The man let out a boisterous laugh, unable to contain himself. He laughed at the display of authority from a little girl. Cain did not understand this. She was superior to him. In the clan, such behavior was punishable by skin hooks, which didn't sound as bad as they really were. 

Cain took and replaced his mask. Once it was on, he stood slowly and deliberately while turning to face the man. He slapped his hands together in the 'Ne' handsign and incantated, "Shadow style, Veil of Atu." He said apathetically. A sphere of blackness surrounded them all, blotting out the sunlight and encasing them in total darkness. This was where Cain always had the tactical advantage. Once the veil was up he formed the 'tatsu' and casted another spell, "Dragon style, Sight of Ardious." His eyes changed, not that anyone could see. As he held up a half-tora with one hand to hold the two spells, his eyes changed from metallic nickel to firey orange and red with a slit pupil. He could now see in the dark as if it were day. 

Cain darted behind the man and placed a small, four-inch bladed knife that he had been hiding in his sleeve. It was one of many blades on his person. The edge was so sharp, merely touching the man's neck skin, opened a hairline wound. He spoke one more word, with absolute calmness, "release." And the blackness and dragon eyes were dispelled. The entire maneuver lasted bout eight seconds.. which was slow for him. 

The peasant man stood frozen in fear and disbelief. It was likely he had never seen serious magic before, let alone the kind that Cain had created himself. 

"Ah." Cain realized, "Yes I understand now." He said, lifting the blade from the man's neck. He stepped around the man. The color had rained from his face, and his eyes were wide. Cain stopped in front of him, and put he blade up to his throat again, but more in a pointing manner than an offensive one. Still, the point of the knife drew blood as the ex-assassin turned his view away from the man to address the little girl. "This is 'surprise', yes?" 

[@shylarah]