There can only be one

With a triumphant grin, he managed to find said lighter, drawing it from his pocket. He didn't need any illumination to ignite it, relying purely on muscle memory. Once lit, it made traversing the unfamiliar plane substantially easier for the pair. Lyle was constantly shifting his eyes left and right to prevent anything from sneaking up on the pair, when the sudden stop caused him to give the forefront of his attention to Tieria.

Having to assist would mean he'd have to forsake the flame that illuminated the path. With a slight oral puff, he blew out the flame, returning it to his pocket, getting into position to move iron obstructing their path.

"Right, let's do it."

#systemtrap

He didn’t doubt for a second that Lyle would hold true to his word. Countless times they’d faced adversities together, and never had he been let down by the other’s actions. The Meister’s poorly timed humoristic quips and nonchalance toward even the most grievous of quandaries were unnecessary, but he had a steady head on his shoulders.

Nodding in affirmation, he ventured a few strides into the more precariously open range of the City. Eyes peels in detection of any movement that were all too dangerously secreted under the emanating obscurity. His bearings around the Ghetto were nowhere near as fluid as for the other sectors, but if memory served, they had passed a manhole cover on their way in. Reversing on their initial tracks would logically lead them back to the desired point.

Sweeping a final vigilant gaze across eerily immobile surroundings, Tieria signalled safe passage to his partner.

"All clear." A warning delivered in hushed volume as to not stir any unwanted attention. Pressing forward with renewed sense of haste, the Innovade aimed to restrict his movements to the close vicinity of buildings and vehicles in an effort to minimize potential openings for ambush.

#systemtrap #abuse?#nah #hashtag

Lockon followed shortly afterward, closing the entrance on his way down. He cautiously placed his feet onto the cement, ensuring that he avoided the sewage. His brow ruffled to a slight frown when he inhaled nasally followed by a look of disapproval.

He maintained the hushed tone, attempting to emulate his partner's professionalism to some degree at least.

"So far so good."

Good, and adjective used very loosely in this situation, however despite the less than perfect conditions, the pair was at least safe. Such was at least something to be thankful for. Lyle regathered his composure, with a deep breath, turning toward Tieria as he began to pat himself down for some sort of light source.

"Hm... let's see... anything we can use to illuminate this place? I'd hate to step on something gross."

"Are you capable of making that same promise?"

Tieria had no intention of perishing in the outbreak, but he would do all that he could to salvage as many indefensible bystanders as possible from the creatures. Should that lead to a temporary cease of his life then, so bet it. It wouldn’t be the first time.

"Let’s go, then."

#systemtrap #smelly sewers #poopoo #it probably smells worse on the surface #dead people are icky

"You keep me alive, and I'll do the same for you... and everyone else we see."

Lockon wasn't exactly sure how to read the Innovade, his sarcasm, and overall condescending tone typically sounded normal to the Meister, whom in all honesty grew accustomed to it... even expecting it most times, yet it seemed abscent in Tieria's tone. He was sure any questions would be promptly dismissed, accompanied by a subtle insult, or a scolding about how time was of the essence, so he opted to simply drop the topic where it was. Whatever the case, Lockon was sure of the sincerity of his own words, above all else, holding the gravity of Tieria, and the other survivor's lives within his trigger finger. A burden he had no intention of disregarding during this mission.

"Lead the way, oh captain." He responded, with his typical light hearted facade, accompanied with a gentle pat on the back, shortly afterward, he turned to face the rear, maintaining watch of TIeria's blind spot, understanding that clumsy though they may be, the undead were certainly something to watch out for.

"Just let me know when it's open... and I'll try to hold my nose."

((Thanks for following me back))

Thanks for putting up with my procrastination.

"I know that." He finished prepping his own handgun before sliding it into his belt.

"Do you really need my opinion on your hygiene plans?” People were either dead or on the verge of peril, forgive him for not caring about your post apocalypse endeavours.

"Unless you’d rather wade through an enemy group, then this detour is the fastest and most sheltered. Are you ready?"

#systemtrap #we dont want a repeat of the movie #don't explode

"I'm always ready."

"But... promise you won't do anything too rash in the name of heroism out there, alright?" He too was checking on his weapon, although substantially less thoroughly, considering that his pistol was pretty well maintained initially. He slid it into a holster on the right side of his leg, giving a nod of affirmation.

❝do you know who else has called me a pirate? a five-year-old.❞

"Oh...? What was your response? Did you humor him with an 'aaarrrg'?"

❝looks like I grew up when you weren’t around.❞

#dynaames #eyepatches #nope #lastmanstanding #moviesaysitall #movie sucked unless you liked lyle #movie was awesome for me

"You say that, but you're still playing pirate? You're a kid at heart, admit it."

"Between us that should be enough to last a short while, remember they’re only plastic so aim for the eyes." As for a plan, it’s basic, and roughly formulated on the spur of the moment but he’ll have the opportunity to flesh it out on the road.

"We take the sewage route to Mileina’s location, we secure her safety, stock up any supplies we can effectively get hold of and head back out for anyone else."

#systemtrap #sorryhadtonap #rhymethemtags #grahamandflags #srsly tho #yes that's the plan

"Don't you worry about my ability to aim, don't forget who it is you're talking to, partner."

"My only gripe is the route we're taking... you're not gonna mind if I spend a day or two scrubbing myself when we're all done, right?"

❝I’m sure it does—❞

#dynaames #Whosepretending?

"Hey now, no need to shoot such hostile glares."

"You're a lot more stern now compared to childhood."

❝real funny.❞

#dynaames #dont be angry #Kept the dynames clean for you

"Hey, hey, don't give me that look. The condescending gaze sincerely wounds me."

"Roger that, I’ll make contact immediately." And with that he’s quick to text Mileina to ascertain the coordinates of her current location.

"How much ammunition do you have?"

"Ammo? Let's see... I've got a full clip, and a spare magazine, fourteen shots in each, so... twenty eight shots."

"I assume you've got some kinda plan?"

❝and being too laid-back can lead to carelessness.❞

#dynaames #lonesurvivor #lastmanstanding #Tieriadiesmostthough

"Careless, maybe... alive, yes."

"It’s not us I’m concerned about.” Though with their current weapon count of 2 BB Guns, they weren’t exactly at their most prepared for an invasion of this nature.

"Mileina Vashti is isolated in a different Sector, and she’s only one of many other vulnerable Citizens."

"Well, if that's the case, we'll just have to go check on 'em, right?"

"We're all about keeping people alive, friends and civilians especially."

❝maybe I’ve gotten soft.❞

#LylexTieriaBromance #Bestfriends #Buttbaby #dynaames

"Maybe you're too concerned. worry leads to rashness."

#dynaames #hakuna matata

You worry too much.

"In case you haven’t noticed, we are surrounded by infected hoards with an apparent taste for human flesh." Is that enough reason to awaken his concern for you, Lyle?