A well-needed Vacation! (Private/Meisa)

Ever since arrival, on that odd night when Sabertooth Hall had nearly fallen out of the sky and flatten the city that had grown around it, Luna had felt a link she had never before experienced with the town and the guild which sat at the center of it. Sabertooth was her home, more-so than any of the previous guilds she had been a part of. Luna had found good friends who understood her on a deep level, rivals who she could let loose on, and mentors who could show her the way or help her discover it on her own. There was one large gray area that was missing from Luna's life, and though she didn't seem to mind much it was all just an act in order to maintain the visage of a super-hero who only cares for the people and for her friends. But, what lacked had torn a huge hole in Luna's emotional framework. Luna needed someone to love and someone who would love her back; her previous romances had been nothing more than a band-aid on a growing wound. She wanted to settle down with one person, but no one person had proven able to handle her yet - or wanted to for an extended period of time.

This conundrum had plagued the mind of Luna for some time now, but now wasn't the time to have her mind plagued with problems - she had come to relax on a vacation of sorts, single ready to mingle and whatnot. She had found a cafe to spend her morning, having already checked over her little summer apartment here in Ace of Spades. There was more reasons for this trip than just relaxation - Luna wanted to buy a house here and sell her house in Hargeon Town to be closer to the guild, and had some other business to handle. For now though, it was the cafe. Finding it, Luna started making her way down the street. This cafe had been picked because it was always busy, and had cute pink chairs, tables, and umbrellas on the storefront outside.

"Hello, I'd like a strawberry smoothie and a chocolate donut! Here's the money!" Luna said in an italian accent to one of the waitresses, who recanted her order. Finally, Luna sat down at an empty table, waiting for her order.

A yawn escaped Meisa's mouth, not because of being tired, but rather being bored. days like this were the most annoying simply because Meisa had little to do, but all the free time in the world. During the night he tended to go on her jobs or missions, but during the day where any other night shift type of person would be asleep, she was wide awake. Blame it on genetics, or perhaps something else, she simply didn't require it. So, where to go?

"Cafe' looks good at the very least" Meisa mumbled a bit, pulling a pocket out just to see how much jewels she had earned. Which due to the recent bounty she cashed in, she more than enough. Shifting her gaze back towards the cafe as she pocketed her jewels, her smile quickly removed itself while continuing her stride forward until she walked into the building without making even the slightest sound. Even the bell on the door dared not make a sound as she passed through. Her steps were even muffled to the point of any sound she should or could have made were non existent till she found a seat away from most of the crowd of people, which so happened to be near Luna. Only when Meisa finally pulled her chair out and sat down did any trace of sound escape from her movements.

"Any suggestions on food?" She spoke casually, her question was directed to Luna, not really knowing this cafe too well in terms of what to eat. She was going to have tea though, that was for certain.

The Cafe which Meisa seemed to be scoping out was actually a common getaway for Luna whenever she was in town, so she was quite knowledgeable about the menu or daily specials. In fact, she knew the couple who owned this cafe and they sent her out a gift card every month or so, and chatted with the manager from time to time. The only one better suited to help out Meisa with her inquiry was likely the manager herself, comparatively. Luna had noticed the kunoichi's arrival into the shop, her attention piqued by the sense that the door had opened. She hadn't exactly taken notice to Mesa herself, but Luna knew there was a new arrival. Well, for now it didn't matter and so Luna returned to her smoothie until her donut appeared.

Around the same time, Luna noticed Meisa just before she came into the woman's view, offering Mesa a warm smile as the kunoichi took a nearby seat. It looked as if the other woman had been reading a quite thick tome until Mesa had come up to the table. Taking the time to close the tome and slide it into a leather sack and then settle the bag to the side. "If you're looking for a full meal, the house special is soup - otherwise if looking for a light snack, they have bagels and donuts for sweets. Well, they have more, but those are what I suggest. Any other questions, let me know and I'll try to answer to my best."

Her withdrawn and reserved expression changed to a lighter smile then her question was answered, however before she herself could reply, her stomach did for her. A rather audible noise signaling how long it had been since she ate prior to coming in. Though, that was strange, she didn't require food as much as a normal person, so trying to even guess that much was even harder to tell. However, with the sweet aroma that filled the air, it peaked Meisa's interest to try a little more than just desert.

"hmmm, you've got good taste then, I think I will go with a small half soup, and a light donut." Her words leaving her mouth on queue as a waitress had returned with Luna's order, and had overheard Meisa's, which made her turn and get ready to take the order, however the moment Meisa finished telling the waitress what she wanted, the cafe's door would burst open, with a few rather rough looking thugs whom already were boasting quite the magical energy around them, but none of the physical. They were after Meisa for one of her recent bounties she had claimed, it happened to be one of their comrads, but now it was time for them to try and exact revenge.

"Meisa, you bitch, come on out and fight us. We'll show you who is top dog around here bounty hunter."

Sighing as she stood up, Meisa raised both hands to quickly pony-tail her hair before turning around towards the gang of thugs. "I can't even have a meal without you chasing me down after I claimed that last bounty, can I? Oh well" Pulling out a book as she looked over the few thugs in the door's entrance. "oh goodie, you are all in the bounty book as dead or alive. I wont need to hold back." Aggrivated only slightly that it felt like she was making a friend then these people had to show up, and it was apparent they at least had enough respect to not destroy the cafe, which was signaled when they left, and were all waiting for Meisa to leave the cafe too. However not before getting out their own words of anger

"Cocky bitch, you'll be put under for such a statement for messing with our gang."

Will she? hardly doubted in her own mind, but as she was walking past Luna her steps at first were heard, even her clothing rustling against itself, but by the time she got past Luna, all sound from Meisa began to halt entirely, it was as if an apparition was walking by, no sound at all, but the young sweet girl was walking with an unusual melody of grace. "Sorry for the trouble everyone" her words directed to anyone disturbed by the gang's presence, but it was intended for Luna and the waitress before she headed out the door.

The tome that Luna had just put away seemed to have a magical rune on the front cover and was obviously not a normal book. In fact, when she closed it, Meisa could catch a glimpse of the pages going blank for a split second. Seeing the light smile of Meisa, and hearing the audible roar of Meisa's stomach, Luna grinned with elation as it was a good thing that Meisa could still smile so genuinely. Luna would hate to see someone who couldn't smile naturally, at least not in a generally light-hearted way. For now, Luna was content to observe Mesa from across the table they shared. She spoke in a dulcet italian accent, responding. "Good choice, something sweet and something savory is never a bad decision. My name is Luna, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

It was around this time that the cafe was interrupted by some ruffians, calling the girl who had just sat down with her a bitch and calling her out to come and fight them. More derogatory slang was directed at Meisa, then the girl stood up from her chair. By this point, Luna stuffed her back into the corner of the booth as Meisa spoke of how she couldn't even eat a decent meal because of them and how they all were on the bounty book's list. Either way, a still grinning Luna stood up and touched her hand to Meisa's shoulder. "Tell you what? Why don't you sit here and eat your foot, I'll handle the ruffians outside. I'm sure that you can handle yourself against them, but consider this a vacation from the norm. You can claim the bounties on their heads, I'm not concerned with it."

Should Meisa continue out the door after Luna's invitation to take a load off, the Sabertooth mage would continue out the door regardless, to face the bandits. She noticed them, riff-raff to someone like her. Suddenly, her face got cold as she spoke in a sardonic tone, "You don't know who you're messing with, pipsqueak... you just entered the town of the guild Sabertooth, and now you'll pay dearly for all of your transgressions. You see, you just pissed me off, and I'm a Sabertooth wizard." Wind began to ripple with ferocity around Luna as she glared at the group of them.

Her gaze did not shift, her mind did not even wander in the least as she heard Luna's words. Heard, but did not consent or listen to them. Her mind was already escaping the distractions of reality. Even the color in her eyes dimmed to almost be emotionless, as if her body was so in tune with every step that while she walked past Luna, and to the outside, not even a sound was made. She belonged to Black Rose this time around, so she couldn't allow another guild to be taking her problems on, but more so, she was a shinobi warrior, and despite lack of magic, she was going to prove why magic wasn't the only source of power.

"Luna, please stand back"

It was her only warning as she took a position in front of Luna. One hand reaching behind her, gripping tightly on her sheathed Ninjato. Funny thing about rules, some of them bypassed others. When a bounty allows for a kill or capture, a murder is no longer against the rules. Legal mage guild? Sure, they were more than capable of pulling it off, and Meisa was no different in that fact either. Her grip on the Ninjato seemed to tighten, but that was not all, she did more than just ready her blade to be drawn, she was waiting for the time to strike. Her fluid movement walking forward, each step not even able to be heard by anyone, simply because she didn't produce sound. It began to throw the thugs off whom all looked forward, fairly cocky, each of them raising up a hand to fire a spell.

How typical. A bolt projectile spell of the elements. This was nothing to Meisa who stopped dead in her tracks as the spells were fired forward, colliding with her. Then again, could one be sure it was her it collided with and not an after image? To Luna, who would have been behind Meisa, would have seen Meisa re-appear behind the thugs while the after image of Meisa was struck. The immediate reaction of the thugs were laughter, and grins. The area where Meisa had been standing was a smoldering ash filled area from fire magic, amplified by wind magic, and lightning magic. Simple combo, but not effective at the range Meisa was standing. Especially now, that she was standing behind all of them, quickly sheathing her blade. Though when did she unsheathe it? Simple, her power was not magic, it was physical. High speed movement, quick drawing of the blade, and immense training allowed her to execute her attack. Even as the thugs were laughing, no idea of what had just happened had registered to their brains yet. Though the spray of blood did before they had fallen to the ground.

"Back to my meal. The Rune knights can clean this shit up."

Her words sounded cold, but at least color was returning to her expression. She was no longer in her zen state of mind any longer. Her blade cleaned, and sheathed as she began to head back into the shop. "Apologies Luna, but as a member of black rose, I can't just let another guild take my problems on." However, this time, Meisa with her back turned and maybe just maybe did not see a 4th mage that came out of hiding to cast a much longer range spell. Though truly, she did see, but had taken no action yet, only hoping that the long range man may choose to run rather than attack. However, it was clear Meisa took notice, but was still walking away. This was clear by the fact, while her blade was drawn, two throwing knifes still were in her hand, concealed, but there. Perhaps this was her chance to let Luna do something too?

Not flinching or bringing herself to a raise, the beautiful woman took to the side and withdrew the satchel which had been laying there carefully while allowing the other to pass, to deal with whatever lied outside of the diner. Luna knew of the emotionless and murderous gaze well as she had worn it in the past but had since moves past that life. Now, the only ones who died were those who truly deserved it. So, Meisa could pass by all she wanted to, Luna wasn't about to stop her, but this had revealed a bit of Meisa's character. Luna responded to Meisa, her voice a distant cold. "Do as you wish, I won't stop you.

As for the skirmish, fight, or whatever else one may want to call it; Luna didn't need to be there to know what was going on - part from her ability and part from the fact she had been down a similar road in life. She knew the group was nothing special but thought she would spare their lives from Meisa - a thought that was dead wrong. Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn after all. Misa was brutally efficient and excellent in physical ability, not unlike Luna though rather than facing he problems head on Meisa was an assassin. This is what she excelled at, efficient taking of human lives.

Luna was getting up to leave when the fight was still going on and so she ended up behind Meisa around when it had ended. She noticed the fourth man who had preciously been hiding - a long ranged sniper of sorts it seemed and aiming to shoot at Meisa. Of course, Luna 'saw' him before he had even left the safety of his corner. As he prepared to snipe Meisa with his spell, Luna just up and disappeared - not even register as moving - as she popped up behind the fourth ganger and clubbed him with her big metal arm. Now now, things had gotten elevated so Luna couldn't let him live or there would be resentment. Touching his shoulder, Luna would invert his mana to the point where it began tearing his body inside out.

Almost as soon as she left, Luna popped back up into the sight of Meisa. She didn't seem particularly happy that she had to kill someone, but Meisa couldn't tell that behind a false look of indifference. "You need to watch your back, cub. You left it exposed and I had to step in. Well, let's not worry about that. I understand where you are coming from, Meisa. I used to be a lot like you actually, a long time ago. I was not trying to do your job or steal your kills or any such thing, I was simply doing my job as a protector of the town. Either way, it's dealt with now. Why don't you grab your lunch to go and come with me?"

As Meisa expected, Luna had taken action. It was a justified smile that Meisa gave, hidden only by not facing Luna immediately until words were spoken. Though this time, her smile turned into a more casual grin. She was called a 'cub', for apparently leaving her back exposed. Truthfully, Luna would have been right in any other scenario except this one, simply due to the fact, Meisa did it intentionally. Though, asking why only gave a simple answer in return. She wanted to see how Luna would react, or take action. There was some degree of curiosity in a mage's potential every time she saw one, and because of this, Meisa tended to test them frequently with her own methods, while also trying to remain patient or calm about it as well.

Finally turning back around, it was revealed Meisa currently had a weapon still drawn, but hidden from view from behind, but when she had turned, and revealed what she was still holding onto, it showed clearly, that she hadn't left her back exposed at all, but instead still had her own method to protect herself.

"Assumptions get people killed, Luna. My back was quite covered indeed. Though you saved me the trouble of using one of my hidden techniques at the most. Nice to see sabertooth has good protectors though, especially one that'll protect a stranger"

Almost wanting to lash at being called a cub, it was not the greatest thing to call someone who had been on their own for so long, but instead as she put her throwing knife back into the pouch it had came out of, she would fold her arms over, and turn her grin into a smile.

"First I do not care for who takes the kill. As so long as the job is done, its fine by me. I tend to not even collect the bounties unless the pay is high enough. I just use it to make sure I don't get in trouble is all. After all, I don't feel like being on the run, again. Secondly, do not call me a cub for assuming I left my back exposed. Being 'like me' in the past is not the same as being me, or having stayed the path I walk. Not to mention, there are plenty of paths similar, who knows which one I took, besides myself."

Finally, Meisa would turn away, and head back into the cafe' only to return with the tea and food she had ordered. Luckily, she wasn't stopped to be questioned by anyone inside who may have just witnessed that entire scenario go down. For now though, it was best it didn't get brought up by anyone not involved.

"Lets go, I suppose."

Having rejoined Meisa, Luna had spoke out to the other woman. Noticing the smile on Meisa's face devolve into a grin, Luna has noted the bitterness in her own tone and knew that she had fallen back on an old part of herself to a bad conclusion. Luna looked Meisa in the eye and spoke genuinely, "I was out of line, Meisa, I apologize for that. I don't think you are weak or inexperienced, quite contrary I believe you are quite brilliant to keep ahead in a world of magic without using any yourself. I am bitter, yes, so I used the wrong words to express my feelings. You see, I used to be a living weapon but I dedicate my life now to saving lives. I do not wish to see anyone walk the same road I must - that of a killer - but I understand if that is your path."

Luna let the woman go, half expecting Meisa to leave, however when she returned Luna was actually shocked and a bit relieved. Taking to a walk, Luna moved away from the Cafe and with Meisa either trailing her or aside her, Luna lead Meisa to a large stone landship dock. At one side of the dock, the road continued, and at the other were a set of stairs leading down to the landships proper. Luna headed up to a two-story house which almost sat right on the dock and set down at a cafe table on a second floor balcony. "Welcome to my humble abode. I thought you might enjoy the view, and here you could have some peace and quiet.

So far, this woman, Luna, has kep Meisa's attention time and time again. With everything that had been said or done, in fact, Meisa's attention was not just kept, but absorbed by one fact. The lack of using magic was not so easily seen. Most of her own movements tended to be deemed as teleporting by those that couldn't see her. Though clearly, Luna could. Her Grin actually kept it's place, but this time it was there out of interest. It had been ages since Meisa had been in the presence of someone who'd see her movements without magic, or at least she assumed no magic had been required for that, especially when they noted that she was brilliant for not using any.

"Appolgy accepted, but I have one thing to say. Its been awhile since someone picked up that I didn't use magic. Most play it off as physical enhancement magic or teleportation the way I move, and walk. Rather than hard work and training in certain arts of the mind, and body. What gave it away? Could you actually see me?"

Walking alongside of Luna while talking, she took note of where she was being brought to. Interesting really, how this stranger to her was being so friendly, but at the same time, Meisa was glad they were around. It had been awhile since she could be herself. Though there was another thing on her mind, and that was she actually wondered how she'd fare against Luna in a friendly spar. However, that thought quickly subsided when they arrived to the destination, which Meisa nodded in approval.

"Nice place" she added.

It would be easy to sense that Meisa had used no magical energy when using her 'techniques', but Luna had not foxed out that she was using natural physical techniques in that way - no, she had used a sixth sense to measure the woman assassin's movements. Luna had relied on her sight beyond sight, a form of all-seeing eye as she called it, something that might be considered a cheat by some. It was a natural part of Luna, so she didn't consider it so. "I can see you, every movement you make, in vast detail. It has nothing to do with my eyes though, rather it is a form of echolocation. It allows me to measure even high-speed movement such as yours. I guess you could consider it a cheat, but it is how I was able to determine your movements were not magical."

As the two of them, Luna could tell that Meisa was making up her mind on something, perhaps something she would share when the time was right. Luna was usually an exacting judge of character and could think several paces ahead of her opponent. This wasn't exactly the sort of situation which required that skill, but it was interesting, Meisa had caught her interest. Luna took a seat at the cafe' table and smiled, responding. "Yes, it was quite a bit of jewels to procure but I needed a house close to the guild so I moved here from Hargeon. The only improvement I could see would be to make that a harbor on the water rather than a landship dock. Anyway, enjoy your breakfast."

A snicker escaped Meisa's mouth from hearing the explanation given to her. It wasn't normal someone could keep up by using a physical enhancing ability. Which is what she deemed this 'sixth sense'. She didn't find magic to be a cheat, but rather just a crutch people rely on. Though the saying always goes, the more you rely on a crutch, the harder the fall when it is swept out from under you. As far as Meisa was concerned, her dagger didn't lose sharpness just because she stepped into the neutral grounds. She didn't lose speed, just because she walked into an anti-magic field. This was her 'power'. A physical determination to endure, and compete with mages whom rely on magic. Her superior speed, strength, and general weapon skill was enough for her to want to outshine even requip mages. Though that was still a ways away. The truth was, she needed to get better until people could not see her movements, even with magic.

"Cheat, no. However one day perhaps I'd like to test that sixth sense of yours out. For now, I think relaxing is the best course of option. I finally get to relax after all. You'd be surprised how many want to test to see why I obtained the title that I have. The whisper knife isn't something I carry lightly after all. As for improving your place of residence. I can see why you'd want to be closer to the water than you are now. Though, don't you think that might invoke danger just from the seas? Never been a fan myself of the natural disasters that apparently magic can't protect, but still, the sight is amazing, and the house is very well kept. "

Turning her attention back to the soup, it was in a simple thick plastic to-go cup, which with the spoon that it came with, she began to sip lightly, barely making a sound while doing such. Her expression changed from the sweet tasting soup. Rather refreshing to be frank. Even if she barely ever needed to eat, it was still a pleasure when she decided to. The calming feeling it gave was very nice. Though it only made her feel more relaxed finally. Her guard barely even lowered but to a more trained eye such as Luna, one could see exactly that Meisa began to be slightly trusting, by lowering her guard even a little.

"So you're from sabertooth hm, last I checked our guilds were allied. Though didn't expect to run into one of their wizards so fast. Guess its just fate I assume. Are the rest of your guildmates like you? Protectors of the town? What about yourself, is that just a hobby or just so happened to be there."

"That would be interesting, I would like that at some point. for now though, I agree that relaxation is the greatest course. You don't have to worry about anyone coming to challenge you to seek out your title here. As for possible dangers from the seas, I can see your point - however my house is protected. Not just by protective wards and seals but also by my own wind magic and, worse comes to worse, I can always use my key to escape." Luna said with a wink and a grin, heading inside for a moment before returning with an issue of the local news and with a simple wooden plate carrying a batch of fresh cornbread muffins. Luna went ahead and picked one up, and nibbled on it as she listened. It seemed that Meisa was opening up to her even if only a little bit. she smiled as Meisa got inquisitive about Luna. She would respond, as she read and ate, in an italian accent.

"Yes, I am of Sabertooth and our guild are currently in good standing with each-other. This town happens to be the central locale or headquarters of Sabertooth so you'll run into quite a few of us around town - though none out this far at least. As far as being protected of Ace of Spades, it's something I took upon myself so I suppose you could call it a hobby. I was saved from life as a weapon when very young so I try and repay the kindness by being a savior of sorts."