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Where the Wild Things Are [Projectra]
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Post by Timber Wolf on Nov 19, 2012 11:12:59 GMT -5
The jungles of Rawl
The large ball of fur stirred and uncurled, a mix of slowly increasing heat from the sunrise and the distant braying cry of some creature now destined to be another hunter's meal bringing him out of his slumber. Stretching and yawning as best his jawbones allowed, he clacked his teeth together before sniffing the air. It seemed safe, no sign of Him or his metal creatures.
Turning, he sniffed at the nearby chunk of meat left over from yesterday's hunt. It still smelt alright to eat but needed something to balance it. Driven by something deep inside, something that made him want to eat differently to other hunters, he slunk out of the cave he had chosen for the stream just within the nearby treeline and headed over to leap over the waterway with ease.
Stopping a few feet away, he began to dig for tubers, sniffing each find to see which ones were poisonous and discarding those that were. Taking the edible roots, he moved to wash them off in the stream like he couldn't stand soil-encrusted food before gently grabbing the leafy tops in his mouth to free his hands up for picking edible berries.
Once he had a handful, he cradled the fruit against his chest with one hand and stalked back to the cave on his other three legs. Dumping the rest of his breakfast on the cave floor next to the meat, he stared at it for a few seconds before tucking in with a low rumbling growl, he needed to eat. While feeding, he kept a watch for any sign of his known enemies, those that hunted the hunter.
After finishing his meal, the beast warily left the cave a second time and headed back to the stream, wading into it and lowering his head to drink his fill. Once he had, he lifted his head, water slowly trickling down his chin and listened to the noises coming from the surrounding jungle.
Nothing seemed wrong! Good, he had learnt that the best way to avoid Them was to keep moving, to never stay too long in one spot. Bearing that in mind, the beast barely gave his temporary lair a second glance as he bounded off into the jungle.
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Post by Princess Projectra on Nov 20, 2012 11:41:47 GMT -5
The world around her seemed to chatter and whisper as they plowed through the jungle’s towering trees and dense foliage. Projectra wrinkled her nose as the raw smell of her surroundings, she found it both unpleasant and a faint reminder of her own planet which had been untouched by technology and was still surrounded by the magnificence of the planet. This place however, this planet – what did they call it? Right Rawl was something else. The spiny plants and claw like branches were frightening, like something out of a nightmare and every other second they were grabbing at her clothing or pulling at her hair. She grumbled and groaned as she trekked through the forest, tailing after one of the United Planet’s diplomats who was assigned this mission to Rawl.
Coming to Rawl had not exactly been in Projectra’s plans, in fact it was sort of the last place she wanted to visit but this had been entirely against her well. It was one of the perks of being under the United Planets, she was sort of just disposed of whenever they pleased.
The United Planets had received a message from the revered Doctor Londo a few days earlier. He seemed urgent and in Projectra’s opinion, highly unkempt and suspicious but the United Planets weren’t having any of it, they listened to his plea and entertained him for the several moments he had. He requested their audience in hopes of gaining generous funding from the United Planets to continue his research on Rawl. He stated that he had discovered a new hybrid species on the planet and needed the technological and monetary backing to help him really uncover the mysteries of this hybrid creature. So far he could only account for one, but Doctor Londo was very sure there was more of this creature on the planet, he just needed the extra push to help him along.
The United Planets being the bringers of peace and the moderators of balance always encouraged scientific research and progression . And Doctor Londo’s work or discovery meant that there was a possibility to add a new set of alien species to the ranks of the United Planets. It meant that their little clubhouse could grow stronger and the universe more unified.
“I have to thank you so much for coming.” Doctor Londo spoke, breaking the eerie silence of the jungle around them. Projectra turned her head, looking at the overhead canopy. This place was so peculiar, how was it that there seemed to be so much life but no life at all?
“It’s not a problem Doctor Londo, we have appreciated your scientific contributions in the past.” The United Planet’s diplomat spoke, his name was Rundarr, a representative from Xenu. He stood tall with a marvelous long silver beard (an attribute of his people) and with tufts of hair along the center of his skull that took the form of a silver tipped Mohawk.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity Rundarr, I truly believe that this new species will help us understand the universe a little more. I know we’ve traveled near and far and have met all kinds of specimens, but this creature – this one is truly unique in its own right.”
There was a glint in Doctor Londo’s eyes as he turned to them for just a few moments and smiled. They were slowing down now and Projectra could see a large facility coming into view. No doubt it was Londo’s scientific laboratory. As Projectra stared at it she couldn’t help but feel as if there were something eerie and off about the entire place, just like the whole jungle there was an ominous shroud that hovered over the facility. Her eyes narrowed as she studied the cold metal surface of the lab and there was a feeling that crept at the back of her mind that was working its way to manifest into reality.
“And princess-“ Doctor Londo’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts and she turned, her face absolutely sour as she made eye contact with him, “May I say that it is an honor to meet you. Had I known you were coming I would have suggested different landing quadrants. You see there is no space near the facility, but I would have tried my best to avoid the jungle… I’m sure it was out of your element.”
There was some venom in his voice that caught Projectra off guard and she wondered if she had just imagined it. Her expression showed her surprise, but she quickly shook her head and allowed a rather bemused smile to etch across her pale face.
“Doctor, this is hardly out of my element. You see my father and I hunted frequently on our planet Orando. Nature, it is my element. I’d imagine the harrowing and deafening silence of the jungle be an obstacle for one who spends most of his time in the lab.”
Her sharp tongue got her a glare from Rundarr who quickly stepped in between the pair and held his hand up in offer to Doctor Londo.
“Doctor, I understand from the report that this hybrid creature actually possess human DNA. Would you have a sample of it for us to take a look at.”
Rundarr spoke, and the Doctor’s features shifted as he turned from Projectra and allowed a slight smile to form on his face. When Rundarr’s inquiry had been made his face suddenly softened and there seemed to be regret in his eyes.
“Unfortunately no. The creature is highly elusive and even my retrieval robots have had problems obtaining ANY samples of it.”
They were walking through the sliding double doors of the facility now. Darkness initially met them, but two steps in the automatic lights came on and illuminated the dreadfully lonely facility. Open cages lined one wall, lacking in any sort of specimen Projectra noted. In the middle was a lab table full of flasks and beakers that bubbled or smoked with bright solutions as their contents. Blue eyes flicked to another side of the room where there was a set of computers, drawing board and strewn papers that looked like they were thrown about in frustration. She turned back to the doctor and paused almost immediately her blue eyes trembling as she caught the sight of a young man standing by Londo’s side.
Projectra blinked, her breathe withheld and the apparition disappeared. She blinked again, almost expecting the young man to come back, but whatever she had seen – it was no longer there.
“Princess, are you alright?” Doctor Londo asked, his voice holding absolutely no sincerity “You look like you just saw a ghost.”
She blinked and regained her composure, pulling out the eerie image of the young man from her mind.
“Doctor if you have no DNA samples, what evidence do you have of this creature?” Rundarr suddenly asked, interrupting the pair as he continued to legitimize Londo’s requests for funding. The Doctor turned to him, a spark in his eyes as he quickly walked over to the computers. As he walked, Projectra caught sight of the young man again, this time walking alongside Londo. She gripped her forehead with the tips of her fingers, assuming that the atmosphere of this planet was messing with her mind.
“I have compiled images of the creature. His sightings have recently become less frequent and I imagine it’s because he knows I am watching him.”
Images began to pull up on the screen and as Projectra walked forward to follow after Rundarr, she felt the apparition run though her. She turned in bewilderment, watching the young man bolt across the room and run out the facility’s front doors.
“How do you know… it is male. I thought you had no DNA evidence.”
Projectra inquired, her body slowly turning back to study the images that were displayed on the multiple screens. Doctor Londo seemed to pause as he hovered over the keyboard and hesitated in his response. Rundarr who looked completely fascinated by the images did not notice the change in the Doctor’s behavior.
“I mean it as an assumption ma’-“
“Your highness.”
“Princess.”
There was cold stare shared between them.
“I assume this creature is male because of his highly territorial behavior and the fact that it is mainly he who has showed up in images. I imagine him as the pack leader, constantly on the hunt to provide food for his herd.”
He looked at Projectra with some satisfaction in his face. But it was not Doctor Londo that she was staring at, instead it was the young man who stood by his side again, a forlorn look on his face. But it wasn’t his expression that caught Projectra off guard; it was his eyes, his feral, wild looking eyes that seemed to cry out to her as he began to fade away again.
“The report said you had a son. What happened to him?”
Projectra suddenly asked, a complete lie on her behalf because nowhere in the report had Londo mentioned a son. Rundarr seemed to catch onto her lie as well, and he stared back at her in utter disbelief a look in his eyes that told her she was in for a serious reprimanding session s later.
But Rundarr’s attention was misguided, for his fixation on Projectra did not allow him to see the darkness that formed in Doctor Londo’s eyes as he turned from the princess and began to walk deeper into the facility.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Nov 20, 2012 12:50:45 GMT -5
Slipping through the jungle like a ghost but one with no real direction, the beast stepped into a clearing and his ears went completely flat against his head, an angry growl quietly escaping him as he prowled around the ship just sitting in the middle of the cleared area, looking for a way in.
Most times one of these things showed up, more of the metal creatures sent to hunt him down followed. Maybe if there was a way inside, he could destroy them before they came after him this time.
Finding no way to get inside, he glanced around as the growl grew in volume, he knew exactly where he was now, and he was too close to His lair. Not good, not good! Needed to get out of the immediate area.
Backing up and disappearing among the undergrowth, the beast was soon lost to sight as the growl gave way to a full-throated roar of pure feral anger, the sound echoing around the trees.
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Post by Princess Projectra on Nov 20, 2012 20:37:19 GMT -5
”I’m sorry Doctor Londo, but images of the creature will not be enough to garner monetary support from the United Planets.”
They sat around a circular table located in an area that lay deeper within the lab. After Projectra’s inquiry a little earlier, Doctor Londo seemed to have become more reserved and more quiet as if they question of his son greatly bothered him. He didn’t answer it however, just put up a huge façade about how much the question had bothered him. Rundarr could only stare in absolute frustration at Projectra during the entirety of their meaning, flabbergasted by the young woman’s assault on the innocent man.
But innocence was a very loose and broad term, and if that was what Doctor Londo wanted them to believe, he was doing a damn good job. Except Projectra wasn’t going to fall for it, there was something going on in the grand scheme of things and she didn’t want to find out. That’s why when Rundarr finally told Londo that the superficial evidence had had provided was not enough to gain any support, she was absolutely relieved. Projectra, although sitting tall and straight in the little lab stool that Londo had provided for her, couldn’t help but fidget in anticipation, anticipation to finally get out of this lab, off this planet and back to her luxurious quarters on planet Earth. A smug look crept upon her face as she watched Londo’s face contort to a look of absolute dissatisfaction.
“Perhaps I haven’t stressed the significance of this creature’s discovery, it could very well shape the-“
There was desperation in his voice and Doctor Londo was beginning to lean forward in his seat, his glasses falling down the tip of his nose. He pushed his glasses up, trying to regain his composure.
“I’m sorry Doctor Londo, and while I appreciate your work and perseverance, until we obtain the proper amount of evidence the United Planets will not agree to support this project.”
Rundarr began to rise, his body language showing that he was preparing to leave. Projectra followed suit, holding onto her long flowing cape and rising off the stool in a rather regal fashion. That smug expression she held earlier was still plastered on her face, a friendly reminder to Doctor Londo that he was entirely beneath her.
“No, you don’t seem to understand. I can- I can provide evidence just.. I need time.”
Desperation, there was more of it in his voice and Projectra thought she could see the sweat begin to roll down his forehead. That only brought the smile on her face to broaden.
“Again Doctor, I apologize for the inconvenience now. But if you can provide said evidence then feel free to apply for our support at that time. The paperwork will remain the same I’m sure. It will take some time, but you are a man of perseverance.”
Rundarr smiled and offered his hand to Doctor Londo, preparing his grand exit. Projectra had released her hold on her cape and was smoothing it out neatly behind her. It billowed slightly as it came to rest upon the ground, and the deep shade of purple seemed to blend in with the shadows.
“The United Planets always appreciates doing work with you.”
Rundarr said, that insistent sincerity laden in his voice as he awaited the Doctor’s response.
“I don’t have time Rundarr… I need the backup now.”
There was firmness in his voice that made Projectra cringe at his demand. She planted hands on her hips and glared daggers at the man, her blue eyes glistening with absolute contempt. This man just didn’t understand that no was a final and affirmative answer. She didn’t appreciate his disrespect and that was not only to her, but to Rundarr who was quite simply a delegate just doing his job. Her teeth grit, and her platinum grey hair seemed to rise slightly as she directed all her attention to Londo.
“Doctor, your theory on this supposed creature is not enough provide you any substantial back up. I suggest you find more evidence before scourging around for money. Something more solid and feasible, not some poorly taken images of what looks like a tree moving in the wind.”
She spoke with absolute defiance and authority, something that Rundarr did not appreciate when he voiced, “Projectra!” But she ignored him and continued to berate Doctor Londo. The United Planets were built on respect and if this man didn’t respect the terms that he had been given then maybe he wasn’t worth being funded. He looked like a has-been anyway, a scientist who had long lost any accreditation he had ever gained.
Rundarr looked apologetically as he stared between Projectra and Londo, trying to size up the severity of the situation. His attention, at this time, was unsure of where to direct itself. He felt as if he were quite literally dealing with two bickering children. On the other hand, Projectra stared hard at Londo, watching his defeated body language as he hung his head low and tinkered with an unseen object in his pocket.
“We take our leave now, come Rundarr.”
Projectra commanded, almost forgetting that it was Rundarr who was heading this mission, not she. As she turned, she stopped suddenly a cold feeling running down her spine and the gasp of Rundarr reaching her ears.
“No, no one is leaving.”
There was something new in his voice, the desperation was still there but there was determination and a hint of – was she hearing this right – insanity. Projectra turned, her feathers obviously ruffled. As she lay her eyes back on Londo, she stopped suddenly, her heart skipping a beat as she eyed the object in his hand.
A magnum TI pulse firearm was shaking in his right hand as he held the barrel of the energy passed rifle to Rundarr. Projectra narrowed her eyes, wondering if the man had so much the courage to even fire the thing. Rundarr raised his hands as if in defeat and that caused Londo to completely break.
“DON’T MOVE! I said NOBODY is LEAVING!”
He spat, saliva flying out of his mouth as he trained the weapon on Rundarr.
“Please, Doctor Londo, this is all unnecessary-“
“Shut up! If the United Planets won’t give me funding then I’m sure an exchange for their delegates will have to be put in order.”
He sounded absolutely mad, and his eyes held a wild look in them. They showed that he was unstable, unpredictable. Projectra held her breath, watching as his finger hovered over the trigger.
“Doctor this is uncalled for. Do you mean to take us hostage? You won’t accomplish anything this way.”
He turned slightly, his eyes watching the princess as he stared her up and down.
“Princess-“
There was a pause as a look of realization began to creep onto his face, Projectra could only stare.
“That’s right.. you’re a princess…” he looked to Rundarr a bit of regret in his expression, “Which means you’ll pay for more than a year’s worth of scientific research and technology.”
The words seemed to reach Projectra’s ears slowly and before she could finally piece everything together, a shot was fired from his pulse rifle and went through Rundarr’s chest.
“Rundarr!” she shrieked, rushing over to the diplomat’s side and catching him before he hit the ground. The heavy weight of the man caused her to stumble but the princess held her ground. “Rundarr!” she cried out, watching as his eyes rolled back and the blood pumped from his chest, staining the front of her uniform. Before she could utter his name again, she felt the hair tug at the back of her head, and she was violently jerked into Doctor Londo’s chest.
“Unhand me!” She shrieked, grabbing the sides of her hair and ripping herself from his grip. She heard him grunt and lunge for her again and as a reaction, she dove to the ground and watched as she was captured once again by Doctor Londo.
Her eyes glowed slightly as she rolled away from his body and stood up once again, watching as he took hold of the false Princess Projectra and held the rifle to her head.
“Quiet princess, shh.. shh.” He cooed as the princess cried in his arms, the apparition trying to break his grip.
Projectra began to walk away, her eyes glued onto his when suddenly she ran into a medicine table and the instruments clattered to the floor. Doctor Londo suddenly looked up, the apparition disappearing from his grasp and his eyes turned back to Projectra.
“Grife, you sniveling brat!” he cried out as he raised his fire arm and took aim. Projectra gasped, focusing once again and closing her eyes as a double of her body seemed to part from her body and stood by her side. She took the opportunity to run forward, this time not looking back and ran through the hallway of the facility. A left and a right, and soon enough she was narrowing down the main entrance. Behind her Doctor Londo was shrieking profanities, but she didn’t dare to look back. Instead her eyes were trained on the front doors, which parted once she reached the sensor point and with a quick sprint she burst out of the facility.
Blinking red lights flashed around the facility and she heard a motorized hum erupt from behind her. Chancing a glance, she looked back to see androids set on large tracks for mobile movement zoom after her, their rifle arms trained on the young girl’s back. She blinked and her eyes glowed slightly once again and the robots immediately stopped in their tracks, assessing the situation as they realized that the young woman had completely disappeared before them.
Gasping for breath, Projectra did not slow in her pace as she dashed into the jungle, taking refuge within the heavy foliage. As she burst through the leaves, she failed to account for her surroundings and released a shriek as the ground beneath her seemed to disappear and she found herself sliding down a wet slope. Her body hit the bottom of the clearing and she groaned, her head throbbing as the jungle around her seemed to come to life. Her vision was blurry and her body shuddered from the trauma of the fall and as she looked around the jungle she realized that she was not alone.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Nov 20, 2012 21:02:46 GMT -5
The beast had started to move away fast on hearing the sounds of the non-too stealthy machines leaving the compound when a scream rang through the trees. Pausing, his ears went back and he froze, torn between instinct and something deeper.
In the end however, he turned and found himself running towards the shriek, his ears flat against his head like he wasn't happy with his choice, knowing what could happen if those metal things were finally able to catch him.
He remained hidden as he saw an unfamiliar two-legger in front of him, and for a moment, the only visible part of him were his yellow cat-like eyes glowing in the shadows, then he circled widely through the undergrowth quickly, the prowling movement tightening each time he completed a circuit. Stopping right behind Projectra, he moved to sniff at her with a wary curiosity, nostrils flaring. Who was she?
Suddenly the sound of the robots searching nearby made his head jerk up, he had to go but if they were searching for the two-legger, that meant she could be an ally and that meant not leaving her behind. Without skipping a beat, the beast bent over slightly, intent on seizing Projectra's cape in his jaws.
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Post by Princess Projectra on Nov 20, 2012 22:08:00 GMT -5
Her body was frozen as she watched the pair of yellow eyes stare back at her through the darkness shrouded by the leaves. Projectra tried to move, but her body, still in shock from the fall would not heed to her commands. She turned back to the foliage again searching for that animal like eyes but could not find them. Suddenly, the leaves to her side rustled and she turned watching as the behemoth slid out of the shadows. Her eyes widened, taking in the size of the creature whose fur was dark grey like the hull of a battleship. It possessed fur that streamlined its back, two black strips bordering a single white stripe that ran from its head to its tail. Its brow bone was jutted forward, like the primitive homo sapien that Projectra recalled in her books and its eyes, its yellow narrow eyes stared at her with a sort of confusion, curiosity and softness that seemed to befuddle her.
It took her a few moments to realize that the creature was moving in closer and she suddenly arched her back up, her eyes ablaze with intent as she stared at the beast.
“Stay back!”
She growled, her voice slightly hoarse from the running that she had been forced to do earlier. She blew air from her lips, trying to blow her air away from her face. The creature seemed not to understand and she grit her teeth, trying to force her body to move.
“I’m warning you!”
She shouted as the creature disappeared behind her and she suddenly felt warm air grace the back of her neck. It was smelling her, this creature was just willingly taking in whiffs of an Orandanian princess! Her eyes were completely livid and she tried to turn around only to have her body freeze up once again as the mechanized sound of movement reached her eyes. She looked up into the canopy and could see Doctor Londo’s robots hovering over the clearing, their weapons trained on both herself and the animal.
“Grife…”
She muttered, turning to see the creature open its mouth wide and come down upon her. Her eyes widened and she suddenly rolled over, her peripheral catching a glimpse as the creature bit down on the apparition that was, Princess Projectra. Not saying and word and looking up at the machines, Projectra attempted a dash in the other direction, her body propelling forward to take her away from both the creatures and the machines. She leaped into the air, her arms grabbing onto a prickly vine and feebly attempted to pull herself up so that she could rise above the hole she had fallen into and make her way swiftly back to the ship.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Nov 20, 2012 22:22:35 GMT -5
The beast switched his attention away from Projectra as for one minute, he was living another life, flashes of vague memories bubbling to the surface, the way they always seemed to be when confronting the metal creatures and he quickly pushed them away, needing to focus on the here and now.
The beast backed away from the robots as they landed, pressed low to the ground to avoid their weapons-fire with a growl before he suddenly shot forwards, bounding off the surrounding trees and tearing through the machines like they were nothing.
With a feral howl, he had reduced them all to scrap-metal in a matter of seconds and with seemingly very little effort.
Suddenly he half-spun, half-leapt to glare at Projectra with a flash of what looked like humanity in his eyes for a split-second before reaching down to grab the vine in both hands, pulling it and her up and out of the hole.
Rising onto his hind-legs, he quicky moved to gently wrap one arm around her waist and was gone a few seconds later, only the leaves stirring without any trace of the slightest breeze giving away his trail. The only thought in his mind now was escaping safely.
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Post by Princess Projectra on Nov 21, 2012 10:28:33 GMT -5
This certainly wasn't one of her most proudest moments, but seriously it was a life or death situation and no matter how clumsy or stupid she looked she wanted to live. Her lame attempt at climbing the vine was a rather sad sight to see as your royal highness shimmied her way up the vine only to stop at barely a foot of progress and to look in horror at the blending indentations left in her hands by the vine. She growled, mustering the will to survive and much more to help her up the vine but that all seemed rather pointless.
The only moment that she actually took to stop was when the overwhelming sounds of the machine's shifting gears and mechanized joints overshadowed her own thoughts and she turned to see just how terrible her doom would be.
Things took a turn for the better however as the hairy beast let out a monstrous growl and quickly burst forward a humane attempt in his eyes as he lunged for the machines and ripped them to shreds with frightening strength and ease. Projectra moaned as she watched the monster's back heave with indignation and suddenly he turned his yellow eyes locked on her.
"Move Princess! MOVE!"
She muttered to herself, fixating her gaze to the top of the canopy and trying to move up the vine again. The rumbling ground in the distance was indication that there were more robotics soldiers, minions of the Doctor on their way to finish off the job that the other non-sentient beings could not accomplished. Her moans had become a whimper now and she was growing more frantic.
A shadow loomed over her and just before she could so much as protest against the creature's actions, she felt it grasp the vine and her own body in his massive clawed hand. With a yelp she felt them both fly out of the hole with amazing agility and speed and the creature shifted his grip, wrapping his clawed hand around her waist and bursting through the forest leaving only a trail of disturbed growth in its wake.
There was a certain tenderness in his touch, Projectra noticed as she eased her body as to keep her own soft fleshy being away from those dark, razor sharp talons. He held her with grace and consideration as if the creature understood the fragility of the being that he held. Impossible! was all she could think to herself as she watched the jungle appear as a blur around them. Her senses were kicking back in and along with that her nasty personality.
"Hey You!"
She shouted, her voice barely audible over its heavy breathing.
"Unhand me you werebeast! Unhand me now!"
She was shrieking now, wriggling slightly in his grip and in a childlike manner ramming her closes fists against its hand. It seemed not to take notice, and Projectra could only purse her lips in response.
As they fled through the forest, the trees around them begin to shift and change and sparks of what looked like electrical energy was sporadically bursting from Projectra's eyes. She tried to focus, bringing her attention to the area ahead and keeping in mind the vicinity. When enough concentration was garnered she watched as the trees shifted, taking the form of the massive robotic creations of Doctor Londo and they began to move, lashing out at the beast.
Perhaps the distraction would be enough to allow the monster to let her go and then she could once again make a run for it.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Nov 21, 2012 10:45:58 GMT -5
The beast backed up against a tree to lash out at the robots, driven by the primal urge to defend himself. His nostrils flared a little in confusion, he could see them but there was no smell and his attention was drawn to the smirking grey-haired human riding on the foremost robot.
The creature's demeanor changed in an instant as he pressed low to the ground, his hands over his head as if protecting himself then his breathing got slightly heavier like he was starting to panic somewhat as the illusion suddenly opened a flood-gate of memories buried under his animalistic mindset.
The tapping of a syringe, clearing the liquid inside it of any air-bubbles before the needle was inserted into the side of his neck.
An all-too familiar figure, yellow glasses glinting in the dim light, moving to bend over him, light gleaming off a scalpel before it was lowered towards him and....
A boy barely into his teens manacled to a metal table with a breathing mask over his mouth and nose as the same grey-haired figure muttered and checked the readings on the computer hooked up to the child as a beam of light hit his chest and he thrashed helplessly, eyes widening.
Ignoring Projectra now, he was cowering and shivering like crazy then a muffled howl erupted from the beast, the sound quickly changing to a human-like scream of pain and rage, his body rippling and convulsing like he was trying to fight some kind of change, one that looked like it involved size and appearance.
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Post by Princess Projectra on Nov 23, 2012 21:18:08 GMT -5
The robots had certainly taken a hold of the creature’s attention, but it had not yet administered the desired effects. The animal’s clawed hands were still ensnared around her small waist and she grit her teeth as her body was haplessly tossed around as the creature attacked the robots. Projectra continued to focus, attempting to maintain her stronghold on her illusions while trying to think of what the monstrosity she could create to make the creature release its hold on her.
More robots piled out of the forest, and from Projectra’s point of view she could see the trees and overgrown brush splinter and break as the animal’s massive claws cut through them with such terrifying precision and ease.
She focused more, suddenly thinking of the crazed Doctor Londo and his obsession with the creature, maybe that alone with be enough to scare the creature off. Recalling the features of the skeletal like man, Projectra summoned his image atop a massive robot that towered over them. Doctor Londo looked down at them, his yellow glasses glinting in the light and that overly confident smile plastered upon his face as he looked at them as if they were two cornered animals.
The visage of Doctor Londo did the trick and Projectra smiled as the creature released its grip on her. She felt her body fall to the ground and she braced herself for the landing. Soft jungle floor met thumped against her body and she looked up to the clearing that lay before her, confirming in her mind that this was her mode of escape. Quickly, she pushed against the soft, wet ground and broke into a run. Projectra growled as her cape flicked in the air rather annoyingly and took hold of it for better maneuverability. As the clearing of the trees came closer, she turned back to check on her illusions and to ensure the creature was still occupied.
The scene however caused her to stop in her tracks.
For whatever reason, either it be some subconscious effort she had put on or the magical forces that bound her powers – Projectra saw that her own manifestations had acted as if they had a mind of their own. Or perhaps, they were reacting to a mind within the vicinity. She was a bit perplexed by the scene before her, because normally her own illusions was ineffective against her. However as she looked back at the forest she realized it had transformed into a laboratory; the trees melding together to become solid, metal walls, the vines reaching out and forming wires and circuitry along the floor and walls. A ceiling was created above them, blocking out the sunlight and the entire world around her shifted into a scene that was akin to Doctor Londo’s mad house.
Projectra gulped, her blue eyes darting around as she tried to diminish the illusion but to no avail. Her gaze fell upon the creature who had been secured onto a medical table and the Doctor stood over him, syringe in hand and look of absolute malevolence in his eyes. She quickly began to rush forward, trying to get a better look as she watched the creature fidget and moan attempting to break his binds.
“This is not real, this is not real.”
She muttered to herself, halting in her tracks and placing her fingers (all except her pinky) against her temple. She opened her eyes and looked back to the creature and realized the illusion did not break.
“This isn’t real, this isn’t real.”
Projectra found herself saying again, sounding as if she were muttering some religious incantation. Her eyes fell on the creature who had a beam hang over him and suddenly she realized, as she stared at the medical bed that it wasn’t a creature it was a boy – a young man whose fleeting eyes looked at her for a moment as if he were crying for help. Projectra outstretched her hand but a flash of bright light burned her eyes and she looked away momentarily. When the light faded she returned her gaze to the center of the room where the young man began to transform, his small body becoming bigger, bulking with muscles and hair begin to form along his arms, legs, face and across his entire body-
“Holy sprock…”
Projectra said to herself as her eyes watched in horror as the young man transformed and took the form of the beast. As the beast broke the chains that bound him to the table, the image shifted and she could –in the blink of an eye- see the creature curled up on the floor and holding its head as if it were in pain. Then the illusion returned and she watched the creature leap off the bed and stare awkwardly at itself in a mirror, a mixture of horror and fear on its face.
“No! This isn’t real!”
Projectra shrieked as the creature released a terrifyingly human roar that broke through the illusion.
“Stop! It’s not real!”
Her arms swung violently to her side, her fists tightly balled together. As she stood formidably, blue sparks radiated from her body, starting at her eyes and that reaching out to the scenery before her. The world slowly began to shift again, her hair rising in the air as if it were alive and the images that had formed around her began to fade away like a painter brushing his stroke across a canvas. The illusions pulled back, looking to recede into the jungles and slide silently into the trees and finally the clearing stood before her and the creature lay there, huddled, frightened and emitting the most humane sounding screams of anguish she had ever heard.
Projectra’s eyes widened as she watched the creature writher on the ground, its hands held over its head as its body seemed to morph sporadically. This was no illusion.
Biting her lip, the young Orandian princess ran forward, compelled by some subconscious motivation and quickly bounded toward the creature a look of sympathy on her face.
She watched as it twisted and turned violently on the ground, its body convulsing in pain as it morphed horrifically back and forth from its current form and whatever its original form was. A mystery for now, but Projectra had a clear idea.
Pushing all her fears aside, she knelt down besides the creature, sliding slightly on the wet floor and quickly held his hands between her hands. Her blue eyes held the deepest compassion as she looked into the creatures yellow eyes and tried to aid him in seeing past any illusion that might have been instilled within him.
“You’re not a monster.”
Projectra whispered, bringing the hybrid creature close and into an embrace, she felt his body move violently but she ignored his reaction, instead maintaining her old on him.
“You’re not a monster… whatever he did to you… he didn’t make you into a monster.”
Her eyes closed as she cast an illusion, bring forth the visage of the young man that appeared to her in the laboratory, hoping that it would serve the creature and restore his already broken mind.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Dec 6, 2012 10:01:34 GMT -5
The beast moaned, curling into a convulsing ball of fur even as the illusions faded into the jungle. Then Projectra had drawn him into a comforting embrace and he shuddered, his thoughts flashing to a much more vague memory at the contact, a woman half-hidden in shadow, a gentle pair of comforting arms wrapping around a five year old boy and snatches of a barely remembered lullaby echoing in his head.
"W-who are....?"
The question was a croaked whisper, forced out as he hadn't needed to communicate by actually speaking for six months as the princess' comments met his ears and he latched onto them. The embrace, the words had triggered something within him, he wasn't a monster, wasn't an animal and mentally grabbed onto the illusion of the face that Projectra was broadcasting as he began to reduce in size, adopting a more humanoid build.
Slowly and gently freeing himself from her arms after a few moments, the young man slowly rose to his feet to reveal a lean but athletic physicality beneath short light grey fur and he shifted, ever so slightly uncomfortable about his lack of clothing. His ears were shorter but still animal-like, resembling a wolf's while his eyes were black, yellow and cat-like with red irises. His long, unkempt hair fell down his back while a white stripe ran down the right side and sideburns rounded his hairstyle off.
The young man frowned, seemingly raising his clawed fingers to examine them and closed his eyes for a second while his ears flattened against his head, then he lowered his gaze slightly and licked dry lips, his attention swinging to Projectra as he finished the attempted question from earlier.
"Who are you?"
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Post by Princess Projectra on Jan 1, 2013 17:06:10 GMT -5
As his body shifted and morphed, Projectra could feel his frame become easier to embrace. He writhed and shuttered in what seemed like pain and mental shock, but she held on steadfastly. Her initial impressions had been completely pushed aside now and Projectra recognized that the creature before her was more than just a primitive beast. There was something beneath that abrasive exterior that the crazed doctor had created. There was a young man who had been stripped of his humanity in exchange for an inhumane science experiment. While she could not relate on any level and despite her posh and sparkling lifestyle, Projectra knew that there was something dreadfully wrong here and that if her father were in her position he would take the same actions. He would do what is just and what is right.
As a princess it was part of her job to protect and bring justice to those who rightfully deserved.
Her illusions had completely faded now and it was only the heavily wooded jungle that remained around them. She breathed in, taking in the scent of his shortened hair which rested comfortably on his head in a neat ponytail. His grip had tightened around her and had it been under any other circumstance she would have rudely pushed him away. But her resolution was absolute now and she was focused on getting not only herself but this young man off this planet. The United Planets needed to know the unjust that was being committed by Doctor Londo and Princess Projectra would find much satisfaction in that.
The jungle whispered with life around them, both organic and mechanical. It alerted Projectra to the fact that Doctor Londo’s stalking had not been let off. That the crazed scientist was still about and intent on eliminating the princess and recapturing his experiment. She had gotten this far, she would not let this happen.
It surprised her, when he finally spoke and she froze for a moment to process that words had finally emitted from his lips. He asked for her identity, a simple inquiry and it was a good sign that he was curious. This was an important part of regaining his humanity after all.
They separated now and Princess remained kneeling on the floor. She regained her composure and rose from the ground, brushing the filth from her purple uniform. Pushing a strand of platinum hair behind her ear she restored that rather purse expression on her face along with that royal air she carried on about her.
“Princess… Princess Projectra.”
The world around them made all sorts of noises.
“Are you familiar with this terrain? We need to return to the laboratory, and bring this Doctor Londo back to the United Planets.”
Commanding and bossy, it was probably a little early but if they didn’t act now then Doctor Londo might just sneak up on them and give them some sort of surprise.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Jan 1, 2013 20:20:28 GMT -5
Having risen to his feet a few seconds earlier the boy was looking around warily, his ears twitching at every little sound, picking up on the the same exact noises as Projectra then he lifted his head slightly to sniff the air and glanced around to see if anything dangerous emerged from the surrounding jungle.
As no threat was forthcoming he turned his attention back to the princess as she introduced herself and automatically gave the girl a small polite nod. Considering he was indebted to her now a little respect wouldn't hurt.
"Name's Brin Londo"
He glanced over one shoulder as Projectra outlined their next move and his ears flattened against his head for a few seconds like he was wary about returning to the compound.
The boy's entire body stiffened before a slight growl slipped out at the thought, he went back and he may end up doing something he would regret to that man, for his betrayal. His expression said he didn't want to go back to that place in volumes as he folded his arms over his chest and shifted slightly.
"You sure you want to do that?"
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Post by Princess Projectra on Jan 3, 2013 15:59:17 GMT -5
A hint of irritation was made apparent as Projectra’s brow bone twitched and caused her platinum brow to rise at a rather exaggerated arch. Had she stuttered? Was there a lack of clarity in her voice when she issued her command? She was sure she had left no room for doubt and had made clear her intention. If the United Planets were to believe what occurred here she would have to bring back evidence. What better evidence than the good Doctor himself? Besides, Rundarr’s body needed to be returned on board the ship and back to Earth. Uptight and haughty she was, disrespectful to those have fallen she was not. She wouldn’t leave Rundarr here to rot away on this wretched planet, she could at least do him that much since she made the travel over here a complete hell for him.
“I don’t think I stuttered.” Projectra began, her voice rather cold and rattling with annoyance, “We are going back to the laboratory and we are bringing back Doctor Londo back to Earth. Do you want his crimes to go unpunished?”
Both brows were raised now, arched so eye they looked ready to run off her face. Projectra stared at Brin her blue eyes like crystal as she dared him to challenge her assumed authority again.
“Do not question my actions again-“
She almost added peasant in there, but at the very last moment stopped herself. Taking a deep inhalation, Projectra let the frustration subside – only slightly – as a show to Brin that she realized her drastic change in demeanor. Not that she really meant it, but for the time being she did still require his aid and his cooperation. This was of course much to her chagrin.
“Now please… lead the way.”
She curtsied slightly, her knees bent and cape held out as she made room for him to lead the way.
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Post by Timber Wolf on Jan 3, 2013 18:46:14 GMT -5
His question born of both the fear of what a confrontation would drive him to do and the possibility of ending up back at square one as his father's science project once again. Brin's ears flattened against his head at Projectra's tone and change in attitude as his eyes narrowed and he didn't move for a few moments, going over her words silently.
It was true that getting off the planet was his first priority but at the same time, symbolising to his father that he was doing just that meant returning and taking everything he owned. He just hoped it would end well and not in both of them being recaptured, his father could be a sneaky manipulative man after all. And then there was seeing justice being served in addition to the fact he did owe the young woman a lot.
"No, but at the same time..."
Turning away from the princess if she chose to mull over the possibility of the worst happening, the boy broke off to sniff the air again then after a few seconds moved forward as he located their scents and started to follow them back the way that the two teenagers had come, trying to resist running off ahead to dish out his own method of justice. Brushing branches and vines out of the way, he kept a firm pace but kept glancing over his shoulder to make sure that Projectra was right behind him.
A few minutes later, the compound came into view and Brin bristled at the sight then he started to dash forward with a loud snarl.
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