Come out, Come Out, Where Ever You Are

[mero]

Dammit, he caught on faster then she thought. Merfonde had expected to have a minute or two more before he appeared. She had only two options now. Stay in hiding here, or try to escape undetected. There were flaws to both plans. Sure, staying here had some advantage, it was harder for him to find her because of the older scent, but he'd find her sooner or later, it was just a matter of time. And when that happened what would she do? He'd already proven that everything she threw at him, figuratively and literally, was only a bother to him, it wouldn't stop him for long...

If she tried to escape, she had slim to no chance of succeeding. It might take him a moment, but it wouldn't be long until he caught onto the new trail. If that weren't bad enough, she wouldn't be able to move quickly, not with him hot on her trail, he'd hear her.

So what was she to do? Wait for him to find her? Or try to make another break for it? Well, at least she had a chance to escape with the second plan, even if it was slim...

Slowly, carefully, and silently she eased her way out of the bushes. If he thought she was quiet before, he was in for a real surprise. Dead silent, she retreated into even denser foliage....

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

He snarled slightly. Not that he didn't like the challenge, he was just looking forward to finding her. And after another few minutes of searching the area and listening for her movements he started to be more aggressive. He started to let loose those claws upon the forest. Using those five sharp blade like claws through the brush, cutting it down like a machete. Leaves and twigs were flying every which direction as he moved through it searching for her. He continued to sniff the air, working that scent through to find which direction she was heading in. But now the air was full of the smell of freshly cut greenery.

"The bunny is tricky after all." Again he spoke to himself more than anything as he had either searched through or ripped apart any of the brush that was near him. He had to move on then, picking the strongest scent of hers to follow. fingers were twitching with anticipation as he moved further into the brush that she most likely used to cover an escape. "Fee fi fo fum...I smell the scent of a pretty one..." And with a growl he swiped at a nearby bush, not even seeming to care if she was in it or not. Lucky for her....she wasn't. He sneered a little and kept moving.

[mero]

She could hear something going on where she knew Victor to be. Was he getting desperate and trying to level the forest? She held back a snicker, not ruling out the possibility. He didn't seem to be the patient type after all. ..... That didn't play out to well for her, once she thought about it. Well, she'd just have to keep avoiding him somehow then.

She kept moving, never looking back, but listening intently. If he kept making as much noise as he had before, she'd hear him coming, even with out heightened senses! The slow pace irritated her, but she restrained herself, any slip ups and he would be onto her. She continued heading downwind.

Finally though, she stopped, crouching down behind a large pine tree. What was she supposed to do? The farther she got from the path the easier it would be for him to follow. Suddenly she looked up. Pines.... Had a very distinct smell. Maybe, just maybe, it would be strong enough to mask her own scent... Wasting no time she searched for the densest pine around, one that could hide her completely, because if she wasn't hidden, both scent and physically, it wouldn't mean a thing. Thankfully the pines around here were huge, it took no time to find one. Carefully she scaled the thing, though only went a short ways up. If he did catch on, and decided to take the tree down she could get seriously injured, or even killed!

There she waited, unable to see through the dense branches, her gaze downward, watching the ground below....

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

Lucky for the forest, Creed's issues usually involved humans or other mutants. He really wasn't one for destroying wilderness or the creatures that lived there. But if a few cut bushes were going to help him find her...well then he'd have to give into that. He was far from being a tree hugger.

He paused in his blind thrashing of shrubbery with a little huff. Where did his Bunny go? He walked further along the trail that he smelled. His eyes glancing around suspiciously. She was no where to be seen and her scent wasn't the same. It was strong but...not.

He had wandered right up to her, standing under that hiding spot she had found in that tree. He stood there trying to figure out why he couldn't see her and why that scent seemed to come and go. It was then that he smirked and glanced up with a tilt of his head. Those amber eyes staring right at her. "There you are." He had been tracking down prey of various kinds for a hundred years...she couldn't possibly think that she could hide forever....could she?

He hadn't even bothered to give her a chance to scramble away before he jumped and landed on that tree branch she had picked. He grabbed her quickly, rushing forward so that he could pin her against the trunk of that tree. Deja vu? This time though his body pinned her while he brought that large hand rested on her cheek.

A soft growl was given to her before he spoke, "Such a pretty Bunny..." He then took one claw, seemingly just pulling his hand away but that one claw trailed over her cheek. She wouldn't even notice he had done anything at first until his hand was gone and the warm blood spilled from that single cut. It wasn't deep by any means...nothing more than perhaps a paper cut would do. But it just went to show how sharp those claws really were. That wicked grin returned while he leaned his head in again, letting his tongue lap at her cheek, taking a taste of that blood. "And the Bunny tastes good too." He couldn't help but to chuckle a bit...only imagining the thoughts whirling in her head right now before he pulled away from her and jumped down from the tree to disappear once more. She was it now.

[mero]

Merfonde actually stopped breathing when she saw him, as if fearing the sound would alert him to her presence. So far her plan had worked.... Until he looked up. When he did, she scowled. So far, he'd seen through everything she'd done. Never before had that happened. Though, to be fair her targets rarely ever knew about the woman...

She was rising from her crouch when he was suddenly up the tree, blocking her escape route. All she did was smirk as she was pinned once more. "Should I feel flattered?" Of course she'd already asked the same question earlier, but he'd yet to give her an answer...

As he problem expected, she didn't seem to feel the fresh cut on her cheek, just watched him with those intense hazel eyes of hers. She didn't fight, still remembering how useless it was the first time. It was a little creepy that he'd actually tasted the blood running down her cheek, but why did him the satisfaction of seeing her reaction? Then... Just like that, he was gone.

It seemed the game was meant to go on. She dropped to the ground, lightly reaching up to touch her fresh wound. It wasn't bad in the least, childs play for someone like him. She searched the ground for a trail...

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

Oh Victor was having too much fun with her to hurt her too badly. He wasn't even sure if he'd follow through with the lake plan at this rate. Her spirit amused him and reminded him of Birdy. Poor Birdy. At least the bastard that killed her got what was coming to him. And too bad it wasn't from him. He really needed to stop thinking about that blasted woman. She had been a helpful person to have around at the time. She helped keep the beast and rage in him controlled so that he could think straight.

The things he learned with Birdy had stuck with him. He was in control of himself far more than he used to be. But even he enjoyed going a little crazy now and again. And he really couldn't help enjoying the sensation of his claws ripping through entrails and the like.

But for the time being he was going to let her catch him again. He could easily just run and it would take her days and many leads to find him. But he wasn't that mean. No he'd leave heavy boot prints here and there, just enough to keep her interest onto the trail until she reached what looked like to be a bear cave. The only option seeming to be that he had gone inside...

[mero]

Victor's trail was obvious, almost intentional. Merfonde just had to smirk. He wanted her on his trail? What was the man up to this time? She followed slowly, just like before, keeping her eyes out for other trails.... And more make shift weapons, just in case. Normally she would have gone back for her knife by now, but he'd know instantly if she wasn't on track, and probably come looking for her if that happened.

Every so often she'd spot those deeper tracks he left. Those only reassured her that he didn't want her going off on the wrong trail, taunting her to find him. Well, she'd best not keep him waiting, should she? She picked up her pace, not quite in a full run, but a quicker pace then a jog. With all the off and on running, much of Merfonde's strength had returned, the woman not even panting as she ran this time.

Finally though, she reached the end. She stopped, gaze intent on the large, dark opening in front of her. Of course he'd chose somewhere where he had the advantage. All his senses were heightened, after all, including sight. Merfonde on the other hand might have good eyesight, but even she knew that'd be useless if she went to deep. She chuckled, shaking her head. Had he known the dilemma he'd put her in when he chose this hiding place?

Wait, how did she know he really was inside? Before resorting to going in after him, her gaze went upward, searching the trees near the entrance for any sign of the Giant.

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

The bunny was getting smarter. She was right to be suspicious of the cave. But for once he wasn't looming above her and watching to see what she would do next. Was this just a giant test from the man? Maybe... He hadn't really wanted to rejoin the Brotherhood. But creating his own little band of misfits? That always had an appeal, as long as he didn't have to make an example out of one or two of them. Then the others kind of ran away on their own. Not that Creed really needed company...there were just less murderous rampages then. Especially if he managed to stay in a group with Logan. Ahh, the weapon X days...those were fun. Too bad Logan had to screw all that up too.

Creed did indeed wait inside of that cave. Deep enough that she couldn't see him right away. The cave itself wasn't too big, but it was big enough for him to be able to stand upright. Though instead of standing he was crouched at the back of the cave, balancing on the balls of his feet as he waited for her to find him.

[mero]

Her search of the surroundings came up with nothing. So he was most definitely inside... But how deep? That was the million dollar question. If he were smart he'd go deep enough to make sure she couldn't see, and sadly... He was smart enough to do such a thing. She'd just have to be very careful going in after him...

With a sigh she took those first steps inside. "Are you going to come out or make me find you?" She didn't need to raise her voice that much, not with the rock walls on both sides. She moved a little deeper, then stopped, waiting for her eyes to adjust. Again, she moved forward, and stopped when her eyes tried to adjust once more. She wasn't going to give him the upper hand, not easily at least. When things started to get to dark, she stopped, folding her arms. He was somewhere up ahead, but normal human eyes wouldn't be able to penetrate that darkness easily. She could make out a few dark shapes, but other then that... Nothing.

She was scowling, inwardly cursing her eyesight. She knew he was somewhere in the next twenty feet, but was she crazy enough to go any deeper to try and spot him? Definitely not! Mistakes like that got Hunters killed! "I'm not following you that deep..."

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

"No guts, no glory Darlin." He smirked as he could see her and that scowl on her face. Though as he spoke in that deep voice of his, it was hard to hear where it exactly came from with the echo of that cave. She was correct in assuming that she was infront of him at the very least. "You're a merc aren't you?" Oh he knew the type well, she didn't even have to tell him for him to know what her 'job' was. "If I had a price on my head I don't think you'd be sitting there pouting like a little girl." He chuckled while he remained in that crouched spot.

"Come on...show me what you got. Or I could just kill you now and put you out of your misery. At least in here you dont have to see your organs before you die." Wait? He wanted to kill her? Nah...but he was going to unsettle her the best he could. Looks of fear and fury always made his day. Now he had to wait and watch, curious to see if she'd take the bait or just start running.

[mero]

Both Merfonde's eyebrows raised. The echo from the cave made it impossible to pinpoint where he was, just that he was, indeed, ahead of her. That wasn't enough to get her to move yet. No, she wanted to figure out just where he was first, which was an impossible feat. She couldn't trust her eyes, that were barely able to make out dark shapes. She couldn't trust her ears, the echo making that impossible. There was always her sense of touch, but that was a death wish when the 'opponent' was faster then you.

His question made her grin. "Didn't take you long to figure it out." He would have found out sooner or later what she was, and it wasn't like she was ashamed of the fact. "You're right. I wouldn't be playing this game if there was a price. I'd be figuring out a way to kill you." If there was a bounty, she wouldn't have even approached him until she knew exactly how she could kill him. Perhaps he would believe her motive for being here now that he knew what she was...

Yet another challenge. So far during their game of 'tag', he'd only threatened to kill her, so what were the chances of him actually doing it? Well, maybe she'd just have to find out... She was here for the thrill after all, how could she turn away from a challenge? She was smirking again. "If you insist." She took those steps deeper, no hesitation as she slowly grew closer and closer.

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

"Oh I figured that out a long time ago. You still smell of gunpowder." Of course gunpowder was a hard smell to get rid of...not that she may know that. But it did make him wonder why she still only had that knife on her. Going after a man like himself she should have had a lot more than just a measly knife. But he supposed she called his bluff and he hadn't attempted to really kill her with much determination.

He didn't move from his spot, he'd let her find him as she inched in closer and closer. He watched her move so cautiously with a smirk and rested his arms down on his knees. His hands dangled between spread legs from his crouch. He watched intently, wondering how she would react when she finally ran into him.

He contemplated the things he could do to her in his dark cave. Not that he couldn't do them to her out in the forest, but the cave made it more...mysterious. The thought of that unsettled look on her face would make him grin. But with the time he had spent with her so far, he knew she would do her best not to give him that kind of satisfaction.

[mero]

Merfonde just chuckled, shaking her head a little. "That nose of yours is better then I thought." Of course she smelled like gunpowder. It was inevitable when you chose a career like hers. For all that though she hadn't bothered arming herself for the chance of being caught, she hadn't actually planned on this happening after all! Not to mention she wasn't trying to kill him, so why would she need to prepare for the worst?

Her steps were cautious and slow, her senses straining for some clue to give exactly where he was. She stuck close to one of the cave walls, a hand trailing across it's surface. She didn't know where the cave went, after all. For all she knew it could open up into a large cavern. Best to play it safe and keep track of where she was.

She could barely see anymore, perhaps the only thing she would notice was sudden movement. "You aren't going to give me any hints, are you?" Of course he wouldn't. He was doing the exact same thing she'd done before, work for it. As she moved to take another step, she hit something, and froze.

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

That cave wasn't too big, in fact he was only a few feet away from her as she started to inch herself forward more. The closer she got the quieter he became. He was going to let her find him on her own. And just as she froze, she had found him. He smirked and watched her reaction for a moment, let her worry about the consequences of her finding him before he made his move.

Like a snake lashing out to its' prey, he was after her. The familiar sensation of his large hand at her throat while he rose up to his feet, lifting her with him. This time she was pinned to the wall of the cave with his body pressed against her once more. And while he figured she knew what was going to happen to her...she would be sorely mistaken, though maybe he'd finally answer her question.

"After all of this little game we've played, you still dont think that you should be flattered? The fact that you're still alive should make you count yourself very lucky." He had leaned close to her, speaking to her in that low dark voice. There was something about her that had stilled his claws, made him not want to rip her to pieces. And usually the cute ones got cut up real bad. Maybe she would be useful in the future...

He made a bold move then...which for him wasn't very bold but certainly should surprise her. He kissed her, right on the lips while his larger frame leaned against her more. He did this mostly so the grip on her neck could loosen a little while his other hand moved to her thigh. Though prepared for any sort of thrashing on her part, he had used that kiss for a distraction. His hand moved upward, grasping at her firm rear for a moment before those claws dug in. He move his hand away, dragging claws with him, effectively giving her a rather decent wound. Five claw marks raked over curve of fless, it would make a lovely scar he knew. What better for her to remember him by? And maybe enough to piss her off to come hunting for him again. He had been careful to cut deep enough to scar but it wasn't anything she wouldn't be able to survive from.

He pulled his lips from hers while that wicked smirk returned, though she couldn't see it. "See...told you, you were mine."

[mero]

It was him. Merfonde recognized it instantly. In that moment, two thoughts ran through her mind. The first? He'd been closer then she'd thought. And the second, more cursing for her eyesight. Even if she knew he was right in front of her she still couldn't see him!

She most definitely heard, and felt him when he suddenly 'attacked'. Even if she could have seen there wouldn't have been any escape, not with him this close. She still tried though, only getting half a step away before she was against the rock wall, his body trapping her. Already she was plotting an escape. But with her inability to see, she knew her chances were none. If she did manage to escape, she saw only a few outcomes. He caught her before she took even a step, she ran into something and was caught right after(with him probably laughing at her), or he let her run like she escape, prolonging the game.

"I don't believe in luck..." Her voice was that same, barely audible whisper from before. She was smirking a little though. At least she'd finally gotten an answer from him.

Surprise wasn't the only thing she felt when she suddenly felt his lips hard against her own. She was furious. Of course she'd known he'd take any chance he could to take advantage of her, but it angered her, for one reason. She couldn't do a thing about it. She hated being defenseless more then anything. And here she was, in that exact situation. Of course she fought, throwing all of her strength into trying to get him off of her. She almost didn't seem to notice what his other hand was up to... Until she felt something sink into her flesh.

Her thrashing stilled for a moment as she quickly figured out what he was doing. All five of his claws had dug into the flesh of her behind... And then there was the sickening tearing as he dragged those claws. She didn't flinch though, the only noticeable change was her heartbeat picking up from the shock and sting. Her fighting instantly return, harder then before.

This time, she stopped only because he'd finally stopped kissing her. And boy did she look pissed. "So you say..." She, on the other hand, said quite the opposite.

[/justify]