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She was carried along by the crowd, the sea of strangers moving in unison as they followed their morning routines. It was timely, she was just a face in the crowd, and could not catch anyone's eye. The eye of a friend or a foe, or the eye of a victim. It was hard not to appear suspect, especially with what adorned her face and skin, but she did what she could to get by.
Victim. She didn't like using the word, but she supposed in a court of law, or out of the mouth of a cop, it's what they'd say. It's not she hurt anyone, ever. Being the best at what she did, being harmless was key. Don't draw attention, and don't draw blood. Even in desperate times, she could not let her anger and frustration get the better of her. Otherwise, her nimble fingers would twitch and it'd give her away.Was this the life that was envisioned when she was born? No, she doubted that anyone had planned on her ending up here – walking the streets, concealing her identity out of caution. It wouldn't stop someone from recognizing her clothing, but that had only happened once, and she learnt from that mistake. The jacket on her back, the shorts, and tattered stockings – were taken months ago, in an entirely different city from this one. Fat chance that anyone would recognize them as hers, with all the wear and tear.Right, look for the target – She kept an eye out, underneath the trimming of her hood, for anyone she thought was either an easy snatch or someone whose pockets were a little heavy. She fiddled with the coins and watches she already had buried within her pockets, as she tried her best to patient. If she played her cards right, the perfect target would come straight to her. The people around her were nothing special – or so she judged, doubting they had anything of any worth. A couple more items, and she'd be set to carry on to any town and set up there for a time. She'd been in this city for the month, and frankly, she felt as if she had overstayed her welcome.She spied the first potential target coming her way, as she had planned – though it was more so luck than anything. More pride than sense. They appeared tricky, but worth the try. If they had something valuable, which she was sure they had, she'd find it. She needed less than a second, as she would have boasted. She was more than a set of light fingers – she had been in the business of petty crime for so long she'd become a professional. The art of a pickpocket was something beautiful. Choreographed and timed to perfection, it was something to praise. She supposed it helped that she had aces up her sleeves to boot.As usual, the target paid more attention to finding room within this cramped sidewalk than those who treaded along it. If they were watching, perhaps, they would have noticed her coming – that's if they were as smart as she was, and she could never find anyone to give that credit to. So, came the collision, entirely planned and scripted. Her entire mass hitting the target, though she remained standing. Blink and you would miss it – her hands had searched them, quiet and delicate as a whisper. Upon finding what she had sought, she used her magic touch to seize it and shove it into her sleeve before baring her hands to the stranger. There was nothing for him to see, not that he was none the wiser of what had been stolen from him.She considered meeting their gaze as she dusted herself off, but thought against the act so bold, and rather uttered out and apology, "Oh, so sorry." And shuffled along, melting into the sea of strangers again. She wouldn't even be a blip on the radar, for anyone who surrounded her. Cramped in to the side of the street, no one would bat an eye if two people collided – not even those that had ran into each other. It was a normal occurrence, as far as they knew. Yet, she knew better. Her treasure stuffed into the sleeve of her jacket, she did not draw an attention to how she clutched onto the end of the sleeve, as she carried on her way, down this concrete stream.She turned around a few more corners, at a relatively brisk pace, hurrying down random streets as she altered her path in case she was followed. No one ever did, but it helped to be cautious. There was a mystery, to those were travelled around this town – oddities and such, she knew because she was on herself – though none came close to matching her being. She recalled some the weird ones she has encountered in her way, of all sorts – divine in nature, or rather devilish. She had seen enough of them to no longer care, or fear rather. Still, it bothered her how she had never met anyone quite like her. Not that she longed for answers, she had made peace with whatever she was long ago.She found shelter within the darkness of a filthy alley, chilling though it was, far from sunlight. As she stopped to catch her breath, the sudden adrenaline rush having winded her, she looked back from the corner of the alley. The target had not followed her along the path, she was completely in the clear. Not that she had ever doubted herself for even a minute.Now, what had she risked everything for today?
The question lay on the tip of her tongue as she pulled her findings out from her sleeve, her fingers tugging on a metal chain. An ornate necklace, not a regular find by any means. A large red gem, a ruby perhaps, wrought in gold. It was a weird shape, draped on its chain, however it was solid – and that was what mattered. Firm and without a single scratch, it was the real deal.
"Jackpot."
Upon further inspection of the strange jewel, she came across something that failed to surprise her. An engraving, typical. 'Vergil'
She thought nothing of the name, other than it being somewhat Italian-romantic. Divine Comedy. The poet, though she was certain that their name was spelt different. Nonetheless, she guessed that it held more sentimental value than actual value – so it was difficult to determine if it would even be worth palming off to someone. Even so, she had time to decide. Whether it meant something to anyone mattered very little to her, it's just that the name engraving would make it harder to sell without a stupid story behind it. If that guy wanted it back, it wasn't her problem.Satisfied with today's haul, she strolled out from the shadows, flipping the pendant between her fingers absentmindedly, as she whistled an innocent tune.
***
Her pockets were filled with tender from selling off the junk she had found earlier, a hefty number of notes, though they were heavy because of the pendant she had chosen to keep. She couldn't explain to herself why she had done so, it was probably due to the strange vibe that the thing gave off. She was mistaking whatever it was for something of significant worth, something you couldn't put a price on. Not in the sentimental sense, but rather a mystical one. She had convinced herself that it was hiding a power, and one day she would find out what.There was no rush, after all. First things first, she was skipping town for another scenic location to which she could plunder and pinch from pockets. No matter how petty it was, it was thrilling. It gave her purpose, or rather entertainment as selfish as it was.She trailed across the rooftops of this backwater town, mainly so she could take in the stars glistening above her head. They were guiding lights along her path, leading whatever direction, it did not matter where.Despite being alone as she sauntered along, with no one sharing the rooftops with her, her hood remained up, as a barrier of sorts. To protect herself, from any that would see her face. It helped that the jacket was warm and comfortable, compared to the chill of the night air. Everything was still, yet goosebumps crawled along her skin, like the faint touch of death. She shuddered against the cold, burying her hands in her pockets once more. It gave little relief.Midnight. The moon was barely a crescent in the black of the sky, shredding some light down on the earth. Her body wasn't exhausted yet, though she wasn't sure when was the last she had stopped and rested a full night. It's not like she needed the energy – she never seemed to run out. Even now, she could probably sprint a marathon without slowing. Self-sustaining, for the most part. She could not explain that phenomenon, or the one that was her entire being – though she didn't mind not having a grasp of the answers. It made her the bundle of uniqueness she was.Thanks to her abundance of unusual talents, she was aware of the presence that was shadowing her in the slight distance. They had been following her for quite some time now, hours perhaps. She could care less at first, but over time, she grew more annoyed. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know why they were so keen on tailing her, but she would have been happy for them just to fuck off altogether. She was the loner type after all.Gazing back over her shoulder, she finally acknowledged her stalker's existence, "Can I help you?"At her calling, they emerged from the shadows – revealing themselves as the victim from earlier. The owner of the strange amulet. Figures that the strange thing, would have an even stranger owner. Now, she simply wondered, what had she gotten herself into with her antics."I believe you have something that belongs to me."She scoffed, hiding the fact she was surprised she had been caught. Even more surprised that he had even sought her out in the end. The boy, in his teens, just like she was, stood alone across the rooftop, staring her down with a quiet fury. She wasn't going to let it get to her. "Shouldn't you have some sort of proof before you go accusing people?""I know you have it."He was so certain of it, it was hard for her not to be intimidated by that."Yeah, and that's going to hold up in court." She waved it off, dismissing this encounter entirely. In reality, she was rearing to make her escape into the night. To skip town ahead of schedule, thanks to him. Better safe than sorry. She turned around, ready to tread down her path again. She waved him goodbye, "Whatever, later."
"Don't make me do something we'll both regret."
He's resorting to threats. She rolled her eyes, not willing to stand that. She also did not want to look weak, nor scared over his words. She spun herself around, hands poised on her hips as she bit back at him, utilizing that sharp tongue of hers, "I don't know who you are or why you're here, but you're mistaken if you think you're going to scare me with cheap talk like that."Rather than retorting with another empty threat, the mysterious stranger raised his hands into the moonlight. The celestial spotlight highlighted the object he held in his hands, long and thin. A single shift of his hands, unsheathed the smallest inch of the bare steel – the blade, glistening in the light.
Great, now he has a sword. What kind of nut-job have I gotten myself tangled with,
the girl lamented. In a flash, he had unsheathed it in full, giving it a single swing in the empty air, before returning the weapon to its sheathe.She opened her mouth, ready to laugh in his face and throw that display back at him like the joke it was, only for the words never to surface. Her laughter fell silent, along with the hood of her jacket, cut cleanly at the seams, now fallen to the ground.
How on Earth?
Quickly her hands found her neck, inspecting every inch for a wound, or for the slick of blood. She wasn't hurt, not a single cut to her skin – the slash had torn at the clothing she wore. It was a mystery she could not wrap her head around.Upon the realization that her face was now laid bare, visible for all to see, she was overcome by a furious anger. Fuming, she yelled out, "Do you mind!? I went through a lot to steal this outfit!" In the typical fashion, the stranger said nothing, too busy concerning themselves her face. Eyes wide, they stared at the unusual features. It only made her see red. "Oh yes, gawk at my face. Weirdo." She tapped at the metal plates that were indented along her jawline, "They're bulletproof by the way, so don't try anything.""Last warning. The amulet. Now.""Yeah, and for the last time, I don't know what you're talking about." She stood her ground, adamantly pushing her lies upon him. Any lesser man would have believed her by now, but he was not a man – let alone a human one at that. He was just a boy, but she couldn't afford to forget she was not much more than a girl.A weapon, concealed in its sheathe, was met with knuckles laid bare. What should have been a clash of inhumans, left a tired impression on the stranger. She fought with her hands like a savage, throwing punches and kicks without style nor grace. The bones of her knuckles knocked against the sheathe of his weapon, snaps that reverberated up her arm. Despite all appearances, her powers felt undeniably plain. A one-sided battle, led by the one who deliberately kept their guard up, rather than brandish their sword. Occasionally they would knock back, or swipe at her – at swift speed, and accuracy. The girl could not block them, though the hits were not to incapacitate.
He was poking the bear.
They merely bruised her, the pain minimal, but her anger was beginning to slip from her control."Fine, enough games." She had enough of being batted around. It was time for her to truly stand up for herself, though it left her at a terrible risk – though her face had already been revealed, she felt the risk wasn't enough to change her mind. "You're really asking for it."She erupted into a roar, that laid somewhere between a battle cry and shout of pain. Her cry resounded with the Earth itself, stirring a tremor as her form emitted a blinding flash of light. The whiteness faded away in the most part, still burning around her body as a glowing aura. Her tattered clothing had vanished, not a single remnant remaining, as now the she wore entire different attire. Her true skin.Was this girl some kind of machine? Her entire form exposed from the tattered clothing she had concealed her true self within, the strange intricacy of her body was revealed for him to see. The metal that seemed to be indented into her face was merely the beginning. Her entire body was to be found in the same manner, a body suit of unusual design – almost straight from science fiction – appeared to be physical armor that could not be removed. Silvers and tones of blue adorned her, as an energy surrounded her. Machine, or a mythical being come to life in a way he had never seen? As this world held demons and angels, it was certainly possible for something even stranger to come into the light. However, the question remained, what kind of creature was she?It was a question that he had given himself too much time to ponder over. Drowning in his thoughts, he had failed to realise how she had materialized into a bolt of lightning, and collided with him with tremendous force. His skeleton quivered from the blow, his mind unable to recollect what had happened even after he was knocked onto the ground. Everything about him felt out place. It was as if a vehicle had collided with him.
What was that?!Gazing up from the concrete rooftop, he came face to face with a creature that was like no demon he had ever seen. The street thief, who should have been as common as any other, hovered before him. Emanating with power, the glint of her armor blinded him for a moment. He was almost breathless. He hated that, and blamed his own inexperience. And so, he was blindsided by a flurry of bare-fisted attacks. An assault he could barely contend with. Her knuckles, like serrated steel, beating against his skin, like lashes of a whip. He was aware of how he bled, and the bruises beneath his skin. He had made a grave underestimation, and it came a great cost."So, it's like that, huh?" Her voice, resounding with an unusual echo, taunted him, "You could do better than that, ha!"While he fought against sustaining any more injuries, she fought back against exhaustion. She wasn't exactly accustomed to unleashing everything she had, it was draining her energy. She was a star burning out. Until the end, she would burn bright she supposed. As she continued to brawl with the only weapon at her disposal being her fists, she did feel somewhat irked about how things had turned so one sided so fast. It was self-defence. She had to do whatever it takes, like she always would.The tide evened out after so long, the celestial body that was once overhead beginning its descent. The two fighters were resorting to a simple street-style brawl at this point, the sword having been discarded. Bobs and weaves, hooks, and jabs. Perhaps it was the exhaustion making the pair delirious, but they were having fun. Then again, they were just two stupid kids, with more powers than sense.The street thief swung her fist around, hooking around, only for it to be dodged with a simple step backward. The stranger caught her arm, manoeuvring her into a grapple, finally giving the fight some pause. Her head caught in a vice-like grip, she tried to free herself, as much as she giggled, to no avail."Ah! Let go of me you dick!""Is that a call of surrender?""Yeah as if!" She snorted, finally wriggling her way to freedom. The stranger was not bothered to stop her. It seemed they had both forgotten what they were even fighting for, that being the amulet the thief still had in her clutches. They were caught up in the moment, and in their own adrenaline. It could be forgiven, they were two teens against the world, still young and still learning. As much as they wanted to grow up, they still had to wait."And they say chivalry is dead."The fist fight continued, though both were now tired and technically sloppy. Their lack of grace being the last joke needed to finally distract them, it amused them so much that they burst out with breathless laughter. Even the stranger, who was exceptional at masking his emotions and bottling them up, chuckled at how they simply looked like drunken fools. No matter how regal, or awe-inspiring she was in that form, she still looked like an idiot. However, there was another reason to add to amusement, and the thief still had no idea.She wiped tears from her eyes, her face flushed, "Why are we laughing?"With a crooked smile, the best he could conjure, he revealed a necklace that he had twisted around his fingers. A simple crystal gem dangling as the pendant, a faint pink hue to it. Once the girl had noticed, his smile became a smirk. Hers, became a scowl. "Hey!" In a panic, she leapt at him, hoping to snatch it from his hands. He was one step ahead, blocking her grab, "Give it back!"As she fumed, he inspected the gemstone, not recognizing it, "What is it?""Rose quartz, what does it look like?!" The first thing she had ever taken, the first theft of many. She had swiped it from some lady who looked like she didn't need it, in her fancy clothes. Her trickiest swipe, almost was caught, but she got away thanks to her deft skills. That day she found her calling in thievery. Her own sentimental valued treasure, the one she had draped around her neck – now in the hands of her mysterious assailant. It irked her beyond belief, being outplayed like that. She tried to snatch her necklace back, only for him to raise his hand, his reach too high for her. Under her breath, she cursed him, and her height, "Jerk!""I think you know what I want.""Wow, that didn't sound overly suggestive or anything." She rolled her eyes, fighting back the smirk that threatened to play upon her lips, as she deflected the subject. His unblinking stare did not budge even as his cheeks tinted somewhat rosy at her comment, but the eye contact not the least bit welcome to her. As much as she averted her own gaze, she could not ignore the piercing blue. He was so confident. Almost arrogant. In the end, that arrogance was what won that battle."Fine, smart-ass." She caved in, like a domino. The red-jewelled amulet was summoned into her hands with snap of her fingers. She admired the jewel one last time before tossing back to him. He caught with these, throwing her own necklace back to her. The exchange had been made, and she was relatively okay with it. "It's still gaudy as all hell though."She replaced her necklace, as her former clothing began to slowly reappear on her body, concealing the armour and unusual marking indented into her skin. All that remained visible were the plates running along her cheeks and jawline. Without the hood, she could not hide them. Her transform back to norm was lengthy, seeing how she expelled so much energy. For the first-time in months, she could really use a nap."Shit like this is bad for business, just so you know."Her remark was shrugged off, as the stranger could only find himself concerned with the mystery he had just witnessed. She was an enigma he could wrap his head around. She unlike a demon or an angel, something entirely new. "What are you?""Don't know, don't care – not that it's for you to know." She brushed herself off as she spoke, "If we're done here, I'm going." She continued, "I would say it's been fun, but that would make me a liar."
But not entirely,
she thought to herself. Their little dance was entertaining toward the end. Shame it costed her that pretty little gem. However, she had no intention of letting that thing go so easy. She'd get it back, eventually.
It wouldn't be too hard, teenage boys are easy to mess with,
with the right amount of attention of course.
Her devious scheming would have to wait for now, all she wanted was to move on as she had planned."Ciao~" With a flirty wave, the thief leapt from the rooftop, disappearing in the night.The stranger was left to wonder what she possibly could have been, and if they would ever meet again, or was this a just a one-off experience? He would have to wait and see.