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Zarina Kassir
"We can write our own story and decide how it really ends."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 17:39:37 GMT
Lawful Good
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Post by Zarina Kassir on Nov 3, 2021 17:00:07 GMT
Characters Appearing: Caleb Quinn, Zarina Kassir Location (s): Barrenwood Previous Thread Name.: Hanging by a moment. Plot Summary.: The barn gets visited by a malfunctioning visitor from another world.
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Zarina Kassir
"We can write our own story and decide how it really ends."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 17:39:37 GMT
Lawful Good
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Post by Zarina Kassir on Nov 3, 2021 17:01:02 GMT
As a crisp morning came over the plateau, Zarina sat in the large open window of the barn’s second story against the frame and was reading over the papers taken from the Hellshire prison. She had come to Barrenwood to do work on a story but ended up staying with a man who in the past had killed her, on quite a few occasions. Caleb Quinn, the Deathslinger. It was a rather unique living situation but one she was growing quite fond of, and growing quite fond of him…
Hearing a slight squeaking sound Zarina smiled as she looked down as the tall cowboy walked into her view. His leg brace was quite the tattletale and he always seemed to be working on something. It had been two weeks since she arrived and since then a few things had changed. She had acquired a sleeping bag for herself, as well as a few other things. She had bought Caleb a large fleece blanket since the nights were growing cold. In return for writing his story and asking him a ton of questions, she agreed to make meals, clean up around the barn and do whatever else she could do to help out.
Her relationship with him was, complicated. Zarina wanted to believe they were just friends. But there seemed to be something else going on, something that was gaining ground with each passing day. One would say something on the verge of flirtatious. There would be a fleeting glance here and there that would make the other smile or even times she would catch him staring or vice versa. She found herself thinking about him quite a lot too…
Hearing a beep she lifted her hand and looked at the time on her watch. Setting her things aside she got up and went to the ladder and headed down. Grabbing her bag, she had to head into town and pick up a few things. Shopping in Barrenwood was for lack of a better word, an experience… As she passed his workbench Zarina paused and looked down at the slim parts on its surface before letting out a small sigh..
“He took my phone apart again…” Smiling she shook her head slightly. She hasn’t been able to pry her phone away from him since that first night. Slinging her bag over her shoulder she walked outside and arched a brow watching him in front of her. Getting a sly idea, the rather short woman slowly crept closer and gently nudged over a plank of plywood as it fell between them making a large thud!
“Heh, gotcha with a pallet big guy…” Zarina said with a smug look on her face.
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Caleb Quinn
"You called death to your door the instant you done me wrong."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 16:50:40 GMT
Lawful Evil
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Post by Caleb Quinn on Nov 5, 2021 19:23:15 GMT
It was a cool, brisk morning. Caleb glanced out of the window in front of his workbench for just a moment before returning to the slim parts in his palm. He took great pains to avoid bending or breaking any of the small bits, placing them neatly in size order to avoid losing anything. He turned the little rectangular battery in his palm. Part of him wanted to cut it open as well, but surely doing so would ruin the battery. Furrowing his brow he looked to his little machines. Unless I can improve it. I know the lightning bug juice don't run out easy. Maybe I could. . .
He snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of a plank falling just behind him. The cowboy let out an audible yelp as he jolted, one of the pieces flying into the air as he scrambled to catch it, juggling it for a moment before finally getting a good grip on it. Breathing out a sigh of relief he craned his head around to gaze at his housemate. "Hardy har har." Gently he placed the piece down. With a creak of his leg brace, he stood to his feet.
Having Zarina as a companion was interesting, to say the least. The woman asked questions, a lot of questions. Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the company. There was something to be said about being able to actually hold a conversation with someone, especially after centuries of being alone. He grew to enjoy their late-night talks. He grew to enjoy her questions. He grew to enjoy her presence.
"Thanks for the blanket by the way. Nice n' toasty!" He said gratefully as he placed his hands in his pockets. It was true. And the little gift had come right in the nick of time too. The weather only grew colder as the days wore on, and the heater he was building wasn't ready yet. He was missing one vital piece. One that no matter how hard he looked he couldn't find. Maybe I outta make my own? But I ain't got the parts for that either. Hmm. His brows knitted together once more as he contemplated the possibilities. Whatever it is, I gotta get it done. If I don't we both freeze to death.
"Say, Zarina, when you were out did ya happen to fin--"
His words were cut off by a strange sound that seemed to be coming from outside the barn. It was an odd scraping sound that caused the hairs in the back of his neck to stand on end. Now what could that be. Rushing over to where the Redeemer leaned against the opposite wall, rushing as fast as his brace would allow anyway, he gripped his weapon tight. "Stay here." He muttered to Zarina as he quietly made his way to the exit. He continued to stalk quietly around the ball, the noise grew louder and louder until he turned the corner.
"Gotcha!"
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Zarina Kassir
"We can write our own story and decide how it really ends."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 17:39:37 GMT
Lawful Good
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Post by Zarina Kassir on Nov 6, 2021 4:24:48 GMT
Zarina smiled at her little joke, she always did catch him off guard with those pallets. Holding her bag strap with both hands she shook her head. While the barn itself was looking more and more like a mechanics workshop it still needed some of the basics. A kitchen area would be nice, it was getting harder and harder to make anything other than soup and stew on that old wood-burning stove he had. While Zarina wasn’t the best cook getting food from the saloon in town was getting to be irritating since they hassled her every time, the jerks. Not to mention an actual sleeping area. But she had plans for that. Arching her brow at him she gave a slight huff as he seemed to be manhandling a familiar-looking object...
“..Is that a part from my phone? Caleb, I said you could look it over but you know the parts are really small…” She paused from her lecture and then smiled up at him.
“Oh, well you’re quite welcome. I know you’re a ruff and rugged cowboy and all, but even you must get chilly. I have no idea what winters are like here but if it's anything like home we could be in for a harsh time.” She then began to rummage through her bag for her money. This world doesn’t use credit cards not that she had any. She sold a few of her things in exchange for the gold coins they use as currency. But that was starting to run out. She will have to think of a way to make some cash.
“Hmm? Did I find what?” Zarina suddenly paused as he ran and grabbed his weapon! “Caleb..?” When he warned her to stay, she backed up a few feet and reached behind and grabbed one of the heavy wrenches from the nearby table! Whatever it was she wasn’t about to let him take it on alone!
As Caleb rounded the corner a large figure stood in front of him! It turned and stared at him with odd horizontal pupils and made a sharp bleating sound! A goat-like reptilian creature snorted before bounding away, knocking over a few things as it bounced toward the fields! Letting out a small sigh of relief Zarina set the tool down and walked over him patting his back.
“Well, no one can say you’re getting rusty.” She teased. “I’m heading into town to pick up a few things.” While he was distracted Zarina took a risk and grabbed his jacket and pulled him down slightly before giving him a quick peck on the cheek! “Thanks…For being so quick on the draw.” She then hurried back into the barn before he could realize what had happened!
Meanwhile far from the barn, a large metal foot ending in four thick blades slammed down into the mud! A tall creature stood covered in white armor with a peculiar triangular marking on its shoulder. Sparks jolted out of its inoperable back right leg that dragged behind it as four glowing blue optics narrowed. A set of grinding wheels that passed for jaws began to spin creating sparks of their own as a burbling synthetic growl escaped them. Lowering its head, the radar dish on its back activated sending out a signal that flashed across the ground! Its sensors then picked up something in a nearby structure.
….food….
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Caleb Quinn
"You called death to your door the instant you done me wrong."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 16:50:40 GMT
Lawful Evil
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Post by Caleb Quinn on Nov 8, 2021 2:51:44 GMT
Caleb let out an exasperated sigh as he came face to face, or rather spear-tip to face, with one of those freakish lizard goat things. He had gotten well acquainted with the creatures during his time in Median, and those goat-like critters tasted no better than the Nir meat he had grown used to. At least, until Zarina had come alone. Lowering his weapons Caleb watched as the creature bounded away. "Dang critters. I really outta put up a better fence around this place. One o' them bastards kicked me in the leg once, messed up my brace! Took me days to fix." He grumbled, though his foul mood quickly vanished when he felt a hand on his back.
"Damn straight I ain't gettin' rusty. Still, the fastest and greatest shot this side o' the Mississippi!" He boasted with a grin as he tipped his hat up and shot the little lady a wink. "If yer gonna head into town maybe I could go with--" His words were cut short when she pulled him down to her level and planted a kiss on his cheek. Caleb's eyes widened. His mouth gaped as he struggled to find the words, finally clamping his mouth shut he watched as the woman simply walked her way back to the barn
Ain't she a bold one. The cowboy coughed into his balled fist as he tugged the edge of his collar. His pale face almost felt like it was on fire as a peculiar heat flooded his cheeks. "Damn woman, gonna be the darn the o' me." He mumbled under his breath as he stalked his way back to the barn, unaware of the creature that lurked just out of view eyeing him from the bar.
"Ya know, little lady, it ain't nice to leave a man high n' dry like that." He said only partially joking as he stepped back into the barn, setting aside his beloved weapon.
"Whatcha goin' into town fer? Maybe I can help ya find what yer lookin' fer? Maybe even I can help ya get a discount." He smirked as he cracked his knuckles. Sure, it had been a while since he ventured out to town but he knew that the local's fear of him was still fresh and very much alive. Besides, he was starting to get cabin fever up in that old barn. "Can we have red lentil soup again?"
He walked up to the woman as he gently placed his hands on her shoulder. "Ya know, Zee, I gotta say, havin' ya around has been a real experience. Most folks would think you were crazy, ya know? Hangin' round with a fella who used to kill ya. Bein' friendly with him." He rose a hand to brush some hair from her face, leaning in ever so slightly.
"Then again. Ya were always the brave one, right?" His heart seemed to skip a bit as he drew closer to her. Closer and closer still.
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Zarina Kassir
"We can write our own story and decide how it really ends."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 17:39:37 GMT
Lawful Good
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Post by Zarina Kassir on Nov 8, 2021 8:56:58 GMT
As Zarina walked back into the barn after the harrowing lizard-goat incident she could feel a bit nervous. Did she really just smooch the Deathslinger? It was a rather big chance she took since she had no idea how he would react. Not everyone welcomes their personal space invaded let alone being kissed. But it was just an innocent little peck of affection….right? Looking up at him as he came into the barn, she smiled trying to hide her jitters.
“I’m uh…just going to get a few things. We need some cooking pots and some dry goods like flour and sugar. If it's going to get colder out here I don’t want to keep heading into town every day. And I need more paper and pens.” She arched a brow at him when he mentioned accompanying her and getting a discount before letting out a small chuckle.
“Mmhmm. I know you love scaring the townsfolk and while they are an easy mark..and sometimes deserve it.. We may need them at some point. They already shut their windows and lock their doors when it's just me.” She paused seeing how he was getting a bit restless cooped up in the barn before smiling up at him. Scary or not he lives here, he has every right to go into Barrenwood despite what those people think. He may have acted intimidating but it's not like he killed anyone..that she knows of.
“On second thought Caleb. I’d love it if you came with me. I know you are still looking for parts for your heater. Maybe we can find something in town?” As he came closer however her head leaned back more and more trying to keep eye contact. She only came up to the center of his chest and the man was all legs and torso. Those white glowing eyes seemed to lock onto hers as she felt an all too familiar warmth in her face. Her throat suddenly went dry as he approached. Zarina could feel her stomach flutter. She had never told this to anyone and especially not him, but she was never the best when it came to relationships. She could sneak into a prison, face killer after killer, and even tell some spider creature to go to hell, but a boyfriend always seemed impossible…wait.. a boyfriend?
“I ..I wasn’t trying to leave you high and…you ..you really like that soup don’t you?” The smile on her face slowly vanished when she felt his hand lay on her shoulder. It was heavy and almost engulfed her entire shoulder blade. She then watched his hand move up and push her hair from her eye. The course rough skin brushed against her cheek. Damn, that felt good! Her breath caught when he leaned down even closer. If she was so brave, why did she feel like running and hiding in a locker?
“I guess it is a bit crazy…” Her voice came out as a ragged whisper. “But to be honest, I find it’s easier to talk to you than anyone else. I enjoy being with you Caleb..” He was getting even closer now and hovered just inches away, her eyes left his and glanced down at that slightly cooked jawline. Despite the painful damage he took, he was ruggedly handsome. As he came closer, she could feel his breath. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head slightly…
A sudden crash outside however caused her to gasp and look towards the door before anything had hit the mark! A tower of wood planks had fallen over followed by a couple of old milk jugs that bounced into view! Zarina knotted her eyebrows hearing something shuffle and drag outside.
“The goat again?” A shower of sparks then rained down from something just out of sight. The rim of an old tire then rolled out with part of the metal ground away by some unseen force.
“…Caleb? That’s not a goat.” Still holding onto his hand something she did not expect in a million years came into view. A metal creature about the size of a large bear limped out in front of the twin barn doors. Its hind legs were shorter than its front giving it a humped hyena-type stance and it seemed to be looking for something. The machine's head turned one way and then another before looking right at them. Its four optics changed from blue to yellow as it growled, making a strange burbling metallic noise…
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Caleb Quinn
"You called death to your door the instant you done me wrong."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 16:50:40 GMT
Lawful Evil
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Post by Caleb Quinn on Dec 5, 2021 20:36:45 GMT
"You enjoy bein' with me? Now that really is crazy, lil lady." He said in an almost hushed voice as he eyed the woman quietly, brushing the back of his hand down her face as he brushed away a few stray hairs. His silver eyes seemed to glow as he pulled her closer.
"Ya know, Zee, I could almost swear ya. . ."
The woman's words sounded muffled in the cowboy's ears as a smug smile tugged on his face as he watched her face flush as she stumbled over her words. He discovered in his time with Zarina that there was no greater joy than teasing his new roommate. Every stutter was music to his ears and every flush of her cheeks would beckon one of his own. Though there were times that the game became too much even for him. As he leaned he caught a whiff of her sweet scent prompting a smile to spread across his face. Though as quickly as the moment came it was dashed away by the sound of something scraping against the barn followed by a sudden crash.
"Gahd damnit! Again with these varmints!" He grumbled as he reluctantly pulled away from Zarina. "I swear, those lil bunch o' bastards are gonna git skinned alive!"
He grit his teeth as he stepped to take his gun before he froze in place. Loud and heavy footfalls could be heard around the barn, far louder and heavier than any of those alien goats. He felt the woman's grip on his hand tighten, casting her a glance he shifted to stand in front of her. Damn, he thought to himself as he cast a desperate glance at his Redeemer. He had set down his precious weapon right beside the barn doors, right where whatever that thing lurking around outside was going to come through. His lag brace creaked as a subtle reminder that he likely wouldn't have been fast enough to make a mad dash for it either way.
"Shit!" He hissed under his breath as the planks clattered to the ground, followed by the lazy rolling of the milk jugs. His glowing eyes narrowed as he saw bits and pieces of the creature through the gaps in the barn walls. Whatever that thing is, it's huge. The cowboy's mouth felt dry as the creature finally pushed its way through the barn doors.
It was easily the most massive machine the cowboy had ever seen, far more advanced and intricate than anything he had ever built himself. His eyes flowed from the machine's massive shoulders to its long canine-like snout, the creature appeared to be made in a hyena's image. When it trained on them Caleb looked into its four eyes. The creature seemed to behave less like a machine or wind-up toy, it seemed to be doing more than following orders, it seemed to hold some kind of intelligence. A machine with a mind of its own. He would have found it fascinating had it not looked like was going to tear them to shreds.
Casting a glance at his workstation an idea sprung to his mind. Slowly, as to not disturb the beast, he grabbed his little wind-up rabbit. His brow furrowed with nervousness as he winded up the little toy. Maybe a metallic hyena would like a metallic rabbit.
"When I let go of this toy I want you to run up that ladder, ya here." He whispered to Zarina as he placed the rabbit on the ground, holding it down to keep it from springing away. "One the count of three. One, two, three! GO!"
He shouted as he released the automaton, the toy sprang to life jumping all about the barn. He hoped that it would provide enough distraction for Zarina to get upstairs, and for him to grab his precious weapon.
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Zarina Kassir
"We can write our own story and decide how it really ends."
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last online Sept 6, 2023 17:39:37 GMT
Lawful Good
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Post by Zarina Kassir on Dec 11, 2021 6:00:39 GMT
Zarina took a step back as the robotic animal pushed its way into the barn. She may have come from a more modern world than Caleb, but this was something new to her as well! The thing looked like a giant robotic dog with white armor. But its face was nothing of the sort as two large grinding wheels seemed to move back and forth like the mandibles of an insect. It had four eyes on each side of its head and blades for claws. It was alien to her but for some reason, it didn’t look like a local either. As Caleb spoke her attention was drawn from the machine up to him. Her breath came in short puffs of steam from the cold air..
“Caleb…” Zarina said with a worried expression on her face. She didn’t want to run off and leave him behind to face this thing alone, but seeing him eye his weapon she didn’t want to get in the way either! Her hands then balled into fists.
“Alright, just don’t get yourself killed cowboy…” The moment he gave the word Zarina took off and ran to the ladder grabbing its rail and climbed up to the second level! The quick movement caused the robotic animal to turn its head toward her as it took a step closer. Hearing a clicking sound however its attention was drawn away by the small clockwork rabbit! As it bounced around the machine's gaze followed it with undivided attention until it hit a nearby beam causing it to fall over. Letting off a loud burbling sound the creature sprang at the toy! The grinding wheels spun as it lowered its head causing the small device to cat caught up within the spinning teeth and vanished! Bright sparks flew from the sides of its head as metal crunching sounds were heard! Moments later the mangled shell of the rabbit was tossed out, but the internal components were nowhere to be seen!
Once the toy had been processed the grinding wheels stopped and a light on the side of the machine changed from yellow to green. The robotic creature paused for a few moments. It then lowered its head as a device between its shoulders hummed before giving off a bright pulsating flash that covered the barn like a blanket! It then seemed to be drawn to the other devices on the back wall of the barn. Dragging its damaged back right leg it targeted the other inventions as well…
“If he thinks I’m going to let him do this without me….” Zarina said to herself above the goings on in the workshop. She wasn't going to lose him to some metal animal, not now! Hearing the thing below Zarina knew Caleb could take care of himself but so could she! Quickly searching the hay she managed to find an old pitchfork and grabbed it yanking it out! Standing over the ladder all she needed to do was wait for that thing to walk under it as she aimed the pitchfork downwards…
As the beast approached the workbench a group of severed wires could be seen on the damaged leg as it dragged across the wooden planks of the barn floor. The creature was leaking some sort of blue fluid leaving a trail of it behind. As it made its way to the back of the barn it stumbled for a moment before righting itself! It had been damaged badly but seemed unconcerned about its wounds or the tall human as it appeared to only want the metal devices..
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