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With preparations being drawn out and the group dividing themselves into their appropriate roles, there was almost a buzz of activity in the abyssal depths. But as with all procedures, it took time and time was something that could be leisured upon. As the others went to it, Lord Ignis flitted about, almost aimlessly, like a passing shadow. Having left Pandora to her own devices, some new creature caught his attention. A glance revealed it to be the cat he noticed earlier and upon closer inspection, his interest grew revamped, despite his expressionless skull. [color=ed1c24]"You are something different, cat. Something not quite natural with your surroundings."[/color] 

[color=darkorchid]">.>"[/color] Noire looked on at this [i]lord[/i] without much interest. No meat on their bones, and she wasn't even sure if she could make them squeal; if it was able to squeal. But if people were starting to disperse, then there was no reason for her to hang around here either. Perhaps she'd go off on her own and try to catch a slacker later that wandered off on their own. Giving them a head start by talking to this man should be adequate. [color=darkorchid]"Could say the same about you, nya? But given this area we're all holed up in, I'd think that be the obvious. Unless your empty sockets see more than they let on, hmm?"[/color] Noire padded her way up to Ignis, brushing past anyone in her way without even giving them a glance of acknowledgement.

[color=ed1c24]"....."[/color] Lord Ignis did not respond; rather, he did but not with words. As if he hadn't heard a word the cat spoke, he raised his gloved hand to the approaching cat, before lowering it, scratching just beneath her chin when she was close enough. [color=ed1c24]"Fascinating. You are neither human nor cat, at least in appearance. Calling you a grimalkin would almost be a disservice."[/color] Lord Ignis continued to scratch beneath Noire's chin before moving his hand upwards, glossing it above her hair and nudging just between her ears. [color=ed1c24]"There's something inherently horrible about you but I can't quite put my finger on it."[/color] He said this completely even as he continued rubbing. It was impossible to tell if he was more focused on that or his words.

Noire appreciated the hands on praise. Many have tried to pet her in her time, but that was before she was wrongfully sent down into this pit. Instinctively, her tail casually wrapped around Lord Ignis and his neck. Brushing in circles as he continued to pet. [color=darkorchid]"Sure sure, nya~ Call me what you want, but I doubt you'll find anyone as cuddly as me."[/color] Noire simply let the man be. She was content with his actions thus far, and had yet to see what he actually wanted from her. Letting out a quaint purr, only audiable between them and those with hightened hearing, Noire gave herself to his hands. Bumping back in waves to guide his hand back and forth. [color=darkorchid]"If you're going to start playing 20 questions with me until you find out what I am, I'm going to demand something from you first. Though you can continue as you are elsewise."[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"I don't expect to actually discover what you are. Even who you are does not concern me."[/color] If Lord Ignis was bothered by the tail that had strangled dozens of other prey before now coiled around his neck, he didn't show it. It was doubtful the skull-faced man even needed to breathe. All the same, he didn't pause in his stroking, now directing his hand to stroke from the top of Noire's head down her spine. [color=ed1c24]"It might not look like it, but I've had some experience with cats before. In fact, I'd like to think black cats are some of my favorites. It's human superstition that they bring bad luck or are harbingers of doom."[/color] He idly nudged against one of Noire's ears. [color=ed1c24]"You're not a harbinger of doom, are you? Well, perhaps you are in a way. I would appreciate having your assistance. I assume you're already happy with your payment?"[/color] Lord Ignis turned his skull, eyes glinted towards Rafiq. 

The cat's ear's perked up a bit being called a harbinger of doom. A glare of interest in her eyes as she brought them to face the man. A look that quickly changed and glanced to follow a look to the rat she had trapped earlier. [color=darkorchid]"Hmph. I suppose for now. It's not like I don't have any interest in seeing this group make it all the way."[/color] Noire stood, sending away the hand at her ears with a paw of her own. [color=darkorchid]"But I'm taking this whole company as my payment. Yourself included, for now. But don't worry. I won't take anyone you still have plans for. Just tell me when I can collect."[/color] The cat tightend her tail briefly before letting it slump down off Lord Ignis. Turning to take stock of her inventory with happy satisfaction. 

[color=ed1c24]"Oh, I'm sure something can be arranged of that."[/color] As usual, Lord Ignis displayed little emotion, if any at all to the cat's underlying threats. However, his hand, for the briefest of moments, clenched hard around Noire's ear even as her paw held his hand. The instant passed as all things did but the wave of negativity wasn't ignored. Something overtaking like a great wave of heat and fury had surfaced but it too was gone before anything could come up of it. [color=ed1c24]"Ah, you must forgive me. You see, I've had experience with cats as I said. But I don't quite remember if that time was spent pampering their ears or cutting them off."[/color] His voice was frank, as neutral as before, like nothing happened. [color=ed1c24]"Yes, I will take stock of your words Noire. I do look forward to considering you an ally rather than an enemy."[/color] With her tail loosening its hold, Lord Ignis slowly stood up from his position, ready to wander off and see if the others came to a conclusion yet.

[color=darkorchid]"<.<"[/color] A turn back and the cat half glared at the man. Though shrugging it off as too much effort as she found another rock to lay against and watch from afar. Always watching. Claws out. Eyes piercing. [color=darkorchid]">.>"[/color] Such effort was indeed not worth it when the group had other priorities to handle. The low, guttural buzzing that shook the Lagoon might have been chief among them.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/I0DIzZb.png[/img]