Marble Silence [Kiva/Open]

[Sazio]

The night was silent, the chill even more prevalent, only giving the barest hints that spring was around the corner. The mist rolled in, billowing in gentle waves, easily concealing the silent presence within. His steps made absolutely no sound in the thick blanket of snow, even his prints were shallow quick to fade from sight amid the light flurry caused by the dancing winds. Silvery gray auds twist minutely, catching any and all sounds that stir in the night. There was no fear in the brute as he moved through the thicken wood, an idle debate briefly touched his thoughts but it was dismissed as there was no need to waste the effort of tree walking. So he continues to walk, patrolling the forest. A shadow that was there and gone before one could even blink, such was the way of the Shinobi.

Sazio would pause as a small break in the branches overhead allowed the gleam of the moonlight to pierce through, giving the most and snow flurries an ethereal glow. The brilliance of green was nearly as striking, glittering from the shadows like emeralds set against a backdrop of mythical beauty. Poised, utterly still the white and black marked wolf could very well have been carved from marble, chilling in his silence.

For a moment those crystal clear orbs lifted skyward, studying the moon's full brillance. Memories shifted through the mind, of times both recent and distant. Still one question haunted his soul, why had Aterui left him to suffer alone, in shame. He could never return Iga Village, could never return to his life. Out of place within these wild lands he often felt a strange longing to leap into the oceans and find his way home. He wasn't like the other wolves here, this was obvious from the start, nor would he ever be. They chased their pray he merely waited in the branches of a tree and dropped onto their unsuspecting forms, ending their lives with a quick precise bite. They did not walk in the shadows, or move with the wind. A sigh escaped his mew in a puff of visible air. Aterui, why...would you leave me like this?! Inwardly his frustrations simmered like molten lava coursing through his veins, outwardly there was absolutely no change to that frozen visage.





Word Count: 387
Tags: Kiva / Open
Muse: Epic!
Notes:

[Kiva]

As of late, the silver feme found herself wishing winter would end and spring would come. For the glorious snow, the stunning ice, and the chilling cold were past the point of awe with her. Instead, they brought on bitter memories and painful emotions that she was constantly trying to swallow. She missed the sparring she and her brother would have in the snow, even though at the time she hated being pinned down into the cold snow and being made to submit. She missed watching her many pups play and romp, their laughter filling the air. Her heart had become colder than the ice surrounding her and she was ready for it to thaw.

Unable to sleep, she had decided to take a leisurely stroll outside, letting her mind freely roam and not hiding the soft whimpers that came as a side effect. Between the sliver light cast down from the enormous full moon and the pale white of the fallen snow, she blended in flawlessly to her surroundings, a silent ghost moving about. As she walked, she thought about how she missed the gracefulness that her old pack, Tala had. How they all could move silently, communicating only with looks. How they used nature to their benefits, acting as one with their surroundings under the direction of the gods. She loved her new pack but they just weren’t the same as the pack her and her brother had formed.

A lone form not too far ahead was what made her snap out of her thoughts, her ears perking as she caught sight of him. It was the newest member of Othala, Sazio, and under the moon, he looked like a statue built to honor the gods. She had to yet to really get to know him but she had already taken a fond interest in him and because of that, had made him the first Gardail. She could tell he held high potential and had much experience and skills and she strongly believed that if he ever had to, he would do whatever it took to keep her safe.

After watching him quietly for a minute, she silently moved up and sat next to him, her pale blue eyes quickly finding their way to the moon, sighing softly as she thought of her brother and pups looking down on her. She could tell by the look on his face that Sazio too seemed to be thinking of something painful, but she would not ask. If he wanted her to know, he would tell her. It was then that a slight sly grin crossed over her muzzle as she attempted to distract him from whatever it was he was thinking. Speaking up with an innocent tone, she kept her eyes on the moon overhead, “I always hear crazy things happen under the full moon but tonight is so quiet.”

[Sazio]

Sazio was aware of Kiva's aimless approach long before the alphess had noticed him. No matter how lost in ones thoughts are you never loose awareness of your surroundings. To do so often meant death within his homeland. When she finally noticed him he was very much aware of her intense gaze, still he made no movement, even his sides barely moved with the shallow breaths he took, poised in silence. Eventually the Silvery white female with the pale blues and a matching crescent moon around one eye, made her way to his side where she sat. Her own muzzle tipped skyward. For a single moment he wondered what she thought of that brought such a sorrowful look to those clear eyes. But he did not inquire, to do so meant knowing more then he needed to in order to accomplish his duty. It opened him up to attachments and relationships. Not something he was particularly interested in.

Still he would twitch an ear in her direction as her voice broke through the eerie silence that filled the tiny monolith clearing, the dance of fog drifted lazily across the ground tumbling over itself in its playful haste adding a sense that they were the only two in the whole of the world. A faint smile twisted his lips at her comment though as usual it never reached his eyes. "The full moon...It is true for some the full moon is a time for mischief, but we Shinobi prefer the dark of the moon to the light. In the shadows we work...in the shadows we...play." For a moment that alabaster and ebony head dipped to glanced way, emerald light traveled along the alphess's features and a smile slipped free, a smile that lit the depths of those eyes with an inner fire. Fleeting though it was as he once more turned his attention to the skies falling quiet once more.

Several heartbeats would pass before that low enticingly deep voice whispered once more. "Such nights remind me of the Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the Japanese Moon God." Calmly he would step forward drifting doubtlessly over the snow, pausing for only a moment to glance over his shoulder towards her. "Coming?" It wasn't often he would willing invite another to keep company as he preferred others to be unaware of his presence among them, but he could not leave his charge in protected so far from the safety of the dens, even if it was pack lands.



Word Count: 419
Tags: Kiva
Muse: Epiccly delightful!!!
Notes: Smile!! didja see it?!?!

[Kiva]

Ever since stumbling upon her first mate, the silver alphess had been a flirt, there was no denying the fact. It was her way of having fun, enjoying making the males swoon over her, but it was also her way of dealing with things. It was her way of lightening the mood and cheering things up. Granted, it didn’t always work and sometimes left things a bit awkward but for the majority of time, it did work and it did lighten the mood. That’s exactly why she switched into the fun part of her personality when it came to cheering the male up.

She watched out the corner of her eye as he perked an ear, listening to her words. Sure, she spoke in an innocent tone, but she had no doubt that he would catch the underlying tones hidden within the feigned innocence. Sure enough, as she listened to him speak of preferring the new moon over the full moon when it came to playing, she knew he had caught her drift. For a brief moment she felt a bit of disappointment, wishing it wasn’t the full moon that was out. But, she wouldn’t give up that easily. “It is true the new moon provides a more…exciting environment but even under the brightest of moons, there are places the light doesn’t reach, places that offer the same air of excitement,” she told him, remembering several places within her lands that she had discovered the light of the moon couldn’t touch.

She nodded in agreement as he mentioned the moon reminding him of the Japanese moon god. “Indeed,” she agreed, nodding her head. She watched with a frown as he moved forward, figuring he was done with her company and ready to be alone. But when he asked over his shoulder if she was coming, her ears perked excitedly as she nodded before getting to her feet. Unsure of where he was going or what he had planned, she let him take the lead, remaining beside his hip quietly.

Sazio

[Sazio]

Inwardly Sazio would smile, though that visible expression never even twitched, it was amusing to watch the Silvery white wolf attempt to cheer him up. He knew without a single doubt that she was curious about him. Not that he would ever indulge in her curiosity, at least not to the depths she would hope for. He wasn't the type to share his thoughts unless they pertained to something vital. And he certainly wasn't the type to express emotions, in his world emotions were a waste, unless they could be used to achieve a mission. Many times had he been sent in to distract a females heart, to pry information from a swooning girls lips only to leave them cold and desolate, with a valuable lesson. Never let your heart be opened, it would cost your life, or the lives of those you protect. A detached ninja was a live ninja, and a ninja who lived to protect...or kill...another day was a successful one.

Although it was a fine line to walk, to often in the four years of his life had he seen those who stumbled into the darkness of their lives, who gave into the thrill of the kill, the excitement of manipulation. Over indulgence made one sloppy, and it goes without saying that a sloppy Shinobi was a dead Shinobi.

All these thoughts were fleeting as he continued to walk, not bothering to wait her decision, though it was not long before she moved to walk along side him. A shimmering gem of clear liquid green peered down at her paws, before he spoke in that same low whispers voice that seemed to coil around the senses. "Your step on the snow is to heavy, you leave deep tracks.." A flicker of his eyes indicated behind them, where his prints were nearly invisible unless you knew where to look, where as hers were easily seen. "Even in the comfort of your own home, one should practice caution, to keep such skills sharp when the need arises."

He would be silent as he moved forward, a ghost, if she were being attentive she would catch that his habit to remain within the shadows even touched something as simple as a stroll through the woods. Eventually his voice would raise once more. "In most cultures, the moon is a goddess, not so with my home country. In the old days before tradition was lost to the modern era the moon was meant for the male. Silent and protective, a creature who resided the dark. While the sun held a woman's warmth, a bright light who gave the man a reason to continue onward. Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the Japanese Moon God was brother to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. They became a mated pair. I always wondered why Gods tended to marry their siblings.." His voice trailed off as he pondered this thought for a moment before he continued speaking. "Amaterasu grew angry with Tsukuyomi when he killed Uke Kochi, goddess of food. She sent him to represent her at Uke's Feast. The goddess made the food by turning to the ocean and spit out a fish, then facing the forest she again spit, game flowed from her mouth, finally she turned to a rice paddy and coughed up a bowl of rice. Tsykuyomi was utterly disgusted by the display, despite the fact that the meal looked exquisite, the manner in which it was created left a sour taste in his mouth. As a result he killed Uke. When Amaterasu learned what had happened, she grew so angry that she refused to ever look at him again, forever moving across the skies away from Tsykuyomi denying him her presence and casting him into darkness." Falling silent he never broke his lazy stride across the moon kissed snow.



Word Count: 629
Tags: Kiva
Muse: Epiccly delightful!!!
Notes:

[Kiva]

The alpha’s ears pinned at the scolding that came from her body guard. Sure, she did not have quite the same element of stealth that he had shown so far, but she was far from ungraceful. “I’m afraid I’m not sure what you mean,” she responded looking down at her same footprints. The same footprints that were only visible for a few seconds before being covered by the falling snow. “My footprints only last a few seconds, as you can see. I may not have the same element of stealth as one so skilled as in the art of war but do not underestimate your alphess. For generations, my bloodline has prided itself on remaining graceful and learning to blend in and become one with nature. Carelessness is not something I take too fondly,” she spoke up before falling quiet again.

As she walked, she couldn’t help but wonder what the history she stood next to was. How he got the skills he had shown and what caused the wisdom laced through his emerald green eyes. She knew he had to have had a complex past, for nothing simple and easy would cause a wolf to turn out quite like him. She wondered what the pain that had found its way onto his features was about and if it was anything similar to her own. But, before she could ponder those questions to the point of possible answers, she was pulled back to reality by his velveteen voice.

She listened with perked ears and full interest as he told of the gods that ruled over where he had resided. It was in fact opposite from all that she had known and it intrigued her, though it made complete sense. “That is a very compelling story, but though it makes sense, is still very different from where I am from. We believe in a god and a goddess, the goddess being the moon and all feminine aspects of the world and the god being the sun and all masculine aspects of the world. Together they live in perfect balance,” she explained with a soft smile, remembering her family’s reason for existing.

[Sazio]

Lips quirked upward in an amused smirk, he delighted in baiting the alphess, learning with each word what made her thick. A few simple words brought her defences up so swiftly, merely because she perceived an insult where there was none. Still she practically preened as she elaborated on her lineage. Even that brow lifted at her statement about not underestimating his Alphess. "I never underestimate a soul, let alone my patron." It had been one such mistake that had changed his life forever, and taken away the only being who may have held the wolf's love. But he knew better then to dwell in in the past to much, if one did they may miss a vital piece of the future.

Once more that stoic mask of bored indifference strolling at an almost lazy pace, there was no real destination in mind, simply getting more familiar with the land. A sideways glance told him exactly what she was thinking, not that she would ever find the answers she sought. His past, his deeds, his training, were not something to boast about or indulge in tales with. More often then not he and his partner had been Death's right hand. There were scores of lives he had helped end, families he had destroyed, and he was very well aware that if the alphess found out about such a sordid past she'd expect remorse for such acts. But the truth was he felt nothing, cared even less then that about the lives he ended. All save two, and the guilt of that slaying would remain buried in the depths of his blackened dead heart for as long as he lived. And when Death finally took him, he expected to see those two faces ready to extract their revenge, rightfully so.

So it was that he easily shifted gears and changed the subject, instead speaking of the Gods of his country, telling her the legend of Tsukuyomi and his sister wife Amaterasu. When she spoke of her God and Goddess he would listen quietly not bothering to tell her he knew the basics of what she spoke of. Celtic paganism, druidism, wiccan, such were only a handful of religions that he was aware of. In order to be successful in ones missions learning habits, culture, lifestyles as a must, so it was no surprise the part of his life had been spent in study right along side his ninja. "Perfect balance, the yin and yang of life. Not to be confused with our resident twins." A humorless smirk that never reached his cold emerald eyes crossed his muzzle. "The Japanese believed in demon clans, spirits, and Gods. There was and is always a balance. In good and evil, right and wrong. Most have forgotten such things, but there are a few who will always remember, always endure."




Word Count: 487
Tags: Kiva
Muse: Epic!
Notes:

[Kiva]

To say the silver feme wasn’t at least a little bit offended by the male’s remark would be a lie. But, at the same time, the bitterness towards it was gone just as quickly as it had come. It was uncommon for the alpha to remain upset about something. Never had she held onto negative feelings like that. The only wolf who had ever been able to get under her skin and remain there had been her brother and he was also the only one that found enjoyment in doing such. Luckily, as the black and white male beside her spoke again, it was clear to see he wouldn’t be like Cato. A sly smirk crossed over her features as she listened to him before replying in a teasing tone, “Good boy.”

The more they talked, the more Kiva couldn’t help but wonder if they would actually end up with the same kind of relationship that she and Cato had, had. On one hand, she couldn’t imagine something like that with anyone else besides her brother. But, on the other, she knew it was something she missed, no matter how much it used to get on her nerves, and that if anyone would end up having a similar relationship with her, it would be the male standing beside her. Already, he had shown enjoyment in baiting her and she in teasing him. She was certain things would only continue from there.

Kiva couldn’t help but chuckle as the twins she had accepted not too long ago were mentioned. They were an interesting, the epitome of yin and yang, which had even been there names. She had taken a fond interest in them and looked forward to seeing what all they would offer the pack. “Ah yes, spirits and demons do exist, just wait until Samhain,” she told him with a hint of anticipation. Not only was it one of her favorites ceremonies but it was also the most important.

The last part of her statement had her ears pinning slightly as a brief flash of sorrow crossed her face. "That is very true," she told him, remembering back to the dreaded night when her worst nightmare came true. She had certainly paid the evil price it took to balance out the good in her life and the scars would haunt her forever. But, forcing her mind off of the topic, her ears perked as they crossed a fork in the trees, stopping in her tracks. "The right leads you to the pool where the dazzling light of the moon creates a magnificent dance in the ripples. The left leads you to the darkest part of the forest, a paradox of a place. Hauntingly fun is it, and oh the great hiding spots it has to offer. One may either fall victim to the tricks of the trees and creatures within or conquer the dark to become the trickster. Which should we travel, oh wise one?" she gleamed as she waited to hear his answer. Of course, she was nearly certain which of the two he would pick but still she would not move ahead without his word.

[Sazio]

The moment she said 'good boy' he felt whatever humor leave him. Not that he gave any indication of this small detail, instead he merely kept walking with that same smirk and chilling eyes locked ahead of him. The desire to walk the tree path struck him hard, but was easily subdued for the time being. He was a wolf that could easily adapt to almost any situation, be it a friendly encounter or not. But never did it reach the blackened walled off organ known as a heart that beat strong and steady within his chest. It was obvious the Alphess was attempting to get close to him, and he would allow her to do so. To an extent.

Part of his mind stayed on the conversation at paw, but a part was focused on the surroundings in which they walked. Ever aware of even the slightest scamper of squirrels, the rustle of a bird roosting in the branches above. An ear twitched as she commented on Samhain, it was a day he knew all to well, and it was a day none would find the brute lurking in the shadows. No matter what anyone ordered. But he did not say so, instead chuckling low, a rumble that vibrated the snow of his chest, his words addressing the secondary focus of her sentence. "The demons and spirits of your culture vary a great deal from those of mine. The Mononoke are..."[.b] He would pause seeking the most accurate way to explain, in the end he simply shook his head. "The concept does not exist in this language, not accurately at least. And it would take to long to explain well enough to do it justice. Suffice to say our concept of demons and spirits is a bit different then yours."

He watched from the corner of his eye how his words brought about a pinning of her ears as if an unpleasant memory crossed her mind. He would wait patiently for her to either elaborate or she push it to the side. As expected she chose to change the topic bringing his attention to the fork in their path. To the right, light.. To the left darkness.. She left the choice up to him. The obvious choice would have been to walk in the shadows, the path to the left. But instead he chose the opposite. "A lady should never seek the darkness, rather the light is where they belong. So they may be seen and admired." Several reasons were intertwined with his decision as he shifted to the right side of the fork, expecting her to follow he did not even bother to look in his direction.



Word Count: 449
Tags: Kiva
Muse:
Notes:

[Kiva]

There were demons and spirits, and though, in a way, they were all similar, just different types, each culture and religion had their own views of the topic. It was for that reason that she was not surprised at all when the duo colored wolf spoke of his culture’s being different from her own. She listened with interest as spoke as though she knew of many different religions, that of the Japanese was not one of them. She grew up far away from Japan and their culture seemed to stay within their own island country, never traveling to her lands. “Most cultures and religions have different views on the topic of spirits and demons. It’s for that reason, I keep an open mind. There are many different types and just because I don’t know of them does not mean they do not exist,” she told him with a nod before falling quiet.

The alphess was absolutely certain, without a doubt, that she knew which path he would choose to take. He would choose the darkness where he could best blend in and where, no matter where he walked, he would be perfectly disguised. She looked forward to him picking that path too as it would give her a chance to playfully sneak up on him, see if she could make him startle. She doubted that she would ever be able to do that but, that was part of what made the idea so fun; it was a challenge.

However, the darkness wasn’t what the male picked and in response, the silver feme’s ears perked in surprise. “Oh I do agree with that statement, us ladies do make good eye candy after all,” she commented with a gentle chuckle. “But,” she continued, a sly smirk crossing her muzzle. “We can be admired in the dark as well, just with different senses.” She smirked as she finished what she was saying, sure that he would catch onto what she meant.

As he started walking away, she followed along quietly, remaining by his hip. However, the closer he got to the pool, the slower her steps became. By the time the pool came into view, she was walking behind him. As they walked out of the trees, Kiva walked up to the water and gazed in with a sigh, the light of moon making the surface look almost surreal. “This is by far my most favorite spot in these lands,” she told him with a gentle smile, “It is where I feel most connected to the gods and the most In tune to the nature around me.” As she drew her sentence to a close, a smirk formed on her muzzle, her paw reaching down to the water, creating some ripples that she watched with interest. Then, just like that, her paw spooned up some of the water and sent it flying in his direction, her pale blue eyes innocently moving up to watch the moon as if nothing happened.

[Sazio]

The deep rumble of true laughter vibrated free from that chest, causing shoulders to shake mildly, his voice toughen slightly by the unusual sound drifted back towards her. "Expected the shadows did we? ... A little secret, Kiva, a well trained Shinobi can disappear from in front of you in broad daylight and leave you looking all around for where they ran off to." He knew very well that she held little knowledge of his country, and even less knowledge of the type of skills he possess. It wouldn't be a disadvantage if he allowed her to know a little more about himself.

Here he would pause in his stride turning that heavy cranium upon its thick base until they were nearly nose to nose. Glittering gems of emerald fire met the crystalline blue of hers. "As such, it goes without saying, to a true Shinobi, whether there be light or shadow, ones senses are always keen. Never missing a single detail, sensation, or movement." As he spoke he allowed his voice to drop, giving it a hint of luscious delight that would toy with her senses, drawing her in, giving the illusion of intimacy where there had been none before. The way those emerald gems traveled over her features only added to the effect, even time itself seemed to slow.

A moment later, however the spell would shattered as he allowed a smile to twist along his muzzle turning away to continue forward. Within several paces it became apparent that her stride had slowed, at least until they reached the treeline through which the pool lay, tranquil and silent reflecting the star studded night sky, it's moon, nearly full shown especially bright. Kiva moved past him to the pools edge while he remained within easy reach of the thick trees watching her impressively, his earlier flirtation may have been a dream for all it appeared. Twins pitched forward listening to her words even as he kept aware of their surroundings, always on guard.

As her paw touched the waters surface and she watched the ripples Sazio had already guessed her intent, so when her paw lifted sweeping water towards him it would land on empty ground. Instead he was behind her, a shoulder against her rump and a firm but gentle shove would pitch her forward towards that mirror like surface. Without seeming to have moved he once more returned to the edge of the trees, watching her with a stoic expression, looking for all the world as if nothing had happened, and he'd been in that same spot the entire time.



Word Count: 440
Tags: Kiva
Muse: Bwahahahah!!!
Notes: Oops... -adjusts Sazio's Halo-

[Kiva]

The instant the black and white wolf broke out in laughter, the silver alpha’s face lit up with delight, loving seeing him relax slightly. “Indeed I did,” she admitted with a nod and a grin. She was still surprised he had proven her wrong but was still just as happy to head towards her favorite spot. It was the rest of his statement that left her smirking in a challenging way. “I do not doubt your words are true, but I doubt in broad daylight you could disappear from me, not when I know you’re around anyways,” she chuckled. In all honesty, she really didn’t doubt what he said, but, he didn’t have to know that.

Though her head tilted with curiosity when the male stopped walking, she too would stop where she stood. As he came nose to nose with her, it was with confusion that she watched him, her pale eyes never once leaving his. Though she trusted the wolf enough to make him the first Gardail the pack had ever had, she still had only him for a little while and wasn’t going to let her guard down completely so soon, especially with the possibility of her challenge having set him off. Yet, as soon as she heard his flirtatious tone, her ears perked and her posture relaxed. She listened with interest as he spoke, trying to ignore the obviousness of his emerald eyes traveling over her form. “Is that so?” she asked him, her tone shifting into one of playful flirtatiousness. “So you not only get eye candy and enticing music,” she mused before grinning and brushing against him, her tail sweeping over her muzzle as she walked a few steps away from him and towards the pool. "But you also get all the pleasure you want. Lucky, lucky Sazio,” she chuckled, her eyes rolling as she let him take the lead again.

As they got to the pool, she was quick to walking ahead. Gazing into the water like she always did, she shared with him that it was her favorite spot, offering her the most peace and serenity. But not long after did she reach her paw into the water, sweeping up and some water and sending flying in the other’s direction. She watched with a growl out the corner of her eye as the water fell short. But, before she had time to try again, Sazio moved forward, too quick for her to react despite hearing his footsteps. With a gasp she stumbled forward into the freezing water. Quickly jumping out, her eyes narrowed, she moved over to him and shook off, hoping to hit him with the droplets flying off her coat.

Once she was dried off, or at least not soaking wet, she moved over to stand back facing the male. “Oh Sazio,” she growled, though not in a threateningly way. “Don’t you know better than to push your alpha? Especially into freezing cold water?” she asked, her head tilting for a brief moment before continuing with a smirk, “I may not have your same skill set, but I still know how to get some sweet revenge.” As she finished her playful threat she couldn’t help but chuckle. With each passing moment, their relationship was beginning to feel more and more like hers and her brother’s and she was, without a doubt, loving it.

[Sazio]

A humorless smirk crossed his mew at her contradictory words, she does not doubt but doubts, a rolling of those shoulders gave the impression of a shrug as he held his silence. Let him underestimate him, after all by her own admittance she had never crossed paths with one such as he before. It was natural to doubt what you've never seen or encountered. Not that he doubted her abilities, but he knew they were no where near the level of training he endured and still practiced daily.

Shaking his head at her reply with a low rumbled chuckle. "Skill and luck go paw in paw, alphess. You can not have one without the other and expect to continually succeed at your goals. If you lack one it will inevitably interfere with the other." A half smirk rested across his lips as she brushed by him swatting at his face with her tail. As she moved on ahead he shook his head at his playful alphess. It was a trait in her that he reluctantly admired, despite the horrors of her past she still managed to retain a joyful playful side. While he wasn't certain of the details, merely that she had lost nearly every member of her family, but the lack of details did not diminish the admiration.

It was with these thoughts that he remained at the treeline, simply watching and listening so it came as no surprise when she swept her paw of water at him. The only thing to be done with such a maneuver was teach her a lesson. Thus he casually shoved her into the pond. His loud bark of laughter echoed across the lake as she looked at him disgruntled leaping from the water nearly as quickly as she'd tumbled in. When she came near he allowed her to shake a heft portion of the water on him, merely ducking his head and flattening his ears until she was done. "Of course I do, Alphess, but that doesn't mean if you present such a tempting target I won't take advantage of it." Assuming an air of innocence that would have easily fooled any who happened to walk by. But not the victim of his prank. "Such a tease, to make such promising threats. We shall see if you can live up to my expectations."



Word Count: 401
Tags: Kiva
Muse: Awesome-Sauce!!!
Notes:

[Kiva]

“Oh your words are true, but I’ve known sense laying eyes on you how skillful you were and the potential you held. I didn’t. however, realize just how lucky you were until now,” she chuckled with a sly grin. As she moved ahead, her tail brushing against him, she couldn’t help but to sigh contently, unsure rather or not he heard her. The sense of familiarity he offered her was beyond comforting and in just the short time she had spent with him, she had already been pulled out of her depression more than she had sense the day the fire had happened.

As she moved up to the water, she contemplated telling him of her past, of her brother and her pups, of the fire, and of the way he reminded her of her old life, back when everything was good and the way it was supposed to be. But, the walls she had built up around her stopped her from doing such a thing and instead, she decided to playfully splash him, wanting to see just how he’d react. But, he quickly turned the tables, dodging the water and the proceeding to completely push her in. As she jumped out and moved up to him, she chuckled as he was hit with flying droplets.

The words that he spoke in defense caused her eyes to roll as she growled playfully. “Then you should learn how to better resist temptation. If you’re not careful, it’ll get you into trouble,” she chuckled with a nod before continuing, “Only at certain times is it okay to give into temptation,” she smirked with layers of hidden meaning beneath her expression. “Oh a tease I am, I take pride in that,” she said with a playful air of cockiness, “And I promise you, I will not only live up to every expectation you have but I will surpass them all.”

[Sazio]

Sazio would shake his head at the boasts of the Aesir, she only had a small taste of his skills and potential, but he would not correct her. If she wished to believe she knew him as well as she thinks she does that is her decision. The sigh was easily heard though he made no comment, once again falling back onto the silence that had served him far more steadily then anything else. Once he shoved her into the water they had another round of verbal sparring mixed with the splattering of water, a swift shake freed him far more easily from the waters grasp then it did for Kiva. Still she baited him, making promises, and joking threats. To say the least, this type of environment wasn't familiar to the Shinobi.

"Why resist temptation when the consequences are so miniscule as to not matter?" The smile that split his mew was one of pure devilish delight, it was a smile that only lengthened when she assured him she would exceed his expectation. "We shall see, Aesir, we shall see..." With those simple words he would turn away, toward the treeline. No words of farewell were spoken, he was simply gone. One moment in plain view the next there was no trace of him save for the lingering scent uniquely his.

From the shadows he watched the Aesir for some time until she turned heading back in the direction of the dens. He knew she would not be aware of his presence, despite her claims, there wasn't a creature alive except another trained in the ways of the Shinobi assassins that'd be able to discover him if he truly wished to remain hidden, undetected. Such was the skill and training of the ninja. His thoughts turned back over their conversation and the familiarity she seemed to hold with him. But he should expect as much given that she had discovered him on her shores keening the mournful howl of a shattered soul. He had been more then ready to simply cast his life back to the waters, to commit seppuke. It had been Kiva whose words had penetrated his fog of shame and sorrow. Aterui had saved his life for a reason, and until he discovered that reason he must continue on with the life he'd been granted. Time would tell if that choice had been the path meant for him or not. Perhaps he merely walked this life on borrowed time, until Death discovered his lost soul and came calling his child home.

Into the night he vanished, a ghost among shadows.



Word Count: 444
Tags: Rain
Muse: <3
Notes: