[Thread]

[bfieryprincess]

Who: Azula bfieryprincess Nagi striginae
Where: Streets of the Abyss
When: Late at night
Summary: Nagi’s in the Abyss just looking around and the Princess is finishing up a job. Maybe shit goes down.
Rating: PG-13
Other: Um.

Comments

[striginae]

There was no proper response as the figure moved closer, though Nagi did back off a half-step in order to maintain a polite distance between them. And his expression -- from what could be seen past the scarf -- remained blank and impassive. (At one point in time, he may have reacted differently to this situation, tried and brought justice to these people who had most likely been killed for no good reason -- but now, all he knew was that he didn't want any confrontation. These people were dead, and that was that. Nothing more could be done for them, so why bother?) A quizzical glance and a raise of the eyebrow at the threat -- and Nagi wondered if he should perhaps ready himself for a fight? -- probably not, as this hooded stranger didn't seem to be wanting a fight just yet, but still, perhaps just for safety's sake.

A hand moved up to tug at the folds of his scarf uneasily, and Nagi gave a small quizzical tilt of the head. "I'm afraid that where I'm going can be accessed most quickly down this way -- would passing by you and those remains count as something to regret doing?" Despite the dangerous circumstances, he spoke mildly, not seeming overly worried, just asking a simple question. A pause, as he gave a small shrug. "If yes, then I suppose I would have to then defend myself, but that's not a very pleasant thing to have to go through, would it."

[bfieryprincess]

There was no hesitation when she responded. “It is all right to pass. Just take care in keeping the bodies exactly as they are. That’s all I ask.” There was no need to get into any other fights. Besides, it being this late at night, the Princess was rather tired. Too tired to care, too tired to put up a decent fight without drawing too much attention. And it was the Abyss - who knows what kind of tricks this individual would be able to execute, if any. Couldn’t be too careful. Her co-workers have shown her that so far.

With a graceful tilt of the head, she nods to him, and walks past him. Just like that. Confrontation avoided. But before she officially leaves his vicinity, she does want to know what he is doing out here this late. After all, he now knows of her reason. It lay in front of them. “What is a fellow like you doing out this late?” Even though they were back to back, not even facing each other, she was sure he would hear her. There were no other voices, no other sounds other than cars off in the distance and the occasional chit chat among the other people who also roamed the street at this time. No conversation that would want to be eavesdropped on, that’s for sure. Only those with professions that required street walking were out around this time. And this guy didn’t seem to fit any of those profiles, so Azula had to wonder. What was he doing here, anyway?

[striginae]

No confrontation then, that's a relief. And though he's been unconsciously holding his breath, one hand wavering uneasily near his belt, where it would have only taken a swipe at the razor to bring out his ability, he relaxes a bit when the stranger deems that passing through won't be a problem. (That's nice. He'd worried that people down here would jump at most opportunities for conflict.) Other than the small flinch when she went brushing by, he'd mostly composed himself and was quite ready to be headed back towards his destination -- when the question made him pause, and half-turn to look at the stranger over his shoulder.

For a moment, he wondered whether he should ignore the question and continue his way. After all, revealing information about himself here could be problematic, wouldn't it? But on the other hand, he really didn't want to start up a fight. Ah, well -- a vague answer wouldn't hurt too much, would it? Turning around to face her, he gave a small half-shrug -- expression crinkling into a weak smile that was just barely visible past the folds of the scarf. "Ah -- do I stand out that much? Someone else suggested the same earlier, but I guess it's really true." A pause, before he gave a small nod. "I guess it would be best put that I'm looking for the clues to a small mystery?"

[bfieryprincess]

Whoever this man was, he kept sure to not give away much information. Smart move, really, who could blame him? For all he knew, she was planning on tracking him down next. The vagueness was only a bit irritating and his answer would’ve been prodded for more information had she more time. Not tonight. Maybe she’ll recognize his voice and part of his face for some other time. And if she’s lucky, he’ll never know who she is. That’s how it needs to be. Even though he probably couldn’t see it, she smiles when she responds to him. “Must be an awfully depressing story if you’re looking for clues here of all places. If it’s items you’re looking for, more than likely they’ve been stolen. I’m sure you already knew that, though.”

Of course he would. There was no way his explanation was entirely true. Then again the face she was showing him was equally false. It was only to be expected. Finding out the truth wasn’t on the list of priorities. “Whatever. Do what needs to be done. My work here is complete.” Her voice lowers, the next command sounding a bit threatening. So far this one didn’t appear to show any emotion, but if he was human he would understand the significance of the tone. “We didn’t see each other, got it?”

[striginae]

"Haha, yes, probably so, but I figured that it wouldn't hurt to at least try looking." Tugging again at his scarf out of nervous habit, Nagi idly wondered if it was dangerous to have spoken up in the first place -- his face may have been covered, but there probably weren't too many people in the city with synthetic voices; cross-referencing that fact with what could be seem of his appearances could probably dig him up pretty quickly. Though -- on second thought -- it wasn't as if he was doing much here. (Well, except being the witness to what seemed like a mass-murder, but that wasn't quite his fault. Would he have to worry about being 'cleaned up' to rid of evidence? That wouldn't be very pleasant.)

The last remark was answered at first only with a slight cant of the head, almost quizzically -- and behind the scarf, he gave a watery smile. "Yes, of course." He knew enough about this type of dealing to keep his mouth shut, though he did wonder if this person knew anything of Abyss. Would asking for information in exchange for silence be wise? -- no, probably not. So he simply gave her a small nod out of courtesy. "My mouth is sealed."

[bfieryprincess]

They always say they’ll keep quiet. But let them escape, and sure enough word will get out. It would be terrible if the public knew of exactly what the Princess was doing on the side. Word of that would sure enough spread, maybe even to her father, and that would bring about shame and dishonor to her name. No. Couldn’t let that happen. Can’t be too careful. If she was going so far to keep everything in order, why stop here? Why let this one go? There was no reason to.

Behind him, a closed fist was brought up in front of her, readying to ignite. It wasn’t fair to attack from behind, was it? Oh, but the Princess didn’t always play fair. Not making her intended offensive move obvious, she turns slightly to catch sight of the figure she intends to take care of. She was trying to pick up something, anything, that could give her a clue to the extent of his abilities. He hid his face well, and kept tugging at the scarf. Why? His voice sounded impassive, unemotional, fake. Maybe he was an experiment. Or a cyborg. Who knew, there were all sorts of interesting characters in the city with ranging abilities. Perhaps he was the more dangerous variety, and engaging in combat would indeed be a bad move on her part.

But there was always a chance this was false. “You don’t know who I am, do you?”

[striginae]

He almost missed it at first, almost missed the small movement, but did manage to catch it out of the corner of his vision. And he paused for a moment before turning to face her, staring blankly at the raised fist -- was she a martial artist? Perhaps looking to silence him permanently? It made sense, of course, especially if she was someone as high-up as her question implied, but that didn't mean he was willing to simply stand there and take it. Shifting his weight from one foot to the next, he moved slowly, naturally -- the small brush of his hand over his belt was almost difficult to spot, as was the flicker of blood that coiled about his fingers. (Just in case he was forced to fight back.)

A sideways cant of the head, and Nagi once again smiled behind his scarf, a meaningless gesture that was almost audible in his words. "I'm afraid not. It's rather difficult to identify a hooded person, if that it what you are considering, and though I doubt you'd believe me, I believe I don't have anything to gain from identifying you." A shrug, before he went on, speaking mildly, as if they were merely discussing the weather. "I understand if you wish to try and dispose of me, but it wouldn't be worth the trouble."

[bfieryprincess]

If he didn’t even know who she was, then it really wouldn’t be worth the effort. The one standing in front of her couldn’t of been a fool. He had come down to the Abyss, after all, at this time of night. He was either very incapable of defending himself, being absent minded enough to come down here not knowing this, or very capable of defending himself, knowing the dangers all too well and being fully prepared. Definitely not worth the trouble. With this realization in mind, her hand lowers, and the only visible part of her face gives off a very wide, almost sincere smile.

“Good luck with your investigation.” She turns around on one foot and quickly moves away. He really didn’t seem like he knew. That was for the best.