i hate these doors (David)

It had been his turn to get Ella out of daycare so he wasn’t in the building. In fact Peyton’s long work day was unexpected and he was home. Things could change and the situation outside was worrying. Nothing he felt he couldn’t handle once he changed into were form.

“I’m at home with Ella but I can get to you my love” he replied. “Daycare closed early today once the sirens started to go and I’ve had her since”. He figured she’d be safe in ARI at least. A locked door was surprising all the same but he could unlock it once he got there.

A thought occurred to him as he suggested “what it I asked the neighbours to keep an eye on her?” Then he could set his girlfriend free even with the trouble outside.

Peyton Coldstone

"I'll phone you back when I get this sorted" David replied. Knocking on the next door neighbours apartment door this was when getting to know them paid off. Being a good neighbour was a habit of his all the way back to living above the post office in a country village and being able to wave to the pub owners daughter from the windows that faced them. He figured she was still helping their parents out if she wasn't already running the place.

So leaving Ella after having to carefully move her next door without waking her and making sure she had her baby bag, bottle and favourite teddy bear he was on his way. They had no intention of leaving so things should be well for Ella. He did have further to go than during the mobot raid but still felt sure of himself and his chances.

So phoning Peyton once he was out of the gated community he said "I'm on my way now. Should be about thirty minutes by foot. I can't see any ubers running and what cars I do see are burning". Quite a relaxed way of describing the chaos but he added "you're actually in the safest place I can think off".

He'd check in by text after this but he didn't have long to wait to find his first group of shamblers. So concentrating he went full were form and his clothes tightened. They scattered like bowling pins as he barrelled through and was on his way.

Peyton Coldstone

It looked to David that his estimate could be of the mark given he felt like one of the Mario Brothers in their own game right now. So at times he had to climb onto roofs and work that way to bypass crazies and shamblers. There was only one real fight of note after the first and he reached ARI slightly later than he’d hoped. There was still people there judging by the lights still burning and he found some of the security services people there as well. It was now he changed back into his normal form and it was hard work keeping it going like he’d just done.

So after showing his Id they let him in and one of their number went with him. Quite how Peyton had been forgotten in the lab was another story to be figured out later on but David was able to use his badge to unlock that door that was stopping Peyton. As the door started to open he called in “darling are you all right in there?” Naturally he was concerned and he’d get what she needed after that experience.

As he had no idea how long this state of emergency would last he wondered if they’d both have to work and who would take care of Ella since day care was running at a lower level of capacity. It was just never about the external problem in a crisis.

Peyton Coldstone

The black uniformed soldier armed with sub machine gun looked ready for trouble if it came and the city in chaos was people’s worst nightmares. He gave them room as Peyton squeezed out. David knew without his abilities he wouldn’t have made it all the way across the city and now they’d need to make the return trip.

“Let’s get something from the cafe before we head back my love. Ella is sleeping on the neighbours sofa right now and they have no intention of opening their doors except to us. It’s quite crazy out there and it’s not the radiation creatures that is the main problem” he softly told her as they walked away from the lab. They’d time to figure out heir next move but it would be dangerous however they made this return trip.

Peyton Coldstone

"I seen a differently coloured sky on the way over so while its weirder than normal we'll get back home" David replied to his girlfriend and life partner. He'd needed to cover the first leg in were form to even get here and it looked like Peyton was going to use her abilities to get home to Ella. He felt very sure they'd manage it but the time frame was uncertain. He did wonder what abilities Ella would inherit from them or even if she'd figure out her own one but that was for the future.

"We'll eat first and then get back. I needed my full were form to get here and it takes a lot out. We'll be fine my love and we can go onto roofs to get away from trouble" he suggested. He'd found the same methods worked during the Mobots attack and they'd both be able to climb up buildings. So going to the cafe David went for vending machine fare as there didn't seen to be fresh food on offer. An energy drink and a chocolate bar as he needed the energy for the return trip they'd have to make. Clearly more people figured they'd be safer right here as they had fellow ARI workers for company.

"Do you want something from here?" he posed. He hoped Ella would sleep on through this crisis but once inside he doubted he'd be leaving the gated apartments. He worried about Cyrus as well as his neighbours.

Peyton Coldstone

David also got chocolate and a tin of soda for Peyton and they found a table to have their break at. This was the most normal thing about tonight so far and he doubted anywhere else would be opened anyway. They also needed to make a plan to get back to their daughter without getting into too much trouble. Tomorrow could look after itself.

“At least going on foot will be easier. Most of the roads near us seem to be blocked by traffic accidents but we could get round small groups of shamblers easily. It’s the crazies that concern me more. I seen them looting shops off their heads” he suggested. Perhaps they were gangs or people who thought they could just get away with it tonight but he hadn’t seen too many cops round either. Obviously in other areas.

Peyton Coldstone

David having the previous trip across town to get here had a good idea of the difficulty they’d have getting back. They’d both skills they could use as they’d work out a route together as his girlfriend raised a valid point. “I’m not honestly sure if that would help given the nature of radiation but if we keep on the move and be carefully we should be fine” he suggested. “Do you think you could use your webs for attack and defence? I know I can fight quite well but together we could do a lot”.

He was a brawler in his were form with strength and agility on his side but as a couple they should be able to do a lot more. Getting back to his daughter was all important to him as well and while he’d try and limit the damage he’d do to people who attacked them this was a crisis.

Peyton Coldstone