A meeting with obstacles;

"I see."

It was a mere mutter that slid past the corrigated surface of his alabaster-white teeth, lips shifting slightly clammed beyond every syllable soughing forth, washing over the silence like an all devouring wave. Sometimes, it is such an easy thing to fool people, to make things look like normal and factual to them. Some creditors would never question the verisimilitude of the mighty and holy bible, even though they’ve never had the chance to witness, nor to prove anything of its content to be true. Miraculous powers coming from even more miraculous and holy figures that share a pact with God, predistined to cross the waters by tearing or walking upon it, to build an ark bigger than the Empire State Building in length because some higher voice called for it. Other people believe in the even higher and more whimsical class of surreality — Aliens taking up the world and enslaving humanity, diseases spreading around globally, infecting and turning people into Zombie-like creatures because some bat-shit insane scientist reasoned themselves into creating something solely for the sake of mankind, or [ one of the tops if you’d like to make this a chart list ] vampires, werewolves and other mystic crap figures, appearing out of nowhere and bringing a city completely out of its balance. You know, just like in the movies. Indeed, people were able to believe a lot of absurd things if set out to the right amount of illusion. But they’ll never make acceptance look easy for someone who’s being, well, [ different ] than them. If wanted or not.

Raiden knew the drill. Those stares and glances whenever being out for the public, piercing eyes rubbing against bionic skin so they can worm their way through fraudulent skin to infect him with insecurity, make him doubt his own person and new, extraordinary existence. A walking piece of titanium and alloys, solely created for the very purpose to cause pain and suffering. For war because that was the only thing he’s ever been good at. Killing. And it [ hurts ] to think about it, to let those thoughts tear and eat away at his skull and heart, fueling on his sorrow. He’ll never be normal again, never be accepted the way he wanted it. He’d be a monster and it didn’t matter how much he’d try to mask those flaws that shaped his new form. It’s just a matter of time until Ellie will notice them as well — if she hadn’t already. But she’ll address it, eventually. He was sure she would.

But maybe, they were alike in a way. Maybe not in a sense of appearance and beau ideals [ even though he did notice those bi-colored eyes of hers — one shining a bright green, the other in a more seemingly plastic sort of blue, if it’s not the dim light of the room playing tricks on him ], however, there was a faint hint of grief nestling within her spoken words, and the smile that suddenly vanished from her mocking lips gave her away. He must’ve hit a sensitive spot, said something that awfully hurt her when mentioning a partner. Maybe she had lost something — something, that is far more important than an own appearance and looks. Someone you need to feel complete and [ whole ] again. He once knew that feeling as well, to be filled with life from within. But even that has been taken away from him.

He soaked in the dry and heavy air of the room, arms cupped beneath a leathery coated chest as his eye floated aimlessly through the cheap interior of the apartment with a solemn gaze, rested upon her feminine contours for short until their eyes met for the split of a second and he settled his attention towards one of the random objects of the room again, foothold shifting faintly. It suddenly felt … incredibly awkward to be here. Like he was so utterly out of place. Forlorn like a child. " … was it something I said? I mean, the vibe’s gotten a little …dismal all of a sudden. And I believe it’s my fault." He just wanted to make sure because, so far, Ellie seemed to be the only capable help he really needed to get out of here again.

Ashen hair draped along his forehead and shrouded his azurite eye like a veil of silver silken reflection when he cocked his head faintly, her question capturing his perception. It was a nice offer, really. But he wouldn’t need it. None of the things he once used to ingest daily — just like every other and normal human being. He had his own nourishments now.

"No. Won’t need that anytime soon. But, thanks for the offer anyway."

The sudden question came quite surprising, somehow unexpected and she at first had no idea how to react properly, mulling over the right words to use to explain how she felt right now. Like shit would actually be the answer. Just like always lately but somehow, she didn't feel the need to tell him that. Ellie's not the type to make a big fuzz out of deals and feelings, she's mostly upfront and mouthy, would never flinch from the idea to speak her mind -- but, if there's something Isaac had taught her, then it's definitely to keep some things as a secret and behind shut lips. He wouldn't seriously have to know what happened weeks or months ago because it's none of his fucking business, simple as that. Plus, she's somehow certain that he'd not understand it anyway, nor believe her. The things she and Isaac had seen...were plain and simply horrific. Some obscure kind of manifestation of a nightmare, just more real and painful and there's no escape just because you close and re-open your eyes or pinch your skin real heard in the hope to wake up soon again. Once you're trapped in the bowknot of their menu, you'll most certainly end up as their menu. Most of her friends had back then -- and now, even Isaac, the 'Marker Killer', was missing, too. All corroded with a huge, fucking planet just because he insisted to play the hero and sacrafice himself for her. Of course, she was thankful. But, what now? Going on and pretending nothing ever happened? She could try, she in fact, had already... but it's no use. She'd miss and think about him anyway. Day in and day out.

No. Raiden was not the one to blame. She was. She and her stubborn little teenage feelings. Isaac's dead and she had to finally realize and live with that.

"Nah. It's nothing, really. My mind just sorta slipped. It's alright now, though." His answer concerning the offered drink, however, left her questioning, hand retreating he bottle she still held within her grasp. It may's just water but still pretty refreshing. He's not the picky type, is he? "Won't need it anytime soon? What is that even for an answer. You don't look like a camel to me, storing your water in your 'humps'. Evereyone needs to drink once in a while." Oh well, but she can't force him, can she?

A meeting with obstacles;

Ellie slipped past the electronic doorframe and watched the heavy metal shut right after they both got in. The screeching noises were absolutely irritating and annoyed the fuck out of her whenever she got in or out — it was still an almost typical thing to her already. Her whole apartment was the personification of imperfection. But how did they say again? As the tree, so is the fruit? Whatever. She didn’t even feel sorry for the mess. He’d be just fine. Otherwise, he knew where to find the exit of her lovely place.

"Right. Just make yourself at home. Or, however you’d like to call it.", she replied with her generic snappiness and walked over to the small fridge, opened the left wing and snatched herself a cold bottle of juice. Exactly what she needed after a rough and stressful day at work. She didn’t bother to ask him if he’d like something as well but felt he’d be able to give a shout on his own. Not really what a good host stands for but she never really claimed to be one, either.

One draught after the other and she set the bottle back and upon the little counter next to what seemed to be a kitchen; merely consisted of a fridge, a small table, two chairs and a few more counters. She didn’t even possess an oven, nor a microwave. Delivery service had to do the trick still for a whole while. Those things were hard cash. Cash, she didn’t possess. Screwing the lid of the bottle, Ellie leant against the counter now, arms stemmed behind her. She watched him, canted her head in slight confusion. “Everything alright there…? Or did you see a monster flying by?”, she teased and grinned, turning her sight towards the window now as well. He seemed almost…fascinated.

The sky, how he saw it through the steady, broad window, unfolded itself in front of him like a sea of stars, crystal clear and fitted with the prettiest of colors. With heavenly bodies shining like diamonds across the distance, yet did they seem so close as if it’d be so simple to defy the rules of gravity and snatch them all down with a sole, outstretched hand. He had never seen a skyline of this shape and aspect ever before — something he had only imagined to see in the movies. Or in his most faraway dreams. Could this truly be real…? Was he even present in this place and very moment, his senses untouched by delusions and absolutely genuine? The smell of depleted furnishings pervading his sensitive nostrils, that dry taste of sticky air nestling upon the upper surface of his tongue and the humanly, realistic shape of Ellie next to him — was it all just part of a crazy dream, sucking him under? For a moment, he could’ve sworn to feel wholly weightless, almost vapid like the whole composition of her room. Completely out of place and…folorn. Although, the moment an airship in the size of a whale drifted past the towering building with its soughing and heavy noises, Raiden felt the instant vibration beneath his feet, as if an earthquake was about to be unlashed.

That roaming aircraft was enough to jolt him back to reality and out of his absent-minded state. Plus, Ellie’s voice reached up to him, embraced him with a sense of disillusion, and he rapidly gathered the fragments of his mind together, set them back to a whole to be unboundedly responsive and reactive again. He turned his head within a tilt, just enough to glimpse at her full, feminine figure. “Yeah, uh…sure. I’m cool. Just spaced out a little, I suppose. ” He reacted dryly, perplexity draping heavily across his fanciful lined face. Perhaps he needed to let it rest for now, the whole…’where am I and how the hell did I get here’- farce. Just so long until his mind would cool off a bit. 

Turning around completely now with his arms cupped beneath his own chest, he came to notice the bottle right next to her. Probably soda, something she needed to refresh herself with. And while he looked at it almost fascinated and rapt into another, whole new world of thoughts, another question began to form itself within the back of his mind. “Are you living here all by yourself? Or should I be worried about an insanely jealous hubby storming this door anytime soon, taking things the wrong way?”

He was only teasing her, lips forming the bare allusion of what seemed to be a smile. This wasn’t seriously about to happen, right? 

He seemed so...dreamful the moment he turned his head towards the window, glimpsing into the deep night of New Horizons like it'd be the very first time for him to see the sky. But that'd be ridiculous, wouldn't it? There were a few questions she had stored within the back of her mind, the temptation to ask them all at once being stronger than ever before but instead of running head over hells into an interrogation sort of thing, she remained silent, waiting for him to show some actual sign of movements. That he was still alive and present.

And the moment he turned, a soft sigh befell Ellie's lips. She seemed relieved, yet exhausted to the highest level. Today had been just another shitty day at work. Another lonely endurance of her life since the very happenings at Tau Volantis. Isaac had gone missing ever since. And his absence had left a hole within her heart, showing its hurting void almost daily by now. She had believed it to get better, potentially. Time's healing your wounds -- but sadly, not in her case. It's just not working.

His words were tearing at her heart, and for a moment, she could feel a certain anger arising within her stomach. But she swallowed it, just everything coming along with it. The sore taste, the sadness. Raiden couldn't know. And it probably was the anger she felt towards her own helplessness. "No. None of tis is going to happen. Don't worry about it.", she stated, her fingers fiddling around the bottles swivel fastening while a rather discomforting expression made itself present on her face. Yes, this day was definitely shit. "You're...not thirsty I suppose?"

A meeting with obstacles;

They’ve been walking for what almost felt like hours to him, the clicking noises of their steps echoing through the dark, sounding louder than ever. Like a lonely march through a concreted desert. He just barely saw any citizens coming their way, if not to say, none. It’s like this town was shutting down all life signs at one special point of time, obstructing the doors and spending the Night within their own, cozy four walls to avoid any contact from the outskirts. But why? Did they fear someone or something to come? It’s true, the place he came from was just as corrupted and rotten to the roots, nothing but a failed project humanity once called a ‘stable existence and equilibrium’ — but this place was by far the most hectoring and acrimonious thing he had ever come to see and visit. He could literally smell the imminent peril coming with a dry breeze, like some sense loaded with bad foreboding.

Something definitely was off and not right. But the show was on and his seats were already reserved; front row, right in the middle.

"If you…say so." A shrug, the inhuman sound of his steps abating upon the asphalt once they came to a halt in front of a huge entrance hall. It was a pompous but everything else than noble edifice that reached up to the sky. Probably fifteen or twenty stories judging by an ephemeral glimpse. It was made of impressively robust and resilient material; yet did it not change the fact that the neon signs were cheap and trashy still. "Female intuition, huh? To be frank, I’m suprised nothing worse happened already." But then again, who was he to judge her long-range abilities to read someone else’s mind? Trust is something nice to give — but also easy to break. Being extremely cautious when faced with disconcerting things could turn out to be more safe than confiding in presumptions solely. That’s what he personally deemed as useful. And availed himself of whenever necessary.

Shrugging her words off, he shoved himself past the shrieking double doors of the entrance and stepped into the hallways, the bright lights gleaming down on him, blinding his sensitive optimized eyes. The man squinted a few times, his lids growing to slids more and more. From an unlit room straight into the brilliant sun. Yes, that comparison sounded approproate and hit the nail right on the head. He needed to get used to the brightness. “People around here put a brave face on wasting a lot of energy sources, I suppose? Not even a dentist’s lamp would shine that brightly.”, came his muttering voice, eyes still slitted. But, aside from the dazzlement he managed to keep in step with her, eventually reaching the door she claimed to be her suite. He stopped next to her, watching her dainty-fingering out what seemed to be a keycard. So, was that the key to unlock this door? Modernization at its finest. He wondered what else could be held in store for him to discover. Beep. The door opened with lazy movements, granting both of them entrance. Raiden glanced at her another time before stepping in. Carefully. Slowly. The windows were broad and wide, suffusing the small room with enough light so she wouldn’t necessarily need to switch on a lamp. The cities bright radiators all around the skyscraper-like buildings would do the trick. “Don’t get me wrong but I didn’t seriously expect to step into a sheikh’s palace.”, he spoke, soaking in the dusty prosaic atmosphere around him. A cough slipped through his artificial lungs thereupon. It may wasn’t the Hilton but still enough to carve out an existence. Raiden had already seen worse than that. Even experienced it first-hand.

After a brief moment of hesitation, he stepped closer to the window, observing the distance from there, sinking deeply into a puddle of his own thoughts. He’d almost forgotten how powerful the horizon could glow if unfettered by trees and other covers. A divine pageant worth capturing short-time.

Ellie slipped past the electronic doorframe and watched the heavy metal shut right after they both got in. The screeching noises were absolutely irritating and annoyed the fuck out of her whenever she got in or out -- it was still an almost typical thing to her already. Her whole apartment was the personification of imperfection. But how did they say again? As the tree, so is the fruit? Whatever. She didn't even feel sorry for the mess. He'd be just fine. Otherwise, he knew where to find the exit of her lovely place.

"Right. Just make yourself at home. Or, however you'd like to call it.", she replied with her generic snappiness and walked over to the small fridge, opened the left wing and snatched herself a cold bottle of juice. Exactly what she needed after a rough and stressful day at work. She didn't bother to ask him if he'd like something as well but felt he'd be able to give a shout on his own. Not really what a good host stands for but she never really claimed to be one, either.

One draught after the other and she set the bottle back and upon the little counter next to what seemed to be a kitchen; merely consisted of a fridge, a small table, two chairs and a few more counters. She didn't even possess an oven, nor a microwave. Delivery service had to do the trick still for a whole while. Those things were hard cash. Cash, she didn't possess. Screwing the lid of the bottle, Ellie leant against the counter now, arms stemmed behind her. She watched him, canted her head in slight confusion. "Everything alright there...? Or did you see a monster flying by?", she teased and grinned, turning her sight towards the window now as well. He seemed almost...fascinated.

A meeting with obstacles;

Well, he was right about that. And truth be told : Ellie knew it better than everyone else. This city has gone to shit, if not to say, the whole planet. It may wasn’t Danik’s fault this time or any sort of an Necromorph outbreak worsening things around here but the very doing of the people. Nature was a poor sight to watch and the air pollution was another, worrisome thing. But what could she possibly do to change anything about it? It’s not like she could go and destroy some alien artifact this time. “That is…true, I suppose.” Came her answer then, stricken by slight distress. She wouldn’t want to talk about this all night through, though.

Hearing his words made her small faintly again, steps echoing upon the pavement as she started walking down the lonely alleys, hand caressing her hair. “Don’t worry. I can handle creeps so you better keep your hands where they belong and don’t try anything funny. Besides, we know each other’s names so we’re basically not that unacquainted anymore.”

There was a nod that followed from his part, silvery strands of hair dangling within the dull wind that seemed to subside again the moment it arose. The air condition around here truly was quite…different from the place he came from. More sticky and less fresh— No. everything seemed to be unlike he knew it. It’s almost like he was thrown into another dimension or something. Maybe some sort of time paradox he accidentally blundered into? His questions didn’t seem to come to an end anytime soon. They were piling up like a shit-ton of bricks. Throughout.

"Yeah, right. I’m sure you’d…totally kick my ass." The male shut his eyes, cerulean orbs rolling behind closed lids reflexively. The hell was she talking about? It’s not like he was a sexual predator or some scum of that kind, hunting women naive enough to trust him, allowing him admission without a second thought. All he wanted was to talk, unburdening his rattled mind and the questions swelling within. 

"Knowing each other’s names truly is a foundation stone for trustable talks and flat sighteeings. Couldn’t agree more.” His voice came stoic, yet plastered with acrid sarcasm. She surely knew how to avoid uneloquent acquaintances and sandtraps, huh?

Without saying anything else, he started to move along with her, down the back alleys and deeper into the marsh of desolation. Did she live around here, somewhere in one of these run down apartments? Heaven forbid.

Ellie strode along the back alleys and streets she personally called her 'route of choice'. Maybe not the safest, nor cleanest way since people loved to throw their garbage around like bins were totally overrated or not even existent, but it was still short and served the purpose. About ten minutes later, she finally reached her goal, heading for the doorsteps which lead her into some sort of entrance hall. It was broad and riddled with bright lights everywhere, didn't really look trimmer than the outsides, though. Hopefully, Raiden wouldn't expect a five-star apartment or something of the sort.

"That's true. Though, if you'd be a pervert, criminal or whatever kind of freak, you would've already tried some funny stuff. I know the sort. Trust me." The brunette smiled, her two-toned eyes locked upon the door she stepped in front of only a moment later, fiddling the keycard out of her pockets. "And here we are. I just hope you're not expecting to see a presidential suite.", she joked, inserting the card into the slit. The metallic door was opening with a quirky sound.

A meeting with obstacles;

They’ve had both gone absent for a moment, dwelling within their own, little circle of burdening thoughts. To say the truth, Raiden had absolutely no idea where he was and how the hell he got here but one thing was for sure : Every planet and every time period had their own fair share of maniacs and corrupted assholes. Something must’ve lead to these rather poor circumstances — or someone. Streets were pretty much grime-stained, more than sixty percent of the people were living in poverty and nature was practically dead for good. On his way here, he hadn’t noticed a single still healthy looking and unwithered plant that wasn’t made of plastics.

The air around him hung heavy and close, like a shroud of tribulation afflicting this city and its population advancing. Though, this probably wasn’t the right time to throw speculations and conjectures around. Ellie would certainly give him the answers he needed to understand the context. “That probably won’t be enough. You need to get down to the root of the trouble to successfully get rid of it.” Scraping around the surface and hoping the best to happen wouldn’t bring her anywhere. There isn’t much one single person can do anyway — like a single corn won’t be enough to bake bread.

A tilt of his head followed when she made her suggestions. It came quite…surprising. “Well, if you don’t mind taking a stranger with you?”

Well, he was right about that. And truth be told : Ellie knew it better than everyone else. This city has gone to shit, if not to say, the whole planet. It may wasn't Danik's fault this time or any sort of an Necromorph outbreak worsening things around here but the very doing of the people. Nature was a poor sight to watch and the air pollution was another, worrisome thing. But what could she possibly do to change anything about it? It's not like she could go and destroy some alien artifact this time. "That is...true, I suppose." Came her answer then, stricken by slight distress. She wouldn't want to talk about this all night through, though.

Hearing his words made her small faintly again, steps echoing upon the pavement as she started walking down the lonely alleys, hand caressing her hair. "Don't worry. I can handle creeps so you better keep your hands where they belong and don't try anything funny. Besides, we know each other's names so we're basically not that unacquainted anymore."

A meeting with obstacles;

A nod from his part followed, eyes trailing along the pavement beneath their feet. It neither was the best start they had shared, nor was it the pleasantest of places; Dirty and torn plastic bags in one corner, cans and differents kinds of rubbish in the other while a steamy and strong smell pervaded his nostrils, made him gag silently. Yeah, he could tell that people around here truly cared about their order and cleanliness. Such a shameful and alarming sight…

"Yeah. It’s nice to meet you, Miss Langford." A pause; his sight slowly skimming towards her face and away from the sorry scenery again. "Things can only get better I assume. Especially…around here."

Unfortunately... he was right. This planet had seen better times already, that's for sure. The glorious ages were over and gone. Science, evolution and different sorts of crazy nutballs were polluting the air now, making things even worse. The mere remembrance on Danik and all these other Lun's Ellie had met thus far, gave her one hell of a chill. She still harbored the hope that it'd finally be over -- but how often had her esperance been betrayed now? Especially now that Isaac was gone...

She shook her head; getting rid of those thoughts as quick as possible. Just shaking them off somehow. "Guess all we can do is trying to make it a better place somehow. If you feel uncomfortable around here, we could head for my apartment, though. It's not all too far from here." And was pretty much of a hole-in-the-wall as well. But at least she had a roof over her head. That's all that counts, right?

A meeting with obstacles;

Her rosy lips curved when he finally reached for her hand, accepting the offer, the ‘proposal of piece’. It’s not like she was here to tangle with him anyway. Oh she had a big mouth sometimes, that wouldn’t be the problem, but she just didn’t feel like it right now.

"Ellie. Ellie Langford. And you might be?"

After the impact of a shake, he let go of her hand again, retreating his arm smoothly.

"The name’s Raiden." Briefly spoken words were ringing in some sort of perfunctory introduction, husky-like eyes residing upon the brunette’s features. Ellie Langford, huh? Not exactly a name his inner database would recall. But it’s not like he had a whole registration office within the back of his mind. It was… nice to meet new and apparent well-disposed faces every now and then. That’s for sure.

So, the name was Raiden? Presumably, that was just a nickname he had made his own. But of course, she didn't know that for sure. Eyeing him a few moments longer, the suspicious lines drawing along his jaw and the ashen-white hair, she averted her sight, slender fingers crawling towards her upper arm where she began to scratch her skin awkwardly.

"I guess we had a quite rough start but... it's nice to meet you anyway, Raiden." Another smile was offered towards the man.

"All I do is trusting my feminine instincts — and they’ve been a wonderful and safe guide thus far. But you’re right. Maybe we should both stop being judgmental pricks and start getting to know each other differently. How’s that sound to you?" She offered her hand, looking up at him. This time, she truly meant it. Maybe he was quite a cool and nice guy and not the himbo she thought he’d be.

Feminine instincts? Now where did he hear that mildly entertaining line before… — Oh, right. It’s been one of those horrid and nonsensical modern era soaps he had to watch with Rose once. His counterpart indeed seemed to be the right type to be into that kinda stuff. And even though, he’d never admit it — he somehow had enjoyed it, the cozy Nights, just chilling upon the soft cushion of a settee and let time casually flow like a river. Raiden had never spared a thought about revolting but cherished every second being with his ex-wife.

Good memories. From better days.

Glancing towards the offered, petite and slightly dusky hand before him, the silveret hesitated a moment, eventually surrendered himself and his preposterous pride to her ‘peace efforts’ and accepted the proposal with a firm, yet gentle squeeze; artificial skin wrapping around human softness he once knew and possessed as well.

"Sounds like a plan. And coming to know your name would be a good start for icebreaker sessions." A dim smile was offered.

Her rosy lips curved when he finally reached for her hand, accepting the offer, the 'proposal of piece'. It's not like she was here to tangle with him anyway. Oh she had a big mouth sometimes, that wouldn't be the problem, but she just didn't feel like it right now.

"Ellie. Ellie Langford. And you might be?"

"Well, I guess that’s one way to put it." She shrugged, her bicolor eyes rolling. "You being a socialist… I think I’d even buy that."

A soft, scarcely audible hiss seeped over half-human, half artifical lips; cerulean shady eyes narrowing to slits. Sarcasm of the finest sort. Her tongue was nearly flogging like a serpent, hitting him straight in the face.

"Tch. Guess some people just only hear what they wanna hear.”

It’s not like he cared about it. After all, he knew it better than anyone else. That’s what he should.

"All I do is trusting my feminine instincts -- and they've been a wonderful and safe guide thus far. But you're right. Maybe we should both stop being judgmental pricks and start getting to know each other differently. How's that sound to you?" She offered her hand, looking up at him. This time, she truly meant it. Maybe he was quite a cool and nice guy and not the himbo she thought he'd be.

"Pfff. You should rather appreciate the attendance of pretty women instead of shunning them." She quirked a smile.

"I’m not shunning them. I just chiefly keep my distance towards unacquainted faces to prevent ‘delicate issues’. Never said I’m reluctant to meet new peeps. I’m a…socialist, I guess. … kinda."

"Well, I guess that's one way to put it." She shrugged, her bicolor eyes rolling. "You being a socialist... I think I'd even buy that."

"I seem to attract a lot of women lately. And that usually means trouble."

"Pfff. You should rather appreciate the attendance of pretty women instead of shunning them." She quirked a smile.