natasha's happiness

Ambrose walks up!

And intently watches the group below. What were they up to? What were they doing?
(Ambrose Roche)

A judgingly gaze of ice found Kiyo's own, slapping her explosive tantrum with a cold response.

"You can fix your mistakes if nobody knows of them. For an instance: I once knew a supervillain whose weak spot was getting gifts and compliments. It adds depth to the character." Maybe talking about herself?

Natasha's own flames were product of her inner evil -- or as the viewers would usually define, the deviation of a righteous path when opportunity was given. Once a mean of self-destruction, her pyromancy was turned into a tool to help her reach whatever goal that greedy mind sought.

"I used to be like you, little girl." A dramatic sigh... "With a father and dreams about becoming like Ryker pyr Docro."

Turning to the side, the beach breeze sent Natasha's platinum blonde locks into a beautiful wave.

"That was until I tasted the spotlight." At that, an evil smirk tugged at the corner of her lips! "The moment you're under all gazes, ready to show them a performance of character, wrath and pain, the thrill before slipping inside a new role---"

Natasha's pupils turned into small stars for a split second.

"NOTHING CAN BEAT THIS FEELING!"
(Natasha)

Gren Beiskr says, ". . .Hoo boy."

Gren Beiskr says, "<This kids is what we call a crazy chick.>"

Gren Beiskr says, "<Don't stay within five meters of a crazy chick. First rule of survival.>"

Augustus Vorenii asks, "Do either of you know where Alexander Vol Hellstrom is?"

Gren Beiskr says, "Nope."

Augustus Vorenii says, "I see."

Burly Aldes says, "He was last with Hati."

Burly Aldes says, "After she was injured."

Augustus Vorenii says, "Hmm.. I know he frequents here."

Burly Aldes says, "He might taking care of her at the moment."

Ambrose blinks.

Such boisterous speech by Natasha. The mere fact that she would speak out in such manner seems to actually attract his attention- most seemed rather dull and boring by comparison, either nodding along like the husks they are, or being a part of grey mass.

"Oooh.."

But.. just as he was about to come up and probably pester her about something, he stops- hearing Augustus talk to him, he briefly turns around.

"No."

"Who... who the hell gets a last name from attack gem, anyway???"

He talks about Hellstrom, of course. Slightly misspelled, but..

You get the point.
(Ambrose Roche)

Gren Beiskr says, "Ah, so that's him. Yeah no I dunno where that guy is."

Gren stretches his arms.
(Gren Beiskr)

The Captain was just standing there in his slippers, blinking at Ambrose.

"Right, thanks anyway."

He'd probably look around some more.. Perhaps investigate some caves.
(Augustus Vorenii)

As contrived as this conversation seemed -it really looked as if it were out of some novel- it did give the teen a new insight into Natasha's personality and why she was the way she was.

Her former dreams and aspirations, the moment things changed for her and the moment her life turned around --they were all things he wouldn't mind hearing more about if he were given the chance.

While captivated by what she said and her own dramatic performance, Tobias felt as if he could somewhat understand everything that was happening, or at least he was beginning to. She was 'evil' more or less, for the same reason as Kiyo claimed to be, for the thrill of it. The thrill of chasing that spotlight and doing things to have it on you at all times.

Or at least, that's what Tobias was starting to get from it. Who knows, unless she explicitly states so then this was plainly just a guess.
(Tobias Petrovic)

Gren Beiskr says, "A bunch of people eh."

Yara Wu says, "What did you exected? She is Natasha. "

Ambrose Roche says, "Natasha looks cool now."

Ambrose Roche says, "At least, now that she isn't discussing weird things."

Gren Beiskr asks, "If you're talkin' about the chick with the fire? She looks pretty. . .what's the nice word for it?"

Yara Wu exclaims, "Burl! Let's head up to Moxt!"

"Yet.", the girl shot back in response to the 'I'm not her minion.' remark. It was clear that she'd have to show him a great feat to earn his loyalty and servitude. She showed weakness earlier, and that was simply put unacceptable for a villain to do in any moment of the day. That showing is what made him hesitant to follow her. "I will make you mine soon enough.", the girl said with something of a frown on her countenance. It seems she set her mind on making the boy her pawn and minion no matter what, "I'll have you begging to serve me."

It was enough of that though. Talk was cheap. Things were to be won over and done by actions. Actions that she planned to do since villains often planned all of their next steps years in advance. Yes, she was evolving as an evil entity the more and more time she spent with the evil Natasha.

Her cold gaze in response to her hissy fit cut right into her and made her speechless for a time. The woman had an air and presence about her that demanded respect and awe from any who were to gaze upon her. If one were to stand against or defy her in anyway, shape, or form then they were likely to be met with pain and suffering if not death outright.. Depending on the offense one might actually prefer death. -The Xiang shuddered at the thought, but she'd nod her head as she caught word of the advice being given to her.

She could fix herself. She could become better and so much more. It was just a manner of applying herself, fixing her mistakes, and learning from it all to evolve. "I- I get it. Character flaws can also be interesting even in villains who seem all powerful. It can make them more compelling, entertaining, and interesting to see.. In a way, if the viewer is aware of said weakness or vulnerability it might make a villain more sympathetic, and a character one could truly root for, right?" That's what she thought the lady meantby adding depth to a character, "Though I should work to iron out my weaknesses all the same, right?! Especially if it's one that can truly be capitalized on and spell my end." Right now.. the girl had so many weaknesses that it'd be easier to list her strengths. She hoped to grow.

"Wha-", the teen let out in surprise when Natasha said she was once like her. She sounded awed by such a statement when she perhaps should've been offended if she truly believed her own villainous hype. No, instead she felt her cheeks flush faintly as the kind of evil this being represented was something she truly wanted for herself down to the feeling of her flames.

"The.. spotlight?", the girl asked a bit confused for a moment before understanding what she meant perfectly. The attention and view from millions of others -to be truly important in this world where most are akin to lowly extras in the show waiting for a mere cameo, "I.. I want that too."

"How do I get that feeling for myself?? Do I just get stronger? Become more impactful and evil?! What should I do Miss?!", she seemed more than a bit excited by this point. Her ears pointing upwards as her tails wagged ecstatically behind herself like one of the poor puppies she kicked before her foot landed on them.
(Kiyo Xiang)

Yara Wu says, "Burllllly"

Vigr Dyr whispers something.

Frekr Gullmunr whispers something.

Vigr Dyr whispers something.

Vigr Dyr whispers something.

Frekr Gullmunr whispers something.

Vigr Dyr whispers something.

Frekr starts to pull something out of his bag but stops after a moment, nodding to Vigr.
(Frekr Gullmunr)

Vigr Dyr says, "Gren..."

Vigr Dyr says, "You come too."

Gren Beiskr says, "Oh sure."

Ambrose's approval. Tobias' captivation. Gren's contempt. Everyone's feelings added to the living firepit that is Natasha, even as Yara deemed that to be expected of such a figure.

I'll have you begging to serve me.

"No, don't use that line." For a reason that she wouldn't disclose to the kid but was pretty obvious for any adult in the area. Some freak might get the wrong idea. "You need more character development to drop a bomb like that."

At the moment, Natasha liked to think she posed both as a mentor and a villain in Kiyo's story. As the girl voiced her own thoughts about a journey on the path of evil, the former Docro nodded, humming in appreciation!

"Mhm. Don't overuse sympathy, though. If you beg for your character to be relatable, it will just become a lame thing to be around. Trust me, I tried this during my Starfall arc. Didn't work."

In a world where most of people were just background characters to be smashed by falling rocks or slain by the protagonists, Natasha liked to make sure her impression would stay as something so strong Eternia would never be the same after she parted. If anything, Essharians would be hating on the hero to take her down, forever missing their love-hate relationship!

Eventually, the Xiang comprehended it all. One's path shouldn't be lightly thought about. A single detail left out could end in anticlimatic death. Natasha smiled as they shared a moment of mutual understanding.

"You can start with growing stronger and refining your taste. Finding an idol is also good."
(Natasha)

"Hm, hm.."

All those things that she spoke of. This spotlight, this want to stay in the shining embrace of everyone's attention. Is this what she desired, then?

Ambrose was still largely learning how humanity even works - for what he experienced back then simply was not anything even close to it.

He comes closer.

And closer.

Until eventually he pokes at Natasha's cloak from behind, all the way until it reaches her back. There's something he had to know- so far, he learned what happiness means to some, but it merely meant following your passions.

Something he might've figured out on his own.

"Are you happy?"

It may sound strange, coming from someone like him, especially given no real context. Perhaps knowing it would explain a lot of things, but..

He doesn't explain anything. He doesn't look like the type to do that.
(Ambrose Roche)

As Kiyo posed her questions and made her comments, Tobias would simply sit on a rock situated behind him, getting quite comfortable watching the two females talk about their plans and whatnot.

The deeper they went into conversation the more it sounded like they were trying to create a character for the smaller girl --a fictional guise for her to hide beneath while putting on a show that'll entertain the world. Was this how true evil really was created? If so, that'd definitely change how he viewed much of the world.

In the end, it seems as if it'd culminate in Kiyo growing stronger for the time being...which made sense. The girl wasn't exactly what most people would call strong --or even average for that matter. She was pitifully weak and Natasha could probably see it too.

Was this something that the Petrovic should take seriously? Probably not, as he thought this would merely be a visage for the young girl --something for her to play behind and satisfy herself that way.

Jade hues then crept behind Natasha's form as Ambrose approached. He remembered him, the boy who answered his questions not too long ago but then turned and healed someone that stood against Achyon. For the moment, his eyes remain locked onto him.

"Where'd you come from..?" he questioned, knowing full well that he moved from atop the cliff, but making it clear that his presence wasn't exactly invited.
(Tobias Petrovic)

"What- Is it uncool or too not evil?", the girl asked with a slight cant of her head. She didn't think that line was too lame, but she'd take her ideal's words for it. "Yes, I'll never say anything like that again!", Kiyo exclaimed with a somewhat determined nod of her head, "You either accept me as my minion some time in the coming future or find yourself at the wrong end of my global conquest!" Yes, that was way more evil right? Right?! Her tail wagged as she'd wait for Natasha's approval or denial of such a line. Though she strongly said earlier that she didn't want the woman's approval, it was evident in her actions that she somewhat did as she greatly respected Natasha's power, presence, and even beauty though that was lesser to the other two features in the kitsune's book.

"Oh... I haven't developed enough yet.", the girl said sounding a tad bit disappointed. Her ears and tail simultaneously drooping before she'd vigorously shake her head in denial, "I'll work on it miss! I promise you that!!" She seemed fixated on her childish dreams of being a villain now. One day she would be able to drop such a bomb along with countless living people in her wake! Yes, she was to be evil given human form. That was her goal and dreams in this world.

"Oh you were once a starfall student?!", the girl asked curiously.. She was just thinking about enrolling there herself, "What were you like as a student there? What would you have changed to be a proper villainess at the school besides the being relatable thing?"

In regards to the idol thing, she found herself averting her gaze.. Was she.. talking about herself? That was so lame... but she was so cool!! There was a clear sense of conflict about the kitsune's countenance before she'd sheepishly and awkwardly lift up her gaze to meet Natasha's own. Her fingers idly tapping into one another as she'd speak, "I.. just found my idol, but I um.. don't know how to ask her to teach and guide me????"
(Kiyo Xiang)

Maybe some real life villains were indeed created under a character guide. For Natasha, thing happened naturally as artificial layers were created to protect a real person.

Ambrose would find the villainess' cloak to be strangely warm, harmless sparks flying from it the moment he touched it. Turning on her heel, Natasha gave it a quick thought.

"Honestly, I have been going through a lot, but being able to follow with a fate I've chosen for myself is very good." She tells him, oversharing a bit maybe?

You either accept me as my minion some time in the coming future or find yourself at the wrong end of my global conquest!

"Much better, yes. I'd change it the very end to 'find you yourself in a world of pain'. It gives it the extra oomph needed. Also makes a very good pre-battle line." Much like something a very difficult boss would say in one of those extravagant tabletop games of rolling dice.

Feeling like in an interview, Natasha hummed to the question about Starfall.

"I would get better equipment before engaging in so many battles, yeah... Sometimes, being feared is much better than being loved." Something her ex husband would certainly agree.

"As for your idol, you should write them a cute letter or something. Even if you get rejected, you might get some memorabilia from them." Gathering Ryker merch had been Natasha's favorite hobby during her teen years, after all!

All that said, the woman's fingers combed her blonde strands in place.

"Ahh. I will be returning now. If you have any more questions, just drop me a mail. I'm usually at my office in Waystone."
(Natasha)

Is that all it took?

Just following through with the fate you've chosen for yourself, and you would be happy? There's a quiet hum that passes his lips, somewhat surprised at the answer given to him. He expected it to be a lot more complex, but..

So far? His answers are this..
To follow your passions and follow the fate you chose.

It sounded simple enough - almost as if one should do whatever it is they desire in order to make sure they're happy. But now that he thinks about it in retrospect..

What does make him happy?

"I see!"

It's a brief answer, but one that he's left pondering at- admittedly, it wasn't all that difficult, still. But..

He notices Tobias addressing him. A waft of his hand is given.

"I come from from Nowhere Mountains."

Clearly to just 'shoo' him away with his question rather than actually answer it in any meaningful manner, but..

"Your answer was good."

"Similar to another, but good."

Still.. it's something to think about.

It'll take a bit before he properly catches up on mental development - given the lands and lifestyle he actually comes from.
(Ambrose Roche)