Shapeshifters in WWIV: A Roleplay (Celebrating Ten Years!)

Louis wondered why Aspen was so paranoid about being forced to join the WhiteKingdom, especially at her age, but decided not to push it any further. He turned back to Viktoriya. "You're not allied with either side, are you?"

((Well I'm... sure there was some reason for Aspen to think that at that moment, but... I just don't see it. XD))

Viktoriya tilted her head, not understanding the question.

((Language barriers are a pain, but alas, realism.))

Archer waited patiently as she ate, smirking slightly to himself. It was interesting to see how her demeanor changed from something as minuscule as going outside. When she finished, he smiled and took the tray back. "I hate to say this, but I can't just have you walking freely. I'm going to have to bind you hands for security reasons. That won't be a problem, will it?"

---

(I could make one if you want. Kurt needs some interaction as well through his difficult time.)

Destiny sat in the floor of her room, staring at the books she had been given. One was in Spanish that she was using to try and help her in her goal to learn the language. So far, the progress had been slow, but there was some improvement with the help of Maria. The two others were in English. Those she had already read over several times. At the moment, she didn't feel like reading. What she waiting for was the click of the locks that told them they could leave their rooms.

---

(That makes sense. With Nichole unaware that she was being watched, she would have assumed it'd be okay to shift inside the house. And I would guess most of Daniel's belongings to have a stronger scent on them would be in his room, which she wouldn't invade unless necessary.)

Nichole was a little afraid to speak. She had never seen the man so angry. Now he was furious and it was all because of her. She even jumped as Donald slammed his fist onto the steering wheel. "I-I'm sorry," she muttered. "I didn't know this would happen."

---

Faith smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not about to force you to read it," she assured him. "Best to start you out on something easier. Maybe some Pride and Prejudice?"

---

(I will apologize now in case my reply isn't very good. I don't want to do anything that might not match up and it'll take me a while to get a feel for Christoph's character.)

Christoph slowly became aware of the bouncing sensation that jostled his body. Fog clouded his mind, which made his thoughts sluggish. He gave a small moan of discomfort as his senses began to return to him. The jostling became harder and he was aware of the sound of footsteps. Forcing his eyes open, he blinked several times to clear his vision. Yet even if he couldn't seen clearly, he knew something was wrong. He could feel the body of another person beside him, but who it was, he wasn't sure. When he tried to move his hands, he found them tied together. "What's happening?" He cried out, the lingering grogginess causing his words to be slurred.

((Nah, you don't have to worry about Louis's vocabulary; they're speaking French.))

Viktoriya shook her head. "No. Neither. And you?"

---

((Night- Regarding this interrogation, here is what Archer knows. Schreod knows that Felix, while incarcerated by the RK, was the test subject of a scientist who was a member of the now-disbanded Infinity Circle, an organization focused on human enhancement. That scientist and all his work are unavailable to the RK, so Felix is all they've got. They don't know whether the scientist actually did anything to him, but they are trying to find out. Schreod has intelligence saying that Felix himself doesn't really know anything, but they have reason to suspect Jennette might. In the meantime, RK scientists are performing tests on Felix in an effort to determine what was done to him. I think I'm going to put my character Pietro [whom I made on a whim some weeks back] in charge of that.))

---

((That would be wonderful, actually.))

Sabel was up in the top bunk reading as well, though she wasn't very focused. She kept peering over the top of her book at Destiny down on the floor. She was very impressed and frankly humbled by her new roommate's dedication to learning her language, especially since she was now busy with her classes, and since Sabel herself was probably going to continue learning English faster than Destiny learned Spanish. It was not a matter of determination or skill, but simply of opportunity to practice. Most folks around here were at least somewhat proficient in English. Not nearly as many knew Spanish.
She looked over as the door clicked loudly. She suspected Destiny would want to go straight to visit Kurt. Sabel had gone with her a couple of times after that first evening, but more often than not she would leave them alone and spend the time with Maria or just walking around outside.

---

"I don't want an apology," Daniel snarled. He was breathing heavily; this was far more emotion than he was prepared to feel. He didn't know how to calm himself down, didn't know what to do at all really. He didn't even know where he was going. "Who was that man? Was he RedKingdom?"

---

Nate raised his eyebrows. "Well, I don't know what that is. And to be honest, I don't read a lot in English. I don't have the vocabulary necessary." Truth be told, he didn't read a lot in general, but that wasn't important to mention right now.

---

((It's all good. I'm treading unfamiliar waters with Franz too. Thanks just for agreeing to do this.))

Möer slowed down as he felt the boy shift around on his back, paying attention to the movement, trying to determine if he was truly awake. His exclamation provided a certain answer, and on hearing it Möer came to an abrupt stop, shifting back into his human form. He caught the boy in his arms and sat him on the ground in front of him. The bag of supplies which had been strapped to his back, too heavy to be sustainable by his chip, fell to the ground next to him, but he paid it no mind beyond pulling it to his side. "Christoph," he said intensely, grasping the boy's shoulders. "Do not be afraid. Do you know who I am?"

((I guess I should make him a form at some point. I'll do the appearance bit now:

Möer has sandy blond hair just about an inch long but as wild as such short hair can get, and a short moustache. His pale blue eyes have a wild light in them and he has an angular nose and a strong chin and jawline. He is tall, about 6"1', with long legs.

Also he's from Germany and I can't for the life of me remember how old he is but I'm pretty sure he's an inborn shifter so he probably doesn't look any older than late 20s. Which is weird to think about. Whatever.))

"I promise, I won't tie your hands tightly, just enough to not make anyone suspicious of you," Archer assured her. Setting the tray to the side, he took a strand of rope from his belt. It might not have been the ideal material to use, but it was the only one that he could control how much wiggle room the woman would have. "I'll also let you keep your hands in front of you. It'll be more comfortable that way."

---

(Got it! I'll work on figure out how Archer can get that information for Jennette. I will also make up a friend for Kurt in a moment. Should he also be injured, or should he be a nurse/doctor? I'm thinking injured, but I wanted to be sure which one would work best.)

At the sound of the door unlocking, Destiny's attention left the books. Setting the reading material aside, the young girl jumped to her feet. As always, she looked up to the top bunk where Sabel was sitting. The two girls were slowly becoming friends. With the language barrier still in place, it was a little difficult for the two to have long conversations without the presence of Maria, but they were working on it. "Qué quieres hacer?" she asked. It had become the daily question she asked everyday. There were days when she accompanied her on her visits to the infirmary, and other days she kept to itself. She wanted to be sure what she had planned before leaving the room.

---

"I don't know who he is," Nichole replied, shaking her head. "I've seen him around town, but I never thought anything of him. He's never approached me. I-I don't know how he knew I was a shifter."

---

Faith nodded her head to his point. "Then I guess I will have to find something else for you to do then," she said with a small smile.

---

(I need the practice of working with new characters. XD Although, before I give a response, does Christoph remember his father? If so, than he might think Möer is his father since they look so much alike. You might be able to use that to his advantage, depending on what actually happened to Wolfgang.)

((I know Louis already answered this question. Viktoriya has been unable to follow the conversation.))

Viktoriya wrinkled her brow. "Why?" she asked.

---

((I agree, injured would probably be best.))

Sabel considered this. "Me gustaría pasar el tiempo con Maria," she responded quietly after a few seconds. "But tell me how Kurt is."

---

Cursing under his breath, Daniel wrestled his phone out of his pocket. They were about to return to the main road, but sirens were still clearly audible behind them and he was terrified more than anything that they would be followed. He pressed one button on the phone and shoved it between his shoulder and his ear.
"WhiteKingdom Marshals Service," a voice on the other end said promptly.
"This is D—" He glanced in Nichole's direction. "Donald Winters. I'm with my daughter Ava, we've been compromised. We're just leaving Velvet Strand Beach. There are emergency vehicles... I shifted. People saw."
Anja began to stir in Nichole's lap, and mumbled something unintelligible, though her eyes were not open just yet.

---

"Whatever you say," Nate said, smiling back.

---

((He remembers him, yes, but not fondly. He knows he's dead, though he never saw a body. So... I'm not sure whether he'd actually think Franz is Wolfgang, but the thought would certainly cross his mind.))

Viktoriya took a moment to work through his meaning, and finding she understood it, was grateful for his patience. She considered his words, and asked, "Did they bad things to you?"

((This is so weird, trying to approximate her bad French grammar into English. Especially since I don't know any Russian. Maybe I should learn some.))

"No," said Louis. "Not yet, anyway. They can't if they don't catch me."

--

"I'm fine," Jennette said automatically and defensively. This injury wasn't going to stop her from seeing the outdoors.

((Thanks a million!))

Kurt had left his bed exactly once in the last week. It was yesterday, and it was only with the aid of a pair of crutches and the assistance of a physical therapist. He knew he wasn't going to get a prosthetic and wasn't going to bother asking about it, but... he was going to have to learn how to get around, and there was little else to focus his attention on. Except, of course, Destiny.
The girl came around to visit him every evening, and he was glad of it. It lifted some of the burden from his heart to be reassured every day that she was okay. And for the most part, it seemed she was doing well.
Which, in some ways, worried him.
The classes he particularly didn't like the sound of. Of course, the WhiteKingdom had classes too, but they didn't start the children until they were twelve, and he couldn't monitor the lens through which Destiny was learning here. It was all biology and tranzoology, sure, but the RedKingdom had an agenda, and Destiny was an impressionable child.
He had to remind himself that true though this may be, and as much as he had an obligation to protect her, she wasn't his child, and he had to focus on her physical safety and emotional soundness rather than her moral formation. It was just that... every so often, she reminded him of Rinn.
He sighed, and glanced at the clock. 19.03. More than likely Destiny would be here soon, possibly bringing Sabel. Kurt hadn't heard a word out of her, but Destiny kept implying that they exchanged words not infrequently.
Maybe today he'd be able to walk with them. He sat up, reaching for the crutches that leaned against his bed.

---

"Hhhg?" murmured Anja, opening her eyes. She blinked around, until her eyes were able to focus on Nichole's face after a few seconds.
"Ava?" said Daniel, immediately zeroing in on his daughter, lowering the phone for a moment. "Ava, honey? Are you okay?"
"I had the weirdest dream," she said vaguely.

---

Nate's eyes widened and he immediately picked up his fork. "Łał, it is been too long since I ate something I didn't have to rip open and microwave."

---

Möer pulled a face, one of utter disgust at being mistaken for his pathetic excuse for offspring. "No, boy. I'm not your dad—but I am your blood. My name is Franz Möer. I'm your grandfather."

((Another thing: Franz hated Wolfgang.))

---

Viktoriya nodded slowly. "Where are you from?"

((I'm gonna throw a dart at a map to decide the city they're in right now. Marseille. Keeping in mind that much of northern France has been decimated by the war.))

Presently Viktoriya figured her way around the confusing pronoun and was able to respond, "St. Petersburg." After a moment she started, "Where..." Stopped. Started again. "Where do you live? I want to say, where are you living, now?"

Viktoriya tilted her head, studying him. He seemed honest. She'd come across some bad people in her time, and she'd suffered consequences for trusting them, but she'd gotten better at reading people, and this kid seemed... well, he sort of reminded her of herself. Maybe she could help him. "Do you want to see?"

((Oh man, thank you for making a character who actually looks older than 25. Our lack of any [except Erich, but he's really not that old] has been a growing problem in my mind and I keep meaning to do something about it but have not. Huzzah.

I guess we'll figure out his recent history as we go. Only thing is, with him actually being with the RK, I don't know if Kurt will be willing to talk to him at all. He has a very, very bad history with the RedKingdom.))

---

A smile broke across Kurt's face. One hand was already grasping at his crutches, but he reached the other arm out to offer a half-hug of greeting. "Hey, Destee."

---

She rubbed her eyes, ascending rapidly back to coherence. "Dad was there. He was..." She suddenly sat up, twisting her body to look behind her at her dad in the driver's seat. He was talking on the phone, deliberately not listening to her. "Dad," she said anyway, a knot between her brows, "you were a shapeshifter."
"Thank you," Daniel said curtly into his phone, and dropped the call, sticking the device into the cup holder between the seats. "We're going to Clondalkin."

---

((Yep, that's what he calls her.))

Möer suppressed a smile. He had fond memories with Diana Schwarz. The time he burned the skin off her left arm was one of his favorites. But he set his face into a serious expression and said lowly, "You know she's not actually your family, right? And you know I am. Look at my face; there's no denying it. She lied to you about me."

(Haha, you're welcome. I just figured an older guy would be a more fitting choice to have as Kurt's new friend. If you want, I can change that. This is just a character I made on a whim, so I'm not attached to him, or have him attached to any one side. I can make him however to make him fit into the situation. He could be neutral and just have been serving the RK because that was side his country supported. Like he might have signed up just to protect his country but got transferred to the RK base on a whim. Or have him be another war prisoner from the WK.)

Destiny beamed up at him as she hugged the man. "Are you feeling any better?" she asked. He was sitting up, which was something she hadn't seen him do. That could only be a good sign, right?

---

Nichole knew it was probably best not to say anything at the moment. This was something that he hadn't told Ava about. Otherwise, she wouldn't have just made the comment she did. Why Donald would keep that a secret from his daughter, she didn't know, nor was it the right time to ask. She was walking a thin line as it was, and she did not want to give him reason to abandon her while they were running from police.

---

He was the spitting image of his father, Christoph couldn't deny that. "Where is she?" he asked again. "We were at her house, but now I'm here. What happened?" He wasn't sure why his aunt, for he knew her as nothing else, would have kept his grandfather a secret from him. However, if he was like his father, than there must have been a good reason why. "And why am I tied up?"

---

Archer led the way down the hall. Along the way, he handed off the tray to someone else of lower rank. He didn't have the time at the moment to return it to the kitchen himself, nor did he want to. "We'll be going to a courtyard of sorts, but I must warn you, it's not pretty. There are no gardens, no trees. Just concrete on concrete."

((Ehh... maybe? Aspen's been extremely uninterested in this conversation and I quite doubt she'll want to come, but yeah, we can leave an opening I guess.))

---

((Older guy = yes. The transfer thing could work as long as he's at least apathetic about the RK, but it would still take a while for Kurt to warm up to him. Or it could be the same deal but with the WK instead. He really wouldn't necessarily have to be WK; he could easily be a civilian imprisoned for harboring shifters, or something.))

"Better every day." Kurt put on a smile. "How has your day been?"

---

"Why?" Anja asked, voice heavy, in response to her father's declaration.
"Ava," Daniel said, tone perfectly even, "did you know Nichole was a shapeshifter?"
Anja's mouth snapped shut and her eyes went wide. Daniel glanced over quickly, and saw all he needed to ascertain the answer. He returned his eyes to the road, mouth set in a straight line.
"Dad," Anja tried, "I'm—"
"You know, Anja," he said, voice still not wavering, "you know how I feel about shapeshifters. You have no idea how much this is going to cost us."
Anja's lower lip trembled, a question hovering on her tongue that she was too afraid to ask. But she knew the answer would be yes. She'd messed up. She'd thought she could keep a harmless secret against her father's wishes, but she'd ruined everything.

---

"Diana Schwarz is safe," said Möer. "I'm sorry I had to tie you up, but I feared you would quickly flee before I had a chance to explain. Do you know, your father, your parents—they never even let me see you. Your caretaker, Diana Schwarz, she has no right to keep us apart. We are family."