Private Mikki's in trouble. For real.

[Mikki]

The area that Mikki now found himself was far different that the usual areas that the Myakashi hung out in. Far from wanting to stand out, most Myakashi lived in slum areas, or at least in residential precincts for the ‘average’ civilian. But now the Tsukumogami was walking amongst trees, flowers and carefully manicured lawns. This was the ‘rich’ area of Sunagakure, the Diamond district, and he knew that his long-time companion was staying here as an honoured guest.

He really, really didn’t want to see Migoya, but after what had happened at the gates and with the craziness that was occurring in Suna at the moment, he had to get the problem fixed immediately.

Walking up to one of the up-market hotels, Mikki had donned one of his puppets as a disguise - that of an elderly lady. Most here would avoid her as a dirty beggar, and the guards themselves would simply try to ignore her as long as she didnt occost any of the posh people. However, going into the hotel that Migoya was staying in was difficult, as the security guards watched ‘her’ every step. Mikki went up to the receptionist.

“Good day young person. I wish to speak with ‘Yushi’”. That was a code-name given to the hotel to prevent stupid bounty hunters from finding out where Migoya was staying. After all, as Kiko said, they were not in a friendly village.

The receptionist looked down at the paperwork, before looking up at the lady again.

‘Room 66’, sixth floor.’

“Thank you.”

Shuffling off towards the elevator, Mikki grew more concerned as he knew that he was in BIG trouble, and probably might have caused all of Migoya’s plans to go down the toilet. Well, part of it was Kiko’s fault… right.

Shuffling up to the ornate door, Mikki pressed the doorbell.

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

The Yamikage was levitating in a crossed-leg lotus position, hovering as it were as he communed with an entity from people's nightmares. Before him floated a tentacled monstrosity, an unblinking eye staring at the Yamikage as the two held a silent conversation. What they were speaking of would remain secret, as one of Migoya's stationed Myakashi guards knocked on the door, causing the inter-plantary figure to wink out of existence.

"Migoya-sama, Mikki has arrived and wishes to speak with you."

Migoya stretched out his legs, allowing them to touch the richly carpeted floor as he walked to the door. He opened it, casting his blackend gaze on his guard for a second, before nodding.

"Thank you Hiretsu-san. Please let him in." For Mikki to come searching for him meant only one thing - he was in trouble.

He watched as the old woman puppet entered the room, and proceeded to sit down in a comfortable seat while Mikki regained his 'natural' mannequin form. The puppet looked sheepish.

Gone was Migoya's mirth when treating with Mikki, replaced by an unemotional tone that Mikki hated. Oh yes, he had done something very wrong.

"Hello Mikki-chan. What seems to be the problem, this time".

 

[Mikki]

To say poor Mikki was scared would be an understatement. He knew Migoya had given up something in order to achieve the levels of power he now had, but… but he was so cold. He could also sense the lurking presence of something else in the room, watching, and it was a horrible something.

Knowing the pair were close, Migoya’s guards left the room.

“I… Ive made a mistake and I need you to know so you can fix it.” Mikki started, clearly upset at himself. “Kiko… was at the gates. I went to greet her and I called… I said her name as I was happy to see her. And I mentioned yours. They broadcast that Kiko and I were at the gates. I thought that Akkuma would come and… but he didn’t. Kiko was mad that I named her and she… she killed all the witnesses. She said she cant come in here now… and that you would know what to do. Well, I think thats what she said.”

Migoya looked at the puppet, his face void of emotion.

“Im really sorry Migo-kun. I.. just.. I just was happy to see her. I didnt mean for those people to die. Please… how can I fix this?”

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

He rested back on the chair, his hand absently squeezing its handrest as Mikki layed out his latest... problem. The tsukumogami might have been Migoya's closest and longest friend, but it infuriated him how often the careless nature of the puppet caused such issues. He had tried to instil in him the importance of family secrecy, of distrust in the organised villages and of non-clanmates in general, but his nature was one of protection. Even his stint as a human had failed to diminish his... enthusiasm. Perhaps, just perhaps, he needed a stronger hand than his to guide him. Migoya would always have a soft spot for Mikki, but it seemed that the tsukumogami needed a tougher kind of love.


"We are beset on all sides by enemies, Mikki-kun, particularly Kiko. Her works are well established in all the shinobi lands and openly broadcasting our allegiances is detrimental to our cause."

Migoya scratched his pale chin in thought. “It was… unwise to do that Mikki, and there will be repercussions.”

Migoya lent forward on his chair, looking directly through Mikki.

"If you are caught and interrogated you will relay the message that a rogue-nin massacred those people. That you thought they might be affiliated with those who have kidnapped the Kazekage. You will blame others. You will not name Kiko as the perpetrator, in fact you believe she is chasing after them. You will leave, immediately, to find her and if you are stopped you will explain that you are seeking her out to help against the attackers. When you find her you will tell her that as punishment, Kiko is now your sensei and I expect you to follow her lead. No more stupidity."

The puppet looked perplexed for a second. Migoya was sending him away... again? That wouldn't do! He had a mind to…

Cold tentacles wrapped around his little wooden head. For a second Mikki resisted, but the tentacles were cold and comforting in this horrible, sun-drenched land. They were soothing indeed, and he felt so, much, better. Except for the part where Kiko had chased away the scary ninja! At the gates! This would not do! He must find her, for she was going to be his new sensei and they both could slaughter the evil-doers.

If Migoya had any emotions left, he might have felt bad permitting the creature Byozaku from modifying the puppets memories, twisting them to perfection. If anyone scanned or questioned him, Migoya's version of events would be all the puppet could relate. Yes... it was horrid to do to his best friend, but it was his fault to begin with.

It. Is. Done.The tentacled creature intoned.

Migoya nodded silently as the creature disengaged its tentacles.

“Go Mikki. Go and rescue your new Sensei.”
[MFT]
[WC: 452]

 

[Mikki]

How dare some random shinobi kill people in front of him! How dare they! That was HIS JOB. And now Kiko who he had just greeted, has chased after them without him! Why was he here with Migoya? Oh - he was letting him know about what happened to Kiko. And now Migoya had told him to chase after her!

Yay!!!!

“Will do Migo-kun! I knew you would know what to do - and yay I get to go and learn from Kiko and maybe even save her back!”

If Migoya had a reaction to the puppets' outburst he gave no indication.

“Ok - Ill head off now. Im sure you can manage negotiations just fine here. Ill go rescue Kiko and then we can have a party together!”

The puppet had a newfound purpose, not realising that he was being sent away to prevent any further issues. Migoya’s plans were always intricate, and the slightest twang on a thread could be disastrous. Better that the biggest foils to his plans were sent away…

Mikki quickly gave Migoya a hug (so cold) before turning and heading out the door. It was fun time!

[Topic Left]

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

Migoya gave the puppet a quick, unemotional hug, before watching the retreating figure make his way out the door.

You are doing what needs to be done... he reminded himself.

"Goodbye Mikki-kun. Oh, and tell Kiko-chan that 'Operation Adumbrate' is a go. Do not forget that." His words were emotionless but there was a particular... urgency in them. Certain plains had been spoiled by the puppets stupidy, but from chaos came opportunity and it was at this time of chaos that the Myakashi would rise. Suna was a haven for them, but one that could not be trusted with the carelessness of their shinobi at losing a Kage. For now though, they were useful as a stop guard.

The door closed, and almost immediately the floating almost octopus-like form of Byozuku appeared, its eyes staring intently at Migoya.

The puppet is a distraction. Divulge yourself of concern for his welfare.

Migoya looked back at the figure with his blackened eyes. "No. That I will not do."

It is your loss.

Migoya slumped back into his chair, knowing all to well what he had in fact lost.

[Topic Left/ended]