Welcome to The Duality of Man, an original animanga role-play that features numerous supernatural creatures. Unfortunately, these various species have distanced themselves because of the war that occurred thousands of years ago, plaguing some with eyes that only see their dualism. While others meddle themself with their differences, two groups fight, each attempting to eliminate the other in for their definition of worldly peace. These two groups of the Terror Response Syndicate (TRS) and the Assembly of Phantoms (AP). With individuals fighting merely over their differences, it brings uncertainty to the outcome of this war.
We happily accept all role-players as long as they obey the rules and are capable of meeting our word count of 50. This does include those who are unfamiliar with this style of role-playing. The staff of The Duality of Man are willing to happily help those who are new to the role-playing world so they feel comfortable on site. Feel free to message the staff if you need help, they can be found here or in the site Discord and will gladly answer questions alongside calm concerns. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them; guests may use the support board as a suggestion area as well. Should you decide to join, may I say welcome to the site and we all hope you enjoy your time here.
Yours Truely,
The Staff
season
Summer 2024
Heat has broken through into a glorious summer. The snow has entirely dried through the spring, leaving to the brilliance of the warmer months. Terror activity has risen as people are brought out of their homes, leaving the TRS in a position of consistent work. Each are attempting to maintain victory in the endless struggle for power.
Since the wonderful members of TDOM enjoy the site enough to play around on it, this thread is to assist with the site's tidying! Functionality is important and we want to make the site functional even if its activity will be minimal at best!
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] There were a million remarks just waiting to be vocalized but Xia refrained from saying any of them. Purgatory sounded boring but the idea of hunting mortals… well she would have to inquire about those tales later. Maybe over wine… if she didn’t end up dead of course. The raven-haired woman simply nodded to Salem and, fueled by the soft contours of a melody unknown to her, Xia headed towards her destination.[break][break]
It was a stupid gamble really but her options had become quite limited. Dainty fingers brushed the edge of her sleeve to assure herself that the item in question was still there. Thankfully, it was. Xia’s footfalls echoed among the walls of the hallway until, finally, she stopped in front of a well-dressed yet closed door. How many times had she been to this exact conference room to discuss the constant boredom of the Beaufortes’ affairs? Too many. [break][break]
Xia procured another item from her pocket, a simple crystal which she promptly stomped under heel. The essences within swirled upward, crowding the lock, until an audible snap could be heard. Good, enchantments were always such a pain. [break][break]
“Lest you worry about your business,” the petite woman remarked dryly to herself as she waved glowing fingertips in the direction of the old-fashioned lock. Water was so moldable.[break][break]
Shortly after the door’s locked clicked and Xia carefully plied it open with a small, fashioned string of water. Better not to touch anything should forensics get involved. Xia had to hold back a snicker at the idea – no way the Beaufortes would risk anyone learning their dirty little secrets. It wasn’t until she stepped in the room that she felt a presence behind her in the grand hall. [break][break]
“And here I thought it would take you longer to-” the words fell dead in her mouth at the figure in the hallway, “have you already caught our little bird Salem?” [break][break]
The silence was unnerving. Xia turned from her current task to face the reaper, light eyes searching for the reason. A split second too late she realized just exactly what she was dealing with. Dark webs strung up her dominant hand, pushing it far from her safety net tucked in her sleeve. Xia hissed as she struggled to pivot away from the darkness pooling at her feet just in time to avoid another tether.[break][break]
“Damnit,” the petite woman cussed, side stepping swiftly away from the creature’s sharpened talon-cleave. To think she could be so stupid: Of course the Beaufortes would step up extra security. But to employ this . . . it didn’t bode well at all. [break][break]
Xia used her free hand to conjure more water, this time in a thin line that took on the shape of a rope. She aimed directly at the pinpoint for the webs but a second cleave broke her concentration. This one was closer, threatening the integrity of her dress. There was no way she could keep up this game. Being tethered on her dominant side left her entirely open and this creature was far faster than she.[break][break]
“No, I refuse to die here,” Xia growled but a quick survey of her surroundings told her that dying might be the only option. Most likely the real Salem still sat oblivious on the bench. [break][break]
Had she been outplayed? Or simply underestimated her enemies? Xia didn't have time to struggle as dark tendrils spiked through the floor to grip her left leg.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Salem didn’t miss a beat. It was one of things Xia already liked about the Reaper. Quick-witts was a must to anyone she associated with; Xia couldn’t risk any fumbling around when her plans were so intricately laid out. At least for tonight anyways. Of course the reaper wouldn’t mind a little death, it was almost his business really. Xia ignored her desire to sneak another glance at his odd eye. There was no point really and curiosity would get someone killed as quickly as brandishing a gun without purpose.[break][break]
“Ah yes,” was all the raven-haired woman replied, not really sparing a single thought for the creature Salem had collected. Instead, she focused on the situation at hand. [break][break]
The listening field did have an expiration after all and she certainly didn’t want prying ears grabbing snippets of her next conversation piece. Xia fanned herself idly, watching her dark-haired companion carefully. Not because she suspected ill intention but rather, despite all her instincts, she wondered what sort of pragmatics existed behind that oddly deep gaze.[break][break]
“Nothing so grand as a mysterious death I’m afraid,” Xia didn’t hide her disappointment this time as she angled the fan in front of her face perfectly enough to block the only doorway from seeing her lips move, “I’m going to give someone the perfect opportunity to murder me. But you’ll be the ace up my sleeve because they aren’t expecting you to have any talents other than music, I’m sure. Then – and this is the nefarious part dear Salem, we’re going to plant evidence and frame my other would-be murderer.”[break][break]
Xia stood up, snapping her fan shut abruptly as a strand of coal-black hair slipped down her shoulder. There was a different sort of energy beneath her eyes – a mere fragment of the vixen she used to be before the Assembly tamed her murderous plots. Despite the ill-gotten reputation the group was surprisingly normal in their day-to-day activities. [break][break]
But Xia would be lying if she pretended that she loved saving lives more than ruining them.[break][break]
With two light-footed steps Xia bridged the gap between them and lightly tapped Salem on the nose with the soft edge of the fan. There was an abrupt yet mischievous twinkle in her eye as she did so like a child given free reign to play. This time she snuck a glance at the depth of that odd eye, wondering how long before she would get lost in its darkened depths.[break][break]
Maybe forever if she played her cards wrong.[break][break]
“So, if you’re in agreement with this I’m going to head to an isolated hall with very little eyes on it and you, my dear Salem, will keep your eye on the entrance. Should anyone follow me, you should follow them,” Xia stepped back, crossing one arm while the other brandished the fan, “a lovely game of cat and mouse. Don’t worry about anyone noticing by the way – Emmette is about to make a speech and absolutely every harpy here will be hanging on his words. Aside from myself of course.”
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] “Not the traditional sort of duet, no,” she laughed lightly, checking the lining of her shoe for her blade under the guise of shaking out a pebble. Xia slid her shoe back on and leaned into the bench, “though I suppose at some point we may be chided into playing song or two. Not that anyone is paying attention.” [break][break]
Adjusting one of the pins containing her hair, Xia stole a glance at Salem. If there was any bit of discomfort brimming beneath that placid appearance, she would be hard pressed to find it. Though any soul could betray their darkest desires if she looked deep enough. The petite woman gave one last glance to the courtyard and then, with a flourish of her hand, pulled out her folding fan and opened it in one go with a flick of her wrist. [break][break]
Xia fanned herself a few times before setting it in front of her. Sure, the sound couldn’t travel but even an idiot could read lips. Thankfully, Salem’s back was to the open door so she doubted he needed to take such measures. Sapphire-centered orbs met the reaper’s gaze with an expression that betrayed her inner mischief. [break][break]
“Someone is going to try and murder me tonight,” she led with, as calmly as one would discuss pleasant weather, “I mean to lay a trap and do the murdering instead.” [break][break]
Another deft flick and Xia fanned herself again, giving the reaper the benefit of time to digest her incredibly forward statement. He’d seen how wicked she could be and yet here he was. In truth it was an enigma and Xia knew she was placing too much faith in an unknown variable. [break][break]
Loyalty for the sake of loyalty was a farce therefore Salem could only be invested in her due to her connections. It was fine, it was what she expected. But it still seemed illogical with no mutual gain. Perhaps the reaper was simply being polite. Later she’d see if she could find him something appropriate for compensation. [break][break]
“Of course, no hard feelings if this sort of thing is against your conscience. If that were the case, I would simply ask that you escort me from this hall so I can make a quick exit,” a minute pause before Xia met eyes again with Salem, “but that’s the boring dance of course. A singular melancholy tune consisting of only one octave. A lovely tune but nothing deep enough to stir the soul.” [break][break]
Xia shut the fan, resting it on her lap. [break][break]
“The choice is yours,” she gestured towards her party companion, wondering which way this conversation would go. A dark enigma. An unknown variable. How strange her life had become in its complacent day to day routines with the Assembly.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] People came in, succumbing to the ebb and flow of the grand hall without obstructing it. That is until a certain dark figure stepped onto the overly glossed floor. Had she not been chiming away at the ancient instrument; Xia might have dared a coy smile at the spectacle. Hardly anyone valuing their life could stand perfectly unaffected by the one creature with the ability to imprison them forever. [break][break]
Still to see the way the crowd shied away… conversations that had long since appeared dead suddenly buzzing, lovers at odds silently forgetting their shallow issues. The subtle shift of the energies of the crowd may go undetected to someone with an eye to ignore them but Xia was always one to take the temperature of a room. And this one was sweating.[break][break]
Scurry you little rats, go back to your hiding places, the voice in her mind was far crueler sounding than she appeared, its darkness fueled by the show of power she was about to display. [break][break]
Of course, this wouldn’t go unnoticed to Salem, who by now should’ve realized his usefulness as something akin to the main event. Xia steadied her breathing as she drew her concert to a slow halt until finally the song ended on a singular, mellow note. Polite clapping erupted nearby but it was Salem’s voice that drew her sapphire gaze. [break][break]
Nearly a hundred eyes traced her movements, each pair more eager than the last to know why an Assembly medic would invite one of the world’s most dangerous creatures to what was essentially a tea party. Well, they would be wondering a long time for sure. Xia rested the bamboo flute on a table and hopped down from her ledge. [break][break]
In a rare gesture she threw her arms around the tall man and pulled him into a deep hug. [break][break]
“Salem! How I’ve missed you, I’m glad you could make it today,” the petite woman exclaimed enthusiastically, lingering just close enough to whisper words unable to be heard by even the most well-attuned ears, “I’ll fill you in after we take a tour.”[break][break]
Drawing away, Xia didn’t dare sneak a glance at which parties might be interested in their interaction. Soon enough with Salem an established acquaintance the party would go back to its usual flow and none would be interested in the business that the two were going to discuss. All according to plan of course. Xia held out her hand in a gesture that Salem should follow her.[break][break]
Under the impression that Salem could weave through a crowd with an ease of poise, Xia smiled all while providing pleasantries until finally, she found herself in a courtyard secluded from the other areas. A perfect place to discuss business. The dark-haired woman reached into her pocket and, working upon the guess that Salem would also arrive, clicked the ward into place. With a soft snap of glass, the air took on a brief ashen taste. Just as quickly as it had arrived, it disappeared. [break][break]
A perfect sound barrier for the pair to plot their evening if Salem was still inclined to of course. Xia draped herself lazily over a nearby bench in order to give the appearance that her intentions in coming here were to relieve the pressure on her ridiculously pointed heels. To sell the tale she wigged one shoe off, fanning her foot. [break][break]
“I see you dressed for the occasion,” she offered, hoping that the soul-collector had followed her to the courtyard.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Lilac-hued fabric swayed gently across the porcelain skin of her legs, each ending in the characteristic artistic point of heels. The clicks were bell-like tones, chosen simply to catch the attention but with the added benefit of being softer than most. Xia’s hair lay in cascading tresses along her bare back with nothing but two delicate lacquer hairpins holding an intricate bun at the top. [break][break]
The petite woman looked a scene from the olden times, a picture of beauty and innocence but any who knew her true nature could surmise what sort of demon lay beneath the surface. [break][break]
Thankfully, this was an assembly-run event so her usual façade didn’t nearly need to be quite as convincing of her innocent. Today she had simply brought her dizi, a plain bamboo flute dyed a darker hue. Xia’s business here served in the capacity of entertainment only. A casual party such as this neither piqued her interest nor filled any long since dead socialization desires so she’d offered to provide some music instead of mingling. [break][break]
At least, that was what she would have them believe. [break][break]
Sapphire orbs glittered as she made her way to the embellished stage. An Asian-inspired venue for her to perform in, how reminiscent. In truth her choices had several motives, one of which would be arriving soon she hoped. Though if the Reaper knew what was good for them, they’d wander away from her for good. Xia smiled at a passing face, the angle of her lower lip bordering on a sneer just slightly enough to make them question her sincerity. [break][break]
“Alas, maybe I am to play solo after all,” Xia sighed, just after she’d settled onto the tiny stage. Before her the party floor was awash with dots of conversation. People held glasses filled with colorful liquids, saying nonsense to one another while they tried to see what leverage they could gain. Not that she was any different of course. [break][break]
The Assembly of Phantoms was by no means an evil agency but it did tend to attract radicals and those that admired the power behind such ideas. Naturally, these kinds of individuals loved the soirees. As Xia smoothed out her dress she stood atop the slightly elevated platform and brought the flute to her lips. [break][break]
Then, as effortlessly as breathing, she began to play her soft melody. It echoed among the crowd, pleasant enough to draw a few gazes but not permeable enough to halt all conversation. [break][break]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Xia seemed to muse over his words for a moment, making a brief note of how much shorter she was when compared to the Reaper. It would be a significant disadvantage should they ever get into an actual fight. Not that she was one to fight traditionally of course. [break][break]
Her cerulean orbs wandered to a particularly matured tree not to far from them as she considered her options. Given the time it would be prudent to report to the AP headquarters, mostly because some idiot had probably gotten themselves hurt enough to warrant her full attentions. [break][break]
“I believe I am wanted elsewhere soon,” she finally revealed, no hint of her usual coldness in those words, “as much as I am loathe to leave such a valuable individual so soon, I wouldn’t want to show my hand prematurely to my lovely associates by inviting you to my figurative office.”[break][break]
There was a pause as she considered a few things before she resumed speaking.[break][break]
“Not to mention most of them are just a significant bore! I would hate for you to have to sit through our morning meeting,” the petite woman rolled her eyes, “too many opinions really.”[break][break]
Xia turned towards Salem, crossing her arms as she allowed herself one more in-depth study of the man. What a peculiarity. A valuable, respected peculiarity. Underlying her usual love for power was an unexpected… fondness? No, that wouldn’t do. Xia forced her mind into a healthier direction as she pulled out a small scrap of paper, weaving her tingling-fingers ever so slightly. A little dip into her pocket ink and the numbers were perfectly scrawled on the paper.[break][break]
“I can be reached here at my personal number,” she held the tiny scrap out to Salem, “when it is safe, we can discuss many things. Should you help me weed out a little problem I intend to pay you back in full. Depending on your named price of course. Some things are simply impossible,” this was another of her mantras; to never owe anyone anything. Not that her word was particularly binding given her wicked nature but still.[break][break]
The water elemental offered no smile, a testament to her true nature. He’d already stared at her soul therefore there was no pretending. It was more pleasant this way without the fake smiles and the alluring glances. She could simply be the monster she’d been taught to be, in plain sight. A relaxing change of pace no doubt.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Present day fools have evolved to artisans. Xia found herself poised to consider this. Had they ever really evolved? By Salem’s definition her old self would also play the part of the fool. But playing the part and being the part, well those were two different meanings entirely. A simple musing of who was actually the sheep and who the prey. Sapphire centers lingered on Salem as though she might discern who lay beneath by staring just a little too long.[break][break]
His next statement found her in good humor as she gave a surprisingly light laugh.[break][break]
“Cutting down is so crude a technique. I prefer more subtle methods of destruction,” Xia smoothed down a wrinkled area of her dress which had remained surprisingly unscathed in the fray, “after all isn’t better to see someone destroy themselves? Much less effort too. There’s something charming about getting people to realize who they really are.”[break][break]
Satisfied that he wouldn’t stab her in the back if she turned, Xia surveyed the destruction around them without a second thought to the corpse that lay so lingeringly near. Blood, death, and gore were things as familiar to her as breathing after all.[break][break]
“A melody? I'm hardly worth the effort. If you must then something along the lines of ‘What Words Would Lie’ may be more appropriate. I’m someone you should keep an eye on I’ve been told,” Xia waved her hand dismissively, beginning her walk down the much dirtier path. [break][break]
With each footfall there was a soft crunch of dirt and gravel. Five passed before Xia entertained where to go from here. Would he follow her or would they simply part ways? A pact without a seal was almost would be worthless but Xia found it difficult to take anyone at their word. Nobody actually said what they meant in her line of work.[break][break]
“Now then, where would you wander to next?” she mused out loud, unsure if the Reaper had remained behind as she continued walking.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Xia would hardly pretend that she was a saint. If it needed to be done, she would kill anyone anywhere to save herself. But needless murder made little sense. Even her wicked heart held the minute remnants of a heart once fully intact. The music of death to those that deserve it. Xia wondered what the criteria for deserving of death was. For any just person, she should easily fit into this category. [break][break]
Salem was an unpredictable yet incredibly talented person. Despite the uncontrolled variables, Xia knew she would be a fool not to secure so capable an ally. Usually it only took what someone wanted to do this but it almost appeared that the reaper wanted for nothing save the freedom to muse. Sapphire spheres watched him with a cat-like gaze, their center icy pools of frozen water.[break][break] “I wouldn’t expect you to put me above personal vendettas. I don’t respect fools and you, Salem, are no fool it would seem,” Xia paused, noting the proximity in which Salem was now standing. How odd yet unlike a reaper. She had thought them all cold, vindictive creatures who collected souls simply for pleasure or necessity. [break][break]
Tentatively, she ran a finger over her lips as she considered the situation further. A risk but one well worth it in her opinion.[break][break]
“I have… certain allegiances with which I practice. Your talents would be invaluable to my cause should you wish to join. Worry not for I would not hinder your wandering,” a pause before she continued, “your allegiance would be solely to me though. I’ve suspected for some time that there are vipers at my back.”[break][break]
Xia hated the straightforwardness of her dialogue but there was no other way to be plain about it. She was, however, pleasantly surprised by Salem’s attempt to spin her name into something quite lovely. [break][break]
“A title? How generous of you," the petite woman replied, studying Salem once more, "in another life I was known as Xia of the Shimmering Tide.” [break][break]
Should he refuse it would be a loss but Xia didn’t like the idea of a half-hearted ally. Certainly, it was better to keep this one as anything but an enemy. Xia hardly liked the idea of her soul being swept away for eternity. She'd already been trapped in a cage once.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Xia smiled at Salem’s outburst of laughter. Precisely the sort of thing she wished to hear. If this were a man afraid of death then she’d sorely misjudged him. The water elemental watched sagely as the Reaper reached out and, she could only presume, made a meal of Scabrithe. As Salem stood up the world stood still around them. [break][break]
A scene of loud, tumultuous violence now looked more like an epic scene weaved into a tapestry of a hero having felled a monster. [break][break]
“You intentionally held yourself back that entire time?” Xia quirked a brow, arms still crossed over her bosom, “you could have died, not that you care of course. Though, I can hardly fault you for not showing your entire hand around me. I presume when you stole your glance into my soul you discovered my true nature.”[break][break]
Her own eyes focused on the turmoil of purple and crimson before her. Reapers were indeed fascinating, if not haunting, and Xia’s experiences with them were still quite limited. At least the friendly ones. She didn’t make a habit of regularly hanging around such dangerous, odd creatures. [break][break]
“Truth be told I hated that giant. Some years back they crushed a child and I haven’t felt the same about them. I might’ve killed them then and there but this was far more satisfying,” finally, Xia uncrossed her arms, “here, for your lovely performance.”[break][break]
Magic danced across Xia’s fingertips like electricity, delicate blue glittered among her softly glowing fingertips as she gently waved her hand across Salem’s person. Truthfully, she should’ve undone him while he was lying helpless but Xia had to admit that, despite the near-second death to his person, Salem was someone she respected far too much. Maybe it was foolish of her but it couldn’t be helped.[break][break]
She focused her energies through her fingers, sending the slightest of healing through so that it was enough to ease the general burden. Still not entirely free from danger, Xia wouldn’t dare expend all of her energies. Regardless it was enough that the reaper would see considerable improvement. [break][break]
“Now,” the energy faded from her fingers as she peered upwards towards the reaper, “what do you want from this world? Do you simply wander to fill your own whims? I would see your abilities put to greater use, at a cost of your choosing.”
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Cerulean eyes were sparkling with anticipation as Salem faced an opponent far too tall for him. It was hardly fair but anyone who assumed the world was could only be a fool. For all his amount of talent and poise Salem was unable to doge the secondary attack by the giant and Xia watched unflinchingly as a loud crack filled the air as the giant collided with the reaper [break][break]
They were far too close for her liking but Xia held her ground, the nearby branches swaying wildly in the breeze created by the swinging of such a large creature. Salem knelt in a heap before the great creature and a pang of disappointment ran through the water spirit. [break][break]
Had she given her admirations too quickly? Xia adjusted to a more stable branch, watching the scene that continued to unfold. How could one be so durable? And why hadn’t he called an undead to assist him? It left her to ponder if there was some unseen limit to his abilities. Perhaps he had only been bluffing.[break][break]
As he continued to demonstrate that he was at least durable, Xia pondered his usefulness. If all he could do was bide his time bereft of abilities then she had no use for him. Keeping pretty, useless things around wasn’t her style. She had half a mind to leave when the sound of the giant begging hit her ears. Xia stood taller on her perch, beholding a sight most curious. [break][break]
In the time she’d spent thinking he had indeed been formulating a plan. Her eyes moved against the disturbed terrain to where Salem now addressed her. Words upon the wind reached her ears, the sentiment lined with the rancid screams of a giant in pain. They did nothing to deter her gaze from the scene of crimson violence. [break][break]
And, curiously enough, Salem eventually collapsed near a very bloodied, and murdered giant. What had it taken him? Everything she imagined. Xia pushed off from the tree, landing gracefully on the ground with a soft crunch of gravel. She took her time walking over to the corpse of the former giant, surveying the damage. [break][break]
Once she was close enough, her sharp gaze stared at the creature.[break][break]
“Scabrithe, I always knew you were a useless tool but truly you disappointed me today,” she peered at the corpse in disgust, eyes lingering on a creature she’d used many times to manipulate her hand, “begging for your death? Disgusting.” [break][break]
Now her eyes turned the bloodied figure of Salem and she made her way over casually, shoes making a crunch among the now-soft ground. Thankfully Scabrithe was prone to tangents so this level of noise was almost always expected in this district. None would bother them now. Black hair tousled in the breeze as Xia stood over Salem, arms crossed as she looked at him coolly. A quick visual inspection told her that these wounds were extensive; without immediate aid she imagined he would be unable to help himself to keep alive. Though he had demonstrated that he was quite stubborn… [break][break]
“You’re probably going to die… again,” she stared at his semi-bloodied face, her own a mask of coolness, “does that scare you?”
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] A musical gun! Xia’s face was alight with wonder. How had such a gem escaped her vision for so long? The months of manual labor healing the Assembly’s best and brightest paled in comparison of this day. [break][break]
Naturally, this elegant display was cut short by Xia’s unwarranted meddling. She had hoped him too dull to put two and two together but was pleasantly mistaken. How could such an artist not connect such simple dots? Xia laughed as a wicked smile began to swiftly spread across her face.[break][break]
“I’ve been called plenty of names my dear though I must admit it’s somewhat disheartening to hear someone has me beat in vileness. I spent a long, long time working on my reputation,” she called back, a glittering mischief within her deceptively serene orbs. [break][break]
With the promise of danger lingering so closely, Xia gripped the branch of a nearby tree tightly before scaling its branches. In less than a few seconds she was at the top, shaded from view of the now stirring giant but clearly visible to Salem. There was no way she was going to miss such a show. Either he’d fell the giant or he’d die. [break][break]
“Try not to get squished, I’m quite invested in our continued conversations!” Xia called down as Salem began his preparations. [break][break]
A great roar shook the tree that Xia was resting nonchalantly on, branches swaying to and fro with the energy. Was this really time for song? The undead had some strange ways about them. It certainly wasn’t her place to question their motives, having never truly died herself. A life without dreams or sleep seemed both lovely… and absolutely terrifying. [break][break]
Much like a cat stalking prey, Xia stood up on the thick branch from which she was perched. Now, the moment of truth. Had her expectations been imagined or would Salem put up a fight after all? Xia’s fingers lay still by her side but the tingling of magic continued to dance upon them like leaves at the mercy of the wind.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Effortless, smooth, with a fluidity that would make anyone jealous. Xia soaked up the performance wishing she could do this for the majority of the day. At what point would he fail? What speed would be too fast? Would any? At the end of the performance Salem once again bowed but Xia wouldn’t let up so easily. If he weren’t able to deal with being taken unawares than he would be useless. [break][break] “Lovely,” she breathed, then hurled the next five set at him. These were fast, wayward orbs that were aimed so far apart that he’d have to draw on skill alone to get them before they splashed him.[break][break]
Xia crossed her arms, fingers motioning slowly as she threaded the needle for the next challenge. Felling a giant was no easy feat but she had confidence Salem would do well. Would he still wish to work with her afterwards? It was uncertain. As much as she respected the performer, she also valued wit and usefulness. [break][break]
Salem didn’t seem the type to hold petty grudges but one could never be sure about these things. Xia had held grudges for years, slowly building her revenge through doe eyes none could suspect wicked acts from. [break][break]
No, others were to be judged by actions and actions alone. [break][break]
With a gentle tap of her fingertip on her arm, the orb above the sleeping giant exploded, splashing them directly in the face. It wouldn’t be long until they emerged angry at those trespassing in their territory. Xia eyed a nearby tree, plotting her best vantage point for the fight that was about to ensue.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Of course, the first sphere was boring but Xia hadn’t expected him to be so forward about it. She watched with delight as the swordsman swung his blade, cleaving the water sphere in two nonchalantly. [break][break] “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t insult you by holding back,” Xia laughed, giddy at the prospect of fun, “water is everything. It travels through the tiniest of spaces, forever changing its form to fit the fleeting world around it. Few things destroy it and its quite resilient to the elements.”[break][break]
The petite woman spread her fingers wide, revealing one orb for each fingertip. These were much smaller and they would go much, much faster than the first. There was no doubt in her mind that regardless of her tricks Salem would dispatch these with ease. She had expected nothing less of the swordsman.[break][break] “Well, I did warn you that you might get wet...” dark locks shifted as she smirked then, with a gentle flick of her wrist the water spheres shot towards Salem much faster than before. [break][break]
Two from the left, two from the right, and one from above. Could he handle all of these at once? Xia held her hand behind her back as she primed the next set of orbs. She’d shown her hand for the first but she wouldn’t be so gracious for the second. So much intrigue regarding the man before her. Swordsman. Reaper. Performer. [break][break]
Where were the limits of his talents? Xia scoured her mind, thinking of the best way to test them. No. There was only one way to do so. [break][break]
As the water spheres approached Salem Xia began to weave her web. Just a little provocation and the giant would wake with ease. Like the practiced actress she was, the petite woman watched with sharp eyes as the second set of spheres danced in her palm.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] Cordiality was the essence of this man, something Xia could respect. But without true talent he would fall flat of her expectations. Practicing a trick to perform over and over again wasn’t skill, it was memorization. Xia of all people would know that. She’d wowed many individuals with cheap parlor tricks back in her day. Still she fond herself fond enough to believe that Salem was indeed the real deal.[break][break]
“Always,” was her cat-like response to the reaper’s question as she padded a healthy distance away from him. [break][break]
Once again, the familiar tingling of magic radiated across her fingertips as she reached out to the nearest body of water. The first two she’d go easy on him but after that it would be time to push him slightly. Though if she did intend to wake the giant it would be kinder to go easier in general. Xia twisted her hand, shaping the water spheres remotely in her mind’s eye.[break][break]
“Don’t blame me if you get a little wet, though I would hate to soak such a lovely coat,” Xia flashed a haughty smile, catching another glimpse of those purple irises before she flung the first orb.[break][break]
It was meant to be a slower, larger orb so missing it would be near impossible. Xia stepped to the side just to be sure none of the water splashed back in her direction. She had five more orbs waiting and the effort to hold them wasn’t difficult. Not when compared to her healing abilities which almost always left her drained. [break][break]
A fiery excitement danced within her chest. How boring the weeks leading up to this had been! As much as she hated to admit she was having any enjoyment out of this, Xia certainly wasn’t bored. Now it was time to see how far she could push him.
[attr="class","wassup1dangertxt"] “Its probably better that way. Bleeding is such a pain,” Xia nodded, listening to his continued narrative. She wondered what this individual’s motives were. He seemed an odd thing, talented yet reserved with no real purpose save what he desired it to be. A life lived so freely was certainly amicable. [break][break]
Much to her delight, Salem jumped on the challenge. Xia felt herself smiling with a slightly mischievous energy. To test that power! Those reflexes! What a gem she had found and now she had the pleasure of evaluating if this person could be used. In those she respected Xia’s actions were far different than those she used as puppets. [break][break]
“You’re a gem!” she clapped her hands together, “alright then. How does this sound? I’m going to throw water spheres at you and your job will be to cut them down before they hit you. It should be easy for one with quick reflexes.” [break][break]
A glint of mischief shone in her eye.[break][break] “The catch is if our little game wakes the giant up you’ll have to fight them,” she let that point sink in before continuing, “are these terms acceptable to you Salem?”[break][break]
It was unlike Xia to show her hand before the battle but this was a special instance that she simply couldn’t resist. Of course, she’d try her best to wake the sleeping giant but it wasn’t guaranteed. Sapphire irises waited patiently for Salem’s respond while simply willing him to say yes. Anything else would ruin her day. [break][break]Such talent! And it had walked directly to her doorstep too.
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