Thread: //.ghost/ECHO::Murphy_Was_Right:// [ClockworkCadence x Ryees]

RE .ghostECHOMurphyWasRight The smile across his lips caught her off guardsomething close to pleasant? She hadnt even considered the fact that he might even have the capability to express something close to happiness. His words unnerved her, not because it was intimidating, but because of the implications. Had she really been playing just the way hed intended, all this time? Shed tried so hard to throw off any possible edge he had over her, yet was he really here, standing over her the whole time? Yet before she could retort, his short statement spurred swift action as he gathered their weapons. Her body instinctively tensed as he held her knife, feeling unprepared should he decide to retaliate against her. The calmness in his gaze relaxed her defensive stance, and though something odd that she couldnt define resided in those same ice chips, there was at least one thing he made clear. He wasnt going to use it on herthat was progress, at least. She began to step closer, hoping he might let her take back her weapon, but before she'd even taken three steps, both of their weapons were coated in plasm and abruptly vanished. If it wasn't for the fact that he'd gotten rid of his weapon too, she'd have reacted violentlybut he seemed to have a plan. More than that, he seemed to know something. They? How did he know someone was coming? Maybe this was a part of his abilitya heightened perception of sight, the ability to look into the past and present, or something else along those lines? The sudden shift in his demeanor was a bit shockinghe looked like the type of guy that wouldn't even express pain on his deathbed, yet here he was, clutching the gaping wound as if it was the worst pain in his life. She didn't know him in the slightest, but she could imagine these definitely weren't the worst injuries he'd ever sustained. Yet this show of vulnerability? It just seemed unnatural, given the few short moments she'd seen of his perpetual neutrality and calmness. Her eyes were shining with intrigue until he looked at her, the expression on his face speaking just as plainly as if he'd actually opened his mouth to tell her. It was a ruse. And if she wanted things to go smoothly, she'd better play along, too. The black material of her cloak floated to the ground as she reached for both of her hidden blades, chucking the switchblade on the ground close to her companion and swiping her boots knife through a puddle of .WRAITH blood not far from her. Yet as soon as it was dripping crimson, she decided it would be best to leave it there completely, abandoning her only mode of defense left as she ran to crouch down at the side of the man that just moments earlier, .DUALITY wouldnt have dared to approach without a weapon. But this wasnt .DUALITY anymorethis was just simply Lyra, with concern, vulnerability, and a bit of fear creeping onto her face as she played her part in the game. She leaned in close to the man shed recoiled from earlier, a hand on his right shoulder as she inspected the gaping wound shed created, merely pretending to care, but the sight genuinely made her stomach crawl. The engine roared close as the brakes screeched, not from exertion since they werent going particularly fast, but simply from the effort of having to work when they were clearly not in any condition to do so. At the sound, feigned fear became evident on her face as she pulled her companion closer, his head close to her right shoulder as she held him protectively, her left hand still against his shoulder and the right snaking up to gently cradle the back of his head. It was only for a moment, howeveras the human figures became apparent and their words floated over the sounds of the not-so-gentle engine, her hands cautiously lifted into the air. With a quick glance around, she located the switchblade shed deposited nearby earlier, a dull thud against her boot as she kicked it away, making a clear statement shed cooperate and not cause trouble. It felt almost relieving to give into the pain and finally allow herself to express it, not entirely faking her reaction as they approached and motioned for her to stand, breath hitching as she winced with the exertion. It's nice to see something that's not immediately trying to kill us. She offered nervously, trying to open a dialogue as one of the smaller men came to stand inches from her. She felt hands start to press along her body, gasping in pain any time they touched near a wound in their search for weapons. Damn, you both got really in over your heads out here, didnt ya? .MAXIM noted as a burly hand ghosted over a bullet hole, causing Lyra to hiss out air in protest. Welcome to the badlands. The key to her house and a little blue stone were extracted from her pocket as he looked down at her, then at the scene around them for a moment, trying to piece things together. So, whats your story? Fixing him with an innocent and anxious look, she took a deep, shaky breath in a fake attempt to calm herself down. Im Lyra. Lyra Caspari. My friend and I Her big, lying orbs glanced back with concern for her companion before turning back with a tremble in her lower lip. Wewe were looking for .LOOT in those mountains to the south. Wed gotten good intel on a great cache, but apparently we werent the only ones crossing that area. There was another groupthey didnt look like they were searching for anything, just passing through. But they She paused for a moment, the fake memory paining her as she shook her head feebly. They didnt like us being there. They shot at usI took the worst of it. Her attention shifted back over to her partner in this charade, letting a gentle smile of gratitude settle on her expression that wasnt quite without some truth. Hed saved them from a potentially rough encounter with his suggestion to appear harmless, after all. My friend and I ran. He helped me, made sure I kept moving through the pain. We saw an open .ECHO , and in our panic, we just decided to go through it. It was better to face the unknown than get gunned down, right? She summoned her emotions enough to force small tears to well up in the corners of her eyes, determined to sell the story. At least, thats what we thought until we ended up here. And these .WRAITHS Her hands shook as they moved slowly to cover her face, as if she could hide herself from the horrors shed witnessed just moments ago. .MAXIM stood then, satisfied with his search even though he was clearly inexperienced enough to miss the poison still on her person. Thats some bad luck, right there. But at least you two were able to survive. He offered, trying feebly to console the terrified woman until the sound of footsteps approaching caused him to glance back and step away, making room for the woman that had stayed behind to come closer. Her gait was slow and purposeful, snaking her way closer until she stopped a few inches from Lyra, her steely gaze appraising the pair for a long moment before she spoke. You two dont belong out here. She offered simply, causing Lyra to tense. Carrying only these feeble little weapons? Her eyes narrowed on the knives, appraising them thoughtfully. Your friend here doesnt even have any armor. He definitely could have used it today, though. She commented, suspicion evident in her expression as she evaluated him, until the feeling eventually dispersed with a sigh. She looked like she wanted to dispute this story, wanting to believe that no raider in hell would be dumb enough to come out here barely prepared. Yet even if they had come here with more on their person, what did it matter now? They were clearly unprepared enough to get this injured, and her mens search of their possessions revealed nothing else of use. So, I propose a deal. .GORGON continued, hands causally at her sides shifting to rest on her hips. You let us keep your weapons and give us the location you were exploring. In return, we can patch you up before you two open an .ECHO to safety. Lyra feigned surprised gratitude, nodding enthusiastically. Yes, thats perfectly fine with us. Thank you so much, miss. We really did get in over our heads. Hopefully now, they were in the clear. It was a minor setback losing her trusty hidden weapons, but it was a small price to pay to keep her life. That, and the location of the .LOOT she'd been planning on searching for in a few days. All just worthwhile costs for survival. .GORGON motioned, a simple wave of her hand, and the men began to escort the injured pair towards their vehicle. Within a few minutes, they were inside the belly of the machine, the engine sputtering as they crossed the smooth landscape. Their trust was placed in the unknown.