Kaen listened intently as Suzume presumably cracked the code on these riddles as if she herself had set them up. He placed his hand on his chin and nodded in agreement. "Ya know, I think you've got it. I didnt expect these to be that easy but I suppose they weren't meant to be overthought." Kaen re-approached the pedestals and stood in front of the last one, placed his hand upon the surface for aesthetic reasons. In the back of his mind he probably was thinking it would look cooler as he spoke each answer aloud. With his palm pressed against the cold etched stone, Kaen spoke aloud the answer; "When he is in quicksand!" And on he went to the grey lit riddle, again repeating the hand placement and speaking aloud; "A cold!" Ya know, for as ancient as these ruins looked, their tests were not that old fashioned, no matter. Kaen approached the final stand illuminated in green and spoke the answer Suzume had promptly decided on; "Stuff!" Yeah, he felt pretty good about these choices, now to see what happens...
Ninpocho Chronicles
Ninpocho Chronicles is a fantasy-ish setting storyline, set in an alternate universe World of Ninjas, where the Naruto and Boruto series take place. This means that none of the canon characters exists, or existed here.
Each ninja starts from the bottom and start their training as an Academy Student. From there they develop abilities akin to that of demigods as they grow in age and experience.
Along the way they gain new friends (or enemies), take on jobs and complete contracts and missions for their respective villages where their training and skill will be tested to their limits.
The sky is the limit as the blank page you see before you can be filled with countless of adventures with your character in the game.
This is Ninpocho Chronicles.
Current Ninpocho Time:
Even the Small can Cast a Large Shadow When They're Near the Flame [Dual Contract Search]
- Thread starter Kaen
- Start date
It seems that the answers where given, though if they were right or not was yet to be discovered, this room help the answers to what else awaited them. Though it seemed that the two that were overseeing this situation where making it more complicated than fun, trying to see how the two of them reacted. It seemed that they had the final say if they would progress or not, though each object in the room would be crucial in the next room, the two of them glanced to each other as they pondered what to make of the answers that they had been given.
“Do you want to accept their answers, or shall we just slam the door on them now brother? Would that not be the better thing to take from this?”
“And ruin the fun so soon after it started, no we shall accept the answers they got two right after all so they show some promise, let us see how far we can push them and what they are willing to do to seek out the knowledge.”
“This sounds perfect, open the door and accept their answers, let us judge them with our own eyes and gaze upon these humans, see how worthy we deem them and what they want to do next, after all they are now entering into our room.”
“Let’s see what they do, I think it’s a fair shout, shall we take up our places and wait and see what happens then?”
The two stone statues stomped to their positions, it seemed that they had already decided the fate of the two and they where now playing games, was it simply for just playing games or was it to make a statement. That was the real question that would need to be answered.
In the room the two tables for quicksand and for a cold light up. Flames coming to life in a flicker from the top of the tables as they allowed themselves to flicker and gust it seemed the room went deadly quiet in those few seconds.
The door at the end of the room slammed open as a gust of dusty and the smell of an old room that had not be opened in years came through. It lights up quickly as flaming chandeliers begun to light up with a whoosh of the fuel becoming ignited with the opening of the door. This room much like the other one had a massive grand room inside of it. Marble floor echoed around everywhere though on the outside of this room was stone soldiers. Armour clad giants each one of them holding a different weapon of sorts.
Each stone statue had layers of dust upon them, though the plate armour under that dust was clear to see metal surface, the room had one door at the end just like the others. Though as they stepped onto the tiles it would have one question come above the door, it was clear and in a old scripture that seemed to be hand carved if anything. Two correct answers in the last one and now only one question. The creatures behind this where pushing them to the limits of what they could do and to see how the humans would react where they were, it was clear that there was no easy solution to this search. The words simply read.
‘What do you fear most?’
“Do you want to accept their answers, or shall we just slam the door on them now brother? Would that not be the better thing to take from this?”
“And ruin the fun so soon after it started, no we shall accept the answers they got two right after all so they show some promise, let us see how far we can push them and what they are willing to do to seek out the knowledge.”
“This sounds perfect, open the door and accept their answers, let us judge them with our own eyes and gaze upon these humans, see how worthy we deem them and what they want to do next, after all they are now entering into our room.”
“Let’s see what they do, I think it’s a fair shout, shall we take up our places and wait and see what happens then?”
The two stone statues stomped to their positions, it seemed that they had already decided the fate of the two and they where now playing games, was it simply for just playing games or was it to make a statement. That was the real question that would need to be answered.
In the room the two tables for quicksand and for a cold light up. Flames coming to life in a flicker from the top of the tables as they allowed themselves to flicker and gust it seemed the room went deadly quiet in those few seconds.
The door at the end of the room slammed open as a gust of dusty and the smell of an old room that had not be opened in years came through. It lights up quickly as flaming chandeliers begun to light up with a whoosh of the fuel becoming ignited with the opening of the door. This room much like the other one had a massive grand room inside of it. Marble floor echoed around everywhere though on the outside of this room was stone soldiers. Armour clad giants each one of them holding a different weapon of sorts.
Each stone statue had layers of dust upon them, though the plate armour under that dust was clear to see metal surface, the room had one door at the end just like the others. Though as they stepped onto the tiles it would have one question come above the door, it was clear and in a old scripture that seemed to be hand carved if anything. Two correct answers in the last one and now only one question. The creatures behind this where pushing them to the limits of what they could do and to see how the humans would react where they were, it was clear that there was no easy solution to this search. The words simply read.
‘What do you fear most?’
A brief moment of silence echoed throughout the brilliantly lit marble prison. I say prison, but we know it's merely just a room, but should Kaen and Suzume fail to pass these strange and tedious tests of mettle, surely they would remain confined to these stone halls forever. Unaware of the conversation taking place between the two statues, Kaen began to think perhaps he did something wrong. Turning to Suzume he gave a subtle shrug. "Maybe I did something wrong?" But only seconds after he finished his sentence did two of the pillars flare to life. "Nevermind..."
Suddenly a door violently slammed open across the way, opposite of the door in which the two shinobi first entered. Then, as impossible as it seemed considering they were underground with no open paths to open air, a gust of wind pushed its way through casting year's worth of layers of dust into the air. Kaen quickly shielded his eyes and mouth attempting to not swallow or breathe any in. But he did not shield his nose from the vile odor that poured through the now open door. With a cringed look upon his face, Kaen pressed forward while beckoning Suzume to follow closely.
As the pair stepped into the new room, also made of marble, numerous chandeliers magically lit themselves as the room before had. This place was becoming more paranormal and creepy by the second. The flames illuminated the entirety of the grand marble room and revealed a wide array of armor plated statues each with their own unique weapons. Kaen eyed them warily, half expecting them to come to life and attack them both. Across the room was yet again another door, they could only hope this place didn't extend onward forever.
Kaen was the first to step onto the tiles, immediately activating their next mini quest. Above the door an ancient scripture shined into existence to taunt their captives further. ‘What do you fear most?’ Kaen stopped suddenly in his tracks, his gaze fixated upon the next question. He began to slowly shake his head in disapproval, before turning back around to face the door in which they just entered. He took a half step forward before that door slammed shut just as the one before them had. Kaen stared blankly for a few moments, apparently trying to process something. The air around him seemed to be climbing in temperature in response to his influx of negative emotions of hate and distaste for this room. He could do riddles, that was fine. But now whatever, whomever was behind all this was clearly orchestrating this sick game to serve some other purpose unknown to Kaen. "Nope, I'm done. We're leaving, now. Get behind that pillar, I don't want you to get hurt." Kaen gave quick and concise orders to his small female compatriot, hoping she acted with haste.
Suddenly Kaen's body became wreathed in fire, somehow remaining safe and unscathed by the ravaging and impossibly hot flames that surrounded him. Kaen faced the wall opposite of where Suzume was taking shelter, assuming she did, and began to weave with blinding speed multiple hand signs. Then all at once he inhaled the surrounding fire till none was left and he was fit to burst. Then with a ferocious and mighty roar that shook the very foundation of this place, the fire came pouring back out into existence and took the shape of a mythical dragon barreling straight for the wall. Contact was made immediately and the wall began to disintegrate under the pressure of Kaen's hellish Flame Court Ancient flames. It was working, or so he thought.
Something caught his attention that caused him to release the jutsu, the dragon fading away and the deafening roar of the dragon ceased. The wall was somehow restoring itself faster than he could destroy it. "What the hell is this place?!" Kaen's flames erupted outwards again, narrowly missing Suzume in the process, and he began a front assault on the wall with only his fists. With each breathe he let out another word and another blow against the wall with his flaming fists. "LET" A massive strike blew a chunk out of the wall, only for it to magically reappear back in place unscathed. "ME" Once again another strike damaged the wall to no avail. "OUT!!!" A final desperate strike fizzled out as Kaen leaned his head against the wall, his flames receding inwards as hope dwindled from his mind.
With now bloody knuckles, Kaen turned back towards the door with the inscription still lit up above the doorway. A whirring noise buzzed to life as a while hot orb of fire sprung to life in his open palm. One last assault was thrown into the door resulting just the same as the wall behind him. "AAAAAGGGHHHHH!" Kaen wrenched his body and let loose a torrent of flames in every direction before falling to his knees. "Fine..." Kaen whispered under his defeated breathe. "You sick bastards really wanna know what Kaen Shinku fears most?!" Kaen stood up and walked to the center of the room and faced the door before continuing. "My fear can't be compounded and shrunk down to a single word or phrase, no. But I doubt you will be surprised by the answer, I like to think most living things fear this the most deep down inside. I fear loss above all else. Everything else this world has to offer doesn't even come close to that, not even death itself scares me more than losing the person that matters most in this cruel and unforgiving world. I couldn't bear to keep on existing in a world without my little sister, Kasen. Everything I've ever done was for her benefit. Every breathe, every wrong step, every life I took, everything was for her and everything will always be for her!" Tears began to stream from his eyes, apparently whomever was behind this knew exactly which string to pluck to make this red headed ancient sing. "Now take your answer and be done with this chaos, every minute I'm trapped in here means another minute lost in which she might need me." This was something that was weighing heavy on his mind from the moment they started their trek through these trials. His radio stopped functioning shortly after they started which meant there was no way for them to signal the outside world where they were. And with the very foundation enchanted to such a degree, they were indeed prisoners of these unseen masterminds.
[OOC - MFT]
Suddenly a door violently slammed open across the way, opposite of the door in which the two shinobi first entered. Then, as impossible as it seemed considering they were underground with no open paths to open air, a gust of wind pushed its way through casting year's worth of layers of dust into the air. Kaen quickly shielded his eyes and mouth attempting to not swallow or breathe any in. But he did not shield his nose from the vile odor that poured through the now open door. With a cringed look upon his face, Kaen pressed forward while beckoning Suzume to follow closely.
As the pair stepped into the new room, also made of marble, numerous chandeliers magically lit themselves as the room before had. This place was becoming more paranormal and creepy by the second. The flames illuminated the entirety of the grand marble room and revealed a wide array of armor plated statues each with their own unique weapons. Kaen eyed them warily, half expecting them to come to life and attack them both. Across the room was yet again another door, they could only hope this place didn't extend onward forever.
Kaen was the first to step onto the tiles, immediately activating their next mini quest. Above the door an ancient scripture shined into existence to taunt their captives further. ‘What do you fear most?’ Kaen stopped suddenly in his tracks, his gaze fixated upon the next question. He began to slowly shake his head in disapproval, before turning back around to face the door in which they just entered. He took a half step forward before that door slammed shut just as the one before them had. Kaen stared blankly for a few moments, apparently trying to process something. The air around him seemed to be climbing in temperature in response to his influx of negative emotions of hate and distaste for this room. He could do riddles, that was fine. But now whatever, whomever was behind all this was clearly orchestrating this sick game to serve some other purpose unknown to Kaen. "Nope, I'm done. We're leaving, now. Get behind that pillar, I don't want you to get hurt." Kaen gave quick and concise orders to his small female compatriot, hoping she acted with haste.
Suddenly Kaen's body became wreathed in fire, somehow remaining safe and unscathed by the ravaging and impossibly hot flames that surrounded him. Kaen faced the wall opposite of where Suzume was taking shelter, assuming she did, and began to weave with blinding speed multiple hand signs. Then all at once he inhaled the surrounding fire till none was left and he was fit to burst. Then with a ferocious and mighty roar that shook the very foundation of this place, the fire came pouring back out into existence and took the shape of a mythical dragon barreling straight for the wall. Contact was made immediately and the wall began to disintegrate under the pressure of Kaen's hellish Flame Court Ancient flames. It was working, or so he thought.
Something caught his attention that caused him to release the jutsu, the dragon fading away and the deafening roar of the dragon ceased. The wall was somehow restoring itself faster than he could destroy it. "What the hell is this place?!" Kaen's flames erupted outwards again, narrowly missing Suzume in the process, and he began a front assault on the wall with only his fists. With each breathe he let out another word and another blow against the wall with his flaming fists. "LET" A massive strike blew a chunk out of the wall, only for it to magically reappear back in place unscathed. "ME" Once again another strike damaged the wall to no avail. "OUT!!!" A final desperate strike fizzled out as Kaen leaned his head against the wall, his flames receding inwards as hope dwindled from his mind.
With now bloody knuckles, Kaen turned back towards the door with the inscription still lit up above the doorway. A whirring noise buzzed to life as a while hot orb of fire sprung to life in his open palm. One last assault was thrown into the door resulting just the same as the wall behind him. "AAAAAGGGHHHHH!" Kaen wrenched his body and let loose a torrent of flames in every direction before falling to his knees. "Fine..." Kaen whispered under his defeated breathe. "You sick bastards really wanna know what Kaen Shinku fears most?!" Kaen stood up and walked to the center of the room and faced the door before continuing. "My fear can't be compounded and shrunk down to a single word or phrase, no. But I doubt you will be surprised by the answer, I like to think most living things fear this the most deep down inside. I fear loss above all else. Everything else this world has to offer doesn't even come close to that, not even death itself scares me more than losing the person that matters most in this cruel and unforgiving world. I couldn't bear to keep on existing in a world without my little sister, Kasen. Everything I've ever done was for her benefit. Every breathe, every wrong step, every life I took, everything was for her and everything will always be for her!" Tears began to stream from his eyes, apparently whomever was behind this knew exactly which string to pluck to make this red headed ancient sing. "Now take your answer and be done with this chaos, every minute I'm trapped in here means another minute lost in which she might need me." This was something that was weighing heavy on his mind from the moment they started their trek through these trials. His radio stopped functioning shortly after they started which meant there was no way for them to signal the outside world where they were. And with the very foundation enchanted to such a degree, they were indeed prisoners of these unseen masterminds.
[OOC - MFT]
Watching Kaen as he presented their answers, Suzume held her breath in trepidation. Not wanting to get in the way, she kept back from the stands themselves, instead positioning herself between the three as he watched him go from one to the next. Tensions rose with each passing second and her breathing had halted as it too waited for the result of their offerings. A time that felt like forever passed her by; until two of the flames finally signaled their success... if only partly. Taking a gasping breath, her body too tense to have breathed normally, Suzume leaned forward to rest her hands on her knees in a gesture of exhaustion. Looking up towards the unlit pillar, she twisted her brain around to decide what about her answer was wrong. Of course it was her answer that was wrong, not that she should have suspected otherwise, but it still served a sore blow to her confidence. Had she been here along, she surely would have been trapped in here forever.
Feeling the tug of her own disapproval, she mentally curled inwards as she soon followed Kaen into the next room. At least they were allowed passage forward, despite her failings. Reaching up, she began to tug at her hair in a rudimentary gesture of penance, but was soon interrupted as a breath of dusty air wracked her lungs and sent her into a momentary coughing fit. Releasing her hair to cover her mouth, Suzume stepped through the threshold into the fancy room. The architecture was nothing she was familiar with, at least its like had not been seen in the village as far as she was aware. Suzume's attention was soon drawn back to Kaen as she saw him abruptly turn back towards her and take a step. In the same instant the sound of stone slamming against soon crashed from behind her as the door sealed itself shut. Nearly thrown out of her skin in fright, Suzume stumbled forwards and spun to see their way back closed off to them.
Another wave of fear shot through her as the possibility of being trapped her surged through her once more. It was then that her protector had enough of these games and loudly instructed her to take cover behind of of the giant pillars on the sides of the room. Confused, she looked to him to ask what she was to hide for but the words died on her lips as a wreathe of fire engulfed him. She had no idea what was going on, but she was not about to disobey the man who was, up until this point, solely responsible for her continued existence, as far as she was concerned. Fighting down more coughs from the ancient dust that had settled in her lungs, she rushed herself off towards the side of the chamber and inner herself against the backside of the stone column, her eyes shut as she hid from... something.
She was not prepared for the booming echo of a roar that erupted from Kaen and the fire that he expelled. Sliding down to become a ball pressed upright against the column, she pressed her hands tight against her ears. It was there she remained during the blazing assault that Kaen let loose upon the walls of their prison. She had no idea what was going on, she could only hear the yelling of his voice, the breaking of stone and the distant sounds of fire beyond her muffled ears. Suzume had no idea what was going on, but she was doing what she did best... nothing. She must have looked pathetic there, hunched down to look as small as possible, her eyes and ears closed to the world around her as someone bigger and stronger than her protected her. That helplessness brought back not-so-distant memories of the first time that this protector had saved her, the first time she had tired to prove herself capable had nearly resulted in her purity being forcefully stripped from her before her ultimate demise. Now here she was again, the helpless maiden.
Suzume had no idea what the purpose of this room was, nor the question it asked of them, but she was there, living one of the things she feared most in life, helplessness. Compared to those in her clan, the Oushi-Ouja, who were large, strong and mighty, Suzume was a weak helpless soul who needed constant supervision and protection. She had been told that her entire life, though in less blunt terms. She had never wanted to accept it, and the thought had always weighed heavily upon her. So, when the change to elevate herself as Storm Lady had presented itself, it pulled her out of that doldrums of weakness. It offered her the chance to make something of herself, to make her clan proud and to finally not be the helpless child, and yet here she was, the inevitability of failure crushing her spirit just as the weight of the stone over there heads did.
When the sounds of flame and explosions died down, she pulled her hands from her ears, opening her read and faintly tear stained eyes as she heard Kaen yelling at someone she didn't see. He had not told the helpless girl that she could come out, but her curiosity compelled her forward. Pushing herself to a stand, she slowly peered around the column, her eye momentarily catching on the row of stone guards the lined the wall. Her view of the engraving of the far side of the room was obscured, but she could see Kaen standing near the center as he yelled out at what she presumed was their captor. Keeping herself out of sight, she listened to Kaen as he spoke softly, the near silence of the room allowing her to make out his hushed words. Suzume clung behind the pillar as she listened, her thoughts flickering between shame at what amounted to eavesdropping and the curiosity to hear more. When he finished, a third thought struck her: Shame of finally learning that ANBU were people as well. It was a naive idea, of course, but it was still strange to acknowledge that one of them, could have such emotions.
Keeping herself silent, she continued to hide behind the pillar as she waited for his beckoning. Quietly hoping that he would not be angry with her for overhearing. Such information that Kaen presented was, in fact, quite valuable information on a member of the ANBU. An enterprising entity could manipulate a mark such as Kaen with this knowledge with relative ease. Suzume was far from cunning enough to consider this, but it was still private and embarrassing information that she did feel bad for snooping on.
Feeling the tug of her own disapproval, she mentally curled inwards as she soon followed Kaen into the next room. At least they were allowed passage forward, despite her failings. Reaching up, she began to tug at her hair in a rudimentary gesture of penance, but was soon interrupted as a breath of dusty air wracked her lungs and sent her into a momentary coughing fit. Releasing her hair to cover her mouth, Suzume stepped through the threshold into the fancy room. The architecture was nothing she was familiar with, at least its like had not been seen in the village as far as she was aware. Suzume's attention was soon drawn back to Kaen as she saw him abruptly turn back towards her and take a step. In the same instant the sound of stone slamming against soon crashed from behind her as the door sealed itself shut. Nearly thrown out of her skin in fright, Suzume stumbled forwards and spun to see their way back closed off to them.
Another wave of fear shot through her as the possibility of being trapped her surged through her once more. It was then that her protector had enough of these games and loudly instructed her to take cover behind of of the giant pillars on the sides of the room. Confused, she looked to him to ask what she was to hide for but the words died on her lips as a wreathe of fire engulfed him. She had no idea what was going on, but she was not about to disobey the man who was, up until this point, solely responsible for her continued existence, as far as she was concerned. Fighting down more coughs from the ancient dust that had settled in her lungs, she rushed herself off towards the side of the chamber and inner herself against the backside of the stone column, her eyes shut as she hid from... something.
She was not prepared for the booming echo of a roar that erupted from Kaen and the fire that he expelled. Sliding down to become a ball pressed upright against the column, she pressed her hands tight against her ears. It was there she remained during the blazing assault that Kaen let loose upon the walls of their prison. She had no idea what was going on, she could only hear the yelling of his voice, the breaking of stone and the distant sounds of fire beyond her muffled ears. Suzume had no idea what was going on, but she was doing what she did best... nothing. She must have looked pathetic there, hunched down to look as small as possible, her eyes and ears closed to the world around her as someone bigger and stronger than her protected her. That helplessness brought back not-so-distant memories of the first time that this protector had saved her, the first time she had tired to prove herself capable had nearly resulted in her purity being forcefully stripped from her before her ultimate demise. Now here she was again, the helpless maiden.
Suzume had no idea what the purpose of this room was, nor the question it asked of them, but she was there, living one of the things she feared most in life, helplessness. Compared to those in her clan, the Oushi-Ouja, who were large, strong and mighty, Suzume was a weak helpless soul who needed constant supervision and protection. She had been told that her entire life, though in less blunt terms. She had never wanted to accept it, and the thought had always weighed heavily upon her. So, when the change to elevate herself as Storm Lady had presented itself, it pulled her out of that doldrums of weakness. It offered her the chance to make something of herself, to make her clan proud and to finally not be the helpless child, and yet here she was, the inevitability of failure crushing her spirit just as the weight of the stone over there heads did.
When the sounds of flame and explosions died down, she pulled her hands from her ears, opening her read and faintly tear stained eyes as she heard Kaen yelling at someone she didn't see. He had not told the helpless girl that she could come out, but her curiosity compelled her forward. Pushing herself to a stand, she slowly peered around the column, her eye momentarily catching on the row of stone guards the lined the wall. Her view of the engraving of the far side of the room was obscured, but she could see Kaen standing near the center as he yelled out at what she presumed was their captor. Keeping herself out of sight, she listened to Kaen as he spoke softly, the near silence of the room allowing her to make out his hushed words. Suzume clung behind the pillar as she listened, her thoughts flickering between shame at what amounted to eavesdropping and the curiosity to hear more. When he finished, a third thought struck her: Shame of finally learning that ANBU were people as well. It was a naive idea, of course, but it was still strange to acknowledge that one of them, could have such emotions.
Keeping herself silent, she continued to hide behind the pillar as she waited for his beckoning. Quietly hoping that he would not be angry with her for overhearing. Such information that Kaen presented was, in fact, quite valuable information on a member of the ANBU. An enterprising entity could manipulate a mark such as Kaen with this knowledge with relative ease. Suzume was far from cunning enough to consider this, but it was still private and embarrassing information that she did feel bad for snooping on.
The status stood dormant, unyielding and unmoving it seemed that they ere determined to have a pound of flesh one way or another they would take it. Be that had been the goal all along, to see how they could push the two Shinobi that had come here, and one of them seemed to be of a less than stable mental state. It was clear that they where messing with them though how much longer this lasted for was a completely different matter as the statues scattered around continued to judge the two of them with there eyes. It seemed that they had pushed and pushed through challenges and now they where at a cross road the question would be what would happen next.
“You seem to be losing your mind, maybe you never had one, maybe you just exist without purpose. What ever the situation is you should probably seek some help out”
It seemed the room echoed from the voice, though the statues never moved nor, did they ever give sign what was truly in that room with them, the statues had layers of dust on them and had refused to move in what would be centuries. It seemed that they wanted to toy with the two Shinobi a bit longer, though now they were in the same room this allowed them to see the reactions to each of the questions. To find what was really going on and how they acted around each other.
“Why have you entered this place uninvited, what gives you the right to be here and what are your names?”
“What do you stand for, what do you respect and what do you wish for life. These are the questions, we expect the answers, truth will only get you threw this challenge, think carefully before responding.”
The room went back to being dead silent, it seemed that they had no form of noise other than the crackling of the candles that where around. Weapons stood on guard at every statue this was an army of stone and they were in the chamber with them, the real question that needed to be asked would what action they would take. It seemed that the confined space was already having negative effects on one of the Sand Shinobi. The other seemed to keep a level head in this situation, though the voices and questioning may have just changed that.
“You seem to be losing your mind, maybe you never had one, maybe you just exist without purpose. What ever the situation is you should probably seek some help out”
It seemed the room echoed from the voice, though the statues never moved nor, did they ever give sign what was truly in that room with them, the statues had layers of dust on them and had refused to move in what would be centuries. It seemed that they wanted to toy with the two Shinobi a bit longer, though now they were in the same room this allowed them to see the reactions to each of the questions. To find what was really going on and how they acted around each other.
“Why have you entered this place uninvited, what gives you the right to be here and what are your names?”
“What do you stand for, what do you respect and what do you wish for life. These are the questions, we expect the answers, truth will only get you threw this challenge, think carefully before responding.”
The room went back to being dead silent, it seemed that they had no form of noise other than the crackling of the candles that where around. Weapons stood on guard at every statue this was an army of stone and they were in the chamber with them, the real question that needed to be asked would what action they would take. It seemed that the confined space was already having negative effects on one of the Sand Shinobi. The other seemed to keep a level head in this situation, though the voices and questioning may have just changed that.
For nothing more than a brief moment the room stood still and silent as it had before they first entered. Kaen's gaze eagerly searching for whatever or whomever was behind all this. Suddenly a voice reverberated off the walls, the voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. Disparity quickly turned to aggravation as the voice continued to mock the Anbu, outlining things that had been present in his own mind for some time now. So many questions with so little answers, why was he the way he was, why did his father put these things within him, what was the purpose behind this all? Kaen shook these troublesome thoughts from his head as a second voice posed another question before the first voice continued with more questions. It seemed that he and Suzume had stumbled into someone else's territory by mistake and were now suffering the consequences.
Wiping his face dry, Kaen would immediately reply. He intended to waste no more time and see to it that he escaped this place whatever the cost. No cost was greater than that of his sister, Kasen. Sure it was a grave and terrible weakness to possess, but it's also what made him strong, what crafted him into the man he was today, or at least the man portion within him. The vast majority of his being wasn't human at all, perhaps that old linage is what awakened the path here today...
"Uninvited? This is a quarantine zone governed by the village of Sunagakure. We are currently under an outpost within Wind country only a few miles away from the village. If anyone was uninvited it is you and your compatriot." Kaen had no way of knowing just how old these beings might have been, perhaps they came from a time before the village, perhaps even further than that. But nevertheless, Kaen continued in the hopes that the answers he gave would gain his freedom. Nothing was more disheartening than to learn that all the power and skill he possessed was futile within these walls. If only he was stronger, perhaps than he would be able to overcome the mystical barrier that protected these walls. "As for who I am, my name is Kaen Shinku. I am a nobody among the people of Sunagakure. What I stand for is irrelevant, but if you truly must know I suppose there is no way around it..." Kaen paused for a moment as he composed himself before revealing something he was told never to tell anyone about. But it appeared it was the only way and these things had a way of knowing whether or not they were lying, or at least it appeared as such. "I am the welder of the Flame of Homura, the one true Lord of the Flame Court. I am a hybrid among the Ancient Court of Flame. I respect power and the wishes of my Queen, Mother Suna. I stand for love and I wish only for the power to defeat those in my way on the path for that which I stand for. For if I attain that which I have sought for so long, I will be able to protect Kasen from the vile nature of this world and keep all evils away from her. But do not let the love I claim be mistaken for submissive compassion, no. I stand for the raging fires of passion that fuels that primal feeling of love. The love that will drive you to the ends of the earth, love that will decimate whatever gets in the way, love that will prevail no matter the odds. And let me tell you one last thing, my love will not be held back by the likes of you or this place, I can promise you that..." Upon his final word Kaen would let loose his aura in full form, making it painstakingly clear that he was indeed what he claimed. Homura's essence shown brightly through the flames that surrounded Kaen in an almost beautiful dance of flickering light. As a wise ancient once told him before; While fire is a destructive, passionate force, It does not make fire evil or bad. Fire keeps you warm, passion allows you to express love and how to defend what is important to you. Kaen was the ultimate embodiment of both destruction and passion.
[OOC MFT]
Wiping his face dry, Kaen would immediately reply. He intended to waste no more time and see to it that he escaped this place whatever the cost. No cost was greater than that of his sister, Kasen. Sure it was a grave and terrible weakness to possess, but it's also what made him strong, what crafted him into the man he was today, or at least the man portion within him. The vast majority of his being wasn't human at all, perhaps that old linage is what awakened the path here today...
"Uninvited? This is a quarantine zone governed by the village of Sunagakure. We are currently under an outpost within Wind country only a few miles away from the village. If anyone was uninvited it is you and your compatriot." Kaen had no way of knowing just how old these beings might have been, perhaps they came from a time before the village, perhaps even further than that. But nevertheless, Kaen continued in the hopes that the answers he gave would gain his freedom. Nothing was more disheartening than to learn that all the power and skill he possessed was futile within these walls. If only he was stronger, perhaps than he would be able to overcome the mystical barrier that protected these walls. "As for who I am, my name is Kaen Shinku. I am a nobody among the people of Sunagakure. What I stand for is irrelevant, but if you truly must know I suppose there is no way around it..." Kaen paused for a moment as he composed himself before revealing something he was told never to tell anyone about. But it appeared it was the only way and these things had a way of knowing whether or not they were lying, or at least it appeared as such. "I am the welder of the Flame of Homura, the one true Lord of the Flame Court. I am a hybrid among the Ancient Court of Flame. I respect power and the wishes of my Queen, Mother Suna. I stand for love and I wish only for the power to defeat those in my way on the path for that which I stand for. For if I attain that which I have sought for so long, I will be able to protect Kasen from the vile nature of this world and keep all evils away from her. But do not let the love I claim be mistaken for submissive compassion, no. I stand for the raging fires of passion that fuels that primal feeling of love. The love that will drive you to the ends of the earth, love that will decimate whatever gets in the way, love that will prevail no matter the odds. And let me tell you one last thing, my love will not be held back by the likes of you or this place, I can promise you that..." Upon his final word Kaen would let loose his aura in full form, making it painstakingly clear that he was indeed what he claimed. Homura's essence shown brightly through the flames that surrounded Kaen in an almost beautiful dance of flickering light. As a wise ancient once told him before; While fire is a destructive, passionate force, It does not make fire evil or bad. Fire keeps you warm, passion allows you to express love and how to defend what is important to you. Kaen was the ultimate embodiment of both destruction and passion.
[OOC MFT]
At first Suzume thought that her presence was somehow unknown to the unseen voices as she kept herself pressed against the column only-half hidden from sight. That thought was swiftly dashed as the second voice spoke of 'names'. A chill went down her spine as the fear of being singled out threatened to seize control of her muscles and lock her in place. She did not have the chance to be frozen for long, however, as her flaming companion began to speak and his confidence began to thaw her muscles enough to allow her to draw breath once again. As he spoke, she searched the room to look for the two that were speaking to them, the supposed owners of this place, as one of them claimed, but she saw no movement to speak of.
Stepping away quietly from her pillar, she shifted over towards one of the walls and towards one of the statues as Kaen began to introduce himself. She approached one that grasped a long hilted axe that, were it real, would have likely outweighed the young kunochi by a fair margin. As if she were being subtle and unnoticed, she leaned in and attempted to inspect it, but her investigation was ultimately interrupted by the most shocking information she had heard since her temporary imprisonment here. Quickly looking over her shoulder, as if the man who was but a moment ago her protection might lash out and attack her without a moment's notice, her eyes widened and affixed themselves on the self-proclaimed hybrid.
She did not know what he specifically refereed to as a hybrid, though the implications were naught but foreboding. Even so, to so brazenly associate one's self with the Ancient Courts was unheard of, even in jest. Subconsciously, she took a step back, as if to take refuge behind the statue she was just inspecting. Most of what the rest of what he spoke was lost on her as her mind attempted to wrap around this supposed confession of association with those ancient evil entities. Perhaps he was joking or was attempting to mislead their captors, Suzume reasoned, but she could not quickly discern why he might do such a thing.
Momentarily lost inside of herself, Suzume was brought back to reality as a bright flame engulfed the man who stood in the center of the room. Again, she stepped back to hide herself behind the statue, through the flames were not far reaching enough to risk singing her, the sight of them with the information she had just been provided was enough to make her more than wary of her own safety.
A short while later, the flames finally receded, seeming as if they were drawn back into the man instead of simply sputtering out of existence. Once again a silence took hold of the room, and while there was no other movement, she could swear the inanimate eyes of the soldiers stationed around the room began to look at her expectantly. It was nonsense, surely, but she could not break the sensation that caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. The seconds went on and finally Kaen's eyes too turned to land on her. If she had caught onto her presence being known, he must have as well, and if he was bearing his soul in a bid to escape than he must have undoubtedly expected her to do the same.
Her limbs faintly trembling, she slowly stepped out from behind the status, forcing air back into her lungs as she tried to find her voice. Her first attempt came out closer to a squeak than an actual human's voice, and she quickly gave an embarrassed cough to try and scare the mouse from her throat. "I-I am Oushi-Ouja S-Suzume." She began, if the walls were not as solid and the room so quiet, she might have not have even been heard. Suzume paused for a moment longer before continuing, trying to force herself to speak louder, though to whom she still didn't know. "Heir to the title of Storm Lord. Chosen of the Great Ox King himself, the Storm King Oushi-Ouja w-whose might trembles the earth beneath his hooves."
As if invoking Oushi-Ouja's name somehow granted her some semblance of confidence, Suzume took another step towards the center of the room, though she still kept some distance between herself and this Hybrid. Her answers to the voices were not as elegant or confidant as the Ancient sympathizer, but she felt she was lucky to be able to speak words instead of a string of incoherent babble. "I... I stand for my clan and for my village. I respect our traditions and my elders." The second answer was technically true, though she often seized any opportunity to push against those traditions that seemed determined to prove how helpless she had been when she was younger. "I wish to make my clan and Storm King proud of my actions and to prove myself to them."
Her eyes shifted downwards, her confidence draining out of her as silence once again reigned in the room. She was not sure what else to say. Perhaps, had she been alone and not frightened for her life, she may have had a more grandiose and fervent answer, but today's events were enough to sap the life and enthusiasm out of nearly any child her age in the entire village. At present, she chastised and searched her mind to find more to say, but she hoped it would be enough to satisfy the unseen captors.
Stepping away quietly from her pillar, she shifted over towards one of the walls and towards one of the statues as Kaen began to introduce himself. She approached one that grasped a long hilted axe that, were it real, would have likely outweighed the young kunochi by a fair margin. As if she were being subtle and unnoticed, she leaned in and attempted to inspect it, but her investigation was ultimately interrupted by the most shocking information she had heard since her temporary imprisonment here. Quickly looking over her shoulder, as if the man who was but a moment ago her protection might lash out and attack her without a moment's notice, her eyes widened and affixed themselves on the self-proclaimed hybrid.
She did not know what he specifically refereed to as a hybrid, though the implications were naught but foreboding. Even so, to so brazenly associate one's self with the Ancient Courts was unheard of, even in jest. Subconsciously, she took a step back, as if to take refuge behind the statue she was just inspecting. Most of what the rest of what he spoke was lost on her as her mind attempted to wrap around this supposed confession of association with those ancient evil entities. Perhaps he was joking or was attempting to mislead their captors, Suzume reasoned, but she could not quickly discern why he might do such a thing.
Momentarily lost inside of herself, Suzume was brought back to reality as a bright flame engulfed the man who stood in the center of the room. Again, she stepped back to hide herself behind the statue, through the flames were not far reaching enough to risk singing her, the sight of them with the information she had just been provided was enough to make her more than wary of her own safety.
A short while later, the flames finally receded, seeming as if they were drawn back into the man instead of simply sputtering out of existence. Once again a silence took hold of the room, and while there was no other movement, she could swear the inanimate eyes of the soldiers stationed around the room began to look at her expectantly. It was nonsense, surely, but she could not break the sensation that caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. The seconds went on and finally Kaen's eyes too turned to land on her. If she had caught onto her presence being known, he must have as well, and if he was bearing his soul in a bid to escape than he must have undoubtedly expected her to do the same.
Her limbs faintly trembling, she slowly stepped out from behind the status, forcing air back into her lungs as she tried to find her voice. Her first attempt came out closer to a squeak than an actual human's voice, and she quickly gave an embarrassed cough to try and scare the mouse from her throat. "I-I am Oushi-Ouja S-Suzume." She began, if the walls were not as solid and the room so quiet, she might have not have even been heard. Suzume paused for a moment longer before continuing, trying to force herself to speak louder, though to whom she still didn't know. "Heir to the title of Storm Lord. Chosen of the Great Ox King himself, the Storm King Oushi-Ouja w-whose might trembles the earth beneath his hooves."
As if invoking Oushi-Ouja's name somehow granted her some semblance of confidence, Suzume took another step towards the center of the room, though she still kept some distance between herself and this Hybrid. Her answers to the voices were not as elegant or confidant as the Ancient sympathizer, but she felt she was lucky to be able to speak words instead of a string of incoherent babble. "I... I stand for my clan and for my village. I respect our traditions and my elders." The second answer was technically true, though she often seized any opportunity to push against those traditions that seemed determined to prove how helpless she had been when she was younger. "I wish to make my clan and Storm King proud of my actions and to prove myself to them."
Her eyes shifted downwards, her confidence draining out of her as silence once again reigned in the room. She was not sure what else to say. Perhaps, had she been alone and not frightened for her life, she may have had a more grandiose and fervent answer, but today's events were enough to sap the life and enthusiasm out of nearly any child her age in the entire village. At present, she chastised and searched her mind to find more to say, but she hoped it would be enough to satisfy the unseen captors.
The creatures stepped out into the light, the huge stone statues slumbered from the dust that covered them as they walked out, swords and shields in hand the massive stone suits of armour stepped at the end of the hall as they looked out at the two that had come here, though it seemed one had a sweeter side in the posture. If that could be said from someone wearing a huge colossus suit of armour. The other was proud firm and the whole posture showed someone who had grown up with there lives knowing how to fight and know what is expected of themselves.
“Titles, it is always titles, and I am this, I am that. But that is now who you really are, you hide behind titles like they make you strong. Hide behind lands and villages humans is always the same, always hiding behind something. We came here before your land existed and we will stand after it is gone. But we can help or hinder your future, that is the choice you must make with yourselves. That is the options you have and that is what your future will consist of, that is something you must know.”
It seemed the statues went back to standing dormant and silent, though the words echoed around the room letting each of them take in what had been spoken, though it was clear that this still had more to go on it, but how much more would be a different matter. The exchange of words where not becoming a conversation instead of point blank facts back and forth. It was clear that they had found the living place of these things, now they wanted to have answers about what the outcome would be to this day of challenges and tasks.
“Besides your names and ranks, I want to ask each of you what is it that you really want, what is the think deep down that you hate to admit is being there. But I want to know what it really is, what is it that forces you forward each day that is something I want to know.”
“True, what makes you tick, what really makes you work the way you do, for all the curses Human’s bring to this world the inner beauty is completely appealing. I have to admit that I want to learn more please do well, and don’t hide from us at all.”
“Titles, it is always titles, and I am this, I am that. But that is now who you really are, you hide behind titles like they make you strong. Hide behind lands and villages humans is always the same, always hiding behind something. We came here before your land existed and we will stand after it is gone. But we can help or hinder your future, that is the choice you must make with yourselves. That is the options you have and that is what your future will consist of, that is something you must know.”
It seemed the statues went back to standing dormant and silent, though the words echoed around the room letting each of them take in what had been spoken, though it was clear that this still had more to go on it, but how much more would be a different matter. The exchange of words where not becoming a conversation instead of point blank facts back and forth. It was clear that they had found the living place of these things, now they wanted to have answers about what the outcome would be to this day of challenges and tasks.
“Besides your names and ranks, I want to ask each of you what is it that you really want, what is the think deep down that you hate to admit is being there. But I want to know what it really is, what is it that forces you forward each day that is something I want to know.”
“True, what makes you tick, what really makes you work the way you do, for all the curses Human’s bring to this world the inner beauty is completely appealing. I have to admit that I want to learn more please do well, and don’t hide from us at all.”
Not but moments after Kaen and his meeker associate Suzume had spilled their entire lives out for them to see, they still are unsatisfied. It was days like this that made him wish he was a genjutsu prodigy rather than dealing in flames, at least then he could connect with them on some mental level and let them peruse around his mind for the answers they so clearly needed. Again the anger began to rise within Kaen, his face seemingly being twisted, almost like it was under pressure and fit to burst. But suddenly it faded, Kaen turned away and took a long and deep breathe before exhaling as he took a seat on the marble steps behind him. It seemed like they were going to be here a while so he might as well get comfortable. I suppose you're right. Titles are nothing in the grand scheme of things. Had I known this was going to be one of those kind of talks I would have been sure to bring a chair." Kaen's entire demeanor shifted, strangely, to a relaxed position as he placed his elbows behind him, using them as a prop as he reclined back. One would think someone would be more on edge given that the statues could now move, but Kaen was not afraid of death.
What I really want and what keeps me going are two different things but fundamentally related. Kaen started as he tilted his head back to gaze at the designs on the ceiling. "Family is what keeps me going, I told you that much already. Kasen is everything to me, without her I would have little reason to do any of the things I do. What I want is impossible, mind you. Shinobi have been trying to accomplish it since the dawn of man, with little to no progress to show for it. What am I talking about you ask? Peace my stoney friends, actual, literal peace. No war, no conflict, no need for shinobi. If you could make that happen right now, I'd never let a lick of flame escape my body again. I'd have no reason to. Because if there is peace, that means Kasen is safe. If Kasen is safe, then I have no need for all of this power." Kaen sat back upright to face the statues, but remained seated. "That's pretty much all there is to me. Being a hybrid wasnt by choice, Kasen and I were kidnapped as children and had this mess forced upon us. But I learned to accept it and use my misfortune to my advantage in the hopes of making sure things like that never happen to anyone again. If you have an idea how to bring about world peace, I'm all ears..." Kaen then again let his head fall lazily backwards again, he said everything there was to say.
But then suddenly something clicked. Kaen jerked his head upwards quickly, a sly grin across his face. "Wait a second..." Kaen jumped back to his feet, what was he so excited about? Suzume... Riddle me this; why does one ask questions?" Kaen would give her a second to answer; should she know the answer he sought, he would exclaim Precisely!" But should her answer not be something in regards to 'seeking knowledge' or some form of that, he would continue; "To seek answers, knowledge or wisdom. How else would you know unless you asked? There is another way to learn all these things though... Through experiences." Kaen refocused his attentions back to the statues; "I have a riddle for both of you since you seem to like them so much, why did the sentient statues ask so many questions? I assure you this isnt a trick, but let's skip right to the chase by asking another question that I don't really intend for you to answer. Exactly how long have you been down here..." Ah the root of it all. It made sense and clicked when they said they have been here before man and will exist long after. The only conclusion was that they were prisoners of this place somehow and could only learn about the outside world through the occasional poor soul that stumbled into their domain.
Kaen would continue without hesitation. "I imagine it's been some time since you've seen the sky, the sun, or even the sea. Ugh I can't even begin to describe how beautiful a world it is out there!" Now he was just piling it on, but it was all he had and hoped that either this or his answer he gave would work. "Tell you what though... You let us out of here and we will take you with us. Imagine all of the things you would get to experience then. No more questions or riddles, just raw experience till the day we die. How does that sound?" There really just wasn't anything else he could think of, he gave them everything he thought they wanted in terms of an actual answer, but then also came to a wild conclusion. Only time would tell, and they seemed to have plenty of that for now.
[OOC MFT]
What I really want and what keeps me going are two different things but fundamentally related. Kaen started as he tilted his head back to gaze at the designs on the ceiling. "Family is what keeps me going, I told you that much already. Kasen is everything to me, without her I would have little reason to do any of the things I do. What I want is impossible, mind you. Shinobi have been trying to accomplish it since the dawn of man, with little to no progress to show for it. What am I talking about you ask? Peace my stoney friends, actual, literal peace. No war, no conflict, no need for shinobi. If you could make that happen right now, I'd never let a lick of flame escape my body again. I'd have no reason to. Because if there is peace, that means Kasen is safe. If Kasen is safe, then I have no need for all of this power." Kaen sat back upright to face the statues, but remained seated. "That's pretty much all there is to me. Being a hybrid wasnt by choice, Kasen and I were kidnapped as children and had this mess forced upon us. But I learned to accept it and use my misfortune to my advantage in the hopes of making sure things like that never happen to anyone again. If you have an idea how to bring about world peace, I'm all ears..." Kaen then again let his head fall lazily backwards again, he said everything there was to say.
But then suddenly something clicked. Kaen jerked his head upwards quickly, a sly grin across his face. "Wait a second..." Kaen jumped back to his feet, what was he so excited about? Suzume... Riddle me this; why does one ask questions?" Kaen would give her a second to answer; should she know the answer he sought, he would exclaim Precisely!" But should her answer not be something in regards to 'seeking knowledge' or some form of that, he would continue; "To seek answers, knowledge or wisdom. How else would you know unless you asked? There is another way to learn all these things though... Through experiences." Kaen refocused his attentions back to the statues; "I have a riddle for both of you since you seem to like them so much, why did the sentient statues ask so many questions? I assure you this isnt a trick, but let's skip right to the chase by asking another question that I don't really intend for you to answer. Exactly how long have you been down here..." Ah the root of it all. It made sense and clicked when they said they have been here before man and will exist long after. The only conclusion was that they were prisoners of this place somehow and could only learn about the outside world through the occasional poor soul that stumbled into their domain.
Kaen would continue without hesitation. "I imagine it's been some time since you've seen the sky, the sun, or even the sea. Ugh I can't even begin to describe how beautiful a world it is out there!" Now he was just piling it on, but it was all he had and hoped that either this or his answer he gave would work. "Tell you what though... You let us out of here and we will take you with us. Imagine all of the things you would get to experience then. No more questions or riddles, just raw experience till the day we die. How does that sound?" There really just wasn't anything else he could think of, he gave them everything he thought they wanted in terms of an actual answer, but then also came to a wild conclusion. Only time would tell, and they seemed to have plenty of that for now.
[OOC MFT]
The heavy sound of stone scraping stone jolted Suzume from her soul searching as she instinctively flinched, ready to flee at a moment's notice. Catching sight of the two massive humanoid statues, seemingly moving of their own volition, did not do well to ease her nerves. As their steps halted, the room was momentarily plunged into silence once more. Quietly she took a few cautious steps away from the status nearest to her, in case it decided to bring its weapon to bear down upon her. After all, it was an old saying that if there were two sentient moving statues, there were more, or something to that effect. Staring at the one nearest to her, Suzume's attention was broken as the words started again.
Suzume had difficulty wrapping her mind around the statue's words, if that truly was what was speaking. Titles were not something to hide behind or something that make you strong, they were signs of strength and prestige. The Oushi-Ouja did not shy away from grandiose titles, such as the one that she now bore, and many outside of its bounds would argue that they had too many. Even so, she had enough sense to know that arguing with such beings, as she was beginning to believe that they perhaps were indeed not human, might not be the best of ideas. Even so, it seemed they would not be letting them out anytime soon, but unlike her savior she did not feel at peace enough to sit down and relax, instead opting to slide back over to one of the columns to rest against it. This also happened to get her further away from the walls and out of the reach of the statues at their side, but surely that was simple coincidence.
From her more somewhat more comfortable position, she listened in silence as Kaen and the statues spoke at length once more. What did she want in life? Well, to leave this claustrophobic place for starters, but she doubted that would appease these unknown individuals. Suzume was without an immediate answer, but as she listened to Kaen's she began to form the outline of an idea. Compared to Kaen, if he was speaking truthfully, hers was much more selfish. She didn't life specifically for anyone else, not directly at least. She wanted to bring honor to her family and clan, of course, any self-respecting Oushi-Ouja did. Compared to the half-Ancient, or whatever it was that he was, her entire purpose in life, as far as she was concerned, did not revolve around them though, at least not to the extent of sacrificing herself. She could not even say that she wanted everything to be completely peaceful either, as then there would be no to prove herself or to make life interesting.
After what felt like mere seconds, Kaen's words trailed off and it seemed that the metaphorical spotlight turned to shine on her. Suzume's words caught in her throat as she struggled to try and turn the vague outline into tangible words. "I... I dunno." she started, though even she was obviously not satisfied with that answer, as she continued. "I just want to be able to do whatever I want to do." Again, the answer was vague, but her mind struggled to allow her to put the pieces together to admit to her selfishness. "I've always been told what I can or cannot do. Where I can go. What I am supposed to do. I am tired of it all. I just want to be able to make my own decisions for myself in the way that I want and not have to put up with everyone else's expectations and all their crap!" By the end of it Suzume's voice has crescendoed to nearly a yell, her words echoing easily off the smooth stone walls of the area.
Her heart pounded as she tried to put herself back in check. Kaen was keeping himself cool and collected and here she was, making a hot-headed fool of herself as she literally screamed at inert chunks of rock, magical or not. Thankfully Kaen came to her rescue once more as Kaen suddenly hopped to his feet and shot a quick question at her. Looking flustered and confused, she looked over to him from around the column and stammered out, "I-I don't... to get answers?" It was horribly uninspired or creative, but it seemed to be what he was looking for. Appearing even more confused, she stared and listened to him as her pounding heart slowly reset itself back to a moderate pace. It took most of the way through his speech for her to catch on, but even then it seemed very silly to her. What would statues want with the outside world? How could they have been here for that long when the facility they were inside had only been around for a decade or two at most?
While she didn't fully understand his angle, if it meant that they were one step closer to getting out of there and one step further from here, she would have supported nearly any idea. "Y-yeah!" she added, shooting a look over towards the statues, actually hoping they would move this time. "We can totally do that. I mean it is like... pretty cramped and boring in here, right?" She certainly would have gone mad many times over should she have been cooped up in a place like this for more than a single day, her mind could not fathom what it would have been like for as long as these things were implying.
Suzume had difficulty wrapping her mind around the statue's words, if that truly was what was speaking. Titles were not something to hide behind or something that make you strong, they were signs of strength and prestige. The Oushi-Ouja did not shy away from grandiose titles, such as the one that she now bore, and many outside of its bounds would argue that they had too many. Even so, she had enough sense to know that arguing with such beings, as she was beginning to believe that they perhaps were indeed not human, might not be the best of ideas. Even so, it seemed they would not be letting them out anytime soon, but unlike her savior she did not feel at peace enough to sit down and relax, instead opting to slide back over to one of the columns to rest against it. This also happened to get her further away from the walls and out of the reach of the statues at their side, but surely that was simple coincidence.
From her more somewhat more comfortable position, she listened in silence as Kaen and the statues spoke at length once more. What did she want in life? Well, to leave this claustrophobic place for starters, but she doubted that would appease these unknown individuals. Suzume was without an immediate answer, but as she listened to Kaen's she began to form the outline of an idea. Compared to Kaen, if he was speaking truthfully, hers was much more selfish. She didn't life specifically for anyone else, not directly at least. She wanted to bring honor to her family and clan, of course, any self-respecting Oushi-Ouja did. Compared to the half-Ancient, or whatever it was that he was, her entire purpose in life, as far as she was concerned, did not revolve around them though, at least not to the extent of sacrificing herself. She could not even say that she wanted everything to be completely peaceful either, as then there would be no to prove herself or to make life interesting.
After what felt like mere seconds, Kaen's words trailed off and it seemed that the metaphorical spotlight turned to shine on her. Suzume's words caught in her throat as she struggled to try and turn the vague outline into tangible words. "I... I dunno." she started, though even she was obviously not satisfied with that answer, as she continued. "I just want to be able to do whatever I want to do." Again, the answer was vague, but her mind struggled to allow her to put the pieces together to admit to her selfishness. "I've always been told what I can or cannot do. Where I can go. What I am supposed to do. I am tired of it all. I just want to be able to make my own decisions for myself in the way that I want and not have to put up with everyone else's expectations and all their crap!" By the end of it Suzume's voice has crescendoed to nearly a yell, her words echoing easily off the smooth stone walls of the area.
Her heart pounded as she tried to put herself back in check. Kaen was keeping himself cool and collected and here she was, making a hot-headed fool of herself as she literally screamed at inert chunks of rock, magical or not. Thankfully Kaen came to her rescue once more as Kaen suddenly hopped to his feet and shot a quick question at her. Looking flustered and confused, she looked over to him from around the column and stammered out, "I-I don't... to get answers?" It was horribly uninspired or creative, but it seemed to be what he was looking for. Appearing even more confused, she stared and listened to him as her pounding heart slowly reset itself back to a moderate pace. It took most of the way through his speech for her to catch on, but even then it seemed very silly to her. What would statues want with the outside world? How could they have been here for that long when the facility they were inside had only been around for a decade or two at most?
While she didn't fully understand his angle, if it meant that they were one step closer to getting out of there and one step further from here, she would have supported nearly any idea. "Y-yeah!" she added, shooting a look over towards the statues, actually hoping they would move this time. "We can totally do that. I mean it is like... pretty cramped and boring in here, right?" She certainly would have gone mad many times over should she have been cooped up in a place like this for more than a single day, her mind could not fathom what it would have been like for as long as these things were implying.
The stone statues looked each other each part of them continued to allow dust to fall of the bodies as they listened to the words being spoken, the questions being asked of each of them. Though it seemed that in return they would be asked questions back, that was something that they did not expect at all. Though by now they should come to learn and to expect the unexpected it was nothing that surprises them. People always wanted to ask questions for things that they did not know this was something they had come to learn and expect.
“We have been here long enough to know that humans have a way of tricking people, of trying to get what they want but not caring about how they do it. Or who they hurt to accomplish this task, the offer to come outside is tempting but again we have learned from humans that words can be used to just try and allow themselves to get what they want, what makes you any different. After three hundred years down here we have seen that Humans have not changed. Words are almost as empty as the souls that are in the sacks of flesh”
It seemed that the one talking had a lot of hate for the Humans, something was under that stone that had been hurt even if time was not with them it seemed they would have to adapt and overcome the challenges. The statues stood in front of them none threatening and dormant the eyes blinking allowing stone to move away though. It seemed that the two of them still wanted answers though the question of what they wanted had been answered they would now have to give way to one of the hardest questions for any of them. Though the other statue seemed to want to be doing the questions, they would be taking turns to find out as much as possible, with each door that was opened by words it gave other opportunities, the group decided that this was the time to ask the harder questions to get the results.
“Intresting……….I would love to go outside, its been so long since the wind has swept over me. I will consider this offer, but first as has been said Humans what thinks you qualify for the trust that you ask of us. It seems you want to take us outside, but how can you ask that and expect us to trust you completely?”
“We have been here long enough to know that humans have a way of tricking people, of trying to get what they want but not caring about how they do it. Or who they hurt to accomplish this task, the offer to come outside is tempting but again we have learned from humans that words can be used to just try and allow themselves to get what they want, what makes you any different. After three hundred years down here we have seen that Humans have not changed. Words are almost as empty as the souls that are in the sacks of flesh”
It seemed that the one talking had a lot of hate for the Humans, something was under that stone that had been hurt even if time was not with them it seemed they would have to adapt and overcome the challenges. The statues stood in front of them none threatening and dormant the eyes blinking allowing stone to move away though. It seemed that the two of them still wanted answers though the question of what they wanted had been answered they would now have to give way to one of the hardest questions for any of them. Though the other statue seemed to want to be doing the questions, they would be taking turns to find out as much as possible, with each door that was opened by words it gave other opportunities, the group decided that this was the time to ask the harder questions to get the results.
“Intresting……….I would love to go outside, its been so long since the wind has swept over me. I will consider this offer, but first as has been said Humans what thinks you qualify for the trust that you ask of us. It seems you want to take us outside, but how can you ask that and expect us to trust you completely?”
Trust... A type of reliance, both essential for any relationship of many different facets, but also dangerous if not true and sincere. To trust someone or something is to rely on that person or thing. One could believe this is the, or one of the, basic natures of trust. But that in itself raises further inquiry towards this strange feeling of reliance. What might be the right reasons? We like to believe that the people we trust will do the thing for the right reason and it's this belief that we let our minds trust them. It's a complicated thing, many people will have different views on this concept. Trust isn't just about merely relying on someone or something, no. Being able to rely on someone and them failing you will just bring about disappointment, but truly trusting someone and then them failing you leads to a feeling of betrayal.
Sometimes it starts with simple optimism, hoping that they will recognize that you are trusting them and that in itself will convince them to do what is right and establishing that initial journey to trust. This gives them a reason to be trustworthy and gives you a reason to believe them, believe that they are trustworthy. This situation we have with these sentient beings is rather complicated given that they have obviously been betrayed in the past and thus they have either lost the ability to trust or at the very least incredibly skeptical about letting in new and unknown variables, such as Kaen and Suzume. This brings about the ultimate question in this long line of various questions that have been asked today; How can you restore the faith or trust after it's been lost? Simply put, time and cultivation.
We can further break down the nature of trust into a few different facets; Benevolence, do they mean well or are they generally kind to other people or things. Integrity, do they possess a strong moral compass, are they honest. Competence, can they do what needs to be done and do it properly. And then predictability, do their actions portray them in a light in which they can be consistently foreseen. Sometimes it's only one of these things, other times and other people might utilize one more or even all of them. The thing about trying to trust someone or something is that it makes you vulnerable. You usually have to take some sort of initial step forward, whether it's sharing a secret or loaning them money. Whatever it is, it puts you in a position of vulnerability. This usually means that most will be cautious and slow to open up, but if you continue to see positive outcomes, the trust grows. This is where the time and cultivation stems from. A most difficult task is before these two young shinobi, convincing these sentient beings to trust in them so that they might gain their freedom.
So here we are on the precipice of judgment, the final stand in which the two non-rock people must give their final statements in an attempt to persuade their rocky audience. Kaen crossed his arms over his chest and raised a single hand to gently caress his chin as he gazed off into the distance with a perplexed and contemplative look in his eyes. He was searching for the right words to say, the right sentence that would convince these sentient creatures. "That's tricky, now isn't it? How can I expect you to trust me after all the stings of betrayal you both surely had to endure in these past centuries." In truth Kaen didn't really have an answer for them, it was impossible for him to make them trust him or Suzume. Kaen would let his hands turn upward in a sort of -shrug- like posture and admit his defeat.
I suppose I can't... A stunning revelation to be sure, it was rare that Kaen faced defeat of any sort. It was humbling to admit that he could not, or rather did not, have an answer for them. "I'm sorry that you've been hurt in the past, we can't do anything to remedy your feelings of betrayal. All we can offer is us. Unadulterated, uncensored and just open for your scrutiny." Kean began to pace in front of the statues as he started his proclamation of fidelity. "Essentially it boils down to this, do you want to trust us and if so, can you? We've been asked numerous questions today that, quite frankly, have been extremely personal and personally puts us in a position of weakness or vulnerability. I myself am putting absolute faith in this young lady here -" Kaen would gesture towards Suzume. "I have shared more of myself than I ever intended to do, but I didn't do it just to selfishly escape this place, no. I am responsible for the life of this girl and should I fail to convince you two, I in turn fail her. Everything said today could jeopardize not only myself, but my sister's way of life, but I did it because I believe that Suzume can be trusted to keep my secrets safe with her. So if my own personal and whole hearted honesty and complete transparency isnt enough to sate your need to believe and trust in me, then trust in her." Kaen walked over to Suzume and placed his hands on her shoulders, a sense of warmth would radiate from his palms.
"I will understand if you cannot come to trust a broken and unintentional creature such as myself, but this girl is still young and full of possibility. As a token of good faith I would be willing to stay in her place, give her the freedom we want and allow her to cultivate the trust you seek. She has a personal strength that goes beyond her physical capabilities. She has the power of innocence. She's still young and impressionable, you both know what it is that corrupts the soul of humanity. Take the initiative and go, teach her what it means to be trustworthy. My life depends on her, trust in her as I have and you will find peace, happiness and freedom." Kaen would look down at his younger female compatriot and smile. While it was entirely possible that she could go to the Kazekage Tower and report everything, but Kaen had seen into the heart and mind of this child and had faith that she would do the right thing, just as Kaen did when he saved her. Not by simply saving her life and other things, but by taking the time to help her overcome her personal restraints and fears to begin a transformation of personal growth. Kaen would keep his word should the sentient statues agree to his terms and keep him her while Suzume went free. It was the right thing to do...
[OOC MFT]
Sometimes it starts with simple optimism, hoping that they will recognize that you are trusting them and that in itself will convince them to do what is right and establishing that initial journey to trust. This gives them a reason to be trustworthy and gives you a reason to believe them, believe that they are trustworthy. This situation we have with these sentient beings is rather complicated given that they have obviously been betrayed in the past and thus they have either lost the ability to trust or at the very least incredibly skeptical about letting in new and unknown variables, such as Kaen and Suzume. This brings about the ultimate question in this long line of various questions that have been asked today; How can you restore the faith or trust after it's been lost? Simply put, time and cultivation.
We can further break down the nature of trust into a few different facets; Benevolence, do they mean well or are they generally kind to other people or things. Integrity, do they possess a strong moral compass, are they honest. Competence, can they do what needs to be done and do it properly. And then predictability, do their actions portray them in a light in which they can be consistently foreseen. Sometimes it's only one of these things, other times and other people might utilize one more or even all of them. The thing about trying to trust someone or something is that it makes you vulnerable. You usually have to take some sort of initial step forward, whether it's sharing a secret or loaning them money. Whatever it is, it puts you in a position of vulnerability. This usually means that most will be cautious and slow to open up, but if you continue to see positive outcomes, the trust grows. This is where the time and cultivation stems from. A most difficult task is before these two young shinobi, convincing these sentient beings to trust in them so that they might gain their freedom.
So here we are on the precipice of judgment, the final stand in which the two non-rock people must give their final statements in an attempt to persuade their rocky audience. Kaen crossed his arms over his chest and raised a single hand to gently caress his chin as he gazed off into the distance with a perplexed and contemplative look in his eyes. He was searching for the right words to say, the right sentence that would convince these sentient creatures. "That's tricky, now isn't it? How can I expect you to trust me after all the stings of betrayal you both surely had to endure in these past centuries." In truth Kaen didn't really have an answer for them, it was impossible for him to make them trust him or Suzume. Kaen would let his hands turn upward in a sort of -shrug- like posture and admit his defeat.
I suppose I can't... A stunning revelation to be sure, it was rare that Kaen faced defeat of any sort. It was humbling to admit that he could not, or rather did not, have an answer for them. "I'm sorry that you've been hurt in the past, we can't do anything to remedy your feelings of betrayal. All we can offer is us. Unadulterated, uncensored and just open for your scrutiny." Kean began to pace in front of the statues as he started his proclamation of fidelity. "Essentially it boils down to this, do you want to trust us and if so, can you? We've been asked numerous questions today that, quite frankly, have been extremely personal and personally puts us in a position of weakness or vulnerability. I myself am putting absolute faith in this young lady here -" Kaen would gesture towards Suzume. "I have shared more of myself than I ever intended to do, but I didn't do it just to selfishly escape this place, no. I am responsible for the life of this girl and should I fail to convince you two, I in turn fail her. Everything said today could jeopardize not only myself, but my sister's way of life, but I did it because I believe that Suzume can be trusted to keep my secrets safe with her. So if my own personal and whole hearted honesty and complete transparency isnt enough to sate your need to believe and trust in me, then trust in her." Kaen walked over to Suzume and placed his hands on her shoulders, a sense of warmth would radiate from his palms.
"I will understand if you cannot come to trust a broken and unintentional creature such as myself, but this girl is still young and full of possibility. As a token of good faith I would be willing to stay in her place, give her the freedom we want and allow her to cultivate the trust you seek. She has a personal strength that goes beyond her physical capabilities. She has the power of innocence. She's still young and impressionable, you both know what it is that corrupts the soul of humanity. Take the initiative and go, teach her what it means to be trustworthy. My life depends on her, trust in her as I have and you will find peace, happiness and freedom." Kaen would look down at his younger female compatriot and smile. While it was entirely possible that she could go to the Kazekage Tower and report everything, but Kaen had seen into the heart and mind of this child and had faith that she would do the right thing, just as Kaen did when he saved her. Not by simply saving her life and other things, but by taking the time to help her overcome her personal restraints and fears to begin a transformation of personal growth. Kaen would keep his word should the sentient statues agree to his terms and keep him her while Suzume went free. It was the right thing to do...
[OOC MFT]
A part of her, and thankfully one that none of those present in the room could see, burst into laughter at the absurdity of what was going on. These stone statues that had lured her and Kaen in, held them prisoner and barraged them with relentless questions were now asking why they should trust Kaen and herself? If it was not for Kaen and her own sliver of restraint, she might have ended up trapped down here for eternity. It was then, as Kaen began to speak that something caught her attention. Her gaze drifted around the room, searching for something as he gave, what she surmised must have been, sound reasoning in response to these two captor's questions. Even as she looked around, she did not seem to see what she was looking for, any signs of life. She did not see it in any of the other chambers, but if there were people who went through here before them, shouldn't there be some sign of it? Even if it was just the discarded remains of bones or clothing.
Suzume was unable to finish traveling down this path, however, as a pair of warm hands suddenly landed onto her shoulders. Fidgeting from being caught off guard, she looked up towards the man looming over her. As if on a delay, she finally registered what he had said a few moments prior. Knowing what she now knew about him, she could not help but feel slightly uneasy in his grasp. The feeling did not vanish, but it settled enough to keep her from fidgeting or worming her way free fron his grasp. Nothing he was saying was an outright lie, but that did not mean she liked being reminded she was still a kid, nor the fact that she was being leveraged as a bargaining tool. Any unpleasant sensations vanished as soon as her mind put together the pieces of what he was implying.
She scooted forward, out of his hands and turned to look at him with a very annoyed glare. "Now hold on just a minute!" She fervently protested, seemingly forgetting that they were even being watched or judged. "I am not leaving you in here. No way, nuh-uh, not a chance in the hells. I wouldn't be alive right now if it was not for you, and I am not gonna just like... sit here and let you try to be all heroic and stuff." She stamped one foot and put her hands defiantly on her hips. "Either we all go, or none of us goes. Talking about trust and stuff and then telling me to abandon you here.. that's.. that's stupid!"
With her emotions flaring, she turned and stared up at the stone watchers, her meek look suddenly replaced by a fierce determination. "And you! Asking us how you can trust us when we have just as little of a reason to trust you. Locked us in these rooms, toying with us, asking us all these questions. How can we know that you won't just like... use us to do whatever it is that you wanted and then just betray us either, huh?" There was a significant chance that her outburst was soundly trashing upon Kaen's prior diplomatic tactics, not to mention her claims of pure and sweet innocence on her part, but once the ox started to change, it was not a force so easily stopped.
"Besides, Kaen is an ANBU!" She declared with a sense of finality, as if the term should mean something to them. "If he had wanted to, he could have blown this whole place up and stuff. But instead he played along and answered all your questions and stuff." She wasn't entirely sure why she was making these claims, even if she believed them to be true. Her short tirade seemed to finally reach its conclusion as she continued to stare up at the pair, out of breath as if she had just sprinted around the room a few times.
Suzume was unable to finish traveling down this path, however, as a pair of warm hands suddenly landed onto her shoulders. Fidgeting from being caught off guard, she looked up towards the man looming over her. As if on a delay, she finally registered what he had said a few moments prior. Knowing what she now knew about him, she could not help but feel slightly uneasy in his grasp. The feeling did not vanish, but it settled enough to keep her from fidgeting or worming her way free fron his grasp. Nothing he was saying was an outright lie, but that did not mean she liked being reminded she was still a kid, nor the fact that she was being leveraged as a bargaining tool. Any unpleasant sensations vanished as soon as her mind put together the pieces of what he was implying.
She scooted forward, out of his hands and turned to look at him with a very annoyed glare. "Now hold on just a minute!" She fervently protested, seemingly forgetting that they were even being watched or judged. "I am not leaving you in here. No way, nuh-uh, not a chance in the hells. I wouldn't be alive right now if it was not for you, and I am not gonna just like... sit here and let you try to be all heroic and stuff." She stamped one foot and put her hands defiantly on her hips. "Either we all go, or none of us goes. Talking about trust and stuff and then telling me to abandon you here.. that's.. that's stupid!"
With her emotions flaring, she turned and stared up at the stone watchers, her meek look suddenly replaced by a fierce determination. "And you! Asking us how you can trust us when we have just as little of a reason to trust you. Locked us in these rooms, toying with us, asking us all these questions. How can we know that you won't just like... use us to do whatever it is that you wanted and then just betray us either, huh?" There was a significant chance that her outburst was soundly trashing upon Kaen's prior diplomatic tactics, not to mention her claims of pure and sweet innocence on her part, but once the ox started to change, it was not a force so easily stopped.
"Besides, Kaen is an ANBU!" She declared with a sense of finality, as if the term should mean something to them. "If he had wanted to, he could have blown this whole place up and stuff. But instead he played along and answered all your questions and stuff." She wasn't entirely sure why she was making these claims, even if she believed them to be true. Her short tirade seemed to finally reach its conclusion as she continued to stare up at the pair, out of breath as if she had just sprinted around the room a few times.
“Could he now, that is something that I find hard to believe, and the fact that you believe my children could be beaten so easily is something I find troublesome, I must admit that I had my hopes they would go with you, but if you have to go to threats of strength then you are mistaken if you think this is the place to do it”
The voice came from the shadows, it started small then came into a booming voice in those few seconds, the stone statues instantly parted to let the small girl walk into the middle of the room, masks swirled around her as she allowed a small childish giggle come from her lips, though it seemed that she was far from innocent that she was trying to let on. Her eyes glanced from one Shinobi to the next as she allowed herself a few seconds to study them.
It seems that the statues wanted to speak but only one of them was given the right to speak and as it did so its words changed, the tone and the proper respect was shown in those few seconds, it was clear that this person was special to both of them as they spoke.
“Lady, we were about to request your permission to go with them. But you are hear, how long have you been listening to the conversation?”
It seemed that there was a pause in a while, as the two of them allowed themselves to stand there waiting dormant for a reply it was clear that the girl was something high as she floated in the room and turned her attention back to them for a few moments. Silent as she listened to the words spoken from the statues she allowed a grin to come from her lips as she tilted her head.
“Hey, you two, what do you want with the twins, what happens if they go with you, what will come of there life? These are the few answers that I want before I even allow them to go with you, so I want you to tell me what you want to do with them?”
[OOC: I will be away till Thursday, so take your time with the replies]
The voice came from the shadows, it started small then came into a booming voice in those few seconds, the stone statues instantly parted to let the small girl walk into the middle of the room, masks swirled around her as she allowed a small childish giggle come from her lips, though it seemed that she was far from innocent that she was trying to let on. Her eyes glanced from one Shinobi to the next as she allowed herself a few seconds to study them.
It seems that the statues wanted to speak but only one of them was given the right to speak and as it did so its words changed, the tone and the proper respect was shown in those few seconds, it was clear that this person was special to both of them as they spoke.
“Lady, we were about to request your permission to go with them. But you are hear, how long have you been listening to the conversation?”
It seemed that there was a pause in a while, as the two of them allowed themselves to stand there waiting dormant for a reply it was clear that the girl was something high as she floated in the room and turned her attention back to them for a few moments. Silent as she listened to the words spoken from the statues she allowed a grin to come from her lips as she tilted her head.
“Hey, you two, what do you want with the twins, what happens if they go with you, what will come of there life? These are the few answers that I want before I even allow them to go with you, so I want you to tell me what you want to do with them?”
[OOC: I will be away till Thursday, so take your time with the replies]
And there it was, the brilliant light of Suzume's inner flame sparking to life. Sometimes our own light can go out or simply dwindles from the weight of the world pushing down upon us. All it takes is a small spark from another to help rekindle the flames and let loose a courage like no other. With this step in the righteous and fearless direction, Suzume took charge of her life and this moment. Each and every experience contributes to her strength, courage and confidence. Kaen smiled as the previously meek and timid girl suddenly sprung to life.
While it was true she was most likely dashing his diplomacy to pieces, he couldn't help but admire this blossoming bundle of fury. The experiences she had to endure were traumatic and disgusting in nature, almost on par with a living hell. But the finest of weaponry must brave the hottest of flames. This day, this week even, Suzume has proven to stand against the tests of fate and surely will come out the other side for the better.
Suddenly the atmosphere shifted as she brought up his status as an Anbu member. "I... Uh..." Kaen stuttered as he tried to start rebuttal in vain. He then started to blush a little as she went above and beyond, making wild claims of his power even though she had just seen him losing his literal cool just earlier. Even now that feeling of some otherworldly power was watching over, governing this place. The same power that most likely prevented Kaen from simply tearing his way out of here when he assaulted the walls of this mysterious place. "He he he..." Kaen giggled nervously as he was entirely unsure how strong these two statues were. Even if there DID happen to be weaker than he, there was still the issue of the overwhelming presence that protected this place. Kaen raised a single open hand in process as the other reached around the back of his head, just really unsure of what to do with his hands. "Now now, Suzume. They've been fairly decent so far, I see no reason for me to start dismantling this place. And besides, we --"
Kaen was interrupted as a petite voice pierced the airwaves, emanating from the murky shadows beyond the statues. “Could he now, that is something that I find hard to believe, and the fact that you believe my children could be beaten so easily is something I find troublesome, I must admit that I had my hopes they would go with you, but if you have to go to threats of strength then you are mistaken if you think this is the place to do it” The girl, or what appeared to be a young female, eerily floated towards the center both statues parting to let her through unhindered. A small collection of peculiar looking masks orbited around her as some unseen force kept them floating around her while a small giggle echoed throughout the room.
As she neared both himself and Suzume, he saw her lock her gaze onto Suzume. A moment later and the heavy gaze looked into him. Yes, into him. There was something paranormal about this strange entity, clearly not a human. She was more, almost as if she was transcended to some benevolent being of awesome power. Kaen wanted to speak, but the show of force from the small being kept his lips locked shut. And then alarms begun to blare inside his mind. All of those masks she carried around her, were those... trophies?! Oh god, this was it, wasn't it? The reaper has come disguised to slay Kaen and rob him of his mask to keep as some sick memento. “Lady, we were about to request your permission to go with them. But you are hear, how long have you been listening to the conversation?” So these two knew who, or rather what this girl was...
But she ignored her minions and instead turned her gaze back towards both Kaen and Suzume. A most concerning grin grew across her face as she cocked her head to one side, how creepy. “Hey, you two, what do you want with the twins, what happens if they go with you, what will come of there life? These are the few answers that I want before I even allow them to go with you, so I want you to tell me what you want to do with them?” Oh...
It appeared that this girl was less nefarious in nature and most likely a guardian, caretaker or governess of some sort for these two, and possibly the other, dormant, statues. Kaen relaxed his demeanor and let his arms fall to his sides. However mysterious and questionable this newcomer was, it was reassuring to not feel like your head was soon going to be orbiting around a little girl. Clearing his throat, Kaen would be the first to step up and take the reigns on this odd situation. "Lady, was it? I suppose you've been watching over this whole ordeal. With that said you should know that I personally have no intentions with your twins, as you say. Their will is their own, I would not hold them captive. They would be free to do as they wished so long as they abide by the laws of the surface dwellers, or at least the important ones. I can assure you your trust in us would not be forfeited by any action on our part, we could look after them just as you have, assuming that is what they wished." What strange strings we weave into the webs of fate...
While it was true she was most likely dashing his diplomacy to pieces, he couldn't help but admire this blossoming bundle of fury. The experiences she had to endure were traumatic and disgusting in nature, almost on par with a living hell. But the finest of weaponry must brave the hottest of flames. This day, this week even, Suzume has proven to stand against the tests of fate and surely will come out the other side for the better.
Suddenly the atmosphere shifted as she brought up his status as an Anbu member. "I... Uh..." Kaen stuttered as he tried to start rebuttal in vain. He then started to blush a little as she went above and beyond, making wild claims of his power even though she had just seen him losing his literal cool just earlier. Even now that feeling of some otherworldly power was watching over, governing this place. The same power that most likely prevented Kaen from simply tearing his way out of here when he assaulted the walls of this mysterious place. "He he he..." Kaen giggled nervously as he was entirely unsure how strong these two statues were. Even if there DID happen to be weaker than he, there was still the issue of the overwhelming presence that protected this place. Kaen raised a single open hand in process as the other reached around the back of his head, just really unsure of what to do with his hands. "Now now, Suzume. They've been fairly decent so far, I see no reason for me to start dismantling this place. And besides, we --"
As she neared both himself and Suzume, he saw her lock her gaze onto Suzume. A moment later and the heavy gaze looked into him. Yes, into him. There was something paranormal about this strange entity, clearly not a human. She was more, almost as if she was transcended to some benevolent being of awesome power. Kaen wanted to speak, but the show of force from the small being kept his lips locked shut. And then alarms begun to blare inside his mind. All of those masks she carried around her, were those... trophies?! Oh god, this was it, wasn't it? The reaper has come disguised to slay Kaen and rob him of his mask to keep as some sick memento. “Lady, we were about to request your permission to go with them. But you are hear, how long have you been listening to the conversation?” So these two knew who, or rather what this girl was...
But she ignored her minions and instead turned her gaze back towards both Kaen and Suzume. A most concerning grin grew across her face as she cocked her head to one side, how creepy. “Hey, you two, what do you want with the twins, what happens if they go with you, what will come of there life? These are the few answers that I want before I even allow them to go with you, so I want you to tell me what you want to do with them?” Oh...
It appeared that this girl was less nefarious in nature and most likely a guardian, caretaker or governess of some sort for these two, and possibly the other, dormant, statues. Kaen relaxed his demeanor and let his arms fall to his sides. However mysterious and questionable this newcomer was, it was reassuring to not feel like your head was soon going to be orbiting around a little girl. Clearing his throat, Kaen would be the first to step up and take the reigns on this odd situation. "Lady, was it? I suppose you've been watching over this whole ordeal. With that said you should know that I personally have no intentions with your twins, as you say. Their will is their own, I would not hold them captive. They would be free to do as they wished so long as they abide by the laws of the surface dwellers, or at least the important ones. I can assure you your trust in us would not be forfeited by any action on our part, we could look after them just as you have, assuming that is what they wished." What strange strings we weave into the webs of fate...
Moments passed, and time stood still as the female allowed herself a few moments to ponder the reply that had been given, it seemed that the two of them had been talking about the situation and discussing what had since happened that time passed. She glanced to the twins before a wide smile crept across her face in those few moments, it was clear that she was wanting to allow them out into the world. She pondered before allowing the reply to come from her lips as it was almost a whisper what she spoke to the two that was inside of the room.
“Then they can go with you and see the world, though take this blessing as you will, if you do wrong with them then I will personally hold you responsible for them, and I will hold you as the one that is to be punished. Show them a better life than others before you have shown them, and do not think of them as anything else other than your friends. They are not tools, they are not weapons they are people just like you and they need to experience a life that is better for them as well”
Her voice cold and in a serious tone as she spoke those few moments over, knowing full well that the offer could be withdrawn, her eyes never once leaving the man’s as she knew that she was turning them over to their care, that was something that was going to have to be considered in the future, but for now there was the matter closed. She allowed herself to look at the statues before speaking to them for a few minutes, trying to encourage them in the future that they could do great things as the words echoed around the room.
“Go with them, see the world and make sure that you do not fail in what I have thought you, be kind and work for the future never give up on your hopes and both of you stay safe, for now the doors have opened and the world is yours to do what you want with. They will take care of you and know that you are always part of our family.”
With that it seemed that the girl vanished leaving the new group to finally finish up there acquaintance, a small scroll hanging int the air to sign the contract pact was the only thing left to be done.
[Contract Granted]
[Topic Left]
“Then they can go with you and see the world, though take this blessing as you will, if you do wrong with them then I will personally hold you responsible for them, and I will hold you as the one that is to be punished. Show them a better life than others before you have shown them, and do not think of them as anything else other than your friends. They are not tools, they are not weapons they are people just like you and they need to experience a life that is better for them as well”
Her voice cold and in a serious tone as she spoke those few moments over, knowing full well that the offer could be withdrawn, her eyes never once leaving the man’s as she knew that she was turning them over to their care, that was something that was going to have to be considered in the future, but for now there was the matter closed. She allowed herself to look at the statues before speaking to them for a few minutes, trying to encourage them in the future that they could do great things as the words echoed around the room.
“Go with them, see the world and make sure that you do not fail in what I have thought you, be kind and work for the future never give up on your hopes and both of you stay safe, for now the doors have opened and the world is yours to do what you want with. They will take care of you and know that you are always part of our family.”
With that it seemed that the girl vanished leaving the new group to finally finish up there acquaintance, a small scroll hanging int the air to sign the contract pact was the only thing left to be done.
[Contract Granted]
[Topic Left]
At last the culmination of all their efforts were being realized. Every test, every claustrophobic minute all lead to this. The small being thought for a moment as she contemplated both his and Suzume's answers. For a while it felt like they might end up locked in here forever, but Mother Suna was surely watching over them both this day as the girl spoke up once more. “Then they can go with you and see the world, though take this blessing as you will, if you do wrong with them then I will personally hold you responsible for them, and I will hold you as the one that is to be punished. Show them a better life than others before you have shown them, and do not think of them as anything else other than your friends. They are not tools, they are not weapons they are people just like you and they need to experience a life that is better for them as well” Kaen would nod in agreement. Something told him he shouldn't mess with whatever this thing was and to let her words ring true in his heart. The being would turn to her stony friends; “Go with them, see the world and make sure that you do not fail in what I have thought you, be kind and work for the future never give up on your hopes and both of you stay safe, for now the doors have opened and the world is yours to do what you want with. They will take care of you and know that you are always part of our family.” And then in a brilliant flash of energy, the floating girl vanished. In her place was a scroll and quill, ready to accept their names.
Kaen looked at Suzume with relief in his eyes. "We did it, I'm proud of how far you've come over this short amount of time I've known you. I think it's appropriate that you should be the first to sign your name and leave with your new partner. I will escort you to the gates, from there I will need to report back to HQ. I hope we can come to some sort of understanding. To reveal your identity as an Anbu member would spell certain doom for myself should you ever reveal it. I trust you, Suzume. If you ever need anything, you can find me here." Kaen would hand her a shoddy piece of paper that had his address written upon it. "My sister Kasen lives with me, she's more likely to answer than I am ha ha. Anyway... Go put your name on that scroll and lets get out of here." And with that, both he and Suzume would sign their name upon this binding contract and seal the deal with these stone statues. Might have to talk about them about choosing a less conspicuous form though...
[OOC - MFT, Contract accepted, Contract signed, Contract search completed, Topic left]
Kaen looked at Suzume with relief in his eyes. "We did it, I'm proud of how far you've come over this short amount of time I've known you. I think it's appropriate that you should be the first to sign your name and leave with your new partner. I will escort you to the gates, from there I will need to report back to HQ. I hope we can come to some sort of understanding. To reveal your identity as an Anbu member would spell certain doom for myself should you ever reveal it. I trust you, Suzume. If you ever need anything, you can find me here." Kaen would hand her a shoddy piece of paper that had his address written upon it. "My sister Kasen lives with me, she's more likely to answer than I am ha ha. Anyway... Go put your name on that scroll and lets get out of here." And with that, both he and Suzume would sign their name upon this binding contract and seal the deal with these stone statues. Might have to talk about them about choosing a less conspicuous form though...
[OOC - MFT, Contract accepted, Contract signed, Contract search completed, Topic left]
The trouble with a flame in the hearth that roars to life and burns past its point is that that fuel quickly burns out. Nearly as soon as she had finished and began to glare at the sentinels she felt that flame quickly begin to drain out of her. Her mind raced on the consequences of her words, had she done much more harm in good by letting her emotions grab control of her like that? These worries were quickly locked in place as a soft voice had began to stretch across the room, growing until it vibrated her very bones.
She had made a grave mistake.
Afraid to move, she reluctantly turned her head to eventually see the mask wielding child, a sense of foreboding looming over her. Suzume's body seemed to visible shrink as she spoke to one of the statues, as if she were receding into the shadows from which this stranger had emerged from. Keeping herself silent, she averted her eyes in shame as the girl eventually returned her attention towards the pair of shinobi. Once again Kaen came to her rescue and took reign over the situation. It was likely not warranted, but with her previous outburst, she felt she had fore-fitted her rights to speak in this situation, even as she was addressed directly. Besides, it appeared as if the ANBU Ancient had things well under control; better than she at least.
A minute passed as the girl continued to speak, Suzume nodded her head almost absently in agreement as she did so. She heard all of the words, but it was as if they were kept in limbo inside of her ears for a while before they were allowed passage to her brain. It was not until the flash of light that startled Suzume out of her stupor that the rush of information finally rushed to her, but by then it was too late to speak to whomever that was. Her eyes refocused and she blinked to try and rub the white spots from them as she heard Kaen begin to speak.
Still appearing dazed, she looked over to him, a flush coming across her from his entirely unwarranted praise, the thought of his questionable bloodline flickering momentarily from her mind. "Oh, y-yeah sure." She reached out and accepted the piece of paper, the numbers and letters appearing foreign to her for the moment before she slid them into a pouch on her hip. She then turned and walked over to the ominously floating scroll of parchment. The mark girl's words ran through her head a dozen times over, somehow becoming murkier and murkier with each pass through. Logically she should have read the parchment over before ever signing her name to anything but she found herself scribing "Oushi-Ouja Suzume" onto it before such notions of sense and logic bothered to make themselves known.
[Contract Signed, Dated, Accepted and Filed away. Topic Departed.]
She had made a grave mistake.
Afraid to move, she reluctantly turned her head to eventually see the mask wielding child, a sense of foreboding looming over her. Suzume's body seemed to visible shrink as she spoke to one of the statues, as if she were receding into the shadows from which this stranger had emerged from. Keeping herself silent, she averted her eyes in shame as the girl eventually returned her attention towards the pair of shinobi. Once again Kaen came to her rescue and took reign over the situation. It was likely not warranted, but with her previous outburst, she felt she had fore-fitted her rights to speak in this situation, even as she was addressed directly. Besides, it appeared as if the ANBU Ancient had things well under control; better than she at least.
A minute passed as the girl continued to speak, Suzume nodded her head almost absently in agreement as she did so. She heard all of the words, but it was as if they were kept in limbo inside of her ears for a while before they were allowed passage to her brain. It was not until the flash of light that startled Suzume out of her stupor that the rush of information finally rushed to her, but by then it was too late to speak to whomever that was. Her eyes refocused and she blinked to try and rub the white spots from them as she heard Kaen begin to speak.
Still appearing dazed, she looked over to him, a flush coming across her from his entirely unwarranted praise, the thought of his questionable bloodline flickering momentarily from her mind. "Oh, y-yeah sure." She reached out and accepted the piece of paper, the numbers and letters appearing foreign to her for the moment before she slid them into a pouch on her hip. She then turned and walked over to the ominously floating scroll of parchment. The mark girl's words ran through her head a dozen times over, somehow becoming murkier and murkier with each pass through. Logically she should have read the parchment over before ever signing her name to anything but she found herself scribing "Oushi-Ouja Suzume" onto it before such notions of sense and logic bothered to make themselves known.
[Contract Signed, Dated, Accepted and Filed away. Topic Departed.]
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