▪?▪ The beginning - Blood ▪?▪

The soft whispers of winter morning wind caressed against blood soaked skin. The scent of burnt flesh and wood filled senses of the figure that stood atop of the cliff that hovered over the city. Screams of the few remaining survivors filled the stale night air. Upon lips a smirk danced dark and satisfied.

The body that stood there did not belong to the mind behind the actions. Soul swiping with the young woman was quite easy. Her sorrow and pain made it just that more easier. It weakened her spirit and will. Made her so ripe for the taking. Now 'it' was able to use her body for a set period of hours before it wore her out. If 'it' was in her body then where was her soul? It saved a special place indeed for her struggling soul. Within the heavy built chamber 'it' gladly tortured the girl's soul. Within a large blue crystal she laid dormant while she witnessed through their connection what it was doing. It enjoyed teasing her with the pain, torturing her even through brief but powerful soul-sparks that would send her soul into agonizing pain.

The soul swiping wasn't exactly on terms of agreement. There was no real agreement except the one she signed in blood to offer her services for a short period of time in return for some information. The only deal was that 'it' was not allowed to kill a specified person. It might of been better if she had not told 'it' his name. Then again the scent of this person laid heavy on the body 'it' now resided. So either way this boy was going to be hunted down, if not just to torture the girl.

The boy was an easy target though ran like a child being chased by a wild dog. His mind was so easy to toy with as well. Mental images flickered to his mind of the poor girl's spirit who writhed in spectacular pain. Strange how the boy really didn't seem phased by it. It seemed to be something else that bothered him. Maybe the way 'it' held itself. 'It' was never sure. Nor did 'it' really care. All 'it' cared was for the sensations that flew from the boy. His fear was a delicious sensation of excitement and seeing him flee, crashing through a window to get away from 'it's' sword was just musical. Why couldn't all of 'its' playthings give 'it' the thrill of the hunt?

The boy chased with blades and fire to tear into his flesh. The look he offered in surprise that 'she' was attacking him was like a precious gift that would always be treasured. The deception was well placed and he bled for 'its' delight. Even as boy was on his hands and knees a staff licked was thrust to his temple to send him flying onto his back. There was no gentleness behind the strike and even then 'it' didn't stop. The long surface of the staff was pressed to his neck until he lost consciousness. He was so very lucky that 'it' had been promised not to kill him. So very lucky.

Dragging him through town he was brought back to the inn where he was dumped onto the bed. His precious dog, which he had tried to protect from 'it' was tucked under arm as it left.

For the rightful soul of the body, she saw the last breath strangulated from the boy before connection was cut off. She didn't know that he was still alive. She saw him go still under the press of the staff. Her pain and sorrow was a sea of enjoyment. 'It' would continue to enjoy that pain while making her endure more until 'its' time was up and the soul-swipe was complete.

And much more blood was spilled before the night fell.

▪?▪ The Finale - Regret ▪?▪

Empty shell stumbled into the halls of the Darkhome manor. There stood, as if waiting for her was Oda. A towering figure of a man dressed in nobleman's clothes. Stony alabaster features in a eternal scold were only set off by pure obsidian eyes. Milky white hair bound back in a single ponytail the man was more then just imposing. He was down right frightful. He was waiting for her and with a gesture of hand guided her into a room that had been set for her to rest in before her trial.

She couldn't really remember the last time she slept in a bed and being almost as pale as Oda, she passed out the moment her head hit the pillow. It was a nightmare clenched dream that made it less then fully restful. Guilt. Fear. Emotion riddled dreams had her fitting under the sheets. Even in her dreams he haunted her.

After a semi-restful night with a silent breakfast to follow she was lead out to the stables. Knowing fully well she feared horses she was saddled up with a guardsman and they took the half day ride out to Unity. Unity's castle was a beautiful ivory structure that she always marveling over. It was a majestically sight against morning sunlight and hovered motherly over the vast city. But unlike any of her other times and visits to the grand palace she was not there on pleasantries.

Dismounted she was grasped by each arm by a guard with two more behind. The four guards guided her into the large chamber where the council as well as the magistrate and queen awaited. The chamber was set in an ivory and gold laced oval room. Familiar faces all of them. People she had learned of or encountered throughout her years in the lands. But normally friendly faces were set harsh and determined, staring at her like the killer she was.

The trial was short and the entire time she found herself unable to give proper evidence to sustain the fact it was not her doing. She even pleaded to being guilty. It was her body after all. Oda scolded her with greatness after he spent so much time attempting to argue on her behalf. Oda was a great man who she had known for years. A fatherly figure that had taugth her many things so it was no surprise to her that he wanted to protect her so readily.

The trial might of ended sooner if one person, by the name of Berserik came forward and suggested something that she was surprised she hadn't thought of. Like most of his kind, Oda was able to tap into people's minds. Into their deepest memories. Berserik suggested allowing Oda and the magistrate to enter her mind to find the truth. It was a bit unnerving for them to do that. They would know everything about her. Including..

But what does one do when they are set before people awaiting death? She accepted the decision to follow through with the task. The painful session lasted throughout the rest of the day and well into the night as her memories were picked through. Throughout the whole session she was unaware of what was going on around her which in a way was a good thing. Someone who she loathed had presented himself and was attempting to gain hand on Katt by saying she could remain under his care during the trial period. That didn't go well and it was pointed out that she was under Oda's care. This scared off the pest easily enough.

When she woke, she woke with her hands bound in loose, enchanted steel shackles about her wrists. She felt weak and tired. Very tired. Informed that her powers were stripped and anything she had on her aside from her clothes were taken away. The verdict would be spoken over a period of days and until that time she was free to wander but had to keep the shackles on until her sentence was passed, if there was to be one.

She made a decision and after speaking to Oda she made her way to Rhy'din. A half day went by and she awaited in the marketplace in hopes of spying Toby. Not far away stood Oda in wait. It was only because of him that she was allowed to walk the streets after the trial and she was thankful to him. When he left she still waited, sitting on top of a stall and watching the markets.

By surprise she saw Ixora who, at the time, had mixed feelings about. She was a very nice person but she couldn't help but feel that maybe Ixxy was being nice because she knew Toby. This was quickly set right by Ixxy as well as a few other things. Ixxy was becoming like a sisterly figure without her even realizing it. And in tears she spilled what had happened to the poor woman which in the end only caused Ixxy something that Katt didn't want. To make the woman worry. She felt guilty for dumping everything on poor Ixora and though she was grateful to the woman for trying to convince her that somewhere in Toby he did care, she couldn't help but think otherwise. Yes, he stayed watching over her. He stayed out of guilt. It was easier to believe that she meant nothing to Toby. It only ached more to think otherwise...

She hated to ask things of Ixxy but the two favors came from her in request thinking that her sentence would, as Ixxy would be the gallows. One was that when she sent a letter of her sentencing that a pair of gifts would follow. One to be given to Toby as a form of a Christmas present. The other was Ixora's Christmas present. Simple favor. The second one wasn't so easy to ask. Katt knew that Toby never asked about her and never sought her out so didn't expect it specially after what happened. She requested that Ixora didn't bring her up and just allow her to 'fade into nothingness'. She was sure she would be just that when it came to things.Her last free moments was with Ixora before she had to return to Unity. It was comfortable in a sense.

Morning crept in and with a heavy sigh she returned to Unity, leaving the city of Rhy'Din for what she felt may be the last time. Regret heavy in her heart. Unable to say goodbye...to say..sorry.

▪?▪ The Aftermath - Sentencing ▪?▪

Standing quietly Katt watched as the large figure of Oda stood, both large hands sliding over the edge of his desk. He regarded her with eyes that, unlike normal eyes had no whites nor any pupils. Just solid black. Granted she was half of what he was and still it made her nervous to stare into those dark abyss eyes.

"Kathryn Mere Rhysata," Oda started. His voice was thunderous as he leaned into the table and stared her down, "You have been charged with multiple murders and on the life of the crown of Unity. Charges extend to damages and far lessor charges. You have pleaded not guilty and after extensive research into your claims..."

He paused. She hated that! Oda and his demand for the theatrical flare. Her face twisted into a set emotion of annoyance that read for him to hurry it along.

He noted the look upon her face and it a struggle not to grin. It was easy for him to keep those stony features slack of any emotion as he continued. "I, Lord Oda, Second Seat of the Imperial Council hereby decree you.." Another pause.

"By the gods, Oda, tell the woman she's not guilty." Lilian breathed close to his ear and he chuckled to her in reply.

"Aye! Aye! Not guilty!" Oda boomed out quite cheerfully only for it to dim into a quite, rumble of a tone, "However," What cheering there was in the room died down with this single word.

Katt could hardly believe it. Her heart pounded in her ears so loudly she would of swore it matched the time that Toby ...no. She would not think about him. Although her thoughts drifted towards him she found her chin sinking down to her collarbone.

"Kathryn!" Oda's strong words brought her head up and she blinked at him. "Did you hear a single word I have said? I will not give another speech!" He exhaled and repeated his words for her ears. "Though you have not been charged you are still going to need supervision until we are completely sure that you are not a danger. So it has been decided that you will take place under myself in the Imperial Army."

Instantly blink came from her in the form of 'what the hell...?'. The queen grinned and Magistrate chuckled.

The elegant magistrate known as Calista journeyed from her place to reach her pale hands onto Katt's shoulders. "You have been apart of these lands for many years, child. Does it surprise you that we have considered such a position for you? Though you've been through some hard and rough patches you have earned respect of many. It is time for you to cast away your pain and sorrows and take up pride and joy." She gestured to the guards who stepped forward to unshackle Katt's hands.

Katt, although all ears, was finding this hard to swallow and rubbed at her wrists as the enchanted steel fell away. "I am...free?"

"Correct." Lilian's wind soft voice fluttered towards Katt as if a mother lulling her child to sleep. "Your position will be determined by Lord Oda."

"Ah but I've already chosen a position. What better place to keep her busy and keep an eye on her then having her directly under me as Captain." While he spoke he gestured to the guards at the door who soon enough stepped out and came back in with a mannequin garbed in a rather detailed and feminine armor display then she had seen in a long time.

Though admiring the purplish-black metal she realized something and turned her attention to Oda. "I am not wearing that." She was quick to shrink back when he suddenly was hovering above her and rather close.

"You will wear your official garbs and act according to your position." His voice bellowed low at her.

How do you refuse a request like that huh? She sighed and combed back her chocolate hair. "Fine. But I have a request."

All three of the higher ups raised their brows to the daring youth. Well young compared to them. "And that would be?" Oda finally ventured while staring at her.

"When my things are returned I would like a slab of Elrich Amethyst to be brought also and a day within the castle forgery, alone." Katt stated quite simply as if it was an easy task.

Easy it was. And costly.

Oda glanced to Lilian and the queen gestured her hand towards Katt. Nodding Oda looked to her and squinted. "Granted. Michael will bring your things to your quarters at the estate."

She smiled gratefully to him. Yes the special ore was going to be used. As precious as it was it was going to be forged into something just as precious. Without realizing it a hand had raised to rub at her upper chest.

This action caused Oda to raise brow. "Kathryn? Are you all right?"

Nodding her head numbly she looked around then bowed deep at the waist. "Thank you for your judgment and sentencing."

Before she could fully rise she felt the warm embrace of the aasimar queen wrap about her in a motherly hug. It had been a while since she had been hugged so warmly and she started to sink somewhat into it. Gentle lips brushed her brow before the woman spoke in that lulling tone. "Blessed be my child." And with that she brushed aside and stepped out of the chambers.

The magistrate's leave was less of contact. A firm pat to her shoulder which lingered before a few more taps were placed and she continued to follow the queen out.

So that..was that..but why did she feel so guilty? She knew why. It was because of...him. Again her hand crept across her chest. She didn't realize she was doing it every time she thought of him. Where he had left a permanent marking. Her features sulked some as she looked over to Oda. "I have another request..."

Oda blinked at her and settled into his chair, hands folded to his lap as he regarded her. "My my. Free already and trying to bleed it for all it's worth? What is it?"

"My ascension." She replied to his question quietly.

The look on his features soured. "Do not tell me you are requesting this because of that foolish boy."

"No." The word came bluntly from her lips.

"You do realize what you are saying...don't you?" He questioned as he leaned forward with renew worry.

Nodding her head she looked away from him and to the window. Her expression showed her mind was set.

"What will you do about the boy?"

She wished he hadn't asked. Her hand rubbed over the spot once again and she simply shrugged the question away.

"Kathryn. You cannot give up on him. You cannot abandon him."

"He abandoned me first. He has no care of me."

"He cares." He was quick to insist. Rising up she started towards her and gently slipped a hand onto her shoulder. The hand nearly swallowed her shoulder up. "Have you attempted to offer him a blood jewel?"

Her shoulder dipped and pulled out from under his touch. Glancing up to him she sighed. "I cannot give him that. If he knew he would just give it back."

"Then do not tell him. Maybe one day he will understand. Maybe one day he will want to find you."

"Stop it! Just..stop it.." She found herself trembling. Her head jerked forward and she tried to hide the fact she was crying. "I don't want..I don't want to talk about him. I just.."

"You love him." Oda replied with a father's care.

"Stop it. I'm a stupid..disgusting..monster to him. And he-GHEEHKK!" Before she knew it Oda's large hand had gathered up the front of her shirt and raised her from the ground. Next came a blow from his other hand that once landed his other hand released and she was suddenly flat on the ground seeing stars.."Gah..wha....owww.."

Oda hovered over her and growled. "Don't you ever speak of yourself like that again. Do you hear me?"

She couldn't even see the towering man. The world was a jumble.

"Do you HEAR me?!" His voice thundered to the point the windows shivered.

"Shit..YES! I think the people in the city can hear your big mouth!" She barked back in annoyance, rubbing her bruised face with many low rated grumbles.

Frowning he lowered to help her to her feet which took a few minutes. "Never again." He warned her then shooed her out of the office. "Go rest. News of your ascension will be sent."

She just sort of nodded and stumbled out of the office.

Rest..Yes she would find it.

Sentence passed..

Life would begin anew..