[1:06 PM] ColdToiletSeat: =====OH YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS=====
[1:21 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The city of Yuki Jyourou had been fairly tame for the time that Kalenzo had been there, a bit too tame for his liking...
Sitting on one of the benches near the outskirts of the city with crossed legs, the artist seemed to be hard at work, most of his attention focused on the puppet that laid in his lap. Working with a small grin on his face, Kalenzo continued to carve off shavings of wood with a simple knife, letting them fall silently to the ground and gving giving a rough outline to what would be his next piece of work. Lifting up the puppet in order to give it a proper inspection, he checked to see if there were any imperfections that would mar it's appearance. Much to his delight, there weren't any.
As the man continued to work, he looked up and gave his hands a brief respite from the puppeteering that had been going on for most of the day. Much to his surprise, the sun had already been retreating for the day, the now orange circle perched on the horizon surrounded by clouds of lilac and indigo. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he shook his head and went back to work...
...However, an ever so familiar throbbing began to gnaw at the back of his mind once more.
[1:43 PM] Mistral: "So much for expressing your aaaaart Kala."
The voice came from behind him, where the ever so familiar petite Kitsune watched him, clad in her hooded robes with the mask on her face. She had been there not that long, since she had spent her time looking for him ever since her wound properly healed.
"Cuteeee.... Thing? Whaaat eveeen is thaaat..."
[1:52 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Gah!" Kalenzo practically jumped at the sudden voice, quickly grasping for his puppet as it had almost flew off into the air. His expression conveyed a wonderful mixture of surprise as he turned his head over to see Auriel in her robes and mask, to which he let out a sigh. Turning his body to face her, he rested an elbow on the back of the bench.
"Well, if it isn't Auriel? Eheh... Ah, what a pleasant surprise!" He commented, a smile growing on his face before his brow had furrowed at the woman's question. A lightbulb went off in his head as he connected the 'cute thing' to his puppet.
"Oh, you mean my puppet? Why yes, it is quite cute for the time being... But! Soon enough it will be perfect enough to be a part of my collection."(edited)
[1:57 PM] Mistral: "Heeeh..... And whyyy do youu even maake thesee... what purposeee do they serve?"
Her grin was covered by her mask, but she did enjoy light teasing to a degree. And when it served a purpose? Even better. She brought a finger up to her chin, before continueing.
"At leaaast my maaasks have a puuuuurpose......"(edited)
[2:07 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo's smile dropped into a frown as Auriel teased him about his hobby. He narrowed his eyes on her before making his response.
"I make them because they allow me to express myself artistically. That and I've been trying to get them to work by themselves, how's that for a purpose?"
[2:12 PM] Mistral: "Please.... That thiiiing will shatter in one hit...."
As if to threathen him to demonstrate her point, she spun her trademark black dagger around her finger, before sheathing it again.
"Wannaaa do something fuuun insteeeaad?"
[2:26 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo shot Auriel another frown before bending himself down to pick his puppet back up. Letting out a sigh all the while, his head perked up at the mentioning of 'fun.' A grin crossed his face before he sat himself back up, meeting the kitsune's eyes with his own.
"Ohohoho, dare I ask what this fun might entail?"
[2:51 PM] Mistral: "Well...... heh"
Her voice stopped dragging out the vowels, becoming more serious again.
"You know. Someone may be in need of.... artistic appreciation."
[2:55 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Hmmm..." Kalenzo responded, giving Auriel a closed-eye smile before dusting off his puppet and standing himself up.
"You seem quite eager to get back into the action, are you sure all of your wounds are healed?"
[3:02 PM] Mistral: "Well, of course. Otherwise I wouldn't have offered."
She walked over, until she stood right next to him, looking him up into the eyes.
"Are you ready then?"
[3:09 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Of course." He answered, opening his eyes to meet hers once more.
It makes me glad to see she's doing well... Kalenzo thought, feeling jovial until another pang of malicious impulse racked his mind. ...Gods above, what am I thinking?
[3:15 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The artist cleared his throat.
"Shall we be off then?" He offered, gesturing down one of the streets of Yuki Jyorou.
[3:24 PM] Mistral: "Indeed. Got any ideas for someplaceeee inconspicious?"
Her voice slowed down again, but the excitement in it was still clear as day.
[3:31 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well, I don't think the heart of the city would be very smart..." Kalenzo wondered, placing a thumb and forefinger on his chin as he looked up in thought. His eyebrows raised in an expression that conveyed an 'a-ha' moment.
"Perhaps we could find somebody all by their lonesome once more?"
[3:41 PM] Mistral: "Maaaybee we can even tryyy too do twoooooo..... Oooor is that too haaaard?"
She thought for a bit, before grinning cruelly, a wicked idea brewing in her thoughts.
"Maaaaybe eeeven.... a cooouple?"
[4:10 PM] ColdToiletSeat: He stared at her with a bit of a surprised expression before his mouth curled into a wicked grin.
"Ohohoho, how evil of you, Miss Auriel!" Kalenzo looked off to the side and lifting his chin up arrogantly, placing a hand on his chest before letting out a scoff. He stood there for a minute, feigning innocence and righteousness for a second before a giggle broke his guise. The artist shook his head before leaning forward to be on eye level with the maid, the wicked grin returning once more.
"That sounds perfect."
[10:37 AM] Mistral: "Does it noooot? I aaalways have the beeest ideaaas....."
She moved a bit away from him again, bringing a finger up to her chin as she thought.
"Anyyy ideaaas where peeople like that wouuld beee though?"
[12:56 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well, look around! We're in Yuki Jyorou of all places, there's bound to be a couple or two enjoying themselves somewhere." Kalenzo answered, folding his arms as his stare drifted all around the pair, looking for any kind of clue. He continued this until another thought popped into his head.
"...Perhaps there's a couple somewhere going to enjoy the sunset? I hear that the plains make an exceptional stage for it."
[8:27 AM] Mistral: "Hmmmmmm....... Youuu are proooobably right.... Shall we goo then?"
With her morbid excitement apparent in her voice, Auriel was looking forward to it. Although it was almost a bit.... more exciting than usual. Maybe because they were sabotaging a date? Yes, it was probably that
[9:43 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Of course." Kalenzo answered, a sickeningly delighted smile crossing his face as he gave an affirmative nod. He gestured once more down the street before starting to walk. The artist could tell that the Kitsune was as excited he was, to that he let out a bit of a giggle.
Ah, it has been a while hasn't it? I'm certainly looking forward to this... As is she...(edited)
[12:05 PM] Mistral: "Heheheh..... Aaaare you reeeady then?"
She pulled out the knife again, spinning it around her fingertip by the ring in the handle.
"Perfeeection can't waaait forever youu know?"
[12:10 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "So long as you are." Kalenzo responded, giving Auriel a smirk as she spun her knife around her finger. The artist raised his chin arrogantly once more before adding on.
"Please. With these hands, and ideas in my mind, I can have perfection made whenever I so choose."(edited)
[12:21 PM] Mistral: "Leeeead the way then."
Sheathing her blade again, she continued apathetically following him, feeling confident in him knowing the city better than her(edited)
[12:47 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The bowman nodded once more, this time with a more friendly expression. Facing forward and leading just as she had asked, the two went past several streets. Taking care to avoid the busy streets, the two snaked through alleys as the sun had continuously perched itself lower and lower on the surrounding horizon.
At last, the pair had found themselves at the gates of Yuki Jyorou. As the two walked past the gates of the city, Kalenzo gave one of the guards a fake smile alongside a nod, only to be answered with a yawn.
Tch. Incompetent fools, the lot of them... He thought, contrasting his warm expression.
[12:51 PM] Mistral: Auriel on the other hand gave the guard a huge smile, a fake one nonetheless. She waved to him, recieving seemingly no reaction.
"Awwww..... Ruuuuude......"
The guard simply stood still, almost like a statue. She uttered a short "huff", before turning back to Kalenzo
"Areee we theeeeereee yet?"
[1:03 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "We're almost there, no need to worry~" He chimed in response, keeping up the friendly façade for as long as he needed to. Once they were out of the city and far enough away from the gates for the guards to care less than they already had, Kalenzo let out an exasperated sigh. Crossing his arms and glaring back at the city walls, he pursed his lips.
"Gods above, would it kill them to have some form of decency?"(edited)
[1:06 PM] Mistral: "Heh.... Prooobably...... They look liiiike they are deead anyway...."
She shrugged it off, more concerned with the roads ahead of them than the stone-faced guards.
"I waaaanna get to it alreaady...."
[1:15 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Patience is a virtue, Auriel." Kalenzo reminded after shaking his head and turning towards the Kitsune with a smirk.
"I'd like to get to it as much as you would like to, but first we have to find our targets."
[1:38 PM] Mistral: "I thooought you kneeeeeeww........"
She didn't sound particularly sad over it. Maybe it was nice going for a stroll like that. Yup. Had nothing to do with Kalenzo, for sure
[2:00 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The artist gave a shrug with one last smirk on his face before it had mellowed out into a smile.
"I'm sure that we'll find a pair somewhere, there's bound to be a couple enjoying themselves around here..."
Perhaps there wasn't anybody enjoying the sunset, perhaps the couples were all couped up in the city, protected by the guards and locked doors... But there was a peculiar feeling that developed in the gut of the virtuoso that told him time spent with the kitsune wouldn't be time wasted. It perplexed him, he simply couldn't distinguish it, was it the camaraderie in killing? Or something more? No, it couldn't...
Nevertheless, Kalenzo and Auriel took a bit of a stroll along a beaten path that snaked it's way through some trees that were located near the wonderful city. After some time, the faintest sound of giggling could be heard from a clearing not too far from them.
[2:23 PM] Mistral: Auriel pulled down her hood quickly, ears spriging up immediately once the restraining headpiece was off. She signalled for Kalenzo to be silent, as a wide grin spread across her face. She could clearly hear them after a few seconds of relative silence, the voice of a young man talking to something she guessed was a slightly younger woman. A tale of when he "Fought off an evil beast called a Tsun and split its offspring in two" and "How he dodged its every attack"
Heh.... Heheheheh.....
"Kalenzo, we may have found our target."
[2:32 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Oh have we now?" He almost whispered, crouching and keeping himself lower to the ground as his features went from warm to wicked.
[2:37 PM] Kwakado: "And that's why the best defense...is staying out of the way! Am I right, or am I right?" The young man gave a cocky grin to his date, whose eyes were absolutely sparkling. Probably because of the setting sun, but he liked to think it was because his story was just that impressive.
[2:42 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well then, I suppose we have..." Kalenzo whispered once more, looking towards Auriel with an excited grin.
"Here's what you've been waiting for."
[2:46 PM] Mistral: There was no response from the fox. Just a silent grin as she drew the knife-swords, both the black and the white one this time.
[2:48 PM] Kwakado: "Just you wait. Sir Bredbeddle's gonna be the greatest knight in all of Freyzenwald..." The green-haired boy took her hand, looking into her sparkling eyes and losing sight of all else. "And I'd love for nothing more, than to have a fair maiden like you by my side."
[3:44 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I... Sir Bredbeddle~" The red-haired lass swooned, placing a hand on her chest as she stared longingly into the young knight's shimmering eyes. Her cheeks took on a pink hue before she had finally caught her breath.
"Then I'd love for nothing more than to stay by your side for the ages to come."(edited)
[3:51 PM] Kwakado: "Forget about the war, Branwyn. Don't worry about what your family thinks of us. I promise, no matter what..."
A cool-looking smile flashed across Bredbeddle's face.
"I'll protect you."(edited)
[3:59 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Branwyn let out another breathless sigh before wasting not a second more and embracing Bredbeddle in her arms. Nuzzling the knight's shoulder with her blushing smile, she looked up to him and whispered to him.
"...I love you."
[4:05 PM] Mistral: And as fate would have it Bredbeddle would honor his promise before long. As he opened his arms to embrace his soon to be lover, a pale, now red blade emerged from his stomach, almost touching Branwyn. At that moment, he was at a loss of words to describe the pain he felt before the blade got ripped back out. He quickly turned, looking towards the culprit while covering his wound and coughing up blood.
The small, almost childlike shape in front of him showed no emotion, face hidden behind an iron mask depicting a skull.
"Awww.... Missed your heart....... I won't miss this time though."
B:"Cough... Who are.... you?"
The figure didn't respond, rather drawing a second blade, lunging at him again, lodging it into his right shoulder. In a moment of desperation he grasped after the figure's neck, trying to take them with him or at least stop them from touching Branwyn. He managed to lock his hands around their neck, but that was the last he felt before the other blade came from the left, beheading him before it hit the other blade in a resounding CLANG
The figure backed off, coughing, before breaking out into a manical laugher.
The figure backed off, coughing, before breaking out into a manical laugher.
[4:08 PM] Mistral: "Dodge THAT......."
[4:55 PM] ColdToiletSeat: All the while Branwyn watched in horror, her once blushing face turning as pale as the rising moon. She couldn't speak, the love of her life had just been taken from her and it had all seemed too real, that couldn't have just happened... right?
The splatter of blood giving proper color to her cheek gave her the answer she had dreaded. Tears streamed down the maiden's face as she realized that her lover had been cut down before her. Scrambling over herself to honor the knight's final vow, Branwyn tried to escape the now manically laughing murderer.
[4:55 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Escape. No. Get away. Bredbeddle. Run. Were the only words that flowed through the girl's mind as she started to take off, opening her mouth to scream.
Before another sound could escape Branwyn's lips, another figure's hand grabbed the lass by the back of her head, denying the girl her wish. The hands shifted her around, forcing her to face her soon-to-be killer. The face she would be met with was one of true beauty; the porcelain color, the smooth yet sharp articulations of the facial structure had been home to the brown orbs that lay visible behind the two holes. She stood there, strangely mesmerized by the mask before she had felt a suddenly intense pain in her chest. Glancing downward, she would see the ivory handle of the man's blade as it pierced one of her lungs.
[4:56 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Looking back up, Branwyn would be met with the gentle hushing of a male's voice. With that, he slowly retracted the blade from her insides and wasted no time by swiftly piercing the underside of the girl's chin, stabbing the front of her brain. As the life quickly drained from the eyes of the poor lass, she couldn't help cling to the man currently taking her life and meeting the narrowing eyes behind the mask.
As the red haired lass fell limp, the figure put a hand behind her back in order to let the body fall slowly to the ground before unsheathing his knife from her skull.
"Oh, what sweet sadness is killing?" Questioned the man before he broke out into a fit of maniacal laughter alongside his partner.(edited)
[5:12 PM] Mistral: As her laughing slowed down, the hysterical kitsune turned her attention to the man she just had executed. The newly headless body was lying down in the grass next to her feet, swords both covered in blood. The lens on her mask had also gotten some onto it, but it did not matter in the slightest. She looked over the blades for marks before sheathing them again, turning to Kalenzo.
"Awww. Their hearts went out together too. Cute. Too bad they are dead now."
[12:58 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Oh, how poetic!" Kalenzo exclaimed, his stare darting between the two freshly made corpses. He let out another fit of laughter before his volume had taken a decrescendo into sweet silence. Running his thumb and forefinger along the length of his knife, he flicked the blood away and and cleaned his teacher's blade all in one fell swoop. The man felt goosebumps across his limbs as a shiver went down his spine.
This, is what it means to be truly alive!
Bringing his blade almost parallel to his head, the artist seemed to listen to it almost as if an actor would listen to the applause after the curtain had fallen. He let out what sounded like a content snicker before sheathing the knife and turning to Auriel for a proper comment.
"Sounds like Sir Bredbeddle over here can't seem to hold a promise very well..."
[4:05 PM] Mistral: "Lost his head with all the bragging I suppose."
The murderer chuckled a bit at her own pun, before feeling the rush from earlier subside. Turning her attention to the bodies on the ground next to them, she let out a long sigh.
"Weak. So much for a charmer."
[5:25 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Heh." The 'artist' scoffed at the pun, taking an agonizingly slow breath as he reached up and grabbed his mask. Dotting some of it's porcelain features with the blood left on his fingers, he let out a sharp exhale as the mask came off.
"He may have been a charmer, but at least he did well in that regard." Kalenzo commented, putting away his mask as he looked up towards the half moon that had finally risen.
"Regardless of that, I'd say that was a job well done, how about you?"
[7:23 AM] Mistral: With the deed finally done and with Kalenzo doing the same, Auriel removed the iron mask from her face while simultaneously pulling down the hood, letting her ears go free again.
"Eh..... Ive done better, but that was a lot of fun."
[7:38 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "I suppose you make a fair point, that was quite fun..." He commented, a smile on his face as he stared at the two bodies once more. Turning around, the artist began to look around his eyes starting to adjust to the darkness.
"Well then, I suppose we'll just leave them he- UWOAH!" Kalenzo exclaimed, tripping over an unseen object on the ground.(edited)
[7:44 AM] Mistral: "What!?"
Auriel's ears jumped to attention after Kalenzo tripped, suddenly vary of the area. She slowly approached Kalenzo, alert to every single sound that was made
"Is there anyone here?"
[7:49 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "I, no... I believe I tripped over something..." Kalenzo answered, shaking his head as he sat up on the ground, dusting himself off in the process.
"Hold on a minute... What the... What is this?" He wondered, narrowing his eyes and reaching out to what had tripped him. Feeling around in the darkness, his fingers came across what felt like a box- perhaps a basket of sorts. Grabbing it and bringing it closer to his eyes, his suspicions were confirmed! It was a wicker basket with a still closed top.
"...Oh. It's just a box..."(edited)
[8:04 AM] Mistral: "Oh? What is inside?"
The kitsune approached the man, sitting curiously down next to him eyeing the box. In her head, she was thinking about all the things that a couple could have brought on a date, and her mind immedieately jumped to food and sweets. It would be the perfect way to end their little.... "field trip"
"What are you waiting for, there may be something cool inside!"
[8:17 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Hold on, hold on! I'm getting to that part!" He responded eagerly, sitting himself cross-legged on the ground before resting the box on his lap. Licking his lips in anticipation as to what was inside, Kalenzo wasted no more time by prying open the lid that held it closed.
Inside the basket was a multitude of different things ranging from candles with a flint and steel to light them, expensive chocolates, a bottle of fine Khlinese wine with two glasses and a picnic blanket resting on top of it all. A sly smile crossed the virtuoso's face as he realized the two had struck gold. With the same smile on his face, Kalenzo began to speak
"Well, it would be a waste to just up and leave these gifts to rot away..." He commented, bringing up his head to look at Auriel, a barely visible blush tinging his cheeks. "Would you... care to enjoy these with me?"(edited)
[8:40 AM] Mistral: "Hah. Aren't we quite the charmer now? I'd suggest not losing your head like our friend over there."
She looked over her shoulder at the headless body lying on the ground next to them. They would have to clean it eventually..... but naaah. She'd much rather eat.
"But yes. A snack could be good right now."
[8:51 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Heh... I don't intend to." Kalenzo answered to the suggestion, giving the kitsune a closed-eye smile before standing himself up. Taking the picnic blanket in his hands, he spread it over the ground of the clearing with a single flourish. Placing the basket down in the center, he lit a few of the candles before gesturing Auriel to take a seat near him.
[9:14 AM] Mistral: "Impressive. Gentlemanly. I like it."
She gave him a short clap as a response, before sitting down next to him.
"Do you do this often?"
[9:27 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "I've seen my fair share of theatrical performances with scenes like this, so I'd say that I'm quite familiar with this whole song and dance..." Kalenzo answered, lazily rotating his hand through the air before giving a small bow to his applause.
With a smirk, he reached into the basket once more, this time pulling out the drink. Taking a second to examine the dark glass, the paper attached to the neck read something about "Khlinese plum wine" with a small illustration of a Koi fish as a type of seal. Gently peeling off the seal, the artist pulled out the cork with a satisfying pop.
"Would you like a glass or two?" Kalenzo offered, raising his eyebrows at the fellow murderer.
[9:52 AM] Mistral: "Gladly, thanks. What else is in there?"
Turning her attention back to the man, the evening's killings suddenly not as much of a focus anymore she realized something. She could have left after the murder, but didn't. Food was fine and dandy, but she could have made it herself. Instead she was now sitting here, waiting for a glass of wine.
Now THIS.... I didn't expect.
[10:04 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "I believe a box of chocolates is what's left..." He answered, rummaging through the basket once more for the glasses.
Isn't this just wonderful? A beautiful night lit by candles... Some wine... A bit of bloodshed and some chocolates! How... perfect...
The artist thought, finally grasping the two glasses and bringing them out. Holding one of them with his thumb and forefinger, he began to fill it until the drink reached half-way, to which he would then pass to Auriel.
"Say... You're not using that usual voice of yours, is something amiss?"(edited)
[10:11 AM] Mistral: "Huh? Ah, simply not acting. Do you preeeeefeeer meee like thaaat?"
She accepted the glass, taking a short sip
[10:12 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Ohohoho... No." He answered sternly, pouring himself a glass as well.(edited)
[10:17 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "It's a tad annoying, might I ask why you do it?"
[11:40 AM] Mistral: "A strange cute idiot is more likable than a cold murderer you know."
She grinned upon reffering to her "alternate" persona, almost bursting out laughing on how stupid it was.
"But what can i say? My appearance makes it work."(edited)
[11:56 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Hmph. I suppose it does..." Kalenzo chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he concentrated his stare on the wine in his glass. Giving the drink a slow spin, he put on a sly smile before raising it and silently taking a sip, letting out a content hum afterwards.
"You know, it's been an interesting experience working with you... Knowing that you've got my back and that I've got yours certainly puts my soul at ease. Would you agree?"
[1:12 PM] Mistral: "Hmph. Maybe, you are decent as a teammate I suppose. Make no mistake, I have seen better."
Like my brother and sister.
"But still..... You are... good enough."
"But still..... You are... good enough."
[2:17 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Tch. I'm... decent? Good enough? ...If there's anything He's taught me, it's that I must be perfection.
Kalenzo thought, gritting his teeth a little bit before taking another sip of wine.
"How... Lovely."
[2:39 PM] Mistral: "Maybe you would be accepted in my tribe. Im sure Muiri would like you."
She shrugged, taking another sip of wine.
"But too bad you are stuck only knowing me."
[2:42 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Hmm? Tribe? Care to elaborate?" Kalenzo wondered, tilting his head and stopping himself before he took another sip.
[2:44 PM] Mistral: "Im a Kitsune you dolt. Of course I have a tribe."
A short "hmph" escaped her lips before she continued.
"I can't tell you about it. Secrets."
[3:21 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Heh... Well alright then, I suppose you have your reasons..." The artist shrugged, not letting the jab at his intelligence cut too deeply.
[2:47 PM] Mistral: "Ah well. Don't take it like an insult, nobody gets to know about it anyway."
She continued sipping at the wine, leaving the elegant glass almost empty
"People usually don't even get to learn about me before they die. You are a first."
[3:08 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well, I suppose I should feel honored then!" Kalenzo snickered, shaking his head before a sigh escaped him and he took the final sip of his glass. Taking his time with it, thoughts poured into his mind as he watched the velvet liquid trickle down the sides of the cup.
What happened to you, Kalenzo? I thought you were a solo act! Sharing the spotlight with her of all people? How detestable...
He felt tempted to pour himself another glass, it would certainly help alleviate most of the stresses of the past few days... He shook away those thoughts, quickly deciding against them. Getting drunk while there was still cleanup to do would be quite the unprofessional decision. Silently placing his glass away, Kalenzo finally traded it for the box of chocolates sat in the basket.
[3:35 PM] Mistral: The kitsune, somewhat let down with herself due to revealing even the slightest amount of info to this man, turned her attention to the box of chocolates, grateful for the oppurtunity to focus on something else for the moment.
"What are you waiting for then Kalenzo. Open it, maybe there is still something vaguely tasty in there."
[12:30 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I'm getting to it, there's no need to be so impatient..."
The artist reassured, his stare fixated on the box in his hands. Meticulously undoing the ribbon that kept the box together, the man's fingers worked quickly until the two-piece box had become free. Quickly placing the thin fabric back into the basket, Kalenzo slowly opened the box with a look of childlike eagerness on his face. Two words escaped the man's lips as the treasures within were finally revealed...
"Oh my..."
The box had been fairly generic in design, but the treats that had resided within it were something else entirely. Each chocolate was a masterpiece in it's own right, each sweet expertly handcrafted into perfection. Nevertheless, Kalenzo blinked a few times, almost feeling guilty for wanting to desecrate such works of art.
[1:25 PM] Mistral: "Elegant. Quite fitting after such a job, wouldn't you agree?"
Her tone stayed calm, but with an impressed tone to it. Clearly, the "craftmanship" here was top notch, if you could call it that. It must have cost quite a lot.
"Charmer with big pockets and loads of money. Maybe he still has some."
[1:36 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The Kitsune's words broke the man's trance in the craftsmanship of the confections. He shook his head, giving a few nods along with a simple "Hmmm" of agreement before taking a sweet out of the container. Rotating it with his thumb and forefinger, the artist gave the chocolate a further examination before offering it to his partner in crime.
"Perhaps he might, nevertheless, here you are."
[1:57 PM] Mistral: Auriel took the chocolate, eating it without inspecting nor caring for the artistry that was the chocolate. Even if it looked delicate, it was like a blunt knife. What purpose did it serve? Nothing.
But the chocolate was great, filled with a creamy toffee. A taste Auriel hadn't had before. The sweetness rushed all over her mouth, leaving a sweet aftertaste.
"That was... something. It tasted great, nonetheless. Try one yourself."
[2:19 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The virtuoso raised his eyebrows in a mildly shocked expression as Auriel simply ate the chocolate without a second glance. There was no savoring of the flavor, there was no spreading of taste across the palate to let the taste buds enjoy each and every particle of chocolate.
Kalenzo blinked a few times, disbelief in his expression before he picked up a chocolate and ate one for himself...
It was all he had expected and more. The delectable taste of the chocolate outside... the surprise of the taste of glazed cherry that hid in secret... It was truly a masterpiece.
"Yes... yes indeed..." He spoke with an almost breathless tone.
"I suppose Sir Bredbeddle over there was a man with fine taste, a bit of a shame that his head had to roll..."
[2:42 PM] Mistral: "Shame? Nah. His flirtyness was repulsive, and he got the death he deserved."
Auriel showed no remorse in verbally abusing the dead "knight". From her perspective, his stupidity was his undoing, and it was deserved.
"He lacked subtlety. Something I think you are just as aware of."
[2:59 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Heh, I suppose being a helpless flirt will only get you so far... Oh well, no matter how good his taste was, he's become food for the flowers now..."
Kalenzo let out a bit of a sigh, silently placing another chocolate into his mouth to help lighten his mood.
[3:03 PM] Mistral: "Pff. You seemed pretty merciless slaying that other girl. She was probably just as bad, for even considering someone like that. Pathetic."
Auriel reached a hand out towards the box, gesturing for Kalenzo to give her a chocolate as well(edited)
[3:08 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Eh, she seemed fairly young, easily captivated by the likes of him." Kalenzo commented, easily noticing Auriel's gesture and complying.
"Oh well, enough of that. How've you been doing lately? That horse still giving you trouble?"
[3:12 PM] Mistral: "Yeah. Does not listen to orders. Considering just letting it go out and die in the woods." Her annoyance was apparent in her voice, as if simply mentioning the horse reminded her of its countless failiures.
"I've been trying to find an alternative weapon. Don't know what though."
[3:16 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well, you seem to be very capable with those knives of yours, that has to be an option."
The man gave a shrug, rolling his shoulders before making another offer.
"Or, if you're interested, I'm willing to teach someone like you how to use a bow."
[3:31 PM] Mistral: "Hmm.... Or maybe I can do what most kitsune do, and use a beaststone.... Options, options."
She thought back to her time back at their "mansion" in Nohr, where her mother had learnt her about beaststone usage. About how their clan had been robbed of the ability to connect with the magic that flowed through their veins. Yet she had used it multiple times. Maybe it was worth trying.
[3:34 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The artist raised his eyebrows and stared at Auriel, not in disgust, rather... with interest.
"That's certainly a viable option, what's stopping you from doing that?"(edited)
[4:08 PM] Mistral: "Haven't tried it. It's like a tradition, almost. Our clan does not use beaststones anymore. But I was never one to care for tradition either, so. May as well try."
She looked down at the brooch embedded on her robe, an empty slot where a beastcharm or a beaststone could be slotted. It had been added there on her request, but she never actually found any usage for it. That might have been about to change however.
[4:19 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well, I suppose now is as opportune a moment as ever." Kalenzo commented, leaning back and resting most of his weight on his palms.
"Try it, see what happens. If it ends in failure, I won't tell anybody."(edited)
[11:26 AM] Mistral: "Well, I don't know. I think it may just be painful and uncomfortable if I try. Thanks for uh... Staying silent i suppose? But then again, I can trust you with most secrets. We are fellow 'criminal scum' anyway, right?"
Auriel grinned, with a silent chuckle. Kalenzo was truly great company... If not just because of their shared.... "passions"
[11:42 AM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo shared the grin, a small snicker escaping him at the words 'criminal scum.' Knowing that he could also be trusted with the Kitsune's secrets was another piece of information that put a smile on his face.
"Aha... that we are, my dear Auriel~" He spoke, his words lacking their usual sarcasm when referring to the Kitsune.
"Two individuals against the world, aren't we?"(edited)
[12:10 PM] Mistral: "Of course. Leaving a bloody trail that nobody can find the origin of. Beautiful."
She smiled with genuine childlike glee, knowing that her partner had her back. She teasingly tapped Kalenzo on the shoulder with her tail, catching his attention before saying.
"That was pretty cute. Like you."
[12:24 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I-ah... er-uh... What now?"
He questioned, blinking a few times in disbelief as he stumbled over his words. Stumbling over himself as well, Kalenzo leaned forward in his seat. His face quickly became flushed with a pink color, he had never been referred to as 'cute' before...
[12:34 PM] Mistral: "Heheheh. You were cute, like I said."
Auriel herself had no traits that could even hint towards a bit of shame in her face.
"Do you have a problem with it?"(edited)
[12:40 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I uh... not particularly." Kalenzo answered, looking away bashfully before making his own reply.
"I suppose that you're pretty cute too... Now that I think about it..."
[12:53 PM] Mistral: "Awww. Thanks, I get that a lot."
She chuckled, before patting Kalenzo on his back
"Don't worry. People being embarrased is also cute."
[1:08 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The artist pursed his lips as he was pat on the back, he felt as if he were being treated like a child. 'Embarassed' was a good word to describe him in that moment, Kalenzo had been referred to by many adjectives, most of them being 'smooth' or 'suave' and even 'charming' but never had he been called 'cute'.
Oh Gods, I must look so pathetic right now... He thought, his face darkening to a deeper shade of red as his lip started to quiver a tad.
[1:29 PM] ColdToiletSeat: He let out an uncomfortable chuckle as a comment before adjusting himself, crossing his legs and scratching behind his neck.
[1:41 PM] Mistral: "Heh. How embarrased are you now?"
She inched ever closer to him, eventually ending up shoulder to shoulder, curling her tail around his waist.
[1:53 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The man tensed as he felt the Kitsune's tail snake it's way around his waist. He almost felt the need to let out a yelp in response but quickly decided against it.
"Q-quite..." Kalenzo answered with his eyes closed, squirming ever so slightly as Auriel came closer to him.
[2:12 PM] Mistral: Auriel laughed gleefully, looking at Kalenzo intesely.
"How much more embarrased would you be if I did.... this?"
She quickly planted a kiss on his right cheek, before giggling creepily at his side
[2:35 PM] ColdToiletSeat: At the kiss, Kalenzo let out a noise that had been a strange mixture between discomfort and a whimper for his answer. Being so powerless in the situation should have angered him, but it was strange... He felt giddy all of a sudden and he couldn't seem to muster an explanation.
The man ceased his squirming, his lips stopped quivering and curled into a smile. Slowly, Kalenzo began to relax, starting to giggle alongside Auriel.
[2:51 PM] Mistral: "Now, what do you think?"
Her face slowly tinted red, although she paid it no mind
"Was that good?"
[3:11 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Hm hmm~ I'd say it was pretty good." He answered, slowly freeing his arms from the light restraint of Auriel's tail.
"...But do you want to know what would be perfect?"
[3:19 PM] Mistral: "Suprise me then, Kalenzo."
Her voice tensed upon saying his name, almost in a taunting manner
[3:34 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Ufufufu, ask and you shall receive, Auriel." He responded, a sly grin on his face as he slowly tilted his head. The man's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, hoping to part lips with the kitsune.
[4:08 PM] Mistral: "Oh well. Have gone this far, may as well continue."
She leaned in, meeting her lips with his, curling her tail back around his body again.
[7:38 AM] ColdToiletSeat: As their lips connected something akin to figurative fireworks went off in the artist's head. As a fan of the theater he had quickly grown familiar with the legendary 'kiss' that had been fawned over by many, he never understood the appeal of it... until now.
Being able to experience such a thrill with someone who had shared his passions... It was wonderful, It made him feel weightless... It felt... perfect.
Kalenzo sat there, savoring the moment for as long as he could. Them being together had evoked a certain memory from the artist's past, something he couldn't quite put his finger on, but the same warmth was there and it had overjoyed him beyond all belief.(edited)
[12:25 PM] Mistral: As their interconnection continued, Auriel found herself at a loss for thoughts at all, barring how great it felt. She had invited it teasingly, but never expected him to be so... good at it. She was left stunned, ears up at attention from shock, and her tail stiffening around Kalenzo while they did. She simply stayed in silence, relunctant to pull apart from him again
[1:07 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The artist's mind seemed hazy in that moment, everything surrounding the two seemed to fade into a blur. As they sat there together, the feeling of the Kitsune's tail tense as it curled around him was the applause that let him know his performance was quite satisfactory. However, unlike the theater, this was not an act.
Content with the results, the corners of Kalenzo's mouth curled into a smile before he had pulled away. His mouth took small breaths before his blushing face regarded Auriel's and a simple questions escaped him.
"Was that good enough?"
[2:08 PM] Mistral: "It..... was something, that's for sure."
Her breathing slowed down from the hasty tempo it had held earlier, becoming the same controlled tone she had kept earlier. Something deep inside her shined, however. Almost as if a latent force awakened within her, one that had been dormant for the long 78 years she had lived. The feeling was a liberation, like a heavy weight lifted of her shoulders, one she never even realised was there. Then she laughed, the same childish giggle she always had, leaving a grin on her face once it stopped
"Heh. You really are a great kisser, aren't you?"
[2:46 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Heheh... Why thank you~" Kalenzo responded, still catching his breath. He gave a small nod to the appreciative words, almost as if he were an actor giving a bow to a crowd's applause before his breaths gradually normalized. He averted his eyes before continuing,
"I don't give those out to just anyone you know..."
[4:06 PM] Mistral: "Pff. You strike me as such a kind of person. Does not make it less precious, however."
Her grin faded slightly again, with her nodding in response. In her mind, Kalenzo had probably wooed a lot of village maidens already.
[4:29 PM] ColdToiletSeat: The man pursed his lips as he was called 'precious' yet again, it was still embarrassing but he would live. Keeping his gaze averted, Kalenzo took a moment to choose his next few words carefully.
"And another thing... in all of my years of travelling alone I've seen lots of different places and met all sorts of people, there was one thing that they all had in common..." Kalenzo spoke up once more, shifting in his seat slightly.
"They were all blind... They were fools who could not seem to grasp the true beauty behind my work..." He cursed, turning his head to the side as his features hardened with distaste.
"I truly thought I was alone in this world..." The man continued moments later, his expression starting to soften as it gradually turned back towards the kitsune.
In that moment, Kalenzo caught his breath, pausing for what seemed like an eternity in his mind before his eyes lifted and met Auriel's.
"That is, until I had met you."
[2:42 PM] Mistral: "Hmm... I do have to admit. We are truly kindred spirits. A pair of foxes in a den of rodents, if you will."
Her smile revealed a geniune happiness, one that wasn't invoked from her adrenaline bursts she got from killing, nor the ones she got from teasing Luna. One that was simply founded on care from another human being, who shared her deadly passions.
"And even though my brother and sister may be close to me, I think it wanes in comparison to you."
[4:34 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I see..." Kalenzo commented before closing his eyes and leaning back, resting his weight once more on his hands. He took a deep breath, his expression being that of pure delight as he exhaled only moments later. Directing his gaze to the moon sitting amongst the stars, the artist continued,
"Well, I didn't think this night could get any better, but it seems I've been proved wrong. Heh, funny how that works..."
His stare drifted back to Auriel in order to give another smile, but out of the corner of his eye he noticed something... A pool of blood. It was then, the realization hit him. They hadn't cleaned up their mess yet! His eyebrows raised and his head tilted as he blinked a few times, staring at the fresh pair of corpses the two had created.(edited)
[4:54 PM] Mistral: "Oh, those. I thought we could just leave them there, but who knows. Got any bright ideas on where to hide them then?"
Auriel put a finger on her chin, as always when in thought, deep or not. Leaving them for someone to find was cruel, but work was annoying. She was out of ideas nonetheless
[5:05 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo similarly cupped his chin with his hand, scratching his stubble and letting out a perplexed "Hmm" as he continued to stare at the bodies. Holding that pose as he thought, a poetically morbid idea manifested itself in the man's mind. Standing himself up, a smug grin crossed the artist's face as he walked over to the bodies and stood before them.
"I think I know exactly what to do."
[5:15 PM] Mistral: "And what is that? Now you have my interest."
Her smirk only widened after hearing the "idea", and her mind was working overtime trying to figure out what horrifying scheme he had concocted
[5:29 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Oh it's quite simple, really." He answered as he kneeled down beside Sir Bredbeddle's body, wary not to stain his own clothes unnecessarily. Grabbing the cadaver by the shoulders, Kalenzo propped him up against the base of a tree.
"It seems like these two were having such a wonderful time together until we had come along and- eheh, graced them with our presences. As I see it, it's only fitting that we leave them to enjoy each other's company some more."
[5:55 PM] Mistral: "Perfect. I think the blanket fits them well. They can have a nice long nap together."
She looked to the bodies, seeing the decapitated one laying far away from his head. Mischevious ideas flooded to her head, and she suddenly found a perfect way to pull a prank.
"Actually....... Mind if i try something on the other body?"(edited)
[6:13 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "By all means, do your worst." Kalenzo snickered, looking over his shoulder towards his accomplice with a grin. Standing himself up, he motioned towards the bodies with a bow.(edited)
[7:09 PM] Mistral: "Heheeheheh...:"
She grabbed the basket, and walked over to the decapitated body, grabbing the head. One could say it still carried a look of fear as she picked it up, staring at it with cold stare, laughing a bit at his pathetic try to fight back before dying. She then pushed it into the picnic basket, among the other assorted scraps still in there, before throwing it next to the corpses.
"That's a grim suprise.... But eh, I don't think the lady is happy enough.... How about... this?"
[7:10 PM] Mistral: She moved over, bringing out a small claw from her index finger, crudely scratching a wide smile onto her face
[12:22 AM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo let out a gasp of what could only be described as delighted. Clasping his hands together and bringing them close to his cheek, the man's closed eye smile turned into a toothy grin as he watched Auriel make her contribution to the masterpiece.
"Ohoho, how ab-so-lute-ly wonderful~" He commented, taking a step back and chuckling at what they had made so far. Bringing a hand up to his chin once more, he narrowed his eyes as he stared at the piece from various different angles. It was certainly a gruesome display, one lifeless body near the other... Yet, it had been missing something... Something Kalenzo couldn't quite put his finger on... The artist's head perked up before a snicker escaped his lips. Walking back towards the tree, he drew his knife and began etching something in the bark. "Here, I think this whole display is missing something..."(edited)
"Ohoho, how ab-so-lute-ly wonderful~" He commented, taking a step back and chuckling at what they had made so far. Bringing a hand up to his chin once more, he narrowed his eyes as he stared at the piece from various different angles. It was certainly a gruesome display, one lifeless body near the other... Yet, it had been missing something... Something Kalenzo couldn't quite put his finger on... The artist's head perked up before a snicker escaped his lips. Walking back towards the tree, he drew his knife and began etching something in the bark. "Here, I think this whole display is missing something..."(edited)
[7:57 AM] Mistral: Auriel smiled wickedly after seeing the inscription Kalenzo etched into the bark. A crude little heart, inscribed with the names of the victims.
"Bredbeddle and Branwyn. Cute, if not just outright hideous."
[8:04 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Aha... why thank you, I thought it would be quite fitting." Kalenzo grinned, inspecting his blade for any deformities before wiping it clean with his fingers and placing it back in his sheath. Standing himself up, the man took a step backwards once more in order to fully admire the piece. Shutting one eye, he peered through something akin to a picture frame made by his own fingers before making a comment.
"I believe that should do, what do you think?"(edited)
[8:37 AM] Mistral: "Hmph. Someone with trashy tastes may find this disgusting. But I, on the contrary find it.... cute, I suppose."
She lazily inspected it, grinning a little once she opened the basket, finding the head, still locked in a fearful scream. She snickered a bit, before scratching in the same crude smile on his face. Then she returned to Kalenzo.
"I think right now, the more pressing concern is.... What about us, then?"
The mischevious smile returned once more as she asked, anticipating his answer
[9:13 AM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo tensed for a moment, raising his eyebrows in mild surprise at the question before shifting around, clasping his hands behind his back. Meeting the kitsune's smile with a smirk of his own, he shrugged.
"Well, I have a couple of ideas... But I'm eager to see what you have in mind."
[9:30 AM] Mistral: "Oh? Last I checked, I was the secretive one. How about I hear yours first instead, hm?"
The sly smile showed no indication of dissapearing anytime soon. Prying from Auriel was like trying to create a blade from air alone at a forge. Not happening within the next 20 centuries.(edited)
[10:12 AM] ColdToiletSeat: The artist let out a defeated sigh, letting his head and arms hang limp on his shoulders and at his sides respectively. His face pouted at Auriel somewhat comically before curling into a smile again. Placing a hand on his hip, Kalenzo stood himself upright before leaning forward and offering an open hand.
"Well, I suppose we can start by returning to town... Together, of course."(edited)
[11:01 AM] Mistral: "Smooth."
Auriel took a moment before accepting his hand. Did she really want to be seen with this man like that? But then again, most people probably disliked her enough from the get-go, so she accepted it gracefully.
"Lead on then, murderer."
[11:34 AM] ColdToiletSeat: "Eheh... I'm not quite fond of being called a murderer, I much prefer the term artist."
Kalenzo commented, moving the hand from his hip to point at his chest. After a brief pause, he nodded to Auriel before following the instructions she had given to him, starting to walk back towards the city of Yuki Jyorou.
[1:20 PM] Mistral: Auriel followed, humming a cheerful tune, in stark contrast to the atrocity they left behind. Hopefuly nobody noticed it too soon.
"Heeeey... Kaaaaalaaaa? Thaat was fun..."
[1:57 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Great, back to the usual voice I see... Kalenzo thought, his expression starting to grow cold as his name was butchered once more. Nevertheless, he tilted his head as he listened to what the kitsune had to say. Hearing her words, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and he nodded, letting out a content hum all the while.
"I agree, that was certainly something I'd like to do more often... Especially with someone like you."(edited)
[3:14 PM] Mistral: "Heheheheheheh.... Glaaaad you liiked it.."
And so they walked back to Yuki Jyrou with all the onlookers only seeing a strange couple, unknowing of what they had done. Nobody suspected them once the bodies were discovered after the army had already left, and the local law enforcement were left none the wiser. The horrid atrocities left behind were a happy memory for the two killers however, as they looked back on it with a smile.
[3:14 PM] Mistral: =RP-ENDERINO=
No comments:
Post a Comment