rekindleme | (no subject)

[For a while, the soldier debated putting on his armor before seeking out the two Rangar assassins, cautious of their abilities on the one hand, but wondering if street clothes might be more likely to send the message that he didn't necessarily want to fight.

In the end, the memory of the venom that knocked him out for more than an hour wins out and he dons the leather suit, but he leaves the mask. He does intend to talk, after all, or at least to try. He doesn't exactly have his usual stash of weapons, but he does at least still have his knife should it come to blows.

Fortunately for Terra, the soldier spots him as he appears to be having trouble on his way to the border between districts, and he doesn't waste much time getting down to him from the perch he'd been watching the area from. Unfortunately, his presence likely means the assassins are more likely to view them as an immediate threat...

He steps out of the shadows somewhat suddenly near the other brown-haired man. It's kind of a thing he does, but hopefully he doesn't spook Terra too bad.]

What are you doing.

[ 'Having trouble' is putting it lightly; like the last time he'd gone so long without any kind of physical contact, his vision was starting to get blurry and the city felt like it was spinning. It was hard to shake that feeling and focus on the task at hand, let alone keep an eye on his surroundings like he should have been.

So, the soldier comes as a complete surprise when by all accounts, Terra should have been able to detect someone was nearby and watching him.

Though caught off guard and clearly startled, he manages to steady himself and keep his gaze leveled on the soldier. ] Looking for someone.

[ He doesn't even have the energy to spare on sarcasm. But... a small break might help. Maybe.

He out-stubborned the touch withdrawal at a worse stage. He can do it again. ]

You can hardly walk straight.

[He clearly doesn't think Terra's in any state to look for anyone, much less the ones he thinks the other man is probably looking for. And if it ends up in a fight... he thinks it's likely the key wielder will just get in the way.

He's dealt with those types who think they can handle more than they actually can, the eternally stubborn tough guys. His sense for them has improved a lot lately.]

Go home.

[ As soon as he shakes his head to convey that he won't do that, he regrets it.

Street, spinning, very bad.

He waits for the world to stop moving before responding. ] There's no one to go back to.

[ Which is the only clue he's giving as to the cause of his illness.

He casts his gaze down to the street, brows furrowing in frustration. ] I have a key - I might be the only visitor that does. I can help them.

[ It's not smart, but he feels like he has to. ]

[Bucky gives him a critical look. Has this guy seriously been subsisting with one person's help? And now they're gone, and the symptoms make it pretty obvious he hasn't looked for anyone else.]

Idiot.

[He walks up and takes the man by the upper arm to stabilize him at least a little, leaving his metal arm free; he's not entirely sure how the recovery from withdrawal works since he thankfully hasn't suffered anything severe, but he knows some touch will be better than none.

It helps that Terra said he wants to assist the fugitives, but he wonders...]

What kind of key.

[ That actually earns the soldier a quiet chuckle. ] Tell me something I don't know.

[ It hadn't been just Aqua at first. But one by one, those he had made friends with had left until it was just him and her. And then, she had been gone.

Considering where he knew she had returned to, it only made that loss hurt even more.

He doesn't even try to pull away once he feels the other man's hand on his arm. It will take more prolonged contact to be rid of the symptoms entirely, but he can already feel the fog starting to lift.

He can look up now, at least. ] A talisman. It can open an entrance to the place they're headed.

[ Well, the place he thinks they're headed. ] I know where one gate is, but they'll know about others. I need to find them and help them get to a gate.

[At least Terra doesn't argue or try to shoulder his obvious illness alone, unlike a certain punk he knows. It's enough for him to lose a little of his judgmental stare.

All the soldier seeks from the two is information. If Terra can help them escape after that, he'll have no argument.]

Then we find them.

[Though likenesses of the two were posted for everyone to see, Bucky is fairly certain he and Steve were the only ones to actually encounter the woman long enough to get a good look at her. As for the other... he's fairly certain Terra wasn't responsible for his capture, but he doubts he'll be leaving the woman to fend for herself when her previously healthy limb isn't anymore.]

[Birds have very sensitive senses of hearing. The conversation catches Violet's attention, and her perking up gives Fortuna the way to go. She has her gun under her coat, just in case, as well as her transformation mask, but the drones have been stationed elsewhere, set to wait - their visuals are on her control deck, which she holds in her hand, rather than in her head. They're like security cameras - except for once on her side. She's also looking to help these people, since learning they'd been experimented on.

She's seen quite enough of that.

Troll and chocobo approach the pair, her silhouette looming above them both. She recognizes in Bucky's heat signature the faint difference between flesh and machine, and relaxes slightly, knowing he's likely to be friendly to them too.]

Hoi, James. We all out here for the same thing?

Edited (wtf was my wording even) 2014-10-12 21:35 (UTC)

[ The relief that makes it's way into his expression at the use of the word 'we' is all too visible. ] We can cover each other's blind spots. I'll try to keep my other senses open -

[ He cuts himself off when he hears the sound of oncoming footsteps, and looks in the direction that they seem to be coming from -

A ... a chocobo and it's rider. The birds were supposed to exist in other worlds back home, but he'd never encountered one. In the back of his mind, he knew there was a chocobo stable in the city, but he hadn't yet been.

He wouldn't be forgetting the smell anytime soon, though it seemed oddly nostalgic to him for some reason he couldn't remember. (Maybe he'll remember one day.)

His gaze then drifts to the chocobo's rider as she approaches. She seems to know the soldier, but... ] That depends on what you're out here for.

[ Just need to verify; it's nothing personal. He looks back at the soldier. ] Is this a friend?

[The soldier hears the pair approach before he sees them, turning just as their figures move into sight, and given the particular person it is, he doesn't bother worrying more than the second after he notices them. They have similar goals, he knows.

He looks between the pair, still keeping his hand around Terra's arm as he replies to them both.]

Yeah. [He nods at the device in Fortuna's hand, assuming it's something she's brought to help her search.] What's that.

[She would ride the chocobo if she could. Unfortunately ~~the authors had no idea what proper weight-to-height ratio is above normal human range~~ troll bodies are very dense and she weighs way too much for a horse to carry, much less a hollow-boned bird meant for flight.]

If he's involved [she gestures to Bucky], we're all out to help some potential friends. And this is the control deck for my drones. Got 'em set up a ways back so I can keep an eye on things.

[She shows Bucky the display. They've got some kind of night vision filter which distorts the picture a little, but they'll still spot what she's hoping to spot: either the Rangar members or possible pursuit. Hopefully not both.]

[ That response alleviates Terra's main concern, at least for now. Three pairs of eyes are much better than two for covering any potential blind spots. Four pairs, if the chocobo's were to be counted.

He tries to get a look at the display screen on his own, and nods briefly once he does. Multiple drones mean multiple eyes, and more area covered. ] Hopefully, we can find them before anyone else.

[ Keyword here being 'hopefully'. ]

[He looks at the display appreciatively; more opportunity for surveillance is always a plus, especially with possible dangerous foes involved.

He assesses the situation in his head; he'll have to stay with Terra to ensure he's well enough to pass over the key when they get to that, and though Fortuna and her bird could search elsewhere, without a communicator, it would be more difficult to relay the location if one of them found the Rangar assassins.

There is another option, however, something that's more appealing to the soldier, who originally planned to come alone...

He pulls Terra forward by the arm as if to hand him to Fortuna.]

He's got contact sickness. Stay with him and I'll watch you from the roofs.

[This way he can both stay out of sight to reduce the possibility of aggression and keep the element of surprise if it happens anyway. The soldier can certainly work with a team, but he's at his best when he can act as a ghost.]

Got it. [She takes Terra's arm and helps him towards Violet. The black chocobo looks down at him, leaning in as if to get a better look in the dark.] Mind riding on Violet here? It'd free up everyone's hands.

Edited 2014-10-15 01:38 (UTC)

[ Watch from the roofs? That's a sound enough strategy - another viewpoint, and easier to stay hidden.

Though he's two feet shorter than Fortuna, it's still almost funny how easy it is to guide him over to the chocobo. He looks between Violet and then at Fortuna in turn, frowning a little. He understood the reasoning, but he wasn't nearly that much of an invalid. He could walk, if he kept his hand on her shoulder or something.

... but, he couldn't deny that he'd wondered what riding on chocobo-back was like since he had first read about them as a kid. It'd be a form of contact, and he could call his Keyblade.

Slowly, he nods, and even cracks a grin. ] I don't mind. I should be able to get the smell out of my clothes later.

[ He hopes. It's not like he'll have prolonged contact with the bird. ... right? ]

[And just like that, the soldier all but disappears from sight, blending into the darkness he knows so well. It doesn't take him long to get into position on a nearby roof, and once he's there, he immediately surveys the surroundings for any sign of the assassins. With as many viewpoints as they have now, it shouldn't take long for them to locate the escapees.

He'd feel more comfortable with a sniper rifle, but he hasn't been able to find one and he's fairly certain Stark wouldn't make one for him if he asked. He'll have to deal with close-range combat if it comes to blows. He idly considers the fact he's been fighting very little these days. Maybe he should ask Steve for a spar...]

[For a moment, all seems quiet as most people seem to have been avoiding the area whether due to the danger or for other reasons. Yet as the minutes tick by, Fortuna's drones will have picked up movement behind them. Three people inbound from the south, going into different buildings as though searching for something.]

...Well, drek.

[Fortuna shows Terra the feed. They don't have reliable radio contact since they aren't an established team. Which is really hurting them right now. How is she supposed to warn Bucky?]

We've got incoming. May not be us they're searching for but I'll bet running into them will be a headache anyway.

[ He looks over the screen display again and mutters a quiet curse under his breath. He didn't think that they would find their targets so soon. ] Maybe...

[ He thinks for a few seconds, before nodding. ] We need to approach carefully - I don't want to start a fight when we're here to help.

[ Approach very carefully. ]

[The soldier notices the two exchanging the monitor and takes it as a possible indication they've seen something. Even if he can't catch all of their conversation from his current position on the roof, seeing them talk is enough for him to cautiously scan the surroundings.

Knowing that the authorities warned them to stay away, it's likely they have their own people who will be searching for the assassins. If they show up before the Rangar pair, it will, in all likelihood, mean trouble. All the more reason to have the element of surprise on his side.]

You sure it's the ones we're looking for, or the other people looking for them? They're searching buildings. Looks like they're looking for someone. That's hunter behavior, not hunted. I'll try to take a closer look.

[She'd want to follow them, but her drones aren't silent. She plugs herself into the control deck and activates the control rig for the flying Sundowner, the quieter of the two, and follows from a distance with the drone, meanwhile leaning against the nearest wall as much as possible to diminish her considerable profile in case her attention is on the wrong set of eyes if trouble shows up.

Time to try to find out who they are...]

Edited 2014-10-18 03:55 (UTC)

[As the drone approaches closer, it becomes more apparent that whoever these people are they are dressed like what one would consider SWAT team members. However instead of another one of their own giving orders, a man in a black suit and shades (who would be wearing shades at this hour?) seems to be monitoring a device of his own and communicating through vague gestures with his team.

From above, Bucky will be able to see a glimpse of a large reptilian tail as its owner ducks into an alleyway a block north of his location.]

[ Terra squints slightly at the display, then frowns. That... doesn't look promising. Too many of them are dressed like they're expecting a difficult fight...

With him in his current state of withdrawal sickness, he's not of much use. Until he's recovered enough to carry him own... ] Right... we should circle around, and try to remain undetected.

[With a trace of the assassins spotted--he remembers clearly that the two of them can take on reptilian forms--the soldier takes no time in deciding to follow, jumping onto the next roof in order to catch up.

He assumes that either what the drones have picked up are the two he's now pursuing, or that the other two will be able to take care of themselves should they have found anyone else. He's not risking losing this (literal) tail.]

We're not going towards them, they're coming towards us. We need to find their targets before they do so we can mislead them...

[She backs her drone out into the streets and hovers in an alleyway to determine where they're headed next, and looks up at the rooftops to find Bucky's heat signature...

...except it's not there.]

Drek, where'd James get to? I don't see him up there.

[As the soldier continues onward, a better look at his target reveals it is not only the tail of a reptile, but a large, deep-violet drake. The drake is moving at an alarming speed for how silent its steps are, especially given its massive size.]

[The Winter Soldier is no newcomer to moving quickly and silently, but to see an animal-like creature doing the same is an experience he hasn't had before. It just solidifies the idea that this is one of the assassins he's looking for.

He does what's necessary to keep up without engaging for now, planning to see if the drake leads him to the other of the two first.]

[For a few moments, the drake seems to be headed in a direction far from where the drones detected movement and any light source.]

[A smart move, the soldier thinks when he notices. The farther away they are from lights, the less likely they are to be detected by those who depend on them.

His vision has had plenty of time to adjust to the night, so he doesn't think he'll have much trouble following. He's starting to think about moving down to street level, however; Fortuna and Terra have not followed this far, and he thinks he may be on his own.

As long as he's aware of the possibility of an attack, he should be alright if he presents himself more openly. He thinks he'd get a better response than if he surprised them.]

[And as though to prove him wrong, any sign of movement ceases as the large reptile turns a corner.]

[When he loses sight of the target, his decision is made. He makes his way down to the street level to continue his search.

If he's found by an enemy, he can lie--he was attacked by one of the assassins before, and it seems logical that he'd be interested in tracking them down again. If he encounters the assassins, he'll be ready for an attack if it happens. His goal is to make contact with them, and that won't happen if he loses them.

So he'll let them find him this time.]

[It's a few tense moments before the shadows twitch ever so slightly. From within, he can hear a deep draconic voice whisper from behind his ear.]

Hahaha... A brave one, you are... to be so bold as to follow a Sssaurian at night. So do tell usss why we owe the pleasure of your presence, lest ye risk your other arm...

[Hearing the hissing voice only reassures him--the other has decided to speak instead of ambush him immediately. It bodes well.

He turns his head slowly a few inches and speaks calmly.]

I'm here to talk. Zeloph promised me something, so I told him I'd help.

Trahvoul sekda... What proof do you have to back your claims, outsider?

[Though it is a question posed, the voice seems to more demand it. They are on borrowed time, lingering in one location on the surface.]

I don't have any.

[Lying isn't about to get him anywhere, even if he could come up with something. Instead, he gets to his point.]

He said you were looking for information. What the scientists are doing with the energy. You broke out--you know more about what's in there.

[And what he'd encounter if he tried to get in.]

Ah yes, his plans... Planning on an infiltration, are we?

[Yet as he poses the question, footsteps of something running towards their position echo down the alleyways.]

Come with me if you do not wish to be uncovered before your attempt.

[A gloved hand reaches out from the shadows for Bucky, an open invitation into the shadows and out of the sights of men.]

[The soldier doesn't hesitate to take the hand so that they can get away from whatever authorities are seeking out the assassins. It wouldn't do any good to be caught now.]

[With a tug, the world seems to flash into darkness. Yet as his eyes adjust to the shadows, he will come to see first the owner of that hand. A man, about the same height and build (if not a little taller) with dark skin and the same vibrant green eyes as his sister. The streets themselves seem to become more focused than they did outside this little pocket of shadow. A bit farther away then they were before, too.

Letting go of the assassin's hand, Khalid speaks lowly.]

So you are one of those who gave Fajr a run for her coin... how interesting.

[He takes in the surroundings, noticing how they've changed. He doesn't imagine he'll understand exactly what's just happened any time soon, but he'll take the reassurance that they're out of sight at face value.

He looks back to the man before him once he's finished with that, making eye contact.]

And you're Khalid. [Good, introductions are all done. The man looks similar to the one he calls Fajr, but Bucky isn't about to make assumptions as to their relation.]

[He is silent for a moment, as though gazing deeper into the shadows around them, listening for any sign of footsteps.]

You are not like us, but the scent of the Flame is still upon you... good. Then you should be able to see. [Because who wouldn't want to see inside the miasma?]

Let's make this quick. What knowledge of the inside are you seeking?

[It would be unfortunate if he was completely blind at the moment, yes.]

Entrances and exits. Security. [... he's certain the man will be telling the Rangar leader about other things they found, but he has to admit he's curious...] What they're doing with all the energy.

There are many--one of which I'm sure you've stumbled upon whether by accident or choice.

The underground of the city is filled with intricate tunnel systems, some even going under the waterways, though a few passages have been... "blocked". Every entrance is guarded - that's how they knew which district we left the tunnels in. The tunnels themselves aren't nearly as heavily guarded.

As for the energy... half of it was diverted to their greenhouses and the barriers. The other half is charging a machine they've been working on, though we couldn't get a clear view with the little time we had before we had to escape.

[Normal security shouldn't be a huge deal, though it'll be beneficial to know details.]

What sort of weapons are they carrying?

[... A machine? That could be anything. Not very helpful, though it does let him know there is something going on. He'll have to get information on that somehow.]

Guns, knives... Could have sworn a few were rogues as well.

[He chuckles like an amused dragon having slain a few treasure hunters.]

That's it?

[He almost seems incredulous. That seems too easy, but then again... most security is for him.]

Most are outfitted with magitechnology. Some of which your arm won't like getting hit by.

[A shrug.]

So it has to touch you to work.

[That shouldn't be a huge problem. Super soldier speed means you don't get hit by a lot of things in the first place.

Admittedly he doesn't know a lot about magic in general, much less the kind that exists in this world. He'll try to get enough information without interrogating the guy.]

[The whereabouts of the winter soldier is but a mystery. However, it may not be the case for the two on the ground. The drones' sights will catch the unmistakeable sign that those who had been searching inside the buildings have left the establishments and small groups defecting to streets to the left and to the right.

It is clear something or someone was captured on their equipment, but now what or who...]

...Not good. They've found something.

*She activates her Steel Lynx and sends both drones along the shadows of the same street, behind trash bins and various things left lying about in the alleys, keeping an eye on them.

None of them are geared for sniping, but...*

Hey, mind if I send Violet up with you to find James?

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Room for one more?

Plenty of room!

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For the Winter Soldier...

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For Terra and Fortuna...

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