The Sadist And The Bleeding Angel

Chapter One: Repetition is not coincidence

-GREED ISLAND-

The phantom troupe had stolen a game, entering without much of a problem. Of course, you had to know nen to get in, which made it a bit more interesting. Most here were so weak they were lucky they got in.

Or at least, that was the general consensus of the phantom troupe. Feitan was particularly disappointed, but it made the game easier to finish in his mind. People find cards, he takes them. That's what thieves do.

The man's musings were halted when Shalnark gathers his attention. They were in the city of love, which annoyed Feitan completely, and also seemed to be annoying the person the blond haired boy was intent on pointing out.

Is that THEIR nen? I can feel their aura condensing rather quickly. I must say, even I think it's a bit impressive. The small man couldn't identify if the person was a boy or a girl, but to him, it didn't matter. They were strong, but despite their strength, they were covered in wounds. Wounds that were shallow, wounds strategically placed. From the accusatory look in Shalnark's gaze, feitan could guess pretty well what the boy wanted to know.

"For once, not me." Grey eyes wandered to focus on the small body, his voice even and calm as he decided the body in question was in fact a girl.

"Don't touch kids... or girls. Not for fun, anyways. Just work." Shalnark nods, looking confused.

"Maybe she's a torturer in training. If I remember correctly, you got it through practice and experimentation. It isn't a far reach that maybe she's like you." He shrugs, looking over to the smaller man. Shalnark liked to think he knew feitan well. He also liked to think that feitan wouldn't lie to him. It was likely he was telling the truth.

"Come on feitan. You can keep an eye on her from afar. Maybe she'll be interesting for you." He nods, following shalnark to where they intended to go for now, but the girl remained on his mind.

-TWO DAYS LATER-

Feitan was wandering the wooded area nearby basecamp, curious as to what all was around. It was rare he found a spot that made him curious, and there was a little pond he had been going to for the past couple days. His musings were cut short short after
He catches movement in the corner of his eye.

It's that girl again. How'd she find us? What is she doing.... drawing? Indeed she was, drawing slowly on a pad of paper as she sat on a large rock. Colored pencils moved seamlessly, sketching quietly. Her gaze never lifted, and the small man was tempted to approach her. I could, if I wanted to. Nobody was here, nobody would know. As he gathered his courage, he froze, looking on as she tore out the page, balling it up and throwing it before leaving. Her path was the opposite of him, letting her leave without his presence being noticed.

Curious as always, the small man wanders toward the paper, straightening it out. The image was surprising. Beautiful shades of blues and greens made the water and grass, but there was a sketch of the person there. It looked a bit blank and undecided, as if she were trying to draw someone but something stopped her. There was traces of nen on the paper, which he found interesting despite a lack of interest in the piece.

It isn't my type of art... but I think I'll keep it. After all, I may be able to find her again. Who knows. Satisfied, he pockets the small paper, taking the girl's place and watching the water. It's been twice now. If I see her again, I'll approach. She's interesting. Satisfied with his contemplation, he gathers himself up and wanders off. He had cards to find.

It was later in the evening when he was heading back, satisfied with his haul. He had managed to find three new cards he didn't have before, plus a few useful cards that would help keep in contact with the other spiders. His progress was halted in his tracks when he notices Shalnark talking to someone. Someone he's seen before.

The girl had her cloak up, much like the previous times he saw her. Shalnark catches his attention and waives, drawing him closer to meet the girl. Her wounds were both new and old, pale skin met by faded scars and brilliant crimson. Shalnark, ever the gentleman, was carefully holding his arm out to her, offering support.

"Ahhh, there you are. Look who I found? She was wandering through the woods, I thought she could stay with us a day or so. The others already met her. They're quite intrigued. This is Feitan, he's the boy I told you about. I think you two will get along well, considering how your powers work. Feitan, meet Appolymi... the bleeding angel." His eyes perk up slightly, looking the girl over more carefully.

"Bleeding angel?" Unable to help himself, he strokes the cuts on her arm, leaning in close to look inter her face. Long white hair nearly reaches her knees, with a dull lavender gaze.

"Hello, Feitan." The girl's soft voice was devoid of emotion, the cloak giving him an almost intimate look at her face. Touching her wrist, he was grateful that his face guard covered his cheeks. A small blush found his way in, loving the strange way her eyes appraised him. Shalnark grins, looking pleased at the almost intimate moment. He knew her power would captivate him... and she would fall for the quiet little man that stood before her. Shalnark smirks, his voice calm.

"Feitan, she's got some interesting abilities. Doll's First Hope, Angel's Second Voice, Demon's Third Eye, and that's what we know about. She may join the spider, or at least help us on occasion, if she likes us enough." He nods, looking thoughtful, his voice soft.

     "Welcome to the spider." The girl, who was barely taller than him, offers a small nod.
     "Thank you. I am pleased to meet you... finally."