Keep Your Distance [CLOSED]

[|{/Bloodrose\}|]

Pluto

The little black she-cat had ventured far from the terrain in which she was comfortable in. She preferred lush forests, where she could easily hide her sleek frame. She'd developed an uncanny ability to disappear in the dark foliage, and materializing somewhere else. It made her feel... Safe, knowing that she could protect herself. Without using her. The thought brought a shiver to the tiny cat's body, raking down her spine and making her feel uncomfortable. Big, dark green eyes glanced this way and that as her breathing hitched slightly.. Don't... Please d-don't panic... She pleaded with herself. Panicking would get her no where. With a deep, steadying breath, the little cat focused on the task she'd set out to do. She'd found out, somehow, that this area had a considerable amount of prey to be caught. It had been a while since she'd eaten properly, and it was beginning to show. Her small frame was even smaller, and beneath her usually soft black pelt, thin ribs could be seen if she bent just right. Fluffing up her pelt in an attempt to cover up her weakened state, she allowed her little paws to carry her forward as she glanced about, black nose twitching as it took in the scents around her.

A flash of excitement lit up her eyes when a familiar scent drifted to her nose. Rabbit! Th-that's a rabbit! She told herself excitedly, quickly changing her direction as she began to track her prey. Oh this would fill her up for days! Her tail twitched excitedly as she moved with ease over the stoney terrain, careful not to damage her soft paw pads by stepping on any sharp rocks. She kept herself hidden in whatever shadows she could, skirting around the rabbit to ensure she stayed downwind from it. For a moment, she feared losing the creature, for it straightened, glancing about in that nervous fashion. She found herself holding her breath, begging the world around her that it would not run off. Thankfully, the rabbit soon returned to snuffling the ground, blissfully unaware of the hunter that was creeping up on it. ... No matter how minuscule that hunter might be. Before the rabbit could react again to her closing proximity, Pluto bunched her muscles and dashed forward, closing the distance between her prey in seconds. Her claws latch into the creature's fur as it tried desperately to escape. The advantage of being so small was that she could allow herself to be pulled by the rabbit.

Her hind legs scrabbled slightly on the ground as she bounded behind it, forepaws still locked firmly, now in its skin. Steadying herself, Pluto gave herself one final heave, yanking herself onto the rabbit's back and locking her teeth in its neck. Using what little weight she had, she forced it to a stop, her teeth forcing it to bleed its life out. She clung to it until its powerful back legs stopped kicking. Only then did the tiny black she-cat roll to her paws, bouncing gleefully for a brief moment. Her victory, however, would soon be cut short by a rumbling growl. Whirling on shaky hind legs, Pluto turned to face the noise. The sight she was met with was enough to paralyze the poor she-cat. A big gray tabby stalked towards her, body position radiating hostility. He didn't hesitate, walking right up to her, causing her to stumble backwards to get away, leaving her rabbit unguarded. The tom snarled at her, harsh amber eyes narrowing. "Listen here, pipsqueak. This is mine now. Get out of here before I claw your pelt." Pluto could do nothing but stare, her body shivering so violently that she found herself unable to move. "N-No... P-Please... D-Don't... Don't hurt..." She couldn't finish her sentence, gulping loudly. The tom smirked at her, barring his teeth again. "Get out of here now and I won't have to hurt you, Princess."

The fact that this tom thought Pluto had been speaking to him was highly amusing. Why would she be concerned that he would harm her? Oh, it wasn't Pluto who had anything to worry about. Not. At. All. This tom would soon understand the meaning behind the pathetic she-cat's stuttered words. And if he didn't? He'd die clueless. The physical change was as rapid as the mental one. Pluto's mind was sent reeling, quickly enveloped by another, one that was polar opposite from the timid she-cat who'd been present moments before. The trembling stopped in a snap, black claws flashing from their sheaths. A cool glaze seemed to take over her eyes, one that seemed almost... Mad. Her lips peeled back in a rather disturbing grin as the smaller-built cat took a seemingly uncharacteristically dominating step forward. Her nose was pushed straight at the tom's forcing him to take a step back, his eyes glimmering with question. "The only one who should concern themselves with being hurt... Is you."

She struck as quickly as an adder, launching her small frame forward. Sharp claws flashed in the sunlight, no trace of hesitation present as they dug into fur and flesh. Twisting her body in unheard of contradictions, the little she-cat maneuvered her little frame in a way to make certain she dealt as much damage as she could to the tom's throat and chest. All before he had the chance to flinch. Springing back, admiring her work, the black she-cat watched the gray tabby. The fur along his neck and chest had darkened, slicked with blood that poured from his wounds, spattering the rocks at his feet. He stayed standing for a moment longer, before collapsing, stomach heaving and clenching, still desperately trying to pull air into his lungs. Stalking forth, the little cat closed the distance she'd created between them, gently placing her front claws on his stomach. Leaning down to whisper in his ear, for him to hear, and him alone, she purred, something nearly... Seductive about the way she spoke. "It's too late now... But next time you bother Pluto... Be prepared to answer to the Lady of the Shadows."

A choked, gurgling screech could be heard as claws ripped into the tom's stomach, exposing everything the body had to hide for the world to see. Throwing her head back in a heartless laugh, the little black she-cat allowed a ripple of pleasure to snake down her spine. Deliberately licking her paws clean as she watched the last bit of life drain from her victim, she showed no remorse. Once satisfied with the state of her paws, she stood once more, padding with a dark grace towards the rabbit Pluto had killed earlier. Pluto might have been a timid she-cat, not good for much and horribly vulnerable, but she certainly had the patience to hunt proper food. Had it been just the Lady of the Shadows, she would probably starve quickly. Hunting wasn't her strong suit. A wicked grin parted her lips again. Hunting rodents, at least. She didn't need to glance back at the lifeless, gray tabby body of her prey. With a laugh for no one but herself, the Lady of the Shadows bent her head to the rabbit. No sense in waiting for Pluto to regain control again. Surely their body would be starved and rotting by that time. And after all, she'd technically saved them again. She deserved a reward.

The Lady of the Shadows took a very deliberate bite of the rabbit, aware of another presence nearby. A living presence. Lifting her head and licking her lips, she glanced around boredly, dark green eyes alight with something difficult to place. She finished chewing before dismissively flicking her ear and purring in her sultry voice. "Are you just going to stand there and observe from a far? Or will you show yourself, hm? Or.. Perhaps you're contemplating attempting to take this rabbit as well? I'm certain I may... Speak for a poor fellow who now understanfs that doing so is very... Ill advised~"

And the Lady of the Shadows

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

It was noon when he left the abandoned cabin where he and his group lived. He needed to get away, to leave behind all the cares and worries that weighed upon his shoulders. Tinsel, his deputy was there and could deal with everything. So was Ky. Poor Ky. He was such a sweet teddy bear, but no one except Az saw it. He had had a rough life, and was hardened by his experiences. Az was the only one who saw that. Everyone else just saw an over protective body guard who's sense of humor was nonexistent. He sighed as he wondered around the plains and wooded fields that filled up the space between the close city and day away clans. Clan cats. pfft. He rolled his eyes visibly as he thought of the silly creatures, thinking there territory was safe from harm. Nothing was safe anymore. Especially not when he had his eyes on it.

The black tom's body was magnificent. He was slightly above average in height, towering over most females. But his muscles protruded from his body, giving him an intimidating, larger than life look. But his height and narrow shoulders gave him speed, not just power. He could run faster than a Windclanner, now that they were disease ridden and starving from lack of prey. He was strong as a Thunderclanner, patient as Riverclanner, and devious as a Shadowclanner. He was the perfect mix of all the clans, coming from a rogue life and being trained on how to hone all his muscles groups. He was a killer by birth, and killing is what he did.

But he hated to shed innocent blood. He hated to attack without reason. He hated to be the stereotypical brute rogue with no sense of remorse or compassion. Yet, his father's ways, as he got older, seemed more and more appealing to the young tom. They seemed more and more right. Soon his mother, Duchess, would soon be forgotten along with everything she had tried to teach the young kit before his cruel father had taken him away. My father.. Cass.. The thought of his father made hostility course through his veins. Then he thought of his fathers death and the mysterious she-cat who was apparently his sister. She had told him so after she had left, and she had the same blank gray eyes he and his father shared. So he could only assume. He also knew that she was dangerous. She had killed his father in cold blood, and with poison, not even with claws. She was not anything like him, she had to be killed.

But she was still his sister, no matter how hostile he felt toward her. He still wanted to meet her, talk to her, maybe teach her the better way. Maybe she could be fought to act better, gradually shaped to be different. He was the kind of tom to still have hope for cats. He never did like giving up, nor did he like fighting for the side who was winning. He liked helping the underdog, giving them hope and making them strong enough to defeat the big and bad. So maybe his sister, whom he didn't even know a name for, could be taught to love and be caring. It certainly was possible, at least he thought so. But if she couldn't, he had to prepare to give the order to tinsel. There was no way he'd be able to kill his own flesh and blood. No matter the things they did.

A voice awoke him from his thoughts. It was a toms voice, telling a she-cat to get out. He looked around and found himself in the rocky cliffs, a dangerous place to be alone. At least, for a she-cat that was. He was just fine here, he was well known, and had killed a few cocky attackers to scare off the rest. His steely gaze found the two cats apparently fighting over a rabbit. He watched as the she-cat fought with incredible skill and poise. She took the much larger tom down without much of a problem. He was still a little far away to hear, but once she had killed him and began eating the rabbit he crept closer. She'd be a great cat to have on my side. Speed was her style, and she used it well. He was always looking for new cats to help accomplish his goals.

He drew nearer, not a hint of fear in his body. She looked malnourished, almost starved to death the poor thing. He couldn't think of a worse death than starvation. Of course, she was no where near the veil that separated the worlds - what she had just done proved to him that she was still very dangerous. He would have to be careful, cautious in his approach. He decided to observe for a bit, not wanting to go in without a plan. He was never one for brash or abrupt actions. He thought about the way she talked, her style, the seductive tone in her voice. He couldn't hear the words she said, but he heard the tone she used. She seemed to be confident, yet impatient. She was alluring, mysterious, Az just had to meet her.

And so as he was about to go out and expose himself in the setting sun, she called out to him. He had barely made a noise, but as he felt the wind he realized it had changed directions. He was always forgetting to check that. He slithered put of the shadows, his ebony colored pelt blending in with them. It looked as if he materialized out of them; the shadows making his narrow shoulders and bulging muscles. He was serious on his face, his always unemotional eyes void of anything. But on the inside he was beaming. He wanted to applaud the she-cat for defending what he assumed (and hoped) was her catch in such an impressive way. He wanted to compliment her style. But somehow, he figured that wouldn't go very far with her.

He got close enough to be within one easy bound. He showed no fear, but not arrogance either. He was calm, humble, not even nervous. He was confident that he could handle this she-cat if she attacked, no matter what he just saw her do. He glanced to the dead body, then to the rabbit, and then to her. My dear, I have no desire to steal your food because I am already well fed. You'd have to two of him to catch to me. He jerked his head toward the rather large gray tabby tom laying covered in blood and guts spilling from his body. Az had seen worse. Much worse.

He then put a charming smile on his face and sat down, tail wrapped around sheathed paws. He wasn't scared of her, and he wanted to show her that she could trust him. He wasn't going to harm her, he needed her - wanted her. My name is Azrael, but everyone around here calls me Az. He paused, searching her eyes for any signs or recognition. It would be easier if she had heard of his group. What can I call you baby girl? He called every she-cat he met pet names, force of habit. He hoped this one wouldn't take offense to it. Most didn't. On his lips, the words were deep and smooth, comparable to melted chocolate. His voice was calming and sweet, and most of the time it didn't offend people. But this she-cat was unpredictable.

A Z R A E L

[ooc: I did break 1000 for you!]

[|{/Bloodrose\}|]

The Lady of the Shadows

The black she-cat's dark green eyes locked onto movement the second the other tom made his presence known to her. She may not have been capable of love, which meant that such things as swooning or crushing on another cat were not possible, but the smaller-framed black cat was able to pick out a handsome tom when she saw one. And this one certainly qualified. Her sultry gaze narrowed fractionally as she watched the black tom cat move with a practiced grace, something... Perhaps vaguely similar to the one she exhibited in her movements. It was quickly evident to the Lady of the Shadows that this tom was used to obtaining what he wanted. If he didn't get his way... Well he would more than likely demonstrate an extraordinarily persistent side. Waiting in silence, she flicked her long black tail, tipping her head ever so slightly to one side. Her observant, almost unnerving stare was fixed on his muscled frame, intent on nothing but him. What? Just because she couldn't love, didn't mean she couldn't appreciate him, hm?

Black ears flicked dismissively at his words, her attention drifting from him to the rabbit she'd taken a single bite from. Unsheathing one claw, she ripped it down the length of the rabbit's skin, her eyes lighting up with a nearly... Unhealthy glow, her lips quivering slightly. Leaning forward, the she-cat tore off another piece of the rabbit, chewing slowly as she turned her seemingly uninterested gaze in his direction. She gave him another sweeping glance, swallowing the mouthful she'd eaten. Pensively, she licked her paw clean of the blood it had acquired from playing with her food. Her movements were slow, deliberate, almost... Sensual. And yet, her eyes were bored, devoid of anything even remotely close to interest. The tom had since finished speaking, asking her what he should call her. His choice of words was intriguing, one she would not recommend when speaking to her. Pluto would panic, she was certain, hearing someone refer to her, the Lady of the Shadows, in such dialect as 'Baby Girl'. Fortunately, Pluto had long since relinquished control, shrinking to the depths of their mind after being confronted by the rude gray tom who'd interrupted her meal.

It wasn't until she was satisfied with her cleaning job that the dangerous black she-cat even considered what he'd said. Her tail furled and unfurled in a semi-thoughtful manner as she tipped her head to the sky slightly. "Hmm..." She purred, deliberately drawing it ought. "I can't say I'm familiar with you, Azrael~. Through full name or nickname. But then again... I don't visit often." The smile that broke her lips was a secretive one, as though she were laughing as some inside joke. Which, in a sense she was. Most of the time, she relinquished control to Pluto, bored of this outside world. Most of the time. But, whenever she was needed, she didn't hesitate to pop in to say hello, and stay as long as she was needed. So to her, the words she's spoken were... Quite funny. She shifted slightly, her gaze flicking down to a paw, which she examined for a good moment, eyes narrowing before she gave it a quick lick, drawing it over one of her pointed black ears. "My Dear and Baby Girl. Interesting manner of referring to someone you hardly know. I take it you're a charmer then, hm? She-cats fall at your paws wherever you go? Do pardon me~ I seem to have.. Hurt my shoulder, hindering my ability to fall." To emphasize her point, she lifted a paw, hunching slightly as though she were in pain, due to a sore shoulder.

Of course, she didn't mind pain. Sure, she would much rather inflict pain on others, but she could appreciate pain. It could be mighty useful, as it had the tendency of pushing Pluto further away, and firing her into a greater frenzy than before. Placing her paw back on the ground and straightening, the tiny she-cat tipped her head, gaze intent on him. "Very few call me anything. But, if you must know, you may refer to me as the Lady of the Shadows." She paused for a moment, her attention shifting back towards the rabbit. She stooped again, preparing to take another bite. Her body stopped part way through the movement, her mouth hovering above the carcass. With a twitch of her whiskers, she teased slightly. "Though I assume that such a call name isn't exactly.. Up to par with your style, Azzy~, now is it? Keeping in mind your previous choice in call names, I suppose I could make a compromise." Her seductive purr of a voice hung on the word 'suppose' slightly, drawing it out purposely before she continued. "On the condition that you do not refer to me as your 'Baby Girl' again, I'll grant you, and you alone, permission to call me My Lady." An instant before biting into the rabbit's flesh, the black she-cat added, her voice having chilled slightly.

"Do not think I'm offering you any claim over me with such a name." And there she was, the Lady of the Shadows. Dangerous.

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

Az had to admit, the she-cat was pretty. Her tiny frame made her appear innocent, but even if he had forgotten what her sharp claws had done all he had to do was look to his right and there would be his reminder. A gray tabby tom, long gone to wherever they went after they died, guts spilled onto the grass. She had done that, just for him trying to steal her rabbit, he assumed. She was dangerous, easily set off. All he had to do was say something wrong and she might be trying to do the same to him. Trying being the key word. Az was much bigger than the unfortunate tom, he doubted she could deal as much damage. Her ebony pelt, much like his, made him think she could have been his sister. Except she didn't have his gray, emotionless eyes that ran in the Cass family. So maybe she was his smaller, darker twin.

He liked her assumption that she-cats fell to his paws like dead birds. It was wrong, but humorous. She-cats, fall they may, he didn't notice them. They were either too innocent, too sharp, or tried too hard. He was a handsome tom, he wouldn't go without saying, but that didn't mean he would give himself away to the first pretty she-cat he saw. He never did take a liking to one night stands, so he was sure that he had broken a few hearts along the way. He watched as she faked pain, adding spice to her sharp remark. She had this way of talking that made her words, sharp like daggers, seem as soft as feathers. It took real talent to do that, and he respected anyone who shared it. He purred as she finished her comment, laughter mixing in and filling the air. His laugh was like the song of birds, lofty and sweet and loud. It always lightened the mood.

He watched her body as she bent down to take a bite, but stopped just above her prey. It seemed odd she didn't offer to share it, then again rogues rarely did. Clan cats were always offering things, but rogues had a tendency to be selfish beings. It was the way they had been raised, not like he could blame her. He wasn't like that, but hey, he couldn't blame cats for not having a wonderful mother such as Duchess. He couldn't think about her though, he had to listen to the she-cats words. She was telling him that he could call her My Lady, which suited him quite well. It sounded royal, as if she deserved a spot next to his throne. Not that he'd give it to her, she was much too selfish. Shed probably over throw him in a heart beat if it meant she got something out of it. Still, her fighting skills were something he needed.

When it seemed she was finished talking, he let silence endure. He stood up in a graceful movement, sudden but smooth, as all his movement were. In the same movement, he swept his right paw in front of him, bringing it next to his left and dipping the front of his body down low in a motion he had seen many humans do. He lowered his head, eyes locked with the ground. When he looked up, he had a wide smile on his face. Well Mi'lady, I would fall for you, but it seems I have lost my heart. I'm out here looking for it. He returned to his previous standing position, winking as he did so. But of course, I dont think it would fall for you. You're much too gruesome for my tastes His words were obviously teasing, but who knew what she might take them as. He added in a lofty purr, deep from the bowels of his chest.

With a smile, he sat back down, raven colored tail wrapping back around his paws. He glanced at the sky, noticing that night was coming quickly, and this body would attract all sorts of animals that might come out when the sun set. But when he looked back to her, he didn't say a thing about it. He liked their word games, and didn't want them to end. No matter how mad Tinsel and Ky would be at him when he got back early that morning. He stared into the she-cats eyes, noticing the same glint that his father would have after a fresh kill. Cass used to say that killing gave him a rush, a high of sorts that nothing else could give. He suspected this she-cat had the same high off feeling another's life slip from your claws. Az could never get high from taking life.

A Z R A E L

[|{/Bloodrose\}|]

The Lady of the Shadows

She had just torn into the body of the rabbit again, chewing the piece of meat deliberately when the tom's sudden movement caught her attention. Dark green eyes watched with polite curiosity as the tom raised a forepaw to his chest before stooping low. It was an odd gesture, one she hadn't seen preformed by a cat. It had her narrowing her eyes fractionally as her tongue passed thoughtfully over her lips, clearing the blood. When he grinned at her, the dark angel only stared at him impassively, tail tip twitching to and fro. Slowly, she tipped her head to one side, her ebony ears pricked and listening to the words he spoke. As he finished, she offered him a chuckle, shaking her head.

"You should be more careful with your heart, Azzy. Out here, there are many who would eagerly snatch it away." Her eyes flashed in the light as she regarded him with a slightly more interested gaze. When he said nothing, all he was was a handsome tom with a well built body. Such a thing was of no interest to a she-cat like the Lady of the Shadows. When he spoke, however, he became... Intriguing, intelligent even. She may not have been one to truly appreciate the looks of another cat, but she could easily appreciate the word games the tom offered. If there was anything that could keep her natural, deadly instinct to kill anything that moved on the spot at bay, it was intelligent conversation.

Shifting slightly, her black tail settling over her little paws, the Lady of the Shadows regarded the tom silently for another moment. She blinked slowly, deliberately before her jaw opened once more, allowing her sultry purr to be heard once more. "One would be wise not to fall for me. Death seemed to follow me quite closely. You might even say... We're very good friends." Though her voice took the form on a lilting purr, there was something... Dark to her words, a sort of warning to the black tom who stood before her. A warning to keep your distance. And the proof, the evidence to back up her words? The gray tom lying, disemboweled by her claws served as a very... Efficient reminder.

Leaving that to hang in the air, the raven colored she-cat turned her attention once more to the last bit of the rabbit that remained. Quickly devouring it, the small assassin was satisfied, feeling the slight weight that signalled she'd eaten well, that she was full. Stretching her limbs, lowering her body to the ground slightly and lifting her tail, the Lady of the Shadows gave a content purr before straightening once more. She regarded the tom again, intrigued by the fact he'd stayed around after everything he'd seen. After considering him a moment longer, she gave a bored flick of her tail. "Do pardon my... Lack of manners in regards to the rabbit. I would have offered some, but I do think it is fairly obvious which one of us needed it more, Azzy dear. As you mentioned earlier, you're well fed, hm?"

With a lazy flick of her ear, the black devil gave a shrug of her small shoulders. "Perhaps next time the situation will be better suited for sharing, Azzy." Yet again, the deadly she-cat was glad that she was currently controlling their body. Had Pluto been around, she would no doubt have shared the rabbit with the tom, as long as he didn't scare her. Sharing the rabbit meant less for them, which meant they were weaker. Sure, she could still kill on an empty stomach, as she'd proven already. But there was something more satisfying in making a kill while well fed. More room to think about the kill itself, rather than the empty state of your stomach, perhaps.

"Now then, what brings you all the way out here, hm? You must be someone important, if everybody around here knows you and calls you Az. What could someone as important as you possibly find in this rocky terrain?"

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

The night came like a thief. It didn't seem like a long time had passed, but the ebony tom looked around and saw that the suns fading rays had turned into a dim light, the sun not even in view anymore. Yet its light, reflected off a few high, feathery clouds still illuminated the pair in a faded, antique style. A slight breeze ruffled the trees, making music so beautiful only nature could possibly create it. The soldier had often heard music coming from humans cars, a booming sound that made his ears hurt, but nothing could compare to the sound of nature in the sepia light. He gazed about, and noticed a raven perched on a low hanging branch of a cherry tree, who's white blossom did anything but camouflage the bird. The fowl seemed to look at him, squawking as he did so. It was as if the raven was trying to talk to him, warn him of something. But the two spoke very different languages, and it seemed the bird realized it. He flew away without hesitation when the tom did not answer his piercing cries.

The she-cats tail brought him back to her, the flicking back and forth made his mind reel back to what was important. But he couldn't shake what he had just seen. She was speaking, but he wasn't really listening, which was strange for him. He was thinking of something his father had said, Son, if you remember nothing else from today, take this: nature is your friend, it is not your enemy. It may try to tear you down with storms and wind, but it will always rebuild you if you respect it. And if you build a relationship with it, it will help you in the end.

[/s] He remembered that day, his father had taken him out into the forest, away from the city, to teach him how to hunt and how to respect nature, love it, and value it. He couldn't shake the feeling that the raven had been warning, but for what he could not say. Nature often did not tell you everything, kind of how Starclan worked from what he understood. It gave you enough to figure things out for yourself, though.

He came into the small she-cats midsentence. ...not to fall for me. Death seemed to follow me quite closely. You might even say... We're very good friends.[/s] He now knew what the warning was for. Should he fall for this she-cat, he could never tell her. Not falling for her would be even better. She was a classic sadist, he knew it now. The way she acted, the way she talked, her warning, it all made sense. She could never love him if he were to love her. He stay smiling, not really caring if it looked misplaced with steely eyes. If she didn't like it, she could always try to kill him. She'd fail, but hey, its the thought that counts, right. She apologized for her manners on not sharing the rabbit, which he dismissed with a slow shake of his head and a slight purring laugh. He didn't say anything, not until she mentioned the next time. That means we will have to meet again, Mi'lady. And to meet again, you will have to not kill me, the angel of death by name. Yes, his name meant Angel of Death. His father had told his mother to name him that, but he had never told him why. Cass had told him the meaning, simply to fuel his confidence in his abilities, but Az seriously doubted he told him that freely. He didn't even know how his father knew so much about humans. In fact, he knew nothing of his father's past.

Next she was asking what he was doing down here. He could tell her the whole story, but that was boring. Her voice was so seductive, so soft and dark, it was intriguing. He wanted to hear more of it, figure out how she did it. He wanted her to stay longer, ask more questions. And for that, he had to keep her entertained and engaged. He had to keep her interest high and her desires low. Desires to kill, that was. She had freely admitted death followed her, and of course, he had seen the glean in her eye that signaled a love for death. The best way to keep her here was to say as little as possible. So, adding his own seductively dark chill into his voice, he meowed, The cats of course. His smile was wide, as always. He loved to play games, especially with sensual she-cats who appealed to both his mind and heart. But it was all respect for her. It had to be. He had just got done telling himself he could never fall for her! Or never let her know...

You're smart, Mi'Lady, im sure you can piece together what exactly I am. His compliment to her didn't sound like a compliment. It sounded more like a slight insult, as if she should have put it together earlier. But it wasn't so insulting that it'd make her mad. Honestly, though, he would have thought she would have picked up on it. His confidence, charisma, everyone knowing his name, being well fed. The pieces were all there, she just didn't think about it hard enough, if at all. With a flick of his tail and a wink of his eye, the tom made the borderline insulting comment instantly light and joking. He was good at that, making insulting comments seem like compliments, but he would be surprised if the female didn't see through it. It didn't matter, however. His goal wasn't to fool her, it was to play with her.

He liked playing with his toys.
[/font]

A Z R A E L

[|{/Bloodrose\}|]

The Lady of the Shadows

Dark green eyes regarded the black tom impassively as the she-cat continued to lightly and slowly flick her tail to and fro. Her slender face tipped slightly as her gaze swept over him yet again. She heard his words, heard everything he had said in fact. Her ears never missed a sound. As if on cue, her ear swivelled slightly, attracted by a far away sound. Even so, she never flinched, never broke eye contact with the dark tom before her. She was aware of the night pressing down around them, the sky growing darker. She knew that Pluto didn't like the night. She much preferred the day. Their eyes saw just fine in the darkness, and yet... There was something terrifying about it for the timid she-cat. Perhaps it was the monsters that hid in the darkness.

Lips twitched at her own joke. She knew very well about those monsters. After all, she was the Lady of the Shadows. She was one of the monsters hiding in the dark. One very close to the terrified little she-cat. Focusing her attention on him once more, the she-cat gave a dip of her head, almost dismissively, as he mentioned keeping him alive so that they could meet again. Both sides were... Extraordinarily tempting. She could get rid of him, and never have to deal with him again. But... Not many were confident enough, or perhaps the correct work was stupid enough, to hold a conversation with her, especially after seeing what she could bring about. And she had to admit, she'd found their conversation... Interesting if not entertaining.

She listened politely to the rest of the tom's words, her deep gaze narrowing slightly at the nature of his words. For another brief moment she considered killing him. But suddenly... NO! D-Don't... Don't h-hurt him! Her shock never registered on her face, but hearing that voice tear through her subconscious was something... Rather fantastic. With a purring tone, she replied, speaking to herself for all it was worth. Oh good~ I thought you'd been washed away forever after that last encounter~ It wasn't crazy to speak to yourself if there really was two of you. Or... Perhaps that just made her even crazier.

Without dwelling on the stability of their minds, the Lady of the Shadows gave another slow flick of her tail, her dark eyes regarding Azrael rather boredly now. Sure, he'd been interesting to her moments ago, but now, Pluto's attempt at resurfacing was far more fun. Still, she supposed he deserved some sort of reply from her. Her voice was as smooth and sultry as ever when she spoke, but it lacked that... Playfulness. "I'm sure I could, Azzy dear. But I was hoping to hear it from your mouth. Figuring it out all by myself sounds like.. So much work. As a Lady.. I don't like exerting myself more than is required of me~"

Her jaws parted in a yawn, though the little black demon was anything but tired. It was boredom making its appearance once more. She gave her paw a long, contemplating lick before drawing it over her left ear, straightening and rising to a standing position. It was high time she made her exit. "Well now, Azzy. As... Fascinating as this has been, I'm afraid I have a.. Rather good friend whom I must attend to. More like a sister, if you want to be more specific. She'll begin to worry as to why I've been out sooooo long~" She purred, her eyes gleaming in the coming darkness. "Don't worry your handsome face too much~ I'll find my way home just fine. You just focus on getting your important tail-end back to the place you call home, mkay~?"

In one swift, smooth movement, the she-cat turned her back on the tom, before hesitating one moment to glance over her shoulder, her playfulness returning for a brief instant as she purred. "Until we meet again, Azzy~" And with one surprisingly strong bound for such a small she-cat, the Lady of the Shadows vanished into her namesake. The rocks created long, stretching shadows, easy for her to use to her advantage. If any smart cat were to follow her scent, they would track her as far as the forest. The moment the foliage picked up again, her scent trail disappeared through a tangle of pungent, strong smelling plants. One after another, really, until finding it became... Impossible.

And just like that, she was gone.

Guest starring Pluto