Coming home (emsrocks)

[Jack Lexington]

'Five, six, seven, eight days.' I count the days of our journey to district 11 on my hands while my tired horse is slowly moving one foot in front of the other under my weight. That's how long I've been away from home. No longer though.

In front of us towers the high fence around district 10. Not many people have seen the fence from this side or the wild forests and plains that lay beyond it. I'm a little proud to say I'm one of them. Together with my much younger partner, Brian.
The trip had been dangerous. On the way there a wild boar attacked us, which made us loose one of the horses we were supposed to deliver to district 11. Now our pockets are a little less heavy than they could be but they're still full enough to make me worry all the way home.
People in the lower districts have so little that they sometimes take what they need. Even if it is unlawful.

We reach the checkpoint were we present the official papers to the peace keepers on duty, who have their rifles trained on us. It's not like they have customers every day.
After a long uncomfortable moment the large gates open and we ride inside. Back home on familiar soil.

I've been waiting for so long for this moment. I can't wait to see my kids and Faith. I want to hold them so tight, kiss them and simply be with them again.

For another 30 minutes we have to cross through dense woods and an open field before we can see the first houses. In here I'm on high alert. If anybody has been watching us, the lush green of the trees would be the best hiding spot.
Constantly my eyes scan the forest and I remind Brian at my side. "Keep your eyes open."

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] The rumbling of an empty stomach causes Joel to double over in pain. "Left, right. Left right." He mutters under his breathe. Sweat drips off his brow running down his face and slowly dripping to the ground. The buckets holding the cow milk grow heavy in his hands as he struggles to stand upright. Fatigue is fighting to take over the strong body causing him to exert more energy than is really needed. "I'm almost there. Just a few more steps." He reminds himself constantly knowing that the walk from the barn to back home is farther than he's telling himself. It's been weeks since Amos, Joel's father, paid him for working on the farm. The left over food that he's been given to eat hasn't done much to satisfy the pain. The buckets slip out of his hands crashing to the ground dumping the milk all over the place. "I'm done! I'm not working for nothing anymore!" He shouts as he kicks the buckets sending them flying. Through the air. He looks up to spot Amos staring angrily at him. I'm done with this place. I'll go somewhere else. I'll go look find what I need. I'll find everything I need to live on my own. Joel shakes his head and storms away from the house. He runs through the open fields. Anger surging through his body. If spitting fire was possible, he could easily do that now. Red specs dance in front of his eyes causing him to forget about his current problem. He stomps through gardens not worrying about what will happen. After walking for what seems like ever, he's surrounded by woods. He's never seen this part of the woods before. The trees are close together. Anyone could be here without him knowing. His stomach rumbles loud sending him plummeting to the ground. He needs something to eat soon. His life is depending on it. He slowly slides along the ground to find a branch to help himself up. His feet are unsteady under the weight of his feeble body. His knees shake uncontrollably as he struggles to stand. His heart pounds hard under his chest sending adrenaline surging through his body. He leans against the tree clinging to dear life. He stands quietly wondering if anyone will find him. He's about to close his eyes when he spots someone. What's this? He asks himself. He watches as the guy journey's through the woods on horse back. Horses aren't cheap. He has to have money to get this horse. It's not a common thing here. He walks silently through the woods, which isn't very silent giving his current state of mind, following a safe distance behind this person hoping he doesn't hear him. He hides behind the trees as he watches in all directions for someone else to be following him. Someone younger is with him. I can do this. If anything, I can take the horse and sell if for some money. He clumsily climbs a tree holding onto each branch carefully. With only a moment to spare, he closes his eyes before jumping out of the tree.

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[Jack Lexington]

A rustling from behind us makes me turn around and stop my horse. I hold up my right hand to show Brian to wait a moment as well.
Letting my eyes roam over the lush, danse green I can't see anything or anybody.
"Did you hear that?" I aks Brian even though I do trust my own ear.
There was something out there. Under my weight the horse dances backwards. She can probably feel my tension, which has me on high alert despite how tired I am from the day long ride.
"Hello?" I call out but don't get an answer. So I slowly reach down to the leather loop on my saddle where my rifle is secured.
I don't get a chance to pull it out completely though because somebody falls right on top of me and ungracefully knocks me out of the saddle.
Back first I fall onto the ground and get the wind knocked out of me instantly. I can barely make out the creature who has jumped out of a large maple tree above us and taken me down. It's a man.
I try hard to catch my breath and push the guy off me.

Brian behind me is just as taken back and trying to get his rifle out but instead his spooked horse takes off with him, jumping in between trees like a rabbit on the run.
"Shit." I exclaim and wrap my hands around the man's throat while pushing my knee up to inflict some serious pain and make him roll off me.
I feel a huge surge of adrenalin run through my veins as it dawns on me that he's probably after my bag of money that has not only made a loud metallic sound on the forest ground but has partly spilled around me.

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] It's a good thing Joel isn't afraid of falling. He didn't have a chance to think about anything before he jumped off the tree branch. His face is wild with hunger. His stomach rumbles begging him for something to eat. He's used to being hungry, but he's never been this hungry before. Amos has always given him something to eat, but out of the last few days Joel has had maybe one meal. One meal was supposed to hold him over. One meal to hold him over until Amos decided to feed him again. The money Joel made working on the farm, was kept away from him. He didn't receive anything. Ever since he ran away with the money he was supposed to by bread with, Joel hasn't received a penny. He's afraid the rumbling in his stomach would give him away. He's afraid the guy will look up and see him and kill him, but thankfully he doesn't. The fall from the tree feels like it takes forever. Joel opens his eyes to spot the guy directly under him. His eyes widen when he realizes he could possibly kill this guy if he lands the wrong way. That wouldn't be a good thing. He draws his arms in by his side to slow the decent, but it's no use. He lands almost directly on top of the guy knocking him off his horse onto the ground. Pain surges through Joel's arm. He can still move his hand , so he doesn't consider it any farther. The shock of the fall registers on his face. His eyes are wide as he carefully looks around. This guy appears to be a few years older than him, and is probably much stronger. This won't end very well. His eyes open wide, he looks around surveying the scene. A huge smile appears on Joel's face when he spots money scattered over the ground. It's enough money to feed him for a life time if only he could get it. He's about to lunge for it when the guys hands forcefully wrap around his neck nearly cutting off his airway. He forces himself to breathe through the narrow opening. A knee jabs him in the stomach causing him to roll off the guy landing painfully on his back. He releases a small growl. Frantically, Joel slowly tries to break the fingers lose from his neck as he swings his right leg wildly aiming for anywhere he can find. "Holy shit." Joel mutters under his breathe. If I can just reach the money, I can take off running. I can get away from here. Quickly, Joel swings his head at this guys face.

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[Jack Lexington]

While I struggle to get the guy off me I get a glimpse at his meager face. He's a little younger than me and looks very desperate. Right now I can't worry about why the guy might be attacking me. All i know is that my life is on the line here and if I loose the money I will never get a job in this business again. So again my future depends on it. For all I know this man might be ready to bash my skull in for the kind of money I'm carrying. My only hope is that Brian will reign his horse in quickly and come back to help me rather than just saving his own ass.

Before I can get another punch in the guy knocks his own heard right into my face. It connects with my nose so forcefully that it makes my own head whip back against the dirt underneath me. Instantly tears spring to my eyes as the pain explodes in the middle of my face.
Instinctively I reach for my nose just to bring back a hand covered in my own blood.

This fuels my anger enough to ball my hand into a fist and haul off as much as I can.
Hopefully this scrawny kid won't be used to fighting. My fist misses him by an inch but at least I manage to get him off me so I can struggle to my feet again and briefly gaze at the money all over the forest ground. I'll have to search for every penny.
First things first though.

(Rolled a 1 on my real dice)

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] Joel slowly brings a hand to his face. His head hurts from headbutting the other guy in the face. It definitely got him off of him. Joel rolls over on the ground trying to find the strength to get up. Something new surges through his veins. Something he only experiences in extreme situations. Adrenaline pulses throughout his veins with every heart beat. He fights to keep steady. He looks around watching for the other man that was with him. He doesn't want him to return with a weapon or something worse like a peacekeeper. He runs his hands through the grass trying to relax his mind as he continuously eyes the money that has been scattered around. He fights to keep his hands from shaking because he doesn't want to look weaker than he really is. That's the last thing he needs. Joel grins from ear to ear as he watches blood run down the other guys face. He's done damage to him although it probably won't be enough to keep him occupied long. Joel slowly stands up. His knees shaking under the weight of him. He slows his breathing down trying to keep calm. Breathe and think. I can do this. I just need something to eat. He quickly brings the rest of his body up as he keeps a close eye on his opponent. This situation can go from bad to worse in a matter of seconds. Grab the money and run. Just grab the money and run away. You can get free now! He stands up to grab the money scattered on the ground when a fist comes only a few inches away from his face. Joel looks at the guy angrily. That could have easily hit him in the face breaking his nose or jaw, but in a way, he kind of deserves it. He smashed his head into the other guys face causing blood to be shed. He stands up and faces the other guy with his hands in fist. He wants to kick this guy in the face, but that might not be the best option. I don't know much about fighting, but I'm not going down without putting up one hell of a fight. If I go down now, he might kill me. I don't want to die. Not yet anyway. Joel finds his balance and is about to swing wildly at the guy when he decides to knock his feet out from under him. A small grin forms on Joel's face. He swings his legs bringing them around on the other side of the guy causing him to fall to the ground.

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ooc:I rolled a 6 on my real dice.

[Jack Lexington]

Blinking against my watery vision I try to keep an eye on the guy before he can get another blow in. I'm lucky he seems just as unstable as I am. Wiping the tears from my eyes I squint and see that he's half starved.

Not a seldom sight in district 10 but definetly the right sort of motivation to be robbing somebody, who's carrying around a lot of cash. Like me.
"You'll go to the detention center for this. Don't do it. Just take off and I won't report you." At least that gives him a way out.

I can see the desperation in his eyes but hopefully he won't hear the one in my voice. I'm really worried that he might try to kill me if he can.
It doesn't seem like he's about to give up. Instead he makes a move. I expect a punch but he knocks my feet out from underneath me, making me fall flat on my back again. It hurts. That spot must be blue by now.
So he doesn't want to give up.
"Bad decision." I warn him and jump back to my feet. Then I haul off but this time make sure I don't miss.

My knuckles connect forcefully with his jaw.
My eyes dart to the rifle on the horse. Unfortuantely he's in between me and the horse...would I be ready to shoot another human being? Most likely not.
Wiping the trail of blood from my face I circle him with my fists raised.

OOC: Rolled a 2

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] Joel's hands start shaking violently. He has to grip the side of his pants to keep them steady. His mind is racing. His stomach has a constant rumble in it. His stomach begs him for food. Just a little longer. I can get food if I can just a bit longer. He thinks to himself. He looks at the guy knowing it will be impossible to get the money with him still conscious. He's going to have to knock him out. Joel doesn't want to kill him, but the rumble in his stomach is leading him to get the money. The rumble in his stomach is causing him to not think right. He puts a straight face on when the guy starts talking. "You'll go to the detention center for this. Don't do it. Just take off and I won't report you." Joel looks at him. Not caring what he has to say, and he laughs as he falls to the ground. "Anything is better than what I'm going through now." Joel replies weakly. "I have nothing to lose." Imagine all the food you can buy with this. His heart pounds rapidly inside his chest barely keeping him alive. His heart is the only thing that's keeping him going. His ribs become visible as they expand and relax with every breathe. His vision isn't the best. He has to squint to see everything, but it doesn't stop him from trying to fight. It doesn't stop him from wanting the money. "Bad move." The guy says when he gets back to his feet. Joel turns to face him a moment too soon. Something hard hits the side of his face. His head turns rapidly causing pain to shoot down his neck. The impact almost caused him to topple over to the ground, but miraculously he kept his balance. Joel spits the blood out on the ground and a tooth falls into his hand. Anger surges through his veins with every heartbeat. The red specs return in front of his eyes. His breathing picks up as he stares at the guy. This guy is stronger than me. This guy isn't hungry like me. This guy has someone else with him that's out there somewhere. The guy starts moving in circles with his fist raised ready to fight. Joel starts moving in circles as well watching for the perfect opportunity. Joel puts his hands in a fist with his thumb sticking out between the fingers. He swings his fist as hard as he can at the guy's face but miss the mark by a few inches.

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ooc: rolled a 1

[Jack Lexington]

Now that I'm standing upright and can look at the miserable boy in front of me closer. I can tell that he's hungry and more than just a little desperate. His clothes are torn and old, his ahir uncombed, hands full of calluses from manual labor. He's driven by his physical needs like an animal and no reasoning will get him off my back. But I'm not ready to give up the money, no even a little bit of it because it will mean that my own family will not have enough food and I can't let my babies starve.

So I duck under his swing that doesn't have enough power to do any major damage anyway.

Stepping closer to him I once again try to punch him but his left hand gets in the way and stops my fist in a very add, painful way. The same moments our hands connect I can hear an aweful cracking noise. It's save to say that some bone in his left hand just snapped. Maybe a finger, maybe more.
I get goosebumps from it and pull my own sore hand back. That didn't go as planned.

"Shit!" I curse at the guy.
"You're not getting the money, no way!"

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] Joel hisses when his fist misses the guy. It's one of the worse punches anyone could make. Well, he has a reason, he's not thinking the best which causes his aim to be off by a long shot. The adrenaline starts pulsing stronger throughout his veins. His mind starts focusing on one thing. The only thing he's able to focus on is getting this money. He doesn't care what he has to do. In his weak state, he slowly becomes stronger as he doesn't have to worry about anything else. He knows that if he doesn't get this money and get food fast, he will be dead in a matter of hours. He won't last very much longer. He cracks his knuckles on his hands as tightens his fists. He's wipes all emotion off his face. He's not afraid of this guy anymore. He's not afraid of what could possibly happen to him. Anything is better than starving to death. He watches the guy get ready to throw a punch. Instinctively, Joel throws his left hand up to catch the punch. Pain surges throughout his hand shooting into his arm, and all the way up to his shoulder. Joel cringes at the loud crunching noise as tears form in his eyes. As this guy's hands move quicker into his hand, he feels a bone snap. He lets out a yelp in pain, but it doesn't take his mind off the goal. He takes a step back from the guy long enough to examine his hand. He knows a bone is broken, but he doesn't know where. He looks at his left hand as a couple tears run down his face. The side of his hand with his thumb is bent at an odd angle. Joel stands up straight and stares at the guy. He drops his left hand to his side. "Shit!" The guy yells. "Your not getting the money, no way!" Joel brings his other hand up to his face and wipes the tears away. Is it really worth anymore broken bones? Joel thinks to himself as his left hand starts throbbing in pain. Yes, this is worth it. I want food! I would much rather die fighting than starve to death. It was a mistake to jump out of the tree at this guy, but it's going to be worth it. Joel will get away with the money if it's the last thing he does. He curls his right hand into a fist and starts charging at the guy. He's still unsteady on his feet, but it doesn't stop him. "You may want to brace yourself. Joel smirks. He swings his arm back and with the force of charging he sends his fist hard and fast into the guy's gutt. "This is for breaking my hand!"

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ooc: Rolled a 5

[Jack Lexington]

I would have expected him to give up after one of his bones snapped. Even desperation wouldn't make me continue a fight with a broken hand. I guess he's lucky that it's his left one. Not so lucky for me though because his swing into my stomach comes unexpected. Where the starved kid get's the energy for a hard punch like this I'm not sure. Only that it twists and turns all of my intestines and make me double over clutching my midsection. Instantly I feel like throwing up but all that happens is dry heaves because we haven't eaten since breakfast as well. The feeling and sour taste on my lips however is aweful and it takes me a moment to get my barings back. Maybe the odds are not in my favour after all, even though I'm taller and better nourished.

Coughing loud I back away from him still doubled over. What if he does win this game?
He'll run off with all the money, I'll be in deep shit, maybe even get locked up myself. I'd loose my pay for the trip and the money for my children. If worse comes to worst he'll kill me. Is the money really worth that?

Where on earth was Sam? did he not see what happened? Is he a coward? Or did the horse buck him off? Are there more attackers out there? Or is he getting help?

Next thing I know I'm launching myself at him determined to become the victor of this fight.
My balled fists finds its way into the man's gutts just like he had done it to me before.

OOC: Rolled a 5 as well. Should we say whoever reaches 25 first with his rolls wins and takes home the cash? I'm at 11

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] The feeling of his hand slam into the guys gutt brought a small smile to Joel's face. He's never felt this happy before. It's strange for him to fill this happy, but in the end it's going to be well worth it. It was worth watching the guy double over in pain and heave. It was worth it despite the fact anything can happen. His heart pounds fast and hard underneath his chest. His breathing picks up to compensate for the rapid pulse. Fatigue starts fighting to take over his body. The adrenaline will keep him going for a little bit longer, but he's close to collapsing. He's close to losing the fight for his life. He's close to death. His stomach lets out a long loud rumble. He places his right hand on his stomach and groans. It's almost unbearable, but he's not giving up. He'd much rather die now in a fight than to spend the last remaining hours of his life starving. Joel watches the guy get to his feet again. He moves around in circles around the guy as his hand throbs more than ever. The pain in is more than he's used to. He doesn't know what else to expect. He tries to slow his breathing down. He focuses on breathing and slowing it down. He can't let his heart rate get to fast because it will only cause more problems. He's fighting to keep the adrenaline going. He keeps eyeing the money laying on the ground looking for the perfect opportunity to grab and run. He watches the money a moment too long. The guy's fist slams hard into his stomach. Joel falls to the ground doubled over in pain. He goes into a coughing fit unable to control himself. The fist in the stomach didn't help the hunger pains he's feeling. He looks up at the guy hoping he can see the desperation in his eyes, but it's not going to work because Joel is trying to steal his money. Slowly, Joel makes it to his feet. He slowly allows the rest of his body to come up. He doesn't want to move to fast because he risks getting light headed and passing out. Joel fights to keep his eyes open. He's fighting to keep himself going. I don't want to die. I will keep going. I will fight with all that I have left. Joel shakes his head. He slowly starts circling around the guy again forming his right hand into a fist. He's prepared to make impact. He cracks his neck trying to get another surge of adrenaline. Joel goes into another coughing fit. His heart quivers rapidly underneath his chest. His breathing becomes rapid and shallow. He takes a couple deep breaths to regain his focus. He looks at the other guy again. He swings his fist as hard as he can at the guys face making sure to make impact.

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ooc: rolled a 2 and that will work reaching 25. I'm at 14

[Jack Lexington]

Once I knocked him to the ground I get a moment to get my bearings back and breath. In that moment I also take a closer look at the young man I'm fighting. It's obvious to me that he's starving. He's weak, trembling all over and just hanging on by a thread.
I wish he would have asked me for some money or some food instead of stealing it from me. That just doesn't go down too well.

I'm not sure where he gets his strength from but he does. It must be all that he has left. It's almost a pittiful sight but only until he spings back up just to smash his fist into my face again. Even though I move to the right to evade the punch he gets my on my eyebrow. No idea, where he was aiming but for a moment I can't see a damn thing on that eye. My head whirls back and I loose balance.
It's just a matter of minutes until my eye will swell up, possibly preventing me to see anything.

So I grit my teeth against the pain and try to knock him out because that seems the only way to save myself.
I close the distance between us, grab him by the shirt and trip him. Then I grab the next best weapon from the ground, which happens to be a stick and raise it above my head.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.

OOC: 6 , which puts me at 17.

[knuckles]

[bg=331111][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=style,width: 500px;] Joel's blood boils in his veins. He winces in pain at his left hand as the pain becomes nearly unbearable. The throbbing pain causes him to wish he would have just left. He had an option to leave, but he didn't take it. He's now in a fight for his life. He keeps coughing from being punched in the gutt. He barely holds his head up. His muscles are growing weaker with every move he makes. He looks at the guy and becomes very afraid. He's afraid he's going to die. He's afraid this guy will have him placed in the ground for ever. It would be the best escape Joel has ever had. He will finally be able to get away from his father that hates him. He winces in pain as his hand makes impact with the side of the guy's face. He can't help but smile because he's doing damage he never thought would be possible. The force of the swing almost sends Joel toppling over to the ground again. He barely keeps his balance. Every part of his body aches. He can hear his heart pounding loud as it echoes inside of his head. He can feel his heart bounding in his temples. Ringing in his ears pick up causing him to be almost deaf. He could run away now and be free, but without anything, he will die a certain death. The thought of death feeds his emotions. It feeds him giving him more energy that he needs to possibly win this fight although he's not doing very well right now. He slowly moves in circles trying as hard as he can to keep his breathe. Joel fights with every ounce of strength he has to remain upright. He can feel his eyes wanting to shut. He fights against it, but forgets about the other guy. He topples to the ground again landing hard. Get up Joel. Get up. Just get up. Joel spits the dirt out of his mouth hoping another tooth doesn't follow. It's an awful situation because his strength is failing him. He barely forces himself to sit upright. He's almost out for the count. He's almost done. He's close to handling all he can handle. He slowly pushes his left hand to the ground forgetting it's broke, and yelps in pain. Tears don't even fall from his eyes anymore. He's cried all he can cry. He pushes off the ground with his right hand slowly getting to his feet. His knees wobble underneath the weight of his body. It's a miracle he's standing up. "Damn." He whispers. Joel walks slowly over to the other guy. He swings his fist as hard as he can at the guys face again.

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ooc: Rolled a 2 that puts me at 16

[Jack Lexington]

Why on earth he doesn't hold up the white flag yet I'm not sure. It's true, I'm hurting but I can handle the swelling of my face from his punches and the throbbing that comes with it. heck, I've been injured much worse.
This guy, however looks like he's going to fall over any second. That's why I let my stick hover above my head to threaten him instead of swinging it down onto his fragile body.
While I stand there I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, which raises and falls rapidly. My senses are sharp despite the punches because adrenalin is fuelling me.

"Why don't you run?" I mutter but instead of an answer I get another punch in the face. This time his fist flies forward from such a weird position that he knocks me in the jaw from the bottom. His fist also graces my nose again and sends another gush of warm blood down to my lips.
This damn boy. He's really pissing me off now.
"You're stupid." I growl at him and step back to pinch my sore nose.

"Fuck you!" I tell him trying to shut all my feelings out and finish him off before he can do the same to me.
With my stick I haul off and hit him against his shoulder. The tip of the wood leaves a small gash in his clothes and skin. Hopefully that will disable his arm.

OOC: 4 and I am at 21....maybe you should start rolling harder