Crime and Punishment

[w0rmy]

The only person that would know is dead… that line kept repeating over and over like a wheel. Suke Sofiyanski is dead and the only one that possessed the knowledge behind the blade or perhaps, perhaps Iveri knows just as much? It seemed likely, after all, Suke and he were very close at one stage but of course it all changed when Tuo appeared. She trailed a single finger alone the scar on her cheek, while the other hand which held the quill was limp. It was Suke that gave her this and she remembered it well but, but now was not the time to think about it. It would be stupid to think about now because it would make her more of a target. She already been stupid, no more than stupid tonight and just now, Tuo were beginning to regret it. But what was regretted the most that ‘God’s Tongue’ was not brought along that previous night… oh why, oh why didn’t she bring it? God, Tuo was a fool sometimes.

And without another word, the vampire accepted her punishment. Without complaint or uttering a single world, the vampire worked. The only sounds that were heard where the two Sidhe whispering, the scratching of the quill and the occasional ruffle of paper. The language that they spoke was not known to the Apprentice and it was slightly annoying but once again, she ignored it. If was one was too dig deep inside, they would find rage. She hated the way that the younger Sidhe touched the precious blade, those unworthy and filthy fingers. God, it just sent shivers up and down her spine thinking about it.

A knock at the door, sudden movement, door closing then the opening of an envelope but once again, Tuo ignored all. To finish this, all this would be most wonderful. How much was there to mark? She was about half way there… she sighed but otherwise made no other complaint and continued marking.

[Fell]

It didn\'t take the master long to get through the letter. When he finished it, he brought a hand to his lips and tapped, thinking. Well, this certainly wasn\'t planned... December thought. It rather shot his punishment for Tuo to hell, but at least she\'d finished about half of them. What he would have to do next wouldn\'t be quite what he\'d envisioned for punishment, but perhaps it could do just as well... After all, if she didn\'t listen to him precisely, he would kill her for jeprodising him and the Academy.

"Tuo m\'dear, it seems our plans have changed," December purred coldly as he rose from his chair. November\'s eyes followed his older brother, his expression darkening by the second. "You have to go," the younger of the two said angrily, his voice implying a statement, not a question. December looked down at his brother, laying a hand on his head. "Do your homework, November, then go to bed. I\'ll be back before you fall asleep," the master said, turning and walking towards Tuo.

"This is still your punishment, even if it will be slightly more interesting than first expected. If you do anything stupid enough to jeprodise me or the Academy, I will kill you where you stand. When I tell you to do something, do it without question. These are not suggestions or possibilities. Now - come." December\'s small speech was delivered with the same cold, polite air as everything else he said, but his eyes bored into hers with an intensity that didn\'t allow for doubting his seriousness. "I\'ll explain while we walk," the master continued, turning to exit his room.

[w0rmy]

Those brown eyes normally bright with aggression were dim… lifeless even. After what seemed like an eternity, she realised it was better to be silent and obey the rules. Page after page, a forever repetition or at least, that is what it felt like. Of course, there was an end but it seemed far, far away. It was like walking in a long dark tunnel, the light seems to far away… yes, and it was exactly like that and just as depressing. Will Tuo ever see the light at the end of this tunnel or will it be forever, like the turning wheel?

Forever

Forever

Forever

There was little emotion displayed except the contortion of eyes upon hearing December. What was this? Was she free to go… no, of course not. There would be further punishment, Tuo was show of it. What would this punishment be? Something humiliating that’s for sure or perhaps not. It might be an important task… well probably not that important or otherwise he wouldn’t suggest bringing her along.

Tuo stood up, looked at December’s back then at the kyoktetsu shoge. It could not reside here, these filthy Sidhe could not handle it and so with a quick movement, the kyoktetsu shoge was tied back to her belt. The vampire sighed and followed the Master of Confuto in silence.

[Fell]

December\'s cold smile grew slightly. So she can silence herself, the Master thought, pleased. Good. Silence was, after all, one of the most important tenets of this house. Tuo seemed altogether too willing to disregard it too much of the time. Perhaps she\'s learned something, then, December thought as he exited, simply closing the door behind him. He didn\'t even bother to lock it, as he knew it was unnecessary. Anyone who tried to get into his room would... regret it.

"Someone has gone and gotten themselves captured," December purred as they moved. "It is... an unfortunate development, especially considering their location. It isn\'t too far from here, but it will take too long for us to walk or ride and I cannot take you with me. Someone has set up a gateway for us, which will take us close enough to walk the remaining distance," the master went on, sweeping quickly down the stairs. "The security at this place is quite good, and we can expect them to know we\'re on our way. Is there anything you would like to get before we leave?" December turned his head to look at her with one serious eye. I wonder if this will be her first high-priority mission, he thought languidly, though he quickly put the thought out of his mind. After all, it wasn\'t very important.

"How\'s your magic?" December asked as they exited the North Tower, moving quickly towards the main facility. It would be important for him to get a crash course in Tuo\'s strengths and weaknesses if she was to come along.

It wasn\'t necessary for her to come, that was sure... But December wanted to bring her. He was curious as to why she\'d been made an apprentice. In some ways, this was his personal apprenticeship test. If she was useless on the field, she was useless. But perhaps she would turn out to be something more than hasty and high-tempered... Field work brought out the true nature in people more often than not.

[w0rmy]

Silence. When was the last time she was so quiet? Ah yes, of course, when she was promoted to a level one student. It was tedious but it had to be done. Tuo had nearly failed numerous times but only due to luck, she escaped. And what was the time before that? When she had to be silent? Oh yes, when she was still with Suke. Her maker, her creator… perhaps even God. He ruled her with an iron fist and it would’ve been foolish to disagree. Very foolish. In fact, it was due to her folly that she received the scar which adorned her flesh.

Tuo listened but said nothing. She would not speak and only would if she had to. If the Master asked a direct question, the vampire wouldn’t hesitate to answer.

Is there anything you would like to get before we leave?

Perhaps it would be wise to bring another weapon other than God’s Tongue. She couldn’t rely on it, especially not tonight. It was no doubt angry and there was a high chance that it would refuse to work. However, before Tuo could answer, December asked another question.

How\'s your magic?

She could not do magic full stop. Her maker said it was stupid and only cowards committed to it. Of course, that was not to say Tuo was curious. She had wanted to do magic, in fact, she had tried but Suke caught her one time… and let’s just say the consequences were not exactly pleasant.

“I cannot do magic. And… as for my weapons.” Tuo paused, biting her lower lip slightly. What weapon would be good for such a mission? Perhaps the Deer Horn knives, or kodachi? Hmm. She touched the cursed blade, mind wondering. Or even, just stick with what she’s got? “May I get my kodachi?” Tuo concluded. It would be way to risky using the kyoketsu shoge and the kodachi was quite good.

[Fell]

December looked back, genuinely surprised. The master paused for a moment before letting out a small, amused "hmph" and turning back to the stairs. "You should have been in Cruori," he said as he continued his descent. No wonder it was so easy, December thought, remembering their fight the previous night. Then again, even had he been in hand-to-hand combat with her he doubted she would have been able to take him. But such thoughts were theories, nothing more, and warranted little attention.

Kodachi? December thought. It sounded vaguely familiar... Some kind of sword, if he remembered correctly. The master snorted - weaponry had never been his specialty. That was more November\'s thing, and the master was sure that, had his brother been here, he would have known precisely what Tuo was talking about. "Yes, you may. Where do you reside?" December asked just as they reached the bottom of the tower. He would be going with her to ensure her alacrity. Time was rather of the essence.

It occurred to December then that Tuo had been uncharacteristically silent for the past... hour or so. He smiled at that thought; it meant she was learning. So she\'s trainable. Excellent, the master thought, pleased. There was hope for her yet... Well, as long as she could prove that the training stuck. If she could manage to curb that temper of hers and bend to her betters, December believed that she had potential. She was very, very quick with her blades as she had happily demonstrated yesterday. Quick enough to get December with his guard down - an event that would not happen again. The master was a very quick learner when it came to people and their strengths... and weaknesses.

[w0rmy]

Cruori? Ugh! The House was filled with obsessive maniacs… well most of the time. Maledict wasn’t that all the obsessive. Well, sometimes.  Anyway, it was still an insult, Tuo was proud of being in Confuto, at least, most of the time. Sometimes she wished she never came and stayed in Georgia. Oh well, nothing can be done till she rises to Master… if that happens.
“I would rather be dead than be in Cruori.”
Tuo said without thinking. She was going to say more but thankfully, she stopped herself. There was no point of arguing, especially to a Master.

December wanted to come to her dwelling? A sudden awkwardness came forth onto Tuo. Her room wasn’t exactly clean but that was only because it was shared with a fellow apprentice. She didn’t know how to clean up after herself and it often sent the vampire into rages.
“Student Quarters. First Floor.”  
Hopefully, the fellow apprentice hadn’t ‘borrowed’ anything, she has done it in the past and if it happened again… oh Tuo would be most displeased.

The Apprentice began to wonder what this was all about and who got captured? Tuo had been on two slightly important missions but that was ages ago. The Masters didn’t really trust her because of a certain incident that happened. A few students from Confuto got themselves trapped in a dungeon and Tuo was asked to free them and of course she happily obliged. Well, not that happy, but anyway… upon freeing the students, she realised how hard it would be to travel from the dungeon back to the academy. In the end, she pushed them down a shaft and after making sure every one of them was dead, Tuo returned back to the academy. She claimed that they ‘fell’… but of course the Masters found out and the Apprentice was never really trusted after that. Another reason they are not that fond of her is because of the temper. Oh well, such is life.

[Fell]

December gave a quiet click when Tuo proclaimed that she would rather be dead than in Cruori. Really, so narrow minded... he thought disparagingly. Cruori had such a bad reputation among the houses, but December agreed with them in many ways. It was an odd thing for someone who was primarily a mage to say, December knew, but their appreciation for death, and the way they taught it so meticulously... It was truly a beautiful thing. "Do not discount those different from yourself... Especially when you could so easily have fallen in with them," the master purred, not breaking his stride at all as he spoke.

Well naturally, December thought with a slight roll of his eyes when Tuo told him she lived on the first floor of the student quarters. Most of the apprentices did, and the only few that didn\'t lived elsewhere only due to extenuating circumstances. "Clearly. Can you be more specific?" December asked dryly. He was already hurrying towards the student quarters, moving at a walk fast-paced enough to have most people at a trot at least.

This was Tuo\'s big break, December knew. He\'d learned a bit about her in the day or so since they\'d had their altercation, simply because it was always worthwhile to know about those around you. December now knew she\'d been on only a couple of even remotely important missions in the past, and the last one she\'d done she had botched entirely. Oh, she\'d managed to get the kids alright, but she\'d then proceeded to kill them all and then lie about it. Honestly, what did she think would happen? One did not lie to masters about their missions... Or kill their own housemates, for that matter. What if November had been one of those students...? It had been such a waste. With that, she was lucky she hadn\'t been demoted back to student.

December glanced back at her on that last thought. There\'s always time, though, he thought. Tuo still had a chance of loosing her position as Apprentice, at least in December\'s book - and new master though he was, his book was a hefty one to contend with. "Do you have any questions?" December asked suddenly. It would be best for her to get any inquires out of the way now, for it would be more difficult to talk once they were on their way.  Besides, the questions she asked might just be intelligent. December looked forward to seeing what she asked.

[w0rmy]

Damn damn damn damn damn damn! Obviously December didn’t agree and it wasn’t a good idea to speak against it. But then again, Tuo was never the type just to bet quiet about her opinions. The Master’s opinion about the House was both interesting and surprising; after all, not many liked Cruori. Even though an Assassin, there wasn’t a great love for death and nor did she view it as beautiful.

“Of course, I apologise.” She had to jog to keep up with December’s long strides. Ah the woes of being short... though it did have its bonuses. “I live near the entrance… second door.”  

After a few moments, they arrived in front of the vampire’s dwelling. Hopefully, that stupid room mate wasn’t there and the room wasn’t in a state. Tuo opened the door, eyes closed for she dreaded the worst.

Please, please don’t be here... don’t be here don’t be here

Oh. Oh excellent. As it turned out, Mari was indeed here and not only that, she had managed to mess everything up. Even Tuo’s side of the room! For a moment, she had forgotten that December was behind her, no doubt watching everything.
“What have you done? Oh my God! Just look at my table, what have you been doing? Is that… fondue?”
On her table, there appeared to be remains of fondue and bread. It was going to take hours to scrub that off, that is, if she had the time to do so. God!! This was so infuriating and unneeded! Mari was about to speak but the vampire made a gesture, a simple hand movement but it did the job. No, it wasn’t the ‘bird’… she wasn’t angry enough to do that.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Tuo went to find her kodachi. Where did she leave it again? Ah yes, in the chest. Once recovering the blade, she walked straight back outside, not casting a glance back. And why would she with a room mate like that?

“No.”
There were no questions plighting her mind, after all, this mission seemed quite direct. Or at least, she assumed so, hopefully this was the case... and if not... well, let\'s just say it wouldn\'t end well.

[Fell]

An apology? From this vampire? Well now, that was unexpected. Then again, much of what Tuo had been doing tonight was unexpected, which December found to be quite an improvement. Apologies, silence and even deference! Truly, they were getting somewhere.

December nodded his understanding to her, and it wasn\'t long before they were at the door. The master noted that she opened the door with her eyes closed - certainly a curiosity. When he saw the state of the room, though, he found he couldn\'t blame her - it was a mess! Judging from Tuo\'s reaction, it was the other girl\'s fault, too. Dear lord... Irritating girl, the master thought, glancing at this "Mari".

December stepped into the room. "Honestly, girl. Clean this mess up," the master said, his cold eyes boring into Mari\'s head. The girl\'s look, which had begun defiant, now began to falter. It wasn\'t long before it had broken down into a rather frightened, obedient look, and when they left the room Mari was scurrying about, cleaning the space. December shook his head. Even November was cleaner than that, though he was much lower in rank.

"No?" December repeated, raising his eyebrows slightly. "None at all, despite the fact that you know nothing of where we\'re going?" The words came out in a somewhat delicate purr, his Irish accent sending the tone sliding up and down as he spoke. It surprised him that she would have no questions... But if that was how she wanted it. The master gave a mental shrug, then headed towards the portal that had been set up for them. It was currently located in what most believed to be an unused classroom, but was, in truth, a room set aside for just this sort of a thing. It would probably be Tuo\'s first time in the place, as it was seldom visited by anyone, Masters included. December only used it very rarely - he had his own means of transportation.

[w0rmy]

Tuo was quite happy upon seeing the frightened look upon the girl’s face; in fact, she had to resist the urge to laugh. And of course, to do that would be stupid, very stupid! Not to mention awkward. Mari, the Apprentice was so irritating, even more so than some of the level nine students and that took a lot of effort.

Anyway… this was not the time to get distracted; after all, they were on a mission. Yes, a mission and we all know the last mission that the vampire went on didn’t go that, ah, ‘well’. Tuo wasn’t that worried about the mission, mainly because there was going to be a Master with her but at the same time it was annoying. If she did something wrong, December was surely going to point it out and the girl hated people doing that. There was also another reason why she didn’t ask questions but that was only due to pride. Pride. She did not want to be viewed as stupid and ask questions but the again… to increase one’s knowledge, they must ask questions!

She looked briefly into those yellow eyes and gave him a look that said it all. There was no need for words, no need at all. Sometimes, oral communication wasn’t always the best option. Tuo turned away sighing, she hated those eyes; they had some… some hypnotising power or something. Whatever it was, she didn’t like it and it scared her. December turned and began to walk and the Apprentice quickly followed, after all, she didn’t know where they were going or how they were going to get there. How were they going to get there, the vampire had no idea. Sure, she had ideas but none of them really worked.

[Fell]

December caught the look that Tuo was giving him - not very difficult, considering she was looking straight into his eyes - but he didn\'t understand it very well. Truth be told, he just didn\'t understand most races. Almost all the mortal races were out, and Tuo was a bit of an exception among the immortal ones. She looked kind of... Well, December could get a vague idea of it, he supposed, but the fact that she was trying to communicate so much with her eyes made the master rather terse. "Use your words, girl," December told her simply as he turned to walk further down the hallways.

It took them a moderate amount of time to get to their destination. December said nothing of where they were going on the way, nor anything about their mission. She would have to ask if she wanted to know, however much she didn\'t want to. That much, at least, he\'d picked up from her odd expression earlier.

December quickly approached a door, one that looked rather innocuous. So innocuous, even, that it was suspiciously easy for one\'s eyes to just slide right past it... December knew their destination, though, and the spell over the doorway, so he had been prepared for the oddly detached feeling one got when staring straight at the thing. The master grasped the door\'s handle and pushed, opening up the view of the room.

The thing one might notice first was that it was dark. The room had very little lighting, and that little lighting it did have was the second thing one might notice. It was a set of highly ornate, concentric circles on the floor, manned by a surprisingly young looking woman with bright red bangs. "Hey December," the girl said, walking forward and motioning them inside. The master smiled at her and tipped his hat in greeting. "So the rings are all set up. Just hop in the middle and I\'ll finish off the runes," the girl said, placing one hand on her hip.

"Thank you, Wisly," December purred, heading to the middle of the circle. "Come on, Tuo," the master added, his voice considerably more businesslike. "No problem, D," the girl, Wisly apparently, said, moving in to close the circle and add a couple more runes before stepping back. "Just tell me when," she said, eying the pair in the circle. December turned his head to look at Tuo. "Ready?"

[w0rmy]

December’s attitude was nothing but infuriating and Tuo’s state of mind was beginning to wither and die. She could not stand the arrogance and rudeness of the Sidhe though… completely oblivious to the fact, the vampire shared those two exact traits. Arrogance and rudeness though perhaps a bit more blunt that the Master, less elegance. Tuo desperately wanted to tell him to ‘get fucked’ and walk away, oh God, what a pathetic, juvenile wish that was. With a sigh and the grinding of teeth,
“Okay.” Pulling strands of hair out of her face, “I have no questions to ask, Master December.”

The walk took longer expected and she could never remember coming here and if she did, well, it was no wonder. It would’ve been easy to walk straight past the door and not take a second glance; it was not very striking to the eye and not forgetting to mention quite dark. The two soon entered a room and soon greeted by a young girl with red hair… that wasn’t the strange part though! She talked and acted as if December was a friend and from Tuo’s experience, she thought no one would want to be HIS friend. What nutcase would want to be friends with HIM?

While the Master and Wisly talked, Tuo took the chance to take a look at the rings. So this was a transportation device? It was very interesting, the runes and the lines… sure, she had read about them and seen diagrams but to be physically there? And even be granted to travel in one, it was all very exciting. Also, because of this sudden excitement, Tuo nearly didn’t hear December speak,
“What?” Tearing her eyes away from the runes and circles, “Oh… wait one moment.”
An idea sprung to mind however there was doubt it was going to work. Tuo quickly pulled out God’s Tongue and sliced her outstretched hand… well, at least attempted to. No blood was split nor was any flesh was torn! Goddamnit! The blade was still angry which also meant it wouldn’t work. Goddamnit!
“Okay… uh.” She scratched the back of her head and walked to December’s side, “I apologise for making you wait… I just had to see something.”

[Fell]

When Tuo raised her blade, Wisly almost had an aneurysm. The girl wasn\'t fast enough to stop Tuo, but damned if she didn\'t proceed to give the apprentice a piece of her mind. "What the hell was - Do you have any idea -?!" Wisly said, her voice halfway between enraged and shocked. December was just laughing quietly behind a hand; he found this girl so cute when she was upset.

Wisly tossed her hands in the air. "You could have fucking killed us all! Blood on runes is bad!" she espoused, rubbing her head. December beckoned Tuo into the circle. "She\'s right, you know. Did you never take any runic classes?" the Master asked, looking calmly at the Apprentice. That really was an important area of knowledge, if only to avoid messing up some complicated magics. December himself did not understand the runic art, but he knew enough to stop it from hurting him. He would have to teach Tuo - if she passed this little test of his, anyway.

"We\'re ready, Wisly," December called out to the girl, who was still muttering angrily under her breath. Nevertheless, she moved forward and chalked in a few more small lines. It was a surprisingly small change for what happened next.

The runes lit up, their light bringing the entirety of the room into sharp relief. Then, an odd feeling of bending, and the scene before them was turned upside-down, inside-out and broken into fragments. December seemed oddly calm about it, though it honestly made the hairs at the back of his neck prickle every time. It wasn\'t a sensation he thought he would ever get used to.

The last thing visible was Wisly waving goodbye. Then they were dumped into the middle of a rocky badlands, it looked like. There were woods to the north, with small spires of  smoke coming out of them. The night was in full swing, the moon starting to rise on the horizon. December brushed his cloak, smoothing out some small wrinkles, then turned to the forest and began to walk. "Stay close," the Master said simply. It would be much easier to cloak them both if they were near to each other.

[w0rmy]

(Continued HERE)