Everything is permitted

It had been a few months since the young courtesan had been forced to leave the pleasure district of Terra Ignis they called home and made to join the ranks of basilisk fang. This was thanks to the current owner of their contract who went by the name of Sol, they had been given a room within Sol's castle which was brightly coloured and decorated in such a way that made them feel more at ease and make the change more seamless. They still hated the cold of the mountain that their home and guild sat on, it wasn't to bad however unless sent on an errand or job, it hadn't been to often thankfully but now it seemed to become more frequent. They didn't mind to much when they had to leave it normally meant going to a warmer climate but then it also meant they had to embrace the cold each and every time they returned which was less than desirable.

Waking one morning they went though the normal routine of washing, scenting themselves dealing with their makeup, hair and dressing. As they had moved to the low temple they seen a letter, picking it up they turned it around looking at the wax seal. "Seems Sol has another task for me." they spoke to themselves as they broke the seal and brought out the letter reading it "What is it with Sol and Rune Knights... it's like he wants to wipe them out." they sighed shaking their head remembering the last time they went through this "First I had to take out a captain and lay the blame on another within the order and now he wants me to take out a major of the same order." It almost felt like they were being set up by their lord and guild master, they went through the letter once more picking out more information. "So I need to go to River Village, but it looks like I'll have another person with me. This should be interesting." they said slipping the letter back into the envelope and headed towards their door, sliding it open as they began towards the place they where to meet the other.

At current they were dressed in a white and pale green thermal hanfu with matching shoes, the mother of pearl and jade hairpins within their hair suiting the overall look they had. After several hours of travel from walking, train and carriage they got to the spot which was around a half mile away from the village. It had only occurred to them that they had absolutely no idea who they were meeting or what they looked like, but then they guessed very few would stop in the middle of nowhere. "I guess I wait." they sighed sitting down waiting within the shade.

Word Count: 470

Feitan sighed as he had accepted another job. This was right after the job he had just done to get the so called “one piece” and he was absolutely disgusted with it. True enough he had gotten a healthy pay day for it. Yet, the extra prize was something disgusting that he was not even going to bother with. So, he had given it to his partner in that job. He was hired to do another very interesting job. The job was to kill a member of the rune knights, a major no less. This was the first job to assassinate Rune Knights that he had ever gotten. What did cause him to pause however was the simple fact that he was not given this job to do alone. He was supposed to meet a partner for this job, and that was not what he preferred and, yet he couldn’t deny that he was used to these kinds of things.

He decided to dress in his usual attire, but being that river village was a good distance from him. With this in mind he reached into his pocket and withdrew a small silver broomstick. Taking it outside he sent his magic pulsing through it to bring it to the regular size that it would be useful for him. Now sitting on it side saddle he let it fly off towards the village of his job. He didn’t need to ride side saddle, but it was always hard to get on and off the broom being that he was wearing a cloak that reached down to his ankles. The trip didn’t take too long considering he was flying straight there, and was he knew the layout of Fiore well enough from the sky. As he flew he noticed that there was someone waiting about a half mile from the village. Swooping down to this person he recognized this person being that he had seen him around the guild hall.

Once on the ground he dismissed the broom back into its charm-like shape and looked to this person. With a raised brow he looked the courtesan up and down slowly “I’m guessing you are my partner for the job.” He said rather simply no preamble “I’m Feitan. Remind me of your name.” he continued matter of fact.

WC: 385

Yuiisai stood dusting themselves off making before shifting their clothing so everything was neat and in its place a smile on their face as the other came to a hault on their broom, there was a look of sheer confusion seen upon their face as they walked forward poking it out of curiosity. "What on earthland..." they said it was clear it was the first time the young courtesan had seen something like it, but quickly stood as it was changed back into a charm. It was then they made a graceful bow to the other embarrassed about they had acted. "My apologies, where I was raised magic for ones such as myself was prohibited and the use of magic was limited to things such as lighting." they explained before looking at the robe clad male in front of them "My name is Yuiisai, it is a pleasure to meet you Feitan." they took note in how the other spoke and believed they would want this done as quickly as possible which suited them.

Moving into the folds of their hanfu they brought out the envelope that was left for them that morning. "I believe that if you are here then Sol also gave you the same task?" the said holding out the letter to the other so he could see the seal and information "I swear he wants to wipe these people out, but of yet I have no idea why." their voice was sincere on the matter as they spoke "From the information I have read they protect Fiore from threats and are the hand of the magic council." it was then they realised the issue "They are standing in his way, explains the last task he gave to me" they huffed as if coming to some sort of epiphany, unable to believe they had been so slow but they were still adjusting to their knew roll in life "So, Feitan... any idea what this person looks like because if they're visiting home it's unlikely they'll be dressed like a Rune Knight. They'll not want to draw attention to themselves while on their own because of guilds like ours." they said thoughtfully

Word Count: 364
Total Word Count: 834

Feitan was a little annoyed by the fact that this strange looking person was poking his broom. His eyes flashed in irritation as he did indeed allow the poking of his broom, but let it change and stuffed it back into his pocket. “It is a magic broom I got for helping some idiot witch who decided to make inanimate objects come to life. She was so worthless…I hate her and hope she died, but that’s not here nor there.” He waved off the apology “I don’t mind, it makes no never mind to me. I don’t expect everyone to act like me. I just want them to. After all those of us born in Sin are the strongest of people. Should we live.” Presently, he turned and moved towards the town.

He glanced back at the envelope and nodded his head slowly “Yes indeed. Even so, I only took it for the payday. I also enjoy killing those who would dare to chain the rightful rules of the world down.” He said moving along. He thought about the question of identifying their target and he smiled looking back at the man in question “Well, finding him should be easy. There are a few options we have, but the one that makes the most sense is for you to ask around where he lives. Spin them some kind of tale about how he saved your life and you’re looking to deliver your thanks to him in person, but you don’t know where he lives. As for hiding in their off time. It isn’t likely that the people will not know about him living here. After all, if this village was going to come under attack they would know right where to run to in order to get themselves safe. This is the best plan. Once we find his home then we can get rid of him. However, I think it would be best for you to leave him alive, and when he comes out to say hello to you, then I can sneak into his home, and kill him right as he turns away from the door. That’s about the best plan we have.”

Looking back, he asked “Unless you had another idea?” he asked being willing to listen to this persons’ ideas.

WC:383/768

Yuiisai noticed in the others body language that he had been less than happy about them poking at his belonging, they hadn't done it out of spite but out of curiosity but realised they should have asked before they let the curiosity get the better of themselves. "Oh, it's a charm..." their tone was happy, but hearing the rest of what Feitan had to say they couldn't help but blink in surprise "Do you like anything and wish it to live?" they couldn't help but ask finding the others actions and speech beyond strange on such matters, but knew everyone was different for reasons unknown. "I have no idea how I was born Feitan, so I can't comment one way or another." they said with a small shrug as they headed towards the town, one thing they had come to understand since meeting Sol and joining the guild was that only strongest survived in life so what the other had said made sense on some level.

Seeing the other taking note of the envelope they slipped it into the top of their hanfu, listening to the others plan, and nodded as they began to walk beside them towards the village "Guess, I'm playing damsel on this job." they said sighing altering their gender to match "Your plan makes sense, why go in making a scene when a gentle knife in the back will do." She said calmly looking to the sky as they continued walking "We might cause those within to flee and we don't know if this major is hear alone, but it's doubtful if I'm honest, this order seems to have a pack mentality." She continued before walking a little ahead of the other as they got to the gate trusting he would stay near but out of sight or the panic they spoke of may become a reality.

Walking into the town they looked around trying to get their baring wishing that he knew the name of this Rune knight. They brought out the letter out of the sight of everyone reading it over again to see if Sol had included it. "Mikal Trava... these people have such strange names." they commented quietly placing the letter back into their hanfu going to find the information they needed to get this task done. Finding an elderly couple in a near by park they bowed in a graceful manner of how they would raised "Hello, I.. I was wondering if you could help me." she said gently seemingly timid their eyes looking away as they spoke making the couple stop "Oh my, aren't you beautiful." the woman said making her blush a little "Thank you." they replied to the compliment "How can we help you young lady?" her husband asked walking them both closer to her.

"Um... it's... it's embarrassing." they said looking down "My name is Ai, I come from a small village in Terra Ignis, my town was recently attacked and occupied by a dark guild. The Rune Knights came and drove them out." they began to explain left hand going to their chest as the right moved over almost hugging themselves tears falling almost as if they where afraid of the memory. "Oh you poor thing..." the woman said moving over to hug her to prevent the shaking "So much happened, when we started to rebuild I went looking for the commander of the one who helped us so I could thank him on everyone's behalf." she explained looking to them "In Era I found out he was a major and he was visiting here." they continued playing their part flawlessly "Oh that's sweet of you dear, you must be looking for Mikal. He'll likely be at home right now, he arrived late last night." the elderly male said thoughtfully with a smile.

'What kind of network does Sol have, if this guy just arrived here last night and the letter was left for me this morning.' they thought to themselves nodding to the mans words "Yes, that's his name. Do you happen to have directions?" she asked gently. "Oh yes, from here you go north until you come to the bakery on the corner, its the second street on the left beyond that you'll come to a training hall. his home is on the right of it." the old man explained, Yuiisai bowed deeply "Thank you so much, this means so much to me and my village." with a gentle wave they headed towards the home of their target. Getting to the house they knocked waiting for it to be open, their eyes noting that windows where open so the other could use them while he was occupied.

As the door opened they looked to the man quietly bowing gently "S.. sorry to bother you so suddenly. My name is Ai, you most likely don't remember me but a few months back you protected my village. I wanted to come thank you on everyone's behalf." she said timidly, it wasn't a full lie as she visited Terra Ignis and had heard the news. Mikal looked to her with a surprised and gentle look "Ah, you're welcome. I was just about to train, but after I'll show you around this village if you want." he said Yuii nodded "I'd like that, please enjoy yourself" they bowed stepping the side allowing him to pass and watching him go into the next building. 'Guess everyone trusts everyone here.' they commented seeing the windows still open but travelled through the shadow by using shadow dance looking around the house. "Feitan?" they called out hoping to hear something back from the other so they could figure out the next step.

Word Count: 950
Total Word Count: 1'784

He gave a shrug shaking his head “I wouldn’t know about charms or what not. Enchanted broom more first the profile if you want to give it a title.” As he walked he heard the question and stopped dead in his tracks to look back at his partner for this job “I want the strong, the magical, and the worthwhile to live. I like many things, but chief among them is Money. Anything I don’t like I get rid of. Do us both a favor and make sure I like you before this day is over.” He said with clear ominous tones touching his voice and the hint of madness touching his eyes made it very clear that his threat was perfectly valid, and also gave warning that he was not one to push too far.

Feitan turned glanced to his teammate and noticed the change in gender his right brow slowly climbed up his face as he saw this and took note “Interesting.” He said simply loud enough to be heard, but with no emphasis in his voice. Again, she was talking, but this time he was listening. It was rare that people agreed with his plans with such simple finality. However, he gave a shrug at her words and said “I could go in and make a scene. We could force the major to give himself up. These fools will surrender to save the common people of that I am sure, but there is no need when I don’t have to.” He gave a disgusted grunt “Besides if it means I don’t have to swallow down any more sardines then I am perfectly happy to avoid that fate.” He said shaking his head in disgust. Then he thought about it and smiled wickedly “As for civilians in his home I will just kill them as well, and any other rune knights will find that they will share their major’s fate.”

As they walked into town Feitan flicked his wrist and his LC Umbrella appeared in his hand. Opening it he held it over his head to keep the sun off of him giving a shrug “I’m not one to judge on names. My name is Feitan Kazeshini. Kind of unusual I am sure most would say. So, I’ll let you be the sole judge of names and the strangeness therein. However, it would be unwise to just go around and tell people that their names sound strange. Some people find that to be an offense valid enough to kill you.” He said talking as calmly as ever. As soon as he saw the elderly couple, however, he dropped away and left his partner to do whatever it was that she wanted to do. He meanwhile, walked around without any kind of warning and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. There was no reason that he needed to be by her side, and in fact, he concluded that it would be even more problematic.

He didn’t ever let her leave his sight, however, but he decided that there was something he needed to do before the job could really commence. With a shudder and a grimace, he shook his head muttering the phrase “Time to bow to the queen.” As soon as he did so his clothes and body were covered in a soft purple light he managed to hide from the older couple with his umbrella. His body changed until he stood almost two feet shorter and was a girl of about 12 years old in physical appearance. His clothes were a micro skirt that barely covered anything, a shawl with soft fur lining, and a bra that only just covered the board chest and nips she had. In Feitan’s free hand appeared the kitten staff of the Witch who controls death. Sighing Feitan shook ‘her’ head speaking in the voice of the witch “Sweet Zombie Juice…I don’t know why I ever made a deal with her. This form is so degrading, but it will help me a lot.” Across Feitan’s entire back even in this form was the former mark of the Laughing Coffin guild, and on his right upper arm barely hidden by his shawl was the Basilisk Fang guild crest. Feitan’s back was thankfully blocked by the giant umbrella that now easily hide his whole body even when he was just walking down the street.

Feitan in his new guise watched his partner and her interactions with slight interest. Yet seeing that she had obtained some kind of information he followed her. As he did so he kept plenty of room so that no one would be able to notice that the two were together, or that one was following the other. With great ease, Feitan followed his partner keeping an eye out and then when she stopped in front of a particular house he nodded to himself. Giving the house a wide birth he moved around to the back of it folding his umbrella and crouched low. The windows were all open and poking his head up over the windowsill Feitan was able to see the whole inside of the living room/kitchen. It was clear that there was no one but a single man with nothing to love but duty who lived in this house. This was disheartening to Feitan as he had been hoping for a whole family slaughter, but at the same time, it meant that the target would be even easier to get rid of.

He watched in silence as he saw the exchange go down licking his lips he knew that the potential for training would mean that Mikal would come back to his house exhausted and ready to rest. If this was the best they could hope for then he would take full advantage of the situation. As soon as the man walked out of the house closing the door behind him Feitan took his chance and hopped into the house making sure his movements were as quiet that could be. Once inside he moved through the house his umbrella in front of him because he did not want anything to get the drop on him. Thankfully, to his unsurprise the man did indeed live alone, and he was living in a spartan lifestyle. He moved back into the main room of the house just as Yuii apparently appeared. Now Yuii could see Feitan in all his new girly glory as he held his staff in one hand and his umbrella in the other “Yes, I am right here. The current plan is we can wait for him to return however long that may take, and slay him when he is tired.”

WC:1,114/1,882

The courtesan quirked an eyebrow slightly at what the male had said about only wanting to own the strongest things and how only the strongest deserved to live within the world, their eyes couldn't help but look away as they sighed a little quietly. "Power is merely an illusion Feitan, someone with cunning mind for tactics could easily out do someone who was little more than pure force. Saying that a refined weaker mage could take out a stronger mage with nothing but raw power" they said looking to him tilting their head "And someone like me is far more dangerous than any sort or spell or weapon; like a viper I lay in wait for the right time to strike, but even then I wouldn't get my fangs dirty when I have others that would happily fall on their own sword for just for me to acknowledge their existence." they said with a sweet tone and a gentle and warm smile, yes it was a boast but it was also one they could back up if needed. They then chuckled at the threat "And you can tell Sol why his property is dead." she said in a matter of a fact way knowing that was one person you really didn't want to irritate but her attendant Aguya seemed to make a hobby out of it.

"Money?" they seemed a little perplexed about the statement given they never had need of such things before, everything was usually handled by the house and they where given an allowance out of the money they brought into the house. "I guess your right, those with the most seem to have a lot of power and influence politically." Their voice showing they were thinking on the subject as they walked "I'll do my best Feitan to have you like me by the end of this task but who knows what will happen." Yuii said with a shrug if they needed to defend they would, they just didn't want to get their clothing messed up due to fighting another guild member. "Unwise or not it's true, I'm sure people find my name strange but I'm not going to kill them over a difference in culture." though nodded showing they would take his words under advisement "My name is Yuiisai, I don't have a last name and my attendant is called Aguya again he doesn't have a last name... so I understand where not having room to speak of such things comes from."

Hearing his word and noticing the others raised eyebrow they chuckled a little "I'm gender fluidic, something with my messed up magic. Then again gave me an edge in my last life so to speak and is helpful in this new one it seems." They said remembering the house they where raised in and how they never seemed to have time to themselves in the evening, but then their attention was booked weeks in advance. "I don't think making a scene is the best idea, the villagers would flee and they would be harder to take out because they would be trying to defend them." She explained crossing her arms for a moment but stopped as he mentioned eating something he would rather avoid. "What is a sardine and why would you want to avoid eating it if it's food?" she asked before going to deal with the next task.

After gaining the information from the old couple she walked towards the house glancing behind her every now and then, though she smelled the scent of the other she just could not seeing him. For the longest time she believed he may have been in the shadows or on the roofs to keep out of sight, but had noticed a strange looking girl following it though also noted it was more for other people's perception than their own. She just found it strange given she had never seen the girl before following her and her partner vanishing but then she was sure that it would become clear in the future. After a quick conversation with their target and watching him move into the building to the right of the house, she couldn't help but feel saddened about a person whom only seemed to care about duty alone.

When Mikal entered the building they themselves had moved into the house with the help of moving through the shadow, when calling the others name she couldn't help but look surprised at where the answer came from. She needed to take take a moment to take in exactly what she was seeing "Takeover magic?" she enquired after having read about it in a book "Either that or a special ability of perhaps summoning magic." they commented a smile on their face "In any case you look very cute Feitan and I'm sure it has its own strengths and merits." They said honestly, this wasn't mentioned as an insult but a compliment as she knew herself that things seemingly cute or beautiful were the most deadly. Hearing the the plan she nodded her eyes looking around the room "He's alone in this world and is fine with giving his all for duty, such a sad existence." She said sitting down in the middle of the room.

After a few hours passed and the light started to dim as the afternoon turned into early evening, it was boring the courtesan as they had little they could do. Eventually the front door would be heard opening causing the courtesan to stand, taking the other by the wrist she blended them perfectly within the shadows "You know how to hide your magical energy right?" she enquired to the other, but then at this point she was sure that the other guy would likely be to tired to pick anything up but would rather be safer than sorry. For now it was watching his routine from the safety of the shadow until he finally went to bed. "I guess now is the time" killing always left a bad taste in her mouth but at the same time she knew given her guild there was no real way of avoiding such tasks at the best of times.

Word Count: 1'035
Total Word Count: 2'819

Feitan gave a soft sigh at hearing this and shook his head waving his finger in a ‘tut-tut’ gesture. “You did not seem to understand what I said. I said I want the strong, the magical, and the worthwhile to live. Under those three desires those with cunning, gre intelligence, and other such qualities are safe. However, going with your idea that is not the case either. Power is an illusion simply because there is little to prove it. Kill or be killed this is the ultimate expression of power. Should you live and kill those who would kill you then you are powerful. This is the world that we live in. That power is not an illusion. That is the power I will always refer to. How you kill those who would kill you is irrelevant so long as when in a conflict you emerge on top all the time then you are powerful. Even when you lose a conflict you are still more powerful than all those who you have already defeated, and have only met someone more powerful than yourself.” He explained very simply with a clipped tone as if he was very annoyed with having to explain something he thought was common sense and nature.


Looking back at his partner Feitan nodded his head very slowly “Yes, you are like a viper. However, the hawk will eat the viper nine times out of ten, and the eagle will eat the hawk, the dragon will eat the eagle, and so on; add infinitum until time is the greatest devourer of all things.” He replied to the boast with a smile and continued. The quip about Sol only made Feitan shrug his shoulders and turn to look at the companion he had once again “Oh, if only I were sane enough to fear him. I am the Tomb Keeper of Madness. That title may not be as relevant to many, but it is still relevant to me. I am formerly of the Laughing Coffin guild. We laugh at the concept of death, we welcome it with a smile and a joyful laugh on our lips. There is no greater joy than dancing to oblivion.” Now he fully turned to face his companion his eyes full of madness that was visible as the sun “I am the Tombkeeper of Madness, I represented the path to the grave through the waltz of utter insanity! Oh, what a sweet, sweet dance it is! What a beautiful symphony it can make in the world!” he began to dance erratically as if he was possessed in the mad arms of a demonic waltz “Oh, if I could dance into oblivion and take Sol through the depths of my madness how utterly delightful! One day, one day after my debt is paid I shall do just that! Take all this world into my madness! The Gravemaster was the only one who understood this madness, and the only one who could give me joy. How I miss her so much! ~” he sang this last line as best he could.

The word Money seemed to snap Feitan back to reality and just that fast the madness was gone from his eyes and he looked relatively normal “Yes, Money makes civilization go round, and round. It separates the strong from the weak, it feeds the hungry, and shelters the homeless. If I have to live in this dreadful world then I will have to obtain money. I will not allow myself to be an animal ever again! I will not be fearful of the day to day struggle for food. I shall not allow myself to be threatened on any and all sides from those with money to buy protection, and magic or the control of those various wicked beasts that lived in my home country. I will not ever be like that again, and to achieve this goal I need money, mountains, and mountains of money!” He walked along with his companion ignoring the bit about names and other such things. He only kept the knowledge of his companion’s name and the attendant they had.

Feitan sighed and shook his head slowly “This is true, but in all honesty, I don’t mind a little bloodbath every now and again. I would enjoy slaying these vile worthless villagers. Bathing these fields, plants, and houses in the beautiful crimson of blood would be only too wonderful of a thing for me to do. Whatever, it doesn’t really matter at this point. Thankfully my orders allow me to do whatever I would like. So, killing this one man will suffice.” When he was asked what a Sardine was he sighed shaking his head reaching into his cloak to pull out a small little can. Opening it he pulled out the tiny little fish waggling it in the air “This is a Sardine. They are a disgusting fish to eat. Here try one.” He stretched it out to his partner and waited until they took it or not. If they didn’t then he would eat that one and then down the whole can. If they did eat it then he would simply shrug take th can and devour it swallowing them all down whole trembling and gagging violently when it was all done “These things…utterly repulsive.”

The pair separated at that point and Feitan let the change flow over him. He followed in his new guise noticing that he was watched by Yuiisai and it was delightful to see that his partner was observant enough to actually notice that they were being followed by someone. He did do his best to keep out of sight of someone else, but that didn’t mean he was hiding out from his partner.

As Yuiisai walked into the house and saw Feitan he nodded his head “Yes, it is a Takeover magic. This is Demon Soul: Netherworld magic. This form you see me in is the form of the Witch who Controls Death, Majorita.” Hearing the comment about looking cute he held up his umbrella pointing the tip at Yuiisai with deadly seriousness in his eyes “You watch your mouth. If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I don’t care if the whole magic council protects you, it will not be enough to save you from my wrath.” His threat despite coming from such a mouth, and in such a girly voice didn’t seem to lose any potency showing that the form he took was used to such violence. Presently he nodded his head “Yes, so sad, but at least he will die in the service of his ideals. Now then. Let’s prepare this fun little party for our target.” He waved the kitten staff in front of him in a circular motion “Come to me Slaves!” From the portal emerged a woman dressed all in black with only her face and the black hair that was her normal hair color. Slowly she drew two daggers from behind her back kneeling before Feitan. He nodded his head slowly and pointed up to the ceiling “Hide up there, and wait until the next person walks through that door.” The woman nodded her head and leapt up to plaster herself against the ceiling. “That’s one trap set. We only need a few more.”

The hours passed by and Feitan readied himself for another fight. His umbrella was loaded and he was clearly ready to do something with it. The front door opened and he was dragged away by the Courtesan into the shadows. He rolled his eyes and inhaled slowly. As he did so his whole essence seemed to change and if it wasn’t for the fact that Yuiisai could see Feitan she would swear that he wasn’t there at all. The slave looked to Feitan who only shook his head. It was at this point that they waited and watched to see what would happen and finally the man went to bed. Feitan glaned over at his partner shaking his head slowly “No need to get involved. I can handle this. There is no point in you staining your hands with blood that you do not need.” He whispered as he readied his umbrella and the assassin came down silently from her spot stuck to the ceiling.

WC: 1,386/ 2,500

Yuii listened to the others words, it was true they didn't understand but how could they given how and where they had been raised so was happy enough to take the lesson the other was freely giving. "I was raised as a courtesan within the pleasure district of Terra Ignis, such things may seem like common sense to you..." she looked down biting her lip "but when you are a bird trapped in a gilded cage certain things that are common sense need not be thought about." she tried to explain to the other as she took in the elder males words and reflected on them "I see what you mean, thank you for helping me understand Feitan, it means a lot to me." she said gently bowing a little a smile on her face "Only the strong and cunning survive." she said as if she was trying to make a mental note to herself her eyes going to the right for a moment "I dislike that, but it does seem to be the way of things so I will adapt and become stronger so I will survive." he nodded to herself as if she had found new resolve.

"What you say is true, it just means I will have to adapt and change to become a more deadly predator, so I am left alone." she said with a pleasant smile before going about her task, her mind went back to Aguya and Sol and how Aguya was adapting, to the point he had demanded that Sol train him so he could keep her safe 'I really am a burden on him...' she thought to herself as she released a sigh quietly. It was only after leaving the place they called home that had such strict rules that she now seen the contrast, in honesty she wished to be back home but knew that was never going to happen, Sol would never allow it so had to adapt and quickly to survive. She was brought out of her thoughts as he heard the other speak of madness and how he was the keeper of it, this bewildered the young courtesan so she listened intently to his happy insanity and couldn't help but smile too. It was almost like beautiful melody the way he spoke about it with such passion and how he wanted others to experience it "Perhaps one day you can show me this joyful yet psychotic waltz you speak of. I would love to experience it myself, even if it is only the once but the way you speak of it makes me believe it will be addicting and hard to stop." she said her voice sincere in word and pleasant in tone.

She watched him dance and hummed a melody as to give him something to dance to her hands clapping as she kept tempo, to her it was something truly memorising and wished to see more of it. No sooner that the madness had started than it had stopped as if he came to his senses, she couldn't help but clap regardless gleefully at the performance he had put on even if it wasn't for her "Thank you for showing me your dance Feitan, it was wonderful I will remember it always." her smile was sweet and ever present as she spoke no deceit seen in her eyes. She listened but one part of his sentence caught her attention "Live as an animal?" her eyes seemed hurt that someone such as he would be treated in such a manner "You're no animal Feitan, I wouldn't believe you ever were and I hope those who treated you as such seen the less than joy filled side of your dance as they met their end." her voice was as it always had been but there was something darker about the undertone it held, like there was something in her trying to claw its way out. "I will help you achieve what you need so you will never be treated in a way you don't want ever again." it was clear in her eyes there was a hidden pain but her voice was filled with a strong resolve to help the other in his chosen task.

"Why kill when we don't need to?" they asked to her the others statement made no sense, she understood they where dark mages but at the same time she still didn't like the though of spilling blood needlessly, she didn't want to fall into her own sickening dark madness that she knew lay just below the surface. "If there was a valid point to it I'd understand but to kill aimlessly..." she shook her head before sighing "I guess it goes back to the first part of this discussion about the weak and strong." if this was what it was like outside her cage she wanted to return to it. She watched as he brought out a sardine and handed it to her, taking it she examined it before eating it. It was true it seemed like an acquired taste but it didn't seem overly bad to her, but it wan't something she would go out of her way to request at any point. "They are quite salty. Where I don't mind them, I wouldn't eat them willingly." she admitted to the other, watching as the other ate some and tried to fight his gag reflexes 'Poor guy, I wonder why he eats things he doesn't like.' she thought to herself as they parted.

Listening as he confirmed that it was takeover magic, his specific types name as well as the form he was in she smiled. "You're the first takeover mage I've ever met." she said with a happy giggle, she was always happy to see new exciting and different magics, chief amongst them being takeover since there was so much it could do and with differing branches to the same class of magic. She brought her hand out and pushed down the umbrella gently her own dark madness seen in her otherwise clear eyes "I don't need the magic council to protect me, where I dislike shedding blood make no mistake I will do it in a heartbeat if I am threatened." her voice unlike before was deadly serious as she spoke almost like her body had been possessed by another but as quickly as it came it left making her withdraw her hand quickly from the parasol "Sorry, I do think you are cute but I promise I won't tell anyone I witnessed this transformation." her voice gentle once more as if the last part hadn't happened the deadly malicious madness gone from her eyes.

"Indeed..." her hand moved around the walls as she tried to find something personal to this man that was not his duty but through the light and darkness the house felt hollow. "So saddening..." she whispered as she watched the woman come from nowhere and move to hide before taking her place with Feitan in the shadows. Even within the shadow knowing the other was there she found it hard to see him, but she guessed this was an aspect of his magic. For hours they watched the man cook, read, sharpen weapons and polish armour; she couldn't help but feel a twist in her stomach if they should do this to a man who had such a forfilling yet pathetic existence her eyes went to Feitan showing doubt and hesitation. "No, we are a team... I will do my duty as much as you will." her voice was low as she spoke, she knew this time would come, she knew what was expected but then why was she so hesitant to do it? So many emotions and thoughts where running through her head she felt like she was going to be sick, but knew for now she had to keep it together. "R-ready Feitan..." she breathed slowly trying to stable herself for the task ahead.

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Feitan seemed to think about then and then he smiled slowly the gesture hidden behind his upraised collar that covered the lower half of his face, but the insane and deadly gleam in his eyes was clear as day “A bird is caged for many reasons, to protect it, to preserve its beauty, or to shield those outside of the cage from the ferocity of the bird. They caged you to preserve your beauty, however, what they didn’t notice was the deadly nature that you could achieve. Don’t sell yourself short.” He said very simply. Hearing the gratitude, he waved the thanks away shaking his head “You are a Basilisk, as long as I owe them I shall help their members. Still, you have potential and to waste that potential or let it go to waste would be a crime. I am sure that you will be fine so long as you can stomach the work that we must do. Remember, money makes the world go round and if you have enough of it you could buy anything. Including freedom, and safety.” He said softly. That last sentence was said with a tone of longing and desire clearly letting a glimpse of his deeper thoughts out into the world.

Feitan heard about Yuiisai’s desire to join him in the waltz and that he or they whatever, would like to experience it. Slowly his eyes began to dance with madness, and a sickly green light that was clearly his aura tinting his gaze and his personality “Soon enough you just might get your wish. I am planning to go back to the Netherworlds sooner or later. You are welcome to come with me and see many things. Perhaps I might pay the Netherworld academy a visit and they’ll teach you the Zombie Dance. It’s a fun little thing.” He said twirling and holding his arms straight out in front of him his hands limp as he ran through a few steps of the dance. Moving along he nodded his head in agreement he licked his lips “Yes, one would call it addicting, perhaps even life changing. However, I wouldn’t let you experience it just yet. The strain on your mind might just make it snap, and destroy your little mind. I don’t mind guiding those who seek the path of Madness down that road, still, I don’t want to kill a fledgling like you with the truth that Madness offers.” He said slowly his dance and moving towards their target. The idea of how he would get to the Netherworlds, and he really did want to get back there. He knew that his former master was there, and he would have to track him through all the netherworlds to find him, but it would be an easy task. The first step in his hunt would be to make sure that his master wasn’t in any of the netherworlds that belonged to the overlords he had made a pact with.

The humming and clapping gave him a tune and a tempo, so he was happy enough to dance. Waving off the thanks he shook his head “This isn’t much of a dance. Now in the Netherworld the dance would be even better and more elaborate.” He glanced over at her nodding his head slowly “Yes, I lived as an animal. In Sin there is very few ways to live beyond that. Those of us who live or lived in Sin were discarded there. All I know for sure is that the person who ‘raised’ me” he said with dramatic air quotes “was not related to me in any fashion other than they apparently found me. Still, you must steal, kill, and hide to survive in Sin, and every day was a trial against the elements and the beasts that call Sin home. The only ones who lived nicely were those with money, and living near that giant wall. Then the ones on the other side of that wall determined who was worthy enough to cross through that wall, or save. They would drop burning oil, and other such things down upon those of us who lived up against their wall. It was terrible, and one day I will reign utter destruction and devastation upon that whole nation!!” he bellowed out the last two words showing his rage about the subject at hand. Slowly he shuddered and shook his head quickly “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. At any rate, it wasn’t until my former Master Hisoka came and brought me to the Netherworld that I started to gain power, and was freed from my chains as an animal.” The tone was one of anger, but also one of reflection.

Glancing back at her he waited until she worked through the reasoning. Nodding his head, he smiled “Yes, that’s right. The weak and the strong. Everyone you can kill is the weak, everyone who can kill you is the strong. So long as there are more people below you than above you, then you are not among the weak. As far as kill when we need to.” He shrugged his shoulders “Who says I don’t need to always kill? Who says they are not already dead and don’t know it yet? You’d understand that prey exist for the predators if you were exposed to the outside world enough. Don’t worry, you will learn these lessons. Besides, if you have never bathed in blood I promise you that it is an experience you would love. How do you think I keep such a look as I do?” he asked stroking the part of his cheek that could be seen “Blood is a perfect skin regiment.” When she ate the Sardine, he finished coughing and nodded his head slowly “Yes, no one in their right mind would. That is before Valvatorez…the tyrant…He’s a sick and twisted soul. If not for his power and how great it was I wouldn’t even bother. Still, he is very powerful, and I needed that power. So, Sardines I have to endure.”

He smiled nodding “It is quite the power, but the cost is that you have to make a deal, or kill and absorb a demon to use their powers. The overlords that have given me their power have a deal with me, and I with them. The others I have killed throughout my life and through my visits to the Netherworlds. That is the best way that I know how to gain power from demons, and even now I can still siphon off life energy from demons in this world.” When she put her hand on his umbrella Feitan’s sickly green aura flared up showing that he was not happy with it, but seeing the madness that was in Yuiisai’s eyes he stopped and watched her with something akin to interest, and amusement in his eyes. Hearing her voice brought a slow smile to his face, the girlish face making the gesture look evil, and malicious in nature. When she let go of Feitan’s umbrella he smiled nodding his head slowly “That’s very interesting. Perhaps you are not so far from Madness yourself.” Presently he pulled his umbrella away but still ready to be brought to bear against their target.

Feitan gestured for his assassin to move into the bedroom and make ready there. That would be the best place it seemed for the future. They watched the target for a long time and shook his head in irritation as he started to grow impatient. Even so, he held his aura within himself, and was ready to bring it to the foreground in a single heartbeat. Hearing that Yuiisai was ready and would do her part in the mission he sighed nodding his head “Very well, but do not let me down.” He whispered as he moved up to the bed his assassin sliding down the wall onto the floor and drew a pair of daggers from behind her back. Readying his umbrella, he pointed the tip at the soldier’s head making sure that his little bullet would go straight through the man’s head. That was with one hand, with the other he lifted the staff so that he could bring it down on the man’s chest. His assassin moved to sink both of her daggers into the man’s stomach ready to attack at the same moment as Feitan. The two of them nodded their heads in unison to their partner and then struck. Feitan brought his staff down in as hard a blow as he could muster, his thumb that was inside the wolf’s head handle of his umbrella pressed the secret button and the tip of the umbrella shot out and towards the Major’s head like a bullet, but with no sound as it traveled.

The assassin stabbed down with both of her daggers into the Major’s stomach up to the hilt with each of them twisting them and pulling them apart so that she was sure to spill as much of their targets’ insides as was humanly possible. Even if Yuiisai didn’t help them out the two of them were likely to kill the man on their own with how ferocious their attacks were.

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Yuiisai listened to Feitan's words her hand coming from the left willowed sleeve to hold on to her right arm "It had nothing to do with protecting me or my beauty Feitan." she said her small voice clearly saddened as her eyes turned to the side "I was five when I was sold to the house that raised me by my father no less. He called me many horrible things..." she shook her head the sadness being replaced by a flawless smile once more "I don't hate him for what he done to me, I guess I was a problem child or that there was something about me he couldn't handle." she didn't remember much from around that age but even though she wore her smile the pain was still within her eyes as she truly didn't understand why she had been betrayed by one of the people who where meant to love and protect her, especially to a place that would lead her to such a profession though she knew it could have been worse and she could have been sold to a lesser house.

"They don't really know of my magic back home, only my attendant Aguya does because he was the one who took care of my needs." She said honestly a sigh escaping her lips "Within the district, courtesan, apprentices, attendants are forbidden to use magic if they possess it." She knew to outsiders it made no sense but it was the way of things, from what she had been told a courtesan in the past had killed their 'wife' on purpose while they where bedding he manipulated her shadow to abuse and strangle her to death. After a long and lengthy investigation the truth was found out and it hadn't been to just that one 'wife' but several due to a sadistic nature, he had been ordered to publicly executed and so from that day no one from any of the houses where permitted to use magic. To be found out was an instant hefty fine and public punishment, the only ones allowed where the geisha but they had markings that was controlled by the owner of the house. "Aguya says I moved from one gilded cage to another, this one just has a deadly and unforgiving beast sitting atop it" he said chuckling lightly as she though on how Aguya and Sol where with one another.

"You sound like Sol, he keeps talking about my potential..." her hand gripped at her arm almost ready to tare the silk that adorned her frame "My magic isn't a gift like he says, it's a curse... I'd rather go without than have this." her words to him were earnest, but hearing about the work she looked down "This is far too dark, I prefer the colour and beauty but my owner decides my tasks and I go and do them before returning to that secure gilded cage surrounded by the snow and ice" It was her new reality and it was one she was finding it tough to adapt to, she bit her lip gently as the other commented on money again "Sol and Aguya keep me safe but I don't think I'll ever get my freedom. Aguya says Sol will never permit it." her heart sank when she found out but she knew Aguya wouldn't lie to her especially about that. "I will forever be a caged bird in a gilded cage." she had no idea why it bothered her given that was her life from the age of five it just did.

Yuiisai watched as the sickly green flickers within the others aura appeared, she wondered if it had something to do with his magic or something else but for now she knew it would be bad to ask to many personal questions of the other. I was then she heard the invite here eyes opening in surprise as she truly didn't expect to go to another realm let alone to be taken to an academy to learn a new dance "You would really allow me?" her voice filled with childish glee, she loved to dance and even learning new ones made her so very happy but the excitement to see somewhere important to another guild member also helped in her peppiness. She watched as he gave her a demonstration of a few of the steps of the fun little dance and she clapped her hands happily. Hearing her words she stop and tilted her head a different type of smile crossed her lips almost dark in nature "Madness is what you make it Feitan, the most sane people tend to be mad so they say." her voice mirroring her words but that would be a conversation for another time.

Hearing the dance would be far more elaborate making them better she grinned almost like a Cheshire cat "I would love to see one." she couldn't help it she was a courtesan, for the first three meetings with her clients it was all about entertainment and getting to know them longer if they requested but it was after the third time the courtesan offered the matrimonial wine but Yuiisai being how she was very rarely completed the rite to allow herself to bed with a client but she was still one of the most sought after oiran in the district. "Sin?" she asked as she thought such a thing was a way of living not a place but it turned it was both and she was about to learn a little about it so listened intently. "I wasn't raised by my parents after the age of five as I said, I was sold to the house that I worked for until Sol somehow obtained my contract and even then it was my attendant Aguya who looked after me." she said thoughtfully, she knew what they had been though was only similar that they had both been abandoned and raised by other people she knew he had, had it far much harder than she had and felt for him, she wanted to help make his life better but truly didn't know how.

"But you said the strong survive, the fact you are still here proves your strength doesn't it?" She said smiling, she may not know much outside of what she was raised knowing but even she knew that after his explanation on strength and weakness. She chewed her lip lightly "Sol had me kill a rune knight captain recently and blame it on another member of the order. I felt horrible doing it, I don't like killing but if I don't evolve then I'll become pray to the others making me weak and a liability to people around me. I won't be a weakness to Sol or to those around me, I'll adapt." She nodded trying to convince herself in her resolve, hearing the rest of the conversation made her blink in confusion "Already dead and not know it? They look very much alive to me Feitan." she was trying to understand his way of thinking on this but on this occasion but was trying her best. "I will learn, it'll take time and I am never going to bathe in blood Feitan no matter how alluring you make it seem." the thought of it made her skin crawl if she was honest with herself on the matter and she could only imagine the damage it would do to her clothing and she wasn't keen on the idea.

"I'll take your word for it, my skin has always been flawless." She admitted to the other watching how he stroked part of his cheek "I wonder if I'll ever gain enough trust and faith from you to see your entire face one day Feitan." she said to him curious about his entire look not just part of it, but this was a matter she would never push on him. She nodded listening "A small price to pay for strength, I understand." he seemed like he lived up to his title tormenting Feitan with the small salted fish "At least your always eating even if it's bad." she said looking on the brighter side of things. Yuii listened intently as Feitan spoke of how his magic worked "Did you make pacts or absorb others?" she asked curious but listened to the rest "Seems like a very strong magic you have." she commented truly thinking such a thing, she wondered what it felt like not to feel cursed by the magic you had but it was something she believed she would never feel.

Seeing the green sickly aura she realised she may have made a mistake but didn't budge her hand nor did she show fear to him. "I give my word." was all she said before her hand pulled back and the insanity gone once more, she could see in his eyes that he held interest and amusement towards what happened but when the madness left it was almost as if thee recollection of it left with it. She could tell the waiting was getting on the others nerves and after the short exchange she nodded "I won't Feitan, I promise." even though her words shook with fear her eyes showed she would do her part in this task even if she didn't like it, after all this was her new reality... wasn't it? Following Feitan's lead up to the man's bedroom she could feel herself shaking unable to believe she was about to do such a thing. 'This won't bring forth the darkness right? I will tell Aguya like the last time and he can keep me safe from it.' she didn't know if her attendant could keep the darkness at bay but it kept her feeling secure and calm as she walked forward her hand going flat near the man's throat once where she wanted it she closed it but instead of closing fully a tanto made of solid shadow appeared as it did it would already be in his neck "I'm sorry you die like this... but it's you or us, and we need to survive." she said honestly pulling back the blade splitting the windpipe open fully the blood splattering upon the walls, herself and Feitan "My clothing is ruined..." normally she would be angry at this but deep within her she knew that this man's line had ended with him and there was no one to reap the debt on. "Task done, the bird wants to return to her cage where it's beautiful." her voice was calm as she opened her hand letting the shadow leave her hand.

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