Colvin
What an enigma it had become! Could he have been lying to Tala all along simply to obtain what he desired? Did he hold some sort of affection for the ink-decorated female after just an hour or two of conversation? If he would be so blatant as to voice or uncover these answers then what fun would it be for Tala? Doubt only made her more defensive and careful now didn't it? At a time where she could be murdered from every single direction, wasn't that a good thing to believe? The curiousity might have killed anyone who dwelled on such things but he was dealing with two formidable women here. He doubted any would linger on the possibility of betrayal and simply prepare for whatever occurred. However, for the sake of enlighteninment, there were many subtle clues as to what he thought of Tala altogether. If he was entirely too blunt then it would ruin the purpose of this whole situation now wouldn't it? His steps continued forward, boots battering through the ground as he seemed unaffected by the turn of events.
Tala's keen sense of her surroundings did not produce any surprise in him either. This man had been aware of Cassandra's presence way before any of them could have ever imagined. So it had begun. The woman took the bait and finally uncovered her pathetic hiding spot only to mock him from behind? Cheeky little woman now wasn't she? Tala's words seemed to whizz by him as he continued walking which should have urged Tala to do so as well. Yet, it was clear at this point that he could care less what the woman beside him decided to do. After all, when it came down to it he was not going to risk his own well-being for a woman he has just met. Trust was something that needed to be earned and while respect would have been given, Tala was just not as important a factor in his goal. Now, would he simply end up discarding her if she remained at his side? Of course not. Did he hold some sort of attraction for the woman? It would be hard not to with the potential she held. It sorta reminded him of a certain other woman...
Could he possibly have thought of her name out of spontaneity? Such an idea would be a ridiculous one as he had far more skills than most realized. Now, aside from his vast repertoire of abilities, he seemed ill-prepared for any battle right now. Could Cassandra smell the blood that still trickled down his side? The flow had slowed down immensely but the lingering crimson still stained his attire and trickled down muscular thighs and cheeks. Pupiless orbs continued to stare at the path infront of him but he would not have the audacity to not even acknowledge how close the beautiful woman behind him was. He knew she was mimicking him. He could just....feel it. For this reason, he lifted an arm and simply waved before he started to speak. "So you finally decide to show yourself. I can tell you've indulged in quite alot as of late." A vague comment...which was generally a staple when it came to this man. To be blunt all the time was to be boring, and his gospel was anything but.
Eventually he'd stop in his tracks, shifting on his pivot foot to turn to look at her. If she continued mimicking him, it didn't really matter, he'd still see her form. He figured he'd at least extend a bit of courtesy and stop walking to fully interact with this woman. Their mutual respect was a given for if she had been anyone else, he would have continued walking or perhaps dealt with the annoyance immediately. If only Tala knew exactly how zealous he was with his beliefs. A word was all it took to spark his execution of judgment upon those who were not enlightened. The alluring and rather primal woman had placed herself in a very volatile situation; however, she must be completely aware of it now right? This man beside her sure hoped so....
Tifferzzz
Cassandra's mimicry of him was nothing more than a childlike aspect of following 'in his footsteps.' It wasn't a 'true' mimickry, but just something to feed the unnerving emotions that curled through her form like venom. She loathed that corpse for what it had done. The adultness of her had been lessened severly until a teenagers lack of grace and stupidity ate at her. She had to fight to focus, to hold her tongue from ranting, and control other such un-pleasant attributes that might have emerged without notice. Xan's movement had ceased and in turning, she had stilled as well. Merely a few feet from him, she scarcely heard the words that he said, but merely took a deep breath...tasting the air. In truth she was merely 'tasting' of Xan.
The last encounter that she had been presented with that involved him gave her a brief glimpse of what this man was capable of, or more importantly, what he had control of. It was intoxicating.
Like a snake licking the air, she drank in the air in one quiet breath. The darkly glowing orbs would then smile as her voice trickled out with meaning beyond just what she said. "Delicious." Was those tones intentionally seductive? Her eyes remained locked on him for a long moment. Ensuring not to continue her eyes contact with him for to much of extended period of time, the emerald cat-eyes locked onto Tala. "A friend of yours?" She qued to Xan, with the sweetness of normalcy as if she 'liked' this woman. It was compatible to if she was a cat merely playing with a mouse...before slaughtering it unmercifully.
SinfulFeline
Tala had taken several more steps before she noted Xanatos had halted, there for she stopped as well and turned to watch the encounter with unease. The ink marks where agitated beyond normal and where ready to react, with or with out her uttering the command that bid them to alter her form from solid to shadow.
Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from Xanatos still form to the woman before him and as the woman spoke the word "Delicious." Every nerve and muscles in her body tensed. Tala felt the malice roll off the woman’s form, she felt it surround her. The only reason Tala could come up with for this woman’s hate towards her was that she must have some kind of emotional attachment to Xanatos and jealously was feeding her emotions.
While Cassandra’s tone may have been one of sweetness it sounded sour to Tala’s ears and she wasn’t about to let her guard down. Tala kept her lips sealed, not offering a reply as Cassandra asked Xanatos about her. From Tala’s point of view this meeting wasn’t going to be one of those "Hi, how are you...blah,blah,blah" nice nice conversations, not in the least bit. It felt more like things where going to get ugly real fast, the question was, would the dispute be between Xanatos and Cassandra, or Cassandra and herself. She was thinking it was more then likely going to be the later.
Tala now waited, fully alert and ready, but silent while she allowed Xanatos to decide which way this meeting was going to go from this moment on ward.
Colvin
At this point, an actual effort needed to be made to allow this situation to progress. He wouldn't pretend to know exactly what Cassandra thought she was doing nor would he simply assume that this was some fit of jealousy on her behalf. What was there to be jealous about exactly? The company he kept was truly none of her concern. Nevertheless, he'd allow her to entertain her thoughts, finding that there was nothing he needed to justify or explain. There was no smile on his face though he was silently enjoying the fact that Cassandra had found some motive to come this close to him. Tala was now a few steps behind him and seemed ready to implement the use of her innate abilities simply because Cassandra had become a bit unnerving. This man had become to conjure up something as well but exactly what that was would be left shrouded within his mind. The fact Tala was practically waiting for him to explain details to Cassandra clued him in on her uneasiness. What exactly would he do?
Cassandra's question caused him to look at Tala, which in turn motivated him to speak as he stared directly at the beautiful woman. "Yes. Tala....Cassandra. Cassandra....Tala." It was obvious that he thought the introduction was not necessary but he humored Cassandra all the same. He was stuck in between these women, ignoring any possible tension that was brewing simply because he'd deal with whatever occured however he saw fit. His short response to the woman infront of him was all that she would get. There was no smirk...no smile upon that face as if he was attempting to be mischevious but who knew? After all, a master illusionist as himself could probably fake anything. Blood had begun to cake itself upon tawny flesh and attire though small rivulets of the crimson liquid still strolled down his cheek and side. The self-inflicted wounds provided a minor distraction to the situation unfolding before him that he seemed indifferent about.
An almost empty gaze stared at Cassandra, waiting to see what her response would be. He positioned himself perfectly in between the two women, gaze lingering around Cassandra much like it had on Tala back in that building before. What exactly he was doing was yet another mystery? Could it simply be an analytical gaze meant to pick out possible weaknesses? Or did he simply enjoy outlining the contours of her body to pass the time while he waited for her to respond. He wouldn't wait for long nor did he think Cassandra was one to keep him waiting at all. Tawny flesh pulsated, his body flaring up in temperature suddenly until a black ooze seemed to crawl from the back of his eye around the globe and recede back into his body. Muscles rippled but remained generally unseen as the cloak he wore concealed alot. He was no open book for anyone here and it was better that way....or so at least he thought.
Tifferzzz
The moment of delight that she'd experienced wasn't due to the opposition that was of the same sex as she...but due to the presence of the one who stood between them. Xan didn't need to be an 'open book' for her to truly feel the wonderous aura that surrounded him. it was as if she were standing at the base of a great volcano that was moments from errupting, or smiling int he face of some demonic monster that was nearly ready to unleash itself to bring an end to all. It was a purely intoxicating drug of waiting...of anxiety...of pleasure.
In seeing him at this distance once more it instantly returned the memories of that moment when he'd intruded upon her magical moment of discovery...only to find that her catch wasn't what she'd thought it would be. It had been this man, this thing, that had just happened to cross her threshold. Pity. She stillw ished for that talent that the deceased had. That wonderful ability of card playing. That had been one attribute that she had never been successful in, and just as she had thought herself in glorious achievement, it hadn't been so. As frustrated as she had been, she'd also not forget the distinct power that seemed to eminate from this being like a liquid poison. It was delectable, sweet...it was...delicious.
A thought imposed itself on her mind and for a moment a mere smile of mischeviousness would capture her attention. But she'd shake it away as if in an arguement with herself. Dark orbs had fallen onto Tala for a long moment of consideration, but then Xan had stepped in her way...and ultimately blocked her sight of her. She would dismiss this unleasantness for now, clear her throat to bring her mind to a sharp focus once more, then return her eyes to Xan. "An escape you seek from this...most wonderous place?" The slender brow rose in question. "Tell me...my dear...how would you ever plan such a thing?"
An inquisitive speech, and though she didn't care to leave this realm, it was merely a topic that he'd brought up earlier. So in peaking his interest among her, she'd return the gesture just the same. Languid motion shifted her weight from one side to the other as she paused for an answer haven used what most humans would have considered a 'fond' term. "My dear..." She had spoken, but not in possession or an attempted ownership of him, but almost a mockery of their short audience that they'd experienced with each other. Perhaps it was merely the spoken words of acquaintanceship. Yes...that was it...an acquaintanceship.
SinfulFeline
Though Tala stood silent, she did not let her attentions wander from the conversation between Cassandra and Xanatos. The woman’s words still felt like a form of mockery each time she spoke, and though both of them stood as if at a casual ease with one another, the air around them felt anything but relaxed.
For the moment she had been blocked from Cassandra’s view, instead she now gazed at Xanatos backside, noticing more of the trickling of blood then she had when they where with in the building. She wondered if this blood loss was something in need of taking care of, but for now she would not worry on it for the simple reason that Xanatos seemed not to mind it himself.
While she stood at full silent alert she also debated the next actions that could arise. Should Cassandra chose to attack her, Tala could simply let the command words slip from her lips and vanish into a mere shadow, escaping from harms way. But should she aim for Xanatos, well Tala would have a chose to make and options to use. Better to be ready then caught half ready, she made a chose to whisper under her breath a command to the shadowy ink markings. Should the need arise and Xanatos form, both outer and inner be able to handle the power that Tala could extend, she would simply finish the command with a single sound, step forward and touch the man’s back. This would allow the ink marks to swarm and engulf his form, turning both Xanatos and herself into simple shadows of nothingness. While she doubted Xanatos needed her aid, for she was sure he was far from able to keep himself from harms way, she still made the option available.
Once more Tala opened her mind and sent this option of vanishing into his mind, not through words but through image flashes. She then stood once more in silent alert and waited for the next move in this game.
Colvin
He hadn't truly wanted to stand in the middle of them. He did not do so on purpose as if he intended on protecting Tala. Such heroics were for fools that did not understand those they were surrounded with. Stuck in a position he truly did not care for, he simply listened to the colorful words of Cassandra which did nothing to spark any sort of emotion within him. The pleasantries that were uttered seemed a bit too premature for what he held with her. To him, she had done nothing but avoid the inevitable as their constant exposure to one another must have been for some reason. Why she turned away and fell into her own vices, drowing herself in solitude and purpose reminded him too much of himself. Such kindred beliefs, however, would not cloud the fact that she was far different than he when it came to carrying out their beliefs. He was methodical...strategic...and rather covert though many times called for blatant actions such as the one at the Bronze Zombie. The fact he wasn't stopped marvelled him really and put him in a comfortable mindset.
Cassandra seemed fine being confined like some rat within this realm, which was somewhat clear with how she took to this place. Her comformity was sickening really, but he'd not dwell on her random musings now. Instead, he'd simply respond out of courtesy. "There are many ways to free yourself when imprisoned. I simply seek to gather the correct tools to execute my current function." It would seem he had come up with a plan already, but why divulge such information to her when she seemed content with where she was? He stood a bit taller now as he arched his back a bit, causing a string of replacements along his spine as if it had been contorted somehow. The power he exuded resembled that of a simple mage, though something empty seemed to be bubbling inside of him. This parasitic being wanted something...but he ignored it.
Tala's offer had been blatantly ignored. Not out of offense to her generous suggestion, but simply to reassure her that this was nothing more than chit-chat to him. He'd snuff any attempts to make it any more than it already was or deal with the situation accordingly. Nevertheless, he offered her a message in return. <Save your energy for a worthwhile situation.> Though he stood in between two beauties, he was not about to teeter in any way. Blatant orbs stared at Cassandra's face....neck...shoulders and breasts simply because he could as he waited for her to respond though he interjected one more time before she did. "Are you here for idle chit-chat or is there some more profound purpose to this confrontation? I do not have much time to waste." A bold set of words but nothing truly offensive. He just didn't feel he had time to dawdle around with her though the sight of her entertained him...just a bit. Would she join his efforts or simply slide away into her shadowy havens and continue to indulge in her ephemeral desires?
Tifferzzz
What had Cassandra's initial intentions been? At first to gather information about his counterpart who would move with him. The answer to Tala's company hadn't fully lessened Cassandra's mind, but it would at least ease the torment of questions about this stranger whom Xan would allow to move beside him as a friend. After that line of inquiries had ceased then what had her main purpose been? To chat? To kick back and speak of better times? Hardly. She had been 'summoned' by him when he first addressed her. His inquisition had been to her satisfaction with this place - more or less. So was she satisfied here? Well content was a better choice of words. As long as the satisfied status of victims continued to rampage this place, then she would be utterly content with each that she devoured. However the situation had quickly became a problem when her body's tolerance for the corpses had lessened to such extremes that she was beginning to have complications when she'd fully devoured them. At first her curiousity of each person would ultimately bring each to their demise, but in the process she would experience various pleasures, various states of emotion from malice to jealousy. The latter of which she was currently experiencing. It was not a pleasant experience to say the least. Gathering her composure to the best of her abilities, her face changed from the adolescent grin to a more serious matter. "I have no need to waste your time. I am intrigued by what it is you speak of." She wouldn't tell him that her need to leave this place was simply based on the fact that the abilities she was inheriting weren't abilities but personalities. She loathed the idea that she wasn't advancing in her talents but was remaining stationary and acquiring more of an incapacity to be able to handle anything. She was becoming imbalanced and she hated it.
SinfulFeline
Tala simply stood where she was, awaiting the end of the conversation and the next event to take place. While she herself remained immobile, the ink upon her flesh did not. The inks rapid movements where a small distraction to Tala’s eyes, but not to her growing thought of food.
While waiting for the next action to take place Tala also used this time to survey the area they had walked into. The buildings had become more run down, seemingly not due to the event that had taken place, the one that closed the boarders, but due to the area it’s self. Glancing back over her shoulder she could see a block or two down the street to where the buildings seem to give way to rumble then a line of ill looking tree’s. She wished a slightly better view, so Tala swiveled her body weight upon her right leg, thus turning herself half way around. She then glanced back at Xanatos backside to make sure neither he nor Cassandra had moved, before she began scanning both the path they had followed to here, and the path that lay ahead.
She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but something other then Cassandra’s appearance had her on alert. She thought perhaps that beyond the line of tree’s is where one of the unseen walls had dropped down to seal them in.
After finishing her visual inventory of the path ahead she returned her full attention to the conversation between Cassandra and Xanatos, since there seemed no reason for her to speak up, she remained mute for the time being.
Colvin
It was exactly at this point that he did not care to compress whatever power was lingering within his body. Though its manifestation would probably remain undetected, a certain wave of power exuded from his body, catalyzing the quick movement of that parasitic being along his flesh. Had he not had the cloak on the movement of that entity would have been seen along the veinous structure of his body but since he was well prepared, the only possible display was the slow transfer of the black ooze that was present all throughout his body across pupiless eyes. For a few seconds, his gaze was entirely black as it stared into Cassandra's eyes and surveyed her body with a little more attention then before. His eyes outlined her form until he picked out every detail he enjoyed and made sure to keep track of his surroundings. Tala's sudden decision to move away for a while sparked his curiousity and he had been half-tempted to turn to look for himself but left her to whatever thoughts she held. He had someone else to handle now.
He began to step forward, the black ooze starting to recede back into his body through his eyes. Eventually he'd be just a few inches away from the woman as he began to speak "As intrigued as you may be, I am not inclined to reveal what I intend to do here. If you wish to aid me then I'm sure you will be of some use" What he just said could have offended her and given the fact she does not seem to know him that well at all, it probably would, however his sense of humor had become rather contorted as of late. It had been meant to insinuate his respect for what she was capable of, no matter how condescending it sounded. He stayed his ground and looked at Cassandra rather forwardly, eyes wandering at times though he was simply wondering exactly what Tala was up to. If he had to deal with both women before this day was over then he'd have one interesting day ahead of him.
Tifferzzz
Xanatos’ words or rather his approachment to her was of minimal tolerance at best. It could have been mutual. She might have despised him on some level that bended the tolerance of the rules of ‘respect’ but she stood fast…albeit relaxed as he moved towards her. Could it be a flood of pleasure drifted over her body like a wave? The closer his body moved to hers, the more delight she’d internally reap from the mere aura of his existence. So. Then the question would still remain. Would she ‘join’ him as one of his cronies or turn and leave disgusted with the mere idea of doing what another would wish of her…just like a mere mutt? She wouldn’t have to question for long, for to be within his presence would provide her with enough satisfaction to momentarily remain at his side. He had stated that she might provide useful? Useful in what aspect? Perhaps her capacity for sucking abilities out of people? What a delightful notion. More death, more carnage and pain…what could be better? Perhaps he’d present her with a plethora of victims that would actually have talents that she could absorb rather than just their meaningless emotions and turmoil’s. To gain more…to have more…was such a beautiful thought that she nodded. "Very well. Whatever use I might provide to you…" She trailed off with a raised brow as multiple ideas trailed through her mind. "…consider me available for." With that said, her gaze lingered a bit more on Xanatos before turning to Tala. She watched the darkness that crept along Tala’s skin. That might be a useful attribute in the future. With orbs that narrowed in thought, not anger, she remained looking to Tala for a long moment of time before her attentions turned back to Xanatos. She would wait for him. She would wait for him and do his bidding as long as he would substantially provide her with delightful 'treats' during this excursion of his.
SinfulFeline
Tala wasn’t up to anything; she was simply waiting for the conversation to come to an end so that they could continue moving onward. She still felt like they were far to out in the open and drawing attention from those they could not currently see, or have some creature who was out looking for trouble stumble across their path.
The moment Cassandra’s eyes fell upon Tala, the ink felt them; they grew more agitated, as if they could read the woman’s thoughts. Tala’s gaze left the road to focus on Cassandra’s eyes, meeting her look with one of complete blankness.
In truth, Tala felt no great fear towards the woman, she was familiar with what a creature of Cassandra’s type was capable, and knew something of the powers she could absorb. Tala’s "Talents" weren’t something that could be used by anyone upon her death, except for those who where also of the ShadowBound.
Tala knew that the moment her physical form died the ink marks would become a shadow, engulf her soul and return to her place of birth. But she had no urge for the release of death or the afterlife at this time, and would make sure she did what ever necessary to survive this place intact.
Colvin
Cassandra complied....so readily. It surprised him just a little but she'd only see that usual blank expression upon his face until he decided to turn and start walking away. Eyes scanned over Cassandra for a few seconds before he shifted, taking casual strides right by both of the girls. He did not voice his desire to leave nor did he even motion to them at all. Pitiful pleasantries of that nature were for those who needed to be guided like innocent children. Cass' words did not fall on empty ears, however, though to manifest his opinion on her possibile insinuation would mean he would actually entertain the idea which was not the case. He'd not allow these women to distract him from his goal. The poorly inhabited place that Tala had surveyed before was exactly where he was headed, figuring both of these companions held enough survivability in them to handle their needs within this abandoned area. Tala's hunger and Cassandra's specific desires would have to be satisfied on their own accord. He was no babysitter.
Unfortunately, it would seem Tala would not be free of Cassandra for quite some time, lest the lady-like individual realize that whatever morsels she thought she would receive on this trek would be few and far between. He had not committed to providing anything for either of these women, and as boots crushed through this odd part of town, he could smell it in the air. The stench of death wafted itself with an unknown wind, assaulting his nostrils though he did not turn away at all. Magnetized by some enigmatic prospect within his mind, pure white shot out as he reconnoitered the area for a few seconds. He seemed to be acting as if he travelled alone now, which was a definite change of pace compared to the idle chit-chat he had offered Tala before Cassandra's intrusion. Purpose drilled itself within every action he committed now, methodical steps leading him to realize exactly where they were.
Torsos were halved...buildings lost their structure and debri decorated everything. Crossed arms pressed against his chest and he just stared on, calculating...wondering though he took a break to drag a few corpses into a pile before him. It seemed some people caught wind of their imminent confinement and sought to escape. Fools. His voice suddenly spilled out and he'd address Tala first. "See if you can find us some food....and a knife." It might have seemed as if he was rather bossy, but the unusual smile on his face insinuated something else. One glare at Cassandra was enough before he spoke to her. "Search for other pathetic victims." A hand gripped on to what had been the body of a child, a blindingly swift action burying nails into flesh and severing a limb off of the dead child before he threw it infront of him. Flesh sizzled upon contact with some unknown source, immediately immolating the projectile just twenty feet infront of him. Let this process begin.....
Rhysis
The elder dragon had not created so much as one flicker of movement. Despite all that had occured, and several birds and bugs thinking him to be a warm statue that was safe to congregate around in midmorning song, or protection from the now risen sun's rays, he had remained motionless with his senses outstretched, observing the happenings of the city through closed eyes, the unknown watcher.
That all changed, however, in an instant. Fang was gone from the roof suddenly, leaving the creatures that were around him to writhe and flap in a panick before they got their bearings, and the birds realized there was a small meal waiting for them just inches away.
The black dragon in human form was on the street, walking amongst the buildings, cars, and rubble. His destination was clear to him, but, as of yet, unknown to anyone else. Still, regardless of the fact that his tempo of stride and the expression on his face did not make him seem like he was in a hurry, he did walk with a purpose. Something had to be done...but about what?
Tifferzzz
Xanatos’ words would be heeded with little care. He had given a simple command that a peon might have addressed, but her own wishes would always come before his. Fortunately on this occasion, both wants would intertwine. Chaos, death, decay, and utter carnage would reign supreme at this moment. Turning from him with little neither care nor curiosity for discretion when it came to Xanatos, her vision instantly transferred from a mere ‘human’ to hunter...from a temporary companion to a soulless beast. Calculatory measures were suddenly being created in her mind. A long trace of her eyes across the vast horizon of fallen buildings would transfer from a simple picture of rubble, blood, and dust, to something far more precise. Every point, every line, every sharp jagged piece of metal to every curve of a broken spine would be seen as an artist would gaze to a painting. She wouldn’t see it as an overall picture, but to a very specific piece of a puzzle. Each item, each part of the destruction, of the people, and of the victims would be gathered information to be momentarily processed in her mind for future relevance. But beyond that, she would gather the necessary means for locating anything that was moving or breathing…but especially hiding. Beyond the constantly falling masses of concrete and brick that still seemed to settle in the aftermath…beyond the swirl of dust that clouded the air like a thickened fog, a quick burst of movement appeared from the corner of her eye.
Lengthened pupils shifted, locking onto the object, and once the target was seen…then the vision of mischeviousness and triumph would manifest itself in her eyes. With lengthened canines that reflected more along an animalistic need than a vampire-like appearance…she smiled in a most pleasing…yet demonic manner. Her non-movement would suddenly take five steps back, then three to the right, which would place her in the grasp of the shell of a building with enough concealment to keep her from any eye. Her steps would remain quiet and light, though it wouldn’t necessarily matter for the sound of fear, pain, and anguish rang like a bell of horror through the air. Precise steps would then maneuver her around the wreckage, while keeping her in the shadows and smoke induced clouds that ripped through the city like a demon of death. She had located the moving body, the willing victim of her next course of pleasure. Knowing the chances of survival during one of Xanatos’ attacks, she had concluded that the ones who survived carried with them an ability to do so…a special item of a will to live…something that she wanted within her. Now knowing her first prey…seeing the motion in her direct sight…she was within moments of finding true pleasure once more. Though she was moving with intent, she was also waiting for the perfect second for the attack to occur. Just a few seconds longer...
SinfulFeline
With a slight shrug she followed Xanatos request to find food and a knife. Moving away from the group towards a few of the more stable looking buildings, she picked one and entered it. Tala moved sure footed among the dwellings rubble, using her foot to shove debris from her path tell she spotted a burlap looking sack, this she picked up and shook the dust from, then moved onward into the building.
Wandering through the buildings she found a few cupboards on the first floor and emptied the canned goods and what looked to be day old bread, she doubted she’d find any fresh meats, but figured can items would do for those in need of conventional food. She also found what appeared to be a hunting knife as she left the first floor and moved up the stairs towards the second story, this she also dropped into the bag.
As she moved through the top rooms she found a large mans sized leather jacket, this she also picked up and tossed over her shoulder with the bag. As she entered the last room she spotted another hunting type knife upon the window seal, moving to pluck the item up, something on the street caught her attention.
With one brow lifted Tala’s gaze traveled over the figure of a sole male strolling down the street. She wondered how long it would take the man to round the corner and stumble into the pile of bodies Xanatos was stacking up. This she decided might be something interesting to see.... The man may not even round the right corner, he may move down another street, avoid the noise coming from the moving of rumble and bodies....Either way, Tala had completed her task, so she followed her path backwards to rejoin Xanatos and the growing stack.
Stopping a few feet from him she eyed his work with a questionable glint in her gaze but did not voice her questions. Instead she let the sack fall beside her feet, her hand still clutching the jacket rather casually and spoke in a flat but matter of fact tone.
"I’ve found food...Canned goods and a few loaves of bread....Two knives...They look to be of the hunting sort, not your average kitchen knifes...."
Her eyes left the pile to exam the jacket a little closer, using her free hand to brush the clinging dirt from the leather, thinking this garment would suit her well should the night ahead turn cold, or the need to hide her marks arrive. Then, almost as if she had forgotten she spoke once more.
"There is also a lone male making his way along a side street, headed in this general direction....I’m unsure of his breed, I was unable to catch his scent...Wrong place to smell him...Right place to see him....Can’t always have it all I suppose....
After saying this she once more became silent, and occupied her time by looking through the bag tell she found one of the bread loaves, tore a chunk from it and proceeded to gnaw on it tell her hunger was sedated.
Colvin
The intoxicating smell of death coated much of every other aroma that could have entered into the air. Perhaps this was why Xanatos did not acknowledge the presence of another or it simply could have been that he could have cared less who entered. It wasn't that he was arrogant or wished to be the bane for everyone within this eccentric land, but the fact that a person could simply blink into existence within an area that had now become the outskirts of this place meant little. He held no quarrel with anyone in this realm...yet...though he had begun to silently wonder if someone would play the vengeful hero. He had worked diligently to separate these bodies, limb from limb, their cold flesh a nuisance as it completely ruined the quality of these...supplies. Arms were set aside and flesh hung openly from the corpses that were before him. It had become a huge pile in a matter of short minutes but what was its purpose? He found a huge pile of rubble nearby, took a seat and had begun to wait, reconnoitering the area yet again though he didn't find anything worth his attention. The parasitic entity....a being whose existence more than likely spanned more than just centuries., had begun to attempt to force its own manifestation yet again.
Tawny flesh reddened a bit before the ooze that had been visible over his eyes before suddenly began to drip downward. It seemed like a painful process which was clear with the way his hands balled up into fists while he sat himself down. The black liquid slid down his cheeks, melding into the dark fabric of his attire suddenly. His cloak would become liquid like and his eyes would become eerily dark once again. There was no power output from this mild transformation but this was not a good sign at all. He moved a severed arm into his hands, nails driving so hard into flesh that the blood began to trickle down his palms. It was at this point that Tala had arrived and addressed her findings. His gaze might have been frightening or just different to her, but his voice was what would be noticeably changed. A deep baritone rumbled out of his throat as he spoke. "Give...me...a knife Tala." Though he seemed demanding, he managed to speak once again after she would comply or after he got his hands on a knife. "Thank you...."
The knife would be taken and driven harshly into the arm he held in his hand, blades separating tendons and cutting through muscle viciously until he could see bone. Odd sounds resulted from his purging of that useless flesh from this exquisite piece of bone, his hands and forearms drenched in blood from what he was doing. If Tala still remained nearby, his voice would spill out yet again. "Let him come if he wishes....I do not believe we are doing anything worthy of negative attention." He worked diligently to separate flesh from bone, leaving the grotesque piles of blood and skin directly infront of him. Bones were set up to his left and he would continue cleansing his supplies, waiting for Fang to either move along his way or something else. Someone else was bound to find this place and he was sure that others had traversed these grounds before as well, but nothing had ever occurred. There was never anything wrong with desiring freedom....and he was well on his way to achieving it.
Tifferzzz
Sweet temptation would transverse the gap between a foreign thought and this eve's dinner the moment that this…person…stepped across the street. Well, perhaps the term of ‘stepping' wasn’t as appropriate to the situation and running. Indeed the male moved at a hurried pace as if the very world was ending. In truth it might have been. The fear in his eyes guided like a beacon of light to her attentions. What a fatal mistake it was…to have blinding fear. To have such an emotion coursing through your veins would leave one open to…well anything. Of that ‘anything’ a malicious death was at the top of the tier. She remained, for the moment…immobile, as the victim ran from the rubble, crossed the street, screaming and yelling, with his eyes as large as saucers and his heart palpitating at such a rate that it might have exploded out of exertion. Her own excitement would relinquish it’s hold, though, when the notion of ingesting ‘fear’ made her mouth go sour. She had a predicament here, for he had survived, thereby giving him a capability that she would love to have…an invincibility aspect, but in turn she would need to take in his every fear, and that…just wasn’t a price she was willing to pay. She’d already manifested every teenage emotion within the time frame of a day, and that left her reeling…but fear? Not a chance. Perhaps she should just deliver this being to Xanatos. Would it appear that she was paying homage to him? Or maybe obeying him as a dog would? With a sneer of disgust at the thought, her hands clenched as one argument to another brought a ruthless chaos of fighting through her mind, until the only release was to bring devestation onto this person. There was one thing that she desired at this moment and it was peace in her mind. A quietness that she longed for rather than these endless questions that persisted her, albeit for her benefit…but regardless of the reason, she longed for a momentary silence that she could relish. Her body would move as a shadow along the walls, distorting and maneuvering with such precise accuracy that she’s already pinpointed the exact location of where this person…this male…would cross her path. The force of her motion was in equivalent to a moving vehicle, and the moment that their two paths would find a juncture, she would collide with him like a train against a tree. Uprooting him from the spot, his forward motion was suddenly diverted to a side-throw as he was propelled to the ground with enough force to render him momentarily immobile. When his head lifted in question to what he’d run into, he’d merely find her…Cassandra…standing above him with a look of astonishment and bewilderment. A childlike wonder. With an inclined head and the questions still propelling through her head, she felt the abrupt sting of what a wound would feel like, and as such, her eyes moved from his to the cause…a single small scratch on her upper arm. She quickly became displeased by two aspects. First of all…that such a thing had occurred, and secondly, that this person had the capacity to place a scar upon her…of any kind. The orbs would manifest themselves into swirls of color…a tornado of unhappiness that would inevitably find itself locking onto the man that lay before her. Before he could move, she was upon him, flinging him to his stomach with a single motion. Placing a foot to his back, her hands grasped the wrist of his right arm and began to pull back at an awkward angle. Beyond the screams of rising pain, beyond the snap and twist of muscle and sinew would be the sullen pop of a dislocated joint, then the harsh snap of a bone that had been turned against it’s will, then the ever present sound of tearing flesh. It wouldn’t be the flesh that posed a resistance as much of the fabric. Yet, after a few strategic motions, she was soon holding the arm separated of its owner. She had a right in doing such a thing, for it was that arm…specifically that hand that had left a mark on her flesh, and therefore she had the right to return the favor. A hundred fold. Her displeasure would stare onto his body as it writhed in an intermixture of astounding pain, anguish, and blood loss. She would stand there until the flailing became a mere twitch of limbs that sought blood that would never reach them. Turning from the body back to the destruction of the city, her digits still remained curled around the arm that hung like a tree’s branch at her side. With a blank gaze that trailed the vicinity of clutter, chaos, and debris, she continued her walk through the city in an attempt to find someone worthy enough for her…and not just a fear-injested coward who had the audacity to touch her flesh. Whether or not Xanatos wanted the victims that she found alive or dead didn't matter to her. If she found them first then all rules were off. At this point she couldn't care less what Xanatos thought. She had her intentions, as fould as they might be, but regardless they would guide her to her next victim.
SinfulFeline
Tala stopped examining the jacket and laid it over the edges of a fallen building wall, then turned to the burlap bag that lay at her feet. Crouching down she rummaged through the bag tell she found both knives, and then stood to slip on in to her waist band before stepping over to Xanatos. Upon handing him the knife and hearing his slightly distracted thank you, she nodded her head and murmured a reply of ...Your welcome... Then turned back to the wall where she placed the jacket.
Tala then laid the jacket out over the crumbled mortar that was once a building and hoisted herself up to settle into a seated position. She was about to ask what the reason for the dissection of the bodies when she was momentarily distracted by a scream off in the distance. Brushing the hair from her face she tilted her head up and scanned the area from which the scream’s sound echoed. She could see nothing more then buildings and rumble but she had the feeling that someone or something had just had an encounter with Cassandra. She let the thoughts of what Cassandra was up to fade from her mind, seeing no reason to dwell upon the actions of those she could not see at the moment.
Returning her gaze to Xanatos and his gruesome task, she let her eyes linger over his form. She was unsure as to why she found this man to be of no danger to her being, but was instead intrigued by his manors and actions, his current task included. Tala had traveled the land for many years and had come across things of interest but she never lingered long nor took the time to examine her actions when it came to interacting with others. This time was different.
Perhaps it was merely because they where trapped in this place and she saw that Xanatos could be as much of a help to her as she could to him when it came to escaping this trap. It could also be that he was the first male she had spent any time with that did not badger her with endless questions about the marks, nor spend time and energy trying to find the strengths and weakness of the strange ink that lived upon her flesh. Either way she had a feeling that sticking with him was a smarter thing to do then to seek escape on her own. and while Cassandra seemed to dislike her on slight, Tala had no feelings of malice towards the woman. However she was wise enough to know that trust is often twisted and watching ones back is always the wisest of actions.
Pushing questions from her mind that she could find no ready answers for she realized she was staring hard at Xanatos with out even knowing it. She gave a slight shake of her head as if to clear her thoughts then leaned forward a fraction and spoke in a quiet tone.
“What is it you are planning to do with those dissected remains Xanatos?”
Colvin
He wasn't aware that Tala had taken a stance to observe him or that she found herself staring at him, but he was very cognizant of the fact she was nearby. The intriguing woman was being monitored in very acute detail. He remembered doing the exact same thing to Cassandra years ago, but found himself having a much easier time with this ink-decorated female. Her abilities were none of his concern though figuring out weaknesses would perhaps be beneficial sometime in the near future. Xanatos enjoyed the simplicity of such a companion, however it was not his priority to take any of that into account. He had a task to complete and as he finished the last bone, he spoke to Tala, managing to catch her while she still stared at what he was doing. "These pitiful supplies will be of use to us soon enough." Palms pressed into squishy flesh, pressing the grotesque flesh into a huge pile, blood staining digits and burning flesh. A voice spilled out immediately yet again, vehemently addressing Tala's question again though he requested something as well. "To explain what I need to do would take more time than is necessary at the moment. I need something to contain all of this wretched filth." A searing gaze eyed Tala, glazing over her curves incognizantly before he fixated upon her face. "It is time to leave...."
The stench of the death around him increased in potency as the warmth of the blood he shed even further had begun to decrease. The cold and vicious odor would waft itself through the air, failing to affect this man any as he waited for Tala to provide him with something. It had not been an order but haste was now necessary if he planned on achieving what he wanted to. Cassandra would be focused upon now as his clear decision would be given now. Why the woman decided to roam off ofn her own in search of pitiful challenges was beyond him, but he wouldn't dare interfere with what she desired at this moment. The severity of this situation held no time for such nonsense. <I have acquired what I needed. Feel free to indulge in whatever you wish, but I am leaving this place.> These two women did not need to follow him at all, but for some reason he knew that Tala would. What sort of connection or common ground she had found in him was perhaps enough to motivate her to follow him even without knowledge of his intentions.
Bravery or foolishness? Who knew? This man knew she was rather resourceful and perhaps one day he would delve even further. He was never at liberty to divulge what he intended to do for he did not desire any hesitance or opposition. He was confident in what he needed to do. Once Tala complied with his request somehow, he'd pack up the acquired ingredients and then immediately blast a hand conveniently in Tala's direction. The sudden action might have startled Tala given his current proximity at the time but the only product of it all resided in the sparking portal that would appear a few feet behind her. Where did it lead? Did it matter? He was not in need of any more idiotic nuisances or more acquaintances than he had now. It'd be a private area and he'd ensure that he would not be found with whoever decided to follow. His intricate plan would commence.
Tifferzzz
The simple matter of finding a person had diverged and become complicated. The destruction had left a plethora of carcasses strewn about as if they were but toys that a child had spilled on the floor. Her frustration wouldn’t be remedied, and with a snort of utter disapproval and contempt that was directed to the victims who weren’t there for her disposal, she turned mid step and took full strides back to the direction of Tala and Xanatos. He had originally commanded her to find victims that still carried the ability of life, and as such she’d headed out, but the obeying of his request had fallen on deaf ears when her own want surfaced. Most likely he’d have decapitated them should she have brought him any, but she could do that just as well and even enjoy it triple as much. The wound that she’d obtained in the process might have served her right, but it hurt her ego more than her flesh. She had become upset, in a very childlike manner. Some stranger had the audacity to scratch her in the middle of her tackling him, and then everyone else had the nerve to just…not be there. They were supposed to be present so that she could bring them to their ultimate demise. Did they not know this? ~I have acquired what I needed. Feel free to indulge in whatever you wish, but I am leaving this place~ The voice emerged in her mind and nearly startled her mid-step. She took a slight stumble of surprise and looked about as if he were merely behind her speaking to her. Without his presence near her, it was confirmed that it had merely been a spoken word in her mind. In all truth, Xanatos had been the only one that she’d even allow to do such a thing, which is why it surprised her to have it happen once more. Her pace increased as she made a mental nod to leave with him. She was in a very distraught mood of not obtaining what she wished and would need to remedy this emotion shortly. Currently, though, she looked to Xanatos like a child would to a father. She had her own successes when it came to surviving and thriving, but his power and his capacity for destruction was something that she longed to know of. If she should decide not to confront Xanatos in a hostile mode and try to take it from him, then perhaps merely by being close to him she could watch…she could learn tiny little pieces, and perhaps in a small amount of time, then she could function in the same manner that he did. What a glorious day that would be! She would have tantrums, for now, that would clearly show her unhappy state…but she would also remain close to Xanatos, like a spy, in an attempt to better her every aspect. What a wonderful thing it would be if she could obtain any of his ‘gifts.’ That great thought lifted her gait to where they’d last remained, but just at the moment that she rounded the corner, they stepped through the portal and it sealed…just a step before she could reach it. With narrowed eyes she looked around her before stomping her foot, and folding her arms…still holding the victim’s limb. A frustrated yell that would encompass everything she’d experienced in the last little moment would emerge, but it would fall on deaf ears, for again…there wasn’t anyone around to hear her. Beyond the rubble and charred remains of corpses, she stood there like a two-year old…haven had all of her toys taken away. She was not pleased…not pleased at all.
SinfulFeline
Tala slide from her perch as he asked for something to hold all the muck he had created. Stepping to the burlap bag she emptied its contents into the laid out jacket, folded the arms around to make the jacket into a package to hold the food with in it, and then tosses Xanatos the burlap bag.
She watched him for a few more minutes with a strange interest in his actions, stepping back only when he flung his hand up towards her. The ink markings on her back tingled with movement, not warnings of danger, but just enough for her to feel the need to glance over her shoulder at the newly formed portal. She perked a brow and examined it, she probably would have stepped closer to it on her own had Xanatos words not drawn her attention back to him.
As soon as he spoke the words “It’s time to leave”, Tala nodded in agreement, scooped up the jacket and stepped through the mess to walk by his side. Tala did not ask where Cassandra was, nor if she would be joining them shortly, she simply assumed Xanatos had a plan and he felt no need to lay every detail out to Tala, which was fine with her... So long as the ending result was that she was alive and well, as well as freed from this place.
While she did not have blind trust in Xanatos, which would be a foolish thing to do, she did have blind faith in her ink marks warning systems. So instead of questioning the how and where’s of the portal, she moved along side Xanatos and stepped into the unknown, muttering under her breath in a tone tinged with humor.
“Through the looking glass we do step...”
Colvin
Supplies were stored and his path had been set. Who would accompany him at this point was a trivial factor that had nothing at all to do with his completion of a task he would thoroughly enjoy. He would need complete concentration for what he intended to do and with the appearance of certain nuisances and potential danger of interruption, he saw no other way to ensure what he wanted to do. Darkness would be all that would confront Tala and Cassandra when they decided to follow. This magical mode of transportation had been severely limited but he had already begun to overestimate the binds of this prison given the fact that he had managed to travel quite a distance away from their current location. Complete darkness flowed through this environment though it was clear that they were indoors. The din of the city had become muffled. Xanatos himself could see the obstacles in his path, sack carried with some effort along his back. He did nothing to provide light for his surroundings now as he placed himself upon the floor. Two beds were positioned to his right a few feet away, chairs were conveniently placed beside them and a bathroom was positioned to his left. It seemed to be a bedroom....but how had he found one that was not already occupied?
The sack was tossed upon the floor, blood managing to add to the weight and start to stain the very structure of this now precious container. The sound of his hands rummaging through the contents was all that would be heard through this darkness as a large strip of flesh was placed before him. Tala had obviously come along with him, managing to instill trust in him though he had not yet done anything to earn it just yet. Pupiless orbs somehow beamed through this darkness, head snapping in the direction of Tala and then shifting to Cassandra if she was there. Blood-drenched hands would emerge with a pair of sharp objects much like the one he had revealed to the ink-marked beauty before. Set down at his sides, he commenced without warning. His voice rumbled out of his throat in languages long lost to several people. He seemed to be chanting while carving insignias upon layed out flesh. Various symbols were about to be made and it did not seem like he wanted to be interrupted but this process would be made much easier with the help of these two women eventually. He continued to leave them clueless for now and as he continued he knew he did not want any interference; however, keys were heard attempting to unlock the door before them. A young couple would burst through.
Kisses were exchanged and minor moans were heard as the duo feverishly searched for a bed. Even his chanting failed to register into their minds until bare feet stepped directly into a pile of flesh. Silence overcame them and then a scream resounded off of the woman's throat. The man's defensive stance commenced and he searched for the lamp to light it quickly. "Who the hell is here?!" Light would uncover the situation at hand, yet Xanatos continued to chant and carve. He could not afford to waste time on petty intrusions. What had they stumbled into? Nothing they will step out of unscathed...that was for sure.
Tifferzzz
The light that suddenly broke through the barrier of the world of shadows was more than unpleasant. Cassandra wouldn’t have minded to remain in that tunneled gateway, but it was not to be. Thus, the three would emerge…into a room? With a slender brow raised she gazed about the room in an attempt to find some purpose for being here. None was given. None…beyond the sound of sloshing muscles, tendons, and flesh being laid on the floor. She would only take a mere moment to pay attention to the room before Xanatos’ actions captured her mind. It was intriguing to her the way that he moved, and spoke words that weren’t of this plain. More overly it was as if he were destined to have this chore completed at this very moment for this very purpose. He seemed…in his place. With a smile of satisfaction at that thought she watched him and listened to the rising words as they lulled to her as if in a lullaby.
But then…an intrusion, even more overly, an explosion of sound penetrated Cassandra’s senses with so much disdain and venomous intensions that she went from perfect peace to pain brought by a sudden shrillness that she’d never encountered. She’d heard people scream before, but never had she gone from one realm to the complete opposite in less than the blink of an eye. She physically recoiled as if the person had hit her. With a whimper she dropped her last victim’s arm, which hit emptily against the floorboards. Her ears rang with such pain that her head felt as if it were to explode. It abruptly became aware to her that her adjustment of all of her senses hadn’t successfully occurred. The sound didn’t cease and now a small humming vibrated through her ears. Her hands rose to her ears as her body stepped back into the shadows like a puppy afraid of its owner. She needed to let the blackness engulf her, if but for a moment…if only to regain her capacity to focus and then deal with the problem at hand…these two strangers.
The seductive emptiness folded over her body like a blanket of heaven, and though the screaming continued…it didn’t carry to where she was…and for a mere moment, once again she found peace among the chaos in an attempt to find a remedy of un-needed pain among this moment. Crouched against the wall, she sat in another mere fraction of a moment and shifted her eyes to Xanatos who worked feverishly on whatever it was that he intended to do. Did he not attack these people then because he needed them? With elongated claws protruding from her fingertips…she stood. The external audio canals of her ears became like liquid foundation and melded a seal over them to refrain noise from penetrating her senses once more. Lengthened pupils drenched in a cacophony of colors seemed to smile with mischievous dangerous delight as the shadows withdrew from her and she moved quickly towards the screaming woman with the full intension of returning the ‘favor of pain’ to her. Xanatos might need these people, but even so…she wouldn’t kill them but merely ‘silence’ them.
SinfulFeline
Tala had been ready to engulf the two in sealed shadows of her own, but as her eyes passed over Cassandra she watched the woman's movements and knew that she need not react to the people that had already entered the room. Instead, for a moment, Tala watched the shape shifter wield her powers upon the two foolish humans who had stumbled into the wrong room at the wrong moment. She then moved her gaze to watch Xanatos for a moment to see if he even reacted to the entrance of the two humans, or to Cassandra's actions. With a slight shrug she turned her attentions away from those in the room and moved towards the door from which the people entered.
Just incase someone beyond these four walls had heard the screams and bothered to investigate them, Tala went to work on the door. First she ran her eyes over the doors frame, then the door it's self for any flaws that allowed light or sound to exit or enter. She then whispered with in her mind, lips moving but lacking sound, the words to awake one of the ink marks that dwelled upon her flesh. Once done she laid her hand against the doors frame and whispered...
"I will it so..."
Upon the completion of her words she lowered her head, dark locks falling over her eyes to hide the glow they produced as she pushed her will into the ink mark. As quickly as she pushed , dark shadowy ink slide from her arm, down her wrist and fingertips to the wooden frame. The shadowy substance flowed along the doors frame, sealing it shut, then continued to coil around and around the door tell the whole door and frame where covered by a thick ink serpent, who's head lingered upon Tala's fingers, then removed it's self to lay upon the last uncovered part of the door, the knob and lock. The serpents weight would have made the door hard enough to open, but it had also seeped into the cracks to melt shadow with wood, thus sealing the door tell Tala and her companions wished to use the door.
What an enigma it had become! Could he have been lying to Tala all along simply to obtain what he desired? Did he hold some sort of affection for the ink-decorated female after just an hour or two of conversation? If he would be so blatant as to voice or uncover these answers then what fun would it be for Tala? Doubt only made her more defensive and careful now didn't it? At a time where she could be murdered from every single direction, wasn't that a good thing to believe? The curiousity might have killed anyone who dwelled on such things but he was dealing with two formidable women here. He doubted any would linger on the possibility of betrayal and simply prepare for whatever occurred. However, for the sake of enlighteninment, there were many subtle clues as to what he thought of Tala altogether. If he was entirely too blunt then it would ruin the purpose of this whole situation now wouldn't it? His steps continued forward, boots battering through the ground as he seemed unaffected by the turn of events.
Tala's keen sense of her surroundings did not produce any surprise in him either. This man had been aware of Cassandra's presence way before any of them could have ever imagined. So it had begun. The woman took the bait and finally uncovered her pathetic hiding spot only to mock him from behind? Cheeky little woman now wasn't she? Tala's words seemed to whizz by him as he continued walking which should have urged Tala to do so as well. Yet, it was clear at this point that he could care less what the woman beside him decided to do. After all, when it came down to it he was not going to risk his own well-being for a woman he has just met. Trust was something that needed to be earned and while respect would have been given, Tala was just not as important a factor in his goal. Now, would he simply end up discarding her if she remained at his side? Of course not. Did he hold some sort of attraction for the woman? It would be hard not to with the potential she held. It sorta reminded him of a certain other woman...
Could he possibly have thought of her name out of spontaneity? Such an idea would be a ridiculous one as he had far more skills than most realized. Now, aside from his vast repertoire of abilities, he seemed ill-prepared for any battle right now. Could Cassandra smell the blood that still trickled down his side? The flow had slowed down immensely but the lingering crimson still stained his attire and trickled down muscular thighs and cheeks. Pupiless orbs continued to stare at the path infront of him but he would not have the audacity to not even acknowledge how close the beautiful woman behind him was. He knew she was mimicking him. He could just....feel it. For this reason, he lifted an arm and simply waved before he started to speak. "So you finally decide to show yourself. I can tell you've indulged in quite alot as of late." A vague comment...which was generally a staple when it came to this man. To be blunt all the time was to be boring, and his gospel was anything but.
Eventually he'd stop in his tracks, shifting on his pivot foot to turn to look at her. If she continued mimicking him, it didn't really matter, he'd still see her form. He figured he'd at least extend a bit of courtesy and stop walking to fully interact with this woman. Their mutual respect was a given for if she had been anyone else, he would have continued walking or perhaps dealt with the annoyance immediately. If only Tala knew exactly how zealous he was with his beliefs. A word was all it took to spark his execution of judgment upon those who were not enlightened. The alluring and rather primal woman had placed herself in a very volatile situation; however, she must be completely aware of it now right? This man beside her sure hoped so....
Tifferzzz
Cassandra's mimicry of him was nothing more than a childlike aspect of following 'in his footsteps.' It wasn't a 'true' mimickry, but just something to feed the unnerving emotions that curled through her form like venom. She loathed that corpse for what it had done. The adultness of her had been lessened severly until a teenagers lack of grace and stupidity ate at her. She had to fight to focus, to hold her tongue from ranting, and control other such un-pleasant attributes that might have emerged without notice. Xan's movement had ceased and in turning, she had stilled as well. Merely a few feet from him, she scarcely heard the words that he said, but merely took a deep breath...tasting the air. In truth she was merely 'tasting' of Xan.
The last encounter that she had been presented with that involved him gave her a brief glimpse of what this man was capable of, or more importantly, what he had control of. It was intoxicating.
Like a snake licking the air, she drank in the air in one quiet breath. The darkly glowing orbs would then smile as her voice trickled out with meaning beyond just what she said. "Delicious." Was those tones intentionally seductive? Her eyes remained locked on him for a long moment. Ensuring not to continue her eyes contact with him for to much of extended period of time, the emerald cat-eyes locked onto Tala. "A friend of yours?" She qued to Xan, with the sweetness of normalcy as if she 'liked' this woman. It was compatible to if she was a cat merely playing with a mouse...before slaughtering it unmercifully.
SinfulFeline
Tala had taken several more steps before she noted Xanatos had halted, there for she stopped as well and turned to watch the encounter with unease. The ink marks where agitated beyond normal and where ready to react, with or with out her uttering the command that bid them to alter her form from solid to shadow.
Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from Xanatos still form to the woman before him and as the woman spoke the word "Delicious." Every nerve and muscles in her body tensed. Tala felt the malice roll off the woman’s form, she felt it surround her. The only reason Tala could come up with for this woman’s hate towards her was that she must have some kind of emotional attachment to Xanatos and jealously was feeding her emotions.
While Cassandra’s tone may have been one of sweetness it sounded sour to Tala’s ears and she wasn’t about to let her guard down. Tala kept her lips sealed, not offering a reply as Cassandra asked Xanatos about her. From Tala’s point of view this meeting wasn’t going to be one of those "Hi, how are you...blah,blah,blah" nice nice conversations, not in the least bit. It felt more like things where going to get ugly real fast, the question was, would the dispute be between Xanatos and Cassandra, or Cassandra and herself. She was thinking it was more then likely going to be the later.
Tala now waited, fully alert and ready, but silent while she allowed Xanatos to decide which way this meeting was going to go from this moment on ward.
Colvin
At this point, an actual effort needed to be made to allow this situation to progress. He wouldn't pretend to know exactly what Cassandra thought she was doing nor would he simply assume that this was some fit of jealousy on her behalf. What was there to be jealous about exactly? The company he kept was truly none of her concern. Nevertheless, he'd allow her to entertain her thoughts, finding that there was nothing he needed to justify or explain. There was no smile on his face though he was silently enjoying the fact that Cassandra had found some motive to come this close to him. Tala was now a few steps behind him and seemed ready to implement the use of her innate abilities simply because Cassandra had become a bit unnerving. This man had become to conjure up something as well but exactly what that was would be left shrouded within his mind. The fact Tala was practically waiting for him to explain details to Cassandra clued him in on her uneasiness. What exactly would he do?
Cassandra's question caused him to look at Tala, which in turn motivated him to speak as he stared directly at the beautiful woman. "Yes. Tala....Cassandra. Cassandra....Tala." It was obvious that he thought the introduction was not necessary but he humored Cassandra all the same. He was stuck in between these women, ignoring any possible tension that was brewing simply because he'd deal with whatever occured however he saw fit. His short response to the woman infront of him was all that she would get. There was no smirk...no smile upon that face as if he was attempting to be mischevious but who knew? After all, a master illusionist as himself could probably fake anything. Blood had begun to cake itself upon tawny flesh and attire though small rivulets of the crimson liquid still strolled down his cheek and side. The self-inflicted wounds provided a minor distraction to the situation unfolding before him that he seemed indifferent about.
An almost empty gaze stared at Cassandra, waiting to see what her response would be. He positioned himself perfectly in between the two women, gaze lingering around Cassandra much like it had on Tala back in that building before. What exactly he was doing was yet another mystery? Could it simply be an analytical gaze meant to pick out possible weaknesses? Or did he simply enjoy outlining the contours of her body to pass the time while he waited for her to respond. He wouldn't wait for long nor did he think Cassandra was one to keep him waiting at all. Tawny flesh pulsated, his body flaring up in temperature suddenly until a black ooze seemed to crawl from the back of his eye around the globe and recede back into his body. Muscles rippled but remained generally unseen as the cloak he wore concealed alot. He was no open book for anyone here and it was better that way....or so at least he thought.
Tifferzzz
The moment of delight that she'd experienced wasn't due to the opposition that was of the same sex as she...but due to the presence of the one who stood between them. Xan didn't need to be an 'open book' for her to truly feel the wonderous aura that surrounded him. it was as if she were standing at the base of a great volcano that was moments from errupting, or smiling int he face of some demonic monster that was nearly ready to unleash itself to bring an end to all. It was a purely intoxicating drug of waiting...of anxiety...of pleasure.
In seeing him at this distance once more it instantly returned the memories of that moment when he'd intruded upon her magical moment of discovery...only to find that her catch wasn't what she'd thought it would be. It had been this man, this thing, that had just happened to cross her threshold. Pity. She stillw ished for that talent that the deceased had. That wonderful ability of card playing. That had been one attribute that she had never been successful in, and just as she had thought herself in glorious achievement, it hadn't been so. As frustrated as she had been, she'd also not forget the distinct power that seemed to eminate from this being like a liquid poison. It was delectable, sweet...it was...delicious.
A thought imposed itself on her mind and for a moment a mere smile of mischeviousness would capture her attention. But she'd shake it away as if in an arguement with herself. Dark orbs had fallen onto Tala for a long moment of consideration, but then Xan had stepped in her way...and ultimately blocked her sight of her. She would dismiss this unleasantness for now, clear her throat to bring her mind to a sharp focus once more, then return her eyes to Xan. "An escape you seek from this...most wonderous place?" The slender brow rose in question. "Tell me...my dear...how would you ever plan such a thing?"
An inquisitive speech, and though she didn't care to leave this realm, it was merely a topic that he'd brought up earlier. So in peaking his interest among her, she'd return the gesture just the same. Languid motion shifted her weight from one side to the other as she paused for an answer haven used what most humans would have considered a 'fond' term. "My dear..." She had spoken, but not in possession or an attempted ownership of him, but almost a mockery of their short audience that they'd experienced with each other. Perhaps it was merely the spoken words of acquaintanceship. Yes...that was it...an acquaintanceship.
SinfulFeline
Though Tala stood silent, she did not let her attentions wander from the conversation between Cassandra and Xanatos. The woman’s words still felt like a form of mockery each time she spoke, and though both of them stood as if at a casual ease with one another, the air around them felt anything but relaxed.
For the moment she had been blocked from Cassandra’s view, instead she now gazed at Xanatos backside, noticing more of the trickling of blood then she had when they where with in the building. She wondered if this blood loss was something in need of taking care of, but for now she would not worry on it for the simple reason that Xanatos seemed not to mind it himself.
While she stood at full silent alert she also debated the next actions that could arise. Should Cassandra chose to attack her, Tala could simply let the command words slip from her lips and vanish into a mere shadow, escaping from harms way. But should she aim for Xanatos, well Tala would have a chose to make and options to use. Better to be ready then caught half ready, she made a chose to whisper under her breath a command to the shadowy ink markings. Should the need arise and Xanatos form, both outer and inner be able to handle the power that Tala could extend, she would simply finish the command with a single sound, step forward and touch the man’s back. This would allow the ink marks to swarm and engulf his form, turning both Xanatos and herself into simple shadows of nothingness. While she doubted Xanatos needed her aid, for she was sure he was far from able to keep himself from harms way, she still made the option available.
Once more Tala opened her mind and sent this option of vanishing into his mind, not through words but through image flashes. She then stood once more in silent alert and waited for the next move in this game.
Colvin
He hadn't truly wanted to stand in the middle of them. He did not do so on purpose as if he intended on protecting Tala. Such heroics were for fools that did not understand those they were surrounded with. Stuck in a position he truly did not care for, he simply listened to the colorful words of Cassandra which did nothing to spark any sort of emotion within him. The pleasantries that were uttered seemed a bit too premature for what he held with her. To him, she had done nothing but avoid the inevitable as their constant exposure to one another must have been for some reason. Why she turned away and fell into her own vices, drowing herself in solitude and purpose reminded him too much of himself. Such kindred beliefs, however, would not cloud the fact that she was far different than he when it came to carrying out their beliefs. He was methodical...strategic...and rather covert though many times called for blatant actions such as the one at the Bronze Zombie. The fact he wasn't stopped marvelled him really and put him in a comfortable mindset.
Cassandra seemed fine being confined like some rat within this realm, which was somewhat clear with how she took to this place. Her comformity was sickening really, but he'd not dwell on her random musings now. Instead, he'd simply respond out of courtesy. "There are many ways to free yourself when imprisoned. I simply seek to gather the correct tools to execute my current function." It would seem he had come up with a plan already, but why divulge such information to her when she seemed content with where she was? He stood a bit taller now as he arched his back a bit, causing a string of replacements along his spine as if it had been contorted somehow. The power he exuded resembled that of a simple mage, though something empty seemed to be bubbling inside of him. This parasitic being wanted something...but he ignored it.
Tala's offer had been blatantly ignored. Not out of offense to her generous suggestion, but simply to reassure her that this was nothing more than chit-chat to him. He'd snuff any attempts to make it any more than it already was or deal with the situation accordingly. Nevertheless, he offered her a message in return. <Save your energy for a worthwhile situation.> Though he stood in between two beauties, he was not about to teeter in any way. Blatant orbs stared at Cassandra's face....neck...shoulders and breasts simply because he could as he waited for her to respond though he interjected one more time before she did. "Are you here for idle chit-chat or is there some more profound purpose to this confrontation? I do not have much time to waste." A bold set of words but nothing truly offensive. He just didn't feel he had time to dawdle around with her though the sight of her entertained him...just a bit. Would she join his efforts or simply slide away into her shadowy havens and continue to indulge in her ephemeral desires?
Tifferzzz
What had Cassandra's initial intentions been? At first to gather information about his counterpart who would move with him. The answer to Tala's company hadn't fully lessened Cassandra's mind, but it would at least ease the torment of questions about this stranger whom Xan would allow to move beside him as a friend. After that line of inquiries had ceased then what had her main purpose been? To chat? To kick back and speak of better times? Hardly. She had been 'summoned' by him when he first addressed her. His inquisition had been to her satisfaction with this place - more or less. So was she satisfied here? Well content was a better choice of words. As long as the satisfied status of victims continued to rampage this place, then she would be utterly content with each that she devoured. However the situation had quickly became a problem when her body's tolerance for the corpses had lessened to such extremes that she was beginning to have complications when she'd fully devoured them. At first her curiousity of each person would ultimately bring each to their demise, but in the process she would experience various pleasures, various states of emotion from malice to jealousy. The latter of which she was currently experiencing. It was not a pleasant experience to say the least. Gathering her composure to the best of her abilities, her face changed from the adolescent grin to a more serious matter. "I have no need to waste your time. I am intrigued by what it is you speak of." She wouldn't tell him that her need to leave this place was simply based on the fact that the abilities she was inheriting weren't abilities but personalities. She loathed the idea that she wasn't advancing in her talents but was remaining stationary and acquiring more of an incapacity to be able to handle anything. She was becoming imbalanced and she hated it.
SinfulFeline
Tala simply stood where she was, awaiting the end of the conversation and the next event to take place. While she herself remained immobile, the ink upon her flesh did not. The inks rapid movements where a small distraction to Tala’s eyes, but not to her growing thought of food.
While waiting for the next action to take place Tala also used this time to survey the area they had walked into. The buildings had become more run down, seemingly not due to the event that had taken place, the one that closed the boarders, but due to the area it’s self. Glancing back over her shoulder she could see a block or two down the street to where the buildings seem to give way to rumble then a line of ill looking tree’s. She wished a slightly better view, so Tala swiveled her body weight upon her right leg, thus turning herself half way around. She then glanced back at Xanatos backside to make sure neither he nor Cassandra had moved, before she began scanning both the path they had followed to here, and the path that lay ahead.
She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but something other then Cassandra’s appearance had her on alert. She thought perhaps that beyond the line of tree’s is where one of the unseen walls had dropped down to seal them in.
After finishing her visual inventory of the path ahead she returned her full attention to the conversation between Cassandra and Xanatos, since there seemed no reason for her to speak up, she remained mute for the time being.
Colvin
It was exactly at this point that he did not care to compress whatever power was lingering within his body. Though its manifestation would probably remain undetected, a certain wave of power exuded from his body, catalyzing the quick movement of that parasitic being along his flesh. Had he not had the cloak on the movement of that entity would have been seen along the veinous structure of his body but since he was well prepared, the only possible display was the slow transfer of the black ooze that was present all throughout his body across pupiless eyes. For a few seconds, his gaze was entirely black as it stared into Cassandra's eyes and surveyed her body with a little more attention then before. His eyes outlined her form until he picked out every detail he enjoyed and made sure to keep track of his surroundings. Tala's sudden decision to move away for a while sparked his curiousity and he had been half-tempted to turn to look for himself but left her to whatever thoughts she held. He had someone else to handle now.
He began to step forward, the black ooze starting to recede back into his body through his eyes. Eventually he'd be just a few inches away from the woman as he began to speak "As intrigued as you may be, I am not inclined to reveal what I intend to do here. If you wish to aid me then I'm sure you will be of some use" What he just said could have offended her and given the fact she does not seem to know him that well at all, it probably would, however his sense of humor had become rather contorted as of late. It had been meant to insinuate his respect for what she was capable of, no matter how condescending it sounded. He stayed his ground and looked at Cassandra rather forwardly, eyes wandering at times though he was simply wondering exactly what Tala was up to. If he had to deal with both women before this day was over then he'd have one interesting day ahead of him.
Tifferzzz
Xanatos’ words or rather his approachment to her was of minimal tolerance at best. It could have been mutual. She might have despised him on some level that bended the tolerance of the rules of ‘respect’ but she stood fast…albeit relaxed as he moved towards her. Could it be a flood of pleasure drifted over her body like a wave? The closer his body moved to hers, the more delight she’d internally reap from the mere aura of his existence. So. Then the question would still remain. Would she ‘join’ him as one of his cronies or turn and leave disgusted with the mere idea of doing what another would wish of her…just like a mere mutt? She wouldn’t have to question for long, for to be within his presence would provide her with enough satisfaction to momentarily remain at his side. He had stated that she might provide useful? Useful in what aspect? Perhaps her capacity for sucking abilities out of people? What a delightful notion. More death, more carnage and pain…what could be better? Perhaps he’d present her with a plethora of victims that would actually have talents that she could absorb rather than just their meaningless emotions and turmoil’s. To gain more…to have more…was such a beautiful thought that she nodded. "Very well. Whatever use I might provide to you…" She trailed off with a raised brow as multiple ideas trailed through her mind. "…consider me available for." With that said, her gaze lingered a bit more on Xanatos before turning to Tala. She watched the darkness that crept along Tala’s skin. That might be a useful attribute in the future. With orbs that narrowed in thought, not anger, she remained looking to Tala for a long moment of time before her attentions turned back to Xanatos. She would wait for him. She would wait for him and do his bidding as long as he would substantially provide her with delightful 'treats' during this excursion of his.
SinfulFeline
Tala wasn’t up to anything; she was simply waiting for the conversation to come to an end so that they could continue moving onward. She still felt like they were far to out in the open and drawing attention from those they could not currently see, or have some creature who was out looking for trouble stumble across their path.
The moment Cassandra’s eyes fell upon Tala, the ink felt them; they grew more agitated, as if they could read the woman’s thoughts. Tala’s gaze left the road to focus on Cassandra’s eyes, meeting her look with one of complete blankness.
In truth, Tala felt no great fear towards the woman, she was familiar with what a creature of Cassandra’s type was capable, and knew something of the powers she could absorb. Tala’s "Talents" weren’t something that could be used by anyone upon her death, except for those who where also of the ShadowBound.
Tala knew that the moment her physical form died the ink marks would become a shadow, engulf her soul and return to her place of birth. But she had no urge for the release of death or the afterlife at this time, and would make sure she did what ever necessary to survive this place intact.
Colvin
Cassandra complied....so readily. It surprised him just a little but she'd only see that usual blank expression upon his face until he decided to turn and start walking away. Eyes scanned over Cassandra for a few seconds before he shifted, taking casual strides right by both of the girls. He did not voice his desire to leave nor did he even motion to them at all. Pitiful pleasantries of that nature were for those who needed to be guided like innocent children. Cass' words did not fall on empty ears, however, though to manifest his opinion on her possibile insinuation would mean he would actually entertain the idea which was not the case. He'd not allow these women to distract him from his goal. The poorly inhabited place that Tala had surveyed before was exactly where he was headed, figuring both of these companions held enough survivability in them to handle their needs within this abandoned area. Tala's hunger and Cassandra's specific desires would have to be satisfied on their own accord. He was no babysitter.
Unfortunately, it would seem Tala would not be free of Cassandra for quite some time, lest the lady-like individual realize that whatever morsels she thought she would receive on this trek would be few and far between. He had not committed to providing anything for either of these women, and as boots crushed through this odd part of town, he could smell it in the air. The stench of death wafted itself with an unknown wind, assaulting his nostrils though he did not turn away at all. Magnetized by some enigmatic prospect within his mind, pure white shot out as he reconnoitered the area for a few seconds. He seemed to be acting as if he travelled alone now, which was a definite change of pace compared to the idle chit-chat he had offered Tala before Cassandra's intrusion. Purpose drilled itself within every action he committed now, methodical steps leading him to realize exactly where they were.
Torsos were halved...buildings lost their structure and debri decorated everything. Crossed arms pressed against his chest and he just stared on, calculating...wondering though he took a break to drag a few corpses into a pile before him. It seemed some people caught wind of their imminent confinement and sought to escape. Fools. His voice suddenly spilled out and he'd address Tala first. "See if you can find us some food....and a knife." It might have seemed as if he was rather bossy, but the unusual smile on his face insinuated something else. One glare at Cassandra was enough before he spoke to her. "Search for other pathetic victims." A hand gripped on to what had been the body of a child, a blindingly swift action burying nails into flesh and severing a limb off of the dead child before he threw it infront of him. Flesh sizzled upon contact with some unknown source, immediately immolating the projectile just twenty feet infront of him. Let this process begin.....
Rhysis
The elder dragon had not created so much as one flicker of movement. Despite all that had occured, and several birds and bugs thinking him to be a warm statue that was safe to congregate around in midmorning song, or protection from the now risen sun's rays, he had remained motionless with his senses outstretched, observing the happenings of the city through closed eyes, the unknown watcher.
That all changed, however, in an instant. Fang was gone from the roof suddenly, leaving the creatures that were around him to writhe and flap in a panick before they got their bearings, and the birds realized there was a small meal waiting for them just inches away.
The black dragon in human form was on the street, walking amongst the buildings, cars, and rubble. His destination was clear to him, but, as of yet, unknown to anyone else. Still, regardless of the fact that his tempo of stride and the expression on his face did not make him seem like he was in a hurry, he did walk with a purpose. Something had to be done...but about what?
Tifferzzz
Xanatos’ words would be heeded with little care. He had given a simple command that a peon might have addressed, but her own wishes would always come before his. Fortunately on this occasion, both wants would intertwine. Chaos, death, decay, and utter carnage would reign supreme at this moment. Turning from him with little neither care nor curiosity for discretion when it came to Xanatos, her vision instantly transferred from a mere ‘human’ to hunter...from a temporary companion to a soulless beast. Calculatory measures were suddenly being created in her mind. A long trace of her eyes across the vast horizon of fallen buildings would transfer from a simple picture of rubble, blood, and dust, to something far more precise. Every point, every line, every sharp jagged piece of metal to every curve of a broken spine would be seen as an artist would gaze to a painting. She wouldn’t see it as an overall picture, but to a very specific piece of a puzzle. Each item, each part of the destruction, of the people, and of the victims would be gathered information to be momentarily processed in her mind for future relevance. But beyond that, she would gather the necessary means for locating anything that was moving or breathing…but especially hiding. Beyond the constantly falling masses of concrete and brick that still seemed to settle in the aftermath…beyond the swirl of dust that clouded the air like a thickened fog, a quick burst of movement appeared from the corner of her eye.
Lengthened pupils shifted, locking onto the object, and once the target was seen…then the vision of mischeviousness and triumph would manifest itself in her eyes. With lengthened canines that reflected more along an animalistic need than a vampire-like appearance…she smiled in a most pleasing…yet demonic manner. Her non-movement would suddenly take five steps back, then three to the right, which would place her in the grasp of the shell of a building with enough concealment to keep her from any eye. Her steps would remain quiet and light, though it wouldn’t necessarily matter for the sound of fear, pain, and anguish rang like a bell of horror through the air. Precise steps would then maneuver her around the wreckage, while keeping her in the shadows and smoke induced clouds that ripped through the city like a demon of death. She had located the moving body, the willing victim of her next course of pleasure. Knowing the chances of survival during one of Xanatos’ attacks, she had concluded that the ones who survived carried with them an ability to do so…a special item of a will to live…something that she wanted within her. Now knowing her first prey…seeing the motion in her direct sight…she was within moments of finding true pleasure once more. Though she was moving with intent, she was also waiting for the perfect second for the attack to occur. Just a few seconds longer...
SinfulFeline
With a slight shrug she followed Xanatos request to find food and a knife. Moving away from the group towards a few of the more stable looking buildings, she picked one and entered it. Tala moved sure footed among the dwellings rubble, using her foot to shove debris from her path tell she spotted a burlap looking sack, this she picked up and shook the dust from, then moved onward into the building.
Wandering through the buildings she found a few cupboards on the first floor and emptied the canned goods and what looked to be day old bread, she doubted she’d find any fresh meats, but figured can items would do for those in need of conventional food. She also found what appeared to be a hunting knife as she left the first floor and moved up the stairs towards the second story, this she also dropped into the bag.
As she moved through the top rooms she found a large mans sized leather jacket, this she also picked up and tossed over her shoulder with the bag. As she entered the last room she spotted another hunting type knife upon the window seal, moving to pluck the item up, something on the street caught her attention.
With one brow lifted Tala’s gaze traveled over the figure of a sole male strolling down the street. She wondered how long it would take the man to round the corner and stumble into the pile of bodies Xanatos was stacking up. This she decided might be something interesting to see.... The man may not even round the right corner, he may move down another street, avoid the noise coming from the moving of rumble and bodies....Either way, Tala had completed her task, so she followed her path backwards to rejoin Xanatos and the growing stack.
Stopping a few feet from him she eyed his work with a questionable glint in her gaze but did not voice her questions. Instead she let the sack fall beside her feet, her hand still clutching the jacket rather casually and spoke in a flat but matter of fact tone.
"I’ve found food...Canned goods and a few loaves of bread....Two knives...They look to be of the hunting sort, not your average kitchen knifes...."
Her eyes left the pile to exam the jacket a little closer, using her free hand to brush the clinging dirt from the leather, thinking this garment would suit her well should the night ahead turn cold, or the need to hide her marks arrive. Then, almost as if she had forgotten she spoke once more.
"There is also a lone male making his way along a side street, headed in this general direction....I’m unsure of his breed, I was unable to catch his scent...Wrong place to smell him...Right place to see him....Can’t always have it all I suppose....
After saying this she once more became silent, and occupied her time by looking through the bag tell she found one of the bread loaves, tore a chunk from it and proceeded to gnaw on it tell her hunger was sedated.
Colvin
The intoxicating smell of death coated much of every other aroma that could have entered into the air. Perhaps this was why Xanatos did not acknowledge the presence of another or it simply could have been that he could have cared less who entered. It wasn't that he was arrogant or wished to be the bane for everyone within this eccentric land, but the fact that a person could simply blink into existence within an area that had now become the outskirts of this place meant little. He held no quarrel with anyone in this realm...yet...though he had begun to silently wonder if someone would play the vengeful hero. He had worked diligently to separate these bodies, limb from limb, their cold flesh a nuisance as it completely ruined the quality of these...supplies. Arms were set aside and flesh hung openly from the corpses that were before him. It had become a huge pile in a matter of short minutes but what was its purpose? He found a huge pile of rubble nearby, took a seat and had begun to wait, reconnoitering the area yet again though he didn't find anything worth his attention. The parasitic entity....a being whose existence more than likely spanned more than just centuries., had begun to attempt to force its own manifestation yet again.
Tawny flesh reddened a bit before the ooze that had been visible over his eyes before suddenly began to drip downward. It seemed like a painful process which was clear with the way his hands balled up into fists while he sat himself down. The black liquid slid down his cheeks, melding into the dark fabric of his attire suddenly. His cloak would become liquid like and his eyes would become eerily dark once again. There was no power output from this mild transformation but this was not a good sign at all. He moved a severed arm into his hands, nails driving so hard into flesh that the blood began to trickle down his palms. It was at this point that Tala had arrived and addressed her findings. His gaze might have been frightening or just different to her, but his voice was what would be noticeably changed. A deep baritone rumbled out of his throat as he spoke. "Give...me...a knife Tala." Though he seemed demanding, he managed to speak once again after she would comply or after he got his hands on a knife. "Thank you...."
The knife would be taken and driven harshly into the arm he held in his hand, blades separating tendons and cutting through muscle viciously until he could see bone. Odd sounds resulted from his purging of that useless flesh from this exquisite piece of bone, his hands and forearms drenched in blood from what he was doing. If Tala still remained nearby, his voice would spill out yet again. "Let him come if he wishes....I do not believe we are doing anything worthy of negative attention." He worked diligently to separate flesh from bone, leaving the grotesque piles of blood and skin directly infront of him. Bones were set up to his left and he would continue cleansing his supplies, waiting for Fang to either move along his way or something else. Someone else was bound to find this place and he was sure that others had traversed these grounds before as well, but nothing had ever occurred. There was never anything wrong with desiring freedom....and he was well on his way to achieving it.
Tifferzzz
Sweet temptation would transverse the gap between a foreign thought and this eve's dinner the moment that this…person…stepped across the street. Well, perhaps the term of ‘stepping' wasn’t as appropriate to the situation and running. Indeed the male moved at a hurried pace as if the very world was ending. In truth it might have been. The fear in his eyes guided like a beacon of light to her attentions. What a fatal mistake it was…to have blinding fear. To have such an emotion coursing through your veins would leave one open to…well anything. Of that ‘anything’ a malicious death was at the top of the tier. She remained, for the moment…immobile, as the victim ran from the rubble, crossed the street, screaming and yelling, with his eyes as large as saucers and his heart palpitating at such a rate that it might have exploded out of exertion. Her own excitement would relinquish it’s hold, though, when the notion of ingesting ‘fear’ made her mouth go sour. She had a predicament here, for he had survived, thereby giving him a capability that she would love to have…an invincibility aspect, but in turn she would need to take in his every fear, and that…just wasn’t a price she was willing to pay. She’d already manifested every teenage emotion within the time frame of a day, and that left her reeling…but fear? Not a chance. Perhaps she should just deliver this being to Xanatos. Would it appear that she was paying homage to him? Or maybe obeying him as a dog would? With a sneer of disgust at the thought, her hands clenched as one argument to another brought a ruthless chaos of fighting through her mind, until the only release was to bring devestation onto this person. There was one thing that she desired at this moment and it was peace in her mind. A quietness that she longed for rather than these endless questions that persisted her, albeit for her benefit…but regardless of the reason, she longed for a momentary silence that she could relish. Her body would move as a shadow along the walls, distorting and maneuvering with such precise accuracy that she’s already pinpointed the exact location of where this person…this male…would cross her path. The force of her motion was in equivalent to a moving vehicle, and the moment that their two paths would find a juncture, she would collide with him like a train against a tree. Uprooting him from the spot, his forward motion was suddenly diverted to a side-throw as he was propelled to the ground with enough force to render him momentarily immobile. When his head lifted in question to what he’d run into, he’d merely find her…Cassandra…standing above him with a look of astonishment and bewilderment. A childlike wonder. With an inclined head and the questions still propelling through her head, she felt the abrupt sting of what a wound would feel like, and as such, her eyes moved from his to the cause…a single small scratch on her upper arm. She quickly became displeased by two aspects. First of all…that such a thing had occurred, and secondly, that this person had the capacity to place a scar upon her…of any kind. The orbs would manifest themselves into swirls of color…a tornado of unhappiness that would inevitably find itself locking onto the man that lay before her. Before he could move, she was upon him, flinging him to his stomach with a single motion. Placing a foot to his back, her hands grasped the wrist of his right arm and began to pull back at an awkward angle. Beyond the screams of rising pain, beyond the snap and twist of muscle and sinew would be the sullen pop of a dislocated joint, then the harsh snap of a bone that had been turned against it’s will, then the ever present sound of tearing flesh. It wouldn’t be the flesh that posed a resistance as much of the fabric. Yet, after a few strategic motions, she was soon holding the arm separated of its owner. She had a right in doing such a thing, for it was that arm…specifically that hand that had left a mark on her flesh, and therefore she had the right to return the favor. A hundred fold. Her displeasure would stare onto his body as it writhed in an intermixture of astounding pain, anguish, and blood loss. She would stand there until the flailing became a mere twitch of limbs that sought blood that would never reach them. Turning from the body back to the destruction of the city, her digits still remained curled around the arm that hung like a tree’s branch at her side. With a blank gaze that trailed the vicinity of clutter, chaos, and debris, she continued her walk through the city in an attempt to find someone worthy enough for her…and not just a fear-injested coward who had the audacity to touch her flesh. Whether or not Xanatos wanted the victims that she found alive or dead didn't matter to her. If she found them first then all rules were off. At this point she couldn't care less what Xanatos thought. She had her intentions, as fould as they might be, but regardless they would guide her to her next victim.
SinfulFeline
Tala stopped examining the jacket and laid it over the edges of a fallen building wall, then turned to the burlap bag that lay at her feet. Crouching down she rummaged through the bag tell she found both knives, and then stood to slip on in to her waist band before stepping over to Xanatos. Upon handing him the knife and hearing his slightly distracted thank you, she nodded her head and murmured a reply of ...Your welcome... Then turned back to the wall where she placed the jacket.
Tala then laid the jacket out over the crumbled mortar that was once a building and hoisted herself up to settle into a seated position. She was about to ask what the reason for the dissection of the bodies when she was momentarily distracted by a scream off in the distance. Brushing the hair from her face she tilted her head up and scanned the area from which the scream’s sound echoed. She could see nothing more then buildings and rumble but she had the feeling that someone or something had just had an encounter with Cassandra. She let the thoughts of what Cassandra was up to fade from her mind, seeing no reason to dwell upon the actions of those she could not see at the moment.
Returning her gaze to Xanatos and his gruesome task, she let her eyes linger over his form. She was unsure as to why she found this man to be of no danger to her being, but was instead intrigued by his manors and actions, his current task included. Tala had traveled the land for many years and had come across things of interest but she never lingered long nor took the time to examine her actions when it came to interacting with others. This time was different.
Perhaps it was merely because they where trapped in this place and she saw that Xanatos could be as much of a help to her as she could to him when it came to escaping this trap. It could also be that he was the first male she had spent any time with that did not badger her with endless questions about the marks, nor spend time and energy trying to find the strengths and weakness of the strange ink that lived upon her flesh. Either way she had a feeling that sticking with him was a smarter thing to do then to seek escape on her own. and while Cassandra seemed to dislike her on slight, Tala had no feelings of malice towards the woman. However she was wise enough to know that trust is often twisted and watching ones back is always the wisest of actions.
Pushing questions from her mind that she could find no ready answers for she realized she was staring hard at Xanatos with out even knowing it. She gave a slight shake of her head as if to clear her thoughts then leaned forward a fraction and spoke in a quiet tone.
“What is it you are planning to do with those dissected remains Xanatos?”
Colvin
He wasn't aware that Tala had taken a stance to observe him or that she found herself staring at him, but he was very cognizant of the fact she was nearby. The intriguing woman was being monitored in very acute detail. He remembered doing the exact same thing to Cassandra years ago, but found himself having a much easier time with this ink-decorated female. Her abilities were none of his concern though figuring out weaknesses would perhaps be beneficial sometime in the near future. Xanatos enjoyed the simplicity of such a companion, however it was not his priority to take any of that into account. He had a task to complete and as he finished the last bone, he spoke to Tala, managing to catch her while she still stared at what he was doing. "These pitiful supplies will be of use to us soon enough." Palms pressed into squishy flesh, pressing the grotesque flesh into a huge pile, blood staining digits and burning flesh. A voice spilled out immediately yet again, vehemently addressing Tala's question again though he requested something as well. "To explain what I need to do would take more time than is necessary at the moment. I need something to contain all of this wretched filth." A searing gaze eyed Tala, glazing over her curves incognizantly before he fixated upon her face. "It is time to leave...."
The stench of the death around him increased in potency as the warmth of the blood he shed even further had begun to decrease. The cold and vicious odor would waft itself through the air, failing to affect this man any as he waited for Tala to provide him with something. It had not been an order but haste was now necessary if he planned on achieving what he wanted to. Cassandra would be focused upon now as his clear decision would be given now. Why the woman decided to roam off ofn her own in search of pitiful challenges was beyond him, but he wouldn't dare interfere with what she desired at this moment. The severity of this situation held no time for such nonsense. <I have acquired what I needed. Feel free to indulge in whatever you wish, but I am leaving this place.> These two women did not need to follow him at all, but for some reason he knew that Tala would. What sort of connection or common ground she had found in him was perhaps enough to motivate her to follow him even without knowledge of his intentions.
Bravery or foolishness? Who knew? This man knew she was rather resourceful and perhaps one day he would delve even further. He was never at liberty to divulge what he intended to do for he did not desire any hesitance or opposition. He was confident in what he needed to do. Once Tala complied with his request somehow, he'd pack up the acquired ingredients and then immediately blast a hand conveniently in Tala's direction. The sudden action might have startled Tala given his current proximity at the time but the only product of it all resided in the sparking portal that would appear a few feet behind her. Where did it lead? Did it matter? He was not in need of any more idiotic nuisances or more acquaintances than he had now. It'd be a private area and he'd ensure that he would not be found with whoever decided to follow. His intricate plan would commence.
Tifferzzz
The simple matter of finding a person had diverged and become complicated. The destruction had left a plethora of carcasses strewn about as if they were but toys that a child had spilled on the floor. Her frustration wouldn’t be remedied, and with a snort of utter disapproval and contempt that was directed to the victims who weren’t there for her disposal, she turned mid step and took full strides back to the direction of Tala and Xanatos. He had originally commanded her to find victims that still carried the ability of life, and as such she’d headed out, but the obeying of his request had fallen on deaf ears when her own want surfaced. Most likely he’d have decapitated them should she have brought him any, but she could do that just as well and even enjoy it triple as much. The wound that she’d obtained in the process might have served her right, but it hurt her ego more than her flesh. She had become upset, in a very childlike manner. Some stranger had the audacity to scratch her in the middle of her tackling him, and then everyone else had the nerve to just…not be there. They were supposed to be present so that she could bring them to their ultimate demise. Did they not know this? ~I have acquired what I needed. Feel free to indulge in whatever you wish, but I am leaving this place~ The voice emerged in her mind and nearly startled her mid-step. She took a slight stumble of surprise and looked about as if he were merely behind her speaking to her. Without his presence near her, it was confirmed that it had merely been a spoken word in her mind. In all truth, Xanatos had been the only one that she’d even allow to do such a thing, which is why it surprised her to have it happen once more. Her pace increased as she made a mental nod to leave with him. She was in a very distraught mood of not obtaining what she wished and would need to remedy this emotion shortly. Currently, though, she looked to Xanatos like a child would to a father. She had her own successes when it came to surviving and thriving, but his power and his capacity for destruction was something that she longed to know of. If she should decide not to confront Xanatos in a hostile mode and try to take it from him, then perhaps merely by being close to him she could watch…she could learn tiny little pieces, and perhaps in a small amount of time, then she could function in the same manner that he did. What a glorious day that would be! She would have tantrums, for now, that would clearly show her unhappy state…but she would also remain close to Xanatos, like a spy, in an attempt to better her every aspect. What a wonderful thing it would be if she could obtain any of his ‘gifts.’ That great thought lifted her gait to where they’d last remained, but just at the moment that she rounded the corner, they stepped through the portal and it sealed…just a step before she could reach it. With narrowed eyes she looked around her before stomping her foot, and folding her arms…still holding the victim’s limb. A frustrated yell that would encompass everything she’d experienced in the last little moment would emerge, but it would fall on deaf ears, for again…there wasn’t anyone around to hear her. Beyond the rubble and charred remains of corpses, she stood there like a two-year old…haven had all of her toys taken away. She was not pleased…not pleased at all.
SinfulFeline
Tala slide from her perch as he asked for something to hold all the muck he had created. Stepping to the burlap bag she emptied its contents into the laid out jacket, folded the arms around to make the jacket into a package to hold the food with in it, and then tosses Xanatos the burlap bag.
She watched him for a few more minutes with a strange interest in his actions, stepping back only when he flung his hand up towards her. The ink markings on her back tingled with movement, not warnings of danger, but just enough for her to feel the need to glance over her shoulder at the newly formed portal. She perked a brow and examined it, she probably would have stepped closer to it on her own had Xanatos words not drawn her attention back to him.
As soon as he spoke the words “It’s time to leave”, Tala nodded in agreement, scooped up the jacket and stepped through the mess to walk by his side. Tala did not ask where Cassandra was, nor if she would be joining them shortly, she simply assumed Xanatos had a plan and he felt no need to lay every detail out to Tala, which was fine with her... So long as the ending result was that she was alive and well, as well as freed from this place.
While she did not have blind trust in Xanatos, which would be a foolish thing to do, she did have blind faith in her ink marks warning systems. So instead of questioning the how and where’s of the portal, she moved along side Xanatos and stepped into the unknown, muttering under her breath in a tone tinged with humor.
“Through the looking glass we do step...”
Colvin
Supplies were stored and his path had been set. Who would accompany him at this point was a trivial factor that had nothing at all to do with his completion of a task he would thoroughly enjoy. He would need complete concentration for what he intended to do and with the appearance of certain nuisances and potential danger of interruption, he saw no other way to ensure what he wanted to do. Darkness would be all that would confront Tala and Cassandra when they decided to follow. This magical mode of transportation had been severely limited but he had already begun to overestimate the binds of this prison given the fact that he had managed to travel quite a distance away from their current location. Complete darkness flowed through this environment though it was clear that they were indoors. The din of the city had become muffled. Xanatos himself could see the obstacles in his path, sack carried with some effort along his back. He did nothing to provide light for his surroundings now as he placed himself upon the floor. Two beds were positioned to his right a few feet away, chairs were conveniently placed beside them and a bathroom was positioned to his left. It seemed to be a bedroom....but how had he found one that was not already occupied?
The sack was tossed upon the floor, blood managing to add to the weight and start to stain the very structure of this now precious container. The sound of his hands rummaging through the contents was all that would be heard through this darkness as a large strip of flesh was placed before him. Tala had obviously come along with him, managing to instill trust in him though he had not yet done anything to earn it just yet. Pupiless orbs somehow beamed through this darkness, head snapping in the direction of Tala and then shifting to Cassandra if she was there. Blood-drenched hands would emerge with a pair of sharp objects much like the one he had revealed to the ink-marked beauty before. Set down at his sides, he commenced without warning. His voice rumbled out of his throat in languages long lost to several people. He seemed to be chanting while carving insignias upon layed out flesh. Various symbols were about to be made and it did not seem like he wanted to be interrupted but this process would be made much easier with the help of these two women eventually. He continued to leave them clueless for now and as he continued he knew he did not want any interference; however, keys were heard attempting to unlock the door before them. A young couple would burst through.
Kisses were exchanged and minor moans were heard as the duo feverishly searched for a bed. Even his chanting failed to register into their minds until bare feet stepped directly into a pile of flesh. Silence overcame them and then a scream resounded off of the woman's throat. The man's defensive stance commenced and he searched for the lamp to light it quickly. "Who the hell is here?!" Light would uncover the situation at hand, yet Xanatos continued to chant and carve. He could not afford to waste time on petty intrusions. What had they stumbled into? Nothing they will step out of unscathed...that was for sure.
Tifferzzz
The light that suddenly broke through the barrier of the world of shadows was more than unpleasant. Cassandra wouldn’t have minded to remain in that tunneled gateway, but it was not to be. Thus, the three would emerge…into a room? With a slender brow raised she gazed about the room in an attempt to find some purpose for being here. None was given. None…beyond the sound of sloshing muscles, tendons, and flesh being laid on the floor. She would only take a mere moment to pay attention to the room before Xanatos’ actions captured her mind. It was intriguing to her the way that he moved, and spoke words that weren’t of this plain. More overly it was as if he were destined to have this chore completed at this very moment for this very purpose. He seemed…in his place. With a smile of satisfaction at that thought she watched him and listened to the rising words as they lulled to her as if in a lullaby.
But then…an intrusion, even more overly, an explosion of sound penetrated Cassandra’s senses with so much disdain and venomous intensions that she went from perfect peace to pain brought by a sudden shrillness that she’d never encountered. She’d heard people scream before, but never had she gone from one realm to the complete opposite in less than the blink of an eye. She physically recoiled as if the person had hit her. With a whimper she dropped her last victim’s arm, which hit emptily against the floorboards. Her ears rang with such pain that her head felt as if it were to explode. It abruptly became aware to her that her adjustment of all of her senses hadn’t successfully occurred. The sound didn’t cease and now a small humming vibrated through her ears. Her hands rose to her ears as her body stepped back into the shadows like a puppy afraid of its owner. She needed to let the blackness engulf her, if but for a moment…if only to regain her capacity to focus and then deal with the problem at hand…these two strangers.
The seductive emptiness folded over her body like a blanket of heaven, and though the screaming continued…it didn’t carry to where she was…and for a mere moment, once again she found peace among the chaos in an attempt to find a remedy of un-needed pain among this moment. Crouched against the wall, she sat in another mere fraction of a moment and shifted her eyes to Xanatos who worked feverishly on whatever it was that he intended to do. Did he not attack these people then because he needed them? With elongated claws protruding from her fingertips…she stood. The external audio canals of her ears became like liquid foundation and melded a seal over them to refrain noise from penetrating her senses once more. Lengthened pupils drenched in a cacophony of colors seemed to smile with mischievous dangerous delight as the shadows withdrew from her and she moved quickly towards the screaming woman with the full intension of returning the ‘favor of pain’ to her. Xanatos might need these people, but even so…she wouldn’t kill them but merely ‘silence’ them.
SinfulFeline
Tala had been ready to engulf the two in sealed shadows of her own, but as her eyes passed over Cassandra she watched the woman's movements and knew that she need not react to the people that had already entered the room. Instead, for a moment, Tala watched the shape shifter wield her powers upon the two foolish humans who had stumbled into the wrong room at the wrong moment. She then moved her gaze to watch Xanatos for a moment to see if he even reacted to the entrance of the two humans, or to Cassandra's actions. With a slight shrug she turned her attentions away from those in the room and moved towards the door from which the people entered.
Just incase someone beyond these four walls had heard the screams and bothered to investigate them, Tala went to work on the door. First she ran her eyes over the doors frame, then the door it's self for any flaws that allowed light or sound to exit or enter. She then whispered with in her mind, lips moving but lacking sound, the words to awake one of the ink marks that dwelled upon her flesh. Once done she laid her hand against the doors frame and whispered...
"I will it so..."
Upon the completion of her words she lowered her head, dark locks falling over her eyes to hide the glow they produced as she pushed her will into the ink mark. As quickly as she pushed , dark shadowy ink slide from her arm, down her wrist and fingertips to the wooden frame. The shadowy substance flowed along the doors frame, sealing it shut, then continued to coil around and around the door tell the whole door and frame where covered by a thick ink serpent, who's head lingered upon Tala's fingers, then removed it's self to lay upon the last uncovered part of the door, the knob and lock. The serpents weight would have made the door hard enough to open, but it had also seeped into the cracks to melt shadow with wood, thus sealing the door tell Tala and her companions wished to use the door.