Tyler Tieran |PF| *The little girl had finally passed out. Unexpectedly, so had he. His dreams were vivid, and almost terrifying in intensity, but each faded from memory as the next started. As the alarms came on warning people to buckle up for landing, he stirred, some tantalizing scent making his mouth water. Blinking his eyes open, it took a moment for him to realize where he was. More importantly, who had become his unwilling pillow for however long he'd had his head on the other man's shoulder in exhaustion.*
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Jerking upward, he yanked his seat belt on to begin the descent to the runway* Jesus, Larson. Fucking just shove me next time, what the fuck. *He was pissed off that he'd had to have a partner in the first place. He didn't fucking need anyone on his side, and he damn sure didn't need a friend or to get closer to anyone.* Oh look, mom of the goddamned year is awake. *The woman turned an angry glare his way, which didn't bother him in the least. He knew he was abrasive. Hell, he'd cultivated the attitude so people left him the hell alone. Once he got rid of the proverbial thorn in his side in the form of a partner he didn't want, he could get the hell on with the solo work he preferred. One mission. That's what he had to keep telling himself. One mission, one miserable assignment and he'd hopefully piss Larson off enough that the debriefs would make damn sure Mack never tried this shit again.*
Tyler Tieran |PF| *As the doors were opened, he stood. Thankfully, they had been near the front, so it didn't take too long for them to make their way out into the bright sunshine. Glancing right to left, he spotted a few small shops down the street. Place was off the beaten path, but enough people evidently came here that they'd raised a limited town around the rural airport. They could at least stock up on necessities before heading out. In this place, first aid would definitely be a must. Who the hell knew how long it could take to get medical attention once they left the safety of the research outposts. They'd also need weapons. Legal, illegal, didn't really matter to him. He didn't feel comfortable without 'em.* Your spooks around? Ask 'em if there's anywhere for weapons. Don't much care what.
Aryk Larson |PF| *I glance around the tiny town with a frown. Hearing Tyler's words, I roll my eyes* ~It doesn't work that way.~ *I point off into the distance at what looks like a gun store. Tyler takes off without a word and basically clears a path through the people. I'll give it to him, he doesn't take crap from anyone. That's something I could respect. Entering the store, we see they have more than just guns for sale. We could easily stock up supplies here*
Aryk Larson |PF| *45 minutes later, I pull my heavy backpack across my back and follow Tyler towards a boat waiting at a dock. The day had suddenly turned cold, as if a storm was on the way. Great. That's all we needed in this frozen hell was frozen hail. Stopping next to Tyler, I wait as he converses with the boatman for a little while. I am glad at least one of us knows the native language.*
Aryk Larson |PF| *After a few minutes, and an agreed upon amount of money, we place our supplies into the tiny boat and get in. Even though it should be mid-day still, the sky is almost black. I look at Tyler and give him a meaningful stare. This isn't something that is normal. The boatman seems to sense something was off as well, as he kept looking up to the sky. I catch Tyler's eye to sign* ~I didn't think a storm was suppose to come in for a few days. Do you think it's early?
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Once in the shop, he'd been like a big damn kid. Some of the shit here would definitely not be legal stateside. He briefly debated whether he could find a way to get them across the border, before Aryk, who appeared to be able to read his facial expression, simply signed "No." Killjoy. He caressed the metal lovingly as he packed away the arsenal. Aryk had chosen his own weapons but he didn't seem near as enthralled. He was okay with that. More gear for him. Hefting his pack to his back, he stayed back a few moments, letting his mind take over for his other senses long enough to pick up the local dialect. Shit came in handy when you were negotiating.*
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Heading up to the small dock, he leaned closer, conversing quietly, pressing a large folded envelope into the male's hand. Passage granted, they moved aboard, Aryk's stare alerting him. Glancing around, he shivered slightly. The air itself seemed thick with an almost malicious feeling. He couldn't place it, but it made his hackles rise. Keeping one hand at his side in case quick action was needed, he shook his head almost imperceptibly to Aryk, motioning him towards the bow. *
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Careful of anyone still overhearing them, he signed. ~I don't like it. You're right. This area isn't meant to be hit for days. Frankly Larson, my ass is pretty much here to protect yours. I got nothin. Can necromancers do this shit? You got any of your spooks around? Now's a good time for them to pop outta fucking nowhere before we get blindsided with this shit.
Aryk Larson |PF| *Looking at Tyler, I nod slowly* ~Necromancers are extremely powerful, mostly in dark arts. So yes, in theory this could be because of it. What worries me, is this, whatever it is, didn't appear until we got here.~ *Sharing a look with Tyler, I know he is thinking the same thing I am. Someone alerted the necromancer of our arrival. A flash in the distance catches my eye as lightning crosses the sky. The eerie power behind it sends a shiver down my spine. Everything felt super charged. A silvery figure caught my gaze and my eyes narrow as I see a young child; couldn't be more than 10. I know Tyler couldn't see her but I still motioned in the direction* ~There's a spirit of a young girl over there. She seems afraid.~
Tyler Tieran |PF| Oh good, because this shithole wasn't near as oppressive enough when I thought we were just offing someone that talked to invisible beasties. Nice. *Taking another long look around, he kept his senses flared, honed by years of undercover grunt work. If someone came at him that he could see, he'd be ready. The rest? Well, shit, he'd have to rely on a near damn stranger. Great.* Only place we been was the store on the mainland. Unless someone on the plane knew. *scrubbing a hand over his face, he grimaced as he began to pace the small deck*
Tyler Tieran |PF| It's not obvious. We don't have any of the skills that are noticeable to the general public. We flew as civilians. Had to be someone at the shop, but what would they have told the necro? Some white crackers showed up and bought some shit and overdosed on guns. For all he knows, we're big game hunters or terrorists heading up the coast. What could he have been told that would set this off? *He was musing mostly to himself at this point, until Aryk's motions caught his attention again* They're not tangible. Why would one be afraid? Ain't like they can be shot like our stupid asses can.
Aryk Larson |PF| *I resist the urge to roll my eyes* ~Necromancers control the dead. Spirits can be harnessed to do his bidding. Whether that's possessing people and killing them, to haunting places. It might not even have been a person who told the necromancer about us. It wasn't even 45 minutes before this storm showed up. More than likely, he had spirits stationed to keep an eye on the store. They then would have to tell him what they saw. Spirits in the thrall of a necromancer have no will of their own. They'd kill their own family if he ordered it. The worse part is, very few people can even see the dead, so they can be drained dry of life and possessed and they wouldn't even see it coming.~
Tyler Tieran |PF| *His brow rose slightly, but he managed to conceal his worry, he hoped. How the hell did you fight something you couldn't see? What the hell good would weapons do against possession and being drained of everything that made you who the hell you were? Out of reflex, he tightened his hand on the grip of the 380 he'd secured under his belt, hidden by the jacket that he'd bought long enough to conceal the holster. Just his fucking luck. In this, his powers weren't going to be much help. He'd have to learn to trust another. He wasn't sure if he was even capable of it.* Look Larson, just keep your fucking eye on the beasties, k? I don't need possessed to make me an even surlier fucking bastard. *Motioning in the general direction Aryk had pointed, he gestured to the two of them* You there, beastie. You let his ass know if there are baddies near he and I and he can... hell, I don't know, hold your invisible hand and tell you happy fairy tales or some shit.
Aryk Larson |PF| *Sighing as the spirit looks confused* ~The spirit is a native, meaning she doesn't speak English. And don't worry. I will sense spirits close to us long before they can do any harm. My concern is any undead the necromancer may have risen. They are basically dead bodies inhabited by controlled spirits. The problem is they do not feel pain or fear. So if any do come near us, sweep the legs then decapitate. Simply shooting them in the head won't do it. Speaking of decapitating, you wouldn't have happened to have an iron knife would you?~
Tyler Tieran |PF| I can still shoot 'em though, right? That part's purely stress relief. Gotta get my kicks somewhere, since likely there ain't gonna be any fucking excuse to get laid in this damn backwards place. *At Aryk's words, he frowned. Iron... Iron. Fuck did he have that was iron? Shrugging, he eyed the sky again, making note of the areas where the most fury appeared to be centralized over. There were at least 3. Which one was the one they were after, no fucking clue unless Aryk could get the spirits to talk without them being terrified. Or..* Yo, agent. Can they lie? If you ask certain species direct questions, they can't lie. Anything we got or can find that would make it so the beasties can't lie their see-through assess off if we want information they're too scared to give? Figure interrogation and torture is out. Can't hurt what you can't goddamn see.
Aryk Larson |PF|*Frowning, I look into the distance* ~Spirits are not like the living. They just are. So in a sense, no they can't lie. They say what is there. However, sometimes, they can be very vague. So how you interpret what they say could then lead you to the truth or not. They also, sometimes, don't answer at all. That could either mean they don't know the answer or can't find it. Spirits have a very fleeting memory when they are dead. When they are in the ether, they may over hear something, but then forget about it when they arrive to their destination. So "interrogating" a spirit would be very difficult, yes.~
Tyler Tieran |PF| Jesus Larson. Need a goddamned 8-ball to figure out what the fuck you just said. So basically, lets not trust the beasties word as verbatim. Gotcha. *Turning, he tossed one of the cheap cell phones he'd picked up to Aryk. He'd uploaded a $20 card on each of them, figured it wouldn't take more than that as he intended on them being at each other's side through most of this. Their abilities weren't capable of going off alone on this one.* Going to piss. Text me if some bullshit trips the "freaky ass shit" meter. Otherwise, I'm taking a minute to get the last bit of privacy I can before I'm stuck in a tent with your ass and your visitors.
*Aryk had scoffed, but as Tyler glanced back, Aryk had his hands in his pockets, watching the area where he'd said the girl had been as the boat began to move away from shore. Probably trying to figure out what they were going to be up against. He seemed like the type to want to think of every angle. Making a face, Tyler made himself scarce for the moment. He figured the next 6 days would about the same. Larson dealing with his shit, Tyler attempting to keep talking and getting to know each other crap to a minimum.*
*He'd bent down and was getting his pack re-situated and sorted the way he needed it to be when he felt the boat hit rocks. There were no real docks on the island, they'd been told. Just a rocky reef you could temporarily dock against to let someone off. There wasn't really a year round population, so there'd never been a reason to build one. Seemed stupid, if you asked him, but of course no one did. Glancing up, he nodded as Aryk moved closer, signing that it was go time. Tightening the leather straps, he followed Larson to the side that was against the rocks, making the quick jump to land on slightly unsteady feet. Taking a moment to regain his balance, he checked the small GPS they'd stashed along with the cells. Here went nothing.*
Tyler Tieran |PF| *As the doors were opened, he stood. Thankfully, they had been near the front, so it didn't take too long for them to make their way out into the bright sunshine. Glancing right to left, he spotted a few small shops down the street. Place was off the beaten path, but enough people evidently came here that they'd raised a limited town around the rural airport. They could at least stock up on necessities before heading out. In this place, first aid would definitely be a must. Who the hell knew how long it could take to get medical attention once they left the safety of the research outposts. They'd also need weapons. Legal, illegal, didn't really matter to him. He didn't feel comfortable without 'em.* Your spooks around? Ask 'em if there's anywhere for weapons. Don't much care what.
Aryk Larson |PF| *I glance around the tiny town with a frown. Hearing Tyler's words, I roll my eyes* ~It doesn't work that way.~ *I point off into the distance at what looks like a gun store. Tyler takes off without a word and basically clears a path through the people. I'll give it to him, he doesn't take crap from anyone. That's something I could respect. Entering the store, we see they have more than just guns for sale. We could easily stock up supplies here*
Aryk Larson |PF| *45 minutes later, I pull my heavy backpack across my back and follow Tyler towards a boat waiting at a dock. The day had suddenly turned cold, as if a storm was on the way. Great. That's all we needed in this frozen hell was frozen hail. Stopping next to Tyler, I wait as he converses with the boatman for a little while. I am glad at least one of us knows the native language.*
Aryk Larson |PF| *After a few minutes, and an agreed upon amount of money, we place our supplies into the tiny boat and get in. Even though it should be mid-day still, the sky is almost black. I look at Tyler and give him a meaningful stare. This isn't something that is normal. The boatman seems to sense something was off as well, as he kept looking up to the sky. I catch Tyler's eye to sign* ~I didn't think a storm was suppose to come in for a few days. Do you think it's early?
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Once in the shop, he'd been like a big damn kid. Some of the shit here would definitely not be legal stateside. He briefly debated whether he could find a way to get them across the border, before Aryk, who appeared to be able to read his facial expression, simply signed "No." Killjoy. He caressed the metal lovingly as he packed away the arsenal. Aryk had chosen his own weapons but he didn't seem near as enthralled. He was okay with that. More gear for him. Hefting his pack to his back, he stayed back a few moments, letting his mind take over for his other senses long enough to pick up the local dialect. Shit came in handy when you were negotiating.*
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Heading up to the small dock, he leaned closer, conversing quietly, pressing a large folded envelope into the male's hand. Passage granted, they moved aboard, Aryk's stare alerting him. Glancing around, he shivered slightly. The air itself seemed thick with an almost malicious feeling. He couldn't place it, but it made his hackles rise. Keeping one hand at his side in case quick action was needed, he shook his head almost imperceptibly to Aryk, motioning him towards the bow. *
Tyler Tieran |PF| *Careful of anyone still overhearing them, he signed. ~I don't like it. You're right. This area isn't meant to be hit for days. Frankly Larson, my ass is pretty much here to protect yours. I got nothin. Can necromancers do this shit? You got any of your spooks around? Now's a good time for them to pop outta fucking nowhere before we get blindsided with this shit.
Aryk Larson |PF| *Looking at Tyler, I nod slowly* ~Necromancers are extremely powerful, mostly in dark arts. So yes, in theory this could be because of it. What worries me, is this, whatever it is, didn't appear until we got here.~ *Sharing a look with Tyler, I know he is thinking the same thing I am. Someone alerted the necromancer of our arrival. A flash in the distance catches my eye as lightning crosses the sky. The eerie power behind it sends a shiver down my spine. Everything felt super charged. A silvery figure caught my gaze and my eyes narrow as I see a young child; couldn't be more than 10. I know Tyler couldn't see her but I still motioned in the direction* ~There's a spirit of a young girl over there. She seems afraid.~
Tyler Tieran |PF| Oh good, because this shithole wasn't near as oppressive enough when I thought we were just offing someone that talked to invisible beasties. Nice. *Taking another long look around, he kept his senses flared, honed by years of undercover grunt work. If someone came at him that he could see, he'd be ready. The rest? Well, shit, he'd have to rely on a near damn stranger. Great.* Only place we been was the store on the mainland. Unless someone on the plane knew. *scrubbing a hand over his face, he grimaced as he began to pace the small deck*
Tyler Tieran |PF| It's not obvious. We don't have any of the skills that are noticeable to the general public. We flew as civilians. Had to be someone at the shop, but what would they have told the necro? Some white crackers showed up and bought some shit and overdosed on guns. For all he knows, we're big game hunters or terrorists heading up the coast. What could he have been told that would set this off? *He was musing mostly to himself at this point, until Aryk's motions caught his attention again* They're not tangible. Why would one be afraid? Ain't like they can be shot like our stupid asses can.
Aryk Larson |PF| *I resist the urge to roll my eyes* ~Necromancers control the dead. Spirits can be harnessed to do his bidding. Whether that's possessing people and killing them, to haunting places. It might not even have been a person who told the necromancer about us. It wasn't even 45 minutes before this storm showed up. More than likely, he had spirits stationed to keep an eye on the store. They then would have to tell him what they saw. Spirits in the thrall of a necromancer have no will of their own. They'd kill their own family if he ordered it. The worse part is, very few people can even see the dead, so they can be drained dry of life and possessed and they wouldn't even see it coming.~
Tyler Tieran |PF| *His brow rose slightly, but he managed to conceal his worry, he hoped. How the hell did you fight something you couldn't see? What the hell good would weapons do against possession and being drained of everything that made you who the hell you were? Out of reflex, he tightened his hand on the grip of the 380 he'd secured under his belt, hidden by the jacket that he'd bought long enough to conceal the holster. Just his fucking luck. In this, his powers weren't going to be much help. He'd have to learn to trust another. He wasn't sure if he was even capable of it.* Look Larson, just keep your fucking eye on the beasties, k? I don't need possessed to make me an even surlier fucking bastard. *Motioning in the general direction Aryk had pointed, he gestured to the two of them* You there, beastie. You let his ass know if there are baddies near he and I and he can... hell, I don't know, hold your invisible hand and tell you happy fairy tales or some shit.
Aryk Larson |PF| *Sighing as the spirit looks confused* ~The spirit is a native, meaning she doesn't speak English. And don't worry. I will sense spirits close to us long before they can do any harm. My concern is any undead the necromancer may have risen. They are basically dead bodies inhabited by controlled spirits. The problem is they do not feel pain or fear. So if any do come near us, sweep the legs then decapitate. Simply shooting them in the head won't do it. Speaking of decapitating, you wouldn't have happened to have an iron knife would you?~
Tyler Tieran |PF| I can still shoot 'em though, right? That part's purely stress relief. Gotta get my kicks somewhere, since likely there ain't gonna be any fucking excuse to get laid in this damn backwards place. *At Aryk's words, he frowned. Iron... Iron. Fuck did he have that was iron? Shrugging, he eyed the sky again, making note of the areas where the most fury appeared to be centralized over. There were at least 3. Which one was the one they were after, no fucking clue unless Aryk could get the spirits to talk without them being terrified. Or..* Yo, agent. Can they lie? If you ask certain species direct questions, they can't lie. Anything we got or can find that would make it so the beasties can't lie their see-through assess off if we want information they're too scared to give? Figure interrogation and torture is out. Can't hurt what you can't goddamn see.
Aryk Larson |PF|*Frowning, I look into the distance* ~Spirits are not like the living. They just are. So in a sense, no they can't lie. They say what is there. However, sometimes, they can be very vague. So how you interpret what they say could then lead you to the truth or not. They also, sometimes, don't answer at all. That could either mean they don't know the answer or can't find it. Spirits have a very fleeting memory when they are dead. When they are in the ether, they may over hear something, but then forget about it when they arrive to their destination. So "interrogating" a spirit would be very difficult, yes.~
Tyler Tieran |PF| Jesus Larson. Need a goddamned 8-ball to figure out what the fuck you just said. So basically, lets not trust the beasties word as verbatim. Gotcha. *Turning, he tossed one of the cheap cell phones he'd picked up to Aryk. He'd uploaded a $20 card on each of them, figured it wouldn't take more than that as he intended on them being at each other's side through most of this. Their abilities weren't capable of going off alone on this one.* Going to piss. Text me if some bullshit trips the "freaky ass shit" meter. Otherwise, I'm taking a minute to get the last bit of privacy I can before I'm stuck in a tent with your ass and your visitors.
*Aryk had scoffed, but as Tyler glanced back, Aryk had his hands in his pockets, watching the area where he'd said the girl had been as the boat began to move away from shore. Probably trying to figure out what they were going to be up against. He seemed like the type to want to think of every angle. Making a face, Tyler made himself scarce for the moment. He figured the next 6 days would about the same. Larson dealing with his shit, Tyler attempting to keep talking and getting to know each other crap to a minimum.*
*He'd bent down and was getting his pack re-situated and sorted the way he needed it to be when he felt the boat hit rocks. There were no real docks on the island, they'd been told. Just a rocky reef you could temporarily dock against to let someone off. There wasn't really a year round population, so there'd never been a reason to build one. Seemed stupid, if you asked him, but of course no one did. Glancing up, he nodded as Aryk moved closer, signing that it was go time. Tightening the leather straps, he followed Larson to the side that was against the rocks, making the quick jump to land on slightly unsteady feet. Taking a moment to regain his balance, he checked the small GPS they'd stashed along with the cells. Here went nothing.*