solidarity; ♥ private

[daisy]

♥; respite

I looked out over the barren and rocky landscape of our home. Really, i had no attachment to such a mundane place, and yet, found myself returning here once again. Our encounters in the land of lightning had been intense, and definitely useful, but we had been drawn inexplicably back here. The new order of iwa, the corruption and intrigue it now offered, i couldn't help want to get involved. The new tsuchikage was an interesting man, and although it wasn't so much a sense of loyalty that made me want to help iwagakure, i couldn't just do nothing anymore.

"Darling, just what are we doing?" I said, not even turning to look at my companion. My gaze was almost melancholy, as i observed the lands, arms crossed over my chest and bright red lips set in an almost pout. I couldn't help thinking back to the eight tails, now and again. We had encountered it, barely survived, and then just left, despite my assumption that we would be accompanied by the tall, masked acquaintance of Kain's. Rummaging in my handbag, i produced a carton of slender cigarettes, followed by a bright pink lighter. I didn't really indulge this habit too often, the smell lingered too long, even with my perfume, but once in a while, it calmed me. Lipstick already staining the filter as i held it in my mouth, a quick flash of fire set the cigarette smoking, and i returned the items to my handbag as i exhaled heavily.

The one constant, the one thing i was sure of, stood mere feet away from me. Kain. The violent, crude and uncultured killer, my everything. I turned my head, looking at him with an ambiguous smile, before turning once more to stare out at nothing. I took another long drag, smoke twirling lazily skyward. Perhaps my plans and ambitions were far from being realised, but my man was still beside me.

[sachi]

They really did always end up back here, huh? Maybe it was the good memories, maybe it was the fact they had nowhere else to go? Regardless of the reasoning, they never failed to end up in Tsuchi, the only play they'd ever really called home, the only place Kain thought he could really ever CALL home.. because really, what else was there besides Coco? His attempts to find out more about his clan had been fruitless so far, and save from that strange man he met in the mountains, he hadn't even met anybody else of his bloodline - and even then, Kain couldn't help but feel that man he met was something more, something beyond a Kagehebi.. but, well, that was a tale for another time. It seemed the excitement in their life had dwindled somewhat, they found themselves without much to do, and with all the events that happened it wasn't as if they even had time to move forward with their plans.. but, it wasn't as if he was going anywhere - although he'd never admit that!

"I don't know, laying down? And stop calling me that."

He spoke from just a couple feet off to her side, sprawled out on his back with hands clasped together under his head, the sun beating down directly on him as if he were looking for warmth. Had it not been for the incident at the gate, it would have been an incredibly boring day thus far, and Kain would probably be restless, be he supposed since he had some excitement he could relax for a little bit, but it never lasted for long. With a sigh, Kain slowly sat himself up, left arm rested on his lap while he scratched at the back of his neck with his right, red eyes fixated on Coco, trying to read her mood,

"Put that shit out, it smells.. I can literally taste it in the air."

His tongue smacked around in his mouth with distaste, and then he'd tilt his head to the side and spit at the dirt, as if that'd help at all. Kain didn't care much for alcohol or cigarettes, his enhanced senses of taste and smell making them even more unbearable, but unfortunately for him Coco enjoyed both! Digits dug into the ground and he pushed himself up, carelessly rubbing the dirt on his pants before having a good old stretch, it wasn't very often Kain felt so relaxed and carefree, but after everything that had happened he felt he and Coco deserved a peaceful day to themselves, although their definition of 'peace' probably wasn't what you'd expect it to be.

"This is depressing just sitting around like this."

He spoke quietly, yawned, and then started walking in the opposite direction of Coco, boots crunching into the dry terrain with each step. He didn't really have a destination in mind, but she was sure to tag along, there had to be better things to do than sit around, and it was always nice to get away from that awful smelling smoke!

[/font]

[daisy]

♥; discontent

He knew as well as i did that i would always refer to him with such endearing terms. And, as usual, the reptile in him was enjoying the sunshine. I was prepared to bet if i left him alone, he'd be asleep in a few minutes. Although, apparently his current mood didn't allow for such rest, he seemed rather irritable, if truth be told. Usually, he was easy enough to read, and today was no exception. It was simple boredom, restlessness that led to his terse responses. I ignored his comment about my cigarette, hearing him get to his feet behind me. Depressing...?
"Bored, sweetie?" I asked casually, turning to face him. He was already walking away when i made up my mind. Reaching into my handbag, my vividly painted nails clasped around a single senbon, the thin needles that often littered the bottom of my crammed vuitton. Pulling it free, i twirled it in my slender fingers, before launching it at his retreating back. My accuracy tended to be good, although i did aim better with projectiles of my own gleaming gold.

I had no doubt he'd either avoid or intercept the needle, but his reaction interested me far more than damaging him in any way.
"It's been a while since we really let loose, now hasn't it?" I asked, a hint of a smile playing around my features. Stretching my arms above my head, i then adopted my typical combative stance, legs planted firmly, parted slightly, one hand lowered to rest on my hip. Even if it were little old me, i knew Kain could never resist a fight. And, in all actuality, i was eager too. That mist shinobi we had found lurking in our lands, Kain had taken him out with ease, i barely played a part. And then the eight tails in lightning, i had only been acting to defend myself from certain death. I couldn't risk dulling my killer instinct, after all, fashionable funerals were one of the things i did best.

His temper didn't scare me like it used to. I knew he couldn't kill me. And, of course, i had enough faith in myself to prevent him from being able to, regardless of his conscience. Throwing all the tricks i had at him, putting all my talents and skills on the line... This afternoon might not be such a waste after all.
"Don't disappoint me now, darling."

[sachi]

Darling, sweetie, she really did never stop with all the stupid names, and she knew how annoying it was to him. He didn't like being called anything of the sort in general, but when it was a man dressed up as a lady? Well, that was just a whole new tier of annoyance! Teeth dug into his lower lip, a light groan barely noticeable as Kain continued with slow steps, several curse words flying through his mind the more he thought about it, and the smell of that damn smoke was still lingering in the air! The more she annoyed him, the more his desire for violence grew, and the more he thought about it the more he realized earlier wasn't enough! No sooner did bloody images run through his head did he hear the all too familiar twang of metal-on-metal from directly behind him, his body reacting purely out of instinct as he froze in his tracks, head tilting slightly to his side.

"Tch!"

His head spun around a full 180 degrees, his neck twisting at an angle normal people couldn't achieve, but due to his superhuman flexibility it was no problem - and boy, was he ever greeted with an interesting sight! There she was, senbon in hand, with the audacity to just throw it at him! Had he not been as keen as he was, odds are that needle would have stuck him right in the back, and while it wasn't exactly the most lethal of weapons, he knew all too well that Coco had great aim and was skilled with projectile weapons! Brows furrowed, facial expression twisting to show his annoyance as the metal projectile whistled through the air, and with not much time to spare the rest of Kain's body would turn, aligning his neck back to its proper position,

"You feel like dying or something?"

Kain's right arm was jerked suddenly to the side, in a wide swipe he would literally smack the needle right out of the air, knocking it was off course and causing it to veer off harmlessly to the right of him. Head titled to each side, loud crack with each tilt, red eyes never removing themselves from Coco, that all too familiar fiery look ever apparent.

"Disappoint you? How about I try not to embarrass you."

Without warning, Kain cocked an arm back, fingers curling into a tight fist, and then in one fluid motion he would punch at the air directly ahead of him, his arm and fist stretching beyond human limitations; allowing Kain to attack Coco from the 5 meter distance between them. The attack was a simple punch to the face, but it was the speed of the attack that would prove dangerous! Kain's stretching abilities let him close the gap in less than a second, meaning that if Coco didn't recognize his attack and move by then, she'd have a fist smashing her right in the face, a most unpleasant experience when you considered he was always the most physically gifted of the two.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jatai no Daija (Body of the Snake - Limb Speed) [175]
Rank: D, C, , A, S
Type: Passive / Special Bloodline Technique / Nintaijutsu
Range: Self
Chakra/Stamina: --
Special: Determines the speed at which the clan member's limbs move, whether through regular stretching or through technique. Limb speed plus maximum stretching distance determines effectiveness of all clan techniques.

D: 2 meters per second
C: 4 meters per second
B: 6 meters per second
A: 8 meters per second
S: 10 meters per second

Description: Although the shooting speed of a clan member is somewhat set and basic at the start, as they begin to develop their powers and strength as Kagehebi, they are able to make their limb snapping speed quicker and stronger, until their snake-like essence makes them a blur, no longer recognizable by human eye.
Drawback: Kagehebi.

[/font]

[daisy]

♥; indiscretion

Naturally, he had avoided it as easily as swatting a fly, but the look with which he fixed me... I had rarely seen him glare so in my direction. Of course that look was not unfamiliar, it was just one that tended to be reserved for enemies. However, such a relationship as ours is not without its rocky history, and on the few occasions i had seen him look at me like that, i had never escaped without a scratch. But... I was older now. Regardless of his physical gifts, of his shinobi prowess, i had to prove to myself that i could stand toe to toe with him. I wouldn't be just a burden. And as such, the moment i saw his lightning quick movements, my face hardened. Glittering gold foundation, a resplendent mask over my perfection, his fist would collide with a terribly hard surface, possibly making him regret throwing the punch. The speed with which he attacked unnerved me, but the lack of handseals made my technique fast enough to defend. But i was not done, not by a long shot. As his fist was currently thudded into my face, i instantly began spewing sticky thread from my mouth, entwining the length of his stretched arm.

I highly doubted even he could retract his arm fast enough from a blow with so much momentum, and i was confident i would snare him. While i was spitting down the length of his arm, my golden armour had spread throughout my body, the only flesh now visible was sparkling with decadent strength. In no time at all, i had retrieved another senbon, and without hesitation, i thrust it into his fist, down through the top. I was a web all to myself. By reaching into it, he had most likely gotten caught, and this was the price he should pay. I felt like i was fighting for my life, even against this man i adored...

But i wouldn't back down. I couldn't remain in his shadow! I stood tall, gleaming with gold, my threads assumedly creeping ever further down his elongated arm, and a senbon impaled through his hand. I had reacted meagrely, leaving me with time for further actions, i had to stay on my toes, even in such high heels.

My gold mask merely looked at him blankly, i would say enough through my actions!

SPOILER: Click to show

Nenkin no Yoroi (Armor of Sticky Gold) [150]
Rank: A
Type: Defensive / Clan Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: ...
Description: Kumo Nenkin no Yoroi is a true testament of the sticky gold fluid's true strength. Taking advantage of their body's ability to create a form of metal through their sticky gold, the Sasanagi is able to create an armor shell to protect their body. Without needing seals, the user emits their kumo nenkin from their mouth and sweat glands. When the liquid hits the air, it instantly hardens, creating the armor. This can form a barrier against an opponent who attacks physically, to the point the user can even defend their internal chakra systems from chakra-sucking styles such as the 'Gentle Fist'.
Domain: Sasanagi, ‘A’ ranked Kumonenkin



Kumonendo (Spider Sticky Vomit) [25]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Clan Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: Spider string extends forward roughly at the speed of a kunai. Sticky vomit's hold is strong enough to immobilize. Distance and strength of extending string depends on the user's understanding of 'Kumonenkin'.


* ‘D’ – 10 meter reach, 1 meter circular area of effect
* ‘C’ – 20 meter reach, 2 meter circular area of effect
* ‘B’ – 30 meter reach, 4 meter circular area of effect
* ‘A’ – 40 meter reach, 8 meter circular area of effect
* ‘S’ – 50 meter reach, 16 meter circular area of effect


Description: As part of their line of special ninjutsu dealing with their emitted spider fluid, this technique allows the user to emit a stream of spider thread from their mouths at high speeds. Once enough silk has been expelled, the will then proceed to grab onto a nearby opponent. The thread will run from the user’s mouth directly to their opponent, and with chakra reinforcing their neck and possibly even draining the opponent, they gain full control of their victims. If the opponent is in the air, the user can even move their head and body to sling them wherever they want.
Domain: Sasanagi. ‘D’ ranked Kumonenkin

[sachi]

Kain's adrenaline was pumping, he knew all too well that Coco intended to fight seriously, and despite him having so much confidence in his own skill, she was the last person he wanted to underestimate - not only was she powerful all on her own, but she knew him and his tactics as well as he knew hers, which meant he was going to be at risk regardless of what he did! With his rather simple attack put into motion, the Kagehebi was expecting it to not work out as planned, but what he WASN'T expecting was for her to bring out that armour so soon! His fist smashed right into her face, and rather than sending Coco sailing backwards, the steel-like surface of the webbing sent a painful shockwave up Kain's arm, the recoil causing a surprising amount of pain since he'd just essentially punched a steel beam.

"Tch! Bitch!"

He knew his arm was in danger, even more so when he felt the webbing binding his hand and arm to her, he knew if he didn't defend he'd be in trouble, but if he didn't attack he would never get her to release him! Yet again she motioned to get one of her senbon, and whether she intended on throwing it or not wasn't for certain, but he didn't aim to find out! Kain's chakra pulsated through his body, tapping into the untold potential of his bloodline, and in no time at all scales began creating themselves all along his body, multiplying at incredible speed to the point where his entire body would be covered in a slick, black armour before Coco even had the chance to ram the needle into his fist - and despite how hard she tried, she would find that she wouldn't be able to pierce this armour, not with such a basic attack anyways!

"Senei Jashu!"

Kain hissed the words loudly, his right sleeve whipping back and forth violently as the large, black serpent appeared, shooting directly at her. Seeing as they were bound together at such a short distance, Coco would find herself being the target of yet another high-speed attack, although this one wasn't a simple punch, this one could prove to be incredibly lethal if it hit the right spot! Although Coco was donning her signature armour, she would find that the bite of Kain's snakes were far too heavy, and if it got the opportunity it would be able to bite straight through with some effort, although the bite itself would be greatly lowered in strength once it did. At this point, Coco would find herself in a situation where she either broke the bindings to evade, or face the bite of the snake, either way Kain was preparing for his next move, one that would make her think twice about crossing him!

"Is that it?!"

SPOILER: Click to show

Senei Jashu (Hidden Shadow Snake Hands) [25x9]
Rank: D
Type: Offensive / Special Bloodline Technique / Nintaijutsu
Range: See special!
Chakra/Stamina: Low
Special: Distance and strength of extending snakes depends on the user's understanding of the 'Way of the Snake'. Speed of snakes depends on the user's highest known rank of 'Jatai no Daija'. Initially 1 snake comes forth, with 1 more added for a maximum of 10 each time retrained.
Description: Senei Jashu is a signature Kagehebi Nintaijutsu technique which allows the clan member to manifest a bundle of quick-striking snakes that extend from the user’s sleeves. The Kagehebi extends his palm and shoots out snakes to attack a target, having them move at impressive speeds and strike with their fangs. Though basic, this variation has been known to subdue even the strongest of foes with a single snake bite.
Domain: Kagehebi. Nan-Kaizou 'D'.

Kibotoku (Scalehide)
Rank: [D], C, B, A, S
Type: Special Bloodline Supplementary Nintaijutsu
Range: Self
Chakra/Stamina: Low - Massive
Special: User is able to block one attack of equal rank to their skill in this technique. Scale armor last one turn plus one more turn for every rank.
Description: By channeling their chakra into their skin, Kage-Hebi users are able to change the properties of their skin to replicate scales like those of a snake. These scales effectively provide the user with armored skin to grant them enhanced durability. This technique is not confined to the Kage-Hebi themselves and can extend to their summoned snakes as well. Color of scales created is up to the users discretion.
Domain: Kage-Hebi.

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[daisy]

♥; venomous

Scales? The downward thrust i had planned simply bounced off his hand, wrapped in my thread as it was. So, he had armoured himself too? Regardless, my surprise was short lived as i heard him hiss that technique name, and i knew exactly what was coming. That was the one flaw in my capture of his hand, the proximity with which i would have with the inevitable serpents. I was ready though. My silk had snared the entire length of his elongated arm, at this point, including winding up the sleeve of his shirt, through which i knew the snake would originate. As it burst through the threads, which i thought might slow its momentum, even if only slightly, i merely raised one hand, powerful thread bursting forth from it to grab the snake in mid air, cocooning it in mere moments, neutralising the threat at once. At the exact same moment, i had raised my other hand, silk flowing too from that one, aimed at his free arm. The threads from my mouth continued up his shoulder now, while i began squeezing the snake with one handed threads, aiming to crush the vile creature.

My other hand was launching multiple strands at his other arm, and my golden mask seemed to wear a vivacious smile, a gleaming smirk. I was doing rather well, i thought. If i was being honest, this was not a fight i expected to win. Even in the academy, he had always surpassed me in battle, even if i had achieved higher grades in mostly everything else. I was a plotter, i was devious and i was cautious. He was pure strength, wild and bloodthirsty. Pitting myself up against him in straight combat, with no traps and no tricks, it was just setting myself up for a loss.

But still, i would keep trying, and as i thought that, gold barbs instantly sprung up all down his captured arm, either piercing through the scales, or at least breaking into them. I stood as still as even, intent on cocooning him like a fly. After all, my favourite brand of spiders did have that unfortunate habit of eating their male counterparts, right? <3

SPOILER: Click to show

Spider Strands [25]
Rank: D
Type: Clan Ninjutsu; Supplementary
Range: See Special
Chakra: Low
Special: Requires no handseals. The range of this jutsu is the same as that of the Kumonendo, depending again on one's mastery of the Kumonenkin.

D-Rank; 10 meter reach
C-Rank; 20 meter reach
B-Rank; 30 meter reach
A-Rank; 40 meter reach
S-Rank; 50 meter reach

Decription: Although the Sasanagi may spit their threads at an opponent, there are more uses to the creation than simply that. With this jutsu, the Sasanagi can create lengths of thread for any purpose, and these may also be produced via under the Sasanagi's fingernails or even toenails. Lengths of thread may be used for their sticky properties to subdue opponents, or expelled at heights to ascend quickly, the possibilities are limitless, aside from the range.
Domain: Sasanagi, D-Rank Kumonenkin

Chasing Spider Strands [50]
Rank: C
Type: Clan Ninjutsu; Supplementary
Range: Any Spider Strands in creation
Chakra: Low
Special: Requires no handseals. The range is exactly the same as the initial Spider Strands jutsu.
Description: Being created from the user, the Sasanagi's thread is incredibly easy to influence with chakra. This jutsu allows the user to control their threads with their chakra, manipulating objects attached to with thread, chasing opponents with thread, simply having complete freedom of manipulation. This jutsu only works as long as the threads are still attached to the user.
Domain: Sasanagi, Spider Strands


Golden Barbs [25]
Rank: D
Type: Clan Ninjutsu; Supplementary
Range: Any active Kumonenkin or Kumonendo jutsu
Chakra: Very Low
Special: Requires no handseals.
Description: By pouring extra chakra into any Kumonenkin or Kumonendo in creation, the sticky gold, or the spider thread forms sharp barbs along its entirety, adding a little extra lethality to the Sasanagi's attacks. These barbs are merely an extention of the Kumonenkin, and retain the same strengths and sharpness as the user's mastery allows.
Domain: Sasanagi, D-Rank Kumonenkin

nenkin no yoroi (armour of sticky gold) - still active

kumonendo (spider sticky vomit) - still active

[sachi]

Fighting Coco on her terms was the worst thing Kain could do, and he knew the more time he spent entangled in her webbing the closer it brought him to losing this fight, and losing just wasn't an option! When the single snake ripped through the webbing, he knew it wasn't all that strong of a bind, and the tear afford him some wiggle room as he stepped to his side, tugging against the web in attempts to free himself. He knew he wouldn't be able to just pull himself free and that he'd need to tear through it with an attack, and that was easy enough, all he needed was a bit of a distraction to put some distance between them! With a quick dash to his side followed by a twisting of his body, Kain would effectively sidestep the webbing that was shot at his still-free arm, his right arm now inhumanly bent behind him as he finished circling, and with an opening made he would seek to simultaneously escape AND attack, no more fooling around this time!

"Okay, enough taking it easy on you!"

His sleeve rustled recklessly once more, although this time not one, but TEN large beasts would emerge, all but one diving straight for Coco at different angles and directions; an attack far too fast and spread out for her to defend with simple strands of webbing! The 10th snake however wasn't making a dash for her, rather, it shot straight down Kain's arm with its fangs slicing along the whole way, able to cut through the barbs and webbing with ease due to the strength behind its bite. With no desire to be anywhere NEAR Coco while she was spitting her webs, Kain would quickly tug his arm free and dash backwards, his arm being sucked back to him and out of her immediate area,

"You really intend to go all out, then?"

Kain's right hand moved up towards his mouth, and all at once the handle of his machete would shoot out from between his lips, his hand grasping the weapon and pulling it out from his throat.

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SPOILER: Click to show

Saragi no Mai (Snake Pit Dance) [25]
Rank: D
Type: Special Bloodline Supplementary Nintaijutsu
Range: Self
Chakra/Stamina: Very Low
Special: One weapon can be designated to be affected by this technique; increasing by one upon each retrain.
Description: This technique allows the user to "store" their main weapon within their body. Though the weapon is stored within the body, any damage done to the user does not cause damage to the weapon nor does the weapon damage the user. At will, the user is able to regurgitate the weapon from their mouth or summon a snake from their mouth with the weapon inside said snake. This technique also allows the user to retrieve their weapon from any distance by allowing the weapon to transform into a snake and letting it slither back to its owner.
Domain: Kage-Hebi.

[daisy]

♥; desperate

I had come too far to back down now. I wasn't the helpless Coco i once was, i wasn't just following him around in his shadow anymore! The moment he began to struggle, my threads were just about to touch his other arm. Then, when he swerved his body aside, i instinctively curved them in on the next logical target. My darling's head. Threads instantly wrapped around his eyes, nose and mouth, cocooning his entire face with ease before his body had even finished his motions. Regardless of his movements, his head remained stationary, given that he was attached to me by his arm. I just knew this attack had landed. At the same time, i stopped the threads seeping from my mouth, finally letting his arm free, and just in time too, as a multitude of snakes erupted from his unrestrained arm. Child's play. One large spitting motion would stop them all in their tracks, and quite probably restrain him even further. A massive web erupted from my lips, 25 meters in diameter, larger than the snakes could ever hope to travel in such limited time.

The web soared forwards, snaring each and every snake, before continuing on to bind itself around my partner. Even should the snakes bite through it, which would take difficulty, considering its intense strength, it would cost them all of their momentum, and if they continued to wriggle at me across the ground even after that, well, such a nuisance was easily quelled under the heel of some expensive prada.

"Can you breathe in there, darling?" I called with a giggle. I was sure everything had gone off without a hitch. It just had to, right? Regardless, Kain was possibly the most competent shinobi i had ever encountered, and it would be just like him to slither out of this all. I wouldn't stop until either he was at my mercy, or this fabulous life was close to ended. I only hoped he wasn't provoked enough to put that on the line.

SPOILER: Click to show

Chasing Spider Strands [50]
Rank: C
Type: Clan Ninjutsu; Supplementary
Range: Any Spider Strands in creation
Chakra: Low
Special: Requires no handseals. The range is exactly the same as the initial Spider Strands jutsu.
Description: Being created from the user, the Sasanagi's thread is incredibly easy to influence with chakra. This jutsu allows the user to control their threads with their chakra, manipulating objects attached to with thread, chasing opponents with thread, simply having complete freedom of manipulation. This jutsu only works as long as the threads are still attached to the user.
Domain: Sasanagi, Spider Strands


Kumosouka (Spider Cobweb Flower) [50]
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Clan Ninjutsu
Range: See special
Special: Spider net extends forward roughly at twice the speed of a kunai. Sticky net's hold is strong enough to immobilize. Distance and strength of extending spider net depends on the user's understanding of 'Kumonenkin'.


* ‘D’ – 5 meter reach, 5 meter circular area of effect
* ‘C’ – 10 meter reach, 10 meter circular area of effect
* ‘B’ – 15 meter reach, 15 meter circular area of effect
* ‘A’ – 20 meter reach, 20 meter circular area of effect
* ‘S’ – 25 meter reach, 25 meter circular area of effect


Description: An advancement to Kumonendo, the Sasanagi is now able to project their sticky web in short projectile bursts rather than in a long stream, creating a new type of offense. After gathering chakra and their spider webbing into their mouth, the user will spit it out of their mouth into a wide cobweb pattern. This wide pattern can envelop their foes and tie them down to a nearby surface., as this stickiness is caused by mixing his chakra with the body fluid. Finally, to ensure their prey does not escape, the Sasanagi's chakra will remain in the web even after it has left their body.
Domain: Sasanagi. ‘C’ ranked Kumonenkin

[sachi]

Kain was sinking quicker and quicker the longer this fight dragged on, and they both knew it. He underestimated Coco too much, and that single punch is what had cost him this fight so far, seeing as it lead to his arm being captured, the webbing she used was insanely strong, a strong man like Kain unable to even budge in the slightest. In fact, the only thing in his arsenal capable of actually destroying these threads were his snakes, and even then, the distance between them allowed Coco to wrap them up with ease whenever they did come out.. which is why Kain would have to resort to sheer numbers! He twisted and leap to his side, still finding himself bound to Coco and evading even more web,

"Okay, eno--"

As he sidestepped the threads in what he assumed what was a successful evasion, he'd soon find they were quickly redirected, their direction changed mid-flight and throwing them straight at him, and unfortunately for Kain he had been blind-sided, leaving him no time to move. The sticky thread wrapped around his face and head, not only preventing him from moving it much, but almost entirely obscuring his vision and breathing. His left arm instinctively rose to his face, clawing at the web with little success, and at that moment he felt a genuine tinge of fear... was he going to lose? He couldn't afford to panic though and would proceed as he originally planned, snakes bursting from his sleeve and tearing down the web that bound his arm, the feeling of the thread loosening bringing a wave of relief.

God damn it!

He jumped backwards, left hand still grabbing at the webbing that wrapped his face, only managing to create enough space for him to see out with his left eye and a little breathing room around his mouth. How had he been so foolish? Knowing her better than anybody, he still managed to be caught in her trap, lured right into her web like countless victims before, and it was in a situation like this where Kain had to question who the real hunter was...

"Coco.."

He spoke quietly, no sooner did he free himself was he faced with a web far too large to evade, far too large for his snakes to get passed, and, well.. far too good for Kain to do anything about it. He had been caught, the self-proclaimed muscle of the duo outsmarted and rendered helpless, had she really surpassed him so soon? His teeth grit together, arms stuck helplessly as his sides, muscles flexing tightly as he tried to power his way out, despite the fact he knew his attempts were useless. He dropped to his knees, still struggling alongside his snakes for as long as he could, the helplessness of his whole situation not kicking in for a good minute, until finally he would just stop and be still, all earlier signs of anger seemingly fading away, now replaced with an almost sad smirk. Red eyes were easy, their usual fierceness gone,

"Heh."

The snakes around him dispersed quietly, Kain rising slowly to his feet, a single crimson eye fixated on Coco. She always was the reason he'd stuck around, and it seemed like her potential was finally being realized. Deep down, he always knew she'd amount to something spectacular, far beyond what a savage like him could ever become, but so long as he helped her as much as he could, he was content. He'd spent practically his entire life alongside Coco, and finally she surpassed him, completely outsmarting him and bringing him to her mercy, her skills finally catching up to her intelligence,

"C'mon, Coco."

Slow, heavy steps carried him closer and closer with each stride, webbing covering his torso and face in rough patches but still enabling him to move. He knew what was to come next, and to be honest he wouldn't have it any other way, but the question was.. did she have it in her?

[/font]

[daisy]

♥; be my last

I allowed myself a victorious smile beneath my golden visage. The ultimate predator, entangled and ensnared... I had really done it. Kain, always two steps ahead of me, ever since we were young. He had protected me, saved my hide countless times, always been there for me when i needed him. But now... I didn't have to depend on him anymore. But just then... The way he said my name, i couldn't help hesitate. My stance softened, although my opulent armour retained its solid demeanour. I watched my web crash into him, him and those deadly snakes of his. I watched him struggle, i watched him fall to his knees, and my heart, it fell too. He was my prey. He was a fly, strung up at my leisure, wings beating and beating, with no chance of escape. That wasn't Kain.

Then that flash of red, glinting out from a gap in my silken embrace... I hadn't seen that eye in a long time. Gone was the hunter, the warrior, the man eager for blood. All i saw was my best friend. I could picture his other eye too, back before he lost it. Both of those eyes used to seem so carefree. They used to smile at me, not this scorn i was fixated with so often. And in that instant, i fell in love all over again. Fell once more for the cocky boy, kind of a loudmouth, with the biggest heart i'd ever known.

c'mon, coco

A loud crack, and the façade began to collapse. Flakes of gold drifted from my skin, careless and cold, dancing and twirling into dust in the breeze. And i looked at him, trussed up in thread, still as proud as he'd ever been. My hands were balled into fists, carefully painted nails digging into my palms. I was holding myself together by a thread, just as i'd held him together all this time. Just as he was kept together now.

C'mon, Coco. C'mon, Coco. That's right. Coco. Coco von Alexandria Valentino, the second, if you please. I'm not the boy i was when we met, Kain. Not by a long shot. I'm not just an accessory!

Tossing my hair back, my trademark strut brought me closer and closer, before i broke into a run, heels tearing up the earth beneath me, my shawl flying from around my shoulders, my hair held now by the wind, and not my hairspray. So carefully made up, so perfectly put together. Such a delicate composition. I couldn't have done it without you. But now, now i have to! I closed the last few meters in a bound, high heels slipping from my feet as i leaped towards him. My lips parted, vivid red, and gold began to emerge. Razor sharp, deadly, a spear fit to impale. Snatching the weapon from my lips, i was upon him.

Mascara ran, eyeliner smudged, and i stabbed my darling.

[sachi]

The spear closed in as if in slow motion, Kain watched the golden substance for what felt like hours and hours, from its creation all the way up until he took it in her hand, the distance between them rapidly closing. Was this finally it? She going to realize her talent, becoming the predator he always knew her to be, her potential not only allowing her to catch up to Kain, but surpass him entirely. He was no longer the fiery savage he often was, in fact he was all too quiet, his demeanour and facial expression hinting that he was in fact at peace, almost happy, but at the same time sad,

"That's it..."

His voice was quiet, far more graceful than his usual tone as the threads that bound him previously began to fall, unravelling first from his face then all down his torso, finally finding freedom in what he expected to be his last moments, and then finally she would reach him...

Blood shot into the air, spraying out in large droplets, marking Kain's face as well as Coco's , the sound of the weapon penetrating the flesh just below his neck able to be heard clearly in the silence, and without even so much as a wince or movement whatsoever, Kain let the golden substance to be driven straight into him. The pain was incredible, but at the same time it didn't really hurt much at all, he was literally seconds from death... and then something would happen, she would stop, mere inches from hit vital areas. Kain's eyes widened, his head tilting down ever so slightly so he could clearly see the wound with the spear still in him, and then to Coco whose hands had dropped away from the weapon, her attack finished, with Kain still very much alive,

"NO!"

He screamed loudly, with an intensity that contradicted the rather docile demeanour he had been displaying only moments earlier. Right arm shot upwards, his hand wrapping around the base of the spear still shoved in his chest, and with a single tug he would pull it out, tossing it down at the ground and then making a sudden dash towards Coco. His movements were noticeably slower, his grip noticeably weaker as he grabbed her by the face, but his fierceness had returned. With a single push of his arm he would aim to shove Coco to the ground rather hard, leaving him to stand over her, blood leaking profusely from his chest and dripping to the ground beneath him,

"Why are you still so WEAK?!"

He suddenly coughed, blood spit up in his mouth as he did so, left forearm lifted to wipe it away,

"You couldn't even finish me off! Why?!"

He took a step backwards, staggering slightly as he did so, his left arm now moving down to cover the large wound, and although it was deep and bleeding heavily, it wasn't going to be fatal. Why has she stopped so close? Did she lose her nerve? Was she unable to kill him? How was she ever supposed to grow when he was around her, when her biggest weakness was something she couldn't get rid of? A couple more steps backwards increased the distance between them,

"You . . . You don't need me anymore!"

All at once he began stripping off his equipment with his right arm. Projectile weapons hit the ground, pouches of explosives, his money and then finally his machete, all dropping to the dirt with light thuds. He didn't need this anymore, he didn't need her anymore, he couldn't allow himself to. Just the same, she was his only weakness, the only chink in his armour and the only thing he'd ever allowed passed his defences like he had... in this sense, neither of them could truly grow as they wished if they remained so close, constantly together, their feelings only strengthening, he two of them only growing more attached, how could either of them become truly independent if they relied on eachother so much?

"I don't need you, Coco. . ."

He turned slowly - moving taking great effort on his part by this point - so that his back faced her, he couldn't bear to look at her any longer. This would be the last time he would see her, and he'd be lying if he said it wasn't getting to him, his eyes visibly tearing up as he turned, his pride forcing him to walk away from the only thing he'd ever loved, or even cared about at all,

". . . Goodbye"

Kain whispered to himself under his breath then would leave her there, and for the first time in his life he felt lonely. Coco and Kain, whose meeting seemed destined by fate, would find their paths effectively split, never to see eachother again for a long, long time, if ever again.

/retiring Hirohata, Kain.

[/font]

[Gentlemanne]

retirement approved

manty tiers were cryed for ur lost.

[daisy]

♥; the end.

I felt it. Felt it slide past his flesh, with little initial resistance. I... I felt the crunch. My hands were white, clinging to that shard of a weapon desperately, but suddenly, i knew they could do no more. I let go. Shaking, tears flowing freely down my face, my makeup running and my creation falling apart. I stumbled backwards, away from him, away from his blood. My legs were trembling, why was i still standing? With a ferocity i had never seen before, he lunged towards me, and i merely closed my eyes. I felt his touch, a hand clasping my head, and i went limp. As if in slow motion, i felt the push, forcing my helpless body to the ground. I didn't open my eyes once. Not as i fell, not as i hit the ground, and not as i sprawled beneath him, jewellery askew, stockings torn. I felt something then, a single droplet landing on my pale face. I opened my eyes then... his tears? No. It was blood. Blood i made him bleed. I screamed. I raised my hands to my face, nails chipped and rough, and i screamed. Reality hit me like a knife in my gut, thrust cruelly, twisting and tearing me wide open.

KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN KAIN

It hurt. How could i possibly hurt this much and remain alive? How could he not need me? How could he live without me? How could he stand there and kill me? I was still screaming, still feeling his blood on my face, i could see my stained fingers through my eyelashes, the thick mascara clumped and leaking. I could barely hear the clunking of items being discarded, it was as if he was acting in another world. Kain, my Kain, he'd never leave me. Was i being discarded too? Like his machete, like everything he owned?!

no. please, no. please, please, please, don't!

But i couldn't say anything. Tears and pain and wounded sobs and dreadful, heart wrenching gasps for air. That was my reality now. Not him. Not his beautiful, scarred face, and his strong, warm touch. Not him. Not him! He turned so slowly. I watched him through my crimson fingers. The... the last look of his face. Kain, please, please...

". . . Goodbye"

I broke. How could the world go on? How could everybody else keep on living, when it had ended? Didn't they realise? Didn't anybody understand what had happened?! Helplessly, i crawled to my knees, stumbling to my bare feet, reaching, reaching for him...

Kain was gone, and i still remained.

"Can you not call it shopping?"

Kain...

"You're stupid, let's go."

Maybe i was.

"You're aware that you are a man, yes?"

I guess so.

"What.. did you have in mind?"

Nothing that mattered... Nothing at all!

"Coco.."

Kain?

"Yeah.. I'm here."

Not anymore.

...



I don't know how long i stayed there. At some point, i must've fallen to my knees, i could see the grazes already. Right in front of me, a pile of things. His things. I couldn't feel anything. I must've been cold... I stood up. That was easier than i expected. I walked slowly over to where my shoes had fallen, and i slipped them on, back to my usual height. I picked up a few scattered accessories, and threw my forgotten shawl over my shoulders. I wasn't even shaking anymore. My eyes were half closed, my lips motionless as i moved. Numb, i knelt down in front of his stuff. Hesitantly, i picked up his machete and slid it into my belt. The weight was reassuring. Cold metal, unfeeling. As an after thought, i took his money too. I had no idea he possessed so much of it. I tried to think of things i could buy, but nothing happened. I got to my feet once more.

I began to walk.

exit.

SPOILER: Click to show

tearfully looted 1 machete and 71490 ryo.

[Apple]