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An Unexpected Adventure
A roleplay by Rotramel the Writer (RTW) and Draco
©2009 Draco and RTW
All Rights Reserved
Cloud © RTW
Sassi © Draco

A good few miles away from the nearest town, in the forest, a lone figure sat on a boulder looking out over a cliff, meditating. The figure was that of a female cat sorceress. One would think it would be lonely being by themselves, but Sassi preferred it. She was never really one for crowds or public. Being around others in general. The feline liked being alone, being that mostly all her life she had to fend for herself. She never knew her parents, and wasn't treated very well throughout her life, making her bitter and cold.
Cloud Tres was running through the forest. He ducked low as an arrow whistled by his head, clipping his ear as it passed. Cloud swore and jumped over a fallen log as another arrow thudded into the log just behind him, missing him by inches. Up ahead, Cloud saw a clearing, and he ran for it. He leapt through the bushes and rolled as he landed on the ground, coming up on his feet. An arrow whizzed through the air then and this one found it's mark driving deep into the young fox's right shoulder.
He yelled and drew his katana as his adversary leapt through the bushes in pursuit. Cloud kicked the furre in the chest and as it back peddled, he charged. His adversary was a young female in black armor She held a bow and a quiver of arrows were slung across her back. She was a rabbit of about nineteen.
Cloud raised his sword high as his opponent brought up her bow. Cloud heard the twang of the bowstring and immediately shifted his sword to the right in front of his face, deflecting the arrow. As the rabbit struggled to reload her bow Cloud struck. He drove his steel deep into the bunny's chest, twisted the handle sharply to the left and jerked it out of her. The bunny looked down in shock at the massive red stain spreading across her chest. Then she fell backwards, making no attempt to soften her fall, and was still. Cloud picked up her bow and turned around, breathing hard from his flight. Then he stopped. Seated on the other side of the clearing not twenty feet from him was a young feline. Cloud smiled and took one step toward her before he collapsed to the ground
At the disturbance nearby, her meditation interrupted, one of the feline's yellow-green eyes opened. She had come all the way out here for peace and quiet to herself, yet somehow trouble found her. With a sigh, the sorceress uncrossed her legs and stood, brushing herself off briefly. Grumbling to herself, Sassy jumped from the boulder in a cat's usual, graceful way.
"***** it all, why can't I ever get any peace by myself for once without some idiots showing up?" Ears tilted out in annoyance, she muttered a spell, and crossed the distance between the clearings. She couldn't care less about what had happened, the scene before her made it rather clear. The rabbit was dead a few feet away. But the fox collapsed below her was still alive, if not exhausted and injured. "It always seems to be the men that cause all the trouble, go figure..." Sassy muttered to herself as she reached down and grabbed the arrow close to the head where it was imbedded.
With a brief twist and yank, it came free and was tossed to the side. But now what? She wasn't exactly trained in healing. Straightening, Sassy nudged the other's body with her boot, then again, harder when he didn't respond.
Cloud's eyes flashed as he opened them and he whirled around, leaping to his feet, his sword in his hand. Then the world blurred and he fell backwards again, his sword clattering to the ground. He blinked a few times and the world stopped spinning. He saw the female standing in front of him and the arrow on the ground beside her. He felt his shoulder with his paw and realized the bloody arrow had come from his shoulder. He winced and then smiled.
"...Hello." He said. He tried to stand, but fell back again, landing on his hands. “.... I must've passed out." He said. "...And who might you be?"
Sassi inwardly sighed. She had been hoping that the fox would be able to just get up and leave, but as fate would have it, he couldn't. Of course.
"No one of importance. I would say you're lucky I was around, but it would be unfortunate for myself. So if you'll be fine on you own, no risk of dying, I'll take my leave." her smooth voice held no emotion as she then turned to go on her way again to find another place of her own to stay at.
Cloud Tres stood up, grunting with the effort and stumbling backward as his vision swam again, but it soon cleared up and he stumbled after her.
"Wait, miss, don't I get the pleasure of a name?"
With a sigh, the feline paused again, back still to the other.
"I go by Sassi." There, now would he leave her alone? She had things she wanted to do today after all, and didn't need some warrior fox, or whatever he was, following her like a newborn. And if he thought she cared for his name, he would be mistaken. They would probably never see each other again, so what was the point of asking for the other's name? It was ridiculous to the female.
Cloud smiled.
"...Very well Miss Sassi." He turned and grabbed the box from its place on the ground, slinging it around his neck and also picked up his sword. He was feeling much better so he ran after her, catching up quickly and jumping in front of her. "Can I get you to stop so I can thank you properly for helping me?"
Her lip curled as he appeared in front of her, and stopped, backing up some. She didn't like being close to others.
"Don't thank me. I was in one of my better moods, you were lucky is all..." The other was beginning to grow annoying. Why had she come over here again? The feline moved to step around him to continue, but was once more stopped. Sassi's eyes brightened in annoyance. "Don't you have somewhere to be?" Why was he so persistent?
Cloud smiles.
"Well in all honesty Miss Sassy I have nowhere to be, and everywhere to be..." He sighed. "...But... but that doesn't matter right now... would you just stop for a moment and talk, what's with you? Are you afraid?" He chuckled. "...I know I killed someone back there, but... she was trying to kill me." He sighed. "She... she used to be my friend... now... now I've had to kill her...”
His smile fades and he sighs, hanging his head. "I killed her." He looks up at the female. "...But... I only did what I had to. You're not going to kill me are you? If not then you have nothing to worry about."
A smirk crossed over the feline's face at his statement about being afraid.
"No worries, I have no fear of you, swordsman. I could easily kill you myself if I wished, put you back on the ground, even IN the ground if I wanted to. But I don't plan on wasting my magic, unless you want to continue to pursue me..." this was getting tiresome. Why was he pouring out his heart to her like she would care?
Cloud smiles again.
"Miss Sassi I believe you are worthy of your name." He says. "Have you ever just stopped and looked around, taken in the day, maybe I don't know chatted with somebody? Come on miss I'm begging you here. I..." He sighed. "I really need someone to talk to. I'm... I'm pretty lost right now."
Her face remained emotionless.
"The nearest town is due east about 10 miles from here. You should be able to find plenty of company there. I am not a ‘social bee’ as they say. I would not be good company, and I do not want it..." It wasn't her fault she had turned out to be bitter though, her life had been one of sadness and abuse, causing her to close off herself and her heart and emotions to all.
Cloud sighs.
"Miss Sassi... I don't think I can walk ten miles... would..." He hangs his head and sighs again. "...Would you be able to offer me a place to stay... until I'm able to make it into town. I... I promise not to be a bother." He smiles. "I'm a pretty good cook, and... Well when I'm at my best there's none better with steel or bow..." He looks up at her, his eyes pleading with her...please Ma'am?"
She stared at him for a good few moments as she hesitated in considering. Finally with a sigh, the feline sorceress turned her head away to look into the forest, looking less happy.
"As you wish. But I have no place of my own. I have somewhat of a campsite set up down the hill some." With that the female turned and was finally able to step around the fox to start down to said site where she kept her things. She had been staying out here for the last two or so days, and had a fire set up with kindling she had gathered each morning to set up the area for night-time or meals. Having magic, it was easy enough to provide for herself when she needed something.
Cloud smiles.
"This is nice Sassy." He looks around and takes a seat. "I've always preferred being out in the woods, somehow... I don't know, I feel stronger out here."
She rolled her eyes, though the other couldn't see it.
"How nice for you..." she commented flatly as she bent to add a few twigs to the wood for later, then brushing her hands off. Hopefully he would heal quickly and be on his way so she could be on her own again. Like she was used to. Glancing to the sky a moment, Sassi guessed it was about time for a mid-day meal. "You say you cook?" Might as well make use of the fox if he was going to be around.
Cloud smiles.
"Yes Ma'am." He gets up and walks over to the fire, turns and circles to face her. "What do you have?"
"Nothing at the moment, you have to hunt for your meals out here." Did he not know that? This might be a long day. "I'll be a moment..." she walked off into the forest quietly, soon enough coming upon a few rabbits nibbling on the fresh clover leaves of a patch. They hadn't noticed the feline yet. Reaching out her hand to them, it was only a muttered few words and a quick gesture before the creatures stiffened briefly before falling. Dead. Easy and effective. Who needed bows and arrows? Or a sword?
Cloud smiled.
"...Wow, now that's impressive." He said. "How'd you do that?" He reached inside his sash and pulled a small knife from it. Then he began to clean the rabbits, preparing them for cooking.
"It's magic of course... I have no other means of hunting..." Seating herself on a far log, the feline looked off into the distance as the other prepared the small animals. "So you got a name? Or do I just call you fox...?"
Cloud laughs.
"My name is Cloud. Cloud Tres." He says. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I'm from the northern provinces." He finishes cleaning the rabbits and grabs a stick from the pile of firewood. Then he skewers the rabbit meat on the sticks and looks around. "Ah, there we go." He says. He picks a few large leaves on the ground and skewers them on either side of the meat." Then he holds the stick over the first, turning it slowly.
She could have cared less what province he was from, but remained silent, nodding briefly and giving him a quick glance before her eyes redirected to the forest. Maybe if Cloud remained relatively quiet for the next day or so, however long he would be here with her, it would be tolerable.
"You know miss Sassi it sure is nice to have someone to talk to." He said. "I've been alone for a little while now... I... I can't go back home..." He fell silent for a moment and watched the rabbits cooking. "...So where's home for you?" He asked.
Sassi smirked again, though it was more of a bitter one.
"Never had one, so it's hard to miss what you never had..." But she was perfectly fine with it. The feline found it was useless getting attached to something like that, or anything really, knowing you could never go back, or it would leave you eventually. Saved a lot of time and pain just not caring.
Cloud's mouth fell open and he looked at her.
"You've never had a home?" He asked. "...But... but what about your family, what about when you were growing up?" The fox wanted to continue, but he was at a loss for words.
Her yellow-green eyes found their way back to the other, and narrowed slightly.
"A bit nosey aren't we?" But she sighed, shaking her head a moment, continuing anyway. Not like she cared. "Never knew it. Of course I *had* parents, but I never knew them at all. I lived in a sort of orphanage for a while, but that didn't last either. It burnt down in a fire, killing all but a few that managed to escape. After that a trader who sold me to a few people for use pretty much as a slave picked me up. They weren't exactly family material. But when I found an old spell book while I was cleaning one day, I started to teach myself at night in secret." A wicked smile crossed her face then as she went on. "With what I learned, I killed them and left. And I've been on my own ever since..."
A hurt expression crossed Cloud's face.
"I used to kill those like your former owners... and I still will, but... well now I'm tracking someone. Their trail led into these woods and then I was jumped by..." Cloud's face fell and he sighed. "...By Raven back there... God I wish I didn't have to kill her." He looked up at her and she saw tears in his eyes. "I... I know her parents, her brother was...going to be the best man at my..." Cloud stopped and just watched the rabbits cooking.
The female watched the fox a few moments at that before turning away again.
"Ah, getting married are we?" Love, another thing she didn't understand and didn't care to really. Wasn't worth it, since it wasn't as if she wanted it.
Cloud sighed.
"Yeah... yeah I... I was." He propped the sticks up on the base of the fire and wiped is eyes with his paws, hoping she didn't see the few tears that had dripped down his face.
She had seen, with her sharp eyes. But the other was in no danger of being teased or such from her. The feline may have been mean, but also could be considerate. Most didn't think that though and didn't always treat her nicely for it.
"The sun will be setting soon. You might want to see to your shoulder before you run out of light to do so..." it wasn't that she cared, but if the wound got infected, it would make more trouble for her.
Cloud smiled and sniffled a bit before wiping his eyes again, certain that he'd been caught this time.
"Wow, you do care about me huh?" He grabbed the stick and held the meat over the fire once more, satisfied to see that it was turning a nice golden brown. A satisfying aroma drifted over the campsite and cloud realized it'd been a few days since he'd felt like eating anything. He smiled. "Let's eat something first, then I'll take a look at it. I'm starving."
Rolling her eyes briefly, Sassy got up to get her share of the meat at the fire. At least Cloud had collected himself again. Sitting back down on the far side of the long fallen tree the other was resting on, the feline took her stick, inspecting the meat a moment. Declaring it as all right, she began to eat, taking her time in doing so.
Cloud devoured his food quickly and licked his fingers clean. Then he looked at his shoulder. "I think it'll be fine Miss." He said. "Thank you for your concern, but I've had much worse." He sat back on his haunches and looked at her. "So what else is on the agenda for today?" He asked.
"If it gets infected then, you're on your own Tres." That said, she sat back some looking out at the oncoming sunset. It was already starting to cast color across the sky. "Nothing. It gets dangerous in the forest after dark after all. Later before I go to bed I cast a barrier around the camp site to keep it safe." A cool breeze blew through, playing through the sorceress' short hair.
Cloud smiles.
"You won't have to worry about much tonight ma'am. I'm a very light sleeper. I'll raise the alarm if anything should happen close to the camp."
"I can assure you I would feel its presence before you would, by which that time we could be dead. We would be much better off with a barrier..." dropping the stick now that her meat was gone, the feline got up from her place noticing she would need more firewood for tomorrow. Might as well do it while there was light to work with.
Cloud stood to assist her.
"Miss Sassi, you mentioned magic earlier... what is that?" He asks as he picks a large stick up off the ground and throws it over his shoulder.
"Exactly what it sounds like. I know spells of many kinds that I've learned over the course of my life thus far..." Like right now she could end his life without him knowing.
Cloud bends down and picks up another branch.
"I'm afraid I've never heard of this magic before... where does it come from, what can it do?"
"Ancient arts of manipulation in a sense. There are different spells for different outcomes. It would be difficult to explain to one who has no idea already what it is..." And the female didn't really feel like explaining. "But it's not an easy craft..."
Cloud nodded and scooped up a few extra sticks.
"...So how does one use magic? Can only certain furres perform this magic or is it able to be done by anyone?"
"No it can't be done by just anyone. You have to have certain energy for it. Even some who have it don't have the patience for it. It takes patience, concentration and perseverance to pull of some of the most basic spells even..."
Cloud tears a branch off a nearby tree and continues walking beside her.
"Ah... well... how do you know if one possesses the energy? Must one try and fail?"
"Magic users can see it in others, like a light or aura that surrounds them." Her eyes traveled over to the other, concentrating a moment on his energy. After a few moments she saw a light envelope his body. She smirked a bit at the irony. "You could probably do it if you wanted to, you have the right energy for it."
Cloud stopped walking and dropped the wood on the ground. Then he stooped to pick it up.
"...Are... are you serious?" He asked. "...How?"
The female picked up a few more branches from the ground.
"You have the aura swirling through you needed for magic using. Weren’t you listening t anything I was saying?" It was rather amusing seeing the fox all flustered.
Cloud smiles and runs ahead of her, vaulting over a fallen log and landing facing her.
"I know that." He said. "How do I use it?" He asked. He calmly snapped three more branches off the log and waited for her to catch up to him.
Sassi raised an eyebrow briefly at his actions, continuing to gather calmly. "Depends on what you want out of it. There's defensive magic, and offensive. You suddenly seem quite excited about it..."
Cloud smiles.
"Yeah well... it's something new, something I haven't ever done..." He sighed. "...Something I can lose myself in for a while." He said. He looked up and smiled. "So what about it, can you teach me, even a little bit?"
Her eyes shot up at him at that, narrowing as her body straightened. "No..." she turned to go in another direction from Cloud. If she started teaching him, it would have to continue, and she wanted nothing to do with that, and other people after all. "There are plenty of others that know magic and can teach you. Go find a master somewhere..."
Cloud ran after her, and jumped in front of her.
"Oh but can't you at least get me started, just teach me a little... I can't..." He hung his head and sighed. "I can't stay here long... I.... I have a vow to keep... but anything you could teach me could help me, maybe I'll even get out of this thing alive. The Achantae Knights don't use magic, it would give me a hand up on them... please?"
"It's not something that *can* be taught in just a day or two, it takes a lot of practice all the time, that's why I can't help you if you'll be traveling." That and everyone had a different teaching style. If she started teaching Cloud, he might become confused if he then continued with another. It could also be dangerous, depending on what the feline taught him.
Cloud smiled.
"Okay... well then, can you tell me more about it at least like... where does the power come from? Is it infinite? Or will it run out? ...How do you know how much you have?"
She really shouldn't have brought magic up at all. Sassi inwardly kicked herself, sighing.
"All spells take energy from you, some more than others depending on the strength and power of the spell. So no it's not infinite. Trying to cast a spell with more energy than you have, or a strong one you haven't mastered could kill you instantly."
Cloud whistles.
"...*****, that wouldn't be good... but... all this power has to come from somewhere." He turns and leaps up on a log, walking down it carefully. "Where does it come from?"
"Well technically it comes from the earth, and certain furres connection with its energy allows it to flow through them and control it. The Earth's energy is infinite, but our bodies can only hold so much. Understand...?"
Cloud nods and flips sideways off the log to land beside her without breaking stride. "So... could that be why I feel stronger in the woods? Because of the earth?" He asks.
"Probably. It may also be your element. There are four elements, earth, air, water and fire. Most magic users can use some of each, but have a strength in one, a dominant element if you will...Either that or it's just the first you're connecting with." Figuring they now had enough kindling, the feline began walking back to the camp.
Cloud moved to follow her.
"Ah..." he said. "Well at least that makes sense..." He paused and thought for a moment. "I wish there were some way I could pay you to teach me but... well I'm afraid I left my province fairly quickly and I have very little coins with me..." his voice trailed off and he walked beside her.
"Hm, some may not ask for pay. If you’re lucky, one will be looking for an apprentice to take under their wing. But if not, you may have to pay them, so I'd find a way to get some money before you search out someone...Just where are you headed anyway?" She couldn't help but be a bit curious.
Cloud frowned.
"Everywhere and nowhere..." he said. "I..." He stopped. "Well let's get back to camp and I'll explain." He said. Cloud remained quiet the entire rest of the walk.
The brief moments of silence, she thought, were nice, since the other had been intent on talking since they first met. Back at the camp Sassi set the wood down in the rest of the pile from the last day, then walked to the fire to check it's strength. She put her hand over it a moment before raising it, the fire's strength growing. It got cold at night out here after all. They would need the warmth
Cloud set the wood down and sat down himself, warming himself by the fire. Finally he sighed. "My fiancé... she was killed." He said slowly, staring into the flickering flames. "I came home one day to see her and... And I just walked in when... when the furre stabbed her through the chest with her own sword... how he got it, or why he did it I don't know..."
Cloud paused and sighed. "I... I told Skyye then that I would find him... that I would kill him. Then... then she bled to death in my arms." He wiped a tear from his eye. "When I was but I a kit I took an oath to defend my province with my life, to never leave it... in following this assassin I have broken my oath... that is why my former friends are now my enemies, and bent on killing me..."
He stopped for a moment and sighed. "In the Achantae knights we were taught that to care about anything in this world was to be weak, and to be weak was to die. We were taught to cast aside all that we cared for, to be wiling to lose it in the pursuit of the greater good... and I have failed. I have failed my family and shamed my father by breaking my oath." He sighed and wiped the tears out of his eyes again. "But I saw little choice."
Sassi listened quietly as she watched the fire dance along the wood kindling. Sounded rather dumb to her, taking away one's other ambitions for the so-called 'greater good'. Because what was that? There were no set rules to it; it was all based on opinions. It made her glad she had detached herself from society as much as possible.
"There's always a choice, it just depends on what you want...that's how everything works after all."
Cloud chuckled softly.
"...And I suppose they were right." He said. "...This vow is probably going to kill me... but not before I kill the furre that took my Skyye from me... after that... I guess I don't care anymore... I don't know what to do without her."
The feline snorted.
"I don't see the point of attachments when you know one day they'll be taken from you. I save myself the trouble. Not worth it if you ask me. We live, we die, and that's it, some before they should but that's life, it's unfair..." her voice grew more bitter as she spoke, fist clenching at her side.
Cloud looks up at her sharply. "You've lost those close to you at some point... haven't you Sassi?"
Her eyes, slightly glowing from the light reflecting in them, glanced at the fox.
"I told you, I never had anyone I was ever 'close' to. And I intend to keep it that way..."
Cloud sighs.
"Yeah, I... I can definitely understand your reasoning but... love is... well wonderful. I mean... though it hurt to lose Skyye... I would never wish to have never known her to avoid the pain... the good times we shared... they're enough to make the pain worth bearing.
Sassi smirked.
"And yet you wish to die after your quest is over. You contradict yourself fox..." taking a moment, the sorceress glanced up at the darkening sky, smirk slowly dying on her face again into the emotionless mask.
Cloud smiles slightly.
"I didn't say I wished to die... I said I didn't care either way. Perhaps the Gods have more for me... perhaps they do not. Either way I can do little to stop my own demise. Better to focus on the task at hand don't you think?"
"Mm maybe, depending on what the task is for some..." lowering her gaze back down to the fire in front of them, she sighed, growing tired of this subject. But it was still to early to say it was late and they should sleep. But it was worth a try. "You seemed so tired when you came too earlier...why not sleep."
Cloud sighs.
"I... I don't want to sleep right now Sassi. If I do... I'll just dream about her. I need to clear my mind first...You can if you like though, I'll keep watch."
"I am not tired. Will you start to sulk now? It's not welcome. Continue to do so and I'll knock you out myself. And don't think I won't and cannot." Her small glare backed up her words. It was a threat indeed. And with the feline knowing magic, she could easily send him into darkness.
Cloud laughs.
"I suppose you could... does one have to concentrate on one's self to perform magic? Is it a matter of belief... or... well how does one go about using it?
"It's more of the energy inside you and concentrating on manipulating it to your will to perform what you want." It had nothing to do with belief or faith, but knowing and experience.
Cloud nods and his expression lightened once more.
"Ah... so is it something I could learn on my own?"
"Not completely. Maybe with the right scrolls or books you may be able to..." But they were hard to find nowadays, and some were useless or even fake in order to get money. A scam.
Cloud nodded.
"Ah... well... with all the training I've undertaken with the Knights I've become a quick and intuitive learner... I'm sure I'd pick it up fairly quickly."
"These things are expensive because of their rarity. Some may haggle with you, some not at all. Some are even in ancient texts, and unless you have a translator you may never be able to learn. Going around with no experience at all is unwise and won't get you anywhere..." Unfortunately it was true.
"So you have to help me!" Cloud says. "Please Sassi... teach me some of what you know... I know I can’t pay you in coin but... well I can teach you things if you like?" The fox has an energetic air about him and he's smiling. His ears perk up and push forward as he awaits her answer.
She 'humph'ed, putting on a disbelieving face.
"Teach me what? I already know all I need to. I've told you as well that I do not wish for company..." Her magic fit her perfectly fine for survival on her own.
Cloud smiled.
"...But do you know how to wield a sword... or kill with your hands? Or do acrobatics, I know these things... please, there must be something!"
"No I do not, but why would I need to when magic is so much more effective and easy?" Well, easy for herself at least. She had never touched a sword or any forged weapon in her life.
Cloud hesitates and stammers a bit before he continues. "…But... well... ***** it, please help me? If you can get me started I'm sure I can progress from there, please, please, please!"
She sighed. He was getting annoyingly persistent again.
"What do you intend to argue with me? You're going to be traveling after all; you may not even have the time for practice. So it would just be a waste of my time."
Cloud sighed.
"...Am I going to have to jump off a cliff and break my leg or something then?" He asked with a smile.
The feline snorted, not impressed. She remained quiet for a few good moments, staring at Cloud intensely.
"What are you willing to do? Do you think you really have what it takes?"
Cloud smiles.
“When they were training me in martial arts I was required to allow my arm to be broken during training... when we were trained in swords I was cut more times than I care to count and when we were taught archery... well I didn't get shot, but you get the picture." He laughs. "I'll do whatever is necessary."
Sassi couldn't help but smirk a bit, but it wasn't exactly a friendly or happy one.
"I suppose learning another skill may be of use to me and would save me energy." Her eyes grew fierce then, pointing a clawed finger in the other's direction. "If you begin to slack or complain however, that's it, no second chances, I'll leave. I won't have my time wasted, got it fox?"
"I will finish what I begin Sassi... you have my solemn promise on that."
The cat sorceress seemed satisfied with that answer, but her face remained otherwise as she sat back again and lowered her hand.
"I'll hold you to that...Because I will not be easy on you..." Inwardly Sassy wondered if this was a wise choice. Her species was very independent, would this even work out?
Cloud smiles.
"Awesome, thanks Sassi. When do we begin?"
"I suppose we could begin right away starting tomorrow..." With that said, the female positioned herself to rest back on the log, getting ready for sleep. The sun had set by now the only light they had was from the fire. Light from the sun was far off on the horizon, and was dying quickly. They were pretty much in darkness of night. "So I suggest you get as much sleep as you can and regain your energy. I have already cast a barrier..."
Cloud smiles.
"Yes ma'am." He said. Then he lay back on the log and in a matter of minutes he was asleep, a smile on his face.
The next morning, bright and early, Sassi was up, and went to meditate a bit while she had the time. When she came back Cloud was still asleep. Snorting at the sight, the feline sighed, going over to him. "Oi, get up Tres." when nothing happened, she kicked him in the side.
Tres' eyes opened wide and he sprang to his feet, his hand rising reflexively to his Katana. However he managed to get his senses about him in time to avoid any embarrassing mistakes, and dropped his hand as he recognized Sassi standing in front of him. He yawned. "...Now what'd you do that for Sassi?" He asked.
She rolled her golden eyes. "Because you're lazy. Get up, I'm getting breakfast." Of course that mean he was cooking again. If she was going to be teaching him magic, he could do other work as well. "I already got the fire started." The female also wanted to get moving today. She didn't like staying in one place for too long. And if Cloud was being tracked, they would *have* to keep moving now.
He smiled. "Lazy, now that's a bit harsh isn't it?" He looked around. "...So what's for breakfast Sassi, or do you want me to get it?" He smiled.
"I'll get it. And be prepared to get moving after we eat." with that she disappeared into the forest, but soon returned about five minutes later with some more rabbits. There seemed to be plenty around this area, which was good for them. She tossed them at the other's feet upon returning.
Cloud smiled at her. "...So I guess you want me to cook these huh?" He laughed and grabbed the sticks he'd used last night, skinned the rabbits and propped them up over the fire. Then he turned to her. "...So when do we start learning this new trade?" He asked.
"You can't just start learning magic right away. You need to do other exercises first before you begin any actual magic, or else your body won't be able to take it as well. I learned that the hard way when I was teaching myself. It strains your mind and body like it would with physical training..."
He smiled and turned the rabbits. "Ahh... okay... so what do we need to do?" he asked.
"Well the side affects may not affect you as much as it did me, since you already know how to fight, but it still helps. You have to probably do some of these exercises on your own, I can only tell you so much. All you really need to do is connect with the energy and recognize it within yourself. It will make casting easier physically and mentally..."
Cloud turned the rabbits a few more times and then pulled them off the fire, handing one of them to her and taking the other for himself. He smiled. "Okay, tell me what I need to do, and I'll do it.
Taking the offered meat, Sassi leaned sideways against a nearby tree. "Well first off, you have to stay calm. If you're excited, or angry, you won't be able to focus. And you'll need patience for this as well. You may not be able to connect on the very first try." This would also test his drive. If he didn't do it, would he give up? How badly did the other truly want to learn?
He smiled and turned the rabbits. "Ahh... okay... so what do we need to do?" he asked.
"Well the side affects may not affect you as much as it did me, since you already know how to fight, but it still helps. You have to probably do some of these exercises on your own, I can only tell you so much. All you really need to do is connect with the energy and recognize it within yourself. It will make casting easier physically and mentally..."
Cloud nodded and closed his eyes. His breathing slowed, and his shoulders almost slumped. He opened his eyes and said calmly. "I will do whatever it takes to learn Sassi. You have only to tell me. I haven't quit a thing in my life, and I don't intend to start now.
The feline sorceress eyed the fox a moment before going back to her meal. "Ah, lets hope...because what I said last night still stands. Slack off or complain and I'm done, no second chances..." Once finished with her meet, Sassi dropped the stick to the ground. "And if you're ready lets head out. We'll need to find a new campsite before we start anything. You're being pursued after all..."
Cloud nodded and stood up, tossing the stick to the ground.
"...This is true." He said. He looked around and sniffed the air. "I don't smell them, but that doesn't mean a whole lot... they're as well trained as I am so... they know how to conceal thing like that..." He turned to her. "...Lead the way." He said. "I'll watch our backs, just let me know when it's time to stop." Then he walked off into the woods to the right and vanished.
Sassi casually walked to the fire, putting it out with a wave of her hand. Then with another quick motion, dispersed the wood and ground around the site, making it look as if it was untouched. It wouldn't be good if the campsite was left up, letting others track them. The feline sorceress got her things together quickly, not really having many possessions to carry. With a brief sigh, the female started off towards the east. There was a town a few miles from here that they could perhaps stay at a while as she began teaching Cloud.
Cloud walked silently through the woods. He quickly scrambled up one of the tree trunks and began walking backwards along a branch. He heard a branch crack as something stepped on it, and whirled around. He did a backward somersault off of the branch and reached out his hand to catch the next lower branch... but he missed it. He fell nearly ten feet before landing hard on his back, nearly landing on Sassi. He looked up to see a deer dart through the woods. Cloud looked up and smiled sheepishly at Sassi. "...Oops." he said.
Two yellow-green eyes glared down at the fox from above.
"I suggest you be more careful Tres. You're not impressing me with your stunts..." seriously, spooking at a deer. Even she had known it was an animal without looking. With that she walked off again with an annoyed sound.

Cloud laughed and stood up.
"You know I didn't mean to fall right?" He called, running after her. He fell into step behind her and pulled his bow from his back, notched an arrow and concentrated on what was behind them, following Sassi as she made her way through the forest.
Sassi said nothing as they continued, if only just rolling her eyes, to which the other couldn't see. For a while during their walking, it was peaceful. But perhaps half, if not three quarters to the nearest town, the feline smirked, glancing over at Cloud. "How long are you going to let them follow us? I noticed them a few miles back, and they're getting closer..." To her it was no real threat with her knowing magic; she could wipe them out now even, if she wanted. But the female was bored, and wasn’t enjoying following their presences.
Cloud smiled at her.
"I don't think they're much of a threat, I've been watching them and..." An arrow whizzed out of the bushes and stuck in his bicep. Cloud looked at it for a moment. It wasn't deep, but already his sleeve was turning a bright red. "...Well *****.." He said, staring at the arrow. "...That sucks."
The female just raised an eyebrow, not really surprised.
"Care to take that back now?" It was more amusing for her right now. "They're after you remember...though I was getting rather curious as to when they'd actually do something. I was beginning to think they were cowards..."
Cloud smiled and pulled the arrow from his arm, the nicked it in his bow. "...Cowards they are not." He said. Suddenly, a black shape ran out in front of him, in his hands was clasped a bow. He wore black armor. Cloud pulled the arrow back and let fly, leading his target perfectly. The arrow sunk into the furs chest and he collapsed without a sound. Cloud smiled at her. "...But dead...that one is." he said. "...Problem solved.” he said. "..It really wasn't much of an attempt, I'd have thought that..." About that time a pink furred rabbit landed on top of him, falling from the trees above. She wrapped her legs around his throat and squeezed them together. Cloud dropped his bow and drew his sword, but he couldn't get at the female's legs without putting himself in danger. He looked up at Sassi. "...Your magic might be... rather useful at this point." He said, his voice strained from holding his breath.
"Seriously, you really can't do anything for yourself can you...?" She raised her hand towards the rabbit, and then quickly closed it. The other's body went rigid, her mouth opening, eyes widening. Sassi had cut off her oxygen. Muttering something under her breath along with a swipe of her hand, the enemy's body flew back against a nearby boulder with a loud crack. The body then went limp, a trail of blood smearing as it slid down to the ground. "If this is all they'd got this won't be much fun at all..." she smirked.
Cloud smiled and then his expression turned to one of alarm.
"Sassi, duck!" He yelled. Cloud hoped that she'd follow his suggestion, because he hurled his Katana at the slender cat that was hanging off a tree branch just behind her, a crossbow in it's paws.
Without Cloud telling her, Sassi had felt the other feline behind her. All she did was shift sideways, as the fox's sword whizzed right past her, hitting its mark. Her eyes glanced at the other, ignoring the cry of pain as the sword's victim fell.
"And here I thought you hardly knew what you were doing Tres..." It was a tease of course.
Cloud smiled.
"...Keep watching and I may surprise you." He said. Cloud looked around, but that appeared to be all of them. He stood up and retrieved his bow, then walked over and pulled his sword from the cat's chest. He turned and frowned at Sassi. "...Well, I don't know my way around these woods much, but the way they're thinning out says we're coming up on a town. I thought you said you don't do towns?
"Usually I don't, but we may need a few things, and it would be relatively more safer in town than out here while you train." Atleast for a bit, until they were found to be staying there. Then they would have to leave again and keep moving. It would most likely take a lot out of Cloud as well, learning magic, so staying in one place for a few days would be best.
Cloud smiled.
"...Fine with me." He said. "...Aside from the fact I won't draw any of this... power while we're in town... I grew up in a town, so I'm good with it... lead the way." He said, falling back into step beside her, another arrow notched on his bowstring.
It was not even another hour before they reached the town. It was about average size, with little shops scattered here and there. There was a good amount of residence as well. It seemed to be bustling with life today. Finding the inn, they got their own rooms, Sassi wanting one farthest away from anyone else for privacy. The feline really wasn't social.
Cloud walked out of his room and looked around. By his standards the hotel was rather nice, but then anything with a roof and four walls was nice to him. He turned and saw Sassi's room down toward the end of the hall. He walked over and knocked on it.
At first, Sassi was going to ignore the rapping on the door, then sighed, opening it with her magic, just a slight wave of the hand. The feline was sitting on the windowsill watching out, and enjoying the sunlight on her. At least she had had some peace.
"Yes?"
Cloud smiled.
"...Just wanted to see that you're settled in miss Sassi." He looked around. "...Seems you are... so, what's next on our agenda?" He asked.
The yellow-green eyed sorceress turned her head finally, looking at the other.
"Well if you think you have enough strength, we can start teaching you. Though it still might be a good idea to eat before we begin to be sure. I'm not going to go easy on you..."
Cloud smiles. "Okay, where do you want to eat... don't have to cook tonight... I've got some money, I'll treat us."
"You pick I don't care." she slid off the windowsill with her feline grace, running a hand briefly through her short hair. Hopefully it wasn't too crowded. And Cloud wouldn't pick some loud bar-like place to eat at. If he dared to...she'd leave.
Cloud smiled. "Well, you don't seem like the rowdy bar kind of girl... He laughs. "How about we eat Italian? Some spaghetti and meatballs ought to pick you up. I was a nice looking place just down the alley from here... looked like a mom and pop kind of place, nice and quiet, secluded... what do you say Sass’?"
Italian hm? Just normal food would have been perfectly fine, but if the fox felt like treating her to Italian... Sassi almost smiled. Almost. he might have gotten one though. That is, until he finished with that little nickname. Did he think he was being cute? Frowning, the feline snorted. "Do not call me that, Tres." With a very meaningful look to back up that she wasn't joking, that it was a serious matter, with a flick of her long stripped tail, the sorceress stepped past the swordsman, not giving him another look as she headed out.
Cloud laughed.
"Well, it almost worked." He said. "I'll make you smile if it kills me." He turned and followed her down the hall. "So, why don't you smile Miss Sassy?" He asked.
Oh brother, was he going to get on her case about his now? Rolling her bright eyes, with a sigh, Sassi kept walking, down the stairs to the lobby then out the door to the street.
"Because, Tres, I have no reason to. I've told you I'm not the social type either, and now I have a talkative, annoying fox following me around..." Why did she agree to teach him magic again? She'd never do this before. And of all others, a male that refused to leave her alone. The feline should have just knocked him unconscious with a quick spell and left him in the woods....
Tres sighed.
"You know... life is a lot more livable if you smile more." He jogged to catch up to her and grinned at her. "There has to be something that you love, something that makes you feel all tingly inside... isn't there?" He asked.
"No, but I wonder if killing you would do it, because I'm tempted more and more since we met..." Well, not really, but maybe it would get a subject change, or, preferably, silence. Sassi wasn't good at the whole 'casual talking' thing with others, since mostly she avoided having to interact beyond business, and even that was on the rare occasion she went into towns or villages to restock. "Now how about making yourself useful and finding that restaurant..."
Cloud shook his head.
"You really should find something to live for besides tomorrow Miss Sassi." He said. "What about serenity, what about sitting in the woods on a warm summers day, the sun on your fur and nothing around but a bluebird singing his song to the wind. ...Couldn’t you close your eyes and smile?" He glanced down the alleyway and tossed his head to the right. "It's this way." He turned and started to head toward a small building made of red brick.
"Oh well aren't you the poet. My way of life is perfectly fine, save me the lectures, please." Following the other down the alleyway, her arms crossed relatively casually, the feline couldn't help but think back some on what Cloud had just said. What the fox didn't know, and probably would never be told, was that Sassi did in-fact enjoy the sun and listening to nature around her when she was alone. It was peaceful and allowed for her thoughts to wander without having to worry about others and their judgments. Peace.
Cloud smiled.
"See...? I knew you'd like that scenario." He sighed and opened the door, holding it for her to step into the cool restaurant. "...I like it myself... though I haven't had much time for peace and serenity as of late." He closed the door and followed her inside.
She managed to push down a small blush at realizing her face had softened as her thoughts had briefly wandered. With a small humph, the female quickly corrected herself, hardening her face again, eyes sharpening, and the feline stepped inside, not looking at the other, but effectively re-irritated at her slight weakness, especially towards a male. The fox was a sly one; Sassi would have to keep her wits about her around this one.
Tres smiled and reached over, patting the feline's shoulder. "Why can't you just let your strong facade down for a little while?" He asked. "Why do you have to scowl all the time, lighten up, enjoy this time." He looked up and smiled at the attendant. "...Two." He said. Then he turned and followed the lupine down the hall toward their table.
Show weakness? Hell no. Life had taught her a hard lesson about showing emotion, and she wasn't going to ever make that mistake again. Shrugging out of Cloud's grasp, after a small glare, she followed a short distance behind, not looking at anyone around her. Even so, Sassi could feel eyes on her, and was tempted to turn and give them a look, but just kept walking, ignoring it for now. Once led to their table, the feline sorceress sat down on the seat opposite Clouds smoothly with her natural cat-like grace, picking up the menu to look over before the fox could start something. Though that alone probably wouldn't be enough.
Cloud pushed his menu aside and grinned at her. "Alright Miss Sassi, I'll leave you alone for now... but I'm not giving up on you yet." He stopped and sighed. "...life... life has hurt you... hasn't it?" He asked quietly. The waitress stopped at their table and he smiled. "I'd like a glass of wine, you?" He asked, indicating the feline across the table from him.
This was going to be a long dinner if Cloud was going to continue trying to pry into her past and try to analyze her.
"If this if your idea of casual talk Tres, or trying to 'get to know me better', I'd advise you quit while you're ahead. Lets not forget who has the real power here..." she stated, her sharp golden eyes glaring into his with a hidden warning. Then shifting, she gave their waiter a brief look before addressing him. "Herbal Tea..." She'd need it to last this dinner.
Cloud nodded.
"So, what do you call casual conversation? Hmm Sassi?" The waitress brought their drinks and he picked up his wine glass, taking a sip of it gingerly.
Picking up her own drink, Sassi took her own sip of it, looking off and out the window, her expression going emotionless as was her usual look, her mask, sighing somewhat exasperatingly.
"I don't talk casually, I much rather prefer silence." The warm herbal vapors drifting up from the sorceress' cup of tea were soothing, and despite herself, the feline took a deep breath of it, closing her eyes.
Cloud smiled and took another sip of his wine.
"See, I knew something made you happy." He said. He looked up to see the waitress approaching again. "...Know what you want to eat Miss Sassy?" He asked. "...Ladies first."
"This is the only thing keeping me from ending your life Tres, I'd count it as a blessing... Don't tempt me..." It would only take a thought... He could be dead in an instant. Cocky *******. To the waitress, she spoke, "I'll take the stuffed lobster shells..." Originally, Sassi had been planning on ordering something less expensive, to be relatively considerate… but the fox was getting on her nerves now, so maybe this would shut him up some, or atleast get him to respect her.
Cloud smiled.
"You like to flaunt your power and ability don't you Miss Sassi?" He reached over and patted her paw. "It's okay." He said. "I'm just messing with you." He laughed. "I think I'll have the Fettuccini Alfredo." He said. "...With chicken and ****** mushrooms." He looked at the feline across from him and smiled.
"Only because you seem to pass it off as an empty threat... You're not being cute or amusing, fox..." Uh-oh, she had reverted to the 'fox' name, Cloud had better watch himself. Snatching her paw away, Sassi set it in her lap while she took another sip of her tea, keeping her eyes closed.
Cloud smiled.
"...Come now Miss Sassi, if you're honest with yourself I know you're not happy." He stopped and took a sip of his wine, considering his words carefully, sensing he may have overstepped his bounds. "...If you..." He stopped and picked a breadstick up off the plate in front of him. Cloud stared at it for a moment before beginning again. "...If you ever need to talk to someone… I would be more than happy to listen. For all my silliness I do understand when the situation calls for sincerity and discretion." He took a bite out of the breadstick. "I'll say only one more thing about it." He said. "Keeping things like that inside isn't good for you. It will eat a whole in you, in your soul, and your will to live. Believe me... I know." He took a sip of his wine and sat the glass on the table.
"I wouldn't hold your breath..." If the fox thought she was going to just spill her guts to a guy she just me the other day, he was very much mistaken. The feline hadn't talked to anyone, literally, about it, or much else really. Nothing was about to change any time soon. Sassi was quite stubborn and mistrusting of everyone. Cloud would need to be very patient if he ever had such a chance to actually learn about the sorceress. Words were nothing to the female, but perhaps actions, and time....
Cloud gnawed at his breadstick, unsure of what else to say. He stirred the end of the bread in his wine glass and looked up at her.
"Say Miss Sassi... I'm sorry if I crossed the line a moment ago." He said, still swirling the now soggy breadstick in his glass. "I was just trying to get you to smile is all. If I hurt you, or angered you, I'm sorry." His bread stick broke off in his glass and floated to the top before sinking to the bottom of the glass. The fox sighed and grabbed a fork to try to dig the soggy bread out of the cup. After several failed attempts not one, but four pieces of bread floated at the bottom of the glass. He sighed and put the fork down. A quick glance showed that no one was looking at their table. He picked up the glass and quickly splashed the wine into the planter beside him. A quick wipe of his napkin cleaned the glass and he picked up the bottle to refill it.
Sassi's golden eyes watched the other as he fussed with some amusement. Cloud wasn't like anything she'd ever known before, and it was throwing her off a bit. His whole character was... so different from what the feline knew from others. Against her knowing, she was relaxing, bit by bit, even feeling a bit guilty for being so nasty to him, as the other had been nothing but kind to her since their meeting. Sighing a bit, her face relaxed some, as well as her posture. It was tiring being so on guard and tense around others...
"Its fine Tres, no need to take it out on the food..." Attempt at humor? Or atleast a try to lighten the mood, as uncomfortable as it had become.
The wine tasted sweet once more as Cloud swallowed it. A smile lit upon his face.
"Thanks Sassi." He said. He picked up a breadstick. "Take that!" He yelled. then he smacked it on the edge of the table. Flecks of bread and garlic salt flew through the air as the bread fractured and flew across the table. "Oh, you said *no need* to take it out on the food didn't you?" He asked. The fox couldn't help it, and he began to laugh. It felt good after everything he'd been through. He bit the end of the breadstick off and chewed it. "...These are actually pretty good."
The little outburst took the feline a bit by surprise, jumping slightly and leaning back as the pieces and crumbs of the bred stick went flying, some into her hair, which she wiped out with a hand.
"Its a wonder you got as far as you are today Tres..." with a brief wave of her hand, the pieces and crumbs floated up into a pile in the air, before drifting to the bread basket and they dropped cleanly inside it as the spell was broken. "Didn't your mother teach you to not lay with your food..." she smirked a bit, taking one of the sticks herself.
Cloud's muzzle dropped open a bit.
"So it was that simple?" He asked. "All I have to do is beat up bread to get you to smile?" He picked up another breadstick and chewed off the end of it. "Yeah, she did, but what fun is life if you do what your parents tell you to?" He laughed. "I was a bit of a rebel when I was a kit."
"You? No..." she replied, sarcasm dripping from her every word, but mixed with some teasing. It wasn't completely unbelievable. Taking a bit of the bread, Sassi took a bite, now relaxed a bit, took the time to glance around the room. While it wasn't too crowded, the restaurant certainly wasn't empty. Maybe three-quarters full, not including the bar, which was full, not surprisingly by shady looking characters, and females that were only looking for 'a little fun' with anyone willing to pay. It was disgustingly obvious, making the sorceress curl her lip and look back to her drink and food.
Cloud's vision sharpened on a bulldog that was approaching the table, a beer bottle in his paw. Three other canines accompanied the bulldog, a German shepherd, collie and a mutt of some kind, but they hung back.
"...Uh Sassi?" Cloud said. " His fur stood on end. He had a bad feeling about this group of dogs. The Bulldog put his big paw on Sassi's shoulder.
"Hey sweetheart." He said. "How's about ...you accompany my friends and I back to our hotel." He said it as a command, not a question.
Oh this was just perfect, though also annoying. But there was nothing for her to fear, as she chuckled softly, almost musically, remaining where she was, unconcerned, taking her time and taking another sip of her tea, her sharp eyes drifted up to the group, looking them over. Typical looking thugs as well as perverts. No problem. This might even be fun... In a sharp move, the sorceress swatted the offending appendage off her slender shoulder.
“And what makes you think I'd want to go anywhere with you all? I've seen better-looking swines, you bumbling pig-faced fools... Especially you, wrinkles..." pertaining to his wrinkled muzzle, being a bulldog. Ugh, what a horrid face, one only a mother could love, if one. Crossing her legs, her smile died as she waited, tilting her head slightly up at the group.
Cloud's paw wrapped around the handle of his Katana as he drew it a quarter of an inch from the sheath at his side. He looked at Sassi and nodded slightly. The German Sheppard moved forward and grabbed her arms, pinning them behind her.
"Bruce asked ya nicely." He said. "Now you'd best listen." The Sheppard snarled in her face.
Of all things to do, that had been the wrong choice, perhaps the worst even. Playtime was over already it seemed. Now the real fun began. A horrible smirk crossed the feline's face, still completely unafraid, her bright eyes sharp and almost looked aflame now with sparks.
"No, you listen to me little puppy..." before the dog knew what was happening, a hand movement later, the shepherd was convulsing as electricity licked along his fur, singing and making it stand out in every direction before the force propelled him back and away from the female, over a table, taking it with him to the ground where he remained still.
As for the rest, Sassi swiftly moved forward with her feline grace, up to the bulky bulldog's face, the look of shock written on his face only fueling her. Raising her hand and making a sharp downward movement, the sound of ripping and popping was heard before.... the dog's clothes, all but his under garment, fell off. "I'm not interested. Now get your ugly mug out of my face and take your pathetic lackeys with you..." her eyes were growing dangerous now that she'd used her abilities, her hands twitching slightly, ready for more if needed. The sorceress was just getting started.
A sparkle of metal caught Cloud's eye and he kicked the table over and out of the way.
"Sassi, duck!" He called. The mutt dog had a shiny silver switchblade in his paw, the point of it headed for Sassi's throat. The fox leapt forward and drew his sword. There was a splash of blood and a shrill cry as the black furred paw fell to the floor, still clutching the blade. Cloud jumped and spun around, kicking the mutt in the chest and throwing him into the bar before he stood beside Sassi.
Sassi glanced briefly at the severed paw, then to the one it was once attached to, finally to Cloud, raising an eyebrow a bit, still smirking.
"Not bad, fox... Bit messy however." The bar employees would be the ones who would have to clean this up after all. By this time, it seemed the once so daring bulldog was shaking in place, scrambling to pull his tattered and torn clothing back around himself. Unfortunately for everyone who had witnessed, they were ruined. The humiliated dog would have to crawl away with his stubby tail between his legs almost naked. A fitting punishment, for now. Sassi would not be so merciful if they ever met up in the same situation again.
The fox's voice was a hoarse whisper as he leaned over to the feline's ear.
"So, the mutt drew a blade against you Master, do you want me to finish him?" Cloud's words were said with a flat tone that indicated he was absolutely serious.
Well, Sassi certainly hadn't expected him to say that of all things, especially so seriously. It took her a moment to notice the fact that he was even being serious, blinking, brow rising again. Master? That was new... Though appropriate considering she was supposedly teaching the other magic, considering his tone and change in character, it was more uncomfortable if anything. But for a moment, the feline considered the option, glancing over to the crumpled, whimpering form of the mutt cowering at the bar table, clutching at his bloody stump of an arm.
"Hm, no need to make more of a mess here. They won't be bothering us any longer." A once comfortable, talkative atmosphere had changed to the tense, fearful one it was now. Everyone was dead quite, staring in shock and fear at the group. It looked as if they wouldn't be getting a full meal tonight. And she was being treated and everything. Oh well. With a sigh, the sorceress moved to grab one last bread stick from their table basket, before moving to step towards the exit. Best not to linger in these situations.
The brawny bulldog sputtered, and scrambled to get out of her way, tripping and falling backwards in his efforts.
Cloud whipped his sword in a figure eight motion, flinging the blood from its surface before sliding it back into its sheath. He looked and saw the waiter that had been bussing their table. Cloud grabbed the tray in his paws and tossed some coins on the table.
"...Keep the change." He said, before walking toward the door. When he got to Sassi's side he smiled. "...You wanted room service didn't you?" He asked, indicating the tray with their food on it.
Another mood swing...? What, was this crazy fox bi-polar or something? Despite the new mood yet again, Sassi 'humph'ed with a smirk at the remark, continuing to chew on her breadstick. "You're a strange one Cloud Tres..." Now all she wanted was to retreat for some peace and quiet in their rooms to eat. It was certainly turning into an interesting night indeed. And the sorceress predicted it would be even more of an exciting trip to come…

To be continued…

WOW, great story! Can't wait till the next one comes out!