Have you seen him? [Multi-location/Open]

[Sagasu Yume]

((OOC: This thread will be following Yume in her search of the Steward before going to the Hospital to help out. I don’t expect to be in one location longer than two or three rounds.))

Location: Grand Palais

The attack on the Tower had left the Inuzuka distraught and the appearance of a strange woman that mocked her distress made matters worse to the point where Yume had thrown a weapon in anger and removed herself from the situation all together. While she should have stayed to help take care of the afflicted, she wasn’t certain that she was of any use when her head was preoccupied with the safety of her… well, could she call him her mate? They had agreed to go on a date tomorrow, but prior to that it had been all talk. She had kissed him though so perhaps mate was in fact the correct title. Regardless, his safety plagued on her mind and she needed to find him.

He had told her that he was preoccupied with other matters today, but what did that mean? She didn’t smell him around the Tower in any degree of strength, which meant that he hadn’t been there for a few days. Keystone, then? Or his parents? Or was he visiting Uri? There were many places for her to try but without radio and with the added danger of criminals on the loose it was distinctly more difficult to do such things. The sensible place to start was his home in Sietch Zensunna, however she knew for a fact that if the village were under attack that they would be monitoring the notable members of their society. Could they have kidnapped him? No, it was no good jumping to conclusions. This was a matter for logic.

For once her vixen nature would be an asset as she and CuRua disappear down the streets, using her ability to beast clone in order to remain inconspicuous. They kept to the shadows as they moved, not wanting to draw the attention of the increasing amount of unsavoury folk as they delved deeper into the Palais. On ever side there were instances of vandalism, grand theft, assault in all forms, prostitution, among other crimes that were even unusual for the dark heart of Suna. The myriad of people made her task that much more difficult but once she found Uri’s unmistakable sugary scent, she followed it until she landed upon the doorstep of the Kuroda residence. Stretching up on their hind legs as high as they can manage for a pair of desert foxes, they patter their paws on the door to try and gain the attention of any within the residence without damaging their door

 

[Uri]

Uri had been on a tea break when he watched the tower come toppling over, and before he knew it prisoners were upon the streets. Dirty, filthy people that deserved to be locked up; and those that weren't went home to the families they had been kept from. It was why the chuunin had reserved no room being polite when they targeted him for wearing his chuunin's vest. Strewn throughout the Palais were nefarious men and women strung up in sugar-based cocoons, dangling from lamp posts and other overhangs waiting to be picked off by some larger predator. However, the Palais contained a certain amount of order to it. While the mobs were rushing about, some greeding for a taste of flesh or drink they hadn't had in ages, many were happy to seek out their vices. The underbelly of Suna would only grow and prosper more the longer this went on, an irony of sorts.

Priorities for the white-haired sugar-lover were straightforward and simple. He had one stop to make and then he planned on heading home.

Minutes passed and Uri turned onto the familiar street. Months prior, he had been at this exact spot having ice cream with Yume. A group of people had gathered outside the shop, beating away at the glass window that peered into the store. Jeers and inappropriate remarks rained down. Uri flanked them and the group was suddenly engulfed in shadow, "Leave. Now."<i></i> One turned and started to speak, but stopped as he saw the pair of ten-foot tall stone golem flanking either side of Uri. No further warnings given, the two constructs batted away the convicts as if they had been kicking a tin can. They screamed as they tumbled end over end, some managing to recover and high-tail it out of the area. The two rocky creatures turned in defense of their creator as he manipulated the numerous locks open and made his way into the parlor, "Oba? Oba?!"<i></i> He called out, looking between every seat on his way to the back.

As he turned the corner behind the counter he was met with a massive butcher's knife that could have cleaved a bovine in two, "Whoa, it's just me."<i></i> There was a weary look of relief that spread across the old woman's face and she hugged Uri. He embraced her for a moment and pulled her back, looking at her with a stern face, "We have to go. Now."<i></i>

Door clanging shut behind them, one of the two golems picked up Oba and carried her as it followed Uri down the street, the second golem taking up the rear to keep the elderly woman safe. Several squished and mangled criminals later, he arrived on his home's street. Many people on this road were good people and it looked as if many had shut their doors, boarded up any windows they had and were planning on riding it out; a smart decision if there ever was one. They thundered down the road, constructs and Oba in tow. Anyone who didn't belong there didn't give them a second glance as the walking animated death passed by. The chuunin's approach slowed considerably as he spied two animals pawing at his door. It took a moment for him to realize that one of the two was in fact CuRua. Nearing, he waved them back, "Move away from the door."<i></i>

In the end he wasn't taking any chances. His family came first.

Once the two had backed away from the door, he'd place his palm against it. There was a subtle rumbling as numerous bars of metals retracted into the door and left their slots aligned about the door. A massive lock to prevent the door from being brute-forced down. Gently, the craggy defender placed Oba onto her feet and Uri helped her into his abode, where his mother, Oichi was waiting, "Obana-san, it is good to see you again. I do wish it was under better circumstances."<i></i>

"As do I dear,"<i></i> She replied, shuffling halfway in before stopping and turning to the pair of foxes, "Hello, CuRua. Keep that young lady safe!"<i></i>

Inside, Oichi stepped outside briefly and groped air until she found Uri, standing up on her tip-toes to kiss him on the cheek, "Stay safe, ri-kun. Come home soon."<i></i> The chuunin hugged his mother and helped her back inside before he swung shut the massive metal door, sealing it back up the same way he had opened it. Chocolate brown eyes turned onto the canine cousins, "No one followed you here, did they?"<i></i> Uri was clearly still on guard, the golems having turned their attention outward to prevent anyone from catching them by surprise, "Had to make sure they were safe before I saw to anything else. Did you see the tower fall?"<i></i>

 

[Sagasu Yume]

Both girl and her fox retreated with haste as Uri raced up to the door with two golems and Obana in tow. It filled Yume with a sense of pride that she knew Uri as she watched him use his personal signature to unlock the portal and unite his mother and aunt-figure. Someone with that much love for those he cared about was someone who she never wanted to face in battle; she was glad they were on the same side. This was Uri’s home. He had mentioned when he returned from his trip that it hurt him personally when the innocent were collateral and his village suffered. Taking a step between the doorframe and Uri, Yume used his height and the angles of the house to her advantage and changed back to her human form before Uri could stop her. She looked up at him in obvious distress, tears welling up in her green eyes.

No one would take notice of two foxes, but I didn’t recognize any repeating scents trailing us. I started to come directly here and then I thought better of it since there are these… these… people watching us now. I doubt I’m really on their radar though. I’m a nobody.

She was holding it together very well but her voice was trembling in time with her lip. Grasping both his hands, she petitions him with the question she so urgently needed answered.

I can’t find Sousuke. His scent wasn’t recent at the tower so I’m almost one hundred percent certain that he wasn’t there and the last we spoke he said he was busy today. I didn’t press the matter because we agreed to meet tomorrow. I know you have your mother and Oba-san to worry about but please, did you happen to see him today? Or do you know where I could find him? I thought it would be too risky to ask his parents first. They’re probably under observation, if not ransomed.

Sobs wracked the unstable woman’s frame and she fell forward against her friend’s chest, tears streaming down her dusty cheeks. One didn’t require knowledge of womanly emotions to understand that her distress wasn’t due to the lack of leadership but from genuine concern for someone she cared for.

 

[Uri]

Uri watched as Yume emerged out of her mimicked form, allowing his attention to fall squarely onto her for the moment; allowing the link with the golem to cover their surroundings for the time being. While Yume was someone of the smaller persuasion, she seemed even more diminutive in that moment due to her demeanor. Even though she was holding up well enough, the telltale reddening of her eyes and creased lines in her face spoke of tears and stress. Uri knew she had survived through the Djinn event, but then they hadn't lost anyone. This time seemed vastly different.

"Besides, I'm sure they're watching the guy walking around squishing people with giant earth drones."<i></i> A light laugh left his lips, a thumb jutted over his shoulder to gesture at the giants near him, their fists caked in blood and gore of the people who had attempted to harm them on the way home. Then his suspicions had been confirmed as she pleaded to him her cause of his presence. Sousuke was an odd character, but when forced into a corner always found a way of dealing with the problem at hand. This was more than just the average problem. This was a greater catastrophe than any event Suna had to face since the Plague Wars. Firmly gripping her hands, he allowed his typical smile to play across his lips, a comforting action if nothing else, "I have not seen him since this all started, but there are many places he can be. He would not act until he had a plan. Sousuke would never endanger Sunagakure."<i></i>

Collapsed forward onto Uri, he embraced the tiny medic and whispered soft, soothing words. Priorities were important, but so was state of mind. The chuunin had understood first and foremost that he had to attend to his family and then everything would come after. While he opposed killing, he knew that it could come to that with the crazed people in the streets. A sickening wet slapping noise alerted him to another would be attack being stopped cold by one of his rock sentries, the body hitting a wall and crumpling to the ground. Gently, he pushed Yume away from him and gave her a stern look; all-business Uri was back.

"Go to Keystone and see if you can find him there. I'll see if I can find out anything and meet back up with you, okay?"<i></i> He lowered himself to lessen their height difference, making sure he made eye-contact, "People are depending on us to do our parts, without us they will die. Go, search, and stay safe. If we all die, any heroic plans of rebellion will be for naught."<i></i>

 

[Sagasu Yume]

She tried to take comfort in his reassurance. Sousuke was a pragmatic individual who needed a certain amount of affirmation before proceeding with a plan. He was not one for rash actions or even half thought out whims. Her breaths came in ragged gasps as she struggled to get her emotions under control. The comforting embrace of a level-headed friend had helped her regain her thoughts to some degree. The metallic scent and burning embers that had followed Uri even brought a bit of piece as it reassured her that he was strong enough to take care of those he loved. She didn’t have to worry that he would get hurt; you don’t live out in the world for close to 10 years without being able to survive. Maybe she should have left to see the world when he told her to, then she wouldn’t have to see the destruction of her village caused by the complacency he had warned her of. Wiping off her tears, she set her jaw and clenched her molars to give her a feeling of solidarity.

Keystone… yes… I have one more place to check and then I think that would be best. Maybe I’ve become cynical in the last year but I can already tell you that with or without us, they’re already dead. The Djinn was a fluke. Luck does not smile twice without dire repercussions on those who cannot or will not defend themselves.

It was only a moment but it would be enough for the observant to see. The light would go out of Yume’s eyes as the vibrant green dulls to a stagnant slime of the deep cave walls. Hope was what keeps people going when everything seemed lost and she was close to running out of hope. She had become complacent after the Djinn attack and acted like it had never happened, returning to her routine without trying to prepare for the next disaster. She had come face to face with a magical lamp, returned it to the Obsidian Palace and walked away as if dark magic could never affect their daily life as long as it was out of sight. The man in the sky was correct: Their bubble was fragile and it had been popped.

Shuu-sama was looking for you too. I said I’d deliver the message.

Dropping down into her fox-form, CuRua was quickly at her side, rubbing his neck to hers in a comforting manner. She leaned forward and gave Uri's ankle a gentle headbutt in thanks before darting off, making sure to avoid any blood puddles his golems had created. It would do no good to have foot prints showing where the inconspicuous creatures when. Strafing into and alley, scampering from wall to wall until the two fennecs made it on to the roof. From there, they would take their time and wait in the shadows, scanning their surroundings and trying to appear as nothing more than stray animals that had encroached on the village once the chaos broke out.

Location: Residential District

It would take a few hours, but the time spent as an animal would allow Yume to get in touch with her primal side while also giving her time to think. They had torn a roast to shreds for lunch and discussed the possibilities of Suna's leadership having been taken prisoner. There was no possible way out, but maybe she could figure something out from looking over her notes in Keystone. Maybe there was a disease that Sunans were immune to but the others were not. CuRua had given her a hearty chomp for even suggesting genocide but knew that it could very well come to that. This was just the beginning. No one knew how long this occupation could last.

Eventually the pair would reach the Takahashi residence and sniff around the entrance to try and figure out who was near and who was home. Yume picked up the scent of Okibi, Tama, and Sousuke having already left a few hours ago but whether they left together or just within an hour of each other it was hard to say. There would be people watching this household, that was beyond question, but was it so odd that someone would come looking for the Steward? And if they had done the research they claimed, would they know that she and he were involved? It wasn't worth playing cloak-and-dagger in this case, it would just look foolish. The two scanned the area for a relatively secluded place for her to change back, transforming into a biped in a puff of turquoise smoke, dusting off and walking to the doorstep with a level of dignity. Her back was straight and her shoulders were squared and pressed back as she rapped on the portal with her knuckles. There were looters and havoc near, she could hear it, but she wagered a guess that there needed to be some form of safety to keep the Takahashi family alive, for ransom if nothing else.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

The modest Takahashi household stood. It had been the home of many Takahashi for many years. The household was befitting that of not a wealthy family, but a family who lived comfortably. Middle class. Yet many strange and wonderful things were inside. This was the house that Kitchenzilla was manufactured. It was here that Okibi recovered from her darkness. It was here that the present Steward grew up in. The house seemed quite dead. When Yume knocked on the door, there was no response at first. A certain stillness of sorts.

A low growl came from the side as Lyron approached. This was Maximus, "Bloody fools. Trying to break into the honoured home of my equal." The male Lyron growled. The word equal was not spoken with a sense of disdain of sorts. It would seem that the household was protected, but not by its choice. "I'll crush them, and protect Red's pack. I owe Red many a debt. This is the third I will repay." As Maximus approached, more growls came from a familiar feline female. The male Lyron paused for a moment. "...The mate of Red? ... Most interesting. The great beast did not progress further, but he merely stood guard. There was a sort of distrusting look that the male had, but after some time he retreated back.

The door would open after a moment, and on the other end of the door stood the former Steward. Judori was a short man standing at 5'2. He didn't seem his radiant self. It seemed for the moment that father and son were very much alike. A sort of dark seriousness was over the man. He paused for a moment looking outside the door. Maximus if anything had been greeting most people appropriately. The small man's mood would change as he would brighten up somewhat. "Ah. Sagasu Yume. If you were not you, then Maximus would still be out prowling about." The former-steward would make a gesture for her to enter his home. He suspected she was here for a reason.

 

[Sagasu Yume]

It took all she had to ignore the growls, listening only enough to register that Maximus had been verbally restrained by Zero with an explanation that she was Sousuke’s mate. A small blush invaded her cheeks at the knowledge that the pack of lyrons that revered their Steward considered her place to be his mate. She still wasn’t entirely certain if there was a formal ceremony that was required or if a mutual understanding was enough. To her, he was her mate and that other packs recognized it was plenty to solidify her place until the time came that he chose to rescind the title; a time that she hoped would never actualize.

The sound of the door’s latch would centre her attention on the crevice and the irises that stared back at her eye level. She recognized him from the Winter King party and Sousuke’s birthday but they have never made a formal acquaintance. She would offer him a gentle smile as the glow of her cheeks remained while she allowed herself the thought that this might be what her Love might look like in a few decades, though a bit taller. It certainly wasn’t a bad prospect. She nodded and glanced to where she had heard the lyron’s grumblings and graciously bowed her way into the house as she steps over the threshold. As the latch closed behind her, she allowed a held breath to escape, feeling safer for being in the presence of those that Sousuke trusted.

I believe Zero explained who I was or else he would have had my throat regardless. Forgive my rude and unannounced appearance. We were supposed to formally meet over dinner tomorrow night but I needed to seek your expertise on a matter that I have minimal intelligence on. Your son… Sousuke… was he scheduled to be at the Tower today? He mentioned having an appointment he had to attend to but I didn’t pry. Far be it from me to question the duties of a Steward, especially one of such precision as him. I couldn’t smell him there recently but there was a lot of dust and no one could confirm his location for certain. Perhaps it was rash of me to set out to determine his safety above the victims that lay beneath the rubble but I’d prefer to eliminate uncertainty than to stumble across his remains with the assumption that he’s safe. That would be far more traumatizing.

Her lips were pressed tight, slightly tucked between her teeth as she bit down with a neutral expression. This was the first time she had taken inventory of her actions since the collapse of the Kazekage Tower and she was ashamed at her irrational behavior not because it was illogical but because of how it might reflect on Sousuke for becoming interested in such an erratic woman. Her eyes focused down to the floor as her head hung in submissive respect; she may have become close to the Steward but she wasn’t certain the protocol that was required amongst the ruling family. The hysteria was gone from her voice when she spoke again, replaced by the quiet pleading of a child.

I don’t mean to bring shame to your house or to your son by neglecting my post as a mednin but I needed to be certain of his safety. If this reflects poorly and you do not approve of our courtship as a result, I will accept that consequence. Please… have you seen him? Do you know what his appointment was today?



[MFT; WC: 593]

 

[Uri]

Right. Shuu was caught up in all this disaster. From one catastrophe and into another. Her people had been staying in the Kazakage Tower as well. It would not be a pleasant realization for the Medical Sennin that she had lost everyone in such an act. Chaos and Order were severely out of balance and it had to be set right. Yume left about her way, scampering off under the disguise of a fox. Smart girl. She would do well in this new village order. The chuunin had a few people to visit and in great haste.

Forming a snake seal, he kept his hands together for a long moment and as he let them drift apart, created a gleaming, radiant chakra crystal. It pulsed with his energy and he thrust it into the inanimate form of one of the stone golem near him, repeating the process for the second one. The longevity of Uri's creations would be extended and act as sentries for his Mother's home. A counter-measure to anyone seeking to cause those within harm. Another blur of motion later and he was gone, a plume of dust the only proof he had ever been there.

[Topic left]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Judori watched as Yume observed him, and he in turn observed her. The little man let out a chuckle. "My head is shaved because I couldn't stand the concept of being partially bald. You're probably trying to project what Sousuke may look like in three to four decades. I don't think he'll lose his hair as early as I did. He's got his mother's tone of hair, but he's got my sharp features. I happen to be the runt of my family. My sister who was the Steward before me, and my father were certainly taller than I. They were both of dark spikey hair. My baby sister though her hair is something different entirely. A bit of an irony really." Judori would state as he broke the ice. He had social grace, and certainly he was not monotone as his son was. "Mother Suna forbid my son going through what I had to. The shock alone made me lose my hair quickly. I lost father before I was four, and my sister when I was eighteen." It was a sobering conversation to the mirth that Yume was displaying. Judori shook his head. "Er... forgive me for having a darker moment. Those don't happen nearly as much these days. Hah... and to think Shiego, Harupia's father, used to think I was a stick in the mud when we were young. Now we're older and he's the stick in the mud, bwahah." Judori's good nature returned.

Judori would listen to Yume speak. He listened to her pour her heart out. She referred to Sousuke as his son, and not the Steward. It was different. Most would speak of his son not as his flesh and blood but as the Steward. He watched as her eyes lowered to the floor. So. This was the fox who had caught Sousuke's tongue as Okibi put it. The former-Steward's heart almost broke when he heard the last of what she said. "You've brought no shame or dishonour to my house." He understood why she neglected her duties. He would not speak of them no. Judori would motion Yume to follow him. "You will not find my son's corpse. No. You may find pieces of his armour. You may find his works shattered. You will not find pieces of him. You will find him ... absent all together." He spoke in riddles of sorts. He would come upon a door. Judori would turn the knob. The door was locked. "Sousuke is of a secretive nature. He handles things like I used to. Usually alone." Judori would remove from his pockets a pick. He would pick the lock and open the door to the room. The room was Sousuke's home office. There were mountains of papers, diagrams, and various other items. One of them would be a board cloven in two. "We Takahashi are reactionary by nature. We respond to threats. We respond to threats not perceived by most people." Judori would pause. "Some time ago, Sousuke was tracking down a very violent series of murders. Most of the news reels couldn't connect them, but he could. Okibi returned around the same time. Sousuke followed the murders intently. He followed various strings and leads. Those strings and leads led him to Soon's Sanctuary. He did not go alone. Tama and Okibi are with him... though I strongly suspect that he did not want them going with him by his own choosing. Sousuke is responding to a threat to Sungakure ... unfortunately his time to respond came at an ill time given our situation here." Judori would pause and exhale. "It is most likely that Sousuke, Tama, and Okibi are locked out on the surface. Fear not though. Sousuke has learned from his prior experiences on the surface. I assure you he will make his way back underneath by some means."

 

[Sagasu Yume]

An ember of hope flared within her chest as she heard the declaration she had hoped for. She certainly didn’t want to see his creations set asunder but between that and his life, she would set his notes aflame herself to keep him safe. Her step bounced a little, the practised silent steps of a fox as she stole away after Judori towards a closed door. She watched the retired Steward bypass the portals security mechanism with a simple pick and gave a nod of understanding at his explanation of Sousuke’s secretive nature; she too kept her notes and research under lock and key in her office at Keystone Prime. As the door was opened she stepped into the room and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply to allow the consuming scent of her mate, while a smile alighted on her lips.

The jubilation that was beginning to thaw her icy facade was reigned in as Judori proceeded to give her insight to the Takahashi temperament. She knew of Sousuke’s brilliance and his penchant of figuring out mysteries that were even lost on his intellectual equals. This time, however, the pieces didn’t take long to put together with the guiding hand of the patriarch and her face was stone in an instant. He had left the village. There was no way that he could have known that the village was going to be attacked but a cold pit began to form in her belly all the same. She knew had had a habit of leaving the village to pursue his own missions, like when he had searched for Okibi in the diamond sands nearly killing himself, but he had always come back. This time sat differently with Yume.

He’s… out there? Who… Why couldn’t he have sent ANBU or even Toraono-dono? He’s the Sennin of the main branch.

Her eyes would rapidly cast around the room begging for a clue, her brow knitting together in despaired worry. There was something that didn’t quite add up and she refused to believe that he took this mission on a whim. While it was her opinion that it might do him some good, Sousuke was not a whimsical man to her knowledge. Even his education in the arcane was founded on a scientific interest. Her heart sped up as her breathing escalated and then caught mid-inhale through her nose, slowly letting it out through her mouth as she takes a slow step towards the board and then another to bring her above it. Dropping to her knees, she picks up the two halves and examines them. Jagged splinters jutted out at odd angles, indicating that this wasn’t a deliberate cut; This was done in anger from someone either throwing the board or perhaps… putting their fist through it? Looking through the gap as she tries to align the pieces, she makes eye contact with Judori as best as she can, beseeching an explanation.

Was this mission a personal matter? While I don’t doubt Okibi and Tama’s expertise in some matters... No, let me correct that. I doubt it very much. I can be certain that there are many other candidates in the village that could have aided him on his endeavour and would be better suited for it. Kuroda-san being one and Haru being another, beside the fact that Soons surely has its own policing force.

Takahashi-sama, I’m not afraid that he will not make it back into the village. I’m afraid that he will. We have been warned that there will be no communication or travel to or from the surface. There are many who will act with haste and disregard these rules for the sake of pride or because they can outsmart this ‘Cabal’. Yes, perhaps by following their stipulations we give them power however we know nothing of them. They may very well be of equal intellect to your son. Amidst chaos, there is always a ring leader… something that our village now lacks.

Her tone was even. There was no hint of fear, anger, distress, or sadness in reaction to the gravity of the situation. It would almost be as if she had put on the demeanour of her beau and negated all facial expression. Her brow relaxed and the board pieces were gently placed on her lap to reveal that she blinked only enough to keep her eyes wet. Her cheeks were neutral as she held her mouth in a relaxed even line. This was the face of acceptance.

Down the hall, CuRua’s ears would be twitching in every direction as he sat by the closed front door. One ear would be actively listening for danger while the other would be trained on their conversation in the study. He had to be strong for Yume but secretly his heart was breaking for his distraught companion. He wasn’t wrong about Sousuke but the tension in Yume’s voice told him that she was nearing an edge she had tiptoed on before but managed to stay on this side of sanity due to the presence of loved ones alone. He knew that he wasn’t enough to keep her well and now that Shinji had Ika and the rest of the clan looking out for him, she didn’t have to ensure her health for his sake either. If he were to guess, she was gazing into the abyss and he knew without falter that he would dive in after her if she leapt.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Yume was a quick study. This was something refreshing for Judori as Yume would draw the lines together very much like the display Sousuke had cloven in two. “What is said in this room does not leave this room. I suspect though you already know that. Sousuke said that you were clever, and you’ve just shown the trait. Well done.” Judori would pause for a moment. He would knit his fingers together. “I do believe this undertaking was of a personal nature. Yes he could have acquired the skills of Uri, Harupia, Kuro but I think Sousuke wanted to handle this personally. He has always kept anything business related away from Tama and Okibi except this one mission. Okibi herself doesn’t do many of the missions Sousuke puts together for her. Keystone Prime needed a fix up, and Okibi did not comply because she detests the … well she just hates the place because her chuunin exam occurred there. I believe she and Tama didn’t quite enjoy the personality of Keystone.” More and more of Sousuke’s character was coming out of his father. “I am … led to believe that Sousuke found the organization who harmed Okibi. It was his intention to deal a mortal blow to this organization, but Okibi and Tama found out. How? I am not sure. I would … ask that you do not denounce his undertaking. Sousuke would not act if he had not perceived this to be a threat to the realm, which it is … considering he linked this organization to the murders of several others. Aside from that, we as humans are not going to be putting aside the need for revenge. If Sousuke was killed, and you knew who did it, can you honestly say you would be above not wanting to put that individual six feet under? You battled Magnetica, the report filed spoke of how even you rose up and denounced the mistress of metal. I'm not saying this to be holier than thou ... merely I'm addressing human need. I avenged my sister. Granted I was psionically controlling a puppet to do so ... but I too am victim to ... human nature.”

Yume spoke of their foe. The ‘Cabal’. “Leadership will appear in the lack there of. Personas change. People harden in times of strife. Kuro is a leader. Mikaboshi is a leader. The displaced medical sennin Shuu is a leader. Each of them will act appropriately. You, yes even you can command if you put your heart and mind to it.” Judori watched as Yume took some of Sousuke’s characteristics. The deadpanned neutralness. A small chuckle escaped Judori. “It is said that the longer you’re with someone, the more you acquire their characteristics. I’ve seen the most subtle of changes in Sousuke… and here I see his characteristics in you.” Judori would placed his hands on Yume’s shoulders. “I do not think Sousuke would like to see you like this. He cares deeply about you, and that is a first even for him. I think he's been planning a date for you for a long time. First it was a trip to a planetarium, then he thought about a dinner, then it was a movie. He was all too concerned about how to go with this. Okibi has always called him boring so ... I think he's been trying very hard not to be."

Judori let out a sigh. He called upon the words of his sister. They were inspiring to him when he was a boy, and they still held a certain power. "Rise up Sagasu Yume. Rise and rise again. Rise up beyond the clouds. No matter how many times my boy was beaten, and beaten by the bullies in school... he would rise and rise again. If he could do that given all his social and mental conditions, it shouldn't be hard for you.”

 

[Sagasu Yume]

His explanation did little to sooth her emotional suffering but it spoke to her rational side; she understood why Sousuke would take the mission himself, seeing as it directly affected the village he protected. He would do anything in his power to see to the organizations punishment even if it meant dealing the damage personally. His timing couldn’t have been worse, but was it all coincidence? She had never believed in such things before and wouldn’t start to now. If the Cabal had infiltrated Suna so completely then could they not have created a diversion? No, that was crazy talk. It hurt a little for her to contemplate why he didn’t tell her, so she stopped her contemplation on that front too, instead listening patiently to the Takahashi patriarch as he spoke.

I’m not always so certain if those reactions are the result of being human or having not out grown our primal natures. Inuzuka are closer to being animals than most humans, but humans are still hunters in their own right. I would not stop at six feet, Judori-san. I… fear I would lose my heart and forget my kindness. Revenge can be… consuming.

It was true that she was not above retribution though it was one of the natures she tried daily to rid herself of. Perhaps Shuu was correct in counselling the naive girl to come to terms with her feral side rather than eliminating it entirely. A blush invaded her neutral visage and a hint of a smile spoke of her appreciation for the compliment; to measure up to the Steward that she regarded so highly was the greatest accolade. She reached up with one hand and took hold of Judori’s where it rested on her shoulder, squeezing it tight in an attempt to reassure him that she understood his petition. She did not like seeing Sousuke distraught so it stood to reason the sentiments would be returned. Her lower-lip tucked between her teeth as she bit down to keep her smile in check. He had been planning it for awhile? They had discussed their fondness but had never made plans until recently.

I’ve never found him boring in the least. He showed me his armour on our first meeting and told me a little about vectors and his work with living steel. I enjoyed it immensely. Okibi needs the action, which is why she and Tama suit each other well. His cerebral nature is part of his charm. It’s beautiful really.

His words took hold on her heart and she responded literally by getting to her feet and standing up to her full height, pressing her shoulders back with her chin lifted. She vied to be the mate of the Steward and for that she needed reason, even as he acted with reason by being outside of the village. How long would it be until she would see him again? It ate away at the back of her sensibilities but she held onto them for a little longer. Reaching forward, she wraps her arms around Judori and hugs him tightly. Letting go, she would begin to make her way towards the entrance as they spoke.

Your secrets are safe until I speak to your son next. He should know what I know if for no other reason than to not have secrets between us. I admit, it hurts a little to know that he didn’t tell me he was going but I’m trying not to take it personally. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust me, it’s that he doesn’t really talk to anyone about his plans unless they are a part of it. I think I will go to Keystone and see if I can gather his research and notes before something happens to them. Stay safe and may Mother Suna bless you, Takahashi-sama. I look forward to getting to know you better in the years to come.

Leaning down she picks up CuRua and hugs him to her chest as she gives a small hopeful smile to the village patriarch once more; she didn’t know if it was to reassure her or him but it was an attempt to seem braver than she really felt nonetheless. Listening to the outside world for a moment, she peeks out before stepping outside, giving his hand one more squeeze in thanks. Letting her fox leap to the ground, they set off towards the research facility, using the shadows to keep the chaos from getting too close.

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