It took them an hour to arrive by the area Mist and Rolf were being held at. A few bandits were in the front of them but not close by. AzuI didnt even bother to turn into a Laguz. Walking up in his human form slowly, he waited till the time was just right.
'You are so sneaky.' Alita said huskily telepathically. Kasumi had turned human and was slowly moving to Mist and Rolf the opposite side of him. She was using her magic to go invisible. 'Your scent is strong as well.'
'Now you know how I feel every bloody day I am near all of you.' AzuI said back. He could feel Kasumi mentally snickering at him. Claire was keeping her eye out, to make sure no one snuck up. She was also keeping an eye for Shinon. That blasted sniper could be anywhere right now.
After a few minutes, the fighting started. The bandit leader made his declaration and moved to come back to the house and use the kids to threaten Ike.
"If you care.." He started to say before AzuI jumped from the bushes and latched on his throat. Sinking down with his dagger in the bottom of the spine, he then threw him to the side away from the others.
"Ahhh!" Mist and Rolf screamed at the same time. Azul's poor ears rang like they were right next to him. Heightened senses were the same as having beast hearing all the time.
"I will burn this house down and kill you brats next!" The other bandit said. He didnt see what happen to his boss. He just wanted to cause trouble. That is what AzuI figured. He turned to the house but stopped dead in his tracks.
"Schlk!" His throat was cut by a dagger Kasumi threw. He grabbed it and fell into the dirt.
'Bastard was sick. Wanting to burn someone's home down just to feel good about himself.' She was livid. First time I seen her angry in person. 'I like being a thief but this. I am killing them boss.'
As Kasumi took out the bandits near her, AzuI waited by Mist and Rolf with the other people.
"Ah, you two really suck for mercenary kids. I mean Mist, you know swordsmanship and Rolf you know a bunch of different fighting from your brothers. So what's the dealio?" AzuI said looking back at them.
"Thwack!" A large axe hit Azul in the face. It was thrown haphazardly. The side hitting him instead of the edges.
Health -13
"Grr gonna kill em." Azul growled. In a split second he turned into a dragon. "Raaaah!"
"Fwish!" The burning white flames made short work of the axe thrower.
"Such a simple thing to not attack one faster and stronger than you. Why do bandits not realize that?" His tail wrapped around defending the area more. "Oh, desperation. I forgot about that."
"Did.. that thing just talk?" A villager asked to everyone.
"Yeah, I talked fool. You can talk. Why cant I?"
"Blessed be the goddess we are saved."
"Eh, your corpse goddess had nothing to do with this." Azul gave that villager his best-dumbfounded look. "I mean you know she is like sleeping right. She isn't doing crap to help yall. Heck her servants are making it worst.."
"How dare you speak blasphemy? You are a stupid sub-human! What do you know." Another villager yelled. Despite the area so close to Crimea, a few were still slightly racist.
"Oh really." AzuI moved over and stared at the villager opening his mouth slowly. "This sub-human is the only thing standing in front of you and death. If I kill you... who is gonna care really? Nothing but another person who did nothing to defend themselves. Cowering in fear.. pathetic. Worst than a sub-human.. a coward. The most disgusting thing in all of existsance."
System: Intimidate Auto Pass
"Ahhh, please dont hurt me." The villager panicked.
"Why not? You obviously wanted to hurt me. Not physically but emotionally. What about my feelings? What about the others near you who have to listen to your words?" AzuI didnt like this person and his biotic strands did not help at all in this situation. "I wanna kill you just to punish the others for thier weakness, just to hopefully make at least one of them become brave. Even at the risk of one of you breaking mentally."
AzuI's moved his muzzle around the villagers' face. It was so tempting. The fear was strengthing him and making him angry slightly. A quick snapping of his teeth causing the villager to shudder in fear.
"I am sorry. I didnt mean anything by it!"
"You're a liar. Just for that, I am thinking about letting your filthy country burn to the ground." AzuI turned around and focused on the outside situation. "Ahh, so much to do. So little fucks to give." Putting his head onto his hands, his elbows on his knees, he just guarded the entrance as the others fought. Ike and his companions making it to the door faster thanks to this.
"Mission complete on our end boss." Kasumi said coming over. AzuI moved the water in the air and cleaned off the blood. Then removed the dampness to keep her from having to deal with it. "Thanks a lot. I still want that ride." She moved over and sat on him. "I dont need a saddle."
"Heh, alright. Sorry, you had to kill those people. It is funny that you are one of the few thieves I actually like." AzuI said as he rose up. Ike and company had moved up and were looking at them warily. AzuI moved out the way for them to see everyone was fine inside. "Your sister and whatever Rolf is to you, is fine."
"What other thief do you like?" Kasumi asked. "Not Riku.
"Hehehe," AzuI had to laugh at that. "The man himself, Sly Cooper and Lupin the III. It switches between the two. And you of course. Oh one more new one, Lara Croft. A tomb raider is still a thief. Never realized that to now actually. How odd."
"I am gonna have to look her up when we get back. " Kasumi said as she leaned on his head rubbing it. "You are so smooth. These black scales are supringsly nice and soft." She looked up at the people. "Tell me who they are again. Since I dont have your knowledge. You can do the sharing thing later. I will scratch your scales if you do. Alita likes it when I do it."
"Heh, very well. AzuI gave a little laugh. Most likely throwing people for a loop with a Dragon laughing and talking. "The dark blue hair Beorc is called Ike. He is the son of general Gawain. Now going by the name Greil. He is up in line to lead the mercenary guild after his father's death. A thing we will be changing. He is brunt due to no blasted home training really. But he is honest, loyal, and does not lack courage. A lack of mothering and strict father has resulted in a lot that tested his character. He kept moving forward. Has a good family in his mercenary company though, so there is that. He is an excellent swordsman that actually doesn't get to show his potential until several years later. Which is a shame since he also becomes a dangers axe wielder. Almost better then most in his company."
"You sound you like him?" Kasumi asked. AzuI gave her a nod of yes. "How about the hot redhead? Are you here for her?"
"No, I am not. Tempting but no." AzuI shook his head and felt a sense of relief come from her. But it was almost clouded by the happiness she felt from the winging around. "Titania is a former knight of Crimea. She left to follow Gawain. She adores him and loves him more then one would think possible. Till you see her in the woods breaking down from his death. She kept it togethor just to make sure Ike didnt fail. We are gonna try and change that again as well. Dont let her medium frame fool you, she has both power and skill. The rigidity from her knight training is gone due to her years being a mercenary."
"Hmm, I wanna spar with her." Kasumi said. She wanted to test her mettle against her. "What about the axe wielder I saw fighting earlier?"
"That is Boyd. He is the brother of the cry baby boy in the shack. He is the middle child out of three. With the crybaby being the youngest. Boyd is a lot like Ike, a bit of hot head though. Comes from a good place. He means well, just not that great with talking to people. A lack of education is his only downfall really. And magic resistance."
"Oh, nice muscle. But yours are bigger and nicer." Kasumi said leaning down whispering in his ear area. Her warm breath tickling slightly. "How about the thin one of there, the healer."
"That is Rhys, a devout follower of the corpse goddess. A good man but sickly. Very hard to keep alive. But a magical powerhouse. Just really hard to keep alive. I have no idea what he is sick from still. That small skinny frame is accurate, he is very weak to physical attacks. Even a newborn from my Nether World can kill him." AzuI shook his head after that. "He is a very worthwhile ginger boy to talk to."
"So we like him." Kasumi said rubbing the back of his neck. From the moans, she knew AzuI like that better than Alita did. His tail moved up curling to keep from hitting any one. "The one Claire was having to look out for, the one called Shinon. What about him?"
"He is a man with an inferiority complex. Wants recognition but his pride has kept him from getting it. A bad racist. Not one you can really joke with or reason with. Unless you get the boy Rolfe involved. He trained him unofficially anyway. He is Tsundere is the word I am looking for. Thats what the message boards say. I say he is just an asshole. But one that I can respect for saying what he believes and pushing forward."
"Boss your racist to." Kasumi said with a little giggle in her voice. "Well, not to your crew. But then again, everyone is a little in some way or another. They just hide it well."
"Meh, I am more specist than anything. Anything that is in that category is at different levels. You have to have a structure or you will go nuts." AzuI said thinking about one of the ones he actually hated at that moment. "Blasted Hanar. Stupid jellyfish squid things, with there talk of the Enkindler. Bah! And those blasted Ewoks. I hate them as well."
"Hehe," Kasumi laughed in his ear. "Glad you dont hate my people. But you hate your own."
"Eh, kept me alive and moving Kasumi. Trust me, I wished I could have done something for my kind when I grew up. But it was to late, views are already solidified by then." AzuI could feel Kasumi hug his head tighter. "Nothing hurts more than seeing my people fail. But I will not stay blinded by it. To much to live for."
"Forgiveness goes a long way boss. Just need to put behind what they did to you." Kasumi feelings were genuine. Even more genuine than before. Azul could feel something release inside her. "But what you have now works for you, works for me. I won't try to change you anymore. Just a few nudging every now and then. I like it here. To bad its at war. I need a World that is just.. a little less violent. Like Need for Speed."
"When we finish here, I will pay the points for you to go to Tomb Raider. All the thieving and fun you can have. With only a little violence."
"Are you coming with?"
"No. I am not suited for that. But I know you will enjoy the thrill of it."
"If you are not going.. then why do it then? Well I mean I know why already. But it cant be just to make me happy. Trying to get into my pants finally?"
"Heh, yes and no. Kasumi I want you but if I dont have you, I won't cry over it. You are an amazing friend to have. Defintely friendship I like. I dont want to lose that more than anything. Just the way things developed for you."
"Thanks. I love you to boss." Kasumi said as she pulled his head back. Giving up she settled for eye contact. "I wanted to stay friends till we cant anymore." She released the biotic strands into him. What she had held back made Azul's eyes dilated a little. "But we cant anymore. No matter what boss, I am sticking with you no matter what.. I love you big lizard. Better make me happy!"
"Aye, lovers it is." AzuI said softly. He felt happy. Kind of like with Lettie he thought. The feeling was quite different than the others he had bonds with. 'Thoughts for later. Or maybe not.'
System: Kasumi Goto Unbreakable Bond.
Lluiva: That is a nice achievement. Kasumi will always be available to you even if she dies. A part of her soul will always remain with you. Even if another User has her. Your Kasumi will be fine with no problems. As well as finding you no matter where you go. So try not to develop abandonment tendencies.
'Oh yeah, forgot about that stuff.' Azul thought back unbothered by those who were looking at them. 'I can find her soul if someone devours her right?'
Llucia: Yes. Think Highlander. If Kasumi kills another Kasumi, the winner becomes stronger and takes all the power. Memories as well. But the emotions generally dont come over. Sort of like how the User's operate with a few less things happening.
Titania came over while they were talking. Boyd moved over as well, holding an unconscious Shinon. Covered in cuts and scratches with a gash on his face. Sword scratches, he must have bumped into Claire. Last time, Alita left scratches on his face.
"What is a Dragon Laguz doing here?" Titania asked. "An Black one at that."
"We are here to help, in our own wa." Alita said coming over, she stood in her beorc form the entire time. "Just a little goodwill is all."
"That right there," Claire pointed at Shinon. She sneered as she said "was a punishment. Idiot shot at me."
"I say you should have ate him." Alita turned into a white Dragon. Just to show off. She then turned back after hearing the people scream.
"You went a little to far," Boyd said. Ike was staring at Alita. Much to her enjoyment. Azul's Dragon was a little apprehensive until he reminded it that the boy never saw a Laguz really. Especially a female like herself.
"If you keep staring at me.. your going to have to beat my mate to have a chance with me. Then beat me." Alita said teasing Ike a little. Ike blushed and looked away to the dirt.
'I forgot he wasn't good with women. Oh, how that merchant woman teases him.' Azul smirked watching them mess around. But it was time for work a little. "Hehe, dont tease the boy." AzuI said giving him a little help. Titania and the rest jumped a little spook. "What never seen a Dragon talk?"
"Never seen a laguz talk in their beast form really. Thought it was one of them messing around." Titania said. "What is it that you want? There is no way that was all you had planned."
"Take me to Gawain. We have things to discuss." AzuI said plainly causing Titania to grip her axe tighter. "You cannot beat me in a fight. None of you can. Do not do something stupid."
"Who is Gawain?" Ike asked. He looked at her then to Azul. "If you are just going to talk to this person, I dont see why we cant help. Besides, they did help Mist and Rolfe. Not to mention the villagers."
"I am sorry Ike, but no. He is not to be trusted." Titania said as she pointed her axe at Azul. AzuI didnt flinch or say anything to that. Kasumi was a little angry, but her biotic strands let Azul know it was just because of the axe in their faces.
"Careful know, I would hate to a knight humiliate herself." Claire said with a sharp tone in her voice. Her grip on her sword letting them know she meant business. "Care to die for no reason?"
"Humph! I doubt you could take us." Boyd said with false bravdo. 'I need to get Rolfe out of here. But how?'
"How stupid. How about this?" Alita said as getting their attention. "If Kasumi beats you in a fight, you will tell this Gawain that we are coming to visit him in the upcoming days. If she loses, we leave and dont come and visit."
"Fine," Titania said moving to the side to an open area. She dismounted from her horse and was on foot. She moved around a little to get her bearings and adjusted for movement change. Kasumi moved off Azul and stopped in front of him.
"I won't kill her. I want you to watch me fight. Do not look away for a second." Kasumi biotic strands poured into him. That bond changing had altered something in her. Something AzuI couldn't tell at this time.
"Very well. Be careful. Do not underestimate her." AzI told her. He sent to her mentally about the dangers of fighting a pillar. Just to remind the non-combatant. 'She is a pillar Kasumi, so be careful. She will receive a burst of strength if she is close to death or close to being critically injured. That and just because your level is higher does not guarantee victory.' AzuI felt Alita come up to him.
"Wosh!" Azul reverted to human form. She moved her head under his and watched Kasumi intently.
'Thanks for the reminder.' Kasumi said determined. She reached down and a mask came up to her face. A Lin Kuei mask, it was silver like before. Only thing could be seen where her eyes as the cowl took care of most things. And that was only when she moved her head up a little.
"Begin!" Boyd said.
Kasumi just had her two daggers at the ready. Her legs poised in a pounce as she was on her tippy toes. She moved a little. Only a fraction as she held her balance. It was a sight to see.
Titania moved in fast. Faster than one would think a person in her armor would move at anyway.
"Swish!" Her axe moved in the air in a fast arc.
Kasumi waited for the axe to reach her. "Ting!" Her dagger hit against the axe ringing out to the crowd. She didnt use it to parry. She used it as leverage. The sound was her dagger hitting as it slid down the shaft of the axe.
"Sching!" The axe started to peel from the grip Kasumi had against it. The dagger material was something else.
'The flexibility of a thief. Shit a master gymnast.' Azul thought about the last time they fought. Kasumi had much more combat experience now. A lot of fighting compared to the seasoned veteran Titania. 'How will it go this time?'
"Whack!" Kasumi's left leg smacked against Titania's head. Her not having a helmet came back to bite her. Kasumi didn't stop as her other leg went into the crook in Titania's arm.
"Tch!" Titania grunted as she moved her left arm from her weapon. Balling it into a fist she went to strike Kasumi in the stomach. Claire figured it would hurt like hell and turn the fight over a little. She was wrong.
"Huh?" Claire heard Ike say. Titania's fist went right through Kasumi. The Kasumi was a fake that disappeared into smoke. Titania was just as surprised as the rest of them. Well, Azul and Alita weren't. Alita chuckled under him.
"Where are you?" Titania asked as she looked around. She stopped a few seconds later. A small cut appeared around her neck. This one was about a 3 inches wide. Much longer than the one she did last time. "I yield!"
Kasumi then reappeared. Wisps of smoke that turned into her legs that were wrapped around Titania's waist. Her other hand was above the woman's head with a dagger pointing down.
"You are using only your thighs for support. Amazing." Ike was impressed. Kasumi jumped down and walked over. She dropped her mask that disappeared into her clothing.
"Had to show you I wasnt defenseless as you thought. Well doesn't mean I want you throwing me into any wars." Kasumi said to Claire. "You never said it, but I can feel it sometimes. Thanks for the worry. But I can fight with the best of them."
"My apoloies, I always saw you doing other things. Consider me enlightened." Claire gave honest praise. 'That is good she is stronger than her other self ever was. That is a very nice set up compared to than before anyway.'
"When we return I want some personal training in Lin Kuei from you Azul. Not anyone else. Bai Han has shown me enough already." She addressed Azul.
"That I can do. Guess you are still my Smoke now." I looked to Titania and company. "A few of my people will come to you in a few days. They will help with a problem you have coming up. I will come after." AzuI watched Ike nod and walked away.
"I am the best Smoke you will ever have." Kasumi said. She jumped onto his back riding him piggy back.
"Couldn't ask for better." Azul chuckled a little under his breath.