Errant Thoughts [Open]

[Kazehi Ryu]

Standing on the platform that served as the access way between the city on the cliff and the village that hung below it, Ryu stared up at the edge of the cliff. He was a lone figure today, the wind gently lifting his hair up while he mulled over the gap that separated the Iwagakure people from Maruishi. The village had long been clinging to the cliffs and many seemed not to mind it; but when they required anything that they could not produce, they relied on Maruishi for their needs. They were not self sufficient; Ryu didn't like it.

As it stood, the former Daimyo of Maruishi had killed his predecessor for reasons currently veiled in shadow to the man. It bothered him, actually, that the city above was pleased to use the forces of Iwa's Warriors and Shinobi when they needed it most but yet to expand Iwa was limited by the city looming over them.

Such dark thoughts that swim around in your mind, ape.

The creature was more active today, Ryu let a frown crease his face and didn't dignify the parasitic beast with an answer. Wouldn't it be simpler to just conquer them? You have the strength to do it, you and all your brood could wipe the weaklings away. A day dream covered Ryu's sight: He was leading the Iwa people up the cliff, bellowing in challenge at the frightened sheep that were penned in above them; they raided and pillaged what they needed, burned and demolished what they didn't. They subjugated those that submitted to their strength, killed those that didn't.

"No."<i></i> Ryu closed his eyes and shoved the thoughts aside. That may have been easier, simpler to do, but it didn't serve a purpose. It didn't do anything but bring to life the reason Iwa was kept clinging to the cliff and hand fed like pets. He refused that path, rejected it for one of greater difficulty; one that required temperance and effort to make a reality.

Strange. Years ago, you fought with such savagery and ferocity; yet you're nothing but a weakling. The frown on Ryu's visage darkened, the air around him becoming oppressive with his irritation. He liked it better when the creature was silent, appreciated it when the beast knew its place in this relationship, and preferred it when the parasite knew not to press at issues it knew nothing about. How wrong you are, ape. I know years of struggle. Decades of strife, centuries of survival. More images danced behind Ryu's eyes, watching as prey was hunted down and devoured or fleeing from that which would devour him; he was being shown the life of the creature that now inhabited him as it 'lived' in the world beyond flesh. It had fought every step of the way to be where it once was, the peace and tranquility it had achieved before Ryu had disturbed it. You are a predator yet you balk like prey.

Ryu's monsterous left hand clenched and tightened until the obsidian colored talons dug furrows into the stone hide of the palm, a grating screech emanating from the contact. 'That is not the path I'll walk. I will lead my people to glory, not to slaughter. Now be silent before.' The towering man's focus turned inward and slammed against the creature's, their mental battle raged for a moment and the air around him heated until Ryu was sweating, but eventually the creature's presence receded, backing slowly into the strange place inside the man it had claimed. You'll see it my way some day, ape.

Not likely. Ryu took a deep breath, finally back to reality without his sight being clouded by visions forced on him by the creature; the air was cooling down, and the breeze was more refreshing than when he'd come up to the platform. Turning, he strode to the edge of the platform so that he could look out over the sea; just how would he lead his people upwards? He did not wish to fight the people living on the cliff, but to truly become a glorious village Iwagakure needed to be able to sustain itself. Else they would remain in shambles and just barely scrape by.

 

[Shoukyou Nashi]

I was on patrol today. And Sky Fall was my favorite place to patrol!

After all, where else could I go jumping to the ground from a great distance without people looking at me like I was crazy? It was like flying! More like falling with style. But it was the closing I could get to flying without wings. So I was always on patrol here in Sky Fall mostly playing around. But I also helped out people who had trouble going down to Iwagakure or going up Maruishi with my winds.

I wished Aika would visit me while I was here. But she was always stuck down in those dark mines of Wonderland. It was unfair that her beauty was hidden there.

Of all the people I get to see today though, it just had to be the new Tsuchikage of the village.

Carefully, I sneak behind him. “Boo.” My voice echoes with my gas mask on and the ‘ooo’ sound rings in my ears. But I was still hoping maybe I could make the big man jump. It wasn’t like I was trying to kill him. And I doubt he would die so easily. Even if he got into trouble from my little prank, I could easily save him with my winds.

“Good afternoon Mister Kage! It’s a wonderfully windy day isn’t it?” I say putting on the persona that Aika often called ‘air headed’. It got me out of trouble as much as it got me into trouble so it was one of my favorite personas! “You’re looking like you’re thinking deep, deep things. Be careful not to think too much and get stress lines.”

(MFT)

 

[Kazehi Ryu]

(Sorry for the wait)

Looking over the ocean gave a sense of placid calm at this height, the roar of crashing waves was muted by the wind, and the shimmering surface of the water only appeared calm. It disguised the currents and turbulence beneatg quite well. A metaphor if Ryu had ever seen one.

His mind wandered over the days he would sit beside his home looking out at the darkening water after the days of training with his father. Those days were yeaes past, though it felt like much longer. His ruminating was disturbed by a muffled 'boo', the noise putting the man's conscious thought on hold while his body moved. He didn't jump, not as was expected, instead, he spun to the right, sweeping his right arm in the space between as if to deflect and counter an incoming weapon while his feet spread out and his center of gravity dropped so he could attain a more powerful blow in that small space. His realization of the situation came when his fist was nearly ready to connect with the masked face. He jerked the muscles of his arm to a stop, but the air pressure behind the blow whistled past and around the person's head.

He stared for a moment, face as blank and stoic as ever whime he gauged his reaction time and the situation. He thiught back to the time when his father and he had spent minutes atracking and counter attacking one another on reflex when they had come around a corner at the same time and startled one another. "More ferocity next time." Ryu drew his fist away from the masked face, shifting his stance and standing back up, his eyes narrowed slightly as his brain tried to catch uo with what was going on. He trained to easily battle, trained so his body knew what to do even while he was focused on other matters, that didn't mean it was easy to stop that training from derailing his thoughts. "I was, yes. Though they are hardly relevant now. Who are you?" He didn't remember this one, and with the gas mask, he was unsure if this person was ANBU or just had an eccentric taste in accessories. "Forgive my terse manner, but it's been years since someone has snuck up on me. It is unpleasant to think I might have mistakenly injured someone for a minor prank." Hopefully it was enough of a reprimand, avoiding unneeded paperwork and minor medical treatment would generally dissuade anyone from such antics. Hopefully.

 

[Yaku]

It was the end of the week, and the young girl was on her way back home in the sky. Her father wasn't working this month in Iwagakure, and as Sara had no class to attend tomorrow, it would be a good time to head back home to Maruishi; to see her mother, and enjoy a break from having to do basic house chores. One of the great perks of heading back home, as in Iwagakure she was in charge of taking care of the small apartment. Plus it would be fun to venture around with her friends in Maruishi.

Sara headed for the Sky Fall, the only way to travel back and forth. Traveling down was easy, her father had planted a rope in secret that allowed such travel, but going back up. The rope was one method, slow and arduous, the fastest way was to jump into the unknown mirkied waters below. Jumping in when bad weather was present, or season, or tide, could easily cause an insurmountable amount of different injuries. A wave crashing you into the rocks, sharks, riptides, eddies; all fairly common. If she was a stronger swimmer, she would maybe take the chance, especially if she was drunk or in a rush, but climbing up had it's merits. She could use the exercise to build some body strength.

As she headed for the mountain, the sun was shining brilliantly onto the craggy rocks. 'It was going to be one of those harder days.', the thought passed. As Sara neared the point, she saw the back of a very tall man with something next to him. Interest got the better of her, and she was heading directly towards them. A big headed black masked person? That was odd and slightly intriguing. As she got closer, more and more detail came in. She finally realized that it was someone wearing a gas mask or a oxygen mask.

She was staring intently as she walked towards them, and being the only other person at the Sky Fall, it wouldn't go unnoticed. The behemoth and some old frail person were talking, and for some reason she was being drawn directly towards them, trying to overhear what might be an interesting conversation.

(Training)

 

[Shoukyou Nashi]

I couldn’t help but whistle in appreciation at the Kage’s showing. He was alert and there was power in his movements that I could feel even if his punch didn’t connect with me. People who were powerful like him gave me the giggles. But there were different kinds of power!

Physical.

Mental.

Emotional.

Spiritual.

Political.

I wonder which of these the Kage of this village was. But they were all questions I wasn’t going to voice out loud. Not now anyway! I didn’t feel like it! Maybe later. If I get bored and wanted to seem mysterious and shit.

“Thanks for not hitting me in the face. The wife would get real mad if I go home with another black eye!” I laughed, scratching the back of my head sheepishly. “But I’m Nashi! Shoukyou Nashi! White Rabbit if you want to be strict about the codenames! I guess I shouldn’t expect the new Overlord to know all under his reign when there’s plenty of us. But you might have heard of me if you heard of Wonderland Café!” I add. A shrug. I didn’t really care too much about the ANBU’s secret and double lives. It’s not like I hid who I was since I wore the same coat and scarf in and out of duty.

Didn’t the fact that people knew I was ANBU made me seem dangerously cool?

“I’m just on patrol and I thought I’d say hello to our mighty leader!” My arms flail around, up in the air as I speak.

Okay. Maybe the air of being dangerously cool was ruined because I pretended I was a big idiot?

(MFT)

 

[Kazehi Ryu]

Ryu gave a bit of a nod in response to the thanks, the name Shoukyou was familiar but only slightly. Be could pull up the information later, but as it stood he gathered plenty from the young man. "I see, your greeting is appreciated as I've been trying to meet with all active members." Granted, this particular way of meeting one another wasn't exactly how things usually went. The young man was ANBU, though apparently also worked for the Café as well much like "Doormouse" who was also a medic. While he hadn't gotten an actual name from the other girl, Ryu started to wonder why active members of the village would sometimes hold down employment at such a place. Curious, very curious. "Yes, I have heard of the place, been there once and have met another that works there as well." His attention shifted from the conversation into the girl creeping closer. His eyes locked onto her like a hawk would prey, studying the child as she neared. A student, by the looks of her, well dressed though and neatly groomed. So she wasn't exactly fresh out of a training session, but one didn't wear fancy clothes to the academy.

Then again, beneath his robes of office the man was wearing the same gear he had for the last couple years. So maybe his sense of clothing was a bit outdated for a Warrior and Shinobi of Iwa? "Hmn, seems we attracted someone's curiosity." Ryu's face remained blank, though he was amused slightly at the turn of events despite nearly knocking Nashi for a loop. He didn't lift a hand to point Nashi at her, but simply watched as the girl would likely freeze as soon as the realization that Ryu had spotted her would register. Nashi could easily follow where Ryu was looking as well.

 

[Yaku]

Sara watched them, now nearing enough to hear their words spoken softly, especially when spoken loudly. The man in the gas mask said his name a number of times, Shoukyou Nashi, something about a codename of something rabbit, and then the words 'new overlord to know'. It was enough to make a few accusations, the first being perhaps something she shouldn't have overheard. Though maybe the guy liked rabbits and thinks himself grand by giving himself a monicker. This was a public place so it would most likely be the second option. But the rest of the information, and what the other man said about the taller one was of some importance.

He said something about a place called wonderland cafe. It was a fanciful name for a cafe, though no more grand than some places like Stu's Grand Junk Carnival. She'd never heard of it so didn't think much of it, perhaps a place known by those in Iwagakure. But his last words clinched it for her, while the man in white started to wave his hands randomly "Hello to our mighty Leader!". His actions odd, but the man was certainly important, though, not important enough for proper etiquette, or the man was very forgiving.

The responses from the other man strengthened the thoughts, as she was close enough to hear most of his words. Then the giant man turned around suddenly, staring down at her. It was something else entirely to the young girl. The man towered over her by almost double her size. She was used to people being taller, but not so much so. And hulking as such, she couldn't help but stop for a moment and slow her pace, turning her gaze slightly but keeping a watch on him and holding her breath. Childish as it was, she was still plenty of one. Sweat began to build on her face, arms, hands, feet and chest. Or at least it was seeming more noticeable to her as of that moment. The day seeming to grow hotter all of a sudden.

She would have passed them entirely, avoiding especially the leering giant and so slightly the weird gas masked man, if it weren't for the fact that the man than spoke towards her, about her. She breathed in deeply, almost feeling out of breath, than stopped moving for a second time. She turned towards the tall man, making full eye contact and took several steps towards him. Sara froze again and spoke softly, "Gree...greetings..um.." Overlord was how the gas mask man paid respect, greeting the taller man, but that didn't seem proper. What would be a better word...."Um..Commander!", bowing deeply as she said the rank. She picked her words with a little care. Commander showed respect, but anyone that was higher than her in ranking would fit the bill, even a village councilor. She looked at the other man making...possibly eye contact and gave a slighter bow to the other man, a head nod, and said, "Sir.", though with a little less stress in her voice and not as loudly. She stood there waiting for some response, trying to avoid eye contact yet again with the tall man, though easily accomplished since she would have had to practically look up in the sky to do so.

 

[Shoukyou Nashi]

Wonderland Cafe was real fun. But it wasn't as fun as the Wonderland Casino we used to run in Mist. I had no doubt that the missus snatched up the business real quick when she heard of it because of nostalgia.

"You should visit sometime! Here's a coupon for free cake if you do!" I nod and pull out pieces of paper to hand to the Kage. They weren't real coupons though. I just got bored and made some. It was obvious since those fake coupons were just magazine cutouts with green crayon on them. "You can meet the wife if you do! Have dinner with us sometime. I'm sure she wouldn't mind the Overlord being there!"

My babbling was stopped though when he brought our attention to the kid who had been nosing around.

I tilt my head in her direction as well and give a friendly wave. "Hello! Hello! Hello! Are you out for a walk too? It's a wonderfully, spectacularly, fantastically great day for one!" It should probably make the little girl less nervous. Kage was already pulling such a scary face at her. And maybe I had a soft spot for children because of my own little princess! "No need to call me sir. I'm not that old even with my white hair! You can call me Nashi or White or Rabbit if you want!" I add putting up two fingers to make rabbit ears to my head.

I wonder what my daughter was doing right now? I hope she was having fun and eating something delicious at this moment!

The same went about my wife of course!

 

[Kazehi Ryu]

Sadly, the scary face was Ryu's normal one. It was a habit built up over years that was hard to break, if he could even do so at this point. It was one of the problems he was likely going to have with the younger generations who looked up to a man who didn't show much in the way of notable expression. "Interesting way to look at the title. Tsuchikage or Kazehi will do though. Both of you." He eyed the 'coupons' that had been foisted off to him and couldn't quite bring himself to even fall for the counterfeits. He tucked them into his robes however, amused at the joke and lifted his right hand to beckon the girl to come over and join them. "Are you one of the students, or a civilian from Maruishi Little One?" He held a 'relaxed' posture at this point, there wasn't any tension to really be sensed in the man, despite the fact that he still held himself high. His father had been very strict about keeping one's poise, after all.

The quiet man took note that not only was the ANBU married but also had a child, an interesting concept to merely 'overhear' while standing around. One might think that a man with obvious family could be taken advantage of, especially since in a world where assassination via impersonation. A veteran's paranoia aside, he still had to wonder if the jovial nature White Rabbit presented was simply a front; masks came in many more forms than the ones that sat on the face. Regardless of his company, it was curious that the girl would here at the border limit of Iwa and Maruishi.


(Really sorry, work has been a pain)

 

[Yaku]

The tall man responded quickly, stating a surprising fact to the small girl. Tsuchikage? She looked up again at his face than remembered where she had seen his face now. It was in class around the start of her training. She was meeting with the Tsuchikage almost privately, definitely a rare event for an academy student. His scary face seemed to be a little more softened to her for some reason she could explain, especially after his next few words. The day would become more of a surprise, he was giving her permission to greet him by name. It was an uncommon action but one she would take him up on soon enough. Though, her attitude changed very little until the man with the gas mask spoke.

She greeted him as well, though now feeling less tense because of Kazehi. Her words softer. He exploded with enthusiasm. Her face slanted sideways and she tried to keep up with his energy. She was still new to Iwagakure, and unsure of exactly how she should act. The people were a little less formal towards strangers than she was used to. Though, she couldn't help the next comment she made towards the man, seeming to slip out with the childish questionable and yet honest tone that one would expect from someone her age, "You are quite the odd and weird guy, huh?" She didn't register what she had said until it was to late, than a few seconds later it dawned on her, "I mean..um. In a good way that is! Really! Very energetic!!" She was scrambling slightly now at trying to make up for what she let slip. Her words becoming louder and quicker as each excuse came out. "It's a good thing I mean being weird like you!! I wish I could be just like that as well!!!" Quickly she was becoming flustered. Her face turning red as she scrambled, her arms waving to try and help her get the point over.

Kazehi broke her concentration as he spoke, but her rhythm was still screaming along at train wreck speeds. Perhaps he was adding to her embarrassment someone subconsciously, "I am a student at the shinobi academy and from Maruishi, Ryu!!! I mean Kazehi!! I meant!!!" She was practically panting now. Though, she did manage to stop talking. It would be one of those moments where you would picture something bursting above her head and steam streaming out out of her while her face was blank. Well, her face was blank now, looking downwards at her shoes, looking up slightly to see Kazehi and Rabbit's expression or response to her words.

[Training]
WC: 435

 

[Shoukyou Nashi]

The little girl was so cute, being flustered as she was!

Such shy little ones reminded me of myself in my early youth, back when I was still a nameless vassal of the Shoukyou family. Before Aika named me, I was such an easily flustered thing too. Everything was strange and scary, especially since I had no memories. I still remember how my now wife scolded me for being such a scaredy cat! She was so fierce even back then and I had admired that about her. Ah, memories!

It made me bounce from one foot to another. Perfect for my title of White Rabbit.

“Odd and weird is fine!” I laughed heartily. It was better than being called stupid. Only one person was allowed to call me stupid. I knew it was said affectionately, after all. The wife was such a tsundere.

“Ah, ah, you’re a student, huh? Maybe you’re classmates with my little girl. I really should drop by the school sometimes. See how her classes are going. Make sure she doesn’t have a boyfriend yet. Eat lunch and play games maybe!” I nod, bouncing extra high at the word of games and even being lifted up by the wind a little bit. “Promise me if you see my daughter with a boy, you’re going to make sure they’re not holding hands or anything! No boy is getting near my little princess without going through me and the wife! No way, hosay! I’m going to make sure they won’t break her heart!”

(MFT)

 

[Kazehi Ryu]

While Nashi kicked into a new highest gear of excitement, Ryu strode forward and gently set the palm of his right hand on the flustered girl's head. It was a sign of reassurance, even though she slipped and accidentally got a touch too familiar but he could let it slide. "Welcome to Iwagakure." He stepped to the side waiting for the white ANBU to run out of things to say or air, whichever he managed to accomplish first before clearing his throat slightly. "I hope you find the classes adequate. If not we have men and women who would be glad to help tutor you in any subject you are struggling with." He looked down at the girl, his voice didn't need to be raised or lowered, he spoke to her as he did anyone else.

He looked back to the bubbly ANBU, quite the creaturs this one, and raised an eyebrow slightly. "You mentioned patrols." It was a statement, not for reprimand that Nashi was standing about gossiping and happily chattering about his daughter, but more in the way of telling the man to report, if there was anything out of the ordinary anyway. "I'd hate to keep you long from your duties. Ryu could understand taking a break, they were human after all, but while their was work to be done there always needed to be someone to do it.

In the mean time, Ryu's thoughts turned to the relations between Tomatsu and his cousin Ren; while Ren wasn't Shizuko he still had done some "checking" on her...interest. He saw the little girl before him acting much like his own daughter, all nervous energy bundled up with timid hesitation. At times they were both like startled cats not knowing which way to go. It made him wonder if Shizuko would actually open up to another; she was only 9 but still Ryu liked thinking a little ahead. Foresight was a blessing as a parent, like having dinner ready well in advance to feed a hungry, growing girl. He gave a sound similar to an interested grunt; it was actually a chuckle. The thought of his daughter trying to court with someone was almost as amusing as the thought of Ren and Tomatsu fumbling along all awkward. A slight shake if his head brought the towering man back to the present situation; he knew what Nashi was doing, but for a student who lived in Maruishi, it was curious that she would be down at the entrance of Iwa. "Here to meet a friend or do some training?" His violet-blue eyes were leveled on Sara once again, his face and tone as neutral and polite as ever.

[MFT]

 

[Yaku]

Rabbit was the first to console the young lass, shortly followed by Kazehi, reassuring her with a pat on the head, his hand encompassing it entirely. Rabbit continued the conversation, speaking about his daughter and her possibly being in her class. There were a number of girls, but he didn't even know the mans real name. Nanashi didn't sound like a familiar last name to her, so either she wasn't in her class, didn't have the same last name or Nanashi was his given name. He spoke about watching out if she had a boyfriend and they did anything to stop them. She looked at him with a smile and said, "If I find Mrs. Nanashi, I will tell her you said such,..um Rabbit."

Kazehi than started to ask her about classes and if she needed any help, someone would. It was nice for him to say such, and she responded happily, "Thank you, I am doing pretty okay at this moment.. but I will remember to ask if something comes up." She was doing much better at the academy now than a short time ago. She had no passion to become a trained assassin then, but now, now she didn't see the job as such. Than he moved onto Rabbit, asking him about his patrol. Seems the kage wanted him to get back to work, or at least that is how she saw it. The man hadn't changed his tone in any of his words, so it was kind of hard to be sure. She listened to their words, than looked up the mountain to where home stood. She wasn't in a rush, but the task was still there to tackle, something she was and wasn't looking forward to.

It was some time during this period that she realized she hadn't introduced herself, but the two of them had. She was slightly unsure if she should interrupt what was happening to say such, but a moment slightly presented itself and she jumped in. "By the way, it is nice to meet both of you. Sorry...I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Yaku." It was shortly after that Kazehi chuckled slightly, than asked why she was in the area. She looked up at him, the sun highlighting his features remarkably. "I, am heading back up to Maruishi for the short weekend break to see my family. It has been a while since I have seen them. Than coming back for class at the academy in a few days." Wait training, was he perhaps offering. That would have been unlikely, but she would perhaps see, "Though before I go, I was thinking of practicing a technique someone showed me."

 

[Shoukyou Nashi]

I was a whirlwind of activity. Literally. Since a whirlwind started picking up around me to match how excited I was acting! I was going to tell them more about my lovely daughter. I loved the girl to bits as much as I loved my wife.

But the Kage reminded me of patrols!

“Ah! Ah! Ah!” I started squeaking as I take out a pocket watch and see the time. “Ah! No! My patrols are over and I have to pick up my darling from Outer Maruishi! If I’m late, she’s going to make me sleep on the couch! I better run!”

I bow hastily to the Kage and to the little girl to excuse myself. But I realized that was a bit too stiff and formal and added an energetic wave. “I’ll have to go! If you’re serious about that report, I’ll have paperwork by your desk tomorrow!” Of course, nothing much happened during my shift. So I really had nothing to report. Unless Kage meant I should report my thoughts. I know! I could add drawings so that it won’t be a boring read! I’m sure I could even borrow my lovely daughter’s new crayons!

“See you two around!” I say finally as I back away from them towards the cliff and let myself fall back.

But I didn’t hit the ground below at all. Before I even touched it, I sent a strong spiraling gust of wind beneath me to slingshot me high towards Maruishi!

Being a Wind Valkyrie was fun!

(MFT)
(Left topic)

 

[Yaku]

The day was growing late, much later than she thought. Her parents didn't even know she was heading back, and they would be quite upset if they knew she was traveling around at such hours. Though..she was training to be a ninja...still, her parents treated her..well, exactly her age for any other. As Rabbit sped off, and fell off the side, Suteki ran towards the same direction and watched him launch passed. "Wow..amazing." She turned back towards the Kage and spoke with some quickness, "He reminded me I had to leave as well, my family will be upset if I don't get home before the lights of the city turn on. I will just have to train at home. It was a real pleasure meetings you Kazehi Sir." She waved with gusto and started running up the side of the wall before having to grab the rope and walk up. She still wasn't that skilled with the wall climbing technique, but enough to cut the time easily than having to pull herself up with the rope.

She looked back once more to see if the Kage was still watching, hoping not. She would be slightly embarrassed if he watched her climb up the wall, but she turned back quick enough, having lost her grasp on the wall with her feet, catching the rope and pulling hard. She re-concentrated her chakra and continued up again slowly, this time she would just focus on the trip at hand.

[Exit]