or what?
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Weeell..... We sane people gotta stick together, right?
[ in other words, she is incapable of minding her own business. before getting any medical supplies, though, it's very important that maya go over to the kitchen counter to smooth out her hoodie nicely and move it away from the general food area. then she'll dig through one of the cupboards to present a first aid kit!!!! ]
Take that!
[ there's just a couple of rolls of bandages and some alcohol swabs left in there now, but it's better than nothing ]
I'm not really that good at first aid.... but um, if you got cut anywhere, I can probably help you wrap it up.
[ she's assuming he wants it for himself even though he doesn't really look injured ]
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[Well, that's better than nothing. He inclines his head a bit when she thrusts the first aid kit at him, before sighing and wiping a hand down his face.]
I'm not cut up. [Wolfwood had gotten hit with the business end of some baseball bats, only he's not about to say as much. Can't be seen, anyway.] You're the one bleeding all over yourself.
[Taking the kit out of her hands, he cracks it open with a critical glance. It's basically the same stuff he'd use if he was at home.]
I don't want to deal with you passing out from blood loss, so go sit down.
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If you run into them again, watch out for the guys with nailbats. That's what got me.
[ once sitting she falls quiet, rolling up the remains of her sleeve for easier access ]
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[Finally, some cooperation. He raises his eyebrows slightly at the nailbats comment, but it's beyond saying much about at this point. They've all seen what these local hooligans have been picking up for their rioting.]
If they try that shit on me, they won't like where I shove their bats.
[Wolfwood pulls out a tiny bottle of antiseptic and shakes it a little, before grabbing a cotton ball.]
I've got no idea why they're all being such lunatics either.
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[ that comes out more somber than she intended, and she's not eager to linger on the subject. she is not a seven foot tall buff guy who can make good on those threats, but the last thing she wants to do is admit to this stranger she's scared, so clearly!! time to lighten the mood? ]
Me too!! If one of those creeps comes at us, I'll really let 'em have it!
[ puffing her cheeks out for emphasis. maybe she can get a smile or laugh out of this guy, or at the very least, a non-scowl ]
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[It does get some raised eyebrows out of him, does that count?]
Yeah, their shins won't know what hit 'em. Okay, hold still.
[Wolfwood says that at the exact same time he starts swabbing the cut on her arm. It may not be enough warning for the stinging that is about to ensue.]
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And the rest of 'em, too. They'd never see me com--
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Ngh....
[ such a fearsome warrior ]
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You can grab some water when I'm done. [He's not about to stop halfway then come back to it, that's just mean. Wolfwood continues swabbing for a few seconds before letting go of her arm and diving back into the kit for the gauze.] Even though their shins deserve whatever you'd give 'em, probably better off not trying it for a while.
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I'll try to restrain myself... but I can't promise anything if those creeps get you cornered!
[ since clearly, he needs the protection from his new three foot tall bodyguard. she tries not to fidget in place while he's getting the gauze, since the wound hasn't even closed yet. a bit of blood trickles down her arm. now she sounds quieter. contrite, even. ]
.... Thank you. Sorry about, um.... all the blood....
[ yes, it's that time where maya apologizes for being hurt ]
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[It's gauze time, though he's quick and efficient about it. There's no getting around the discomfort of it for Maya - at least he's taping it up before she has much time to think about it.]
You can kick 'em higher than that. Might work out better for you.
[If she can't fight fair, fight dirty. He snorts a bit, straightening up and tossing the gauze back into the kit.]
You hardly got any on me, it's fine.
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[ once it's over and he's putting the gauze away she lets out a long breath through her nose. ]
Is it always like this here?
[ crazy angry mobs and such. it may become apparent she is fresh blood here. pun intended ]
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[He shakes his head, snapping the kit shut. He's too new himself to be confirming anyone's worst fears. It does not bode well, however.]
But in my experience they'll wear themselves out eventually. [Speaking of--] Now go sit down somewhere before you pass out.
[some hours later]
It's only after dusk settles in that he gets up from the chair he was lounging in and steps over to the window. It's been quiet out there for a while now - at least an hour. Without turning to look at Maya, he still talks to her:]
Hey, short stuff. I think they've cleared off.
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[ despite still not knowing his name, she didn't seem to have any concerns about sleeping in the same room. she'd settled down not too far away from him in her own little pile of blankets in the hours he's spent lounging, trying to get some rest.... with mixed success. a couple of hours at a time at a time at best, every so often he probably noticed her waking with a start, or mumbling "Nick....." to herself. weird ]
[ she'd started stirring and rubbing her eyes a few minutes before he speaks up, and makes a face at him ]
It's Maya. [ a bit of a huff, but she gets up proper to take a peek out the windows too ] Really? You want to go back out?
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[The 'Nick' thing had startled him the first time, since it was close enough to what people used to call him that it was - unexpected. But it seemed like sleep-talk, or something like it. He hadn't told her his name either... just a coincidence.
He'd forcibly put it from his mind rather than dwell on it, so he'd pretended not to notice she was waking up earlier. Wolfwood sidesteps a bit when Maya comes to the window, letting her see what she can. The slice of the ground out there looks barren and dark.]
I've gotta know if they're actually gone, or if those assholes are just bidin' their time somewhere else.
[Absently, he also thinks he'd really like to have a smoke.]
Better to find out than be in the dark.
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[ she is hesitant to leave the safety of this little apartment.... but she does still owe this guy for bandaging her. and maybe there are other people out there who need help ]
Right! Time for some covert investigation!
[ how covert is it going to be, really? ]
Well, my disguise won't fit you.... but do you want to borrow my mask?
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Huh?
[He turns to look down at Maya.]
I don't really do disguises. [He may be an assassin, but he's hardly a covert one.] So you're better off keeping it on you.
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But okay! Let me just put on my sneaking outfit and we can go.
[ she grabs the hoodie she struggled to get out of mere hours ago and now struggles to get back into it ]
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[That's not a 'no', though. She's old enough to make her own terrible decisions if she wants to. He moves away from the window and heads towards the door.]
Do you have any knives in here?
[Look, if she has food, she might have kitchen implements.]
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[ sidekicking denied.... ]
Oh, um, I thought you wanted...
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[ she is once again assuming he wants them for himself, and apparently has no issue giving away kitchen implements to a guy whose name she doesn't even know. maya disappears into the kichenette and reappears with one sad rusty butter knife and a regular paring knife to offer to him ]
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When Maya offers up the knives, Wolfwood takes them with a critical look. The butter knife might give someone tetanus if it scraped them ... maybe.]
Slim pickings, huh. Well, [he hands the butter knife back to Maya and keeps the paring knife] if someone comes at you you're better off throwing this at their head.
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[ a bit cheekily: ]
I guess whoever lived here before must have taken all their best fighting utensils with them in the move. Sorry about that.
[ she takes the butter knife back, nodding along to his advice.... and puts it down on the counter. will it stick? who knows ]
So, um.... there's a rusty door, or the secret entrance! Pick your exit. Both of 'em are surrounded by garbage, by the way.
[ there's no avoiding it ]
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[With that, he heads for the door. When he pulls it open however he stops in the threshold.]
If I don't knock on that window, don't follow me.
[And then he's gone.]
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[ she still doesn't know this guy's name. ]
Ah, but what if you need hel...
[ she starts to say after him, but then he's already out the door before she can even finish the sentence. she doesn't follow, but she peers out after him, watching until he's completely out of sight, just to make sure he's safe. she would be absolutely no use to him if he was attacked, but apparently that doesn't stop her from worrying ]
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After a while though he does make it outside. It's eerily quiet, compared to the night before. Deserted. That doesn't make him feel much better, but it's preferable to finding a mob. Once he's oriented himself and found the window that lines up with Maya's place, he squats and knocks on it three times.
And then he loiters, waiting. If she's going to follow him outside he's going to wait until she does so.]
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[ he said "Don't follow me if I don't tap on that window"... but he tapped? so he wants her to follow? well, he hasn't really given her an answer to anything she asked him, so.... at least he's consistent ]
[ she isn't too keen to go out there herself, but.... well. maybe there are others who need help. and if he wants her to go with him, he probably won't let her get murdered. apparently, that's good enough. so she stashes the butter knife and the mask in her hoodie and heads out. ]
[ a couple of minutes later he will spot her comically peeking out at him from behind the wall. very subtle ]
Guess they cleared out.
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When Maya peeks out he turns his head and nods.]
Looks that way. I haven't heard a damn thing since coming out here. [Rising to his feet, Wolfwood casts another look down the left hand end of the alley.] Either it's over, or they've moved on from here.
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It'd be nice if it was over.... [ she sighs a bit, looking over her own injuries. it'd be nice to be able to walk outside without worrying about getting murdered. but she doesn't want to look vulnerable in front of this guy, so she gives him a grin ]
Guess it's up to us to investigate then, huh?
[ begin investigation pays in the bg.... ]
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Don't know about that, but I'm ready to get out of this filthy alleyway. There's gotta be someone else out there that can explain it all. --right.
[He jerks his thumb towards the street-end of the alleyway and starts walking.]
Try to keep up.