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Neutral
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Private RP between FrankandBeans and the Wayne pack |
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Lightbringer
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Night had long since fallen upon the city.
Reaching across the black sky were stretches of dark gray clouds, revealing the skies higher yet in strips as the wind shaped and chased the masses, allowing a glimpse or two at the full moon hanging in the night. A breeze wove throughout the forest composed of metal and glass and concrete, bringing with it a slight chill.
The night had cast the cloak of darkness upon it, and was repelled to an extent by the unnatural lights shining from the buildings. But the signal was heeded to return home, to relax and be safe in peoples' own places. But it also lured out others; thieves and murderers were emboldened by the hanging dark in dimly lit alleyways and streets, some lingering in the shadows like predators searching for prey and some skulking about and searching for weak points in buildings, yet wary and almost skittish in the way that prey was, as if sensing that the apex predators were stalking the night.
Others were drawn out by the relative safety that the veil of nighttime promised. Some of them with nothing but malice in their hearts, driven by the need to see others powerless and weak; some were driven by the need to ensure the streets were safe to walk and to drive away the malevolence that roamed; and some of those came out for independence and a desire to cause mischief. The world of heroes and villains is one seen in black-and-white by most, one side was the light and the other the dark, with little gray to be seen in the middle.
High above the streets, a lone figure crouched on the edge of a building. Motionless, save for the gentle movement of the sides as he breathed, and the miniscule motion of his covered head tracking something below. It would be an interesting and perhaps eerie image if a bystander happened to glance upwards at the right angle, the total black of the villain's outfit blended into the dark, save for the rich purple flowing on the right side of the top he wore and the same shade that colored the fabic mask. The splashes of color caught the light that drifted upwards, flashing as the figure leaned forward slightly, a new tension in his muscles. Forest green and white had drawn the villain's keen eyes, head popping up slightly like a dog who had just seen something of interest.
Venandi, a notable within the society of both heroes and villains, locked onto a new target. Excitement sparked inside him as he slowly unfolded from his previous position, stretching his legs out as he moved to relieve the slight stiffness the muscles had gained from the prolonged crouch. Behind the mask, bright green eyes accessed the building on which his target was at the moment, far enough down that simply leaping for it would not end well, but not too far from where he stood. And with that knowledge in mind, he set to unraveling the puzzle that would lead him down from his perch; the city and its buildings were both a puzzle and a maze, the wrong path could end in having to swiftly backtrack and waste time, one had to be wary where they tread for boards and pipes and brick edges could easily crumble or break and send him hurtling toward his death.
The precarious footing did not bother the black and purple clad villain in the least, he slunk his way down with each step swift and sure. It was as if he were more feline than human, as he sprang to a lower spot and balanced himself, the fabric wrapping around his head and neck shifting with a whispering rustle as he took a moment to orient himself. Then after the moment of stillness, he took a step back against the cool material of the building, and then leapt for the next building over. Venandi cleared it somewhat easily, it had almost been out of his range but he made the jump nonetheless. Landing in a roll and springing to his feet in a practiced motion, he ducked down a little and crept closer to the other side of the flat roof. Closer to the subject of his attention, he could make out more details other than the colors, could make out the shape of the twin braids the hero wore. A moment to observe, to ensure that she was not about to suddenly turn and see him there, and then he was on the move again. The temptation to giggle rose and he stifled the sound in his throat, with a playful sort of excitement coursing through his veins, it was hard to not make a sound; it felt awfully like sneaking up on his friends as a child.
Then after a time of taking a roundabout path on the rooftops, he finally was close to his target. Another running start to a leap that carried him over the gap and brought him to land a few inches away from the ledge of the building, landing in a crouch and holding the position before getting to his feet. A grin crawled across his face, one of someone who was well versed in a routine and looked forward to initiating it once again. A light step forward and to the side, keeping well away from the green and white clad hero in preparation for action.
"The Firebird! Wouldn't have thought I'd find you out here." The villain chirped to the hero, his voice light and filled with cheer, as if greeting a long time friend. In giving away his position without striking immediately after, it conveyed a respect to the rules of the game the two played. Less of a struggle between sworn enemies and more of a test of strength and training against a somewhat friendly equal. |
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Neutral
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The peaceful cover of a dark night sky was the greatest feeling to the hero. The extra layer of protection proved useful for moving around undetected. The woman walked this same route many times, it lead from the bustling city center down the winding side streets toward her apartment. Crime levels had been extraordinarily high lately and civilians had asked the local known heros for extra help, human police were just no match against the villians that raided shops, homes and generally terrorized the public! Maisey took pride in her job, the feeling of helping people was unmatched. Even in her secret little civilian life she was a total people pleaser, so she jumped at most opportunities. The air felt heavy around her this particular night, no other people were within earshot. The only noises were the clicking of her feet and the distant rumbling that the city always seemed to produce, her sensitive ears would often take note of something. Maybe a bird, a leaky pipe, anything that broke the monotonous sound of her steps. Strangely, her guard was lower than usual. Her mind raced with a million thoughts. From jobs that needed doing in her personal life, to the daily anxiety that accompanied the life of a hero. Her brow furrowed as she walked, a strained look plastered her fast. Best described as 'resting bitch face'. It was almost like clockwork when her keen ears latched onto a new target, her gait stopped and she inhaled sharply as she gazed around. Intently observing every shadow and building, someone was here and she already had a good idea on who that would be. His voice filled her thoughts, consuming them immeidately. The familiar, almost warm voice wiped the frown and replaced it with a cocky smirk. Swiftly and elegantly she spun on her heel to face him, her arms crossing gently over her chest. "Oh.. how ever did you find me?" she retorted, her thick accent echoing off the buildings around them. If she wasn't recognized by the suit, red braids or her abilities. She was certainly recognized by her voice! This wasn't their first, second or even third interaction. The pair 'fought' regularly, however.. no one ever came out injured. Their unspoken rules allowed for a fun, learning experience for the both of them. She would never admit it, but she loved their cat and mouse game. It was almost a shame that no other humans were around for her to posses, how she loved evading him and watching him figure out who she was controlling. It was thrilling to feel in control of the fight, but this time- alone in the alley he had the upper hand. She knew it, but it didn't stop her from initiating their little battle. She let a smooth, cheeky laugh escape her lips as she moved to meet him, swiftly striking for his shoulder knowing it would never be a lethal blow, especially with her strength not being her forte. The Firebird as she was affectionately known to the city, relied more on her wits and active abilities than her brute strength or speed. She hoped to even just unbalance her rival, giving her enough time to make a run for it toward a side of a building conveniantly adorned with scaffolding. It was as if the city just wanted them to fight. It handed them options left right and center. It never dawned to her that perhaps her rival sought after her, she believed it was purely coincidental. She looked back at her apponent as she scaled the first level, pulling her body up with ease. "Do your worst!" she called out, laughing as she anxiously awaited his next move. The adrenline pumping through her veins a mix of fear and excitement. |
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Lightbringer
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The villain's stance was relaxed yet alert, a looseness in the body that signaled lack of true wariness that would normally come with facing off against a hero. It was visible around the edges, the light way he moved and woven into his voice. Here, it was not the prelude to a struggle of enemies seeking to hurt and drive away; rather it was something different, warmer and more fond than what would be considered normal of an interaction between two people who were divided by the line that had been drawn long before either of them had started. One could argue that in this game they played both were already toeing the line, that in no longer viewing each other as hostile, that the unspoken boundaries were complicated to a point for the both of them.
"Oh I don't know, I guess I just stumbled across you while on my way." Came the response to The Firebird's retort, his remark may have seemed casual if not for the slight teasing tone it took on. He tilted his head to the side a little, shifting his weight to the other side. A weakness, a shift in balance he would never have presented to somebody who wished him harm.
The villain's heart was beating quick in his chest, the sound of it echoing in his ears and filling the gaps of silence in between the two's banter. He took a step closer, an eager energy ensuring that he was ready to move. As he watched the hero, he couldn't help but think that the invisible lines were even thinner than before, after all, what villain geninuely enjoyed a confrontation with a hero? Who would purposefully divert from their path just to have fun like this? But he didn't care, he had already long admitted to himself that he was drawn to the hero he was facing; like a moth to the flame, from the first time they fought each other. And ever since, he found himself unable to stay away.
He was broken out of his thoughts by a smooth laugh that bounced off of the buildings around them, contained briefly by the confining objects, preceding a strike that smacked into his shoulder and forced him back a step. His instincts kicked in and the black and purple wearing villain skipped away from the target of his attention, but he wasn't to fear more for the moment, as she immediately went for scaffolding on a conviently placed building.
Venandi could have avoided that hit.
But he knew, in a way, that he didn't want to.
A laugh flowed from his mouth, slightly muffled by the mask that covered his face, but audible all the same. For a moment, he hung back, looking about the alley, seeking any alternate paths he could take to try and cut Firebird off, but he did not see any from where he stood. Scaffolding it is then, he thought as he went for the framework that regularly held the weight of people as they worked. He paused a moment before climbing, tipping his head back to better see the hero who just called to him.
"Oh I will!" He responded, his voice bright and a smile evident in his tone. Then he started climbing, falling into the repetitive motion of hauling himself up the building. He planned to try and go past the hero, he wasn't comfortable trying anything while clinging to scaffolding. It would be a shame if one of them fell off and broke a bone just because one of them got it in their mind to try and fight while climbing.
As Venandi got closer to Firebird's place on the building, he shifted over to the right more so that he could keep scaling the framework without risking getting kicked in the face, accidentally or not. He slowed down slightly, becoming more careful with his movements and eventually came level to her for a moment.
"Please don't start anything while we're climbing, it's not fun to go break something if one of us falls." The villain said that as he reached for a higher part of the scaffolding that he was clinging to, before climbing higher. He may have been exaggerating a little when he said that, he knew from experience that even a short drop could sprain or break a leg or ankle if one landed wrong, and he wouldn't appreciate having to drag himself back to his place with an injury like that, and he got the feeling that the hero would probably feel the same way.
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Neutral
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The woman felt her heart pounding as she continued her climb, glancing back regularly to see how far he was. It was a known fact between the two that he was stronger, and it was no surprise when he passed her. The wind grew stronger the higher they ascended, the thought of falling had barely crossed her mind until he spoke. Now suddenly all too aware she glanced down and paused, one hand placed on the rail above as she spoke. "You make it sound like I'd want you to fall!" She chuckled breathlessly as she glanced over. She stayed frozen in place until he continued and she eagerly followed. The cold bars of the scaffold began to make her arms ache, a welcomed kind of pain. But pain no less. The Firebird released a quiet sigh before pushing through. No way was she letting him out of her site! Her eyes locked up onto him as she rose, silently calculating each move that would be needed. Something about the way he effortlessly pulled himself up distracted her for a moment and she felt her grip loosen ever so slightly in turn causing her body weight to jolt down before regaining her grip. Adrenaline coursed through every inch of her body as she laughed the minor mishap off. The kind of laugh you experience when you know you could've been in deep trouble. These kinds of near misses happened all too often with their work, she didn't let it get to her and she powered up. Catching up to him briefly, once again eye level. One more rail and they would be on top of the building. She jumped, grabbing the railing with both hands as she swung for a second, her arms were on fire but her goal of reaching the top was right above her. She grunted as she swung her legs up to land on the lip of the roof, pausing for a second to gain her balance before pulling herself all the way up. Her battles with the man were always odd, anyone else would've taken multiple chances to try and kill her! But even now standing on top of the building she knew she was safe with him. A grin filled her face as she rested her hands on her hips, catching her breathe momentarily. Captivated by the views below and around her! She thought back to their latest encounters, her mind began to race with different scenarios. He always kept her on her toes and she hoped he made her feel the same. "You make me work too hard Venandi!" She practically purred, of course she didn't mean it. She loved the challenges he provided, even if it was conveniently every other day at the moment! "If you win-" she mused as she brought a hand to cup her chin "-I will" she paused again to think momentarily. She was running out of ideas, they made so many bets! "I'll give you my 'Platinum' ring" she announced. These special rings were generally acquired after great defeats, or as gifts from the government. They were more of a status symbol than anything, and if he had one of hers it'd look like he defeated her. A risk she was willing to take. Some might say she was too cock toward the man, that he could turn at any moment if he really wanted to. He was a villain after all, but deep inside she knew he wouldn't. He would've by now! She was adamant that their unspoken pact remained. |
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Lightbringer
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The wind was fairly strong at the height the strange pair were, and there was a sharp bite to the edge of the air as it swirled around them. It blew against Venandi's top and pressed the fabric closer to his side and back, the chill sinking in through the hoodie and the shirt he wore underneath. If he was to be still instead of hauling himself up the metal scaffold, it would definitely been enough to elict mild shivering on his part, but the exericse of climbing up the taller building chased away the cold. He smelled the sharp freshness of the moving air as it flowed through the light fabic and swirled with the warmth of his breaths, taking most of the heat generated with it.
Below him, the sound of laughter had barely floated to his hearing range before being snatched away by the wind, he recognized the tone of the sound and resisted the urge to peer down for a moment or to call down to the hero. The concern was unnecessary, he knew that very well, the villain was very familiar with accidental slips that do not lead to anything. It was a wonder that he had not misplaced a hand or foot yet. Both heroes and villains were no stranger to dangers, and it wasn't something to be affected by too much. But as aware of that fact of life as he was, he could not control the brief flash of alarm even as he found it strange as he did not even see the slip. He quickly shoved those thoughts to the back and focused on climbing again.
The muscles in his arms were starting to tire as he made his way up, the pleasant warmth of exercise had not yet transitioned into strain, not yet. But he could feel it coming as surely as he knew that his breath was coming faster and slightly harder than before, the rushing of blood in his ears and the pounding of his heart. And he relished in those sensations, he loved to push and challenge himself, and The Firebird certainly encouraged him. The hero made him get creative in how he solved things, she constantly threw him off his guard and forced him to adapt, and he loved that.
A minute later, and he glanced to the side for a moment as he was pulling himself to another bar of the scaffolding he was scaling, and the sight of the dark green and white mask and suit of Firebird startled him more than it should have. His eyes flashed wider behind his mask for a moment, his inhalation stuttered for a second, and sudden adrenaline spiked through his system in response to the brief and unintentional scare. He was aware that his grip on the cold metal had tightened into a death grip, and he made himself loosen the grasp he had on it a little.
Then the hero was pulling herself onto the roof a moment after he abruptly realized that they had reached the top of the building. He was quick to follow, pausing for a moment to gain better footing before launching himself up to grab the railing. A grunt escaping the villain as he hoisted himself onto the roof, quickly getting his feet under him and taking a few steps onto the surface and away from the edge. And a quick glance at the now grinning hero was proof enough that she had also enjoyed that, not that he needed any, he had known that she seemed to share the excitement that the spars and many, many, bets brought.
Venandi took a few moments to catch his breath, his head tilted skywards to observe the long forms of the clouds floating across the night sky, the glimpses at the bright moon hanging in the sky. Then his gaze turned down to the city, the bright lights and the tall shapes of buildings in a vast stretch of populated land. It was a good night, standing atop the building with a pleasant ache in his arm and legs from the climb, the bite of the chilled air in his lungs and the safe feeling of someone at his back. He didn't even think twice about the person who was supposed to be an enemy standing behind him. Instead of vigilance, he only felt safety with her, and he hoped in a vague way that she felt the same.
His attention was caught by Firebird's voice, a remark about him making her work too hard that was delievered in a smooth voice that was nearly a purr, and he snorted softly upon hearing that. As if. Otherwise she most likely would have dropped the little game they had going a long time ago. As she continued, he turned around to face her with a tilt to his head. His curiosity was roused, what would the hero come up with now?
As the woman paused to think of something, he took a few steps closer to better hear, his attention clearly on the hero. His interest was not only because of the prize if he won, well, maybe that was a little part of it, but that wasn't the main piece of it. And upon hearing what it would be, he stopped dead in his tracks. It took a moment to even think of a response, the astonishment and a few other emotions nearly choking him in their intensity. A Platinum ring.
A Platinum ring.
He didn't even know what to think of that, he was so surprised.
The knowledge that those rings were truly more items to showcase status was fully acknowledged, but that did not take away any of the current emotions he was feeling. The items that were given as a gift from the government or taken after a big defeat, they were known to be special. After all, they were in a way, and they wouldn't be used as a sort of status symbol if they weren't. He knew he didn't deserve it, not like this, not when they didn't truly fight. He didn't deserve even it even if he won. It, it was-
He had to have an amusing expression under the mask. Had to.
"I- I, wha- it, it, I-" He stuttered, unable to complete a single word after he started speaking, he internally cringed at the high pitch his voice had taken. He cut himself off with a strangled growl, shaking his covered head sharply as he snapped his mouth closed so fast that the click of teeth was audible. His hand moved to just over his eyes, fingers curled into a tight fist as he leaned his forehead on it a little. He took a moment to sort out his thoughts and wrangle back a fraction of his usual composure. Then he swallowed thickly before trying again.
"I...excuse me Firebird?" He finally managed to choke out, disbelief clear in his voice, and he resisted the urge to check if he was gaping at the hero again. Barely a moment later he added, "Why even offer it like that? I dont think I could take it, even if I did win..." |
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Neutral
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The wind whipped around the Firebird as she watched the man leap up to her level. She watched him intensely, even through his looser clothing she could see his muscles at work. The wind pushed his clothes tight against his body and she found that she couldn't draw her eyes away. Her eyes never faltered until he turned to face her, she shifted her intense gaze over his shoulder as she pretended to take in the view. She was lucky that her cheeks were already intensely flushed from the workout climbing up that her embarrassment wouldn't be too noticeable. Civilians saw the hero's and villains as fearless, but it was never the truth. She knew she had given him a fright when she caught up. The change in his breathe and his pounding heart had given that away, she had been close enough to hear. Even now, standing before him she felt a pang of nervousness. Perhaps due to the realization that it would be exceptionally easy for him to overpower her up here alone, or maybe it was due to the fact that his presence alone had a certain control over her. She couldn't help but grin smugly as he struggled to string his sentence together. "Cat got your tongue, Venandi?" his name rolled off her tongue like silk, she was known to have a flirtatious attitude however it was different with him. The Firebird was honestly a little shocked at his hesitance and disbelief, this was an opportunity most wouldn't pass up. The power it would give him among other villains would be to his advantage! "Oh come onnn" she rolled her head back, taking a step closer to him - closing the space between them until she was an arms reach away. Slowly she slipped her hand into a tight pocket on her hip and pulled out a green velvet bag matching the material of her suit, which in the moonlight was awfully flattering. She opened the tie and pulled out one of many rings, but one of only two Platinums that she possessed. "I know how much you want it" She insisted, although she was shorter than him her stance was still strong. Maintaining an almost challenging level of eye contact. She let him have a good look at the glistening ring before she slipped it back into the bag and her pocket. Something about him that she noticed was that he was always reluctant to give the first hit. She broke her intense stare to turn to the right, hoping to trick him into thinking she was turning away. Instead she spun back and aimed a kick toward his abdomen, hoping silently only to wind and not hurt him badly. That was if he didn't defend himself first of course, she knew he was a strong competitor. She had seen him in real battles and she knew what he was capable of, to her it was almost an honor to have these light hearted spars. He was dangerous, yet she never felt unsafe with him. Even on top of this roof where she would usually be anxious she was calm. He wouldn't let her fall, would he? |
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Lightbringer
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Venandi wanted to say more to Firebird, but once he had managed to utter the previous words, it was like the ability to speak had left again. Interesting how it seemed to disappear after his emotions rose up again, and so he was left silently opening and closing his mouth, never had he been more grateful for the mask that covered his entire face. It felt like his entire face was on fire for some reason, the heat being chased away due to the wind but he could still feel it. The intensity of the surprise was starting to decrease, the brief emotion starting to wind down after the shock he had had, but he still felt it and confusion that was starting to take the lead. And he didn't appreciate the little remark she gave when he was stuttering, but the annoyance wasn't a true irritation.
In a way, he didn't know why he was hesitating like this on the subject of the ring. He knew that by all means, he should have gone for the opportunity the very moment it left the hero's mouth, but he wasn't and he couldn't. He didn't have the slightest clue why she had decided on a Platinum ring as the prize, and he wondered if it was the first thing that came into her mind that would be desirable or if there was a reason behind it. But that mattered little at the moment, he could think about it later, what was important was that she offered one of the prestigious rings and he didn't deserve it. He would not take it, couldn't.
Seeing as the man was a bit distracted and off guard from that, he barely kept himself from startling when The Firebird came closer to him, even though he had heard her speak before she did so. As she stopped within an arm's length away, he felt his face get even hotter for some reason, and resisted the urge to press a man against his face to see how warm it was. There was a little voice in the back of his head that told him to just take a step back, get a little bit more distance from the hero, but that part of him was overpowered by the side that didn't want to step away. Nervousness flickered to life inside him at the close proximity, which may have been caused because he knew that the hero had a power over him, and he didn't know why.
His attention was drawn from studying her face to her hip when he caught motion out of the corner of his eye, catching the moment when she withdrew a dark green bag. The color of which, he noted, matched with the color of her suit. As he eyed it, there was a quiet suspicion about what it contained, one that would quite quickly prove to be correct.
The villain could not control how his heart's beating sped up slightly as the hero revealed a Platinum ring, the metal shining in the moonlight. He couldn't help how his eyes flicked to the silver ring, a type of fascination coming to life and taking its place in the storm of emotions that were swirling inside the man; he had honestly never seen a Platinum ring before, the sought after object that many heroes and villains would love to gain. But despite the little bit of interest, he knew deep inside that he couldn't take it. He didn't want it, despite the hero insisting upon it.
I don't deserve something like that, Venandi thought as he lifted his head slightly to indicate that he was now looking at The Firebird's face than the ring. As she tucked the ring back into its small bag, the hesitance solidified into determination, he would not take that ring. And he knew how to avoid coming into possession of the object. He would throw the fight, not obviously of course, but he wouldn't win.
It occured to the man that he perhaps should stop being distracted so easily this time around, and the moment the thought formed, the hero had spun around and kicked out at him. Despite his enhanced reflexes, he did not get out of the way in time, and earned a good kick in the abdomen that forced him back a few steps as it drove some of the air out of his lungs. He hopped back a few more paces, before turning to begin to circle the woman in a quick move. His movements were smooth and athletic and quiet, his attention fully on his opponent has he paced around her like a wolf readying for the kill.
Suddenly he burst into motion. Feinting towards the left by taking a few running steps as if about to attack, then swiftly changing direction to the right and darting in close, aiming as strike at her side, knowing that it wasn't strong enough to really hurt. Then he was spinning away from her, not quite out of easy reach, but not within her immediate space. He knew it would be an easy thing to recover and retaliate, and if he was going to lose this fight, it would be good to take a few more hits than normal, but not enough to be suspicious. |
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Neutral
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Everything about the man before her in this moment was intoxicating, she never realized how much she truly enjoyed fighting him until he was there. And he always found her, the first few times it absolutely took her off guard. Now she welcomed it, sometimes she even fantasized in her head how fights would play out and who would win. The way he faltered at the site of the ring caught her off guard, surely he had come in contact with one before? Most villains took joy in stealing them, that's why she always kept hers on her. At least then someone would have to fight hard for them, yet now she was willing to offer one up on the table? Even she wasn't sure why, but she wanted to so she did. When his eyes met hers she felt herself draw in a long breathe, those eyes held so many secrets and they intrigued her. In that moment she wanted to know more about him- not his career but his personal feats. What hobbies he had, what books he read.. her mind raced in a whirlwind of thoughts as he circled her. She likely could've got another hit in by now but she was enjoying watching him. Calculating him. She was brought rushing back down to earth when she took the impact, her adrenaline rising again as she took a step back. She threw him a dangerous grin, how she loved the thrill of combat. Pain egged her on, it always had. It was like a challenge and she wasn't known to turn those down. Suddenly she burst forward, reaching her arms around him in a tackle. They were far enough away from the edge for her to do so, sure it may cut it a little close but she wasn't worried. It just added an extra level of danger, she felt her body collide into his and it reminded her of how strong he was. She trusted him, she wouldn't pull a move like that with anyone else. As they hit the cold floor she was essentially on top of him, breathing heavily as her heart raced faster and faster. She knew he would fit back, that she would risk getting pinned and losing but it was worth it. She was having more fun than any other of her hobbies, she had practically forgotten about the wager too. It was like with him she could release all of the insecurities and anxieties she had in her job. Their unspoken trust and agreement was a great outlet, she couldn't tell her friends about her work. She hated socializing with most heros as of of course most of them were so far up their own ass they could smell their breath. But being here, with this man she really didn't know was so invigorating- so.. intense. |
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Lightbringer
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Atop the roof of the building, with the chilly wind whipping around them on the platform, and the clouds drifting high above their heads, he was happy. His opponent was someone whom he had come to trust, someone who seemed to draw him in like a magnet to a piece of metal. He truly enjoyed their fights and challenges, looked forward to them and the positive experiences were a small part of the reason why he would purposefully seek the hero out, even when in the middle of completing a task. He wasn't sure if it was just the conditions of the night, or the appearance of the ring, but he felt like this interaction was slightly different than their previous ones.
The air around them was different, the mood slightly altered and something else that was telling him that this was a tad different from before. Perhaps it was the ring? How he reacted in a manner that was probably surprising to the hero. After all, he knew that while heroes held their Platinum rings close, the villains were typically the ones to try and grab them from the heroes. Whether by attempting to gain it during or after combat, or learning where the hero kept their valuables and stealing it that way. He couldn't think of many, rather he couldn't think of anyone he knew that would not jump at the chance to have the special object.
He could imagine many ways that Firebird would have responded to his strike.
A tackle was not one of them. Not up on the roof.
It was surprising when the hero charged and leapt at him, arms coming around him as they collided. Instinct kicked in and he responded, attempting to try and angle so that he did not land on his back. The presence of another human on him ensured that he did not manage to do that successfully, he was unused to having to adjust for extra weight and the different balance that offset the action. A second later and his back impacted the roof, a sharp grunt forcing itself from him as the impact knocked the air out of his lungs.
In the moment that it took him to quickly draw breath, he was starkly aware of the fact that Firebird was practically on top of him, both of them breathing heavily. For a fraction of a second, he felt like he had frozen for that briefest flash before acting. He wasn't sure if even she noticed that hesitation. Fight back, but not too hard, he told himself as he suddenly twisted in an attempt to unbalance the hero. As he moved he caught a glimpse of the edge of the roof, and he knew that the both of them were pretty close to the edge of it but for once, he disregarded it. He wasn't going to do anything fancy and nothing that would bring them closer.
Out of the two of them, Venandi was aware that he was the stronger. He knew he could throw the hero off and attempt to pin her down, and he would have if he wanted to win this match. However he had no intention of getting that ring, and so he did not that that. Instead he bucked his hips the best he could, and managed to get the green and white clad hero off of him enough. Once he felt her weight and heat gone from his body, he immediately made a move to get to his feet, with a small pang of longing he didn't quite understand. Seeing as how the villain had been more sprawled out when he had landed, he wasn't able to get up too quickly. Instead he rolled from his back onto his stomach, or the best he could do given the circumstances, and stretched out his arms, hands scrabbling for a spot to gain leverage and get up as he managed to get a foot under him. |
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Spring 
Night 
Clear Moon: 
