FLESH and BLOOD {Open}

[{{Roxï-kun-+]

YOU PUT YOUR HAND UP TO MY NECK
AND FEEL THE PULSE,

BEATBEATBEATBEAT

The night was quiet, as it always seemed to be around here at this time of night. It wasn't to say that no one was awake, but compared to the other Kingdoms' main cities it certainly was toned down. Obscur bursted with life at night, though it was much quieter at day usually. Perhaps this was a 'balance' to that? Many people spoke of this Kingdom as if it was made of light alone, the only darkness present being the shadows on the streets. And at the same time, the Daikan Kingdom was spoken off by most as if it was where evil resided, or at least most of the evil. Then, at last, there was the Kingdom of Sanchu that was apparently the 'neutral' Kingdom. Perhaps there was a touch of truth, as there often is with rumors of any kind, but some also felt that these descriptions of sorts had blown things and people out of proportion. After all there was both evil and light, if those things really even existed, spread through the whole world, not only the land of XISIN and certainly not only in one of the Kingdoms. One of those people whom believed everything was spread out was now making their way down a main road in Tochigi. Though it was getting late in most people's terms, people were still out shopping and generally getting where they were going. And though the city itself lacked the nightlife of Obscur, it was still a pleasant time to walk the streets. The mellow feeling seemed to effect the weather as well. The near quarter moon could be seen clearly in the more-or-less clear sky and warmth in the form of breezes made this summer night live up to the name. But those who walked the streets didn't notice such minor details unless just now stepping into the night, for something else held their attention. Maybe it was an object in a shop or someone they were with. But for some, many human, it was sneaking a second glance at the few, more exotic creatures that also walked the street. One such of these stranger creatures moved with an animal grace, swift and yet slightly dangerous. Both ready to sprint or hold their ground, whichever they would choose. Deer-like antlers sprouted somewhere near the top of the head and stood proudly in their full growth, though they didn't seem too tall or wide enough to bother the bearer of them. The creature's skin wasn't simply 'pale' or 'tanned', but healthy like most peoples'. But this skin looked as if it ended abruptly below the person's knees. Where said skin seemed to end, the brown fur of an equine such as a deer or horse started, before ending where the hooves of a deer were in place of feet. Above the knee, however, the creature looked human. The female had an unmarred face with bright blue eyes and complimented by very short brown hair the same shade as the fur. The figure wore furs that easily showed that it was summer, covering everything that humans thought should be covered, but showing off a fit midriff and her limbs to the heat. For all purposes, the female appeared to be something called a Chimera, a species that seemed to made of other species. Some gave her dirty looks, though most people could care less. To those who did, especially if any seemed to be human, the chimera looked expressionless at. All people, whether they wanted to or not, had some sort of prejudice against at least one other race. The female's, most unusually, was towards humans. She had, after all, been shaped by her past just as everyone else had.

PUSH UP TO MY BODY,

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO MY FLESH.

[Jezbel]

Among the twisting streets, and the huge crowds, in front of a small back alley there is a show. A young girl only 15 years of age is preforming a fiery deadly dance. She leaped and twirled around, jumping and twisting all with fire laying in her palms, blowing from her mouth, all the while flames leaped at her feet, a bed of burning coals. Some looked at it as magic, asking how could she do that? Why would she do that? And toss a few coins in the top hat to the side of her show. Most would walk on, uninterested, or unaffected by the gracefulness of this small red haired girl. As the day began to slow, she stepped back off the coals and smiled.

She went only a few feet back in the ally to reach they pale of water. She then walked out into street and poured it carefully over the coals and the small stick she had held in her hands. Mika coughed a few times just to clear her mouth of all the fluid that made the flames sprout from the girls mouth. Once the fire was gone and only smoke remained she set the pale down and leaned against the wall.

She laughed lightly and smiled at nothing the passers could see or feel. But she was erupting with joy. No one could feel the extreme amount of energy she had when she was dancing and the fire only made it more daring, more exciting. She laughed again, and lifted the top hat to her lap, slowly counting the coins. It was much but it was enough to get some food, or maybe a new shirt, as this one was begging to tare. It was more then the amount she had been getting at Obscur, and that is exactly why she came to Akaika. She ran her fingers though her red hair, green eyes bright with excitement, wondering what she would get into the day.

She stood up and packed what few belongings she had, ready to explore parts of the city she had not seen yet. She walked down the streets and looked at all the faces and new people. It was so different from her home town, and city. But one person caught her eye. This girl had antlers on her head, and this just peaked Mika's curiosity. So she walked to the person and asked simply, "Hi! I was just wondering why you had antlers on your head." She didn't mean to sound rude or anything but she just needed to know. She cooked her head to the side, red hair falling to the side, and green eyes gleaming.

[{{Roxï-kun-+]

YOU PUT YOUR HAND UP TO MY NECK
AND FEEL THE PULSE,

BEATBEATBEATBEAT

The seemingly Chimera girl continues to walk along, the smell of smoke slowly billowing out to where she stood in the street. As it got stronger, though, the female had to look around. No one seemed panicked at the smell at the fact that there didn't seem to be a source. But as a small crowd drew her attention, all looking at something in an alley. The female's heart plummeted into her stomach for a few moments, thinking of things that were usually found in alleys, but then reassures herself with the fact that none of the females here aren't crying, or anything of the sort. Instead, all people watching were in a state of awe almost, some whispering to each other. The female figure nudges the people closest to her and said people, with only one glance, seem to readily move aside so she can see as well, and continue to give her a small bubble of space. Many species thought that Chimera were a lower species, mostly because they were made of all the other species anyway. They would rather just give her space, however, then call her out on it or give her a dark look like some of the others had before. Not this close, not when a fight could break out in such a small place. Not that this female would start a fight, not now. Perhaps when she had more of her true king there, but not when she was surrounded by strangers. There is a girl, somewhere around the age of the Chimera watching, dancing in this alleyway. Fire ripples through the space from her, leaving the air textured for a few moments wherever the heat has been. It is already a summer night, and this only makes it hot and not warm. The female whom is watching looks on without expression, wondering where she has seen something like this before. A fire dancer, she knows. The memory flutters into her mind, one of the fire haired girl with a twin of cold fire. Axel and Lea. The Chimera feels a longing for Axel, who shared a name with one of the only humans she had ever really felt very close to. But Axel and Lea had disappeared months ago and this fact only makes the longing worse until the watching girl makes herself snap out of it as the crowd disperses, the show now over. The Chimera quickly walks away as well, not wanting to be the only one left over. But a few streets away, with her looping around by accidents, she apparently runs back into the fire dancer. The girl seems to almost skips up the the Chimera, who fights the urge to just turn and act as if she hasn't seen the girl's intentions of talking with her. And at her short hello, and then more or less rude question, the apparent Chimera raises a brow and looks at the girl her age. This Chimera isn't really one, though she's not going to go around telling this girl what she really is. "Most people give a name before asking me why I look the way I do. Perhaps, instead of me answering, I should instead ask why you don't have antlers on your head?" the fifteen year old asks, not giving her name either. Roxiri continues to look at this girl, wondering if this is a joke or not.

PUSH UP TO MY BODY,

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO MY FLESH.

[Jezbel]

She thought it looked like the girl didn't want to talk. But she realized why that might be when she started talking. Mika slapped her forehead and looked down a shamed. "Oh! I'm sorry." She said and then almost to herself she said, "Daddy taught me better then that..."

She was taken back to a memory not that far off, only a few years ago this had happened when Mika was ten. She was standing in front of her father in their small living room.It didn't have much in it, though it was cozy, with a fireplace off to the side of the room, the wood pile next to it on the right wall. Across from the fire place sat a dark brown couch. Her father had made it himself, making little carvings along the front of it and a burned in picture of a meadow on the back. The pillows Mika had made herself and was very proud, even though they were a bit sloppy. That's where they where now, him sitting and her standing so that she was eye level. "Why did you do that?" He asked shame in his face. A young Mika wouldn't answer, she knew what she had done was wrong but she simply didn't care. This was about a girl named Abbey, she wouldn't answer Mika's question even though she had used please. Even pretty please, and that was a lot for her. But no she had just ignored her, so Mika had spit in her face.

'Thinking about it now it was funny, but then Dad had to teach me about rudeness and how to respect people.' Mika thought. It was something close to what was happening now, though Mika didn't plan on spitting on this girl. Mika looked back up to this girls and said,"I'm sorry I shouldn't have just walked up here and asked you that. It was wrong and rude." She then stuck out her hand, "I'm Mika. Mika Byrne. Although to your question you have all the right to ask, but i simply don't have your answer at the moment. Come again later and you might just find out!" She laughed a little at her sad try at a joke. "Can i do anything to make it up to you?" Really not wanting to seem rude or anything like that to this girl.

[{{Roxï-kun-+]

YOU PUT YOUR HAND UP TO MY NECK
AND FEEL THE PULSE,

BEATBEATBEATBEAT

Roxiri watched the girl with interest as she slapped her own forehead. This girl seemed very animated, almost child-like in the way she moved. The seemingly Chimera girl didn't mind it, really, but it was a bit unsettling when the energetic girl suddenly whispered something to herself and then proceeded to zone out, a slight glazed look appearing in the red haired girl's eyes. Part of the taller girl felt bad about the way she had handled this girl, though the bigger part simply felt as if it was something to awaken the girl from a false sense of security. This may not have been Obscur, where even the royal family had some sort of control over the gangs there, but this was still a city. Any sort of city, even in the Kingdom of 'light', always had a darker side. But suddenly Roxiri was snapped out of her own little train of thoughts as the fire dancer looked back up at the Chimera. The girl -- Mika Byrne -- put her hand out as she spoke once more and Roxiri felt slightly overwhelmed once more. For the whole of a month she had been moving in the wild land and forests, hiding herself away from the prying eyes of the certain little gang that she hated. And well, they hated her as well, so why couldn't she? Most people, or at least of the small amount of people who really knew her, told her that it was below her to put hatred towards the undeserving of any sort emotion. But the taller girl of the two speaking, Roxiri because of her elongated deer legs, didn't really care what they thought about that subject. It wasn't like she was trying to kill them, after all, so why should it concern anyone else? The brown haired female carefully put her hand into Mika's and shook it lightly, wondering how much about herself she was supposed to say. She was still supposed to be in hiding, after all, like she probably would be for quite some time. "Roxiri. And it's fine, don't worry about it. Just be more....careful who you ask questions like that, ya? Also, I don't need anything." Roxiri said with a small sort of smile on her face. She withdrew her hand as well. "Also, as questionable your question is, I have antlers because I'm not human." Roxiri said with the smile still in place. No harm done, stating the obvious. After all, it didn't take a genius to figure out what she was, really, or at least what she was pretending to be. The female shifted her weight slightly, raising a hoof before dropping it back down on the cobblestone road. For a moment her blue orbs gazed around casually before finding their way down to the girl around her age. "So, what brings you to this city?" Roxiri asked, feeling slightly awkward just standing there. Was she dismissed? Well, not now she certainly wasn't seeing as she had asked a question.

PUSH UP TO MY BODY,

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO MY FLESH.

[Jezbel]

Mika smiled when the girl shook her hand, and the smile widened as she said her name. Roxiri, something she had never heard before. She was glad the girl told Mika her name, she had been getting the feeling that she was a bit unwilling to share about her past so she didn't press for a last name or anything. Her smiled faltered as Roxiri said she could not do anything for her. She wanted to make up for her rudeness and she was disappointed that Roxiri wanted nothing. But she kept her spirit up. She noticed that Roxiri shifted and asked a question.

Mika thought about it for a minute and lightly said, "Well i was originally in Daika. I went into that city because my family needed money. And..."she didn't want to say anything about her father, "And somethings happened. The money wasn't as good, so i came to Akaika. Hoping that the people would find my act a bit more interesting then in Daika." She nodded as if agreeing with herself. She looked around the busy market place with a friendly atmosphere. "I think it fit me better too, don't you?" She looked up not needing a reply.

She glanced at a stand and piece of metal glinted in her eyes, causing her to blink fast and hard. To anyone that hadn't seen the piece of metal she would have looked quite odd. Something covered the piece and looked over. There was a rather impressive figure in front of it. This man had a long trench coat on covering most of his body, his hands were shoved deep into his pockets. His face was angled away from Mika but she still new him. She glanced back to Roxiri and said trying to sound normal, "So are you a traveler i haven't seen you around before?" She cast a glace back at the man, shifting from foot to foot, ready to bolt if necessary. Mika may have been innocent looking but that doesn't mean she's never done a bad thing before.

[{{Roxï-kun-+]

YOU PUT YOUR HAND UP TO MY NECK
AND FEEL THE PULSE,

BEATBEATBEATBEAT

The short haired girl wondered where this girl had originally come from, not where she had been at first. Her energy seemed to go up and down for the slightest of reasons and it also seemed as if she was, in most ways, very innocent. Roxiri wasn't really sure if it was an act, any of it, or it was truly how this girl acted. It reminded her of someone, a wisp on the air that disappeared before the name could bubble to her lips. The fake Chimera had been born in a forest herself, raised there until a young age. The taller of the two females turned her mind from the train of thought and continued to listen as Mika spoke. It wasn't that out of place that the young fire dancer hadn't made much money. Obscur, if that was the city she was actually speaking of, were full of performances whether on stage or street. But still, the elder fire dancer named Axel had made many profits. Perhaps it was for the fact she had total control over her own fires, like her sister. Lea and Axel had never gotten along, a fact their fires proved readily. Axel could control her own fires, which blazed normally. Lea, however, could control her cold fires, flames that blazed purple and blue mainly which would freeze you where you stood. But they had both gone missing at the same time. The deer girl resisted the urge to just to quiet her thoughts totally. "I'm not really sure, I haven't been here very often. I prefer Obscur and elsewhere, mainly." Roxiri said honestly, with a small shrug of her shoulders. It was overall true, fact being that she really did prefer the Daikan Kingdom to this one, mainly finding that she liked the fact it didn't hide as many things from it's people. But that, mostly, was a topic for another time and another place. A place that wasn't here, in the heart of the "Light" Kingdom. And a time that was not now, with the innocent looking face of this girl. Roxiri saw Mika's strange behavior, the blinking and staring. The fake Chimera held her head highly and tilted it slightly, looking at the figure that had so readily drew the red haired girl's eyes. Distinctly male and someone powerful, perhaps even dangerous. Roxiri slid her eyes back to Mika in time to catch her green hues, which seemed to be casually glancing back after she asked her question. Roxiri glanced at the female's body, wondering why she stood like she was ready to take leave of the place. The deer girl, however, raised an eyebrow for a few fleeting moments before a smile appeared once more on her face. "Yes, I've been traveling for four years, since I was eleven. And you may have seen me around, I just don't really...stick to memory." Roxiri said, and then remembered what the girl said about money problems. "Why don't we sit down somewhere? I could get us something to eat, a meat bun perhaps? A vendor is just up ahead." the fake Chimera offered, both wanted to get more space from the man and also feeling the slight cramp of coming hunger. Besides, it would be a nice thing to do for the girl as well, so she didn't have to spend whatever money she had just gotten on food. Roxiri cast a dark glance at the man's broad back once more, making sure Mika saw it, and carefully took Mika's wrist in her hand.

PUSH UP TO MY BODY,

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO MY FLESH.

[Jezbel]

Mika nodded as Roxiri told her about her traveling days. She was surprised that she had been traveling since she was 11. It was quite the age, Mika couldn't have done it. Roxiri had earned a hole lot of respect from the red hair girl. She nodded when she asked if they could sit down and eat. Her stomach turned at the thought of telling Roxiri about that part of her past. And she might just have to by the look she saw her pass.

She was even more surprised when Roxiri took hold of her hand. As they began walked Mika fought the urge to look back. She knew that would show him she new he was here, and that just wouldn't work out very well. Her body was ridged but she tried to relax. Her shoulders and arms relaxed. "Sorry. I'm a little on edge right now..." Mika mumbled. But trying to get her mind off him , she said, "I've never tried those meat buns, have you every had theirs?" She looked up and smiled but it was very small compared to her previous ones.

She look forward thought about what was going to happen if he was looking for her. Most likely she would have to bolt, maybe wreck a few stands to slow him down. But what if he had more men? She cast a look around, only seeing regular people nothing out of the ordinary. So far. But this still relaxed Mika a bit. As they came up to the stand Mika smiled at the man behind the counter and said, "One please." Reaching for her money.

[{{Roxï-kun-+]

YOU PUT YOUR HAND UP TO MY NECK
AND FEEL THE PULSE,

BEATBEATBEATBEAT

The deer girl carefully walked, hand still gently wrapped around the red haired girl's wrist. She didn't know who the man was, whether he was important or not in the scheme of anything. But while she didn't know him, this girl was stressed about whoever he was, or maybe whoever she was reminded of. While Mika seemed to be human, she hadn't done anything to Roxiri except for ask a question and act friendly. And why would the taller of two, the one who looked older, let this girl stay there and be afraid of something? How old was Mika, anyway? She looked around Roxiri's real age, maybe fifteen. She didn't seem as if she had done anything wrong in her life, but maybe it was an act? Or perhaps, like Roxiri, she hadn't done anything wrong but something had happened anyway. The fake Chimera was making her own head hurt and instead thrust the ideas from her mind, seeing as she could just ask Mika herself. Not now of course, not while they were so very close to the person and in a place with so many strangers. Maybe later, if Roxiri and Mika were still talking at that time. If not, it was no loss to not know every detail of everyones' lives in the Kingdoms. Mika apologized about something, but Roxiri made a shushing noise. There was no reason to say sorry, seeing as the deer girl was sure she herself had done the same thing to many. "Don't worry 'bout it." the brown haired girl answered, looking over her shoulder at the figure. It was still where it had been. To answer Mika's question about the meat buns themselves, Roxiri shook her head. Often the fake Chimera didn't buy vendor's foods, but there would be no harm done by a simple bun. Seeing as this was the Akaikan Kingdom, they would probably be a bit more pricy but filled with a good meat, such as cow or deer. Most people would give her a strange look at the fact that, seeing as what her disguise was, she would eat deer meat. But just like with those few who had glared at her for walking down the street, she would ignore it. When they reached the stand, Roxiri released the girl's wrist and Mika ordered, beginning to reach for her money. Roxiri rolled her eyes and put her hand on Mika's once more before smiling at the vendor. "Two, actually, please~." Roxiri said with the smile still on her face. Roxiri looked down at Mika, unnaturally bright blue eyes sliding down to her face. "Don't worry," the fake Chimera started in an undertone that the vendor couldn't hear, "it will be my treat, ya?". The vendor held out two of the buns, Roxiri taking one of them and smelling them. Definitely a good quality meat. She held it carefully, steam lazily making it's way into the air. She nodded her head over to the curb and then made her way there, the brown haired girl sitting down on it before biting into the meat bun. Delicious.

PUSH UP TO MY BODY,

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO MY FLESH.

[Jezbel]

Mika was surprised when the other girl put her hand on Mika's own once more and said she would pay for it. She stuttered for a thanks, but it came out barely. As the vendor held out the two, Mika took the one that was left. She held it close to her face and smiled. The warm steam surrounded her face, she knew if she were wearing anything of plastic or glass they would be filled with steam. Though Mika really didn't care right now. It smelled wonderful! Opening her eyes she noticed that Roxiri had moved to the curb. She quickly stepped to catch up to her and sank down next to the girl.

She took her first bite and melted into happiness. It was amazing! The meat was high quality, so it was juicy and tender. She pulled back and chewed it thoughtfully. She glanced over to Roxiri and swallowed to say, "Thank you! You really didn't have to." But she turned back to her meat bun and took an other bite, and an other. And all to soon she was done. "Mine was delicious, how 'bout yours?" She looked around and saw that the man wasn't in her sight. Although he was, just out of her sight with in the shadows waiting for his chance to confront her. She smiled and relaxed, leaning back on her hands. Quite happy at the moment. She was wondering about Roxiri's antlers, and that she was eating deer meat. It seemed a little odd to Mika, but then again she knew nothing of this girls past, so it could be quite normal. She looked over at Roxiri wondering if it would be a good idea to tell her what might happen if that man came up. Wondering if it would only scare her, even though she seemed like the kinda girl that wouldn't scare easy.

[{{Roxï-kun-+]

YOU PUT YOUR HAND UP TO MY NECK
AND FEEL THE PULSE,

BEATBEATBEATBEAT

Roxiri ate quickly, chewing carefully and savoring the taste. She thanked nature for the deer as she chewed and swallowed, the habit she had caught from her father, and took another bite. The fake Chimera had gotten more then that habit, though it was the simplest and it wasn't as if she said it aloud. No, just a feeling of thanks stayed unspoken within her mind as she smiled a bit. It really had been a while since the fifteen year old had eaten anything made by someone else's hands and it was perhaps that small detail that made the bun taste so good. How long had it been? Too long, simply. The short haired female was drawn from her thoughts as Mika spoke, thanking Roxiri. It had not been much and the antlered girl fought the urge to say that no thanks was needed. Instead she just nodded her head slightly, wondering how far she had fallen from where she used to be. Memories danced on the edges of her eyelashes, hanging in the corners so she couldn't really see them. Her and a girl, going out of their way to help others. A large, dark witch's hat perched on the ten year old's head. The setting of a small body on fire with the little girl's snap of fingers, only for the body to be undamaged as she danced in the darkness. And then....Everything went blank for a few days. Roxiri had awakened only to find the small girl gone, the rest of the traveling party from that time gone as well. The fake Chimera blinked hard and exhaled through her nose, feeling the irresistible and childish urge to just cry. And then as soon as the sensation had taken over, it was gone on a wisp of the wind. It would be pointless to mourn something from so far ago. Four years was quite some time, but the deer girl wondered what the girl would like now. What had become of Xion, of Riku, or of any of the others? Roxiri wouldn't ever know. The deer girl was quite surprised when she swallowed her last bite and Mika spoke once more, undeterred by the silence. "It was nice. After all, I've been away from others for a while now, so it just tasted better for that fact." the fake Chimera spoke, smiling in a sort of sad way for a moment. The fire dancer's attention moved to the man, who seemed to be staring straight at them at this point. Roxiri instantly sobered from her thoughts and fought the urge to jump up to stalk her way over to him. She swept her gaze around, only to find Mika looking at her with green hues. And with that, an answering curiosity swept through the blue eyes of the antlered girl who nodded slightly in the man's direction. Who was he, anyway?

PUSH UP TO MY BODY,

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO MY FLESH.

[Jezbel]

Mika looked over at Roxiri when she took a deep breath. It almost looked as if she was going to cry, but her eyes were closed. So it must be a memory. Mika thought about her own past for a moment, and she thought about how it often made her want to cry herself. The warm embraces of her father forever gone. The cozy home she grew and learned in, now inhabited by someone else. The cool swims in the lake only a short walk from the house never to be again. The smiles the two shared, now only and forever memories. Mika sighed and she thought,'Maybe we aren't so different after all.' Thought the two girls appeared different, walked and talked different, there was something that was the same. Something that they shared, whether they knew it or not it was there.

When Roxiri dipped her head to the man Mika stayed silent for a moment, that was until he moved coming closer, slowly but surely. She got up slowly and started walking, motioning with her hand for the other girl to fallow. "This could get ugly." She said quickly and quietly. She twirled around with a smile on her face, a show just to get a view of them. "There's two, the big guy and a short one, the short ones about ten feet behind the other. I understand if you want to go, and don't want to here any of this story. I understand if you want to pretend that nothing ever happened between us." She said, though the small girl didn't want Roxiri to leave, she was happy to be talking to someone new and exciting. Someone she had never met and might not again. If Roxiri wanted to stay then Mika would need to tell her tale, and she wasn't sure she could do that. She looked up at Roxiri determination set in her green eyes. "What do you want to do?" This question would determine the next step the the two girls day. Now all that was need is an answer.