Fragility Atop a Bed of Thorns [P][Genbu]

[--Megumi--]

It had been a while since I had even stepped foot outside of the village. Not by choice mind you. I was tied up with legs that were not working properly. It was the most dreadful of feelings. Someone such as I should never be bound and cooped up like some fledgling bird in a next. Let alone should I have been injured to such an extent. That boy would pay. If not now, if not tomorrow, if not for thirty years. He would PAY.

Today, however, I allowed myself to think not of revenge nor my rise to glory. In fact, it was almost disheartening as to how nostalgic I had become over the last couple of hours. After wandering away from Kusagakure no Sato I had found myself in the same field of flowers that my sister and I had parted ways. My dear, dear sister. My twin who had the single flaw of different colored eyes. Otherwise she would be as perfect as I.

Red was not our color. I could not help but pity her. Perhaps it was that pity that made her do as I said for so many years. I suppose leaving home was not the easiest on her. But I did it for us. I would be great and she would be there to witness it. She would have had it all. But no. She ran away and now lost to world like most things I had once cherished.

Flashes of a life I once knew in Hoshigakure no Sato buzzed about in my head. My sister and I playing together, on fair terms, no arguing or controlling, while our Mother watched from a distance. Father would come home, always polishing his headband before passing it over to Mother. It was hers after all. When she had retired to be a Mother, Father promised to carry on her legacy along with his.

Very drab, but romantic to say the least.

Sometimes I missed, I yearned for that life back. BUT that was impossible. There was no life for me to return to, nor my sister. All we had was each other and she abandoned that. I could feel my hands ball into fists at the thought. I would be great and I would get what belonged to me. Power. Glory. Rite to rule. Nothing about Hoshigakure would ever allow that. With a growl that was ever so unbecoming (something a woman of my caliber thankfully did within the privacy of my loneliness) I ripped a handful of flowers, a bouquet if you will, and threw them to the sky.

"I will never go back! You watch Saya! You just watch!! I will become the star and twinkle of the people's eye and all you will do is fall to shadow."

I paused, inhaling as if every breath counted before screaming at the top of my lungs; something else that was just ever so unbecoming for me.

"YOU HEAR ME SAYA!? DO YOU HEAR ME!!?!?" However even with my gut wrenching, and rather overplayed antics I clung to my stubborn demeanor and arrogance. Even as tears from memories passed clung to the edges of my beautiful cerulean eyes I paid them no mind. Instead I allowed myself to fall backwards amongst the many wildflowers at bloom. They would be my sanctuary for now.

Even in her absence, they still reminded me of her.

[DEVIL—]

She doesn't sound too pleased, Bass reasoned with himself as he hovered a bit of a distance above Azami and her "imaginary friend." Whoever she was talkin' too, this Saya, must've really gotten in a bit of a jab before leavin' her where she was. Granted, that seemed to be the general theme with this diamond in the rough; Azami had a lot of bark, but her bite wasn't nearly as ferocious. Oddly enough, the dark-skinned Chuunin was interested in seeing the day that her teeth could really sink in and tear off some meat.

But, from what he'd seen thus far, that wouldn't be for quite some time.

Lowerin' his clay falcon a little more to make himself noticeable, Bass addressed Azami with a half-hearted salute and crookedly handsome smile. "Aye there, wifey." Both arms were crossed over his chest, and his head tilted to the side. "It looks like ya legs healed up real nice. I'm glad; I was kinda worried that I hit ya a lil' too deep tha last time we linked up."

Despite the volatile status of their relationship, Bass didn't prepare any of his nasty little tricks like last time. Instead, his arms remained where they were; it was a peace sign, to say the least. If he wanted to hurt her, he would've just carpet bombed her from the moment he noticed her. Nah, he actually wanted to talk. He found the girl's demeanor... Interesting, to say the least. She had a certain' spice about her that he simply couldn't stray from.

That, and she definitely wasn't bad to look at. Everyone could appreciate a cute lil' snowbunny, right? "Did ya miss me?"

[--Megumi--]

The sky above as something pretty enough to distract my rather rampant thoughts. I disliked when I lost control. When I did, bad things usually tended to happen. Again my mind drifted back to the days within Hoshigakure no Sato but I quickly squashed them. I had already endured one break down for the day. I would hardly let myself succumb to such a frivolous action a second time. Let alone over something as minor as the past.

However beautiful the sky was though, a pesky hawk got in the way of the sunlight that licked at my skin. Though annoyed I ignored the poor thing. It would be on its way soon enough. However it lowered itself, coming closer to me. It was much larger than I expected as well as being a bit of a gray color. It was odd, I never saw a hawk like that except for the one time when he was creating gray colored clay animals.

There he is. It's really him.

Atop the bird was the dark skinned boy from Iwagakure not Sato. The moment he addressed me I felt a heat washing through my body. Despite that dreadful nickname, at the time, I did not even hear it. My blood was boiling and my thoughts went blank. As he continued speaking to me, the simple sound of his voice sent a convulsion through my body. Perhaps it was anticipation for what was next, but really I knew I seethed hatred.

I did not say anything, however I did glower as I pulled myself up from the ground. My eyes were fixated on him whilst the grasses around me shuddered with my movement. The grass parted a path for me as I moved a few steps forward, however I stopped after the third step. Said grass began to twine together like pikes waiting to pierce a victim. Even the moaning of wood from the roots below and the trees from afar echoed and were carried by the wind.

All of this without a single hand seal.

However this was when I realized I had begun to lose myself once again, much like how I almost had earlier. I caught myself however as one of the tightly woven pikes of grass began to grow, as if it wanted to quickly pierce the heavens and that of the boy himself. But upon my rash use of my abilities I calmed myself. The grass fell apart and would lay in a rather unattractive matter for now. The natural beauty of the field would return in good time.

"Oh yes," I started, voice an octave lower than normal. "How I have missed you so, boy." The sarcasm was most likely quite obvious but I did not care. He was not in the same stance like before so I knew I was safe at the moment. "What brings the likes of you here, hm? Surely no to just see me?"

[DEVIL—]

Scratching his chin, Bass lofted his chin and cocked his head to the side. "Now, I know ya ain't forgotten my name. So, what'cha keep callin' me boy for, huh?" His voice was tinged with just a bit of mocking 'hurt', though it was obvious from his expression is was just that - an act. "I was at least nice enough ta call ya wifey, y'know?" Despite her impressive display, Bass lowered his bird even further.

So low, in fact, he jumped from the bird and touched down with the ground. The creature, however, remained nearby (1m). He wanted to show her he wasn't tryin' to cause any problem; however, he wasn't one for trustin' her one hundred percent.

"And, for ya information, I did come 'ere ta see just ya." Both hands raised, exposing the mouths located at the center of their palms. They weren't chewin', and and their tongues rolled twice to reveal not an ounce of clay inside of their drippin' maws. "Not wantin' ta cause ya any problems, love. I just wanted ta make sure yer okay, and that ya wounds healed a lil' bit."

He took several steps forward, arms still raised. "So, how about'cha don't do any of ya funky grass and tree stuff, and we can have a nice lil' chit-chat kind o' date, huh?" Bass smirked. "It's not like I get ta take a beautiful lady like yaself out too often, y'know?"

[--Megumi--]

"Bass."

One worded and simple. That was my response to such a ludicrous display of affection. If it could even be called that. However, he knew my name, and he was indeed 'nice' enough to not simply address me as 'girl' or 'woman'. I supposed that just this once using the name he had given me wouldn't destroy my ego all that much. However if felt weird to address the boy I held such a grudge with by a name, like he had become someone personal within my life.

Again, how absolutely ludicrous.

He claimed that he had come to merely see me. I suppose putting those nasty hands of his up were proof that he came in peace. But really? How utterly disgusting could one like him be? I had not seen his hands when we fought all too well. Now, however, those hands were open and and their tongues rolled to doubly prove his innocent. I felt my stomach flip and I could have nearly vomited at the sight. However I had such class that I would not ruin it due to something regarding him.

"Fine," I started, while staring at the dark skinned boy before me. Anything around myself that would have still been touched with chakra and poised to attack would be drained. The plant life would fall back into place, though significantly turned over in places. I even impressed myself sometimes, really I did. However I had almost lost control there, which would not have been too good. "Let's talk."

I put sit down into the now undesirable looking grass, now staring up at him as he walked closer. I did not like this new position, but perhaps if I budged a little he would be comfortable enough to be nowhere near as ready to make any of those dreadful clay bombs. And if he was in the grass, one wrong word and I could perhaps skewer him on a pike made from the wonderful green below.

"Thank you for the compliment, I suppose. Though I already knew as such. I come from a noble family, mind you." Most would think it was just my attitude and unreal confidence that would conjure up such a statement. But back home, I had really hailed from 'the greats' so to speak. "As for my legs, Bass they are doing fine. I have not been able to work or walk correctly until just yesterday. So though they have healed, it was still quite the annoying process...and rather undesirable!"

Pausing I would idly sift my fingers through the grass. The feeling was much better than the thought, of say, that boy's lip pressing against mine once more. That awful moment was simply done to rub more salt into her mental wound. He was such a terrible boy. Granted he spared me my life, but really! A kiss?! Again, I felt as though I would vomit just thinking about it.

"What of you? How has your time away been?"

[/justify]

[DEVIL—]

Bass watched carefully as Azami relaxed (or at least pretended to), slowing his gait as he reached a more comfortable distance. His hands were tamed by writhing fingers, closing the mouths and sealing the slippery, moist tongues back into the depths of his palm. Still, not sure how long this "peace" would last, Bass stood; knowin' the girl's affinity for nature was more than enough to put him on edge-- hell, he didn't even really feel comfortable standin' there, and not on his masterpiece!

"I've been fine," he said while crouching down to be more on level with her. "Could be betta, y'know, but I'm alive and breathin' and I'm guessin' that'll be enough fo'now." Propping his arms on his legs, he tilted his head to the side; he was still boppin' to the rhythm flowin' out of the large headphones wrapped around his neck.

Silently, he thought about everything she'd said thus far. Royalty, huh? Then that bit about her legs. "Y'know, lil' momma, I think we really got off da wrong foot." Reaching into the pouch at his hip, he retrieved a roll of bandages. "Ya might know it, sure, but ya a beautiful lady. I dun even like fightin' females, in tha first place." Slowly, be began wrappin' his right hand, covering the mouth and essentially sealing it. Finished with that, he tended to his left. "But I wasn't lyin' when I said ya got an awfully pretty name, and a mighty fine smile."

Slipping the bandages back into his pouch, he smiled and extended his right hand toward her. "How about we start kind o'fresh, hm? I'm sure ya could use a guy who can be flyin' around tha world, and I know I could use a girl with ya particular talents, as well."

Completely exposed, the Chuunin could only think of one other thing to sweeten the deal. "And I promise I won't be givin' ya anymore unwanted kisses, hm? Plus, I'll be keepin' ya little secret about how I gave ya round lil' bottom a nice spankin'; can't have ya reputation damaged, can we?"

A toothy, pearly white smile split his dark face. "Whaddaya say? Friends?"

[--Megumi--]

It sounded that he lived a rather boring life. Perhaps it was just I who thought such a thing, but honestly, I would think that a Chuunin from one of the Five Great Nations would live in a little more luxury. Though the pair of large headphones that he wore around his neck looked pricey enough, as would the player it was attached to---even though I couldn't see it that is.

I watched though as he began to wrap his hands with bandage wrap. It was an odd gesture, considering it blocked the mouths that graced, or in my distaste, disgraced, his palms. Molding clay would be out of the question as would imbuing with his explosive chakra. It was a peace offering. How cute. However I was not about to attack him now, as much as I had wanted to. If anything, that would show him that I am intent on staying seated in the grass and among the flowers.

The whole while he tended to his hands, he was addressing me. Apparently he thought we had gotten off on the wrong foot, so to speak. It was a terrible exaggeration. After all, we were attempting to kill one another. Regardless his words should have fallen on deaf ears. I was used to receiving compliments, as was Saya. It was nothing new, however the way he executed it somehow gave my face permissions to change hue ever so slightly to a shade of pink. The heat warned me however and I became irritated immediately.

How dare he sweet talk me like this?! I really honestly hope that he does not think something will come of this!!

"I suppose I should say thank you then. I indeed do have a pretty name and a pretty smile. My Father told my sister and I that while we grew up." Idly, though more so because of caution, my cerulean eyes watched the hand that put the bandages back into his pouch. I ignored his comment of disliking situations where he had to fight girls. Chivalry was bothersome, made me feel as though I had somehow been belittled.

I let this slide. After all I was above such petty things as this.

Of course when he extended his hand out, from instinct I grasped it with mine. Anything to make him be quiet and continue to give me compliments. Besides, someone who could fly all over would indeed be quite useful. He could find my ever so dear sister for me. However I really had no clue how he thought I could be of use to him. Granted, I did not want to be used by him. I played the role of Queen much better while Bass seemed more like a Knight than anything.

"And what would my mastery be used for then, bo---Bass, hm? What could a Mokuton user give you?" I had started. I wanted to continue to quiz him on the matter until he brought that day up. The failure, embarrassment, and above all else, the kiss that he gave me while he left me there to heal and make my way back to the village like a beaten dog. Whether he helped me or not, it was still quite the insult.

"You would have been better off if you had not even mentioned it. My reputation will forever me spotless, even if I have to clean those stains and erase them myself." I eyed him, my stare narrowing into a glare. "We are merely acquaintances at the moment. And I promise you it will never be more than such." With my words trailing, I inhaled sharply as if the oxygen healed every bit of anger I had.

Unfortunately that was not the case.

"Also, Bass. You kiss me again I will leave you the way you left me. Only without tending to your wounds." The grass and foliage beneath us rustled in response the flare of chakra I had given upon the warning. However I would not do anything to control the environment. Despite my disdain and the absolute horrible company he provided, there was one good thing about this.

Saya.

[DEVIL—]

"Ya can't be so serious all tha time, Azami." Bass's head tilted to the side, stained with a deep frown. "I wasn't tryin' ta upset ya or anythin'; just tryin' ta get ya ta smile a lil' bit. We've done made amends, rememba? Ain't no reason ta still be so uptight an' feisty, mon." Bass had a fairly sharp eye, and even though she'd snuffed out the pink fire creeping along her cheeks, he had seen it. No matter how tough or royal she acted, she was a girl - they loved compliments, especially when they were genuine. There was always something different about something being said in passing, and something being said from the deepest pits of truth.

Standing up straight, Bass stretched. "As fo' what I could use ya skills for, who knows? I mean, ya can make forests at the snap of ya pretty little fingers!" he snapped, punctuating his statement. "That's a pretty powerful ability, y'know? I ain't met too many people that can actually do that kind of thing, ta be completely honest." A knowing smirk crawled across his face. "Between ya wood and my explosions, we could make a pretty deadly team. Controllin' the environment while I leave 'em nasty lil' gifts -- bad news fo' whoever it is we be deadin', of course."

"And, like I said, I won't be kissin' ya again." Another mocking frown replaced his smile. "It was kind of rude of me, but we wasn't frie-- acquaintances, then."

Stepping closer, he dropped into a crouch. "So, tell me a bit about yaself? What's ya favorite color? Favorite drink? Food? Hooby?" One hand wrapped around the headphones on his neck, sliding them away and gesturing them toward her. "Do ya like music? I've got some pretty nasty instrumentals on 'ere, if ya wanna check 'em out for a bit. Ya might even like 'it; really helps ya get into a groove when ya fightin'."

Just a little bit of small talk.

[--Megumi--]

"I am serious because I have to be, Bass." I know I nearly spat the words at him, but oddly I wished that I had not. Maybe it was because I knew the boy---Bass was actually trying to make amends for the humiliation he had caused me. In a sense it reminded me how Saya would act whenever I was displeased with her actions of her disobedience. I found myself grow slightly, as in so minuscule no one but myself would notice, more fond of the darker skinned boy in front of me.

"What I mean to say is, I am serious because one can not achieve their goal and attain their dreams unleash they are fully devoted to the cause---as I am." I trailed off at this however, my dreams were mine alone. Even if he and I could use each other for some sort of profit, he would never know of my dreams. It was what I had been destined to do and I needed no help from the likes of him. Unfortunately I needed him for one task and one task alone. "Saya..."

The murmur I gave surprised me but thankfully he had already began speaking of his use for me. It was nothing but battle tactics and shinobi warfare. Typical of such a male character. However I entertained his thoughts with a sly smile that crept across my lips. After all, he was complimenting my brilliance as he spoke as well. "Well, Bass, your little heathens would indeed find solace within my forest. I can turn my victims in circles within my wood and have them run straight into your little...friends."

That dreadful kiss was mentioned, however I would shrug it off. There was no use in getting worked up over it again. After all, I hardly wanted to lose control and get myself all dirtied up. I eyed him as he came close once again to crouch in front of me. Hobbies? Color? Drink? He was really trying to make small talk with me, something, again, only Saya would ever dream to accomplish with a Queen such as myself. However I felt oddly compelled to indulge him, and perhaps indulge myself on what information about himself that he would give.

"Blue. Chai Tea. Reading." I started, answering his generic questions first before eyeing the headset he passed my way. Music? I was quite well versed in music however the moment I put those god awful gaudy things to my ears I yelped and threw them back at him. "That music is terrible! If you want to hear some real music, dear, then I suggest you trash that!"

"I would normally ask of yourself, Bass but instead I will show you true music." My hands flashed through a handful of seals and wood sprouted from my being. It broke off however and fell like a log shaped lump to the ground. However in my hands and in the area we were within, anything was possible with my mastery. With my chakra the wood was molded into what some might say the most beautiful violin they did see. Of course I had seen much better but I had very little to work with. Plucking some tall grass from where we sat as well as using more wood to make a bow, the strings and what normally would have been coarse horse hair had been made from the tumbles below.

I smirked now, or so I thought, but really it was a smile, one so genuine if I had caught glimpse of it I would not have known I was myself. "Pay attention." Using my makeshift bow I put it against the strings of my violin. Slowly I ran it across and a melody as beautiful as my creation itself rung with an echo. Slowly a waltz started to play but there was something much darker to my version than what would have been to the original. Gloom, melancholy, sadness, all were traits of my waltz. My eyes even dared to close as I played, my body swaying slightly with the tune as I played for him.

This was what true music was like. Artful, classic, and elegant---poised with a regal beauty.

[DEVIL—]

Bass's face distorted with disbelief as the woman completely insulted his only reason for living. The music coursing through his headphones were, to him, as important as the blood flowing through his veins. Without it, he simply couldn't operate -- he'd cease to exist! And she had the nerve to say it was horrible?! He would've sent her flyin' to the moon if she wasn't so pretty, with an especially nasty explosion!

"Ya must be out'cha damn mind, woman!" he screeched, slamming his headphones over his ears to drowned out the noise she was creating. "Tha garbage ya makin' now needs ta be trashed! It's hurtin' my ears, cut it out!"

Of course, despite his outburst, Bass noticed a slew of details about the girl's actions. From the dance to the method of how she played her instrument, each piece told a story; she was million-piece puzzle, and so far he had only found four slots.

Blue, he thought to himself while placing the piece down - it was the foundation. Chai Tea he continued, fitting it in alongside the first piece's right flank. Reading - a third piece, this one sat above the first. And classical, terrible music. This was the final piece that he had, setting it to the first piece's right. But, the more he watched her, the more pieces came fumbling into his lap.

Sadness, he noted. Loneliness was another, and so was anger. While these didn't fit with the founding corner, they had their own home on the far right of the puzzle he imagined her to be.

By the time Azami had finished her lovely waltz, Bass was already peering into the sky. His eyes, glazed and distant, seemed to be searching for something; lost in thought, he didn't even notice she finished until a low-point in the music in his headphones, where he couldn't hear the horrendous squeal of her violin. Blinking, his eyes fell back to the girl. "I guess we really do come from two different worlds, eh?" He chuckled. "Ya be all regal n' nonsense, while I'm more-- well, mo' me."

[addy-hime ♥]

Azami, 50 EXP.
Bass, 50 EXP.

[/justify]