Pride Goeth before the Fall [Open]

[skittles]

She sulked atop the platform, keeping her face hidden behind a veil of cascading, curly, blond locks. A smirk had been tugging at her lips for several moments. The brutes that ran the joint had made sure to take special precautions with the wild child known as Mila Shay Porter. She preferred MiMi but people, if you could call her a person, hardly got what they wanted. They had shackled her ankles, wrists, torso, and attached a chain of some sort or another to the collar around her neck, They also had placed a device of some sort to prevent her from sight.

They had grown quite accustomed to her gift. Every master she had in the past got rid of her as quickly as they could. One of her masters even had the gall to try and rape her. To put it kindly, he had his crotch on ice for days. Because of her looks, others underestimated her more often times than not.They soon found out she wasn't just a pretty face. Underneath the innocent mask lay a beast waiting to strike.

Coming slowly out of her reverie, she shifted and allowed the multiple chains, that tethered her to the ground, to jingle. She was close to being broken in. Sadly, the beatings she had received were breaking her more than she'd like to admit. She closed her eyes, breathing in the air that filtered steadily through the mask.To these monsters, she was just a freak with a pretty face and a number. Instead of treating her like a living, breathing being with feelings, they treated her like a lowly head of cattle. She had gotten used to it, but the fact alone didn't abate her hatred for the "normal" people.

Her stomach snarled with hunger, and her mouth felt like sand paper. Her tongue seemed to be stuck to the roof of her mouth. Her hair was grungy because they didn't trust her to take a bath or a shower. They feared she'd either try to kill herself or one of them once she was freed from the cell that they kept her in. The cell was about five times too small and quite cramped. To make it worse, they managed to cram a boy in with her. He always stared at her like she was a fine cut of meat.

It freaked her out, but she submitted to loneliness when the guards were on illegal bathroom breaks. She curled against him and allowed him to run his fingers through her hair. It comforted her, and she would miss him. While her mind drifted, she recalled the moments of brief passion they shared. It never went beyond kissing, but it still set a fire coursing through her abdomen. She was glad to have let him get past the mask to the sweet girl she used to be. They shared forbidden moments together and in the confines of her mind, she would always remember him.

She was glad for the mask that concealed her face because her cheeks had darkened to a pink pigmentation as she recalled the brief time she spent with Darryl. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest, and she hoped she was the only one who could hear it. Blood roared in her ears, and a quiet noise bubbled in her throat. She managed to stifle it but just barely. Her small frame swayed, threatening to collapse. She knew what the problem was. She was weak from starvation and dehydration.

Then it happened. With her eyes tightly shut, she collapsed. Her head, luckily protected by the mask, bounced against the wooden floor of the platform. She simply sprawled there, unwilling to get up or give the slightest indication that she was still breathing. Multiple colors swam in her line of vision, and her head was throbbing. She could smell the sickly scent of iron. Something warm and rather sticky was beginning to mat her hair.

She couldn't stop the moan of pain that bubbled past her quivering lips. For the first time in ages, she knew she had been beaten. The wild child was now just reduced to the weak child. She didn't want to move for fear the ones running the show would beat her senseless. After all, they preferred her this way; weak and bloody. They figured it would instill pity into the hearts of the buyers. She simply lay there in a pathetic heap.

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll Always Be Your Nothing

I had been here before...
The scent of death comforted itself inside my nose once more. Yes. I was a free gifted. Yes, I was in the Slaver's Post walking around.

I had kept to myself most of my life, never really bothering anyone. Therefore, the humans had never really paid attention. They had apparently just figured I was another teenage punk getting hold of a cheap slave for my own entertainment.

My blue eyes moved around the scenes. Gifteds in chains. Locked up in cages. Some standing on platforms. A group of chained together slaves walked past in a line on their way to wherever they were going. Either being picked up by their buyer, or going to be sold probably. My eyes connected with a small girl's soft green ones. She seemed as though begging for help, but why had her eyes connected to mine?

I gave a soft sigh to myself. I watched as she was tugged on for slowing down to look at me. I stood up straight and looked at the human leading the line. My blue eyes peering between my strands of straightened black hair. I knew I couldn't do anything for her and I watched as she turned her face away from me and kept moving. I adored the way her loose, dark brown curls laid against her back down to her waist. I wasn't going to be able to get her out of here. Not without questions.

I had never gotten anyone out of here. But it was my way of looking around and seeing if there was anything possible to get any of them out. I had my own barcode. I hadn't remembered being owned, but apparently I had at one point in time or I wouldn't have had it. I just fixed my hair everyday so it did not show. Especially days I came here to look things over.

It was best to forget about her for now.

My eyes drifted towards a few of the platforms. I wondered what was up there today. I took a few steps towards the wooden pedastools. My eyes focused on the girl who swayed in her chains. She couldn't look at me. Her eyes had been blocked. Her blonde curls had seemed to be heavy with dirt and oil. She seemed unhealthy. Her body swayed back and forth until she finally fell against the wooden planks. I watched her head bounce and land flat against the boards.

My keen eyes focued on the red blood that pooled up around her hair. I crossed my arms and stood there. Did I run up and get her? Or did I stay put? If I showed some sort of compassion and concern, the humans would know something was up with me...

I was in a mental battle. I didn't usually help the other gifteds out in the least. I figured if I did, I would evantually be caught myself. And I didn't want that. If I could stay by myself and live this long without being captured even with walking right next to them all the time. The captured gifteds had apparently not played the game as wisely. I kept watching her lay there. She wasn't moving anymore. Heavy chains laying across her body.

I sighed and walked towards the stairs to go up the platform. Maybe the humans would just think I wanted to save her to keep her alive for myself and my own business. My voice was quiet compared to the roar of the hundreds of people walking around us.

"Fight harder."

My voice was cold. Firm. I couldn't show too much compassion towards her for fear of being noticed too much. I didn't say too much, but I figured it might have been enough to get her to come around a little bit.

[skittles]

Her eyes flickered briefly behind the mask and a bout of coughing took hold as she tried to clear her throat. "What's the difference? We'll all die a miserable death. Alone without our families."

[/color] In that moment of weakness, she snapped and lashed out. The shackles dug into her pale flesh, tearing at the skin. It was painful, and she didn't care at this point.

If anything, she welcomed the pain. It helped her to feel alive. It's not that she had given up all hope. No, far from it. Another violent bout of coughing took hold. Tremulous hands shifted toward her masked face, attempting to the mask away. A harsh tone snarled at her from a distance, and she quickly dropped her hand.

"Rot in a sack!"[/color] She hollered back, managing to flip him the bird. She loved to torment them. The words that had been returned to her only made her laugh coldly. "The day your ugly ass gets in my pants is the day I rip out your throat."[/color] She purred, dragging herself to a sitting position. The sticky wetness dripped down the back of her neck, and she squirmed in response.

She turned her head to the male finally, blinking quietly for a moment or so. "Get lost. I don't need you riding on my case, too. You don't know a thing so shove your pep talk where the sun don't shine."[/color] She growled. She wasn't happy and it showed. She hauled herself to her feet, beginning to sway once more.

To add to the dehydration and starvation, she now had a blistering headache. She tried so hard to conceal the fact that she wanted out. "Don't come here, tease me with the fact that you're free by simply being here, and leave without a glimmer of sympathy. Then again, you've lived a cozy life and don't care if your own kind are enslaved."[/color] Her words were harsh and came out a snarl. She was sick of always getting the short end of the stick. She looked away from him at that point, allowing her hair to hide her face from view.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll always be your nothing

Her chest heaved with coughs. I didn't say a word. I had no words to say to her at the moment.

'What's the difference? We'll all die a miserable death. Alone without our families.'

This is what she really thought. She really wanted to spit venomous words at me. She had already figured out I was gifted without even seeing me. She didn't know if I was barcoded or not. I stared down on her in disgust. I watched her lash out.

I simply stepped back. She wasn't going to break her chains. I was sure of that. I stared with the same face. Unchanged. The same firm face.

I watched her chained hands fumble with her mask. She wasn't going to get it off. I knew that and apparently she knew that to when she decided to remove her hands from it.

'Rot in a sack! The day your ugly ass gets in my pants is the day I rip out your throat.'

I didn't know if she was talking to me or someone else. I had never truly had an issue getting girls if I wanted them. I was guessing she wasn't talking to me. She finally eased back and sat up looking at me. Well, trying to look at me anyway.

'Get lost. I don't need you riding on my case, too. You don't know a thing so shove your pep talk where the sun don't shine.'

I sneered at her. She really just said that? I watched her set herself on her feet.

'Don't come here, tease me with the fact that you're free by simply being here, and leave without a glimmer of sympathy. Then again, you've lived a cozy life and don't care if your own kind are enslaved.'

I had had enough. The humans wouldn't recognize the difference between me and them. I had watched humans snag up gifteds.

I quickly lunged towards her. My hands wrapped around one of her chains that ran up to her collar. I pulled her towards me so my face was centimeters from hers.

"Now listen here, bitch."

I had no other choice of words for her right now. I had never remembered calling anyone such a name. I gripped tighter on her chains. I was trying to hold back my temper. I knew what happened when I had lost my temper. I had killed people with my gift. I didn't know how to control it. I didn't even know what to call it.

"I'm not pep talking you in the least. Your worthless body is nothing to me. I've left many a gifted here to die, and i can leave you too. You're the only one I have approached. Yes, I do I have a comfy life. Not because I asked for it. I worked for it. I'm smarter than you. That's why you're in chains and I'm the one holding them. Not your master. Not a human. Me. Another gifted. And let me tell you. I've murdered with my powers. What have you done lately? Oh. That's right. You've laid here on these planks and starved. My own kind has not done a lot for me, nor I have done a lot for them, but I do have a shred of sympathy for my own species."

My grip tightened. I could feel the demon in the back of my mind begging for release. I could feel him harshly digging his teeth in my cerebellum. Gnawing at it and digging his claws into my brain. I couldn't let him free. I had to keep him as contained as possible. I couldn't make a scene here.

"Yes, I have watched gifteds die."

I spat my words at her fiercely. Venom dripping off every syllable.

"You don't get barcodes till you've been enslaved at least once. I hvae one, missy. I don't know where I got it. But I have one. I also have a gift far greater than your's. You want out of here? You want to meet me in a dark alley? Cause trust me, I assure you, you do not want to see the likes of what I have to bring to the table. You are nothing compared to me."

I had never spoke so highly of myself. Never really thought myself more than a killer. A murderer. Worthless. I had lost everything a long while ago it seemed. I could never get it back. I had done wrong and deserved the punishment. From then on I thought I was nothing.

"I could get you out of here. But seeing as though you think you're the greatest thing on the planet, I'm not sure. I thought about it. Thought you were one of the stronger ones who maybe deserved me chancing to get you out of here. I've killed humans. These ones are no different. But since you think you're god's gift to men with that sickly body of your's, I'm not so sure now. Maybe I should leave you here to rot in these chains. I can find you a shower. A living quarter. Get you back into health. You think anyone truly wants you with your greasy hair and starving body. I'm a man. We don't like things like you. At least the good ones don't like things like you."

I released her chains. The demon chewed angrily at me again. Pleading with me to let him out to play. He hadn't been out in a while it seemed. I took a step back before something snapped in me and my own little personal demon finally broke his own chains. I stared at her masked face.

"You think about you're next words before you answer me. And don't act like a stuck up bitch when you reply to me. Do you want out?"

[skittles]

She giggled momentarily. "Allow me to shed a little light for ya'. I trusted my parents too much like any kid would. I didn't know what the hell was happening to me or why, and I told my parents in the hopes they could make it better. They panicked because they feared what I might do so they sold me into this damned life for a bit of extra cash."

[/color] She stayed silent for several, long moments. Her eyes drifted shut behind the mask, too heavy to stay open.

"I've been on this platform many times because my masters couldn't handle me. I put the fear of Mila into their hearts. My gift..is to get inside of another's mind; whether they be normaal, as they believe themselves to be, or freak, as they refer to us. I exploit their memories, their fears, their insecurities, and anything else I can find that will help me to manipulate them. Some resist, but I break into their head like a thin twig breaks under pressure.I've also been known to attack others."[/color] She hesitated.

"I have the mask because of my gift and the chains because I'm violent. I don't look the way I do out of choice. They don't give me food, water, or allow me the luxury to take showers. One reason is that they hope my sickly and grungy appearance will guilt some poor sap into buying me. The other reason is that they're afraid I'll kill myself or one of them."[/color] She shrugged limply. She stayed silent for several moments.

"..I haven't always been an ice queen. You're the second one I've spoken to since I received this damned bar code. I've been beaten and insulted more times than I can count. I lash out the way I do because in all honesty, I'm scared of them and myself."[/color] She looked away, clenching her fists into a ball so that she could better control the breakdown that was about to ensue. "..So yeah, I want out, but I won't beg for it either."[/color] She murmured quietly. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll Always Be Your Nothing

I listened to her giggle...but I had nothing to say in response to that. I didn't find this situation funny in the least. She had already struck out at me. I also listened to the little pieces of her history. She had apparently been born to normals who didn't understand her. Just like the rest of them.

I listened to her tell me about how humans were afraid of her,

They were afraid of all of us. That's why they kept us in chains. Well, most of us anyway. A select few of us had managed to stay out of them. Branded by our tattoos, but out of chains for the moment. I didn't doubt that some of us wandered around here without even a barcode to show what they were.

I listened to her make excuses for her appearance. I didn't really care if she looked the way she did, but it had gotten under her skin. Which is what I had been aiming for.

'..I haven't always been an ice queen. You're the second one I've spoken to since I received this damned bar code. I've been beaten and insulted more times than I can count. I lash out the way I do because in all honesty, I'm scared of them and myself.'

I understood that one loud and clear. I had always been afraid of my power since the moment it had started consuming my brain. I had been very frightened of it from the moment I had murdered with it as well. My eyes stared at her fists as they balled themselves together. I couldn't see her face, but her tone of voice had changed, and she seemed as though having a mental battle on whether she actually wanted out of here or not. I didn't think it was that hard of a decision in all honesty. She finally answered.

'..So yeah, I want out, but I won't beg for it either.'

I almost turned around and asked what. She had spoke so quietly, and i figured it might get under her skin even more if she had to say it again. She seemed stubborn. She didn't want me to help her. She wanted to take care of herself. I knew that. I understood that. I udnerstood pride and the issues it put in your paths.

I took a step towards her.

"I didn't say you had to beg, I just said you had to not act stuck up and stubborn. You just stay here. Not that you have much choice. And I'll be back in a little bit."

I turned and started walking away from her. If she had said anything in response, I hadn't caught it as I walked down the steps to put myself on the ground. Someone was near me. I could feel it.

'Looking at her I see?'

I felt a hand on my shoulder to stop me. I should have just kept walking, but I didn't. I looked over my shoulder at him. Dark hair covering my eyes. I nodded, but didn't say a word.

'What do you want her for?'

I thought over this for a moment. What would be the appropriate answer for this, and why did he care? To free her was definitely the wrong answer. A devious smirk crawled devilishly across my lips.

"Why else would I want her?"

Of course...I didn't...I could go find something easier to get ahold of if that was the case, but it seemed like a good answer for a teenage boy to say about one of these slaves. He just looked at me and removed his hand from my shoulder. He took a step back and crossed his arms.

'She's a fiesty one, you know? If you think you can handle her,'

He gave a sick chuckle. I turned around to look at him fully.

'Then you can purchase her from me.'

So she was his? Well, that was easy. No scene to cause. She hasn't apparently not made it to the actually auction yet. That made it a lot easier. No paper work or anything. Her barcode would have been erased of ownership upon entering the grounds for sale. The only bad thing was, any human that picked her up on the streets could have her barcode scanned and put her into their ownership.

'She doesn't look the best right now. But can look much much much better with some care.'

It was like buying a car. Sick really...

"How much do you want?"

I just wanted to get this over with. Just get her out of here and myself out of here as well.

'Well, in the condition she's in...10 liras and you can have her.'

I shrugged. I didn't have a lot of currency to my name. I usually stole everything. I couldn't get a job, for fear of someone seeing my barcode and taking me in. I dug into my tight skinny jean's pocket and through what I had. I pulled out a few liras.

"This is what I have."

I held out 8 liras. He just looked at them and looked at me.

'I suppose that will work.'

I dropped the currency into his palm and turned to walk away from him.

"Would you mind removing her mask and unlocking her main chains? Leave her collar and something for me to walk her with."

I had already started walking away from him back towards her. All I knew is that she better cooperate after all of this. I didn't need her acting crazy and ticking me off. I was so close to getting her out of here, I didn't need my demon chewing his chains again. I figured he was following me. I could have been wrong though. I took my first step on to the wooden stairs. And as I climbed, I could hear him stepping behind me. That answered my question. As soon as I reached the platform, my hand stretched out and grabbed hold of the chain attached to her collar that laid down the front of her body. It was the same chain I had snatched her up by, and I hoped she realized I could do it again if she misbehaved on the way out of here.

My keen ears heard lock tumblers rolling as they popped open and released her.

'She's all your's now. Have fun.'

I held out my hand in waiting.

'Oh.'

He seemed surprised that I had done this and sighed, dropping the key into my hand. I wasn't going to leaving the collar and chain on her, and I definately wasn't going to have him come and find her to take her back.

"Thank you."

I watched him pull the mask off her face. I could only stare at her. I tried to take in every little detail of her visage. I tugged on her chain.

"You're mine now. Let's go."

My voice was dark, cold. My eyes warning her not to do anything stupid or she'd pay for it.

"I've spent all my life savings on you. You better be worth my while."

I heard her previous owner give his sick chuckle again as he finally walked away from us. I turned and started walking away from her, chain in hand. I moved towards the steps, feeling the distance grow between us. The chain started to stretch tightly between her and I.

"Welcome to your new life. You're welcome."

[skittles]

A quiet noise bubbled in her trembling lips as the shackles were removed. She didn't even have to look down to know that the skin was badly torn up. Her blue eyes seemed to be devoid of life as she turned her head towards her former owner and stared at him, allowing her gaze to penetrate his. "..I hear there's always a special place in hell for bastards like you.."

[/color] As she spoke, a coy smile spread about her taut lips. "Hope the divorce goes smoothly for you.."[/color] She purred with amusement.

These were her parting words as she allowed the other in front of her to guide her forward. She didn't have the energy to resist, nor did she want to. Her gaze flickered about, seeming to apologize to those around her. "..I'll pay you back with interest.."[/color] Her voice was only loud enough for him to hear her. With a quiet noise, she stumbled slightly as her cheek hit his back. She hadn't meant it.

She wasn't about to stand tall either. She found minor comfort in the solidity of his back. Tremulous arms wrapped around his torso. She hadn't meant anything by it. She wanted him to shield her or simply protect her. Anything to take away the pain. A quiet sigh left her as she shifted and allowed her cheek to rest against his neck.

"Thanks.."[/color] She whispered almost inaudibly. Her eyes closed momentarily. Of course, she still had to maintain some of her reputation as they left the place. "Finally..a master who isn't ugly."[/color] She shot a gaze like daggers to the man who had dragged her here. Pale, thin fingers danced lightly along the waistband of his jeans. Without thinking, she drew her body closer to his.

This all came naturally for her. She may have been intact, but she knew how to play the field. The only difference would be that this one wouldn't need ice on his crotch. What the normals didn't know wouldn't kill them. "Play along. It'll help to pull it off.."[/color] Her voice was mumbled against the flesh of his neck.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll Always Be Your Nothing

'..I hear there's always a special place in hell for bastards like you..I hope the divorce goes smoothly for you..'

I caught those words and wondered if maybe the she devil attached to the chain behind me was the cause of his divorce. She seemed to think everyone wanted her. When you put two and two together, it was the only explanation I could find. There seemed to be nothing worse than a human sleeping with a gifted. She didn't say another word to him, just followed me.

'..I'll pay you back with interest..'

Her cheek landed against my back...I was a little stunned and faulted in my step. I felt her arms around around my skinny waist. They were weak. ALmost lifelessly pinned in place around me. She shifted and her cheek rested between my shoulder blades.

'Thanks..

My keen ears caught hold of her word. A small skip in my chest made me feel weird...I had never had that happen before. Well, once...with her...you know? The one I had killed for...but that was a long time ago...

'Finally..a master who isn't ugly.'

I felt her pull herself closer to me. Her hands moved to my waistband of my skinny jeans. What was her plan right now.

'Play along. It'll help pull it off..'

"Wait til we get home."

My voice was firm and I swatted lightly at her hand. All part of the act I guess. Her hands were fine around my waist. No further. Granted, I hadn't had it in a while. Not since her. I hadn't had anyone. I kept to myself all the time. I didn't want anyone else but her. My stomach twisted in my torso at the thought of holding someone again. Maybe I should just play the field. She was apparently good at playing the game. I could play too. If anything, I could use her for at least a few nights to feel complete till I went and found someone else to play the game with.

I didn't know if I would feel bad for using her...but at the same time. She probably wanted to use me as well. I had already gotten her out of here. She owed me anyway. And since I stole most everything I had, I didn't really need the Liras nor the interest.

[/blockquote][/size][/color][/font]

[skittles]

She laughed quietly. "Liras in a special place.."

[/color] She nodded faintly, her grasp going slack as she dozed off. Exhaustion had taken hold of the poor girl's battered body. A few soft noises left her as she slept. Slowly, she woke up and shifted so she was in front of him. "I'll give you the money, and you never have to see little old me again."[/color]

She nodded faintly and forced a small smile of sorts. "Thanks again.."[/color] She murmured faintly, averting her gaze. He could have left her to rot the way she was. Many others had. It really made no difference to the blond. With her luck, she'd probably be caught and dragged back.

Her eyes closed briefly. "I'll give you the money at the exit then we can split."[/color] She sounded rather hesitant. Truth be known, she didn't want to see him leave. It made her nervous, and she'd probably do something to wind up exactly where she was now. He'd get his money back, and everybody would win. Well..everybody but her.

She hadn't had much of a winning streak these past few years. She had the type of luck that only went down hill. "Lead the way, master."[/color] She stated cheerily, despite the fact she felt the opposite of cheery. She shifted her body until it stood awkwardly at his side. It was hard for her to move, considering she hadn't really stretched her muscles in ages. She dealt with it well enough, though.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll Always Be Your Nothing

She seemed to have fallen alseep for at least a minute, but had woken up again. She moved herself in front of me and I almost ran into as I stopped walking.

'I'll give you the money, and you never have to see little old me again.'

Did I really want the money? It didn't matter to me in the least. I did need someone to watch my back while thieving. She could probably handle that. Well, I could use that as an excuse to keep her company for at least a few days. I was an excellent thief. I didn't really need her to stay around to watch my back.

'Thanks again...'

Her manners were getting better and better. I stared at her eyes as they moved down away from me. I didn't know why she was nervous, but if anything, it was a good front for the humans around us.

"It's ok..."

Why had my voice been that kind? Did I really long for company that bad that I was being nice to her? Did I want to let her go? Or should I take her underground with me? I just stared at her...

'I'll give you the money at the exit then we can split.'

I listened to her carefully, but I remembered something I had told her previously. 'I can find you a shower. A living quarter. Get you back into health.' I looked her over slowly.

"I told you a shower and somewhere to live, remember?"

My voice was a little colder this time. I didn't want her thinking I was growing soft with her. I still held her chain in my hand. My eyes moved down and followed the chain up to her collar. For some reason I wanted to remove it now. Maybe it was just so that my hands could be close to her for a few seconds. I thought back to a few minutes ago when her arms were wrapped around me and her head against my back. The way her body moved closer to me. There was a warmth there that I had missed for a long time. But she wasn't the one I had been so faithful too. But then again, she hadn't been faithful to me...

'Lead the way, master.'

I nodded as she moved to walk beside me. I had already started forward again and tugged on her chain lightly for show. She had been quiet enough now that I didn't feel yanking her around was necessary. Unlike earlier, she wasn't pissing me off.

"We'll see what you can do to repay me."

I kept my voice cold in case anyone could hear me. After that, I fell silent again. I wondered if she would grab hold of me again. Wrap her arms around my waist and lay her weight against me one more time. Maybe I did just want the interaction from somebody.

[skittles]

She shook her head slowly to and fro. "I guess.."

[/color] She hesitated. "Would...you believe me if I said I'm still a virgin?"[/color] Her query was almost inaudble, but she managed to joke it out. She stumbled only once, maybe twice. "..Why didn't you leave me here, Azrael?"[/color]

Her query was sudden, surprising even her. She trembled momentarily and suddenly gripped his arms, attempting to tug him toward the one place that really made sense to the poor girl. Before they had even made it far, she released him. She wasn't sure what she was doing or even if it was truly the right answer. "Sorry.."[/color] The single word came out a weak whimper. She wasn't sure what she wanted anymore.

Well, she did, but she was afraid. It wasn't like her, but that's how it was for her. Before she could change her mind, she turned toward him once again. She didn't know what brought the following on, but she didn't regret it either. "Let me help ease some of your pain.."[/color] Her voice had come out partially strained as her arms wrapped around his neck. Truth be known, she missed the close proximity.

She peered into his eyes, her own blue ones sparkling faintly. "You don't need to hide your past. Everybody does things their ashamed of. Whether it be lying, cheating, stealing, theft, or murder. They all do it for a reason. Sometimes, the reason isn't all too clear for 'em."[/color]

She hesitated. "Stop tormenting yourself over the past, Az. Live for today and be proud of the power you do have."[/color] She finished rather quickly then kissed his nose and pulled away. A faint smile was tugging at her lips. Something within wanted to help him heal, but she didn't know how quite yet. Of course, she pecked his lips once for good measure.

"Now, off we go to where ever."[/color] She sounded more cheery than she felt. Every part of her was screaming in agony, and her skin was still bloodied from the shackles. She was raw and bloody but not beaten. She was always close to toppling over like a sack of potatoes. Then again, she possessed more strength than she thought possible. Most people would have thought she'd be broken in by now.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll Always Be Your Nothing

'I guess...would...you believe me if I said I was still a virgin?'

I hadn't really heard all of what she had said, meerly picked up bits and pieces. And the last little bit of it...I didn't really know if I wanted to catch the whole thing. I was a little astonished. I really hadn't figured that about her, but at the same time, I really didn't have room to believe her. Guess I could give her the benefit of a doubt. I felt her stumble.

'..Why didn't you leave me here, Azrael?

"It's cruel to leave one of the stronger ones in chains."

My voice was cold as always. Sometimes I believed my gift had chewed away at my voice cords, causing me to become monotone. She grabbed hold of my arms. I was a little surprised by her actions and instantly tensed my muscles. I didn't know what she was trying to do. Maybe she was attempting a breakaway. I had no idea. I tried to slowly take a step back. I didn't want to feel bad afterwards if it wasn't her trying to do something to attack me. I didn't want to assume and be proven wrong later that it was really nothing. But at the same time, I didn't want to be caught off guard. I didn't know her well at all. My eyes held confusion as I stared at her. And just that quickly, she had let go of me.

'Sorry...'

I was at a complete loss for words by now. I didn't know why she had just tugged on my arms, or what had even provoked her to do so. I felt lost in a sea of thoughts and ideas of what could have been her motive. All I could do was stare at her though. She stood in front of me quietly now. Which only added to my confusion...

'Let me help ease some of your pain...'

Her arms wrapped themselves around my neck and suddenly I felt the demon gnawing at my brain again. What was she doing? And how could I stop her before something bad happened? I didn't know her gift. I didn't know what she could do, or what she was even doing right now. For all I knew, it wasn't my inner demon chewing on my intelligence, it was her. I stood still, again, not wanting to assume her terrible. She only stared at me before finally speaking.

'You don't need to hide your past. Everybody does something they're ashamed of. Whether it be lying, cheating, stealing, theft, or murder. They all do it for a reason. Sometimes, the reason isn't all too clear for 'em.'

She paused. She didn't know me. She had no idea what I had done. The people I had killed. Maybe that's why I was no longer owned. If I ever had been. Maybe my parents just hated me so much that they made sure I had a barcode on me so I could never escape.

'Stop tormenting yourself over the past, Az. Live for today and be proud of the power you do have.'

How could I be proud of something that had murdered so many? I didn't have the slightest idea. All of a sudden, I had a kiss planted lightly on the top og my nose before I could even react and she was back to standing still in front of me, a smile across her lips. I didn't know what to say. My face still held signs of confusion. And then, she struck out and pressed her lips to mine. I stared at her. My eyebrows even more knitted together, looking down on her. Staring at her bloody wrists and ankles. Looking over her matted hair. But still that smile stayed on her lips.

'Now, off we go to where ever.'

Her voice was bouncy, no matter how pitiful she looked. I knew I was the quiet type, but damn...I was definitely speechless by now.

"We go to the only safe place in this city. Well, the only place that's safe for now."

I tried desperately to recover from what had just happened. I tried to make it seem as though it was truly no big deal. But I still had no idea what had just happened or why it had taken place...

[/blockquote][/size][/color][/font]

[skittles]

She whistled quietly, trying to ease the situation. Of course, with her luck, she failed miserably. Then she took a different tactic. She took up a similiar posture to Azrael's and tried to recall the lyrics to a song by Alesana. Her eyes closed momentarily. The lyrics flowed into her head. She did her best to piece them together and force them past trembling lips.

"You make me sick. I'll tear out those diamond eyes. I can't bear to see, crimson spills on paper skin. They call this tragedy, remembering the nights when you'd whisper to me soft, "forever more my heart is yours." Realize those words have died. As the life fades from your eyes, all that I can say is it may not be too late. Try again, make it perfect, make me worth it or else die for all I care.

If I can not be loved then none shall be. Think of this as I softly kiss your blood glazed lips once more. On this night this thing you call love dies. Your face disgusts me, smile and bear your lies. This broken trust will become your demise. As the life fades from your eyes, all that I can say is it may not be too late. Try again, make it perfect, make me worth it, or else die for all I care

After today silence will haunt you. Expect no forgiveness for your life will end tonight. Now I grit my teeth and finish what I know must be done to kill the memory of you... and you said this would be forever. As the life fades from your eyes, all that I can say is it may not be too late. Try again, make it perfect, make me worth it, or else die for all I care."

[/color] She stopped singing and peered up at him briefly. "How's that?"[/color]

She queried as a rather goofy grin took hold. Her eyes sparkled happily as slender arms looped loosely around his torso. "I'm sleepy, Az.."[/color] She mumbled quietly while blond tresses hid her pale face from view. Her eyes flickered closed as she clung to him with all she had. Her body slowly went limp as sleep took hold once more. She twitched once or twice in her short slumber, waking up soon after falling asleep.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[COYOTE]

/ / / / / A z r a e l
I'll Always Be Your Nothing

I listened to her whistle. My feet only drug me onward as we walked out of Slaver's Post towards freedom. Well, as free as it got around this place...One of us was bound to be captured again...if not both of us...I just kept walking. Holding her chain in one hand loosely. I didn't think by this point she would try and take off anywhere. If anything, I didn't think she wanted to leave at all. She sang to herself for a little while, seeming as though she was trying to walk and stand like me. I just caught her out of the corner of my eye. Never giving her the full satisfaction that I was looking at her. I tried to think upon what song she was actually singing...And before I knew it, she had broke my concentration.

'How's that?'

I glanced over at her silly grin and nodded almost unnoticably at her before looking forward again. I rushed through my thoughts for who had created the song originally...

"It was nice. Alesana?"

I inquired the band name casually as I walked. I was sure that was the name I was looking for...but I was beginning to second guess myself a little bit. What if I was wrong and looked as though a total idiot in front of her? At the same time, why did it matter if I was wrong? I was supposed to be trying to impress her or anything. What if she had just picked that song because of the way I looked and thought it would win me over? But at the same time, how had she known all the words if that was the case? Hmm...questions, questions, questions...

Her arms wrapped around me again and my stomach twisted into a tight, unworkable knot. What did I do? I almost stuttered in step but remained calm enough to take a few steps.

'I'm sleepy, Az...'

I took a couple more steps with her before she fell asleep. I felt her twitch only a couple times, and all I could do was stand there. I didn't know if I should wake her up so we could continue walking...or whether I should just stand here until she woke up on her own. Maybe I should have let her lay down somewhere. I had no idea which was the best answer. I knew I didn't want to be stuck out here for too long though. Hmm...questions...questions...

I stood still for what seemed like forever. Not wanting to move...too afraid I would wake her up...I had gained an itch on my ear that seemed unbearable. I had an urge to claw at it, but remained motionless. I wanted to jerk up towards it to at least touch it. Anything to soothe it..but still...I didn't move a muscle. I tried turning my head to the side, hoping maybe a bit of my stiff hair would move across it...no luck of course. I couldn't do it anymore. I moved a hand to my ear, running a nail across it gently before deciding what I was going to do with the sleeping one attached to me.

I might have been small, but I was not weak. I turned slowly and wrapped my arms around her. I carefully removed her from the ground and held her against me. Legs draped over one arm, upper body against the other. Her head laying up against my shoulder. I stood there for a few more perpetual minutes...The warmth of someone else pressed against me was almost unbearable. I wanted so badly to make this our final destination so maybe I could just curl up with someone...anyone...by this point, it didn't really matter to me anymore...

I forced my legs to move me forward, step by step. I held her cradled in my arms carefully. I would feel terrible for waking her. I had understood by now that maybe being held capative might have been a little tiring...

ooc// Move to Underground??

[skittles]

// How about we end it here and move to the underground? Her falling asleep was my way of saying, "Let's get outta here, paw!" xD \\