The beauty of the Night [Open/No violence please]

[Deleted]

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It was spring in the land of Lightning, and within the village Hidden in the Clouds the surge of warmth from the southerly winds had brought forth a burst of growth. The heavy scent of flowering plants wafted throughout the entire village, spurred on by the storms that wracked the entire country every Spring. Although people out of country would think it a horrible time to visit the village, what with typhoons ravaging the landside for months to come, the Fulgerians were used to this. The storms were a small price to pay for the beauty of Kaminari no Kuni in full Spring Riot. It made everything just seem so... intense. A lot of children were born in the Winter in Kaminari no Kuni for a reason...

It was a rather windy night in Kumogakure, howling through the streets and bending small plants to the ground. A fierce storm was raging Northeast of the village, dumping literal tons of water on the city of Enrai, and the edges of that storm fought against the light of the full moon hanging over the village. Sometimes blotting out the source of light entirely, other times the moon lit up the quiet village as if it were day. If one were on the streets this night they would almost assuredly be alone; most of the villagers within their homes, most outdoor nightly activities stymied by the weather.

One particular creature was not on the streets themselves but rather flying above them. Katsu of the Kazeraikou, a former human who had been transformed into something more like a half-dragon, was challenging himself. He had yet to completely master the ability to fly granted by his wings, and the windy conditions of that night were perfect for testing himself. Katsu wore a simple pair of slacks, dark blue, and his Kumo headband sat across the small horns that jutted from his forehead like a crown. He wore no other clothing; lately every scrap of cloth Katsu wore felt restricting, limiting his movement. It wasn't like Katsu even needed such garments anymore. Katsu's scales were harder than steel, and his private parts were hidden by his own biology, a genital-sheath allowing Katsu to walk around nude without actually exposing himself in front, and his tail hid his backside just as well. The slacks, in the end, were just because some people still felt uncomfortable seeing Katsu completely nude despite themselves. A social stigma. Katsu had no other equipment on him, not planning on going into combat whatsoever this night.

Flying against the wind Katsu soared near the skies above the Kumogakure Gates Entrance, banking left and right before pulling up to fly even higher, testing every maneuver. It made him miss his friend, Seishin, very much. Lost in his reminiscence for just a moment Katsu was struck by a heavy crosswind, the air falling out from under him and he plummeted towards the ground. Katsu was unable to right himself in time and smashed into the paved road with a loud cracking noise. He had broken one of the paving stones he had landed on. Katsu himself was fine, his tough scales and bones absorbing the damage effortlessly, and he picked himself up to dust himself off.

It was only after he was done that Katsu noticed someone else was in the area, and with a smile and an adjustment to his headband he gave a greeting, "Oh, hey there. Didn't think anyone else would be out in this weather." The moon was half-covered by the clouds at that moment. Katsu could see perfectly whether it was brightest day or darkest night, but unless that other person was similarly gifted they might see only a dark silhouette of a monster in their vision.

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

A waning moon hung over the cityscape like a Cheshire cat’s looming smile. It was cold enough in the spring air that an exhaled breath became a cloud with a limited lifespan. The guard was nice enough to open the gates, but that was the only thing he did. He didn’t even bother to explain why the village was so inhibited. Surely it wasn’t the cold weather. Pussies. They all need to harden their skin, for they live in a stormy country for Pete’s sake. What were they expecting at night? Sunshine? Impossible.

No, she was not homesick. Seeing this, she wanted to turn and leave again. Leave for good. Instead, she walked down a darkened gravel road, with only the light of a bone-white moon and its dazzling company of stars to guide her. Surrounded by a familiar blanket of night, she pondered the life of what a Rogue shinobi would be like. Always on the run most likely. Nope that was not for her, well not yet anyway.

Standing just five or so meters from the gates, she looked at the deserted streets, and hesitated before making her way through. She was on her way toward one of the small coffee shops when something caught her eye. It was only a brief flash of movement, but enough to grab her attention. Her whole body tensed. Staying as still as an owl tuned in to a mouse, she listened to the sounds of the night. First she heard only crickets, a distant birdcall and the sway of spring grasses brushing against each other. Then, once she was almost certain she was imagining things, she heard the sound of earth cracking.

She inclined her face to the left and sniffed the air. From her maternal line she had inherited an intriguing collection of gifts. Thanks to her heighten muscles, her hearing could be clearer, and if need be, seeing auras could be possible. Yet it was dark, she could have sworn whatever made the earth tremble happened a few feet from her. Slowly in the gathering darkness due to the moon, her guide, being covered by thunder clouds, she saw a large something unfold in the blackness.

Intimidated? No, Curious? Yes. But would she approach? How stupid do you think I am? She might be home but still, when you see something, any sensible person wont approach whatever it was until they knew exactly what it was. And the female had no idea. She instead, she stayed put and allowed her muscle to coil for an attack which could easily come, the female didn’t bother which her hidden trait to see auras. She was simply too damn tired.

As the ‘figure’ straightened to its height, the female finally heard something human. The voice she heard was male. Young and strangely familiar. But she couldn’t finger point where she heard it from. Come into the light. The sudden voice of Belle from the Beauty and the Beast whispered in her mind. Cheesy she knew but under certain circumstances she would have laughed. So instead she replied back, hoping to sound as sweet as that pretty brunette beauty from Walt Disney.

“Good evening, I happen to like my evenings like this.”
Lame opening speech there Amara, she thought dully. And then suddenly the door on Amarantha’s memories slipped open – slices of the past always reared up at the worst moments. Unpleasant thoughts filled her mind. They often did concerning certain choices she’d made. Yet she ignored those choices and approached slowly, warily.
Where have I heard that voice before?

[Deleted]

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It could only be expected for Amarantha to have such difficulty placing the voice she had heard. The creature that such a voice had come from was nothing like the being that had first uttered it. Standing straight now the thing before Amarantha towered over her, standing at six feet and six inchestall, and it had little of human features. As the moon escaped the clouds Amarantha would be able to see not human flesh but silvered scale covering the being in front of her. A small crown of copper horns matching long copper hair jutted from the forehead, and inhuman orbs glanced back at Amarantha's gaze, the black of the pupil shaped like that of a cat's, and the rest of the orb silver to match the scales. Muscles rippled underneath the scaled skin, and a great pair of wings as well as a long serpentine tail extended from the shoulders and backside respectively. The wings acted like a primary pair of arms, while a second pair of limbs, these actual humanoid arms, were placed just below them.

All in all this being looked nothing like the young boy Amarantha had met during the Chuunin Exams where she had proven herself victorious, and together with a changed voice, so similar to the one he had before yet deeper, more mature sounding and resonating, anyone could be forgiven not recognizing a person.

However Katsu looked at Amarantha, his mind recalling the form she had back when they had met so briefly in the Chuunin Exam Registration room, and he managed to recall her perfectly, even noting the change in clothing. Being such the polite person that Katsu had been raised to be, he did not keep such information to himself but extended it to Amarantha as well, "Oh. It's Ms. Amarantha. I'm Katsu. We met during Chuunin Exams that were 'held' in Frost. I wouldn't be surprised if you did not recognize me, when we met then I was ten inches shorter and still human." Katsu gave a crooked smile while extending a hand roughly ten inches below the top of his head as a hint to Amarantha, "If I recall correctly I believe you patted me on the cheek that time and said something about how we might die at any moment...

"Although it seems neither of us have died yet..." Katsu spoke relatively cheerfully, his voice rising against the wind easily. A moment of silence before Katsu seemed to hesitate, and suddenly with a noise of grating bone and shifting flesh the wings extending from Katsu's body began to shrink back into his shoulders. A groan of pain escaped Katsu's body as the wings vanished from view, and Katsu's normal arms took their original position, "Grr. That hurts every time..." Katsu would soon turn his attention wholly to Amarantha once more, "So, it seems you've just returned from away, Ms. Amarantha. Would you care for a drink at my expense before you head home for the night?"

Katsu's proposal was bold and straight-forward. Amarantha was a beautiful woman, and ever since his transformation he had interest in such women. Amarantha was also known as a very strong Shinobi as well. Strong and beautiful, did a man need more of an excuse to offer a drink or two? Besides, Amarantha's aura seemed full of discontent, perhaps disgust. Perhaps she would be willing to speak to him of what was on her mind if given such incentive? Either way, it would be coin well spent, Katsu thought.

SPOILER: Click to show

Forgot to add: Passive jutsu

Adopted Soul
Rank: "A"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: A Soulcaster adopts the characteristics of a Planar Soul.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The planar soul gets stronger as the Soulcaster gains Class Level. A good aligned Soulcaster gains the Celestial Creature Defenses as their Class Level dictates (See Below). An evil aligned soulcaster gains the Fiendish Creature Defenses as their Class Level dictates (See Below).
Celestial Creature Defenses: Celestial Gains Defenses to Resist against Acid, Cold, and Electricity. "C" Class user gains 5 Armour Points against said defenses. "B" Class 10 Armour Points against said Defenses and a natural Damage Reduction 5/Evil. "A" Class 15 Armour Points against said Defenses and a natural Damage Reduction 10/Evil.
User also gains Darkvision 20 meters.
Limit: Automatically gained once the user has knowledge of 500 TP of Soulcaster techniques.

Soul Sight
Rank: "D"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: A Soulcaster can see the auras of others.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This does not allow them to know their alignment, but can indicate an emotional state, like anger or love. Using this ability, a Soulcaster can recognize other Soulcasters and the Adopted Soul that individual has taken. This ability does not allow the user to see in the dark or see invisible creatures. The Soulcaster adds a +20 to their Sense Motive, Animal Training, and Evidence Analysis when Gathering Information through Communication.
Limit: Must be a Soulcaster.

Katsu also has the "Eidetic Memory" trait, allowing for perfect memorization of this interaction as well as his remembrance of Amarantha from their short meeting in a previous thread.

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

Amarantha stiffened as soon as the clouds had lifted and cleared the moon. What the hell was before her, she couldn’t believe it. Maybe she was in a Genjutsu. Yes that had to be the reason why the village was so bare. She was caught in an illusion. Yet, she knew it not true, she knew that voice, or more so the way it was spoken. Yet she couldn’t pin point where she had heard it from. Leaving her village might have been the reason why she could not remember. She was gone a while.

But this tall creature standing before her, it simply was not possible. She had her suspicions of what stood before her yet she had to ask exactly what he was. All she thought was, scales, horns, predator eyes, and insane bulk, and height, wings. The wings was what threw her and all she could think was that: This thing, has wings. And not at all like that wing clan, Tsubasa. However, she was calm, which was a surprise.

And then that surprise turned to shock and doubt. As he was saying, his name was Katsu. All Amara could think of was that kind child, that Kazeraikou child. But as he was talking about the exams held in Frost, she did then remember what and how she acted toward the male. And indeed, yes, he was human. A laugh bubbled up from somewhere and as she approached without unease this time, she had the intentions of hugging the boy. Yet was lost on where to hug so instead when she was within touching distance, she placed her right hand against his silver body and smiled.

“By all means, we are alive.”

Yet what is this? What exactly is this Kazeraikou gene? She looked at the tail and thought. Freaky. As the silence stretched out, Amara lowered her arm and simply stared up at the, serpentine or reptilian creature. She couldn’t decide which one Katsu fall under. But this was impressive. At the first shift of movement, she stumbled back, her hands rising up in this own accord. But what hand seals would take down a dragon? Yet he didn’t really look like one. Not at all like those Chinese dragons she had seen carved out of stone. But either way, she didn’t want to hurt this child. Not after him surviving the Chunin exams.

As the transformation shifted and the boy returned to his human appearance, she was surprised to see how much he has changed. He, like herself looked like he was in his twenties. Not the boy she remembered from before. And not only that, but she now imagined him to be stronger than before also. Amarantha look up into his eyes. Up indeed he was tall. Taller than her, and that copper hair. Somehow even though she wasn’t seeking any changes, she would stamp approved over his hair any time. She was surprised when he asked her out for a drink. The fearlessness, unequivocal behaviour, she would have answered yet even without the boldness. So casually she agreed, and allowed him to lead the way.

[Deleted]

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[OOC: Just to tell you, Katsu still appears "Draconian", just now his wings are gone.]

Katsu was conflicted. One on hand he was glad to find that Amarantha was seemingly interested in sharing a drink with him, but on another hand he could feel just by her touch the darkness that clung to her soul. Yet it was strange. The darkness did not cling like Katsu had seen on those who were truly evil. Amarantha wore her darkness almost like a shawl or mantle, something that could be worn fully or carried without being worn. It was strange indeed to Katsu. The only thing he could think of in response to that was something along the lines of a second personality. Some other being, whether it be a fragment of Amarantha's own soul or perhaps of something bonded to that soul instead, rode along with her inside her body, tainting her thoughts with evil.

Perhaps that was something Katsu might be able to help with, if Amarantha was willing to talk about it. For now though Katsu decided to focus just on that night, which meant finding a suitable place for them to drink together. Katsu thought for a moment before finally setting off. He spoke to Amarantha as they traveled through the streets, "I know a place a few blocks away that I think you might like, Ms Amarantha...

"...Also, I can see a question or two burning in your eyes, I think. Once we are situated I'd gladly answer any question you wish to ask, no matter how personal, if you would agree to extend to me the same offer. There are some things I would ask a lady such as yourself, if you are willing to answer them." Katsu gave a polite smile as they continued their trek towards the location Katsu had in mind.

Which would not take very long at all. As Katsu had said the place was only three blocks away from where they had been standing. It was a medium-sized and somewhat opulent looking building that had the name "The Pretentious Court". Katsu had to chuckle at the name, just like he did every time he visited this place. It was established by someone who found the snobbery of the upper-class to be something to mock, and had funneled that thought into his own establishment. It was a relatively upmarket place in order to buy a drink or order some food, but Katsu enjoyed it for its atmosphere and the list of special orders you could get as long as you knew to ask.

Taking hold of the sturdy wooden door (which had excellent craftsmanship, looking both elegant and durable at the same time) Katsu opened it to reveal an equally opulent interior, the walls decked with marble, the floor covered in rich carpeting, and more than a couple replicas of famous paintings adorning the walls. On the far side of the room was a great fireplace that was this late at night the primary source of light for the room, although a counter off to the right side had plenty of lighting to show off the collection of beverages on sale. There were tables, booths, and big over the top throne-like chairs spread across the room, and most were unoccupied this late at night. No matter where they sat they would have little trouble keeping whatever they said just between themselves.

Katsu looked about, hoping that his usual corner near the fire was open, and with a smile he saw that it was and pointed it out to Amarantha, "Would you care for a warm seat near the fire, Ms Amarantha?"

This might work out pretty well Katsu thought to himself, as long as I can keep my thoughts under control... maybe I'd better order some Hart's Tongue...

SPOILER: Click to show

Active jutsu used:

Know One's Self
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: Touch a target and know its alignment.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is 1 creature. Range is Touch. Duration is Instantaneous. User shakes the hand of their target and the touch reveals their true nature. User performs this Jutsu and touches a target. User then knows the alignment of the user's target. A Will Save of 10 + (2 Per Class Level + Impeccable Will) will negate this effect. The target can use their Acting Skill against the user's Sense Motive in place of a Will save.
Limit: Must be a Soulcaster.

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

[OK, sorry I’m working on this between shifts lol. I’ll try to be more conscious.]

The walk down memory lane was just the beginning. She simply couldn’t believe who she saw. The female found herself slightly pleased with the idea of having the village empty, now that she thought about it. She officially needed only one person to handle, not plenty. Too much voices at once, too crowded otherwise, and Katsu’s appearance of simply falling and showing up was all it needed to make things much easier. She could handle one voice, beside the one within her own mind, but still Katsu still seemed his sweet self.

As he led her to a place where he said she might like, Amarantha continued to watch him. Wondering: What happened to him? What happened to the boy I knew before. Her view on his appearance was slowly changing. And now that his wings were gone, she somewhat found him attractive. An in a common sense she was insane, he didn’t look human. A sigh would voice her worries but otherwise she would not speak a word.

She simply listened to him speak. The voice which indeed reminded her of home. As she noted the empty streets, she realized that her village had indeed not improved one bit. Well they looked a slight bit cleaner but that about it. Pitiful. She was not impressed. Her village had turned to the pits.

As she turned her attention upon Katsu, she would wonder if she could actually voice her puzzle. As if her questions which are constantly forming inside her head, she just wondered if having them answered would help. Some were too private. And she already had the nickname insane, lunatic. She didn’t really what that list growing. Staring at his smile she thought with mistrust whether he was acting or not. But all that ended up was with a quick shake of her head. Trust? Who needs it? It’s kill or be killed here dearie…

Finally after the small trek, she would look up at the building name and shift a snort of amusement. Seriously? The building looked like something she would have happily visited on her everyday activities. Clean. Large. She couldn’t say new as the building didn’t look new, but then again, she felt as old as time. So the building didn’t really matter. It wasn’t falling down or anything. As she waited until the door was opened, she stared down at herself and wondered if her clothes would appear appropriate for the atmosphere. A corset kimono dress. Maybe. As the door was opened for her, she found it a surprise to see that the interior was indeed high on the standards. Nice.

Approving she walked through and soaked up the rich carpeting, high ceilings, marble. And the fireplace. She didn’t shiver due to her ability to blend in with any climate, but she did smile at the warm welcoming it brought. Amarantha was pleased to realize where Katsu pointed. And she nodded graciously before approaching the table nearest the fire. But before so, she whispered her slight annoyance.

“Call me, Amara. Ms seems too … adolescent. We have known each other, maybe not deeply as comrades should, but in the end known, we have. And in the end I shall continue calling you Katsu. Unless you go by some other name now.”

She allowed herself down. And picked up the menu and began to read. The cold shoulder. Seriously? He’s being a gentleman, and all you do is act like a spoiled child… Amarantha ignored the voice and focused on the card within her hand. Sake, to original, she wanted sometime … different. A Bloody Mary. Haven’t had one of those before…

[Deleted]

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To Amarantha, who was willing to look past the monstrous first impression that Katsu gave off, there were physical traits that she might enjoy to look upon. His hair, which Amarantha had already noted, was a lovely copper tone and actually seemed to contain a metallic quality, each strand looking like an impossibly flexible copper wire, and the complex series of braids that he had placed his hair into was elegant in its design. Of interest was Katsu's skin. As Amarantha had sat closest to the fire it was at her back, and as Katsu sat down opposite of her Amarantha would be treated to the shifting light of the fire catching Katsu's silver scales. It made Katsu seem to glitter in the firelight, each individual scale shining a tiny light. Katsu's facial features were still mostly humanoid as well, the scales there small enough not to hide the strong jaw, the aquiline nose, and the somewhat high cheekbones, granting him a sleek grace that matched closely to that image Amarantha would remember Katsu having when he was still human.

In fact Katsu's body had a kind of lethal beauty to it. Every part of him played some purpose. His strong arms and legs to grant him the speed and strength to tear out a man's heart with a pair of claws. His long serpentine tail was obviously an effective bludgeon capable of snapping a spine like balsa wood. Even his jaw looked capable of powering a vicious bite that could match a shark's. Katsu looked like the perfect predators, and just imagining seeing such a creature rushing at you... it would scare most people. Amarantha had also seen his wings, and somehow the knowledge that he could fly as well would only cement his sense of lethality. Perhaps, to Amarantha, this lethal body would be considered something of true beauty. Katsu's body had become something close to a Shinobi's ideal: a living weapon.

However in response to Amarantha's request Katsu gave a good-natured smirk at odds with his appearance, “I was hoping you'd ask me for that, Amara. As you say, and gladly so.” Katsu would then motion over to one of the waitstaff near the counter, silently asking them over to the table.

It wouldn't take long for a man wearing a black and red uniform to approach the table, and Katsu would make his order while Amarantha was looking for her own choice, “Hey there Jarvis. I'll have the usual drink, a couple Angus plates, and... Oh, a couple Hart's Tongue fronds, raw.”

The man named Jarvis took down the order deftly, “One bottle of the Bulis Woodrose wine, chilled; two large Angus steaks with a baked potato covered in butter with sour cream, and broiled salmon; and two raw Hart's Tongue...” The man paused to look between Katsu and Amara, his eyebrows raising ever so lightly, ”Well, sir, you are certainly in the proper company to require it. Will that be all?”

“That's all for me, Jarvis. What would you like Amara?” Katsu would look to her at that. Apparently he had ordered all that food and drink just for himself.

Once Jarvis had taken Amara's order and was on his way Katsu would speak up again, “So now that we're situated. Lady's first. Ask away, Amara.” Katsu smiled again, leaning back in his seat. How was he doing that with his tail? Oh. The chair had an open back, letting his tail spill out across the floor, although kept his tail curled around the legs of the chair to avoid it getting stepped on.

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

Good God Amarantha found the menu amazing. So amazing with all the ingredients and pictures to go along with the meal, she thought all the meals looked good. But the question was what to choose? While Katsu asked for his meal she listen in to what he asked for. It explained a lot, that he has been here plenty of times, he even knew the waiter by name. And he didn’t even hesitate when asking for a meal in which he had asked plenty of times before. He was a big, half-dragon sort of being now, obviously he needed a big meal. But what on earth is a Hart's Tongue? Is he going to have tongue? And did that put her off? She zoned out looking over the meal before deciding on a rather good looking image. Her stomach even answered her question. And so when the waiter turned his attention onto her, she looked up and beamed a smile.

“I’d like to order a Zucchini, ricotta and lentil lasagne please with a small side dish of Zucchini, tomato and chilli rigatoni. To balance that, I will also like to try your special salad. For my refreshment, I’ll have a Mango margarita.”

Talk about big meals. She simply hoped her eyes weren’t too big for her stomach. Placing her hands in her lap she stared over at Katsu and wondered if growling him before about him calling her Ms was kind of rude. It didn’t seem to grate on him, she wasn’t expecting that smirk, if it was call one. She couldn’t really tell by his appearance. And even though the fire at her back did something good with his features, it didn’t really help when she wanted to read his emotions. So after a moment, she sighed and waited for her meal. But while she was waiting she couldn’t help but to ask. It was bugging her so, she didn’t want to look over at him while eating only to be put off her food.

“Katsu, what is Hart’s Tongue? It sounds disturbing. I am not going to be put off now am I?”

Gosh her flirting was atrocious, but then again she wasn’t the flirting type. So why start now? Maybe it was to ease her embarrassment, after all she hadn’t tested her emotions in a while. And embarrassment felt repulsive. But then again she remembered what the waited had said. Something about my company? Was he insulting me? With hidden annoyance, she would study the waiter whenever her eyes would fall on him. He better not. I dislike insults, and I would detest on killing the man if I find out if he was indeed insulting me. What is wrong with my company? And why is it bothering me so?

Just then Katsu spoke, and after a moment of wondering what the hell he was asking it finally clicked. Time for the pressure, Oh joy! Looking down at her hands within her lap she wondered how to ask this without sounding to neurotic. But then it was best to be straight forward. And so she asked her first question which was bothering her since meeting up with the male.

“What happened to you? And how on earth are you able to sit with that … tail.”

God she hoped he didn’t pick up on her hesitation when she said tail. She wasn’t too over keen on seeing the boy she remembered only to appear now as a lethal ah, brute. Yeah brute, the word suits him well, he does look rather animal-like, beastie. But – am I put off? Now that’s the question…

[Deleted]

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[OOC: Sorry for the late reply, been trying to throw off a winter cold or something]

Ah good, it seemed Amara had a good appetite after returning from abroad Katsu thought as she ordered a decent meal and a drink of her own. Katsu would tell Jarvis to bring an extra wineglass as he left the table before turning his attention back to Amarantha just in time for her to ask in a voice made for seduction, “Katsu, what is Hart’s Tongue? It sounds disturbing. I am not going to be put off now am I?”

Amara was in for another little shock, because were she to look at Katsu's skin closely she would find that as he spoke his next words his entire body seemed to... change colors almost. While his skin was normally silver, Amara would be able to detect a subtle pink hue creeping into the scales, as if Katsu was blushing all over. "Oh no. You won't be put off. It's to put me off, so to speak. Hart's Tongue is a fern that has the effect of reducing sexual desire, although not sexual performance. Since my transformation I've found my hormones get away from me, the doctor told me I'm a hypersexual now, and I'd like to have a meaningful conversation with you rather than just thinking of what's beneath that corset. Please forgive my indiscretion, Amara. Oh, and Jarvis was just being Jarvis. He'd flirt with a Succubus if given the chance."

Katsu mentally slapped himself even as he was speaking, Idiot! Why'd you have to tell her you were thinking what's under the corset.. Ugh, well, hopefully she'll take it as being direct rather than creepy. Katsu's scales would slowly turn back to their original silver color, the pink washing away as his embarrassment faded as the conversation continued.

Luckily it seemed that Amara was interested in starting their twenty questions game, and asked him the question Katsu knew had been rolling around in her brain since she saw him. Honestly Katsu was impressed with her restraint for holding onto it this long. Very polite and sophisticated of her.

“What happened to you? And how on earth are you able to sit with that … tail?”

Katsu grinned. He was giving Amara his full attention, so he certainly heard that little hesitation, “I'll tell you the whole, so you don't have to spend another question on similar details. To be honest, puberty happened. This is apparently what I was naturally going to turn into at some point. There's some complicated science involved, but essentially some Draconic blood from my mother's side mixed with the Kazeraikou blood from my father's side, combined, and when I reached a certain level of chakra, the blood activated and turned me into this form. Almost killed me to, but it didn't so that's that. Claws and fangs as strong as steel, a tail capable of smashing steel, my scales and skin is hard as adamantine, and you've already seen my wings. I've also got gills, here, on my neck.” Katsu motioned to the tiny horizontal slits that covered his neck, barely seen in the dark light but certainly there.

“Whatever it is that I've been turned into is certainly some kind of superpredator. I could chase prey through almost any kind of environment, whether high up in the clouds, deep in a jungle, or far below the waves. I'm still trying to get used to all the new sensations, like this tail of mine. I've only just gotten to the point where I'm not breaking things every-time I turn around. Luckily my tail is just an extension of my spine, so if I sit far back on chair's like this one I can let it hang out the back.

“As for why they actually let me sit here... Hey Jarvis. Why'd you give up trying to get me to wear shoes and a shirt when I come in here?” Katsu looked over to Jarvis as he approached the table once more, and the man gave a little smirk as he began placing down their beverages; A Mango margarita for Amara, an empty wineglass placed next to it, and a bottle of some kind of deep purple colored wine in a small ice bucket was placed near Katsu. Finally Jarvis placed down a little plate with two little fern leaves in the center of the table.

“You've been exempted from the policy because you're not human enough to offend people with that level of nudity, apparently. Although one lady tried to start up a petition to have you removed on the grounds that you were a stray pet, but it fell through pretty quickly. As long as you keep your pants the owner has no problem with you being in here, Katsu.” Jarvis continued to grin while Katsu gave a quick, if somewhat loud, laugh at the idea.

”Hahaha, not human enough? I'll take it. Clothes are so uncomfortable for me anymore. It feels like a small child is trying to strangle me all the time.” Katsu said as he reached for one of the Hart's Tongue fronds, and he held it up before his face, and his tongue slipped out of his mouth, extending almost a full foot from his face, and wrapping around the frond before pulling it into his mouth in one quick motion. His tongue, besides being long, had the last inch forked in two, like a serpent's. Katsu had done that on purpose, he wanted to get Amara's reaction, both her physical reaction and the change in her emotions, to tell if she was repulsed or attracted to that particular feature, and that seemed like the least offensive way in which to do so.

Jarvis shook his head eve so slightly, and spoke as he began to walk away, “Your meals will be done soon, Lady and Gent.”

Katsu would open the bottle of wine, pouring out a glass for both himself and Amara,”Here. You should try this stuff. Bulis Woodrose wine isn't named for some company or something but because of what it's made of. Bulis is an herb that can be made into wine and it's known for its strong calming effect. Woodrose is a plant that you can add to other wines to add a cheering effect, although they say it makes one “merry”. Anyway, it's perfect for us right now I think. You can forget about the worries of life and just focus on having a good time, Amara.” Katsu smiled again before taking a long sip of his wine. Katsu would wait for Amara to take a sip of her own before continuing, and when she would take a sip she would find that the wine was incredibly sweet, with a slight rosy after-taste, although if Amara had never eaten a rose she wouldn't be able to recognize the taste.

Once she had taken a healthy sip Katsu would put finger and thumb to his chin, miming a thinking posture, “So. My turn. Hrm... Ah. I'll ask this. What is... the name of the second personality within you, Amara..? I can see it. I still remember it from when we last met. The darker currents running under the surface, clinging to you but not overshadowing you, at least not right now. Your emotions change too rapidly, your thoughts change too quickly. You act like someone who is arguing with themselves in their head, all the time. Most people couldn't catch it, but I can. I can see the ebb and flow of your emotions, and they're telling me that there's too much emotion for one person to handle. There's another you in there, isn't there Amara? You can tell me. I am certainly not in a position to judge anyone on their circumstances, after all...” Katsu asked in a quiet voice, to make sure it did not carry even to the next table over. He knew it was something that should be kept personal, and after he was done speaking Katsu just continued to look at Amara quietly, his expression neutral, his inhuman eyes blinking methodically so as not to stare...

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

^{[Eh, no problem, I have been kind of busy also. Mommy Tiger just had cubs. Got no photos yet, but they are adorable beasties. Poor thing had complications, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one there at the time, I hate seeing the poor animals in pain. It’s funny, animal screams sound like human to me lol. – Oh and by the way, don’t take this RP as a way for you or me to exit it. Nobody asks a question about her second half without some reaction to it. And the reaction is always bad ^^ Especially when she tell her what the know of her, which is too close to the truth.]}

A new emotion wrapped around Amarantha’s heart and became a heavy stone. It was painful to bear this, but she had wanted to know. She ignored the change in Katsu colour, knowing that her skin would also be turning rose. And that alone would glow considering her pale marble like skin. So, Amarantha was sitting next to a horny male. Yet all she could think of was: just how high is his sex drive? And why was she thinking it? It was enough to make her shift uncomfortably in her chair. Her gaze shifted from his and she bit her bottom lip to stop the uneasy smile from forming. Her cheeks already burned, and not only that, she felt flushed to the point that the room was spinning slightly.

“I … um … OK.”

She didn’t know what to say. In what predicament had he put her in? She was beyond embarrassed, annoyed at her behaviour, slightly angry for not understanding, and very uncomfortable. She doesn’t like awkward moments and this was quickly turning into one. And serves her right! She had to ask. W-Wait! Does this mean he has a sexual crush on me? How did she feel about that? She was suddenly too frightened to look under the table, yet the compulsion was there. Just how big is he?

She pressed her hands against the boning within her corset before flinging her hair over her shoulders, allowing them to fall down and cover where her cleavage would show. There was no need to excite him more. She had to get through her meal first. Placing her hand back into her lap she listened intently as he explained his metamorphosis. And surprisingly enough she was fully entertained. Imaging all the pain, yet once the rebirth was completed, the feelings of how he might have felt with all the new gifts being given to him. He could fly, swim under the water with the usage of gills, but what she liked the most besides his hair was his scales. And as she studied him closer she also found fascination over his eyes. Indeed there was some attraction here.

“Fascinating. I never went through the stages like you have. I was born with the early knowledge that I could break things easy if I wanted to. And as for the shirt and shoes, do not bother. I like staring at your scales.”

Smiling slightly, she spoke clean just as the waiter arrived holding glasses, bottle of drink, her order and … leaves. She took a sip of her mango instantly it was placed down before her, surprised at how dry her throat had become. And silently watched Katsu as she drunk. As silent and careful as she was, she wasn’t expecting his tongue to lengthen out and wrap around the leaf like that, and when it entered swiftly into his mouth like that of a lizards, she squirted her drink form her lips before coughing up in surprise. Instantly she slapped her hand over her mouth in shock at what she had done. Terror, she knew would marry her features, but as quickly as she cleaned that emotion away, she knew everybody saw it. Swiftly she stood from the table, barely hearing her chair scraping against the ground and pad her way around the table until she knelt next to him, seeing for the first time the tail folded under the chair leg. With a closer inspection she studied his features up close.

“What else are you hiding form me, Katsu?”

She ignored Jarvis as he walked away, her entire focus was on Katsu. She ignored how she was behaving. Not at all like her normal self, and maybe a little too analytical, too curious. But she couldn’t help it now, and with or without his help she will find out all the surprising secrets. Not the personal ones, she wasn’t sure if she was attractive sexually to him or not. But she had indeed been thrown off balance. Finding herself she stared questionably at why she stood next to him instead of sitting down in her own chair. She hadn’t realized she had rose from her seat, or for that matter, knelt next to Katsu with her chest showing completely. Looking down at her cleavage, she realized that she had tied up her corset too tightly. She was revealing her grand - oh my! Gladly not the other feminine parts which were connected to her mammilla, they were still covered by the corset material, yet that didn’t stop her from straightening sharply, and walking too quickly back to her chair. She wasn’t acting at all like herself.

Amarantha self-consciously watched as he poured the wine and asked her to try it. Once her fingers wrapped around the base of the glass, her mango drink forgotten, she brought the glass to her nose and smelt it. Doesn’t smell deadly. And I don’t think being merry is a good idea now. But… She brought it to her lips and allowed the contents to slide onto her tongue and into her mouth. Swishing it around once, twice before allowing it to slide down her throat. As of its own accord, her tongue darted out slightly and traced her lower lip.

“Not bad. Better than the Mango actually, pardon me, Jarvis.”

Even though the waited couldn’t hear her, she didn’t was to spoil his help. His mango blending was perfect in its own way. She took another sip before placing the glass down. And as Katsu began speaking with his own question, she felt her mood shift quickly, too quickly. Her head raised up as if sensing danger and all confusing emotions were replaced by something far too recognizable. Amarantha knew this emotion well. She felt her muscles coil even before she rose from her seated position a second time and with an outburst of something inhuman, she gripped the side of her table with one hand and pulled hard, wrenching it from the ground and sending the table flying across the room.

She then became still, only her intense eyes moved, a dangerous predator scenting danger. She inhaled deeply, closing her mind instantly before her attention fell upon Katsu with so much fury, the room seem to expand out with her uncontrolled ferocity. She knew what she looked like on some level of consciousness. A young woman with violet-blue-black hair that made her pale, colourless skin look even worse. She looked like a vengeful ghost, and she knew that the worst part would be her eyes, which are normally, green-brown-Florentine gold but now they have quickly changed to a liquid amber, skipping the first stage, lavender, they blazed with power and hatred. Her fingers twitched at her sides before closing into a fist and with a powerful cry, she screamed out her rage.

“HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME? MAKE ME FEEL! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! YOU! JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE JUST ASK. YOU ASK AND ASK BUT WHO CARES ABOUT ME! WHO CARES! YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO KNOW ME! YOU ALL DESERVE TO DIE! RUDE INCONSIDERATE-!”

With a low, venomous hiss she turned and left the building. Some recognition yelling at her to leave before she kills somebody. And right now she didn’t want anyone to see her in this stage. Rage mixed with fear. Eyes wet from tears, yet face still inhumanly altered. She didn’t look like a normal woman now, she looked like a confused raging soul too pale that her veins were showing darkly in places which are normally hidden. Deep down she heard Adelpha chuckle, whispering both words of encouragement and words that explain why she should never get too close to anybody. That a life with Katsu could and would never work out. Upset she tore off into the night, knowing on some level that Katsu will follow, but hoping to lose him before she does something she will regret.

^{----------------------------------------}

^{*Chaos Second Stage ‘Rage of Chaos’ [1 | 10]}

[Deleted]

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If Katsu had any sort of cruel streak he might have become addicted to putting a person through so many different emotions at once. Watching Amara's emotions go from embarrassment to curiosity to anger and back to embarrassment was just pressing some kind of button with Katsu, and he wasn't sure why. However he was sure that he had seen that bubbly pink in Amara's aura that signified lust, and that made him feel like he had found something worth pursuing here. If Amara was willing to look past his Draconic features, or perhaps even be attracted to them, then maybe Katsu could start something like an actual relationship with her. It was something to think about.

In fact it seemed that Amara was at the point that she'd admit to a bit of attraction, first with her comment about telling him to keep his shirt off, and then by standing up after his little demonstration with the Hart's Tongue leaf and coming to kneel!! next to him, her breasts threatening to pop out of her corset. As she did that Katsu quickly grabbed the other Hart's Tongue frond and threw it in his mouth in one movement. The kind of excitement of seeing Amara kneeling in front of him in that clothing was turning his scaled a deep pink once again. Katsu was so... distracted that he had barely heard what Amara had said, and by the time he had an answer for her she had already stood back up and moved to the other side of the table once more.

At this point Katsu knew something had to be off. At the Chuunins before Amara had been calm, cool, and completely under control. Sure she seemed to be attracted to one of the participants there, but she hadn't been anywhere near so... near to the bursting point. By the time Katsu managed to collect and process that thought in his head it was too late, he had already asked his question. Amara standing up in rage was something Katsu had expected, at least a little, but her picking up the marble table sitting between them and then throwing it across the room like a Frisbee was much less expected. Katsu had barely enough time to save the bottle of wine by snatching the ice bucket it was in before the table went flying. Unfortunately Katsu didn't save the glass of wine he had or Amara's margarita, and the latter ended up on top of Katsu's head upside down, his head and hair drenched in alcohol. Then came the shouting.

“HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME? MAKE ME FEEL! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! YOU! JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE JUST ASK. YOU ASK AND ASK BUT WHO CARES ABOUT ME! WHO CARES! YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO KNOW ME! YOU ALL DESERVE TO DIE! RUDE INCONSIDERATE-!”

Amara left at that point, to the relief of the few other customers in the shop. Katsu was left sitting there, his hair dripping, an ice bucket in his one hand, the small plate that the Hart's Tongue fronds had been presented on in the other. For a moment he was stunned, then he remembered the thrown table, and how he hadn't heard it land, and he looked over to see Jarvis spinning it over his head like a basketball. Jarvis walked over to Katsu and slowly set the heavy table down. “That's a pretty fiery temper she's got there, eh Katsu?”

“...Yeah... Hey, tell me Jarvis. You're pretty studied in the Kekkei Gekkai of the lands, right? Do you know of a bloodline capable of changing one's eye color to amber and give them that kind of effortless strength?” Katsu slowly placed the ice bucket on the table before grabbing an offered napkin from Jarvis and wiping most of the alcohol from his face.

“Mrm? Amber Eyes, huh. Well, judging by that and her comments just now I'd say she's one of the Kamyuja. Superhuman Clan. They're all super strong, very durable, and crazy. It's right in their genetics. If her eyes are Amber colored that also means she's in their Stage Two. It's like the Fourth Gate without the Speed Boost or self-damage, but with a hell of a lot of rage flowing.”

Katsu grinned, “So the rumors of her being strong weren't just referring to her skill with Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, then. How long does it tend to last?”

“Normally lasts about a minute at a time, so she won't get too far before she calms down enough not to kill you on sight. Planning on going after her? If she gets angry enough she could rip your head off with her bare hands.”

Katsu shrugged at that as he laid the napkin on the table and stood up, “Well, as Shinobi, it wouldn't be worth pursuing her if she wasn't strong right? Keep our orders going, we'll be back, hopefully.” Katsu picked up the ice bucket, beginning to turn for the door.

Jarvis grinned and shook his head, silently agreeing but still thinking Katsu wasn't quite sane. Then again, he was some kind of Dragon thing. Katsu left the store, following after Amara. She'd probably be a few hundred meters or so away from the store by this point, but Katsu didn't need his eyes in order to track her down. He had his nose; which since the transformation had become as keen as an animals. He could certainly track Amara with it. Kneeling outside the store Katsu gently sniffed near the ground, pulling Amara's intoxicating scent into his nose. Soon enough he had her trail, and Katsu shot forward like a bullet, going full speed in order to catch up to Amara. She may have been fast, but Katsu was faster by a fair margin, and it wouldn't take very long for Katsu to catch up to her.

By chance it seemed that Amara had headed for a park, and Katsu found her underneath the boughs of the trees. Katsu would approach in a casual manner. Not as one who was scared of Amara, or as one who felt himself above or below her in worth. He was just a friend, come to look for her.

“I think we've skipped some levels here, Amara. We went from a friendly if sexually tense conversation to throwing tables. Perhaps we should back up a few steps? I'll go first, and answer some of your questions. Firstly, I don't hide anything without reason. The only thing I'm hiding from you is what's considered socially unacceptable to show in public. Secondly, I just wanted to talk with you and get to know you a little better, but since you ask I dare to do what I want simply because that's what I want to do. I don't need another reason to act the way I do, Amara. Thirdly. Maybe I care. You're a strong Shinobi and a member of Kumogakure. I'm sworn to protect Kumogakure. It's literally my job to care about my fellow Shinobi, both to keep them fighting fit to help me do my job, and because they to are citizens I am sworn to defend...

“You'll have to try harder to push me away than this if you want it to work, Amara. I'm not a saint by any measure. I'm pretty greedy after all. I want to know you whether or not I deserve it. So maybe I do deserve death in your eyes, and maybe it does make me rude and inconsiderate to you, but maybe... if you let me in, you might find me to your liking...

“If you think you might be interested in that, I managed to bring the wine and a couple glasses. We've got at least twenty minutes before our food is done. Would you care to share a drink with me and watch the stars, Amara?”

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

Nature. Clean nature. If she were to be one with nature, she will be calm, she will be free. Torment. Endless torment. If only she could get what she really wanted, to be loved, liked and not feared. She knew power clung to her like a second skin, it was the same with rage, with hidden emotions. Amarantha was beyond embarrassed, and she was beyond tears. What had she done? Cause by some stupid question it had hit a nerve. Nobody knows me that well. Nobody. Yet Katsu, did he really see through me? What is this? It was like he peered into my soul, sister I am much afraid. And what’s worse is that he follows.

Amarantha heard no reply from Adelpha, her mind was silent, even so the red stain began to fade. She was calming down, and before it now seemed but a distant dream. Yet he was coming. She felt it in the air. The likelihood that she was no longer alone. And where was she actually? Trees. Was that flowers in the distance? He was here now, just behind her, approaching silently yet she knew it was because he didn’t want to threaten her so. Somehow that warmed her slightly, yet … slowly, hesitantly she turned and faced him. Even under the trees she felt as though she was in full view of the world. She felt too opened.

She wanted to ask him what he had done to her. But she feared the answer. So in the end she remained silent, sad and distant, choosing not to ask any questions, and deciding not to answer any personal ones. And so at that moment, while he was speaking, she build a wall of ice and stone around her heart, so that no one would harm her again. Ice to fight his flair, and stone to protect her against his curious mind. This in the end will work against all people, she knew this…

“Enough Katsu. Just stop. I do not care for this right now. I care for no questions and wish for no answers. I just was to relax. May I have this time to simply relax, with you? Under the stars, with nature.”

What was this? She sounded as though she had given up. Depressed, sorrowful, weak. This was not right. Yet against her requests, she felt her legs buckle beneath her and round herself down on the ground, still under the tree, but with the sky, moon and stars in perfect view. It was kind of romantic. Her mind twisted with the word romantic. There will be no romance in her world, in her lifetime. Only kill or be killed. Only death, a grey unfilled destiny. Even so thinking such things, she also dwelled on his words and realized how much he really liked her. Amarantha could hardly believe it, but she felt it when he spoke. It made her sadder, it made her feel sick. Yet she had listened.

What drink did he bring with him? Was it that deep purple coloured wine? She found her taste buds craving for the drink she had tested before. Oh how it had tasted nice, sweet but pleasant. If it wasn’t for this corset, she would be lying down right now, but all thanks to the boning at the sides, it kept her up and straight, cutting her breathing until at some moments it was even difficult to breathe. She was pathetic. And she felt her temper rise slowly again. And all because of this-

A heavy sigh before she stared silently into the night sky…

[Deleted]

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[OOC: Thoughtful, by Isaac Shepard. Play this song while you read this post =D]

Fear. Amara seemed to be overwhelmed with fear in a position where she shouldn't have any fear at all. She was stronger than Katsu, both as a Ninjutsu and Genjutsu user, as well as having more pure brute strength. Sure Katsu was faster but he didn't have any weaponry on him besides his natural ones, he'd have to get into melee range in order to even try and hit her, and she could rip his face off at that range. It was then that something clicked in Katsu's head. Amara wasn't scared of physical violence, but of emotional commitment. Of getting to know people and having them know her. It made sense. Her outbursts, her words about no one deserving to know her, about being made to feel. Amara was scared of being emotionally hurt.

Katsu's heart swelled with compassion, but also with anger. That kind of behavior only came from those who had been hurt that way in the past. What bastard had hurt Amara to the point she wanted to cut herself off from any and everyone? It made Katsu boil with rage just thinking of it, and for a small moment Katsu's skin began to darken, becoming almost black before Katsu got himself under control. Stop. There's nothing to do to the person that did the damage right now. There's only healing that damage. That's what I can do for Amara now. Katsu began to feel better with that thought in mind. This he could do. He had done it on a small scale with the kids in the village. Taking the bullied and lending them the confidence to stand on their own, or protecting the weak and teaching them to be strong. He would do that for Amara as well.

Listening to what Amara had to say, Katsu knew that he at least had made a start. She was done trying to push him away for now. He was about to respond to her words when her legs seemed to give out on her, and suddenly Katsu was directly next to her, his right arm across her back as he slowly guided her to the ground. The ice bucket lay nearby, dropped by Katsu at the end of his Shunshin to prevent its damage. Katsu knelt next to Amara, his right hand moving to gently grasp her right shoulder in support.

Katsu then noticed Amara's shallow breathing, and this close he could see her breasts straining against her corset, and how tightly she had tied the corset. Without a word, as Amara stared at the night sky, Katsu moved to kneel directly behind her, his deft fingers beginning to work at the knot that secured the corset in place. How in the world do women stand to wear these things? I'll admit I like what it does to their figure but this has got to be uncomfortable. It wouldn't take him long to undo the double knot, and taking both loops in hand Katsu would give them a flick, then adjusting the corset by wriggling the top just a bit with one hand. Katsu then took both loops and retied them into their original double knot. The corset would then be noticably looser on Amara's frame. She would be able to breathe freely again, the boning no longer digging into her side but merely supporting the frame as was intended.

While that act might have been done without thought by another woman, Katsu knew that Amara would feel the intimacy of the moment of having a man adjust her corset. He also knew that would unsettle her, make her feel embarrassed, so Katsu spoke a quiet apology, his voice tender as he whispered in Amara's ear from behind. "I hope you'll forgive me my boldness, Amara. I did not want to see you in pain."

Another long moment in silence would pass as they both stared up at the half-hidden moon and the stars beyond together, but eventually Katsu would speak again, gently placing both hands on Amara's shoulders, "Amara... Forgive me. I think I understand what I've done now...

"I think something terrible has happened to you in your past. Something that made you want to run and hide from humanity. You've been taught that to connect with another is only to invite pain on yourself, that it's safest to be alone. I don't know what caused that, but I'm terribly sorry for it anyway... and I'm sorry for what I've done. I've caused a crack in the wall, I've given just the tiniest sense of hope, and it hurts you like hell because with hope comes the potential for despair..." Katsu continued to gently whisper in Amara's ear, his voice quiet and full of nothing but tenderness, none of the near arrogance of before present.

"...What's worse is that now I've started the process I can't stop. I can't leave you in the state I've put you in right now. It's terribly unfair of me, but I have to keep going. I'm going to tear down the wall around you, and show you that what you've been taught is wrong. I don't know if in the end this will be for the best, it might have been better for me to never have invited you to a drink tonight, but it's still something I'll need to do. It's my hope, however, that you come to look back on this night as when things began to look up for you, Amara."

With his little speech done Katsu slowly gathered Amara's hair in one finger, gently drawing it around to her right side before letting it fall over her shoulder to lay on her bosom. He then very slowly took both arms and wrapped them about Amara's midriff before drawing her to him, pulling her into his lap so that she could lean back against his chest. He made sure to adjust her skirt to let her maintain her modesty, and then he grabbed the wine with his left hand and then grabbed a glass, passing it to his right hand, and then opened the bottle to pour a glass of the sweet wine for Amara, gently placing it in her hand before repeating the process for his own glass. Once done his right arm was gently across Amara's midriff, his hand placed against her belly, while his other hand held his drink which he would sip from.

"If you'll permit me just a few words more, I'll try to give you some advice... Try not to think about the situation, just feel it out. Your instinct will tell you whether or not this is what you want. If you must think though I would ask that you think of this: You are a woman in the arms of a man who's sworn to protect your life even at the cost of his own. There is nothing to fear here..." After this Katsu would become silent, simply enjoying the sensation of the woman sitting in his arms as they looked to the night sky together, and hoping that Amara was enjoying this as much as he was...

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

Amarantha stared down at her feet, laid out before her on moonlit ground. Watching as they rocked from side to side in a slow rhythm. Just sitting with nature really worked its magic, she felt much calmer, much more at ease. Slowly her eyes would search the starry heavens once more before a childish melody would whisper softly from her lips:

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are…”

The melody was old, yet if heard from some certain people they would think her insane. And she supposed so she sounded a little off one's rocker, but when she stared up at the stairs, those diamonds in the sky, she simply remembered the theme and went along with it. She didn’t sound dreadful. She was a singer by heart, and as the soft soprano lyrics breathed from her vocal cords she had to say to herself that even though the song was wrong for one such at her age and at such a time, she did sound nice. Pure. And she wasn’t one to call in ego, her ego was as high as a kite in other classes but not when it comes to one such as this.

Suddenly feeling a tugging behind her, she would stop singing abruptly and twist sharply around. What was Katsu doing now? She does not like him behind her back, and especially not this close. She opened her mouth to growl but as soon as her corset was loosened slightly, she closed her mouth sharply. Allowing it to slide. She knew deep down that he was simply easing her, and as much that that brought on unknown emotions, and felt slightly confused, she was grateful. As he retied the knot, she whispered her thanks before peering up once again at the skies. Her whisper was uncalled for though as once he whispered into her ear, she clearly knew that he didn’t hear her. And how could he? She spoke just as he was starting, but with her quiet voice, and his deep rumble, she wouldn’t hear herself over his baritone even if she tried.

Well, she wasn’t going to say it again. She was grateful, but she doesn’t like repeating herself. And so she was left to think again. He doesn’t like to see her in pain. That somewhat made her feel happy. A lot of men have hurt her in the past. It was unheard of for a man to actually know some kindness. Katsu was indeed a fascinating creature. And as he continued to speak, she felt her emotion deepen. It was beyond sadness. And it was painful. But she couldn’t say anything. She couldn’t tell him to stop. She found that she had no voice. That her words were stuck in her throat, and wouldn’t travel beyond that point.

He is too good for me sister. I’ll stain his soul if I get too attached to him. But how can I express my belief? I’ll only end up killing him in the end, and that thought brings me such pain it’s deplorable. I don’t want to kill him. Her first thought was to yell and tear away from him. Tear down the wall. Without what she had built up over the years, it would destroy her to have it down. She needed it up or she would be lost forever. Yet, she didn’t leave her resting spot. She didn’t growl at him, she barely heard him speak in fact. Her blood was drumming in her ears. And then the voice she was waiting for whispered softly inside her mind:

Maybe death is the answer. It will not happen anyway. As you know by birth you are unquestionably betroth as soon as you were born. It’s only a matter of time before another Kamyuja seeks you out and claims you. You were born for the only reason to keep the Chaos bloodline pure. By your father and mother both being Kamyuja, its only suffice that you will follow their footsteps. You will have to tell Katsu otherwise when that day comes, he will die. Either by your hand or by your mate. If you don’t tell him, sister, then I will, and you know how that will turn out.

Yes, she knew. Death, destruction and loss. But how to word the truth? By then she felt her world turn off centre and felt strength around her waist. Looking down she stared at his arms before she felt her body being pulled back, until she felt cradled like a baby in his arms. Suffocating, she was suffocating. Maybe he has a death wish… She thought bitterly as she watched as he covered her legs with her skirt. And before long she was staring down at the drink in her hands. It was the nice stuff too. How sweet. He is making this hard. Silently she drunk from her glass. Questions, and worries running through her mind. I’m such a coward! I may just have to have Adelpha kill him after all. If not, then I don’t know what I’ll do…

Deep inside her mind, within the dark cold void, the glass of her bringing, suddenly cracked. Once it shatters, who knows what will happen to her, who she will become. Her sanity was on shaky ground, if it shatters, then the world could possibly be lost…

[Deleted]

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The benefit of being able to see a person's emotions just by looking at them was knowing when one had stepped over the line, and knowing when one was about to shatter the line. Katsu knew by the encroaching sadness in Amara's aura that she was not taking his words in the manner that he was hoping she would. You're pushing too hard too fast Katsu. Better ease off or it'll snap out of your hands and you might not get another go.

With this in mind Katsu would realize that to keep a hold of Amara in his lap was going too far. So Katsu downed his entire glass of wine before placing the glass down and very carefully picking Amara up and placing her on the grass nearby. "Ah, Pardon me. The Hart's Tongue must not be affecting me as strongly as it should. I think my hormones caused me to misread your lack of resistance as actual desire. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable with that..."

Katsu would then lay down on his back, to better look up at the stars. He would lay so that his stomach was the closest part towards Amara, and his tail would twitch between his legs like a cat's. If nothing else was said by Amara Katsu would pass the remainder of their twenty minutes in comfortable silence. He at least enjoyed merely being in Amara's presence, and was content to let time and the wine help soothe Amara's mood. The Bulis Woodrose was really a potent beverage in that respect, and if Amara even finished her glass she'd feel the effects pretty strongly. It'd be hard to muster any form of anger, instead a gentle contentedness and calm happiness would steal over her. At least, unless she fought the effects the entire time, but Katsu wouldn't be able to fathom why someone would want to be in a bad mood...

Once the twenty minutes was almost up, Katsu would give a quick remark, "Our food back at the Pretentious Court should be almost done by now. Want to head back and enjoy your lasagna?"

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

Amarantha was surprised at how easy he lifted her from his lap. And as his heat left her body she felt sadder than ever, she felt emptier. I’m hurting him so. Yet as he spoke, she found that she had to speak, to clear the air. She too realized that being silent could say a thousand words.

“No, it is I who should apologize. I am not making myself clear. I should explain myself and draw the line. It is not your hormones. It is not you.”

She brought the glass up to her lips as she watch him lay down on his back beside her. The taste was magical, smoothing, yet for some oddly reason, it was calming her to the point of complete relaxation, and as sweet serenity kissed her soul and skin, easing her tense muscles, and she would then casually look at Katsu with sudden playfulness. What a wacky emotional dance. moody it was true. Yet as she stared down at Katsu, she found that the darkness of the night did wonders for his complexion. He basically shone under the stars, his silver alive due to the moonlight. Would he take it the wrong way if I touched his scales now? I do not know why but I love touching things I find most attractive. Yet I do not want to send false messengers. Silently she kept her fingers some distance away. She would allow her eyes to do the ‘touching’ instead.

Some time would pass before Katsu spoke again. And by then her class was empty, and her stomach and chest warm and fuzzy. As he talked about her food her stomach would rumble in reply, answering for her. She would laugh softly before rising to her feet, touching his muscular arm as she did so.

“Yes, let’s eat, and I will tell you a story about how I once dreamt a dream of a dragon. He helped me during a time when I was learning crystal release. He reminds me of you suddenly. Would you like to hear this story of mine?”

Come to think of it? Her dragon didn’t even tell his name, and if he did, it had long since forgotten. When had she last used Crystal anyway? This dragon spirit had been silent for a long time. Smiling at Katsu she would then playfully say:

“Race you back?”

[Deleted]

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A woman's emotions really are a whirlwind Katsu decided to himself as he set Amara on the grass next to him. Her anger bubbled up when he had pulled her into his lap, but then she became saddened by being set away from him. I think I'm gonna need a degree in psychology to ever hope to understand a woman at this rate. From listening to Amara as she explained herself Katsu finally decided on the theory that Amara had really wanted to sit in his lap, to enjoy the intimacy of that, but had reasons of her own to deny herself that, and the sadness afterward had to do with that as well. Poor woman, I bet she has a hard time trying to understand her own feelings let alone those of others. Another thing to beat someone's ass for, soon as I figure out who...

The time spent just being near each other was still pleasant. Katsu got to watch as Amara's emotions slowly calmed down and turned into a gentle happiness. It was nice to see such a beautiful woman in a good mood. Katsu loved to make others feel good. He just wished that he didn't have to use the wine to do it this time. No matter though.

Katsu listened as Amara responded to his warning about their food, and then gave hint to a dragon she apparently knew. Katsu immediately stood up, interest sparkling in his eyes. It was only natural that Katsu be interested in Dragons, given his appearance, even if they were only in Amara's dreams? "I'd very much love to hear about this dragon from you, Amara."

However when Amara offered a race Katsu would smile and shake his head, "In all honesty I would rather offer you my arm and walk back, Amara. To better enjoy the stars with you just a little bit longer." With that Katsu would picks up the ice bucket along with the wine bottle and glasses and carrying them in his right arm he would offer Amara his left. Arm extended, palm upward so that Amara could lay her own in his comfortably as they walked. If she agreed to such an arrangement Katsu would begin slowly walking back towards the Pretentious Court, setting the pace so that they could enjoy a bit more time of privacy before returning to their meals. During this time Katsu would quietly listen to what Amara had to say, the picture of a gentleman.

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

Something was indeed wrong with her. She could hardly keep still, the saying ants in their pants fit her criteria perfectly. She felt that if she jumped, she could fly, even thought about doing so, and that only brought along giggles. Childish as she was becoming. And so Katsu would like to hear her dream. If only she could remember it clearly. It was such a long time ago she might have to rethink it over so that she got ever detail, every remembrance. She was slightly disappointed that Katsu didn’t want a race, she was going to create the said dragon which she had learned next to the spirit of her dream dragon. Wishing that sudden creating would awaken him so, but then as Katsu explained his reason why he wanted a slow walk back, she sighed softly at the idea of how sweet it was. Indeed it was a beautiful night, late it was too her bed will be calling her soon as after all she had just been travelling. And so casually she placed her hand in his and stared up while he grabbed the ice bucket and glasses.

“Starry, Starry, Night…”

Feeling his strength, and being so close to his scales she finally felt contented. And as he moved toward the restaurant, Amarantha slowly followed suit until they were moving in unison. This is harmless enough. She thought happily as the made their way toward the building.

[Deleted]

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The walk back was a nice one. Just watching the stars as they slowly made their way back to the restaurant. When they reached the door Katsu would let go of Amara's hand in order to get the door for her, letting her in before him once again. “We're in the same seat as before, Amara.”

Indeed everything would be back to normal. Some customers had left, some more had entered, but beyond that the restaurant looked exactly the same. When they got back to their table fresh glasses and wine would be waiting, Amara would even have a new margarita at her chosen seat. Katsu would place the bucket and old glasses down before taking his own seat, making sure to have his tail curl around the edge of the chair once more. It wouldn't be ten seconds after them sitting down that Jarvis would approach with their food. Two plates of steak and salmon and potatoes, and a zucchini lentil lasagna with ricotta cheese.

Jarvis would speak as he placed the food down, “Greetings once more. We were about to eat your food for you, Katsu, Ms Amara. It is well you made it back before then. Oh and Ms Amara. Management wishes me to tell you that we understand that the life of a Shinobi may indeed be stressful, but they also ask that you refrain from such outbursts within the premises in the future, on threat of being barred from the establishment. My apologies.”

Jarvis would then place a small plate of some unknown spice on Amara's side of the table. Unbeknownst to either Katsu or Amara it would be Jaffray, a clove-like herb that tasted of cinnamon and was also an aphrodisiac, it even cured most ingested poisons. Covering the spice would be a small paper note with writing on the underside, obviously meant for only Amara to read.

The note read:

“If you're looking for a fun way to spend all that energy you have Ms Amara, this little spice is an aphrodisiac. Enjoy.

Pretentious Court Staff”

Katsu would look at their food with appreciation, but would look to Amara before touching his food, “So, about that Dragon, or would you prefer we talk of something else? I've requested a mission from the Raikage, for example, and perhaps you'd want to come with me once the Raikage hammers out the details for us?”

[Celaena Kamyuja]

_{Seule dans la nuit}

The change in temperature was noticeable. The heat, it was wonderful yet unneeded, she already felt flushed from the sweet drink. As soon as Katsu allowed her through the door, she heard him speak once again, but that too was also unwanted. She had naturally made her way to the fireplace, and the seat before it some appropriate distance away and sat down softly, modestly, placing a napkin upon her lap. She felt guilty, but the room looked the same as before, the mess she had made, gone. Just thinking of it made her throat work. But everything was clean now, tidier in fact, the staff had out done themselves. She even had the same margarita as before, set neatly next to dinner-ware, all ready for their meal. In fact as soon as Katsu sat sown, Jarvis came out with our order in each hand. She couldn’t help but to like the man, who took their order, his job seriously. As she watch him place her food down, and then Katsu, he would speak and Amarantha would listen in intently, feeling slightly uncomfortable, and a lot more remorseful. She had to swallow a few times before she could reply as clearly as possible without sounding like a pathetic cry baby.

“No, it is I who must apologize. A nerve was hit and I retaliated as the only way I know how. I do hope I did not cause too much damage, and if so I would most willingly pay for it. You may tell your manager that I am most sorry for my behaviour, and that for scaring his costumers away, I will be on my best behaviour from now on. Though I must say, I am a little unsophisticated due to the Bulis Woodrose drink, as lovely as it is, it’s doing something appalling for which my emotions are suffering. But do not fret my pet, I will behave.”

A smile before her fingers curved around the glass containing her Mango. Bringing it up to her lips her eyes would slide over to the side of the table and fall upon a small paper covering something secondary, with her free hand she would grab both items and place then upon the napkin within her lap before slyly looking up at Katsu, at the current moment he was looking at his food. She would quickly place her glass down at unfold the paper to read the context.

“If you're looking for a fun way to spend all that energy you have Ms Amara, this little spice is an aphrodisiac. Enjoy.

Pretentious Court Staff”

I think they have lost their mind! I cannot take this, this herb. I feel as high as a kite as it is… But, Katsu? Looking up sweetly, she would notice that he was seconds away from looking up from his food, most likely looking at her before he did anything else. Calmly she would remove the herb from her lap, unsure where to put it and then listen to what Katsu had begun to say. Oh my dragon. How I have forgotten about me mentioning it before. This mission though sounds promising.

“Ah, yes, my dragon. I do not remember his name, yet he helped me create this crystal dragon. He was a powerful creature who I found within an active volcano some place where my dream self-created. I remember the heat of his stare clearly, and I remember how he looked, breaking from his carcass as if I must have disturbed his resting place. Being in the tomb of an active volcano for some time, the heat had crystalized him you see. I remember him clearly, my dream self-had entered this chamber within the heart of the volcano, and in the centre of the room, my dragon’s hindquarters was half submerged in the magma. He was well in truly dead, his petrified remains was immense and breath-taking. If I remember correctly, he lay curled tightly, with his wings tucked against his back and his tail curled around his body. And his head, I remember clearly was resting on his diamond looking-clawed forepaws. He was beautiful, perfect crystal. I remembered that I asked him why he was crystalized, and ruby coloured too, and his reply was ‘because of the intense heat and pressure of this volcano.’ What made me wonder though when I dreamt it, was why his chest crushed, destroyed? Anyway, how I met him was simple, and at first I thought I was hallucinating. But it was the heat from that rising magma that made the air around my dragon ripple, and then I heard his voice. He said something along the lines of, take it, that what remains and what is offered. He said that ‘the old one offers me his strength. Bizarre I know. Anyway, I battled it in my dream to prove myself worthy before he told me that with his help, I would have a dragon soul. And yeah, he helped me create a crystal dragon. Hoho it does indeed sound far stretched, does it not?”

Oh how I miss his so…

“Now, Katsu before we talk missions, there is something I must do.”

She hadn’t even touched her meal yet, but she would shortly. Looking away from Katsu, her eyes would seek out the waited before falling upon him. Her eyes seeking his out instantly. And then she spoke again. Professional-like.

“Jarvis, may I have a word please? Please excuse me, Katsu.”

As she rose from her seat and approach Jarvis who was across the room, she would silently hand him the herb before asking him to unknowingly place it into Katsu’s food.

“There is no way I can do it without drawing attention to myself. I would like him to enjoy this moment, he seems to have a lot of, hormonal unbalances and as nasty as I am, I am curious to see how this would affect him. If it is too dangerous, then please do not do it. He is too kind to be unwell by something this... Insignificant.”

As soon as her hands were free of the herb she would return to her seat, and childishly she would lift of her drink and say out loud before her.

“To dragons.”

As she brought the glass to her lips she would look down at her food, deciding what to eat first…

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Mind the broken links. Here was the dragon dream before the training if you are interested. Lol I did not make it up hehe…