#explosivedarling.

A Ballistic Fist

A ballistic fist, well-designed and packing a terrible punch. The device works with a twelve-gauge slug, which adds to the extra stopping power of the fist itself. Its design focusses on distributing the force and recoil, so as to not damage the user’s wrist.

On the frame, one could see words inscribed. These words read:

“May the divine binary code of the simulacra guide me to victory. May Saint Di Ode see to my glory in victory, or my peace in death.”

This particular model was designed for the personal guards of Lamore III, of The Reavers. A religious techno cult dedicated to worshipping technology that remains to this day. Though, they've been waging a war of resistance against The Midwest Brotherhood.

The Legion attacked. Out of the darkness, they charged the caravan camp. The caravanners hurried to the defense. Yet, the legion raiding party had surrounded them.

Ares was returning fire with his rifle. To his skill and credit, he managed to down some of the Legionaries. Yet, there was always more Legionaries. Despite the odds, he wasn’t giving up. Neither the courier, Antonia.

Suddenly, a stick of dynamite landed close to Ares. The explosion knocked him down. Feeling blood and pain, Ares rose back up. His ears ring, as his vision was blurry. Suddenly, a Legionary recruit came charging at him and screaming in Latin. Unholstering his gun, he fired several shots. Three landed in the recruit’s chest, sending him down.

Two others came forward, as Ares fired again. One was slain, but the other managed to survive. The Decanus jumped on Ares, as the two struggled. The Legionary tried shoving his hunting knife into the ghoul’s neck.

“Antonia!”

Bike problems. Just what he needed this far from Vegas.

Scratch worked, trying his best to solve the problem. Still, his mind was paranoid about someone sneaking up. After all, Jackals roamed the roads among other more terrible dangers. Sometimes, his mind tends to think of the worst that can happen. He was a cynic by experience.

While working, he heard someone coming up right behind him. Spinning around, he nearly skinned his holster of his gun before stopping. Toni wasn’t a raider, as far as Scratch can tell. He knew enough to pick up on little hints to know. She did look very capable though, possibly dangerous.

Still, he wasn’t a fan of strangers. Good or Bad.

Ares owns a regular black suit. He mostly wears it for formal meetings, or to blend in ( E.g. on The Strip. ) He doesn't really mind dressing up, so long as it remains functional. I mean, he's conceal carrying at least two guns on him.

Against the post, Scratch paused before his communion. Botte in hand, his eyes lingered on Toni, thinking about her admission. He’s empty, he thought.

Sympathetic, Scratch offers the bottle to Toni. It was mulled wine, bearing a faded label showing The Eiffel Tower. Scratch motioned with the bottle; it’s a gift.

“Here, c’mon take it. You need it more.”

anemone :   how does your muse view the world ;   as a cruel   &   unforgiving place ,   a land full of wonders ,   or something in - between ?  where does that world view come from   (   what experiences ,   life lessons ,   etc .   ) ? 

He’s realistic.

Ares views the world as unforgiving, destined towards destruction and violence. Then again, he’s seen wonders, beauty. It might have been fleeting, but it happened. After all, he’s lived through history, he’s witnessed beauty and atrocity.

For Ares, it would be easy to become hopelessly cynical. Nihilistic to the point of defeatism. Yet, Ares clings to the belief of beauty in the world. That the world itself, is it not some nightmare destined to never end. That it can become a good place to live.

I suppose, this view came from The Followers. They were the first group of people that actually treated Ares with kindness. They didn’t view him as a monster. Or as a weapon. But, instead, as someone deserving of empathy. In that moment, Ares saw beauty. The beauty of human kindness in a world scarce of it.

Yes, the world is cruel. But beauty still remains.

hibiscus :   how does your muse view the gentler ,   daintier things in life ?   as things worth preserving   &   caring for ,   or things only bound to wither   &   disappear ? 

They need protection. Always, Ares has viewed himself as a protector. Better him suffer, than someone who cannot handle the pain. He wants to protect what is good, kind and deserving of life. In that, he finds his purpose for life.

But all good things require constant vigilance.

hollyhock :   how strong is your muse’s sense of ambition ?  what’s something they strive for in life ? 

For Ares, his ambition is strong. He has survived, because of his ambition.

His ambition strives for peace. He hopes one day, the world will no longer need his services. That he could finally live in peace and be at peace.

@explosivedarling

“We can’t breach the front. Too many guards, too much trouble.”

{ Ares handed the binoculars to the Toni, pointing out the motel. The motel composed of two stories, with an office on the building’s side. Wrecked and rusted over cars occupied what once was the parking lot. }  

{ The Fiends occupied the structure, using it as their chem den.  They had hostages, caravanners who were misfortunate enough to end up captured. This situation was all too familiar for Ares.   He has played this part before; he knows the risks involved. One mistake, one false move, then the hostages are dead. }

{ A good plan was needed. Ares turned to Toni; he wanted her input. At first glance, Ares guessed she was experienced with this kind of situation. She seemed capable all around. Though he wanted to know, before they breach the hideout. }