Hunting Ice

[Blaze]

ooc:

I understand I have not exactly sent Fredel and Squad 1 on their way officially, but I really would like something to do right now so I figured I could start this and Kaji will just send Fredel on his way when Plans and Preparations gets on its way again. This way StoneCold is not waiting too long and there’s something to do/read for the members again. ;D

bic:

The silence of winter’s end fell upon the squad as they entered Setine Village. Consisting of seven fire-pledged men, squad 1 was led by Major Lennox Fredel who had had the pleasure and taken the time to assemble such a team. Each man was chosen for skill, dependability, and their military history in battles and other such missions including investigation and interrogation. This was a team assembled with experience ready for their quarry… or at least they believe so at the moment considering they know nothing of her besides her name, Kagami, and a few descriptive elements.

Their leader was nothing to take for granted either. Major Lennox Fredel had done his part in keeping the peace for the past few years. Yes, he is young, only 32, but he has been a part of the military for just a bit longer than the Fire Lord Kaji Hito. Lennox was in the recruited group less than five years before Kaji’s year was recruited. All his skills revolve around speed and reflexes. He is fast and to accent his speed he uses his favorite weapons – twin kurachi, which are half the length of a full sword. The major stands tall at 5’ 10” with reddish-brown short hair and a slightly freckled face from daily outside work with the dragons in addition to his military duties. Hence the reason dragons are not included for this mission. Lennox knows this still increment cold is unhealthy for the dragons perhaps even fatal for them; they usually remain in their volcanic dens during the winter months.

Fredel and his team rode into the village clothed with a winter version of the Fire uniform. The usual uniform of black, red, and gold was hidden under a thick cloak. Some men had decided to wear hats to keep warmer as they work better when they do not have to worry about keeping themselves warm. Navigating through the fairly large village by asking directions of the few people who were outside, the soldiers finally found their way to Master Garrend’s falconry mainstay. After tying their horses in a patch of brush to act as a temporary shelter from the cold, they entered Master Garrend’s establishment led by the major.

“Master Garrend,” Fredel announced, “we are here to ask you about a message you sent to Fire Lord Hito.”

He pulled out the small parchment from his uniform pocket as the falcon master turned the corner into the main lobby.

“Do you know anything else about this?”

After a moment or so in thought, the answer came. “Unfortunately not. The man was in quite a hurry to disappear and was sure of nothing more than what is stated in that note.” He gestured towards the parchment. Garrend continued, “he left not even a name for himself, but he did appear from the south.”

“Thank you.” Lennox bowed in appreciation of the direction. “We will be on our way then.”

Before heading out on their search, the troop stopped by a local tavern to refresh themselves and their horses. Not knowing what was to follow, they believed it wise to replenish energy and spirit. A few of the men actually had a spot of light liquor while the rest, including Fredel, merely rehydrated themselves.

“So what do you think, Major?” the voice came from behind him. It was Lieutenant Suusuke, a man who was always eager for some action; his voice smelled of the cheaper rum. “This is going to be a nice little piece of fun, isn’t it? What do you think she’s like? I’m sure she’ll be full of fight I betcha.”

“I have absolutely no idea, Lieutenant,” Major Fredel began. “And we are not here for a fight.” Suusuke began to object, but his commanding officer was brisk in cutting him off. “This team was assembled in case a fight would arise. We are here to question her as to her motives and reasons for being in the Fire nation. If she in fact resists, then we have no choice.” His words were smooth as mischief glimmered across his brown eyes. “Right, Lieutenant?”

Now it is true and known that Lennox Fredel is what one would call an adrenaline junky, however he is not reckless. Major Fredel will keep to Lord Hito’s orders for as long as reality holds fast. He also just knows how to keep his men in spirit.

Standing to address Suusuke, who had returned to his drinking buddies, as well as the rest of his squad, Lennox pronounced his words with his assigned authority resonating through them. “We will commence our search in an hour. Do not drink yourselves stupid for we cannot be sure what awaits us! This way some of the morning chill will have dissipated and we will still have a good amount of time before the sun disappears into another night. Rest up and be prepared! You are all dismissed for now.”

Lowering himself back to his seat, he indicated to the bar attendant for another glass of water. With a minute pasted, the thunk of a pitcher on the table sounded, but rather than finding one of the tavern’s attendants upon facing up, Lennox caught the face of Captain Ray Clyden. They both smiled with the familiarity of friends beyond camaraderie. After placing a small mug of local tea mixture in front of his commander, Clyden pulled two smaller glasses from his overcoat pocket.

Ray addressed Lennox with a tone both concerned and friendly joking, “You really shouldn’t forget to take care of yourself either.” They both smiled and the Major accepted the tea in front of him. Hence, with thanks, their conversation began.

[xstonecoldx]

The last grasp of winter was still holding on to the fire region. However, it seemed to be fading. The glowing lights of the village of Setine seemed warm, but not welcoming to Kagami. The cheers and clamoring from within in the bar could be heard outside of the village. The few trees outside of the village provided Kagami the protection she needed.

She laid on her body, stretched along the bough of the tree. Her torso leaned against the actual trunk of the tree. Her long, sinewy legs steadied themselves on the thick branch. The velvety black hooded cape was wrapped around her body. Pale purple eyes gazed from beneath the shadow of the hood.

At the end of her feet sat a little sparrow. It’s grey, cold body sat on the branch, immobile from her involuntary spell. The bird’s beak was open slightly as if to sing a song. The maiden picked up her upper body and leaned over her muscular legs. She pulled her body up so that she was on all fours. Plucking the stone bird from it’s roost, Kagami held it within her palms.

She had not meant for the bird to be caught within her cold spell. She had taken her blindfold off to allow it to dry quicker from her previous excursion. Her eyes settled on the bird’s gentle composure. Animals, they were not the same as the demons and humans she detested. Animals lived simply and did only what they needed to do. The complete opposite of greedy humans and demons who lived to overindulge in wealth and alcohol.

She pulled the bird to her lips and closed her eyes. Her lips grazed the stone body of the tiny bird. Slowly, the icy carapace melted away and the soft feathers returned. The bird released a tiny chirp and then, with a blast of air, flew away. She opened her eyes once she knew the bird was out of sight.

She leaned back in her original position. Her long strands of faded purple hair fell gracefully out of her hood as she turned her head. Her weak vision only allowed her to see where lights glowed and faint details of the houses and other buildings. She closed her eyes. Keen hearing picked up the cheers within the bar once again. She smiled softly to herself.

“Humans....what stupid creatures....”

[+} rogue {+]

ooc: I'm sorry, but I do not appear to have any luck in finding others to RP with, therefore... I hope it is alright that I have joined you all. Joining others seems to be the only way of intigrating one's self. lol.

---

The mountain.
In her bitter prowess she has sought to send all life into hiding in her winter fury. She's is a terrible matron, a goddess of the earth that sits upon this round mantel, defying the laws that would utterly threaten to tear her down to her foundation. She is a monument to the strength of inner turmoil. That inner chaos that shifts even within our very own earth; the chaos that has thrust up its element, weaving this fine array that has becume the mountain's crest. She is a formidable foe and bears many dangers. But to those who know how to survive, her tantrums are little more than inconvenient, much less deadly.
I am one such man. Even now as spring creeps into the valley's, this mountain side still holds stubbornly to the cold chills of winter, and I must not let her fury bury me in my own ignorance. I am not foolish to doubt her strength. But perhaps my weakness shall lie within my dreams.

---

A fire cracked, almost silent within the depths of the shall cave. An afternoon of feeble snowfall had left the world outside white and cold, but it's powdered showers were no less than finished, and the atmosphere of the night was eerily quiet. Kiao was acutely aware of the silence outside and seemed to almost become a part of it, as he sat near the back of the crevass, his spine against the smooth cave wall, his legs stretched out before him as he reclined comfortably. His possessions, including his leather pack, sheeth, and sword sat precisely arranged on a tanned canvas, designed to keep the sensitive materials from scratching upon the rocky stone floors. The blade unsheethed, caught the small firelight and Kiao let his mind linger within the dazzling array--watching as the blade flickered savagely, mirroring a defective personality that was it's master. It was a viscious weapon, and knew only how to kill and harm. It was a reflection of himself and Kiao wryly smiled, proud of his own wicked reputation.

Yet slowly, feeling confident within his isolation on the mountainside, Kiao let his eyes grow heavy, and allowed sleep to override his perceptive senses as he settled into a shallow, slumbering state. However, he found himself falling deeper than he'd first desired, and soon found himself tumbling into the dark corners of his mind, where his dreams waited to converge savagely upon him. They came swiftly, and he was soon whisked away upon their winds, reliving strange moments, and revisting an old past...

---

A fire.
It burned ravanously, consuming the dry timber of the summer's night, and destroying the lives of hundreds, if not thousands. All the while, a young man, wild and reckless observed with an uncaring eye as he watched his victims burn and lose everything they had. A woman--he noted--ran towards him begging for freedom from the hungry flames that licked at her skin, consuming her arms and torso, burning her hair. Yet, the young vagrant only watched, expressionless with eyes red and dancing with livid wry fire. She fell before she reached him, her skin turned black, her body unrecognizable in its tormented state. Several others followed similiar suite, but few were aware enough to seek out the brutal man who watched uncaring. He was the cause of it all--the pain, the suffering, the destruction. He was the reason they all died, the reason so much was lost that night. Here he stood, just watching, enjoying the feel of the new power rushing through his developing system. Here he stood, eyes burning with satisfaction, pulse quickened with lusting adrenaline. Her he stood... Kiao.

---

A sudden pop within the fire pulled Kiao into more shallower waters, but the sound was still too distant to fully arouse the dreaming man whose personality was far more dangerous than his weapons. He soon returned to his pleasant nightmares.

---

He sat poised within a stone chair, uncomfortably restrained--the thick metal links chaining him to the surface upon which he rested. Around him sat a council of men, an old council. Large pillars supported a tall cieling and the only light came from the luminars that hung from the stalagtic supports. The room was alight with gentle fire, and Kiao found himself surveying a room of different peoples. Dragons and humanoids stood poised together, cautiously, angrily, curiously. Kiao was one man, and he'd caused so much trouble in such little time. They were troubled because they knew not why, nor would they ever understand why it had happened. Kiao was the one mystery they never solved.

---

A much louder snap warned the sleeping Kiao of shifting embers that could shift enough to quench the burning flame, slowly he drew himself out of the water, returning to reality to deal with the troublesome little flame and quell its antics. However, as his vision was lost and faded into black, something surfaced with him as he awoke. That demanding voice... that voice that had questioned him many years ago, that voice that had almost pleadingly inquired of him an answer. It was plaintive, a last call for any insight as to the intentions of the murderer who stood on trial before them.
"Why did you do it?"
Even in reality, Kiao couldn't help but smile. His answer was as it would always be. True enough, usually he had a reason for what he did...
"I did it... because I can."
... but sometimes, there just wasn't one.

Rising now fully back into reality, he awoke to find a dimly lit sky and an early dawn fast approaching. He signed, standing up, kicking the ashes that had fallen out of place. He didn't need the fire anymore, even though the mountain air still left the breeze frigid and cool. He began to collect his things, stretching his back and stiff limbs as he did so. Soon he was ready to move. Exactly where was he going? He didn't really know. He wondered where his curiousity led him, sometimes that was up the mountains, sometimes it led him out of the fire nation as a whole.

He moved steadily to the cave entrance, leaving the ashy fire to smolder behind him on the stone; his pack was slung over his shoulder and his blade was sheethed and secure across his hip. He was ready. Reaching the lip, he looked down to the isolated valley beneath him--a forgotten testiment to time and past. He smiled to see that the evidence had not yet faded over the two hundred years it had lingered forgotten and desolate--a broken past that he'd created. He'd revisted the scorched emblem several times, just to look proudly upon what he'd done, what he had still not paid for. Pride had led to its demise, and pride had sealed it in silence.

---

The morning was quiet as Kiao made his way through the mountainside. His steps were sure, confident, and silent among the stone--dampened by morning dew, crisp and cold by winter's breeze. His cloak caught the gentle winds and fluttered behind him, cracking occasionally in a soft whisper that seemed potent in itself, much like it's master. His presence was as cold as the environment around him, and there was little about him that seemed innocent. Kiao was a dark man, capable of monstrous things, and experienced in his arts. There were few who knew his name, and those that did, knew it only in their nightmares. Kiao was a secluded type--keeping to himself, committing his crimes in the utter black darkness of an anonymous presence. As soon as he came he was gone, and never once had he remained in one spot for too long. Nor did he ever freguent old towns and delinquient pasts. Illusive and sly, he was hard to track, difficult to predict, and even harder to contain.

Now he traveled, with little direction in mind, as his feet followed a narrow path that wound through the canyons and up and down steep drawes. His legs carried him surely and swiftly, never pausing, stopping only on occasion to survey his surroundings and gather his location. The rising son stood brightly behind him, warming his back, while the shadows of a receeding night chilled his face which tilted towards the west. The pack across his shoulder began to dig annoyingly into the noche of his shoulder, and he calmly and comfortably shifted it across his chest, coming to the climax of a rising crest.

Looking onwards, along the narrow road, unfit for anything much large than a mounted rider, he found his presence gracing that of a small village--labelled Setine upon the gates of its posts. Her tall walls dared any to try to her, but her construction seemed old and slightly lacking.
Kiao felt no fear in approaching the gates. He was a rough man, but the gatekeepers would find nothing about him to deny his entrance. Sure enough, they had seen more criminal in appearance.
Nonetheless, the young black-haired deviant had little intention of merely walking through the front entrance. Gate Guards had an uncanny knack for remembering names and faces, both of which would be recorded upon his acceptance into the city. Besides, it was more interesting to take a rounded route. No need to cause open trouble, lest he need to.

Therefore, cutting off the ordered path, he veered south following the contours of the mountain as he stayed distant from the walls of the city. The sun's daunting, searching, light--though faint--was the given initiative to remain in whatever absence of light there may be, and upon the rock carapace of Feuer-Bohrung, there were more than enough.

His silent venture, soon led him to a rather different terrapace, one flourished by the splendor of the leaking city, where moisture and sun converged upon the rare fertile soil of the mountain top to breath life into dead stone. From the safety of dark corners of the mountain, he travelled through this breif lush garden, where a few trees speckled the cliffside and clung desperately to their stone foundations. They were strong trees, if not slightly weathered and their roots provided a hold to reduce the effects of the stripping rains that dared to wash away the necessary soils and minerals. It was here he suddenly spotted her. Her violent tinge hair grew long and fluttered about her thinly dressed abode. Her face, he could not see, for she rested with her back to him upon the boughs of a shallow tree that she had used as her nightly shelter. He stood above her upon a crest of rock that overlooked a shadowed descent that followed the lines of the rugged and rocky terrain--her tree large enough to tower above her current plane, but unable to reach above all the studded stones of the grand mountain. Yet, even from this high and distant perspective, he could hardly tell whether she breathed at all, being as she did not face him. It was quite curious, actually, and he was intriqued by her rather unconventional presence. It was not odd for him, a stranger of the night, a nameless vagrant, to wander isolated and alone, lingering outside stone walls, causing nothing but chaos when locked within. But what did that say about her? She did not seem quite as home as some might expect a fire loyal to be within the mountains. Her delicately carved legs, long and lithe, seemed more suited for elegance and grace, than for the brisk and broader spectrums needed to survive at the higher altitudes. Her skin, also seemed flawless, pale, and delicate... untouched by blade or fire.
He stood in silence, torn between infusing the situation with his troublesome presence, and leaving it to its own demise without his assistance. Yet, as he began to turn, readying himself to leave and head back towards the main gates, something caught his eye. The innocence of flying bird, gentle in its natured fluttered near the noted stranger. Kiao watched it curiuously as it landed, but noted that it did not flee when it saw the woman--violet haired and still. Curiously, Kiao's keens eyes observed, as the girl moved, comforting the creature in gentle hands--hands that supported a still and unmoving bodice. The bird seemed dead, like carved stone, a replicated artifact of what Kiao had seen as a creature of the sky. His curiousity flared, and certain recklessness filtered into the opals of his eyes, as he moved silently--a grace picked up through lineage and experience. However, he did not hide as some might to watch the situation. He stood plainly in sight, all she need to was turn about to see his presence. He felt no need to sulk and hide. Such actions offered a cowardice and Kiao was quite confident in his capabilities--however minimal they may seem.
Thus, he paused now to observe, as bird began as stone, now moved and fluttered off. How strange she was... Through a process that Kiao could neigh guess nor replicate, he had witnessed death and life combined in one fluent motion that she seemed able to control--whether by will or curse he couldn't determine.

His silence was ended, as a recklessness rose up from the caverns of his heart and infused his personality into a situation that could turn on either tides. Her words had sparked a common essence among them, among their characteristics. She was not human, he affirmed... through her words which condemned them. Now, he had no vendetta against man, though he would not say he adored their kind... they had their moments of ignorance like any other breed, but he also understood their intelligence and did not doubt their strength in groups.

He could not help himself, nor did he really want to... Openly, he chuckled. It was a deep throated sound that meandered on a sly winding path, destined to reach her ears and any other's in the immediate facility. His words quickly followed the gesture, and those they were deeply cunning and held a deceptive edge to their tone, he was not impeded upon her nor advancing. He kept his ground behind her, and even averted his eyes to look nonchalantly at the sky above him. His gaze fell upon a mourning dove that seemed lost and alone without its mate's presence reminding him of her gift.
"That's quite a talent you have there." he pronounced in a deep resonant gesture. His words were light, but not lacking in valor or confidence--as stated before there was a dangerous edge to every word and lurking cunning that seemed ready to exploit any weakness an associated company might release unintentionally. Nonetheless they offered only a hint of tension associated with any meeting of individual parties, especially ones who would rather remain alone.
He would have continued with something other to say in referance to his assumptions, but he held his tongue, knowing that he did not understand her enough to make a referance to her perspectives, as she could easily correct him or make him seem foolish. Little did he know, she need only to meet his eyes, to repeat the bird's unintended fate.

[Blaze]

Morning quiet as well as the morning tranquility of the sun dissipated as the life-giving orb rose higher in the sky and shone brighter. Noon has yet to arrive; however, none in this region would call this time morning considering most of them have been up and working for the past few hours. Same goes for Major Fredel and his team.

It had almost been an hour since the squad arrived in the village and had begun their break. They began their final preparations to leave the local pub by gathering their things and returning their glasses inside the tavern. Unfortunately, the reckless Lieutenant Suusuke had allowed himself the fall a little deeper into his alcohol than Lennox and even Ray had preferred not to see. He wailed as one of his comrades took his rum and thus a packed saddle bag into his arm.

Exiting the pub first was the tavern boy. In his arms he carried a blanket precisely as a soldier within the tavern had specified. The man had apparently wrapped a number of items in the cloth before passing it off to the boy with an order to strap it to his horse in the side stable. However, upon stepping outside and turning towards the stables, Kai noticed another man, a new stranger on the scene. He was not unfamiliar to these encounters though. As the tavern boy, he played the role of welcoming committee for new visitors and was accustomed to the pleasantries, which sometimes came with random roguish danger. With extra enthusiasm, the child of fire found his way to the soldier’s horse and strapped the bundle behind the brown leather saddle before moving back into the dampened street.

Cupping a hand to his mouth, Kai began to call out to the new arrival, “Excuse me, sir, but would you…,” before being interrupted by a low chuckle. He listened closely as the stranger’s voice traveled upon a gentle wind; the boy realized that man wasn’t completely alone. Brown eyes searched the street, but found none out of place. No one had done anything that amazing to be proclaimed – merchants and traders the ones about the business on the streets, nothing more. Finally, it caught his eyes familiarized with this village’s streets. The color which glistened in the afternoon sun was strange to this scene. Purple? What could be purple? Kai took a few more steps closer to look up into the tree’s branches before her figure came into view. Hers was a slender form far more foreign than the stranger in this region.

Cautiously, Kai stepped backwards towards the small familiar tavern behind him. He moved slowly, quietly, and aware of each step though he knew of the eyes which may gaze upon him. Still, with his heart racing and the inn door two steps behind him, he wheeled around on his heel and disappeared back into the safety of his home.

ooc: hope it's enough to go by... not much muse...

[xstonecoldx]

Her dry lips parted to speak, but her words seemed lost. Her heightened senses allowed the being behind her to become aware to her. Her pale irises slipped back to catch a glimpse of the figure behind her. The words she had first chosen had seemed inappropriate for this character. Kagami’s usual retort was a foul language filled “Leave me alone” and abrupt departure, but this character.

She slid her slender fingers along the tree branch and took her blindfold within them. Reaching underneath her cloak’s hood, she tied the fabric to hid her monstrous eyes. Call it woman’s intuition, but this man, she could sense beneath his flesh he was like her. Somehow, she could feel the bloodlust that he had as well, the sense of enjoying the hunt.

Kagami’s slender legs slid over tree branch and dangled off. Her violet strands framed her firm, but feminine face as she seemingly gazed at her acquaintance. Her hands sat squarely at her sides pressing against the torn bark Her tight muscles in her arms caused her shoulders to hunch a little, as she leaned toward the man.

“A talent? It’s more like a curse, but I make the most of it.”

Kagami’s lips parted, a sadistic giggle emitted from her throat as she brought her hand to her lips. The scent of a human was not far away and his small voice was picked up by her keen hearing. She turned her head towards where the boy had once been, but it seemed after only a few moments, he had high-tailed it home. Kagami’s attention shifted back to the newcomer.

“How odd....I normally do no attract visitors...”

Kagami’s soft voice carries lightly on the soft breeze. The water maiden waited for a response from the man. Her speech was usually limited to others. Actions spoke louder than words and it seemed Kagami live by that. But this man, he seemed so much like her, something about meeting him and his aura, that was what captivated her the most.

She slid down from the branch, her boots sinking into the soft earth. Her cloak still surrounded her body, keeping her curvy body hidden partially. Her strands of hair began to slip over her shoulder and down so that they were visible around her face. She wanted to hear more of this man and why he seemed so much like her.

ooc: Forgive me, I didn't see that Blaze had posted and I haven't had a chance to check since my teachers find it funny to give me essays to do every night. Sorry for the wait.

[+} rogue {+]

Peircing red eyes looked out from beneath his hood as she responded to his words. Her voice flitting across the chasm of space that lay between them to humor is previous comment.
He smiled wryly--an expression laden with conniving sadism--as he heard his own retort lingering precariously upon his tongue. There was something about her that intrigued him. Her words were edged much like his own and her confidence was as much of a warning as the blindfold that laid mysteriously across her vision--a vision he dubiously noted he would not meet, simply as a precaution.
Yet still, he did not admire her... even though she may be slowly gaining ounces of his respect, he knew he owed her nothing and his guards were never dropped just as his own confidence never wavered.

Without a seconds hesitation, he could easily lable her as an enemy;at any moment their strange correspondence could result in blood.
The idea of a brawl between two confident and powerful strangers filled his mind with a heightened sense--an excitable nature that quickly spread through the contours of his body: a hunter's drug.
But it was a notion not directly associated to her. Honestly, he did not wish for a quarrel, but if one were to developed he'd not try to avoid it like some. Peace was over-rated in his perspective--a formidable ruse, but a distraction all the same. Life was a game of survival... not peace.

Anyways, he related to her sadistic tone with an accepting chuckle of his own as he shrugged his shoulders suggestively and focused his fire-laced eyes upon the stone terrapce beneath him; he spoke cunningly, making a point of his own--offering her his perspective.

"Ah... aren't we all..." he spoke casually, his deep resonant voice laced with hidden meaning.
Subtle, with a dangerous, but quiet tone he quickly added to affirm what he was relating to, "...cursed, that is."

Without a moments hesitation, he raised his eyes to meet her face--observed her blindfold, searching for danger, but finding nothing. If there was power their it was hidden. The cloth about her eyes held it back, but he knew it existed still.
With a sigh, he dropped his body weight off the edge of his outcropping, and dropped stealthily onto the stone suface below, flexing his knees to absorb the impact. His cloak billowed about him briefly before settling quietly around him. He leaned back against the stone and closed his eyes, relaxing in a confortable position and he offered his voice once more to inform her of his own opinion concerning the relevance of a 'curse'.
"Curses and talents are one in the same. The connotation derives from the essence of power," he paused gathering his breath before continuing as if he had just remembered something he'd originally left out, "Now moral--the conscience that stays our hand--is the true curse."
He opened his eyes, letting the silence drift away after his words, "Everything else?"
He let the question linger briefly, open ended and unanswered.
"...just power and personality." he said with a rising tone to the edge of his voice--a sly, confident "matter of fact.

All these words, this one-sided, simple conversation was all said in a manner that one might use when speaking to a confident aquantance or old friend. It was casual and light, one would almost find it a strange tone to use, and his many words superfluous.
However, there was reason behind this tone of voice. It was comfortable tone to converse with. It often put his aquaintance in a state of false comfort. It's what made him easy to get close, close enough to shake their hand, or brush their shoulder in departure--close enough to steal what they held most dear--theirselves.

He was really done talking, observing her now that he had said all he'd intended. However, something caught his attention that made him flick his burning gaze towards the city, where he caught sight of a young brat that had seemed eager to draw Kaio's attention for some reason or another.
The youth fled quickly, Kaio breifly wondered why but shrugged and turned back to the violet-haired women, just as she began to speak.

“How odd....I normally do no attract visitors...”

He smiled and scoffed gently beneath his breath--more to himself than to her.
He smiled faintly, "It would only be like so if I were of a similiar fashion..."
He looked at her squarely his eye flashing with a devious glint, "...and I--my fair lady--am not..."

he paused for a seconds hesitation as he remembered exactly what he was, what he'd been labelled as, what his personality defined him to be.

"...not normal."

[Blaze]

ooc: Just skip me this round; this way you two can progress a little further into your conversation before being interrupted.

[xstonecoldx]

Kagami’s head stayed turn towards where the boy was, as if she could see through her blindfold. Her lips straight as she pondered what brainless human could be stupid enough to inspect the area with two obviously dangerous individuals. What was it about humans and the emotion of fear? Humans were the only creatures that ignored that sixth sense. The body knows when something is wrong, yet humans ignore it and continue on their way. Accidents didn’t happen. Stupidity did.

The maiden turned to the man before her. A smile curved her tight lips. The thought of his comment was humorous. Even for a woman who rarely showed emotions, she released a chuckle.

“I don’t have to see to know you are not normal...”

She fingered her hair out of a boredom habit, entwining the slender appendages in the strands. She pulled at her cloak with her opposite hand to make sure it was over her bare shoulder. She readjusted herself, her cloak seemingly bunched around her body from resting in the curve of the tree branch. Once it fell correctly around her body, she turned her head to the man that was still before her.

“Tell me, you said talents and curses are one in the same. Do you believe individuals can control their curses? Or do the curses simply devour their being, making them a slave to it?”

Her eyes seemed to be watching him through the blindfold. She had no control over her curse. She could prevent it by happening with blindfold, but if she were to remove it....Every creature that met her eyes would turn to stone. In some way, she was a slave to her curse. She bit her lip, she would never admit that out loud.

She turned her head to listen to the man’s reply. Surely, he would have something wise to say. Something knowledgeable, unlike the stupid humans. Humans long ago told her that she was simply going blind when she first had problems with her vision. She chuckled within her mind, blind of course that was the answer that was why when she met eyes with people they turned to stone. Yes, that sounded like a grand answer.

Kagami crossed her arms over her chest impatiently, patience was not one of her virtues. Her lips stayed straight to look like she was keeping her composure. But eyes always told a story and were a window to the soul and showed the true emotions of an individual, but since hers were covered, it was up to her companion to decipher her body language to what she was truly feeling. The ability to decode body language was a very useful tool to have, considering it is the only warning before Kagami snaps.

[+} rogue {+]

He chuckled in return, feasting on her contagious humor.
"Perceptive aren't we...?" he rhetorically noted as he shifted his weight down upon his legs.
Moving with a confident motion that brought him nearer to the maiden--a more proper distance for conversation.
Leaning his back now against the tree that had previously existed as her perch, he crossed his arms and tilted his head, watching her even as he listened to her words.

A very theoretical question he noted... but he wondered at the depth of it. An odd inquiring out of random curiousity, no...? He guessed there was something behind those eyes that he couldn't see--a gentle probing that was looking for a second opinion to help explain what the soul found troubling.

Did she not approve of her gift?
His brow knit breifly in contemplation. Somehow, she had not seemed to him the type that would second guess a gift that could so easily give them an advantage--a gift that could kill and then revise...? It was a talent that Kiao was growing all the more interested in trying out for himself.

His silence wavered briefly as he let his mind think on the matter she'd brought into consideration. He felt confident to assume she was speaking of herself and so he left out circumstance and brought out the direct reference.
"No. If you keep looking at the curse from the outside you're never going to accept it--and if you never accept it, then you'll always seem a slave to it." he shrugged with a short sigh.
He may have a clever mind and a different perspective on things... but it was honest to say he was growing bored.

If she doubted herself... that wasn't his problem. He personally admired the power that lingered within her grasp, he thought it a shame that she might not consider it as beautifully as he. But then again... Kiao was a touch more sadist than most. He would be the one to leave the blindfold off... permanently.
Again... simply because he could.

He raised an inquisitive brow as he leaned closer ever so slightly to whisper: "Might you be the one who thinks themselves a slave...?" he prodded curiously, like a toddler poking a snake with a short stick.

Judging by the character he had seen thus far, he wouldn't be surprised if she snapped at him or attempted to discredit his assumption, but he could not be dissuaded. He had his opinion and he was sticking to it.

Leaning back, he smiled and chuckled to release the seriousness behind his probing question. Unpredictably he sighed a long end to his chuckle and offered her his hand.

It hung upon the air, palm up... warm and inviting--beckonging her closer with an alluring air as his resonant voice peeked once more along the silence that seemed to be tiresome on her patience. Her hair twirling had not gone unnoticed.
"Take my hand." he smiled deviously, curious if she would enter into his game. She seemed the hunter like him--bold with perhaps a hint of reckless confidence. He hoped she would not refuse.

"I'd like to try this curse for myself."

[xstonecoldx]

Sharp hearing picked up on the shuffle of stones and blades of grass. He was closing the distance between them. Her hand fell from her hair, now more interested in the man that had approached her. Her head turned to follow the soft sounds that he made as he moved. She couldn’t help but follow his movements. This man intrigued her. He had an aura of danger and bloodlust that surrounded him and radiated off him in waves. The same waves that came off her and the reason why smart creatures, animals in particular, went the opposite way. Yet, he was closing the gap between them.

She listened to his masculine, smooth voice as he told her of his answer to her question. A small smirk had curved her lips as she pondered the response. But then he asked his own question. She thought of it for a moment.

“No. It simply increases the power I already had. But, it does hinder my sight when I want to see the beautiful landscape...”

The last sentence oozed sarcasm, her sadistic smirk still curving her pale lips. She picked up another sound with her keen hearing. Fabric rubbed against fabric. A soft sound that was undetectable by most ears. But it could be detected by anyone since Kagami and the curious man were surrounded by the silence of nature in the early morning.

“Take my hand.”

Kagami’s head turned ever so slightly to the side, curious by this sudden action. Her pale fingers gently reached for his hand. Her fingertips grazed his palm softly, his hand warm against her ice cold skin. His body temperature was probably normal, but to her senses, his skin was close to the heat fire gave off. Hesitantly, she slid her hand completely into his, curiosity driving her actions.

His next words confused her even more. She never had someone ask her to release the fury of her curse upon them, but he did. She chuckled lightly.

“You truly are sadistic, you might as well remove the blindfold yourself.”

She paused for a moment, thinking about how much this man must truly either love the idea of being in limbo or trusted her. When her eyes met someone, they turned to stone. Their skin, bones, organs, everything solid as granite. But their soul remained trapped in the body, in complete utter darkness for all eternity. It was only her will that would allow the curse to be reversed. She thought it utterly absurd that this man would actually trust someone like her to take pity and free him, when he brought upon himself? She pondered a thought for a moment before she spoke, would she free him? If he actually went through with it that is.

“You do realize I can leave you in a state in which you can never break out of? Only I can free you from the bonds, do you truly want to trust me enough that I won’t leave you here, your soul in a limbo?”

[+} rogue {+]

He nodded with a chuckle, “So be it.”

His hand, still poised within the air, curiously dying to feel the touch of her fingers. Just one little touch, it was all he would need. With a broadening grin he watched her draw up to him, and heard her words of warning, and he could not help but hide his amusement. No, he did not trust her to give himself up for stone. He wasn’t that reckless, or foolish for that matter. No, his curiosities were from a different angle, one he did not expect to be her first assumptions, but hopefully she would see and understand, from which perspective Kaio meant to come.

“You misunderstand me,” he chuckled with a mysterious edge.
Feeling the brush of her cold fingertips, his warm palm closed around hers, his strength drawing her in as his fingers laced through hers, holding her tight, locking her to him. Red eyes closed as his senses molded quickly to hers, impulsively weaving through her soul, a silent visitor, undetectable… a fingerless thief swiftly stealing from the night. He raced quickly through her abilities—they were the easiest to find, moving quickly on to her body, tracing the marrow of her bones, the gaunt strength within her muscles, the figure that defined her, the clothes that adorned her…

Drawing her near to him, his voice seemed to purr with an erotic depth that enticed and promised, a voice just barely a whisper—alluring and dark as his free hand moved to gently brush the side of her cheek. Bold gestures for a bold man. Warm finger traced the folds of the blindfold, moving past it, gently cupping the back of her head, her neck, sliding gently through the roots of her hair. Pulling his face near hers he stood over her gently, his tall figure leaning down ever so slightly to breath softly into her ear.
“Tell me, are there others like you?”
He drew the hand clasped in hers up to his chest, holding it there as he held her close, her body nearly tight against his, his free hand gently gliding down her neck, lingering within the groove of her shoulder. He held her tightly, but gently like a precious gem so fragile and yet sharp enough to maim. His charm was hard to ignore, for he was a smooth character, easily confident enough to push any and all boundaries that weaseled between him and a goal. What was life without a risk?
“Does your curse effect others with eyes like yours?” he continued in his deep resonant whisper—the strands of his dark hair falling before his eyes and framing his angular features, his handsome face.
His other hand—so bold in its wanderings now moved with a graceful practice to cup her chin, tilting her face up towards him ever so gently.
He asked such meaningful questions; for they were answers he needed to know. Her power, her abilities, her eyes were now at his disposal and he was curious as to how they would work against herself. He had no intention of turning her into stone, or likewise being turned into stone himself, for when he had said he wanted to try out the curse for himself he truly meant it—literally.

…mental awareness pricked as it wove through her touch, suddenly finding her mind, her personality. He paused just outside those forbidden doors. His presence was a subtle magic, nigh detectable unless one lingered for too long. But he’d not often mimicked another mind—a power, a body yes… but minds were difficult to fish for. Hard to find, and even harder to obtain, for they required extended contact.
He decided the personality was not needed; he’d not take that from her for he had no use for it himself.
But now was the hard part. Still close to her, still locking her within his grasp, still cupping her delicate face, holding it so that her eyes would meet his… he withdrew his magical carbon paper and began the process. The time would not take long, for eyes were a simple matter… but the pain was never as easy. The burning came first and then the sharp pain, quick and swift, it brought tears to his eyes, and his body stiffened for a mere second before he relaxed back into his natural state—his face relaxing, his body leaning gently into hers once more, his smile wider than before as curiosity brought him to open his eyes.
He saw her blindfold now, saw her cold pale skin, and the tint of color in her hair. But his own eyes had been much keener and he was somewhat disappointed. The dilated pupils he now wore, violet in color, identical to her own… they did not see as sharply at close range and he blinked a moment to accustom to the new perspective. He awaited her answer, holding her close. He wondered what connections she’d formed from his words. Like a child an excited rush swarmed through his body as the player felt the thrill from this new game. Odd that he did not seek to shame this woman, hurt her, discard her, use her… none of the normal things he would have considered had even crossed his mind. If anything, she intrigued him like no other ever had. How easily she came to him, how curious she was to join his game. He found a part of him missed the fear that might come from lesser company, and yet within… the gamer seemed to recognize a fellow playmate of the field.
He liked to think, if reason played fair, that eyes related to her own would be immune to her deadly stare, likewise for her. That Kaio and the stranger could look upon each other… fearless. But he didn’t know the rules, and if it turned out that his assumptions were wrong and that two of the same did not default… then the game would surely be soured. The very idea seemed to shrink his wry smile, but it lingered hopefully. Waiting for the answer that would lead his finger tips to unhitch the blindfold around her face—that would lead like eyes to meet.

[xstonecoldx]

Ice cold fingers intertwined with his warm, smooth fingers. He held her firmly, fearing loss of contact with her it seemed. Kagami’s breath came out shallowed from between her lips. She didn’t know how to act. For the hundreds of years that she wandered the land, she had never felt the touch of another person since she had been cursed. She had convinced herself she had been transformed into a creature that needed no companionship, and therefore comfort of gentle touches were unnecessary and ridiculous. However, she had not met someone that held the same personality like she did.

As he held her hand, for the first time, she felt slightly weak. Her head swam causing her to become light headed, but it was easy ignored as she locked her knees to stand straight. She felt uneasy as this man held her close, but she didn’t object. Words escaping her mind for the moment, especially when his hand grazed her cheek and then continued to the back of her head to hold it. His face was close to hers, she felt the heat of his breath against the porcelain skin of her cheeks. His whispers sent a shiver down her back, it didn’t show however. His whispers were enticing and erotic as he gently probed her for dire information.

“You would have to ask the water witch that cursed me, but I have yet to stumble along one similar to me.”

Her words were in a whisper too. He was close enough that there was no need to speak aloud like a usual conversation. She felt the closeness of their bodies. His fingers sliding down to her shoulders, holding her gently. Her thoughts again were on pause. Suppressing her feelings had come naturally when she became cursed since she had become an outcast. Feelings were not needed, only the simple bloodlust that came with the curse would drive her to seek someone, for all the wrong reasons. Her mind was in a complete jumble, reasoning told her that he was doing something and the charm was all part of the plan. But even ice wanted to melt and be a part of the warm seas every once and a while. The gentle touches were too enticing to ignore as he cradled her chin.

“I don’t know....”

Confusion clouded her mind to why he would ask such a question. His body went rigid for just a moment before he continued on his way. Kagami couldn’t react the way her personality lead on. Curiosity had now captured her as much as this man had.

His fingers pulled the blindfold fabric away from her face and it fell to the ground. Instinctively, she closed her eyes. When she was calm, she didn’t wish to turn anyone into stone, it was a fate worse than death. It was only when she was crazed with the scent of blood did she allow the curse to do as it pleased. He was still cradling her chin, which made it hard to turn away. Slowly, her velvet irises made their appearance.

She met his irises, startled that they matched hers. A sharp gasp left her lips in surprise. Her eyesight was very poor, equivalent to looking through textured glass. She could see shapes and colors and large details, but unless she was close, she couldn’t tell much of what a person looked like. But the first detail she could pick out was the matching irises that stared back at her.

Her body went cold, like when she had fallen into the icy waters months ago. It wasn’t much different than her normal temperature. She was sure he would have felt the change more. But they was no sign of turning to stone, her limbs still operated and her eyes did not blank out into darkness. Hesitantly, she reached up, the thumb of her right hand grazing beneath his right eye, curiously.

“So this is yours, to copy...How unusual it is to stare into the eyes that is the last vision for my victims, yet when you have them, it’s strangely.....invigorating...”

She chuckled lightly. Never being one for companionship before, she couldn’t ignore the desire she had to stay in his company at least a little longer. Curiosity had lead her, but now she wished to know more. This man had captured her curse and now was using it. But beyond that, he had that scent of vengeance to him that ran through her veins. Opposites may attract, but similarities definitely had their chemistry too.

[+} rogue {+]

He continued to hold her as a lover might—tenderly with a soft touch. His cold eyes watching her intently as the blindfold fell away, enjoying the way his charm brought out the whisper in her voice.

She was pliable beneath his finger tips, and he gingerly used it to his advantage—weaving his sweet charm into her mind, for no other intent or purpose then for the simple fact that he could. For, Kaio was a rather simple character. He lived for himself and was ruled by a cautious curiosity that led him to test boundaries and limits, to go the extent of his nature and his abilities—to see exactly what he could get away with. Usually, such quests were minor tasks, but some were mighty in themselves—a ruined village, her people forgotten and left un-avenged… now that was a challenge he would always remain proud of—the fire nation’s dirty little secret.

A mirror image flashed beneath him as he smiled at his conquest. He was immune to her now… an advantage he would surely keep in mind so long as they shared company. His confidence doubled, his wry smile seemed devilish, but his impulse to spring free and return to being just a stranger faded—ignored as he mimicked her, rolling his free hand to stroke gently beneath her eyes—eyes that he guessed did not often see others in pleasant conversation. Tenderness still lingered in his touch as he gentle pulled away from her, releasing her cold fingers as he gliding out of reach with such gentle movements, so subtle that one could barely realize he had faded from her.

“Aye, to copy…” he affirmed with a rising whisper that soon brought his deep, charming and resonant voice back up to the volume necessary for normal conversation.
He chuckled and stepped sideways from her, rolling to stand beside her, hands at his side, not touching—his cloak hung over his shoulder. He moved past her, sliding to stand just behind her, his back to her back, his head tilted to look over his shoulder, a sideways glare following her as his smirk lingered upon his expression, “I know you more intimately than you would probably prefer.” he teased, recalling her physical form to mind, feeling the magic pulse beneath his beckon—waiting for the command. Her feminine figure at his whim. But he wasn’t stupid. Eyes were one thing, a full physical shift was another. It would take no less than near an hour to complete a full transfiguration, and he wasn’t going to waste such precious time especially with a town alarm pending in the near future. No, he’d not forgotten the boy who’d made such a hasty retreat, and he couldn’t help but wonder if the brat was a tattle to be told.

The idea that they could be interrupted did not amuse him and brought caution to the surface of his reason. Fire Soldiers, armed guards…? The more the merrier, right? Sadistically, he didn’t fear them… actually a part of him wanted to make trouble and get caught. After all, he had escaped it once without a scratch to prove his trouble… and he was curious to see if it could be done again. With the help of stranger’s eyes… Kaio could certainly have a lot of fun.

Sliding slowly back into the picture, he came up behind her and gently folded his arms around her neck, pulling her back against his strong chest, resting his head beside hers, his cheek against her ear. Her skin was so cold…
Reverting back to his deep, rhythmic whispers he continued to entice her… not entirely sure where the game was now headed.
But Kaio didn’t mind, he was a god of spontaneity and could roll in any direction that fit him, personally. He was very flexible.

“So, why are you—a water medusa—floating around the fire nation?” he chuckled sarcastically and smiled with a non-chalant air, “… it’s just a curiosity of mine.”

Yes, he had copied her magic and her figure and that included the minor water manipulation abilities which she did not openly brandish about the world. But the knowledge that came with his new potential could lead to some vary valuable assumptions and he felt confident to stick to his opinion that she was indeed a Heiseph blessed who was wandering about where she technically should not be. But though it might seem that he was fishing for a fugitive, he couldn’t care less where she was from, or where anyone was from. Kaio didn’t pledge a thing to anyone. He’d been born in fire, raised in fire, convicted in fire, and freed from fire… but he didn’t really feel obligated to the place. He was kind of an outcast in general. No one knew him, even she didn’t entirely know him. His name was still silence among other people—there wasn’t a soul besides himself that new it… and he’d worked to keep it that way for the most part.

“Mmmmmm…” he prodded the question one more time, drawing out his breath within the syllable as if he were hinting towards some secret plot that she might be conspiring.
Why was she here? His curiosity was genuine.

[xstonecoldx]

Kagami winced from his warm touch as he stroked her flesh beneath her lavender eyes. She was still almost mesmerized by the talent in which he had, but within her mind the danger of his talent became more aware to her. She knew that now, if he decided to harm her in anyway, her last resort was of no longer use. Her abilities physically were what she depended on the most, the swift, flexible, and accurate movements she trained her body to have were her most used weapon. But she had a deep feeling that if he turned on her, that she wouldn’t have time to react. For now, she would simply play his game.

She felt his warm touch leave her fingertips. His black cloak fluttering with his movements as he went to her side and then to her back. The muscles that lined his shoulder blades stood firm against her own. She tilted towards her own shoulder, listening as he turned his neck to speak to her over his shoulder. He had just spoken to her the reason why she had to play his game. She had no idea how much of her abilities he knew or how much he could copy of them. If she had to fight against him, it would a long and tolling battle, since he could probably copy to a precise point and nearly make a clone of her. She didn’t have any idea to the extent of his powers, and he knew everything about her.

She heard him turn and became wary. A gasp got caught in her throat as he wrapped his arms around her neck, firmly, but not in a dangerous way, almost....affectionately it seemed. She felt his warm smooth skin of his cheek against the side of her head. Hesitatingly, she reached up with her right hand and rested it on his folded arms. She wasn’t sure what for though. She reasoned that if he tried to strangle her or something, maybe she could hold him off or something. But he wasn’t holding her like that. He held her like a lover did, cradling her like she was fragile almost. Maybe she reached to touch his arm, because she desired the touch of something warm.

He asked a question in a smooth tone, like he done when he was holding her before. He was close enough to her that when he chuckled she felt the vibrations in his chest. She released a small chuckle of her own at the question.

“I’ve never been one for boundaries...”

The tone in her whisper purred seductively. If he could put on the charm, she could as well. She leaned her head against his. It was the only way to know she wouldn’t be harmed, if he decided to turn on her. She didn’t know how volatile he was, if he would snap like she did. But the only creatures she knew to be seductive with their victims were sorceresses and sirens. Male creatures were a little more blunt with their goal. Did she intrigue him like he did to her?

His nonchalant manners meant he wasn’t going to turn her in to the fire government. A small smile curved her lips, she had of course known that the Fire Lord wished for her capture. Word travels quickly on the winds. She had assumed the woman and the dragon from before had reported her presence. She welcomed the challenge with open arms however, what could the Fire Lord do besides slap her on the hand and tell her not to trespass again? She didn’t touch them. But for now, it didn’t matter, she would stand her ground when they came for her. Right now, she couldn’t really focus on something so trivial as she stood in the arms of her mysterious companion.

She would continue to play this game. This one was more fun than playing with silly fire soldiers. She moved with caution as she reached her hand to the back of the man's head. Her fingers gentle as she felt the soft strands of his hair. Her caresses simply added to this game he was playing. The seduction and bizarre attraction between them had obviously turned into a subject they both could contribute to and test.

[+} rogue {+]

“Ah-ha! A woman of my own heart!” he chuckled with a vibrant laugh to hint at his sincerity.
It was true, Kaio wasn’t one for boundaries either. The way he toyed and played with her was proof of that—testing what could and could not be done… and so far he had yet to find a line she didn’t want crossed.

Hugging her within his grasp for a moment as her tone turned seductive and her arms laced through his long black hair. She had joined the game, and he liked her for that. People were so serious now-a-days it was fun to occasionally find that one who could play along.
But now Kaio wanted more, and once again he let his magic move tenderly through her soul, routing past her magic, past her physical body, until once again he stood outside the doors of her mind. His power would grant him access, but he had hesitated before… he hadn’t thought it useful then… but now he had to consider what ideas, memories, thoughts…? Why was she here? It was a question he did not doubt she would answer, but neither did he fully trust she would be honest either. Something about her seemed the renegade—an outcast like himself, and the idea that she was just a passive traveler in fire seemed a little unrealistic in Kaio’s opinion.
So, he’d take advantage of the contact he had while holding her here. He’d let her smooth, erotic whispers entice his mind and body while he—a touch preoccupied—helped himself to the surface of her personality.

He wouldn’t take much. Just a little off the top, just some idea that could provoke his curiosity once again.

Relaxing gently against her, their heads together he smoothly continued in his deep voice, “Do you often cross boundaries and meet silly strangers like myself?”
Releasing his arms by just a bit, he stepped slightly aside her so that he could curl his neck around, his face looking directly into hers. Their eyes once again meeting in union, his face near hers he smiled wryly—a dark mysterious glint shimmering behind the eyes that should have been solely her own.
“Or am I just special.”
He was teasing now, with his dark charm and illusive questions.

He liked this one. This was a different kind of fun—one where she knew the game almost as much as he. It made the challenge more difficult and unpredictable.

There it was. Tip-toeing through the doors to her personality he caught a glimmer of smug excitement from her, and quickly shimmied to catch the idea before it slipped away—the thought attached to the feelings. But this one was incredibly illusive—the majority of the content slipping through his nets. Leaving him with only the impression of a soldier. Very vague, but the sadistic delight in which he read from her, the excited will to stand firm and defend within a fray was heavy within her personality—a strong personality. But he’d not invade further. Somehow… if he searched for more he felt it was cheating… almost ruining the game. For others he might not care, but with her… he wanted to leave the challenge, leave the guessing and assumptions, left him more to roll between his fingers… and oddly enough he seemed to respect her.

Disbanding, he pulled his arms away from her with a gentle sigh and moved towards the tree once again, folding his knees he brought himself to a reclined sitting position upon the stone and against the tree’s sturdy trunk. Folding his arms behind his head, he let his legs stretch out before him as he sighed content.

With a curiously wry expression and a sideways smile he suddenly asked in his usual deep, easy voice, “So, what do they want you for?”
Again, he laid out hints to the extent of his powers. He liked to lay out the pieces, but he wanted her to fit together the puzzle.

Meanwhile, his easy calm lingered around him. Tensions unattached to his body or his face. Things were going good for him so far… it lightened his mood.

[xstonecoldx]

She chuckled with him. They were too much alike and if their personalities were so dangerous, it wasn’t a good thing for the rest of the world. She continued to enjoy the feeling of heat from his body. He still held her tightly against his body, her head against his. His whispers entered her ears, still soothing and erotic as he probed her with another question. She chuckled lightly again before she replied. Her voice a whisper as she spoke still in a sultry tone. Her lips curled to a smile. Her cool breath light against his skin, since he now was closer to her face.

“I was never one of the girls that listened to rules. Boundaries and rules are only there to be broken. So running over boundaries became a hobby of mine. Meeting strangers like you, however, is just a plus. However, I will admit that you are one of a kind...”

Her hand casually reached up to touch his face as he moved away from her. Her fingers gently grazed the warm smooth skin. She just couldn’t remember the last time she felt the warmth of another person. The warmth felt good beneath her cold fingertips. She watched him as he went to sit by the tree.

She bent down herself and picked up the fabric blindfold that had fallen from her face when he removed it. She held it between her hands for a moment, contemplating whether she wanted to put it back on. She glanced over at him and decided it wasn’t necessary. She placed the blindfold piece that usually set on her eyes on the top of her head. Her fingers reached back and tied it behind her head. The blindfold now served as a headband.

She turned her head as he spoke again. She blinked a little and paused. The boy before must have been a with the soldiers. Was that how he figured it out? Or did this whole mimic power go deeper than just stealing her powers? Could he steal memories as well? Though she never underestimated what he could do exactly, she didn’t realize the exact extent to his power.

Slowly, she got up off her knees and walked over to where he was. She slid down to her knees and then turned her bent legs to the side so that she could lean towards him a little. A cruel smile curved her lips as she thought about her answer. One hand laid in her lap while the other one held her weight beside her hip. Again, she spoke an honest answer with an alluring voice.

“Because I’m not on my own land, I believe that’s the main reason. It could be that I threatened two of the denizens too, but I didn’t touch them, so how on earth could I hurt them?”

Her voice took a playful innocence, because he would know exactly what she met. Though she hadn’t actually touched the woman and dragon, or turned them to stone for that matter, she had sent quite the chill through them, literally. She pulled her hand out of her lap and placed it right above his knee. Her fingers curled up to her palm except her pointer and middle finger, allowing her hand to simulate her “walking over borders” when she spoke about not being in her own land. Her hand paused when she finished speaking, about mid-thigh. She began to pull her hand away from him.

“Why? Are you going to turn me in?”

She seemed amused, knowing he wouldn’t turn her in. He would have done something by now if he planned on it. She couldn’t hide the smirk on her face as she watched him. He was amusing to her. And this game they were playing was much more interesting then the usual predator vs prey that she played when she was bored. Her eyes set on his face, curiosity filled them. Were there actually no boundaries that either of them wouldn’t cross?

[+} rogue {+]

A low, humorous chuckle passed through his lips as he tilted his head back against the rough bark.

"Why would I turn someone in who has done lesser crimes than I?" he teased menacingly as he turned his copied eyes upon her.

Briefly a darkness flickered there, a danger as the burning town flashed behind the walls of his soul--memories flooding his consciousness as a thrill of black pride swam through his senses. He suddenly wanted to show her his secret, and the dark menace that temporarily loomed over her threateningly behind those eyes dissapated like a cloud swept away by the wind.

He moved away from her, brushing off her advances as if her fingers were dust trapped within the folds of his cloak. It was brisk, almost rude... but he'd moved on to a new objective. To show her the extent of what he could manage. To show her something precious of himself--his formidability.

Standing up and swirling away from her in a silent flurry of his cloak he gazed around quickly to see if any witnesses stood about.
None came forth, no fire clad soldiers... no armed guard. Just them for now.

His alluring face turned to her as if nothing had changed and there was a dark, sinister, wild expression behind his smile. It was beckoning and rejecting all at once and the wild inferno behind his copied eyes flashed with an excited eagerness.

"Time to go."

He waved in beckon towards her and then without hesitation was gone. stepping from the stone terrapace, he landed with graceful poise on the ledge below and followed the narrow dirt path down, into the spare undergrowth of the forest beneath. His steps were rapid and sure, following the contours of the earth with the experience of someone who knew how to effectively dissapear.

Glancing behind him once to see if she would dare to follow his dark mysterious invitation, he continued on without a pause--quickly abandoning the town that would come to the gates to find their quarry gone. Kiao was not a part of their intent, he'd escaped their desire long ago, and he had yet to repeat his offense.

He hoped they would not follow too quickly. He did not feel like revealing his little secret to the world yet. It was still his to have and hold and cherish, and he would share it with her only because he had everything of hers. He'd open a couple doors for her just to be fair. If the game were to end and if they were to fade apart, never to see one another again, which he fully expected by the end of their masquerade, then that would be the end of it. He was a detached fellow, he could find other amusements to occupy his time, but she was interesting and intriguing for him, a challange he hadn't met in his travels in the longest time. For he was a hunter, and when the game got old, the skill became muted and the experience faded while master moves grew careless... It took individuals such as herself to keep his skills honed and usefull--to keep his mastery up to parr. To keep the game interesting.

When his decent finally found him on solid ground, within the denser portions of the forest beneath the mountain, he stopped to wait. His chest moved with smooth, fluid, even breaths as his muscles flexed in a relaxed manner, prepaired to begin the longer travel to the outer border of Fire's Nation. His endurance ready to undertake what nature would place in the road before him.

Violet eyes looked up, looking for her through a vision that was pale in comparison to his own. It annoyed him a little, but he didn't complain. so long as he held her eyes, she could not turn against him as easily as she might a lesser opponent--and it was an advantage of his own that he knew all to well. Kaio could turn in an instant to keep things interesting, but he had no desires to switch the play of the game just yet--if at all. There was so much that had yet to develope, so much unpredictability that kept him interested and undeterred. It was when he grew bored that he grew dangerous.

[xstonecoldx]

Her slender fingers slid from the cloth of his pants in a brisk, fast motion as he tried to get away from her. Her dull eyesight, briefly caught his swift motion towards her. She eased herself up, palms in the dirt, her head tilted slightly in confusion.

Her faded vision could tell very little apart, now that he was at a distance. His cloak was the only clue to where he was at. However, she could hear his steps as clear as if he was walking across a tile floor in a closed empty room. She listened until she heard him stop. Was he waiting for her? Or was he just making sure she wasn't following?

She eased herself up onto her feet. She grabbed her blindfold and tied back underneath her long, exotically colored hair. Her eyes would not help her in any situation. The sound waves were easier to know where she was and how to walk about the forest.

Her boots guided her feet to sturdy ground. Her hands touched each tree she passed, marking in her memory how far she was walking away. Kagami walked with grace that could hardly be believable with her lack of vision.

She eased her figure near a tree that was a few feet away from Kaio. Her hair catching the smallest breeze and danced around her half-revealed face. Her hand rested on the tree beside her. Her fingers were relaxed, no sense of tensing up. She felt she still needed to play this game with Kaio, or she would be in more danger. She couldn't run until the game was done. Besides, the more time she wasted, the less time she had to worry about the pesky fire guards trying to hunt her down.

((ooc: Sorry for the wait. I slacked terribly. Hopefully, you will be back sooner than I was...))