Maybe I'll do more of these.
--
indSnap.
indGod, he loved that sound. Breaking bones, slumping bodies- they made such a beautiful melody. The fact that he could create such music with his bare hands was almost unbelievable. One hand clutched the belt cinched diagonally across his chest, or, more specifically, the solid, round buckle that held the distinct mark that demanded respect and struck fear into the hearts of all. It was good to be on top.
ind"You're a simple man, aren't you, Ezekiel?"
indThe man turned from his latest challenger as the broken corpse began to fade, another broken brawler for the Machina to revive come tomorrow's first light. A grin spread across his face as he strode easily to his throne.
ind"I am what I am."
indLithe as a snake, dark as a shadow, his knight slithered from behind his throne as he settled upon it. Her skin was white almost to the point of being translucient, a stark contrast to the black, lace battle dress she wore.
ind"I guess that answers my question."
ind"Do I amuse you, Anya?"
indAnya's painted lips curled in a sly smile. Her sharp eyes softened, as they did only for him.
ind"If you didn't," she replied airily, "I would have usurped the throne by now."
indEzekiel gasped in feigned shock. "You wouldn't."
indThe knight frowned and slapped her liege on the chest. "I don't need your sarcasm."
indEzekiel laughed and wrapped one enormous hand around hers.
ind"I jest, I jest. Tell me, why are you so grumpy this fine evening?"
indAnya snorted. "Because you're crushing my fine hand, you big oaf."
indThe larger man quickly released her, dropping his hand into his lap bashfully like a child caught stealing cookies. He frowned prettily, averting his bright blue eyes.
ind"I don't know my own strength anymore."
indShe sighed, rolling her eyes. She couldn't stand it when he backed down like that. It made her feel guilty.
ind"Quit that. It's not like I beat you about the shoulders with a club, or something."
indEzekiel brightened. "Would you like to?"
ind"Yes."
ind"Answer my question, first."
indAnya sighed. Her gaze trailed off across the room, staring lazily at the lush rugs and crystal windows that painted the chamber in rainbows of color. Grey veins swam through the dull white marble pillars.
ind"Boy trouble. Raiz finally dumped me."
ind"And nobody's dumped Anya before she's done with them, right?"
indAnya sighed pointedly. She crossed her arms over her chest and shifted her weight to her other leg, leaning her slender, black-and-white figure away from her old friend.
ind"Sis' sake, Anya, you're still pining over a guy who thinks he's a cactus?"
ind"He's a very devout Sibling, and he longs for the return of our predecessors."
ind"The man sticks needles in his arms."
ind"He's cute."
indEzekiel raised a blonde eyebrow. "He's crazy."
ind"And I'm not?"
indHe chuckled. "You're wild. There's a difference."
indShe laughed a laugh like chiming bells. Her voice reverberated from the windows, making it only more melodic.
indThe king-of-sorts stood and smiled. "See, that's better. My day is good when yours is."
indAnya grinned. "Your day is good when you crush someone who thinks they have even a minute chance of defeating you."
ind"That too. Now, how about that clubbing?"
indOne slender hand reached up and grasped Ezekiel's square chin. She gently shook his handsome face from side to side.
ind"And ruin your sole redeeming feature? No, I'll pass."
indHe chuckled and pried her hand away. "You like me."
ind"I can stomach you."
ind"Be honest."
ind"I never lie."
ind"But you do dance around the answer."
ind"I'm good at dancing."
indEzekiel grinned mischeviously. "You'll have to show me some time."
indAnya snorted. "Maybe later, big boy. Here comes another challenger."
indThe king sighed and slumped back into his chair. "Already? Anya, be a dear and take care of him before you go out, would you? I'm bushed."
indThe ring of metal filled the air as Anya drew her sword. Her sly smile returned.
ind"You owe me four boink."
ind"My kingdom for some sleep, Anya."
indShe glanced over her shoulder.
ind"I'll hold you to that."
ind"You'll have to become my queen, then."
indAnya made an exaggerated expression of disgust. "Ugh. Never mind, then."
