If you'd like to apply to Snowblind and would like to test the waters first or get a sample set up for your application, this meme is for you! We've even provided some prompts for you to use if you want (but feel free to make up your own). Here's how it works.
✭ Reply to this entry with a character you're considering apping into the game. You can include the name of your character and the fandom in your subject line. ✭ Comment around to others on the meme, whether you're in the game already or not. ✭ Now you have a sample ready for your application! ✭ So go reserve and apply when reservations and applications are open. ✭ Seriously, do it.
Network Prompts
ONE: MAP CRUNCH It looks like all the maps that you and your fellow captives have been spending so much time building have corroded and the files are unable to be viewed any longer. You've planned a rendezvous with another party in a building you've never been to before--and now you're not sure how to get there. Maybe someone on the network will be able to help guide you to your destination.
TWO: SOMEBODY CALL 9-1-1! You got inside before lockdown, but not without the cost of sustaining an injury in your haste. You're fortunate enough to have found a first aid kit in one of the cabinets, but without medical experience you decide to contact the network for some advice in cleaning your wound. Or maybe you'd just like the company and reassurance while you try to stop the bleeding.
Action Prompts
THREE: DEFINING LANDMARKS You and your traveling companion decide to spend the day building a landmark up out of the snow in front of the building you're currently taking shelter within. The more distinctive landmarks that buildings have, the better, right? But architectural nuances may prove difficult when the cold is biting against you, pressuring you to give up and go back inside. And could there be something more sinister lurking just out of sight...?
FOUR: PARTY CRASHER A monster has been chasing you and your traveling companion for what feels like hours, and you're quickly losing steam. You manage to make it to a building--but there's plenty of time left before lockdown will secure you inside, and the monster isn't giving up. It throws and claws itself up against the door, and when it realizes that you have your weight against it, heads for the windows--and any other crevice may give it entry. You better think fast if you don't want it to force its way inside. It's a good thing you have more than one set of hands available to take action.
[He entertained the thought of video for about two seconds before realizing how stupid of a choice that was. He's not about to show the sizable gash up his thigh - besides it just being bad show all around, he knows by now that there's kids out there. It'll be easier to hide just what's going on if he sticks to voice instead. Forcing a smile into his voice was easier than having to hide a grimace of pain, after all.
So he keeps himself as lighthearted as possible, even as he presses what little fabric he has against the blood against his leg.]
Don't worry, don't worry, I'm inside. Just fixing up a wound I got on the way here and could use a little distraction. A story about someone back home, maybe? I know we're all missing friends and loved ones, but that doesn't mean we have to go forgetting them.
...If you're in a good mood and want to share some medical advice with your story, I definitely wouldn't complain. [His laugh is bright but half-hearted, tinged with discomfort as he pops open the first-aid kit off screen.] Fresh out of healers right now, you know?
- 4 -
[Normally Guy would revel in his advantage of speed in a situation like this - some multiple-legged creature with several rows of teeth and a scream that made the blood run cold, ripping through the snow like an overgrown spider, set on a meal. Even facing something like this while properly armed would be a bad move. Running for the sake of survival had to be an option.
Except for the fact that he had company.
By the time the house had been reached, the monster was practically wrapping its claws around their legs, Guy shoving his heel at a trapped limb in the door as he bodily slams against the wood, trying to force it shut as his companion catches their breath.]
Go, go get the windows! I've got it for right now! [As well as he can, anyways. He bites back a swear at the sound of wood splintering from the other side, still struggling to get the lock to latch.]
Whoa, dudes. Check this out! [The recording goes quiet for a moment, save for the muffled crackling as Charlie holds the "this" up to the camera. He doesn't seem to realize he's only recording the audio.] I found like, a tissue box and a whole bunch of floss and, hey, made this sweet little guitar! Or like, what's it called, like, a banjo or whatever. [He strums the banjo or whatever. A feeble, off-key chord warbles over the feed.] Yeah, it kinda sucks but anyway I wrote a song for you guys!
[Charlie clears his throat and gives the banjo or whatever another pluck. He noodles around for a bit before landing on a scratchy three-note melody. He begins to sing, his voice about as in-tune as the makeshift instrument.] Hey there all my Norfinbury friends, you gotta help Charlie or else his adventure will ends! I'm s'posed to meet up with some dudes later today, but my map's all busted and I don't know the way! Please please tell me how to get down to the toy shop, boo-ba-doo, ba-boo-ba-doo, ba-boo-ba-doo ba bebop!
[Charlie sets down his banjo or whatever and stops singing.] So yeah, uh, hook me up guys! I'll pay you back with some sick tunes. Rat King, over and out!
[ She's never going to get used to these tablets. They're just very... odd. And while perhaps she could see a sort of convenience to them in some ways, in others? Well... Let's just say it leaves much to be desired. Especially right then and there.
At least she's gotten better at accessing the simpler functions like the audio recording and the texting. The former she decides to put to good use right then and there. ]
Um- Excuse me. But if you don't mind...? I could use a little help. I would really appreciate it. These maps are a little hard to understand sometimes and I'm supposed to meet a friend before nightfall.
[ Her voice is careful- polite. Maybe a bit flighty, too, as she speaks. ]
{4 - Got Company}
[ She really didn't mean to do it.
She really didn't.
By all means, she would never want to endanger another person, but she just had to go and duck her head in that one house. Stupid, stupid, stupid. They'd been on the run since and she's quickly running out of steam now. A part of her wonders if she ought to just lure the thing away, but she knows Kiri would have given her so much crap for even that thought alone and for good reason. They'd both agreed they would reach the end of that road together, that dream. There's no way she will if she dies like that!
It's that reminder in the end that gives her that final push to scramble inside the house they next come across and while she wants to take a breather, she knows the warning hasn't gone off yet. That if they don't do anything at all right then to block that creature off that it'll be in there devouring them.
And yet she freezes the moment she turns back to look at it if only because it looks far more familiar than it ought to with long black hair and an exaggerated grin that splits its whole head. Better knock her out of that daze before they're both lunch. ]
[The loss of the maps has been eternally frustrating to Kunsel. Loss of any information is something of a sore point for him. Yes, his memory is good, but it's not necessarily photographic.
Still, maybe he can remember enough to help.]
Do you know where you are? Where you were trying to go?
Three [All around, there was snow, just snow, like Skellige in the deepest, darkest depths of winter. Nothing Geralt isn't used to, nothing he can't withstand, but even he can feel the numbness in his fingers as he packs more frozen over rubble against the wall of the house, a pile going higher by the minute as he works.
He's got little time for socialisation - his companion is not someone he'd necessarily have chosen to be stranded with in such a place, but in this place, Geralt realised quickly that you have to make do with what you're given.]
Could you bring over some more rubble? Will just look like a collapsed wall otherwise, not something human-made.
[It's just to mark which houses have been visited, marking safe places from the outside, and a personal marker for Geralt, too; if he does this wherever he does, he'll know which way to keep going, won't be walking around the town in circles.
There's a crack, like a piece of rock is being crushed underfoot, to his left. Geralt looks up, cursing his lack of Witcher Senses as he scans the area, going for the long, thin piece of scrap metal he's been using as one of his weapons.]
Careful. There's something out there.
;;
Four Fuck!
[Holding down the door as the creature tries to make his way inside, Geralt can't help the curse. He closes his eyes for an instant, throwing his head back against the door and pushing back when the creature bangs its body against it. He's not one to run away from a fight, but he's not alone, he's not well-armed enough, and he's lacking any powers, potions, oils or bombs.
He could make a bomb, though, make a shoddy version of the Northern Wind and freeze the monster in place, or maybe a Devil's Puffball - dangerous, though, considering the small radius they have. He doesn't want to poison him or his companion.]
Wouldn't happen to have some saltpeter on you, would you?
[It's kind of a stupid question that Geralt already knows the answer to, but it's also a way to make sure his companion is still able to function. It's necessary, especially as the banging against the door quiets, but Geralt knows - there's no way the creature has given up.]
Go check the back windows, find something to block them if they open!
[If there is one thing that Guangqi, able fellow that he is, is not actually built for, it's hurried violence. Or violence at all, for the matter, even on questions of survival - survival should not be contingent on violence. But whatever is outside probably doesn't share his enlightened worldview. And there won't be any backups or cryo if he dies.
He doesn't normally have any patience for stupid questions. But this time it does exactly what it means to, that is, startling him back into attention. Hadn't even realized he'd frozen. The young man stands well back of the door, breathing hard, hadn't quite realized that he'd run so far back either when they both went hurtling into the house. He's never been a coward, but then fear had never been something he'd had to consider. Pointless emotion obscuring rational judgement. Switch it off. Now he can't. Is his heart supposed to be pounding so hard? Is that normal?]
O-of - of course I don't. [Voice stumbling like an engine that won't start.] Windows - right! [And stumbling a little as he darts off, too. Windows, block, how...]
There's this -a - I think wardrobe! [He shouts from the other room after a moment.] I can push it, maybe - it's very heavy!
I'm guessing no one kept hard copies of all the maps that were put together, did they?
[Because otherwise they're in a bit of a jam. It's rare for Cable to feel quite this helpless and, while he'll never say it outloud, it's unnerving. If he had his powers, none of this would be an issue. He'd be able to make sense of where he was going and this place, in general, without issue. But take away the telepathy and the infonet? Much more difficult than he'd like to admit.
Especially since he can't figure out just what is going on with this network.]
I need to get to the thrift store but I've never made my way there before. [He sounds a bit..frustrated having to ask, honestly.] Anyone with good navigation skills willing to give me a verbal walkthrough?
Four
[It had all happened in the span of ten minutes. Well, their current situation had. The monster that was currently throwing itself against the door had been tailing them for at least an hour already. But this part? This was recent and Nate wasn't sure how much longer he was going to be able to hold it back.
His back was pressed firmly to the door, feet planted to keep himself anchored as he kept it shut to the best of his ability. The monster was relentless and there was only going to be a matter of time before it gave up on the door and tried something else.
Which is why he shoots his companion a glance just as the monster slams into the door once more.]
Check the windows. Now!
[Figures that just as he'd say that the being outside would stop attacking the door. The sudden quiet has Nate cursing under his breath and, easing away from the door though his hand still stays on the handle. He's going to have to barricade this before he can do anything else.]
Hardcopies. [Guangqi's voice is dripping with disgust. What an absolutely backwards gravity hole this is. Just imagine, walking around with a piece of paper trying to get anywhere.] We should've thought about it. Hardcopies, ugh!
[But it's nothing the other man can help, and he's supposed to be adjusting. Learning. He gives an impatient sigh.] Where are you? Give me some landmarks. Coordinates. Whatever you've got.
I've never done a talking letter before. [Definitely not speaking to you with the muffle to his voice, but what else is new. There's half a face; then the edge of a building's roof and, what do you know, some snow; then there's the ground, grey-white with a pair of boots lodged in it.]
Okay.
Map's gone. I'm heading west. If you were meeting at the school, I can try to come get you unless the snow eats us first. [A pause.]
Oh. If you run into a grumpy man in a cloak, please return him to me. He's missing. How do I--? Finished? End? [It's amazing he figures out by chance how to turn it off.]
IV
[Luckily for you, Hadrian has worked laboriously as both a blacksmith and a swordsman, so he's got enough stamina and enough brains (amazing) and muscle to get behind the closest piece of furniture and heave it towards the door after the two of you bust inside.] Get--back! [The sound of the scrambling-away monster makes him look up.]
It's going for the windows. [Packing three different swords would have come in handy right now; alas, Hadrian must improvise.] Please tell me you know how to at least swing something heavy. [Frantically, he searches the room, then leaps toward one of the few objects that make sense to him.
The fire poker he twirls with skill as he tests the weight. The end seems deadly enough. (It will be when he utilizes it.) The ash shovel, of course, gets handed to you!] Here, take this.
If it gets in, hit it in the face as hard as you can.
[ Okay, listen, he practically falls off his chair in his scramble to grab his tablet when he hears this particular familiar voice, but Hadrian doesn't need to know that. Nope, he just sounds annoyed when he speaks up, though Hadrian of all people will know the relief in the undertone. ]
[ his voice is shaky & starts off quiet. hes still not used to using this communicator -- they didnt have them at home. well, the aliens did. definitely. but he was still marveling over how compact it was compared to the phones at --
wait. he turned it on to say something. ]
Hello? Hi -- um. Sorry to -- er -- bother everyone, but I'm... I'm kinda bleeding.
[ wait that sounds terrible ]
-- It's not that bad! I just -- uh -- bumped myself. A lot. Pretty hard. I was just -- wondering if anyone could possibly help me out...? If you guys have time.
[ this was a mistake. a heavy exhale before he just shuts the communicator off. ]
Son of a bitch. Okay, I'm fine, made it indoors. In case anyone was worried.
[There are a few minutes of near silence as Church fumbles with the first aid kit, interrupted by cursing every now and then. Eventually, after realising that he has no idea what he's doing, he remembers he'd left the tablet on.]
Uh, yeah, actually... I might need some help. There's doctors around here, right? Know anything about treating bite wounds?
3
[After a couple of days in Church's company, the constant grumbling and complaining has likely become very familiar. He's certainly been keeping it up today - loudly - despite being fairly helpful in building the mound of snow. However, as night begins to approach and the air gets colder, he's been quieting down, glancing over his shoulder every now and then.]
...Y'know, maybe we should be getting inside already. It's getting kinda cold.
[He looks around again, frowning with worry. He can't see anything nearby, but that doesn't help put him at ease. He thinks of Tex and her invisibility enhancement, thinks of the Meta after it had taken the enhancement from her, and it's all too easy to imagine something unseen stalking just between the snowdrifts and crumbled buildings.]
( The voice is clear, no sign of jest or question in her tone. Sara's got a message and she's hoping that everyone's listening )
Looks like all the maps are gone - files have corrupted or something. Unless you absolutely know where you're going, and have someone with you, I wouldn't risk making the trip. It might take us longer to find some landmarks to meet up but it'd be better with everybody there.
( There's already too few of them, and too many risks )
( action. three )
( Decorating. That's what it's come down to. They lost the maps so they had to find some other way of making their location known. Not that they had very good supplies to do it, and the biting cold just makes this little art project even more fun. Sara might not be a stranger to inhospitable conditions but it doesn't stop her from thinking that what they're doing is kind of stupid )
I still don't see how this is supposed to help us. It's not like you can see the sign from a distance.
( And they didn't exactly have florescent paint or anything large to make it with, either. Besides, wouldn't the snow just cover it in this weather? )
[Charlie takes a few steps back, shielding his eyes from the snow as he surveys their creation. Okay, sure, it wasn't perfect, but it would get the job done. Probably.]
Have some faith, man! You can't see like anything from a distance here anyway. [He kicks the snow at his feet.] Too much of this shit everywhere. [But then his eyes grow wide. Shh! An idea is forming! He crouches down and holds a finger to his lips, thinking. Thinking like, reeeally really hard.]
Dude, okay, here's the plan. We build like, a massive snowman, like I'm talking massive. [He mushes together a little mound of snow, picks up another handful of the stuff, and then drops it on top.] And then we pop our little sign right on top of it! It'll be so far up there, dude, everyone will be able to see it for miles.
[Charlie stands again and rolls up his sleeves to get to work before realizing that it's wicked cold and he would do better with his sleeves unrolled.] Yeah! Let's do this!
[Laura has the camera pointed at herself for once, a teenage girl with long, unruly dark hair. And, of course, she gets straight to the point.]
Our maps are gone. The files seem to be corrupted. I am trying to reach the hospital, but I don't know which way to go.
[Explanation over, Laura pans the camera around. She's clearly just east of the gas station, and the south wall is visible not far from where she's standing.]
I need directions. It is important I get there soon. I am also looking for warm clothes.
[There's an awkward pause, as if she's thinking of something else to add. A send-off, maybe? That's... polite, or whatever, even if it seems silly to worry about being polite in a place like this. Social skills!]
Thank you.
[And with that, she cuts off the video, rather abruptly.]
1 - @a.cesaire, video; Okay, I swear, usually I'm not this much of a space case.
[Alya looks more than a little aggravated. She's standing in the middle of a building that looks as though it was reduced to rubble a long time ago, and her gaze keeps wandering from the camera to her surroundings.]
I had a map, but now it's not working - and lemme tell you, whoever's in charge of customer service for these tablets? They're not my favorite person right now. Anyway, I'm lost.
I know it's a long shot, but uh...
[She turns her tablet's camera out at her surroundings. Snow, snow, and more snow. A long shot indeed.]
...any idea how I'm supposed to get downtown from here?
3; [It's more than a little chilly, out in the snow in jeans and a plaid shirt. But Alya looks pretty determined to make something that will stand out, so she's just going to grin and bear it and hope to all that is good and holy that the house she bunks in for the night has some very warm blankets or a shower with even a minute of hot water or something.
She turns to the poor unfortunate soul she's roped into this endeavor and puts a hand on her hip.]
Okay, so I'm thinking we either make a replica of the Eiffel Tower, or the biggest, grossest snow monster we can manage. What do you think?
[Charlie considers their options. Finally, someone with some sense around here. He doesn't really know what an Eiffel Tower is, but snow monster was something he could get behind.]
Both. We should probably do both. Just to be safe, y'know? We could like, make that tower thing and then put the snow monster on top of it for like, maximum visibility and stuff. Like in Godzilla. [He crouches down and spreads out his arms, fingers splayed like claws. He roars and makes a beastly face at his companion. Suddenly, he stops and rights himself, having come up with a better idea.] But then the monsters in Godzilla are always all fighting each other, so maybe we should do like, two monsters. And they're dukin' it out over this Rifle Tower, like the one is up on top of the thing all--[He squats again, screeching and clawing at the snow in front of him.]--and the other is like--[This time, he looks up like he's at the bottom of the tower. He bangs his fists to his chest and hoots like an ape.]--and like, the one on top's gotta have wings.
That's our best option, I think. Yeah. So let's get moving, let's get started!
Heeey, so uh... these tablets kinda suck, huh? I mean, we can still communicate with them, which is great, definitely important, but... maps. Maps are kinda important, too, y'know? Especially when all we can use as landmarks are "snow," and "more snow," and "thing covered in snow..."
[ there's a frustrated sigh as the speaker fumbles audibly with the device a little more. which does nothing, of course. damn it. ]
...Actually, wait, can we communicate with these? Can anyone hear me, or am I just... talking into a glowing brick right now? Ugh, okay, the map files on here are corrupted, so who knows what else might be broken. If you can hear this, any way you could send me a new copy? You know, just so I don't... go outside and die in the middle of nowhere? Muuuch appreciated!
[ click. ]
four
[ he's always been small. it puts him at a bit of a disadvantage while he's pressing all his weight against the door, trying to keep the monster that's outside... well, outside. but for a nerdy little guy, he's unexpectedly strong. in fact, with a little help, he might actually be able to hold off the big, murderous intruder until lockdown. so, what do you say? are you a bad enough dude to keep this weirdo and yourself from becoming dessert for a monster? ]
[It's great that Fiona is about his size with her heels on, and she doesn't have a weapon. Not that that would... help. She's thrown all of her weight against the door, too, which means she's squished up against Vaughn, which means he's babbling right in her ear.]
No, no, we're fine! This is fine! It's working!
[Is it working? The heels of her boots are sliding against the wooden floor, and it's very concerning.]
[His voice is guff and disgruntled though he tries to play if off with his usual calm demeanor. He turns to inspect his arm, scarlet red beading over the olive skin before dripping to the floor. He'll probably have to clean that up later.]
So I know first aid but I've never done it to my own arm and doing this one handed is... difficult. [David groans as he twists his arm into an awkward position.]
I don't need experiance, just hands. [Not in a weird way either.] Please. [It's better to ask nicely and so the single word is hastily attached. He isn't used to bleeding without his natural healing abilities kicking in. There is a lot about this place that he has to get used too.]
-3-
[Time to look on the bright side which is a skill that David has always possessed. It is very cool but his current task can also be seen as fun. He isn't about to sing 'let it go' but he'll hum through puffs of white breath as he moves in the snow. At the very least it distracts him from the dagger like biting cold that attacks his neck and cheeks.
Water would be better, ice, or something stronger; then he could just 'x' the cabin. Would it be completely ridiculous to suggest spitting in the snow? He already knows the answer so he's going to keep the comment to himself and focus his cute little snowman.
It's just to bad his snowman's arms keep falling off. You'd think someone from Montana would be better at building a snowman. So focused in his work he doesn't notice anyone or anything approaching him.]
[Charlie's about to give up and look for shelter when he spots the dude patting together a little snowman out in the freezing cold. The guy seems pretty wrapped up in his craft, which Charlie feels bad about because the snowman's arms won't stay on and this guy looks like he's working real hard. Hey, though, props to the dude for trying. If Charlie has learned anything about Norfinbury, it's that no one stops to appreciate the small stuff around here.
He jogs over to the guy.]
Rad snowman, dude! Hey, you haven't seen a rat zip past here, have ya? It woulda been a big sucker, like, I'm talking big. [He holds out his arms to illustrate the size of the thing.] No joke, man. Like, might-have-been-a-puppy big.
[ It only takes a few moments to learn how this functions. The voice is calm; he doesn't need to speak loudly for it to fill the room, even on an audio feed. ]
username: blackpanther
My name is T'Challa.
If there is anyone with a functioning map, either digitally or otherwise, or has a stone tablet, I would appreciate your assistance.
We are in a building towards the west — if anyone needs shelter and cannot get here before nightfall, contact me. I will escort you to safety.
→ three
[ Looking over the front windows, the front of the building. It's plain, the walls are sturdy enough to survive being snowed in. He hums quietly, moving around, and circles back to where you're standing, silent except for the press of his boots on the snow. ]
Perhaps something on the roof instead of next to the door. A spire?
[The plan to make a distinctive marker was a good one. Sora was all for it, especially if it meant helping others.
That doesn't mean he's entirely sure they're going to be able to accomplish it before lockdown.]
That could work! It would probably stand out a little better than if it were down on the ground.
[He turns to look at the older man, smiling some. There's something about this guy that is still a bit unnerving. Maybe it's because of how quiet he is in general.]
[One] “That’s exactly why we shouldn’t only have shared maps on the network but also personal ones in our own saddlebags! And I only memorized one fourth of it!” Congrats, you’re now watching a purple pony trying hard to avoid a freak out. Another equine would notice the signs in the messy mane and the crazy looking expression but- yeah, she looks just messy right now. Twilight is just trotting in circle inside the room because how can she plan properly her next days without knowing where to go? Or what to look for? What is the most convenient way to reach the school for supplies not that she doesn’t know which building is closer to the shed? Okay, maybe anomalies and other things can ruin her schedule, pretty much like creatures attacking Equestria, but at least she usually has a schedule!
“Okay, House’s map is gone, I can’t download any uncorrupted version of it, and lacking pen and paper I had no opportunity to make a safe copy of it…”
She approacheds the device she left probably on a table or something, clumsily grabbing it between her hooves and only managing to drop it on the floor, camera facing down. “Uuuuugh!” The pony groans, there are a couple of attempts to turn it over and she ends up giving up after a moment. Someone will have to kick it outside on the snow and then grab it with the mouth… “Problems with my device aside… does anyone has a map to share?”
[Three]
"Here we go, more wood! This is going to be a glorious representation of... whatever we're building!"
Somepony may have no hands (and yes, it is a big nuisance) but Twilight is able to carry a lot of stuff with ease, at least compared to her non pony companions, and creating their landmark had been easy considering there was no magic involved. Anyway, despite her positive attitude there's something wrong in the air and Twilight's ears keep turning from a direction to another... it has to be some kind of ridicolous paranoia, there's nothing around them, but she costantly feels like something may be watching them.
"It's getting late, thought, even considering you can ride on my back-" Humans and other creatures of the city are heavy and Twilight learnt that only kids should be carried around for long distances, yet she can endure an adult on her back for a short tract. "-we should probably pack our things and go back to our base and finish this tomorrow. "
Pack their things, yeah... After struggling for a whole week with her backpack's zipper and the coat she couldn't take off with her hooves she's letting her companion take care of this kind of things, even the wood was already prepared in a small pack the unicorn only had to throw over her shoulders. At least she can still create enough friction to open doors, but everything else has been difficult to deal with. No magic, no earth pony way, mh?
[Alfie just stares for a few moments, and... nope. Nope; not going to deal with this right now. He can't make his you're a fucking talking purple horse reaction go away entirely, but he sure can refuse to address it.]
Start recording as you go along. My advice.
[It's not as good as a map, but his own recordings are serving him well right now - not that he's jumping to share those at the moment.]
two - @emerald - voice Does... does anyone have any stories to tell? [Good stories, fairy tales, something to distract an eleven year old girl who is the only one in the house with enough medical experience to stitch up a gaping wound in her own leg.]
I want a bedtime story. [Her voice gets a little bit more commanding, though there's still the hint of tears and shaking.] No one I'm with knows any good ones. Tell me some.
four "Run faster!" Sieglinde shouts in the ear of the person carrying her, before twisting back to look at the monster. She can't run, so it's her job to keep an eye out, and make sure her traveling companion knows when they need to put on a burst of speed, as well as letting them know when they're getting closer to safety. "We're almost there!"
As soon as they're in the house, she throws her small frame against the door in a determined but rather ineffective attempt at holding it shut, and looks around wildly for anything they could use to prop the door shut.
This is bullshit. Everything is bullshit. But even Alfie isn't enough of an asshole to leave a little girl to die - so when he'd spotted her alone, he'd let out a few choice curse words and then scooped her up.
It's actually pretty useful, having a lookout. He picks the nearest house and is able to focus entirely on running to it, letting the kid take care of keeping track of the monster's progress. And once they're inside, he does go for the chair she points at, bracing it under the doorknob. "Hold that there," he says sharply, looking around for something bigger. His eyes land on the couch, which looks promising; he races around to the far end and starts pushing as hard and as fast as possible. It's big, heavy, and difficult to move, but that's more good than bad right now. If they're lucky, he'll get it in front of the door before the monster is able to burst in.
First of all, I'm okay! [It shouldn't be foreboding at all to listen to such reassuring word choice. Maybe it was how out of breath Rin was, how he held a bloodied hand to a chest wound he was trying (and failing) to keep covered up. He might be smiling but there's no hiding how much pain he's in.]
I already pulled it out, so it's not like - ... s'not like it hurts as much but - [ - but this whole "bleeding thing - ] - isn't stopping. ... I mean, I'm still bleeding so, uhm - [ ... c'mon Rin!! Remember to keep steady, in-out, no deep breaths... nice and easy - ] - I'm fine! I ... I just gotta get it to stop.
[Yep. That's all he has to do. But he needs to open the first aid kit and he can't do that when his fingers are too slippery to even manage the clasp.]
Second of all, I - I was tryin' to - [ - to stay awake because falling asleep would be so stupid - ] - remember stuff? Like... Like how to make one of those - those rice things. [He's pretty damn sure it has a name but he can't recall it. His face scrunches up either in thought or in frustration. Dammit, he can't let it it get to him! No way!] I mean rice! Just plain ol' rice!
3 - Snow Cone Inspiration
[HE WAS DONE. DONE, DAMMIT. WHy couldn't they just pull down the sun from the sky and make it melt the snow? That would be a landmark, right? He knows it's an impractical plan but he was really sure that the second one he has was way better! JEEZ, why can no one understand just how good of an idea this is? Rin's tail lashes behind him just in time to his most recent outburst.]
I'm tellin' you, if we just color the snow it would already be a landmark! Then everyone can see it and no one would get lost!!
[He gets it Rin, he does, but they're a little limited on supplies right now. At least he has the decency to give the other an apologetic look as he adjusts the straps of his backpack.]
If I still had my potions we could use those...
[Sora sighs, shoulders slumping.]
We should just try and build something that stands out. Something..something unique!
[And that's it. Any audio or video return calls are strangely, rudely left unanswered. In the off chance he glances at the screen during a call, it's answered--hooray! Then, suddenly, just as rudely ended after several extended seconds of silence.]
three
[A shame that anyone has to be stuck with Nic. He's not interested in making or helping make landmarks. Waste of time. Why would he freeze something as valuable as his hands? Please.
Nearby, he stands boredly, hands tucked into his front pockets. Every so often he will watch the building, but keeps flicking his dark eyes off and around. The motion gives the impression of impatience, but perhaps its more than that if you look closely.
Pulling his hands free, he finally makes a few odd motions with them in your direction; they are a mystery to you. His face, however, seems to say: Are you finished yet?]
[Hell, Nic's face is a mystery as well. Should Rin be concerned about that almost constipated look? ... Nah, the guy didn't help at all, he was probably just trying to be an ass on purpose.]
I'm workin' as fast as I can without your help, dammit! It's done, by the way.
[At least the stupid landmark was finished. It's a poorly put together cobbled up nightmare that might have looked at home on the walls of a nursery school, but it was a thing that marked land. That was the important part. And besides that, Rin was ready to rest his hands.]
Are you finished standin' around or are you ready to ditch this place?
[Riku knows how to treat small things; cuts and bruises and even the odd black eye. But the bleeding gash that's cut across from his his right side up to under his ribs? That's a bit beyond his medical expertise. He knows he needs to clean and disinfect the wound, and he has the alcohol to do it. But he doesn't know how to properly apply bandages or know how to tell whether he needs stitches or not.
This is where the network comes in. His voice is tight when he first begins to speak as he is busy trying to clean the wound and apply pressure at the same time.]
I need someone who has medical knowledge. I've been wounded and I'm not sure what I should be doing for it besides cleaning it out and wrapping it. I don't know how to tell if it's deep enough to need stitches. I could also use someone to talk me through bandaging.
4.
[Riku misses the days when all he had to worry about was fighting Heartless and stopping them from taking over the multiverse. When he could stand and fight instead of running at any sign of monster related trouble. Most of all he misses his Keyblade. Even if it wouldn't have been able to transport him out of this place, it would have still worked as a nice defensive weapon.
But as this place seems set on giving him exactly the opposite of what he wants, all he can do is lead his group into one of the nearest buildings and start trying to bar the door with whatever furniture or large items that can be found inside. Night should be coming soon, they should be able to hold out until then...
At least that's what he thinks before he hears the monster outside move away from the door. He's confused at first, wondering if it could be going away, but no. His eyes dart to the unprotected windows a second before the first impact hits.]
Use whatever is left to block the windows. It's going to try breaking in through them now.
[Can you hear the panic in his voice, Riku? Because it's there. He's definitely not pleased with hearing that his friend is hurt especially when he's still a day out from being able to meet up with the other young man.
Maps are down. Don't panic! [Matt seems almost bored as he chirps the cliche.
There's the vague sound of scrabbling against the tablet, punctuated by occasional thumping.] So... If we were planning on meeting up, that's an issue.
[Now, he finally perks up]
Good news is, this was literally my job for a few years. Navigating semi-blind in dangerous situations, guiding agents through perilous environments in a timely fashion - It's like riding a bicycle. [Pause.] Granted, this bicycle might get everyone killed... [He clears his throat] The sooner we get started, the sooner we all get where we're going.
2. R4gn0r0k ; Video
[Flashing forward a few hours -- Apparently he didn't quite make it to where he needed to go before lockdown hit. The hows and whys are to be seen, but the fact is he got lost somewhere in the rush of it and now he's showing his busted face back on the network.
His nose is pouring blood and his cheek is swollen and purple and threatening to overtake his eye. He sounds horrible when he actually talks, stopping often to swipe at himself with cotton balls and bandages.] Those er... Those walls are really serious, aren't they? [That's a pathetic, pitiful attempt at a sniff] Funny, isn't it? Earlier I'd do just about anything to get away from the snow and now I'd kill for an ice pack.
I know I'm supposed to pinch and tip but it's cracking, when I do that. [Matt tips his head down and gingerly holds some cotton balls to his nose as he laments his blood stained clothes.] So, taking suggestions.
[ The voice that responds is calm and refined. Whoever this person is, she's one classy lady. ]
But I do agree, it's far better to expedite the process. So. Where do I go first, o stranger? I'd prefer it if you didn't steer me into doom. I've already gotten that taken care of.
one. @tentacleTherapist. It seems you have stumbled into quite the predicament. And while most of the blame lies with your own complacency and ineptitude, I would be lying if I claimed that I have not made such mistakes.
I can set a course for you. I daresay I have some experience with that, at least. But in order for us to cooperate, you must heed my every instruction. I understand if it is difficult for you to trust me. But if that is the case, then you are on your own.
Are you still here?
Good. There is more at stake than just a path through the snow.
three. action. [ There is a kind of efficiency in traveling alone that Rose Lalonde can appreciate. She makes note of the buildings she passes, unusual or otherwise. It's nice, not to be heckled by foolish compatriots or extraterrestrials.
The only unfortunate aspect of this venture is that it's really, really fucking cold.
Rose has dealt with cold before. The cold, false affection of her mother. The snow that frequently surrounds their New York estate. Her own charming personality. Rose likes to consider herself a hardy sort of girl, but after a while, it's clear that even she can't stay outside much longer, not unless she wants to lose a few appendages to frostbite.
So she aggressively on the door of the nearest establishment. No answer. But that doesn't stop Rose. There's nothing wrong with a little trespassing, so she enters the shack nestled in the snow, seeking warmth. And perhaps, answers. ]
Hello?
[ The least she can do is be polite, and announce her presence. ]
[The image feed is just black, with a hint of what might be fabric texture. It's clearly too close to focus properly.]
Okay so. Wait. Dammit.
[There are some shuffling noises as Charles situates the tablet, scooting it along the floor, down and away from himself, so that it now displays a break in the fabric, which is apparently his right pant leg. Inside the rip is a rather nasty-looking gash, bleeding freely.]
Okay. Okay. So, tripped over something I couldn't see. Guess it was sharp? I have no idea what I'm doing, and I'm a hundred percent not touching this thing unless it's bad enough to need it. So if anyone could, I don't know, tell me if I need to worry? That'd be super.
[His voice is mostly steady, but there's a waver underneath that gives away his discomfort. His words are uncharacteristically hesitant. He's very much hoping it doesn't need stitches because, well, fuck that. He'd rather bleed to death, thanks.]
4 - Fun Times
Well, this is awesome.
[Charles leans with his back up against an upright couch that's been braced against the door. Loud bangs echo from the other side of the makeshift barricade.]
Just like old times, you know? Old times where you get stuck in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere, have to scrounge for a day to find anything to eat, and get chased by ridiculous fucking monsters that shouldn't exist.
[His voice rises through his spiel, until the last few words are literally shouted at the creature over his shoulder.]
But really though, I'd rather be doing this than starving to death, so-
[The bangs have stopped.]
On a scale of one to ten, how bad is that probably?
[ Rose is sitting cross-legged at the other side of the room, knitting. Scarves will be useful in this weather. She doesn't seem especially bothered by the noise. Whatever it is, it can't be any worse than swarming hordes of imps. It doesn't even sound like a horde at all. ]
You're certainly experiencing quite the nostalgia.
[ Jokes. Rose is good at them. When the sounds stop, she finally looks up. ]
Either the beast outside has given up and gone home, or it's trying a new tactic. I'm going to assume the latter. Taking into account that all such perceptions are relative... [ Rose shrugs. ] I'd wager a seven.
He felt like a boy again, building something from snow. Though snow had been taking an increasingly sinister role in his life through adulthood. He'd built something of a toughness to the cold, but that wouldn't hold out forever once the icy water would inevitably seep through his gloves. Then he would need to go back in or risk looking fingers to frostbite.
"How are you holding up to the cold, friend? We needn't push ourselves overmuch if we can help it. You know that exhaustion can be dangerous in weather such as this."
"This cold scantly ails me," was his curt reply. The actual truth, however, was that the cold was getting to him, but he wouldn't let that show. He could bear the cold of Coerthas, the bitter winds of the hilly landscape could leave a man frozen to the bone—but here the cold seemed far worse somehow. Idly his thoughts had wandered if a calamity had struck this land, but the thought was not his focus for over long, seeing as he'd be hard pressed to find a confirmation, and even then it would serve him little.
"If the cold is getting the better of you, then by all means, we shall seek succor inside," he added with nearly a mocking tone. Truth be told, he wasn't going to complain or put up a fuss if Aymeric did choose for them to go inside, but he'd be damned if he were to admit to it. The landmark for all its purpose was well enough along by now, little did it need to be a work of craftsmanship, especially when Estinien lacked any skills that fell outside of killing dragons and diplomatic blunders.
Monsters and snow did little to shock the dragoon, the similarity it bore to home was a mock comfort in this unfamiliar land. Nay, what surprised him was how he could not assail the beast--could not injure it. As if the thing were made of adamantine, or had the toughest of dragon's hide. But even he could pierce through that--if only he had his lance.
Instead, he was left with little option besides running like a coward, which threatened to do more harm to his pride than anything else. He was known for his near suicidal battle impulses, but when naught seemed to work, and his companion(s) would suffer for his fruitless endeavors... running was the favorable choice.
A choice that had dragged on long enough. Had he still his ability to jump, he might whisk him and his company to safety, but this wasn't the case. Spotting a building, he started for it, gesturing to his company to follow. If they could not shake the creature, they could certainly shut it out.
Once they were inside, he used his weight to hold the door shut despite the beast's best efforts to break it down. All too suddenly the rattling stopped, and a chill ran down his spine. Surely it could not have given up so easi--
"The windows! Act fast ere the beast opens them!" He called out, just as one began to rattle, threatening to open and allow the fiend inside.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
snowblindmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
snowblindmemes2016-05-14 08:49 pm
Guy Cecil || Tales of the Abyss
Damn it--- Hey, ah... bit of a situation here.
[He entertained the thought of video for about two seconds before realizing how stupid of a choice that was. He's not about to show the sizable gash up his thigh - besides it just being bad show all around, he knows by now that there's kids out there. It'll be easier to hide just what's going on if he sticks to voice instead. Forcing a smile into his voice was easier than having to hide a grimace of pain, after all.
So he keeps himself as lighthearted as possible, even as he presses what little fabric he has against the blood against his leg.]
Don't worry, don't worry, I'm inside. Just fixing up a wound I got on the way here and could use a little distraction. A story about someone back home, maybe? I know we're all missing friends and loved ones, but that doesn't mean we have to go forgetting them.
...If you're in a good mood and want to share some medical advice with your story, I definitely wouldn't complain. [His laugh is bright but half-hearted, tinged with discomfort as he pops open the first-aid kit off screen.] Fresh out of healers right now, you know?
- 4 -
[Normally Guy would revel in his advantage of speed in a situation like this - some multiple-legged creature with several rows of teeth and a scream that made the blood run cold, ripping through the snow like an overgrown spider, set on a meal. Even facing something like this while properly armed would be a bad move. Running for the sake of survival had to be an option.
Except for the fact that he had company.
By the time the house had been reached, the monster was practically wrapping its claws around their legs, Guy shoving his heel at a trapped limb in the door as he bodily slams against the wood, trying to force it shut as his companion catches their breath.]
Go, go get the windows! I've got it for right now! [As well as he can, anyways. He bites back a swear at the sound of wood splintering from the other side, still struggling to get the lock to latch.]
@determination, voice
[They're trying not to sound too worried. If he thinks he'll be fine, they'll believe him, though he sounds a bit worried too. Ah well.]
It'd probably help a lot. [Not to mention food. Food is good.] Um... I could tell you about the time Sans stacked hot dogs on my head!
@albiore, voice
(no subject)
(no subject)
4
oh my god help
HELP ISN'T COMING
(no subject)
2
@albiore, voice
4
2 - Voice | @Necromancer
@albiore, voice (oh my god hello i'm sorry this is late)
Voice | @Necromancer (You're good.)
voice
Charlie Kelly | It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Whoa, dudes. Check this out! [The recording goes quiet for a moment, save for the muffled crackling as Charlie holds the "this" up to the camera. He doesn't seem to realize he's only recording the audio.] I found like, a tissue box and a whole bunch of floss and, hey, made this sweet little guitar! Or like, what's it called, like, a banjo or whatever. [He strums the banjo or whatever. A feeble, off-key chord warbles over the feed.] Yeah, it kinda sucks but anyway I wrote a song for you guys!
[Charlie clears his throat and gives the banjo or whatever another pluck. He noodles around for a bit before landing on a scratchy three-note melody. He begins to sing, his voice about as in-tune as the makeshift instrument.] Hey there all my Norfinbury friends, you gotta help Charlie or else his adventure will ends! I'm s'posed to meet up with some dudes later today, but my map's all busted and I don't know the way! Please please tell me how to get down to the toy shop, boo-ba-doo, ba-boo-ba-doo, ba-boo-ba-doo ba bebop!
[Charlie sets down his banjo or whatever and stops singing.] So yeah, uh, hook me up guys! I'll pay you back with some sick tunes. Rat King, over and out!
@enhance; video
[Her voice is dripping with sarcasm, eyebrows slightly raised and lips quirked in an incredulous smile.]
That isn't going to keep me from freezing to death. Anything else?
@ratking; video
(no subject)
(no subject)
@Mnemosyne; voice
@ratking; voice
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
@milkevoli; voice
@ratking; voice
(no subject)
@ratking; video
@quark; video
@ratking; video
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
@a.cesaire - voice;
@ratking; video
Elraine Figarette || Double Arts
[ She's never going to get used to these tablets. They're just very... odd. And while perhaps she could see a sort of convenience to them in some ways, in others? Well... Let's just say it leaves much to be desired. Especially right then and there.
At least she's gotten better at accessing the simpler functions like the audio recording and the texting. The former she decides to put to good use right then and there. ]
Um- Excuse me. But if you don't mind...? I could use a little help. I would really appreciate it. These maps are a little hard to understand sometimes and I'm supposed to meet a friend before nightfall.
[ Her voice is careful- polite. Maybe a bit flighty, too, as she speaks. ]
{4 - Got Company}
[ She really didn't mean to do it.
She really didn't.
By all means, she would never want to endanger another person, but she just had to go and duck her head in that one house. Stupid, stupid, stupid. They'd been on the run since and she's quickly running out of steam now. A part of her wonders if she ought to just lure the thing away, but she knows Kiri would have given her so much crap for even that thought alone and for good reason. They'd both agreed they would reach the end of that road together, that dream. There's no way she will if she dies like that!
It's that reminder in the end that gives her that final push to scramble inside the house they next come across and while she wants to take a breather, she knows the warning hasn't gone off yet. That if they don't do anything at all right then to block that creature off that it'll be in there devouring them.
And yet she freezes the moment she turns back to look at it if only because it looks far more familiar than it ought to with long black hair and an exaggerated grin that splits its whole head. Better knock her out of that daze before they're both lunch. ]
1 - @standardissue; audio
Still, maybe he can remember enough to help.]
Do you know where you are? Where you were trying to go?
FINALLY RESPONDING TO THIS...
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
4
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
text; @betterhalf
audio forever;
this is the text that never ends it goes on and on my friends someone started texting-
-not knowing what it was. And they'll continue texting forever just because-
this is the text that never ends
...
Geralt Of Rivia || The Witcher 3
Three
[All around, there was snow, just snow, like Skellige in the deepest, darkest depths of winter. Nothing Geralt isn't used to, nothing he can't withstand, but even he can feel the numbness in his fingers as he packs more frozen over rubble against the wall of the house, a pile going higher by the minute as he works.
He's got little time for socialisation - his companion is not someone he'd necessarily have chosen to be stranded with in such a place, but in this place, Geralt realised quickly that you have to make do with what you're given.]
Could you bring over some more rubble? Will just look like a collapsed wall otherwise, not something human-made.
[It's just to mark which houses have been visited, marking safe places from the outside, and a personal marker for Geralt, too; if he does this wherever he does, he'll know which way to keep going, won't be walking around the town in circles.
There's a crack, like a piece of rock is being crushed underfoot, to his left. Geralt looks up, cursing his lack of Witcher Senses as he scans the area, going for the long, thin piece of scrap metal he's been using as one of his weapons.]
Careful. There's something out there.
;;
Four
Fuck!
[Holding down the door as the creature tries to make his way inside, Geralt can't help the curse. He closes his eyes for an instant, throwing his head back against the door and pushing back when the creature bangs its body against it. He's not one to run away from a fight, but he's not alone, he's not well-armed enough, and he's lacking any powers, potions, oils or bombs.
He could make a bomb, though, make a shoddy version of the Northern Wind and freeze the monster in place, or maybe a Devil's Puffball - dangerous, though, considering the small radius they have. He doesn't want to poison him or his companion.]
Wouldn't happen to have some saltpeter on you, would you?
[It's kind of a stupid question that Geralt already knows the answer to, but it's also a way to make sure his companion is still able to function. It's necessary, especially as the banging against the door quiets, but Geralt knows - there's no way the creature has given up.]
Go check the back windows, find something to block them if they open!
Four!
He doesn't normally have any patience for stupid questions. But this time it does exactly what it means to, that is, startling him back into attention. Hadn't even realized he'd frozen. The young man stands well back of the door, breathing hard, hadn't quite realized that he'd run so far back either when they both went hurtling into the house. He's never been a coward, but then fear had never been something he'd had to consider. Pointless emotion obscuring rational judgement. Switch it off. Now he can't. Is his heart supposed to be pounding so hard? Is that normal?]
O-of - of course I don't. [Voice stumbling like an engine that won't start.] Windows - right! [And stumbling a little as he darts off, too. Windows, block, how...]
There's this -a - I think wardrobe! [He shouts from the other room after a moment.] I can push it, maybe - it's very heavy!
(no subject)
Three!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Nathan "Cable" Summers | Marvel 616
I'm guessing no one kept hard copies of all the maps that were put together, did they?
[Because otherwise they're in a bit of a jam. It's rare for Cable to feel quite this helpless and, while he'll never say it outloud, it's unnerving. If he had his powers, none of this would be an issue. He'd be able to make sense of where he was going and this place, in general, without issue. But take away the telepathy and the infonet? Much more difficult than he'd like to admit.
Especially since he can't figure out just what is going on with this network.]
I need to get to the thrift store but I've never made my way there before. [He sounds a bit..frustrated having to ask, honestly.] Anyone with good navigation skills willing to give me a verbal walkthrough?
Four
[It had all happened in the span of ten minutes. Well, their current situation had. The monster that was currently throwing itself against the door had been tailing them for at least an hour already. But this part? This was recent and Nate wasn't sure how much longer he was going to be able to hold it back.
His back was pressed firmly to the door, feet planted to keep himself anchored as he kept it shut to the best of his ability. The monster was relentless and there was only going to be a matter of time before it gave up on the door and tried something else.
Which is why he shoots his companion a glance just as the monster slams into the door once more.]
Check the windows. Now!
[Figures that just as he'd say that the being outside would stop attacking the door. The sudden quiet has Nate cursing under his breath and, easing away from the door though his hand still stays on the handle. He's going to have to barricade this before he can do anything else.]
no subject
Hardcopies. [Guangqi's voice is dripping with disgust. What an absolutely backwards gravity hole this is. Just imagine, walking around with a piece of paper trying to get anywhere.] We should've thought about it. Hardcopies, ugh!
[But it's nothing the other man can help, and he's supposed to be adjusting. Learning. He gives an impatient sigh.] Where are you? Give me some landmarks. Coordinates. Whatever you've got.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
one. @canary
(no subject)
(no subject)
@hope; action (ay what up)
Oh hello there!
i havent played her in a long time please forgive me
No worries, it's been a hot second for me with Cable so it's all good!
we suffer together
one; @blackpanther
Hadrian Blackwater | Riyria (whyria) Chronicles
IV
I - @duster, voice;
Grumpy man in a cloak? Really?
forgot to say voice but w/e VOICE
good job
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
One; video; @zachtastic
video;
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
IV
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
I! @lockhart; video
video;
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
IV
(no subject)
tobias | animorphs
[ his voice is shaky & starts off quiet. hes still not used to using this communicator -- they didnt have them at home. well, the aliens did. definitely. but he was still marveling over how compact it was compared to the phones at --
wait. he turned it on to say something. ]
Hello? Hi -- um. Sorry to -- er -- bother everyone, but I'm... I'm kinda bleeding.
[ wait that sounds terrible ]
-- It's not that bad! I just -- uh -- bumped myself. A lot. Pretty hard. I was just -- wondering if anyone could possibly help me out...? If you guys have time.
[ this was a mistake. a heavy exhale before he just shuts the communicator off. ]
@lockhart; video
[Despite Tobias' insistence that he's fine, Tifa still looks worried. Super worried. She's not great with medical advice, but...]
Can you show me so I can have an idea of how bad it is?
@dude; voice
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
voice. @canary
voice. @dude
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
@a.cesaire; voice
@dude; voice
voice; @ASolomons
voice; @dude
(no subject)
Leonard Church | Red Vs Blue
Son of a bitch. Okay, I'm fine, made it indoors. In case anyone was worried.
[There are a few minutes of near silence as Church fumbles with the first aid kit, interrupted by cursing every now and then. Eventually, after realising that he has no idea what he's doing, he remembers he'd left the tablet on.]
Uh, yeah, actually... I might need some help. There's doctors around here, right? Know anything about treating bite wounds?
3
[After a couple of days in Church's company, the constant grumbling and complaining has likely become very familiar. He's certainly been keeping it up today - loudly - despite being fairly helpful in building the mound of snow. However, as night begins to approach and the air gets colder, he's been quieting down, glancing over his shoulder every now and then.]
...Y'know, maybe we should be getting inside already. It's getting kinda cold.
[He looks around again, frowning with worry. He can't see anything nearby, but that doesn't help put him at ease. He thinks of Tex and her invisibility enhancement, thinks of the Meta after it had taken the enhancement from her, and it's all too easy to imagine something unseen stalking just between the snowdrifts and crumbled buildings.]
@TW; text; 2!
[ can a gap in text seem judgey? YES, YES IT CAN ]
no med advice but I gotta know
no animals here afaik
so
what bit you
was it the clown guy
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
two. @canary
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
@fenrir; voice; two;
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
voice; @ASolomons
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Numbah 2
sara lance ( dctv )
( action. three )
3
Have some faith, man! You can't see like anything from a distance here anyway. [He kicks the snow at his feet.] Too much of this shit everywhere. [But then his eyes grow wide. Shh! An idea is forming! He crouches down and holds a finger to his lips, thinking. Thinking like, reeeally really hard.]
Dude, okay, here's the plan. We build like, a massive snowman, like I'm talking massive. [He mushes together a little mound of snow, picks up another handful of the stuff, and then drops it on top.] And then we pop our little sign right on top of it! It'll be so far up there, dude, everyone will be able to see it for miles.
[Charlie stands again and rolls up his sleeves to get to work before realizing that it's wicked cold and he would do better with his sleeves unrolled.] Yeah! Let's do this!
three;
(no subject)
Laura Kinney | Marvel 616
[Laura has the camera pointed at herself for once, a teenage girl with long, unruly dark hair. And, of course, she gets straight to the point.]
Our maps are gone. The files seem to be corrupted. I am trying to reach the hospital, but I don't know which way to go.
[Explanation over, Laura pans the camera around. She's clearly just east of the gas station, and the south wall is visible not far from where she's standing.]
I need directions. It is important I get there soon. I am also looking for warm clothes.
[There's an awkward pause, as if she's thinking of something else to add. A send-off, maybe? That's... polite, or whatever, even if it seems silly to worry about being polite in a place like this. Social skills!]
Thank you.
[And with that, she cuts off the video, rather abruptly.]
@fenrir; voice;
[Ultra awesome and amazing directions are ultra awesome and amazing!]
(no subject)
(no subject)
@hellion ; video
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
@Askanison
Re: @Askanison
Alya Césaire | Miraculous Ladybug
Okay, I swear, usually I'm not this much of a space case.
[Alya looks more than a little aggravated. She's standing in the middle of a building that looks as though it was reduced to rubble a long time ago, and her gaze keeps wandering from the camera to her surroundings.]
I had a map, but now it's not working - and lemme tell you, whoever's in charge of customer service for these tablets? They're not my favorite person right now. Anyway, I'm lost.
I know it's a long shot, but uh...
[She turns her tablet's camera out at her surroundings. Snow, snow, and more snow. A long shot indeed.]
...any idea how I'm supposed to get downtown from here?
3;
[It's more than a little chilly, out in the snow in jeans and a plaid shirt. But Alya looks pretty determined to make something that will stand out, so she's just going to grin and bear it and hope to all that is good and holy that the house she bunks in for the night has some very warm blankets or a shower with even a minute of hot water or something.
She turns to the poor unfortunate soul she's roped into this endeavor and puts a hand on her hip.]
Okay, so I'm thinking we either make a replica of the Eiffel Tower, or the biggest, grossest snow monster we can manage. What do you think?
3
Both. We should probably do both. Just to be safe, y'know? We could like, make that tower thing and then put the snow monster on top of it for like, maximum visibility and stuff. Like in Godzilla. [He crouches down and spreads out his arms, fingers splayed like claws. He roars and makes a beastly face at his companion. Suddenly, he stops and rights himself, having come up with a better idea.] But then the monsters in Godzilla are always all fighting each other, so maybe we should do like, two monsters. And they're dukin' it out over this Rifle Tower, like the one is up on top of the thing all--[He squats again, screeching and clawing at the snow in front of him.]--and the other is like--[This time, he looks up like he's at the bottom of the tower. He bangs his fists to his chest and hoots like an ape.]--and like, the one on top's gotta have wings.
That's our best option, I think. Yeah. So let's get moving, let's get started!
Vaughn | Borderlands
Heeey, so uh... these tablets kinda suck, huh? I mean, we can still communicate with them, which is great, definitely important, but... maps. Maps are kinda important, too, y'know? Especially when all we can use as landmarks are "snow," and "more snow," and "thing covered in snow..."
[ there's a frustrated sigh as the speaker fumbles audibly with the device a little more. which does nothing, of course. damn it. ]
...Actually, wait, can we communicate with these? Can anyone hear me, or am I just... talking into a glowing brick right now? Ugh, okay, the map files on here are corrupted, so who knows what else might be broken. If you can hear this, any way you could send me a new copy? You know, just so I don't... go outside and die in the middle of nowhere? Muuuch appreciated!
[ click. ]
four
[ he's always been small. it puts him at a bit of a disadvantage while he's pressing all his weight against the door, trying to keep the monster that's outside... well, outside. but for a nerdy little guy, he's unexpectedly strong. in fact, with a little help, he might actually be able to hold off the big, murderous intruder until lockdown. so, what do you say? are you a bad enough dude to keep this weirdo and yourself from becoming dessert for a monster? ]
Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god we're gonna die—
[ ...he might need a moment or two to pull his shit together. good thing he can still push in the meantime. ]
four!
No, no, we're fine! This is fine! It's working!
[Is it working? The heels of her boots are sliding against the wooden floor, and it's very concerning.]
Vaughn, push harder.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
one; @guardian; voice
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
four
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
David Vaughn | OC
This is new...
[His voice is guff and disgruntled though he tries to play if off with his usual calm demeanor. He turns to inspect his arm, scarlet red beading over the olive skin before dripping to the floor. He'll probably have to clean that up later.]
So I know first aid but I've never done it to my own arm and doing this one handed is... difficult. [David groans as he twists his arm into an awkward position.]
I don't need experiance, just hands. [Not in a weird way either.] Please. [It's better to ask nicely and so the single word is hastily attached. He isn't used to bleeding without his natural healing abilities kicking in. There is a lot about this place that he has to get used too.]
-3-
[Time to look on the bright side which is a skill that David has always possessed. It is very cool but his current task can also be seen as fun. He isn't about to sing 'let it go' but he'll hum through puffs of white breath as he moves in the snow. At the very least it distracts him from the dagger like biting cold that attacks his neck and cheeks.
Water would be better, ice, or something stronger; then he could just 'x' the cabin. Would it be completely ridiculous to suggest spitting in the snow? He already knows the answer so he's going to keep the comment to himself and focus his cute little snowman.
It's just to bad his snowman's arms keep falling off. You'd think someone from Montana would be better at building a snowman. So focused in his work he doesn't notice anyone or anything approaching him.]
3
He jogs over to the guy.]
Rad snowman, dude! Hey, you haven't seen a rat zip past here, have ya? It woulda been a big sucker, like, I'm talking big. [He holds out his arms to illustrate the size of the thing.] No joke, man. Like, might-have-been-a-puppy big.
3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
t'challa | mcu, no spoilers.
[ It only takes a few moments to learn how this functions. The voice is calm; he doesn't need to speak loudly for it to fill the room, even on an audio feed. ]
username: blackpanther
My name is T'Challa.
If there is anyone with a functioning map, either digitally or otherwise, or has a stone tablet, I would appreciate your assistance.
We are in a building towards the west — if anyone needs shelter and cannot get here before nightfall, contact me. I will escort you to safety.
→ three
[ Looking over the front windows, the front of the building. It's plain, the walls are sturdy enough to survive being snowed in. He hums quietly, moving around, and circles back to where you're standing, silent except for the press of his boots on the snow. ]
Perhaps something on the roof instead of next to the door. A spire?
Three
That doesn't mean he's entirely sure they're going to be able to accomplish it before lockdown.]
That could work! It would probably stand out a little better than if it were down on the ground.
[He turns to look at the older man, smiling some. There's something about this guy that is still a bit unnerving. Maybe it's because of how quiet he is in general.]
Shouldn't be too hard to get up there, right?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
voice. @dude
voice > action
action
(no subject)
(no subject)
@j; text (one)
audio;
text forever;
audio until otherwise.
...
no subject
“That’s exactly why we shouldn’t only have shared maps on the network but also personal ones in our own saddlebags! And I only memorized one fourth of it!”
Congrats, you’re now watching a purple pony trying hard to avoid a freak out. Another equine would notice the signs in the messy mane and the crazy looking expression but- yeah, she looks just messy right now. Twilight is just trotting in circle inside the room because how can she plan properly her next days without knowing where to go? Or what to look for? What is the most convenient way to reach the school for supplies not that she doesn’t know which building is closer to the shed? Okay, maybe anomalies and other things can ruin her schedule, pretty much like creatures attacking Equestria, but at least she usually has a schedule!
“Okay, House’s map is gone, I can’t download any uncorrupted version of it, and lacking pen and paper I had no opportunity to make a safe copy of it…”
She approacheds the device she left probably on a table or something, clumsily grabbing it between her hooves and only managing to drop it on the floor, camera facing down. “Uuuuugh!” The pony groans, there are a couple of attempts to turn it over and she ends up giving up after a moment. Someone will have to kick it outside on the snow and then grab it with the mouth… “Problems with my device aside… does anyone has a map to share?”
[Three]
"Here we go, more wood! This is going to be a glorious representation of... whatever we're building!"
Somepony may have no hands (and yes, it is a big nuisance) but Twilight is able to carry a lot of stuff with ease, at least compared to her non pony companions, and creating their landmark had been easy considering there was no magic involved. Anyway, despite her positive attitude there's something wrong in the air and Twilight's ears keep turning from a direction to another... it has to be some kind of ridicolous paranoia, there's nothing around them, but she costantly feels like something may be watching them.
"It's getting late, thought, even considering you can ride on my back-" Humans and other creatures of the city are heavy and Twilight learnt that only kids should be carried around for long distances, yet she can endure an adult on her back for a short tract. "-we should probably pack our things and go back to our base and finish this tomorrow. "
Pack their things, yeah... After struggling for a whole week with her backpack's zipper and the coat she couldn't take off with her hooves she's letting her companion take care of this kind of things, even the wood was already prepared in a small pack the unicorn only had to throw over her shoulders. At least she can still create enough friction to open doors, but everything else has been difficult to deal with. No magic, no earth pony way, mh?
"Hey, are you listening?"
[one]
Start recording as you go along. My advice.
[It's not as good as a map, but his own recordings are serving him well right now - not that he's jumping to share those at the moment.]
Three!
Sieglinde Sullivan | Kuroshitsuji
Does... does anyone have any stories to tell? [Good stories, fairy tales, something to distract an eleven year old girl who is the only one in the house with enough medical experience to stitch up a gaping wound in her own leg.]
I want a bedtime story. [Her voice gets a little bit more commanding, though there's still the hint of tears and shaking.] No one I'm with knows any good ones. Tell me some.
four
"Run faster!" Sieglinde shouts in the ear of the person carrying her, before twisting back to look at the monster. She can't run, so it's her job to keep an eye out, and make sure her traveling companion knows when they need to put on a burst of speed, as well as letting them know when they're getting closer to safety. "We're almost there!"
As soon as they're in the house, she throws her small frame against the door in a determined but rather ineffective attempt at holding it shut, and looks around wildly for anything they could use to prop the door shut.
"Grab that chair!"
four
It's actually pretty useful, having a lookout. He picks the nearest house and is able to focus entirely on running to it, letting the kid take care of keeping track of the monster's progress. And once they're inside, he does go for the chair she points at, bracing it under the doorknob. "Hold that there," he says sharply, looking around for something bigger. His eyes land on the couch, which looks promising; he races around to the far end and starts pushing as hard and as fast as possible. It's big, heavy, and difficult to move, but that's more good than bad right now. If they're lucky, he'll get it in front of the door before the monster is able to burst in.
(no subject)
(no subject)
Two!
(no subject)
(no subject)
Rin Okumura | Blue Exorcist
First of all, I'm okay! [It shouldn't be foreboding at all to listen to such reassuring word choice. Maybe it was how out of breath Rin was, how he held a bloodied hand to a chest wound he was trying (and failing) to keep covered up. He might be smiling but there's no hiding how much pain he's in.]
I already pulled it out, so it's not like - ... s'not like it hurts as much but - [ - but this whole "bleeding thing - ] - isn't stopping. ... I mean, I'm still bleeding so, uhm - [ ... c'mon Rin!! Remember to keep steady, in-out, no deep breaths... nice and easy - ] - I'm fine! I ... I just gotta get it to stop.
[Yep. That's all he has to do. But he needs to open the first aid kit and he can't do that when his fingers are too slippery to even manage the clasp.]
Second of all, I - I was tryin' to - [ - to stay awake because falling asleep would be so stupid - ] - remember stuff? Like... Like how to make one of those - those rice things. [He's pretty damn sure it has a name but he can't recall it. His face scrunches up either in thought or in frustration. Dammit, he can't let it it get to him! No way!] I mean rice! Just plain ol' rice!
3 - Snow Cone Inspiration
[HE WAS DONE. DONE, DAMMIT. WHy couldn't they just pull down the sun from the sky and make it melt the snow? That would be a landmark, right? He knows it's an impractical plan but he was really sure that the second one he has was way better! JEEZ, why can no one understand just how good of an idea this is? Rin's tail lashes behind him just in time to his most recent outburst.]
I'm tellin' you, if we just color the snow it would already be a landmark! Then everyone can see it and no one would get lost!!
[THINGS IN LIFE USE COLOR FOR A REASON.]
3!
[He gets it Rin, he does, but they're a little limited on supplies right now. At least he has the decency to give the other an apologetic look as he adjusts the straps of his backpack.]
If I still had my potions we could use those...
[Sora sighs, shoulders slumping.]
We should just try and build something that stands out. Something..something unique!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
3 (whoops I fail)
(no subject)
nicolas brown | gangsta.
three
three
I'm workin' as fast as I can without your help, dammit! It's done, by the way.
[At least the stupid landmark was finished. It's a poorly put together cobbled up nightmare that might have looked at home on the walls of a nursery school, but it was a thing that marked land. That was the important part. And besides that, Rin was ready to rest his hands.]
Are you finished standin' around or are you ready to ditch this place?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
two! @enhance; text
@saintnic
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
one
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Riku | Kingdom Hearts
[Riku knows how to treat small things; cuts and bruises and even the odd black eye. But the bleeding gash that's cut across from his his right side up to under his ribs? That's a bit beyond his medical expertise. He knows he needs to clean and disinfect the wound, and he has the alcohol to do it. But he doesn't know how to properly apply bandages or know how to tell whether he needs stitches or not.
This is where the network comes in. His voice is tight when he first begins to speak as he is busy trying to clean the wound and apply pressure at the same time.]
I need someone who has medical knowledge. I've been wounded and I'm not sure what I should be doing for it besides cleaning it out and wrapping it. I don't know how to tell if it's deep enough to need stitches. I could also use someone to talk me through bandaging.
4.
[Riku misses the days when all he had to worry about was fighting Heartless and stopping them from taking over the multiverse. When he could stand and fight instead of running at any sign of monster related trouble. Most of all he misses his Keyblade. Even if it wouldn't have been able to transport him out of this place, it would have still worked as a nice defensive weapon.
But as this place seems set on giving him exactly the opposite of what he wants, all he can do is lead his group into one of the nearest buildings and start trying to bar the door with whatever furniture or large items that can be found inside. Night should be coming soon, they should be able to hold out until then...
At least that's what he thinks before he hears the monster outside move away from the door. He's confused at first, wondering if it could be going away, but no. His eyes dart to the unprotected windows a second before the first impact hits.]
Use whatever is left to block the windows. It's going to try breaking in through them now.
1!
[Can you hear the panic in his voice, Riku? Because it's there. He's definitely not pleased with hearing that his friend is hurt especially when he's still a day out from being able to meet up with the other young man.
This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all.]
Where--how bad is it?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
4 one day I will be serious
4 Okay, for real this time!
Matt Miller ☆ Saints Row
Maps are down. Don't panic! [Matt seems almost bored as he chirps the cliche.
There's the vague sound of scrabbling against the tablet, punctuated by occasional thumping.] So... If we were planning on meeting up, that's an issue.
[Now, he finally perks up]
Good news is, this was literally my job for a few years. Navigating semi-blind in dangerous situations, guiding agents through perilous environments in a timely fashion - It's like riding a bicycle. [Pause.] Granted, this bicycle might get everyone killed... [He clears his throat] The sooner we get started, the sooner we all get where we're going.
2. R4gn0r0k ; Video
[Flashing forward a few hours -- Apparently he didn't quite make it to where he needed to go before lockdown hit. The hows and whys are to be seen, but the fact is he got lost somewhere in the rush of it and now he's showing his busted face back on the network.
His nose is pouring blood and his cheek is swollen and purple and threatening to overtake his eye. He sounds horrible when he actually talks, stopping often to swipe at himself with cotton balls and bandages.] Those er... Those walls are really serious, aren't they? [That's a pathetic, pitiful attempt at a sniff] Funny, isn't it? Earlier I'd do just about anything to get away from the snow and now I'd kill for an ice pack.
I know I'm supposed to pinch and tip but it's cracking, when I do that. [Matt tips his head down and gingerly holds some cotton balls to his nose as he laments his blood stained clothes.] So, taking suggestions.
no subject
[ The voice that responds is calm and refined. Whoever this person is, she's one classy lady. ]
But I do agree, it's far better to expedite the process. So. Where do I go first, o stranger? I'd prefer it if you didn't steer me into doom. I've already gotten that taken care of.
rose lalonde | homestuck
It seems you have stumbled into quite the predicament. And while most of the blame lies with your own complacency and ineptitude, I would be lying if I claimed that I have not made such mistakes.
I can set a course for you. I daresay I have some experience with that, at least. But in order for us to cooperate, you must heed my every instruction. I understand if it is difficult for you to trust me. But if that is the case, then you are on your own.
Are you still here?
Good. There is more at stake than just a path through the snow.
three. action.
[ There is a kind of efficiency in traveling alone that Rose Lalonde can appreciate. She makes note of the buildings she passes, unusual or otherwise. It's nice, not to be heckled by foolish compatriots or extraterrestrials.
The only unfortunate aspect of this venture is that it's really, really fucking cold.
Rose has dealt with cold before. The cold, false affection of her mother. The snow that frequently surrounds their New York estate. Her own charming personality. Rose likes to consider herself a hardy sort of girl, but after a while, it's clear that even she can't stay outside much longer, not unless she wants to lose a few appendages to frostbite.
So she aggressively on the door of the nearest establishment. No answer. But that doesn't stop Rose. There's nothing wrong with a little trespassing, so she enters the shack nestled in the snow, seeking warmth. And perhaps, answers. ]
Hello?
[ The least she can do is be polite, and announce her presence. ]
Numero Uno
[The feed is sort of obnoxiously close to the left side of Charles' face. He holds it out a little further, then brings it back in.]
Look, I'm not the one who erased all the goddamn maps. No need to get all judgy about it. Maybe I should just wait for someone else to answer me.
[While the prospect is tempting, so is not getting lost out here all night and freezing to death. And no one else seems to be paying attention, so...]
Fine, whatever. Standing at the school, need to get to a convenience store. Lay it on me, oh knowledgeable one.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
Charles Yvry | Original Character
[The image feed is just black, with a hint of what might be fabric texture. It's clearly too close to focus properly.]
Okay so. Wait. Dammit.
[There are some shuffling noises as Charles situates the tablet, scooting it along the floor, down and away from himself, so that it now displays a break in the fabric, which is apparently his right pant leg. Inside the rip is a rather nasty-looking gash, bleeding freely.]
Okay. Okay. So, tripped over something I couldn't see. Guess it was sharp? I have no idea what I'm doing, and I'm a hundred percent not touching this thing unless it's bad enough to need it. So if anyone could, I don't know, tell me if I need to worry? That'd be super.
[His voice is mostly steady, but there's a waver underneath that gives away his discomfort. His words are uncharacteristically hesitant. He's very much hoping it doesn't need stitches because, well, fuck that. He'd rather bleed to death, thanks.]
4 - Fun Times
Well, this is awesome.
[Charles leans with his back up against an upright couch that's been braced against the door. Loud bangs echo from the other side of the makeshift barricade.]
Just like old times, you know? Old times where you get stuck in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere, have to scrounge for a day to find anything to eat, and get chased by ridiculous fucking monsters that shouldn't exist.
[His voice rises through his spiel, until the last few words are literally shouted at the creature over his shoulder.]
But really though, I'd rather be doing this than starving to death, so-
[The bangs have stopped.]
On a scale of one to ten, how bad is that probably?
4
You're certainly experiencing quite the nostalgia.
[ Jokes. Rose is good at them. When the sounds stop, she finally looks up. ]
Either the beast outside has given up and gone home, or it's trying a new tactic. I'm going to assume the latter. Taking into account that all such perceptions are relative... [ Rose shrugs. ] I'd wager a seven.
Re: 4
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
@ratking; video
@MrYvry; video
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
four
Re: four
Aymeric de Borel
He felt like a boy again, building something from snow. Though snow had been taking an increasingly sinister role in his life through adulthood. He'd built something of a toughness to the cold, but that wouldn't hold out forever once the icy water would inevitably seep through his gloves. Then he would need to go back in or risk looking fingers to frostbite.
"How are you holding up to the cold, friend? We needn't push ourselves overmuch if we can help it. You know that exhaustion can be dangerous in weather such as this."
no subject
"If the cold is getting the better of you, then by all means, we shall seek succor inside," he added with nearly a mocking tone. Truth be told, he wasn't going to complain or put up a fuss if Aymeric did choose for them to go inside, but he'd be damned if he were to admit to it. The landmark for all its purpose was well enough along by now, little did it need to be a work of craftsmanship, especially when Estinien lacked any skills that fell outside of killing dragons and diplomatic blunders.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Estinien Wyrmblood | Final Fantasy XIV
Monsters and snow did little to shock the dragoon, the similarity it bore to home was a mock comfort in this unfamiliar land. Nay, what surprised him was how he could not assail the beast--could not injure it. As if the thing were made of adamantine, or had the toughest of dragon's hide. But even he could pierce through that--if only he had his lance.
Instead, he was left with little option besides running like a coward, which threatened to do more harm to his pride than anything else. He was known for his near suicidal battle impulses, but when naught seemed to work, and his companion(s) would suffer for his fruitless endeavors... running was the favorable choice.
A choice that had dragged on long enough. Had he still his ability to jump, he might whisk him and his company to safety, but this wasn't the case. Spotting a building, he started for it, gesturing to his company to follow. If they could not shake the creature, they could certainly shut it out.
Once they were inside, he used his weight to hold the door shut despite the beast's best efforts to break it down. All too suddenly the rattling stopped, and a chill ran down his spine. Surely it could not have given up so easi--
"The windows! Act fast ere the beast opens them!" He called out, just as one began to rattle, threatening to open and allow the fiend inside.