Casting Shadows (Leo)

[Era]

It was peaceful in this town. It was a place of ever-night, but without the cold, dark, empty sensation brought out by the Darkness. Splashes of pale yellow light brightened the flat cobblestone streets of the Second District, bringing a calming atmosphere to the town. Looking over this beautiful world, there was no feeling of fear, nor of worry -- although, with the number of Heartless that scampered about in Traverse Town, perhaps there should've been.

The people with strong enough Hearts had come here after their worlds were destroyed. And, even amidst the chaos of losing everyone and everything they held dear, most of them found some form of comfort in the relaxing attitude carried by this tranquil, extravagant slice of heaven.

Perhaps Reliquim, too, was looking for that comfort. He sat on the edge of the road leading out of Traverse Town's famous Hotel, legs dangling from the edge of the drop-off to the deeper floor. Bronze-clawed fingertips grasped the rim of the cliff, ears calmed by the little Music Box that sat right next to him. It happily chimed its tune to the world, the familiar notes calming his restless nerves. But still, deep inside, there was an unease; one that the Emberfox knew all too well would never be made right. His Heart had been pulled out, shredded, and tossed aside as refuse... destroyed beyond any form of conceivable repair, and while wishing against it, a part of him had already succumbed to that defeat... And it was this defeat that drove him to the brink of his sanity. The defeat that drove him to cause suffering to others, so that, for a brief time, he didn't have to feel it.

"Thanks to him." The teasing whisper was only audible to his ears.... or his mind. It was hard to tell where the Voices came from.

Blood burgundy eyes sharpened in response to the haunting tease, a vicious snarl curling the Firefox's lips. His voice was low, weighted down by years of anger and tainted with a lust for revenge. "I will find him..." the threat was just as acerbic as his growl.

"And when you do?" Victoria's voice prodded, hanging a verbal carrot over his head. Anyone close enough to see the Firefox talking probably would've deduced that he'd lost his mind. After all, there was no one around to talk to... But such facts hardly stopped Reliquim from acting as he did.

Messy strands of liquid silver hair did little to hinder his gaze; the sharp, cold malice he'd been harboring for the past few years was breaching an overflow. "I will avenge Yorani." The antique Music Box played a few more notes - the final few chimes of the lovely tune, and the gears inside clicked to a stop.

[Deleted]

As the tune of the music box stopped, another began, different then the song but somehow flowing together with it. It was a merry tune, obviously humming, and the source came from the entrance from the First District, as Leo pushed through the door. He had been taking a relaxing walk to calm his nerves, and now felt calmer then he did when he was in his hotel room.

The concept of being so...enclosed was new to the young prince, for he was used to (and thoroughly enjoyed) wide-open spaces and the freedom of nature. This confinement made his heart long for the wood, and he mewed quietly to himself as he remembered all that he had lost, but quickly shook it off and kept walking.

As walked closer to the square, his ears flickered as something caught his attention. He wasn't alone in this District. With a gesture, his bo staff appeared in a shimmer of light, and he rested one of the ends upon the ground, observing with his eyes and his ears. And, once he found the source of the presence he felt, he involuntary mewed. He was relieved it wasn't a Heartless, but this new stranger made him worry. His scent just didn't seem...right.

He tightened the grip on his staff and kept walking.

[Era]

The Emberfox's blood burgundy eyes: they were sharp enough to cut glass... strong enough to unleash the darkness in his heart. And at times, weak enough to expose the mere shreds of sanity he had left. And now, those eyes watched the peculiar cat-boy, analyzing his movements, his weapon, his stature.

What's this? A new toy? Jasper whispered enthusiastically.

As the Firefox observed the Neko, his lips curled into a weak smirk. One could only presume the things his mind had been conjuring, and they weren't good... at least until the pull of those dark eyes jolted toward a new figure that had taken shape near him, scurrying right past the cruel humanoid, its gaze set for a larger Heart.

The inky black Heartless twitched to life on the edge of the fountain near the District's other resident, its yellow gaze set on an assault... But its body would not comply. Instead, the jet black creature would reach out to tap the other male with one finger, similarly to how a humanoid might try to get someone's attention. Peculiarly for a Heartless, it just watched the Neko for a moment, ready to leap away or dodge if attacked.

Pay no attention to the Puppeteer behind the mask.

[Deleted]

"Hmm?"

As the Neko felt the tap on his shoulder, he whipped around, his staff stopping inches from the small Heartless. However, he lowered his staff and looked curiously at the creature, his ears twitching. He knew that Heartless would normally attack at once, even when you were looking away, so he wondered why this one hadn't. Curiously, he reached a hand out for it, then stopped, realizing what he was doing.

The image of these creatures of shadow flickered through his mind, invading his world and killing his people, taking there hearts to the unknown. Leo had been forced to watch this whole ordeal from the top floor of the mansion he lived in, hands grabbing onto the railing as he held back tears that wanted to fall. He was tempted to call upon his summons, but he knew their world was beyond help.

With a yell of anger, the Woodland Prince jumped back and pointed his staff at the Heartless, breathing hard. He knew the other personw a sprobably watching him, but his desire for revenge on these vile beasts clouded his common sense. With a mental command, a small red orb of crystal appeared above him, and small sparks of fire surrounded him, almost as if protecting him.

My son, be calm...your judgement is being clouded. Relax and find the true source of this mystery...things are not what they seem.[/color]

His ears lwoered as his mother's voice echoed in his head, and he straightened out, taking a deep breath.

"What manner is affecting you, dark beast?

[Era]

The Firefox concealed a snicker as he watched his toy Neko interact with the Heartless under his control. There was a sick sense of twisted delight in this game, and Reliquim was enjoying every minute of it.

That scream was music to my ears. And... The Puppeteer busted out with a laugh, against his best efforts to remain composed. The Shadow scratched at one of its antennae, then hopped down from its perch on the fountain. It scurried up the stairs opposite of the District's other resident, past the shops, and around to the Hotel, curling up beside Reliquim.

From his position on the edge of the Hotel's walkway, the Emberfox had a perfect view for this interactive television of his.

One leg dwindled from the ledge, the other was bent in a partially Indian-style. His elbow propped up on the bent knee, chin resting in one clawed hand. His other hand stood out in the air, fingers moving as his remote control over the twitching shadow.

Curious, blood burgundy eyes watched Leo for his reaction. After all, it wasn't every day someone ran into a puppeteer of Hearts.

[Deleted]

The feline prince's eyes followed the Shadow as it walked back up to the man sitting on the wall, who was seemingly acting like a Puppeteer to it. His ears flicked briefly in annoyance, and he looked up to the man, his eyes shining. The laugh had caught him off guard, and the scent of the other man had kept shifting back and forth. At times, it was a scent of manical joy, at others a scent of power.

In truth, Leo was scared of this man, but he knew that keeping a firm stance would best benefit him. Still, that didn't stop him from reaching out with his power to the red crystal in his pocket, feeling the power of his summons wash over him. He chose not to speak towards the stranger just yet, but instead glared at him, his gaze like a dagger.

Staying true to the statement that actions spoke louder then words, a sharp wave of his hand caused a red summoning circle to be cast around him. Golden flames shot up from its runes, and formed into a bird like shape in the air. Suddenly, they all burst out, and a crimson bird near the size of Leo himself emerged from the inferno, flying down and landing next to the prince.

Go ahead...make your move.

[Era]

The Emberfox's smirk widened, revealing a mouth full of pointed teeth. His cold, cruel eyes lit with amusement at the Neko's hasty maneuver, but the mastermind remained seated.

"Goodness me, why so hasty to fight? Surely a handsome young fellow like yourself has no need of bloodshed to make a point," his words were soothing, calm, curious perhaps... Almost comfortable. The gentleness of his coy words displayed a certain level-headed cool about the situation, and he only smiled gently at the other humanoid.

And, with an en easy front, the Emberfox watched, bronze-clawed fingers gently flexing, scratching his boot idly as the cogwheels of his mind turned. It was time to lead a game of Fox and Mouse.

[Deleted]

"I know the scent of darkness very well, and you reek of it. I've dealt with plenty of your little minions, so why should you be any different?"

To be honest, all the young Prince was doing was talking a big game, and his unease was obvious. The firebird wrapped a wing around him, almost protectively, but didn't act. He had called her to protect, not attack, and Phoenix would do just that.

The scent that filled the Prince's nose was that of the Heartless, but it was tinged with something else, something... darker. It was a near gagging scent, and it hung thick, like smoke. He glanced briefly at the Firefox, taking in all the information her could. He may have been a little bit bigger then the Neko, but Leo could tell he was dangerous.

"Don't call me handsome. And I don't seem to be the one accustomed to bloodshed here."

[Era]

Seeing the power that the stranger had exhibited caused the Firefox to re-evaluate his situation. By summoning the Phoenix that guarded him, the other male was practically bearing his teeth in warning. Reliquim understood the sign, and decided to adjust his course of action to tread more lightly. "Your lips spout peace," he adjusted his seated posture, legs folded as he rested on the rim of the Hotel's walkway. "But your actions say fight," he rested his elbow on his knee. The dark silvery locks of hair that framed his face bounced slightly as he stuck his chin in his palm, and he watched Leo for only one quiet second.

The cogwheels of his mind were working to figure out the curious character before him, and set with new direction, dark wine colored eyes tightened. "So what is it that's got a self-proclaimed peacemaker so tightly wound?" the fingers of his idle hand tapped as he contemplated. "Trouble on your home turf? Or with your girlfriend, perhaps?"

[Deleted]

"My actions are meant to defend, not attack. Generally, things that jump out of the shadows mean malice towards me, not this nonsense talk. How am I to know that you're not luring me into your twisted web?"

Needless to say, Leo was getting unnerved. This man was so... nonchalant about things. The prince narrowed his eyes at his adversary, then spoke again.

"What's got me so wound is to why someone like you wants to interact with me. I'm nobody important to you or whatever you have planned. So what do you want with me?"

(( It's super short, but I'm on limited time. If I need to revise, let me know. ^^ ))

[Era]

Your squeals. Your torment. Your pain... The Firefox's thoughts would've never been said out loud; even still, his fiendish smirk and those dark burgundy eyes - like staring at an imp with a cavernous soul - it was obvious something was off about this individual. And from the way the atmosphere bent around him, something that edged the ethereal.

Rel shrugged to the Prince. "I simply want... what I want. What more is there?" his ambiguity was intentional. If he could simply dance around the Neko long enough, he could crack him; analyze, disassemble.

He hopped down from his perch to be level with the other male, wiry body making him taller, but his height wasn't what aided his intimidating air. No, what was intimidating about this curiously-dressed individual was his very presence - his soul. The type of person who might run a chill up one's spine just by being in their proximity. And yet, he had zero intention of physically attacking. Rel was not so uncouth as to stoop to such a level.

With arms crossing, bronze claws scratched gently along his other arm, and he began a slow circle around his new plaything, "your fiery, defensive edge was likely spurned by a failure you want to make sure to avoid repeating again, hmm?" There was a beat before he continued. "Was I right about your home world? Or your girlfriend, perhaps?"

"So then..." His jesting snicker was abnormal - almost like that of a hyena, more than a normal man's. His teeth were sharp, his eyes callous any prying. "...whom have you failed?"

[Deleted]

A flush filled Leo's cheeks, andhis ears pinned back at the other man's words. Not only had he gotten the Neko prince to crack, but he had hit the nail right on the head. Leo had failed. His world, his family, his people. He clutched his staff with a vice grip, and his tail lashed furiously.

How could he have known? That was impossible...

He shook off his thoughts, instead trying to focus on the present, but fleeting memories of the past overthrew him. Ones of his people dying, being engulfed by blackness, their pleas for help to the gods... Unknowingly, Leo snarled, then promptly caught himself.

"That is of no concern to you. My failures are my own, and I shall atone for them myself.

He wished he could believe that himself.

[Era]

The Emberfox snickered, a satisfying smirk bringing the left corner of his lips into a curl, showing off the jagged edges of sharp teeth. His hands remained folded, and as soon as he'd finished one easy-paced circle around the Prince he began another. "Pardon me for my bluntness, young plaything... but if you'd had what it took to atone for your sins you wouldn't be in the situation you're in now," the claws scratching contemplatively at his chin withdrew to gesture toward Leo. "In other words: don't you think that by sinning, you've already proven yourself incapable?" if he wasn't digging in deep and agitating the Neko, he quite simply wasn't doing his job. "At least on your own..."

As whimsical as the wind, so his mind had changed. While previously he'd had no interest in making a physical assault, the perfect opportunity had come up. And Rel was going to take it.

"...Let me help you atone!" The fiery murmur was as sharp as his new direction. Now fully behind the blonde Neko, Reliquim lunged, prepared to plant his teeth into the Prince's shoulder. The act would be quick, painful and deliberate.

[Deleted]

Honestly, Leo had let his guard down, and didn't expect the bite. With a loud yell of pain, he tried to jerk away from Reliquem, but his teeth were in his shoulder, and he hissed in pan as he felt the pain in his shoulder and the jolt of shock. His eyes teared up, and he looked at Rel as he pulled back, holding his would, which jerking had made worse. His hand applied pressure to the wound, and he had dropped his staff in the shock. He snarled, and watched the Firefox like a hawk.

"What's biting me going to do to help me atone, idiot? You messed me up, but that's no "help". What's going on in your messed-up mi-"

He hissed to himself, suddenly, in pain, and grabbed his shoulder harder, as a dark stain blossomed on his tunic. He'd need to heal that, but Phoenix didn't have enough power at the moment and he couldn't focus enough to give her power. All he could do is defend himself, as best he could.

[Era]

Good people didn't enjoy watching others writhe in pain, not like he did. There was some sort of morbid delight reflected in those cold, blood-wine eyes. The Emberfox snickered. "Expect it to hurt," he wiped a thin stream of blood from his teeth. "And then, join the family," his words were purposely ambiguous. The tormented young prince would find out what they meant soon enough.

Reliquim would have been satisfied watching the world burn, if it had kept the voices quiet. Rightly, he didn't really care what he had to do to rid himself of them. As long as they were quiet, he would overturn mountains. Avenge his people. Anything.

Actually, he thought he'd seen a shop around the corner: a blacksmith of some sort. The Cloud's Anvil. It was a funny name, but he couldn't care less about a shop's name. Maybe an ethereal tool could pry this hideous collar off of him and free him from this internal prison.

Another layer of snow flickered down from the sky, drifting weightlessly through the district. The Emberfox contemplated his next course of action, then decided he would give it a shot. It would be a shot in vain, but sometimes, he just loved being proven wrong.

Rel took his leave, waving over his shoulder to Leo as the blonde writhed in pain. "Welcome to the legion of the cursed," the quiet comment would've been barely distinguishable, if Leo could hear anything besides his own heartbeat right now. Twisted and condemning as the action was, it brought Reliquim some comfort. Soon enough, he wouldn't be alone anymore.

And with that, the Firefox summoned up a silver cloud of smoke: just enough to obscure Leo's line of sight and give the Firefox time to walk away. When it dissipated Rel was gone.