tampered | [ open ] Muraki & Megumi

[ open ] Muraki & Megumi - Witch Hunting

When; Now, after Muraki and Megumi's coffee date.
Rating; G - PG for violence
Characters; Muraki Kazutaka [

roy_de_epee ] & Megumi [

pinkenglishrose ]
Summary; Persuasion can become rather deadly. And this isn't even workplace rivalry. Hired by Alexis, Muraki sets out to trap himself a witch under the guise of finding romance with Tsuzuki.
Log;

[ An odd conversation, but certainly not unpleasant. Axl and the kids know that she occasionally comes home late, so she knows they won't be too worried. After all, food's ready and they have everything they need, well before time. Which is why this trip doesn't seem so bad... though as she walks back through the quiet path, a change from her regular route owing to her having just met Muraki, she glances up at the sky...

It's getting late. She'd better hurry. ]

... I should have worn a sweater... [ She murmurs to herself, before she begins to walk faster. This path is taking her longer than her normal route home, and she doesn't want to be in here longer than necessary. It feels too... desolate and quiet, despite the city sounds surrounding the distance ahead... ]

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[The evening had started just as he had planned - innocent conversation over coffee about love prospects. Ended quickly, but not too quickly - it was already late, and the darkness was everywhere. The perfect scenario for the next stage.

He had been following her; keeping his distance, remaining in the shadows, never daring to let her see just who was following her, nor daring to let her think someone was. Finally, in the quiet path of the more wooded area of the park, it's time.]

Heh. Good.

[His voice is silent, muttered under his breath to himself as he stands in the shadows of a thicket of trees. A simple hum to himself, and with the swipe of his hand in the air, a stream of light appears. It's indistinguishable, formless, at first... then it appears as a fierce trio of tigers, all growling, all feral, all bloodthirsty.]

Now, go easy on her, but not too easy. [A whisper to the conjured beasts - he'd not have her incapacitated just yet.]

[ Magic.

She knows it's been activated, the element far too close to her own to be missed, and she freezes as she walks. She can hear it and sense it, and her nerves are tingling, in reaction.

And she's glad they do, because as she swerves around, her eyes widen.

Summoned beasts?! But-- but who... ]

W-who's there...?!

[ Her gaze remaining focused on the beasts who appear, she begins to slowly step back. She's not a fighter and whoever summoned them is certainly a powerful user of light magic to have been able to summon at all.

But why-- why has someone summoned such feral beasts?! ]

[He'd have to be careful. The right co-ordination, and it would give the right effect. The tigers growl more intensely, prowling around to circle the girl. Muraki merely looks on, smiling a touch to himself at his summoned creatures behaving so well. It'd make everything so much easier when it was time.

He doesn't dare answer the demand she issues. No, that was a foolish move to answer. Instead, he challenges one of the tigers to snarl and lash out with a swipe of its heavy paw.]

Good.

[He was curious to see if she would dodge the attack, and just how.]

[ To the swipe, she back steps quickly, trying to gauge how much space she has to run from here. While she can teleport, in the presence of such magic, it's getting rather strenuous to risk it, and in her tension, she doesn't know where she'll end up.

Slowly... don't make any sudden moves... ]

... wh-who summoned you...

[ She isn't frightened- more tense at the fact that these creatures are aiming for her than anything. Why, and who would attack her at all? She can't fight them--!! ]

[The attack was sidestepped. It didn't matter - Muraki's pleased all the same with the effect of it. He can see it well in her eyes - she's nervous about the power his conjured creatures had.

Just as he wanted.

The tigers still swarm around her, growling and looking at her with a feral anger. They were looking for blood. Another, a different one, moved to bite at her, pouncing fiercely. But it's only play - he wants to see Megumi fight back somehow.]

[ How did they suddenly surround her? Eyes widening in shock, she looks around her for an opening, trying to avoid using her magic where she shouldn't-- and she lets out a startled cry when one of them leaps out to attack. They're huge---- and she almost loses her balance when the bite almost gets her arm, instead snagging on her sleeve. ]

A-AH!! [ She cries out in a panic before ripping her sleeve free from that hold, backing off again. Her hands are glowing in defensive magic, but she dismisses it instantly-- and makes a run for it instead, in the opposite direction because she doesn't want to take these beasts into the city! ]

[So she'd try to get away. Muraki knows better than to let her go - at his command, the beasts follow her, and more seem to appear in similar fashion, conveniently in the way of her path. She's not going to get away from him - at least, not while conscious.

The ones now before her, a terrifying duo, roar threateningly at her. They'd do their master's bidding - no escape was allowed.]

[ She freezes-- more of them. Someone's definitely controlling them, and in a continued panic, she dodges out of the way.

She has to run. She has to continue running before those things gang up and--

It's taking all her effort to not just break and summon. She needs to. She has to or... ]

[The tigers take chase after her - keep on her heels, wear her out. Muraki also has to move along with the tigers; he runs through the thicket, dead twigs snapping gently underneath his footfall.

This time, three of the tigers launch into the air behind her, aiming to pounce her and keep her down. Megumi had to be provoked into that witchcraft he knew of, thanks to another source. Then her energy will be gone.]

!!!

[ They're on her-- and she loses her balance, falling back onto the ground and letting out a cry for help. This is no time to be thinking of why-- she knows she needs to keep running, and she knocks her elbow into one of the beast's jaws, grabbing her skirt to rip it free from where it's being pinned down and then-- in a show of her innate defensive abilities, a white light surrounds her and then blasts out at the beasts, a shield spell.

It gives her enough time to get up and holding her clothing in place, she backsteps again, then makes a run for it once more. ]

[She's clever - no wonder she made it so far. But of course Megumi can't get too much further. Muraki has to make sure of that. After all, she had to be delivered - unconscious. The light shield impresses him, but he can do better.

The tigers persist in chasing her, bounding ever closer to her. One, however, manages to slip past her, run further ahead, and then run back towards her, again aiming to pounce right on her. She could not escape - Muraki's orders made it clear.]

[ No... she freezes, realizing she can't run from this without risking a lot of physical damage and she turns to look over her shoulder at the recovering tigers. Her breathing is shallow and she knows she shouldn't, but...

These things aren't going to back off themselves.

They're not natural enemies... this means... she inhales sharply, then decides. Do or die. She can't risk it.

She'll have to fight back.

Immediately, her hands are moving in what look like a seal breaking summon, her mouth moving quickly for what appears to be forming soft words under her breath.

And then moves her hands out in shield formation, and forms a barrier around herself. ]

Bringer of Fire, Gift of the Sun, Honor of the Skies--
From the Darkness, tear forth!!

Dragons of Light, come!!

[ She whispers, before the ground beneath her begins to shake. Training with one of the most powerful wizards in the City is allowing her this, and then, two beams of light tear forth from the ground at her sides and the summons activate-- two dragons form out of them that circle around her and then end up to her sides, made of of pure light and roaring. She lets the barrier shatter before shooting her hand outward ]

Go!

[ And with a loud, threatening roar, the dragons charge in the opposite directions, aiming to take down their summoner's attackers. Megumi has to hold on to them but the effort is worth it--

She isn't going to fall. Not here! ]

[That's much better. Muraki watches, looking a little stunned and even a touch impressed. She has interesting powers, and she knew how to use them, as well. A small smirk appears briefly on his face - he still could do better.]

Time for the big guns, hmn?

[He chuckles to himself, watching the tigers leap onto the two summoned dragons of light. They were vastly outnumbered, and even then, he had a surprise in store. A sixth tiger materialises behind Megumi in the distance and begins running closer, closer, soon nearly a metre away-

Now was his chance.]

Yamamura-san!

[He runs out from the thicket, right towards Megumi and flies into a tackle. Soon she was on the ground underneath him, off to the side of the path and away from the attacking tiger, which skids to a halt on the path to stare at the two. It growls, just as ferociously as its brethren. However, Muraki pays it no heed while looking down to Megumi.]

Are you okay, Yamamura-san?

--!!!

[ It happens too fast for her to register, but she feels the presence of the oncoming attacker long before it comes for her-- and then the weight of an actual, solid form over her stuns her and then she blinks thrice, staring up at the form of the very person she just left... ]

D-Doctor Muraki?! B-But how?!

[ But she has no time for answers-- the tiger is heading their way again and Muraki is vulnerable. Focusing another charge, turning her shield into an offensive projectile, she blasts it in the other's direction, followed by a third summon, which she activates by chanting and slapping a palm against the ground.

The ground trembles, releasing one more dragon, who charges immediately towards their attacker and devours it whole. Megumi's body is trembling from the effort it's taking to summon these creatures, but now she isn't worried about herself ]

N-Nhhh...

[ Turning to look back over at Muraki, she pleads in a tight voice ]

Get out of here or they'll kill you!!

Edited 2008-01-27 10:16 (UTC)

Yamamura-san--

[Her energy is growing very low. Just as needed, and he knows he has succeeded on this count. The next step, though, was to resolve it all. Muraki rises to the ground, at first remaining behind Megumi, but then he moves before her in a defensive stance.]

Come forth, phoenix!

[His hands are clasped before him, and as he opens them once more, a flashing light escapes them, rising into the air before exploding into small showers of fire. Then a large, swanlike bird, long plumage floating gracefully, dives down and aims for the very tiger that is coming toward both he and Megumi. A collision, and then the tiger seems to disintegrate in a wisp of light and smoke.]

Whoever you are, go away! [He shouts, a secret code to the summoned creatures he had already called forth. It takes a minute, just as instructed, but the tigers soon back away and off of their prey, turning about and running off into the woods.]

.... That's better. [He smirks to himself again, noting the obedience of his light magic. The phoenix - a light incarnation cleverly disguised as fire - lands before his feet in victory, and he turns to look once more to Megumi, a worried look also conjured by him.] Are you all right?

[ The moment the enemies disappear, she recalls her own summons, and they dive back into the ground, the light shooting back up her fingers and into her core, making her tense--and then she attempts to sit up slightly, her breath labored ]

... I... I'm fine...

[ Raising her gaze, she continues to breathe heavily, her voice strained ]

W-what were... how did you...

[He knows he has to lie - and cleverly. Fortunately, he had cleverly concocted up a perfectly good one on his own, with a little aid from an ally. Silently, he nodded to the conjured bird, willing it to vanish in a puff of sparks - then he turns fully to Megumi.]

Someone left a note for me at my apartment, Yamamura-san. It told me something... something was going to happen. [He pauses, looking deeply worried now, and pulls out a sheaf of paper from his overcoat pocket. The note he had asked Alexis himself to write - the perfect alibi.] I came out here as soon as I could - thank god I did, I think.

A note...?

[ That doesn't make any sense and after she's certain she can stand up, she does so. However, she instantly regrets doing so, one side of her dress has been mauled from the top enough to be improper, and at the skirt too and she quickly lowers her head to let her hair cover the rest. ]

But what does this have to do with me? [ She asks finally, biting down the embarrassed blush and looking up at him ] What is it about?

[He has her now into the lie, and Muraki tries to bite back a triumphant smile. That wouldn't do here. Instead, he tries for a concerned look, unfolding the note hesitantly.]

Whoever wrote it... they told me they had some guy named Axl hostage. And they were coming for you next.... [Muraki pauses, frowning in confusion before looking at the note once more.] I don't even know why they sent it to me... Is there anyone after you, Yamamura-san?

What?!

[ Uncharacteristically shocked, even for her, she moves forward to look at Muraki in worry ]

They mentioned Axl?! But I just-- [ Looks at the note in his hand ]

Why you?! We've hardly even met before this!!

[He knows he's pulled the right string. Alexis was right - mention that name and she'd go right for it.

Muraki goes for a confused, worried look as he shows the note clearly to Megumi.]

I've no idea why they targeted me, Yamamura-san. Whoever it is must have known we'd meet tonight. [He pauses, looking at Megumi - his tigers had certainly done a number on her, hadn't they?]

You look cold.... here, this will do the trick.

[Just for a friendly little touch, he suddenly removes his overcoat and moves to put it on her - build that trust, even with little touches.]

[ As she takes the note, she doesn't pay much attention to the letter first, listening to that explanation. Someone keeping tabs on her? But who... why? However, it's as he's putting the coat on her that her eyes widen when the handwriting becomes familiar to her, and the color drains from her face ]

Alexis Hargreaves...

[ Him... she thought he'd forgotten all about her, then... why? How did he... ]

W... why is he still... [ She looks like she's going to cry, clutching the note tightly ] Why can't he just leave me be?!

Wait - you know whoever it is that did this?

[It was just as Alexis had warned him - she would easily recognise that handwriting of his, and she'd be blind to everything else. Perfect for the occasion, really... anything to throw off the trail leading back to Muraki.]

What...- [He tries for a troubled tone to his voice, which works just perfectly.] What's going on, Yamamura-san?

[ She shakes her head quickly, looking up at him ]

I'm sorry... that he involved you in this. It's not... [ she feels her voice shiver ] I have to go. I have to go find Axl-- he could just be baiting me, or...

[ It's when the weakness sets in and she sways on her feet, staggering back. The shock of Alexis' presence, the exhaustion from using offensive magic... it's beginning to take its toll. ]

Yamamura-san, wait!

[Muraki follows her, looking even more concerned as she stumbles about. Just a little nudge more, a push here and there, and it would be done. He catches her quickly, stabilising her balance before moving to face her.]

You're looking a little weak - I'll follow you, all right?

No!!

[ She knows she needs the help, but she forces a firm expression onto her face as she looks up at him ]

I don't want you involved in this, Dr. Muraki!! This isn't your concern!

[Muraki pauses, still looking worriedly at her as he remains in front of her. So close.... so close to the goal...]

Are you sure? I can help, you know.

... [ She doesn't answer, instead, lowering her head and beginning to move away from him. She needs to find Axl, and she needs to make sure that Alexis isn't really bluffing.

She has to stay strong until then. And she walks forward, stumbling a little as her vision blurs and she covers her forehead with a hand ]

... this is my fight. [ She hisses, then speaks over her shoulder ]

If you really want to help me.. then don't risk your life with this man. He's dangerous.

[She's close - the stumbling, the low voice, the hand to the forehead are all give-aways. Muraki smiles to himself while her back is turned to him, and continues to follow her doggedly.]

I'm still going to follow you to make sure you're okay, Yamamura-san. You're worrying me.

[He doesn't have to worry about risking his life - not when the guy she was warning him about had requested him to perform this task.]

...

[ moving a hand to reach out for the nearest tree, she rests her head against the bark, feeling herself grow even more drained with every step. Something isn't right here, and she can't place what. Has she really used up that much energy?

She isn't supposed to use offensive magic, summoning alone has knocked a lot out of her. Her vision is growing foggier and she finally loses strength in her legs, collapsing to her knees ]

Can't...

[Yes. Yes. Megumi appears weak now, and Muraki stands at a distance, watching as she sinks to kneel on the ground. Very, very close. He pauses where he is, a look of worried shock working its way onto his face.]

Yamamura-san....? Are you all right?

Dr. Muraki... please leave. Or at least...

[ What's happening? Was there something in the beasts power? She feels stranger, as though something was sucking out her energy there, and she whispers the words ]

... help me f i n d . . .

[ her eyes feel heavier and she can feel consciousness slipping. This isn't right... this... ]

A x. . . l. . .

[ She's unconscious before she knows it's happened. So much for heroism... ]

[It took a little while, but finally she was knocked out. Muraki's beasts had done the trick, really, and he reminds himself of the technique he used. That might prove useful later on. He quickly catalogues the information as he steps closer, closer to the prone form on the forest floor. She looked destroyed, damaged somehow.]

Foolish girl.

[His voice seems to have no inflection, no sympathy for the fallen heroine at his feet. Why should he, when he was merely to deliver her? He crouches to the ground next to her, staring a moment before lifting her from the ground. She's a little heavy, but much lighter than most he had had in his grasp.]

Well, time to go, Yamamura-san.

[He smirks, continuing down along the path with Megumi in his arms. Now it was time to complete the transaction.]

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[ open ] Muraki & Megumi - Witch Hunting

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