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.
Physical Description:
Kaito is of average height, around five feet seven inches tall, and is built very slimly. His brown hair often falls across his face, slightly obscuring his piercing blue eyes from view. He possesses a very pale complexion, as if his skin has never seen the light of day before. Two tattoos mark the backs of his hands, marking points where energies have been shunted into his body. When manipulating ice a bright blue light shines from the tattoo on his left hand, slowly enlargening and spreading up his arm as his connection to the Ice Lord deepens. Additionally, when his dark seal is activated spider webbed lines originating from his right hand spread across his entirety in a flash, giving him a distinct 'shattered ice' look across his body.
Personality:
Kaito is an even-tempered individual by most accounts. It can be assumed that he has a chilly personality at first glance, but in reality that is due to his conscious decision to be percieved as collected and slightly aloof as he feels it gives him an air of experience. Kaito is often hyper conscious of his appearance and demeanor, often striving to seem as graceful as possible.
Arctic Envoy HP: (40+lvl) x stamina CP: (60+lvl) x chakra control
Class Bonus: Kinjutsu High: Ninjutsu Accuracy Average: Evasion, Genjutsu Save, Genjutsu DC Low: Ranged Accuracy, Melee Accuracy
Bloodline: Haku
[fontsize="12"]A clan originating from the village hidden in the Mist, the Haku are an effeminate and graceful clan possessing a powerful affinity to Ice, a trait which leaves even their skin chilly to touch. Those of this Bloodline are majestic and beautiful at birth, and even the men of this ability can rival pretty women in looks. However, mistaking a Haku to be delicate can prove a very dangerous mistake, for their skill and control with ice can easily freeze those who invoke their wrath at a moments notice, their skills the pinnacle of Icy jutsu.
Crystal Ice - Passive</U><i></i>
All Haku are instinctively born with a natural affinity to Ice, possessing the ability to manipulate it to their own desire. They possess the ability of Crystal Ice; ice which seems to prove harder than steel, and colder than the ice of other shinobi, even capable of withstanding intense flames without melting. Innately, all Ice techniques used by the Haku are made of this advanced ice, giving them a strength others don't have.
Rank 1: Ice Jutsu Damage is increased by 5%. Rank 2: Ice Jutsu Damage is increased by 10%. Rank 3: Ice Jutsu Damage is increased by 15%.
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Flash Freeze - Passive
A Haku's ability to manipulate ice and cold gives them an edge they cannot use without ice to manipulate. They naturally possess the ability to rapidly chill the air around them and targets, giving them the ability that allowing them to freeze water, and even the air itself, into Crystal Ice.
Rank 1: May convert Water and Wind Jutsu into Ice by paying an additional 20% Chakra Cost. Rank 2: May convert Water and Wind Jutsu into Ice by paying an additional 10% Chakra Cost. Rank 3: May convert Water and Wind Jutsu into Ice at no extra cost.
Notes:
- The Haku automatically has access to the Ice element.
- All techniques used with this are treated as Ice element.
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<U>One Handed Seals - Passive<i></i>
Dexterous, swift and agile, the graceful Haku also possess a unique chakra system that does not necessarily require the use of normal handseals to be controlled. The Haku possess the ability to use One handed seals, which in turn free's up the natural limits of a shinobi while performing jutsu and giving them an edge over other shinobi.
Rank 1: May use one handed seals to cast jutsu, though doing so increases its Cp cost by 30%. Rank 2: May use one handed seals to cast jutsu, though doing so increases its Cp cost by 15%. Rank 3: May use one handed seals to cast jutsu with no penalty.
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Flying Water Needles - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
A dangerous secret jutsu passed down instinctively to the Haku, this technique is performed by simply kicking water into the air, spontaneously freezing it into long, sharp needles that shoot in on the target as a surprisingly quick attack that proves difficult to avoid.
Rank 1: Creates and attacks with 10 ice senbon that each deal 75 damage at +1 Accuracy. Only 7 may hit. Rank 2: Creates and attacks with 13 ice senbon that each deal 90 damage at +1 Accuracy. Only 10 may hit. Rank 3: Creates and attacks with 15 ice senbon that each deal 130 damage at +1 Accuracy. Only 12 may hit.
Costs: Rank 1: 1.5 AP; 180 chakra Rank 2: 1.5 AP; 300 chakra Rank 3: 2 AP; 520 chakra
Notes:
- This technique can use either Ranged Accuracy or Ninjutsu Accuracy, however this must be declared upon being used.
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Frozen Spear - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
In keeping with their inclination toward weapons and ice, the Haku have a jutsu that allows them to combine these affinities and attack with a surprising jutsu that creates a weapon of ice: forming a spear out of thin air, or well, water.
Rank 1: Spear does 1040 damage at -2 Accuracy and reduces the target's accuracy/dodge by -1 for 1 round. Rank 2: Spear does 1290 damage at -1.5 Accuracy and reduces the target's accuracy/dodge by -1.5 for 1 round. Rank 3: Spear does 1550 damage at -1 Accuracy and reduces the target's accuracy/dodge by -2 for 1 round.
Costs: Rank 1: 2 AP; 350 Chakra Rank 2: 2 AP; 430 Chakra Rank 3: 2 AP; 520 Chakra
Notes:
- This technique can use either Ranged Accuracy or Ninjutsu Accuracy, however this must be declared upon being used.
- Spear sticks in target on a full hit. When the debuffs fade, the spear melts, dealing an additional 20% damage to the victim.
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Red Snow - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
An ability that allows the Haku to call snow forth from the sky, This technique is used to cause snowflakes to fly around in the manner of a dust storm, hurting as each snowflake is as sharp as a razor, easily capable of going through an opponent and staining the snow red with blood.
Rank 1: Causes everyone but the user to take 300 damage/round, with a +20% Chance to Bleed. Rank 2: Causes everyone but the user to take 400 damage/round, with a +15% Chance to Bleed. Rank 3: Causes everyone but the user to take 500 damage/round, with a +10% Chance to Bleed.
Notes:
- No roll is needed as targets are automatically hit by this.
- Targets take damage at the end of every round this is activated.
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Ice Blast - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
When the situation calls for it, the Haku is not without their own massive attacks. Using this skill, an orb of ice with a diameter of four feet is created around the Haku. The orb lasts only for a split second, appearing as a translucent dome around the user which shatters and explodes violently, blasting outwards to hit everything on the field with a bombard of jagged icy shards.
Rank 1: Explosion causes 1,440 ice damage at +1.5 Accuracy. Rank 2: Explosion causes 1,800 ice damage at +2 Accuracy. Rank 3: Explosion causes 2,160 ice damage at +2.5 Accuracy.
Costs: Rank 1: 2.5 AP; 720 Chakra Rank 2: 2.5 AP; 910 Chakra Rank 3: 2.5 AP; 1090 Chakra
Notes:
- Attempts to hit everyone on the battlefield and has a 10% chance to reveal those in Stealth. People underground are protected.
- Can only be used once per round.
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Blue Blood - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
Named after the popular term coined for the nobility and a favorite of the Haku this technique allows them to slowly chill the blood of their opponent, which forces their body to grow cold from the inside out and results in the onset of hypothermia. In order to do this, the Haku imbue a piece of ice, usually shaped as a weapon of sorts, with chakra before launching it at an enemy, though some have been known to chill their victims with a simple cold stare.
Rank 1: Causes -2 dodge/accuracy and a 5% fail chance per each action for two rounds. Rank 2: Causes -2 dodge/accuracy and a 7% fail chance per each action for two rounds. Rank 3: Causes -3 dodge/accuracy and a 10% fail chance per each action for three rounds.
Cost: 2.5AP; 1,000 Chakra
Notes:
- Actions failed due to shivering return 50% of the chakra cost, but cost the normal AP amount.
- This technique can use either Ranged Accuracy or Ninjutsu Accuracy, however this must be declared upon being used.
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Ice Clone - Ice Clone Ninjutsu<i></i>
The Haku possess the ability to manipulate and control in many forms, and this does not simply limit them to shaping ice into multiple weapons suitable for battling; They possess the ability to create a clone of Crystal Ice, freezing nearby water and air into a replica image of themselves imbued with enough chakra that allows the Haku to control the sculpture's actions to a level that assists them in battle.
Rank 1: Creates a 'clone' that has 20% of the user's Max HP and CP and -7 secondaries. Rank 2: Creates a 'clone' that has 25% of the user's Max HP and CP and -6 secondaries. Rank 3: Creates a 'clone' that has 30% of the user's Max HP and CP and -5 secondaries.
Cost: 2.5 AP; 2,000 Chakra, 950 Cp/Rnd.
Notes:
- All standard clone rules apply.
- Can use Lvl E-C Wind/Water/Ice Ninjutsu that the user knows. Jutsu are treated as Ice Element.
- Clone has half the user's AP.
- Can only create one clone.
- Cannot have more then one clone on the battle at one time
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Demonic Ice Mirrors - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
Perhaps the single most feared technique the Haku may draw upon, this skill is a lineage jutsu going as far back as the originator of the Haku line. Designed as an assassination tactic, this jutsu traps a victim within the confines of multiple sheets of Crystal Ice, each made from both large amounts of Ice and chakra. Each appears immensely reflective, preventing those from within to accuratly view the area within and vice-versa, the large mirrors obscuring vision. Yet their true effect is beyond merely cosmetic; the Haku are gifted with the ability to merge and reflect themselves at high speeds through the mirrors, unable to be seen moving to the normal eye.
Demonic Ice Mirrors - Ice Ninjutsu<i></i>
Perhaps the single most feared technique the Haku may draw upon, this skill is a lineage jutsu going as far back as the originator of the Haku line. Designed as an assassination tactic, this jutsu traps a victim within the confines of multiple sheets of Crystal Ice, each made from both large amounts of Ice and chakra. Each appears immensely reflective, preventing those from within to accuratly view the area within and vice-versa, the large mirrors obscuring vision. Yet their true effect is beyond merely cosmetic; the Haku are gifted with the ability to merge and reflect themselves at high speeds through the mirrors, unable to be seen moving to the normal eye.
Rank 1: Creates the Demonic Ice Mirrors, trapping up to 4 targets within them at Ninjutsu Accuracy. There are 7 Mirrors (the user is within one of them), with a cumulative HP of 6,000 HP. Rank 2: Creates the Demonic Ice Mirrors, trapping up to 4 targets within them at Ninjutsu Accuracy. There are 8 Mirrors (the user is within one of them), with a cumulative HP of 9,000 HP. The user has a +1 bonus to all attempts at entering/exiting Demonic Ice Mirrors. Rank 3: Creates the Demonic Ice Mirrors, trapping up to 4 targets within them at Ninjutsu Accuracy. There are 9 Mirrors (the user is within one of them), with a cumulative HP of 12,000 HP. The user has a +2 bonus to all attempts at entering/exiting Demonic Ice Mirrors.
Special Action - Demonic Ice Mirror Assault:The Haku may strike 5 times with their currently equipped weapon at 450 Damage each strike. They may target multiple targets within the Demonic Ice Mirrors by splitting the attacks amongst the targets. This may also target a single target as well that is within the Demonic Ice Mirror. This costs 2.25 AP and 820 CP.
Costs: Rank 1: 3 AP; 2,000 Chakra and 950/rnd Rank 2: 3 AP; 3,000 Chakra and 1,430/rnd Rank 3: 3 AP; 4,000 Chakra and 1,900/rnd
Notes:
- Demonic Ice Mirrors may only be used by a single target at a time.
- This jutsu recovers 20% Max HP at the start of each round. Mirror HP may be increased by the user's Ice damage bonuses.
- While active, the user may not use use Jutsu to attack. They may use non-offensive jutsu normally.
- While active, the user may also use basic strikes (they may only attack target's within the Mirrors). The Haku gains +1 Critical to basic Melee/Ranged attacks. The user may Prioritize up to 2 AP worth of attacks (meaning, they happen before all other actions).
- Each Mirror appears as the user (as if they were clones). Others in battle attempting to target the user will instead target a random mirror. (Example; if there are 9 Mirrors, there is a 1-in-9 chance of successfully hitting the Mirror containing the user).
---Mirrors may not evade an attack used this way. Hit/Dodge rolls are only made if the Haku was successfully targeted among the Mirrors.
- Those inside and outside of the mirror may choose to attack the Demonic Ice Mirrors directly (not attempting to target the Haku). If targeted in this way, the Mirrors may attempt to Dodge at -4 of the Haku's Dodge.
- Called Shots may be used on Demonic Ice Mirrors. Every 2 successful Called Shot used on the Mirrors removes 1 Mirror for the remainder of the jutsu. Up to 5 Mirrors may be removed through Called Shots.
- By paying 2 AP, a target may attempt to enter/exit the Demonic Ice Mirrors. This checks the Haku's Nin Accuracy vs the target's Melee Dodge. If a target fails this check, they are attacked by the user with a free basic attack.
- The user may not use Clone Jutsu while Demonic Ice Mirrors is active. Any previously active will be dispersed upon using this jutsu.[/fontsize]<i>
There are many forces beyond human in this world, and many of these forces do not have a corporeal form. Sometimes, these forces will choose to align themselves with a single human, or otherwise be sealed into them. This is not always voluntary on either part. It does, however, grant great power to the human host based on their spirit's abilities. This power comes at a cost, taxing the life force of the user with use. Jinchuuriki in the past have been known to win intense battles by giving their all, and then collapse immediately thereafter. One thing is for sure, however. The Jinchuuriki is a powerful ally for whoever befriends them--or a weapon for whoever controls them.
Effects<i></i>
- When applying for this Kinjutsu, the user chooses any Base or Advanced element of Ninjutsu to be the affinity of their possessing spirit. This element may not be changed while the user retains the Kinjutsu.
- When the user casts Ninjutsu of their chosen element, they do not require handseals. (This does not apply to Advanced Elements using the chosen element as a base, if the user chooses a base element.) They are also treated as having a Major Affinity to this element regardless of the number of jutsu they have in it. If an Advanced Element is chosen, this element will not count towards their 'Advanced Element' slots.
- All Jinchuuriki techniques do not require handseals, and are treated as their chosen element. However, they still cannot be used with Affinity Moves.
The elemental energy that suffuses a Jinchuuriki lends itself strongly to their every movement, colouring how they attack. This energy can be channeled into attacks that other ninja would have to perform at close range with their own bodies. Using their physical techniques this way gives the Jinchuuriki an edge that can be deadly.
Information Prerequisites: Jinchuuriki
Effect: All actions the user would take with Melee Accuracy instead use Ninjutsu Accuracy. Attacks changed this way are treated as the user's chosen element and recieve all buffs it would to damage, CP cost reduction, and accuracy. Transformed attacks also gain the benefits of the user's Alignment when Elemental Manifestation is active.
Note:
- Checks that normally would use Melee Accuracy are also changed into Ninjutsu Checks instead.
- If the attack being used is a Ninjutsu (one of those which uses Melee Accuracy) of a different element than the user's chosen element, it still gains the buffs but does not gain the benefit of being cast without handseals.
- Melee Taijutsu still gain the benefit of their weapon's augments, accuracy modifier, and damage modifier, as well as fringe benefits to their specific weapon type (such as Weapon Mastery). However, any buffs to Melee in general are ignored in favour of the new ones.
- Attacks transformed by this ability still count as melee contact.
The way to determine if you are fighting a Jinchuuriki is their capability to unleash their inner spirit's power, making clear their elemental energy and sheer strength in it. The further they sink into their spirit's power, the more adept they become at handling their element. However, there is a cost--maintaining that level of balance and control between their own power and their possessing spirit's takes a direct toll on their bodies.
Information Prerequisites: Jinchuuriki
Effect: The user gains three Stages of Elemental Manifestation that they can access. Each Stage is more powerful than the last but lasts for a shorter period of time during battle. The effects of each Stage are cumulative.
Stage 1 - Elemental Cloak: User generates an "elemental cloak" of chakra that surrounds their body. The elemental cloak acts like a barrier that protects the user from the first (50 x Character Level) Non-Illusionary damage dealt to them. The user's elemental cloak returns to it's maximum HP at the end of each round even if it was destroyed. Stage 2 - Partial Transformation: User's physical form partially transforms into that of their sealed spirit. This grants a bonus of +2 Accuracy and Dodge and increases the damage of their chosen element by 10%. Stage 3 - Full Transformation: When the user casts Ninjutsu of their chosen element the CP cost is reduced to 0.
Stage 1 lasts for three rounds, Stage 2 for two rounds and Stage 3 for one round and the user must wait two rounds in between activations.
Costs: 1 AP and 2% Maximum HP per stage activated
Note:
- Effects from other Jinchuuriki jutsu which trigger a Stage of Elemental Manifestation do not count as an activation of Elemental Manifestation. If the user activates Elemental Manifestation and another effect would trigger a Stage of Elemental Manifestation then the duration of that effect is simply added to the remaining duration of the user's activation.
- Elemental Manifestation is not a maintained effect. It is triggered and lasts for the listed duration.
- Elemental Manifestation - Stage 1 does not prevent the user from attacking or moving. It simply protects the user from damage.
- While in any stage of Elemental Manifestation, the user is considered to be of their chosen Alignment, and all attacks of their chosen element are also treated as such. This overrides other Alignment effects the user has.
- All costs for Elemental Manifestation are cumulative per stage; activating Stage 3 would take 3 AP and 6% Max HP.
- Elemental Manifestation cannot be activated in any way if the user has a Cursed Seal active. Likewise, the user cannot activate a Cursed Seal while Elemental Manifestation is active.
The overwhelming power if a Jinchuuriki can be hard to oppose, and at no time harder than when they choose to levy it deliberately that way. A Jinchuuriki is capable of focusing their strength into a fear aura, blasting opponents in the area with it to rattle their senses. This tends to leave their enemies shaken and unfocused, rendering them much easier prey.
Information Prerequisites: Jinchuuriki
Rank 1: Affects one target at -4 Accuracy. If hit the target is bound and cannot move. Mastered: Affects one target at -4 Accuracy. If hit the target is bound cannot move or use chakra.
Special Action - Terror Burst: At no additional AP cost the user may have Daunt affect every participant in the battle for one full round at -5 Accuracy rather than the normal effects. Using Terror Burst requires one round in between uses and increases both the initial CP and maintain costs of Daunt by 20%.
Note:
- Lasts up to 2 rounds or until broken.
- Daunt targets each participant's Genjutsu Save using the user's Ninjutsu Accuracy. Each time a participant is targeted with Daunt they gain +1 Genjutsu Save against subsequent uses of it. This stacks indefinitely but cannot exceed caps.
- Does not effect those with the ability Fearless or who are otherwise immune to fear effects.
- Targets have a 30% chance to escape per every 2 AP they attempt to use.
- The bind is broken if the user takes 10% of their max HP in damage in a single round or the victim is attacked (victim suffers -3 Dodge against the attack).
- Even if the user is not in any stage of Elemental Manifestation, this is considered the user's chosen Alignment. The user gains +1 to their Ninjutsu Accuracy against targets of the Alignment theirs is strong to and -1 against targets their Alignment is weak to.
The simplest expression of a Jinchuuriki's elemental powers is a simple blast of energy. Washing over the battlefield and smashing through opponents, it nonetheless can contain a subtle trick that opponents can be surprised to discover. If they think they are capable of hiding or disguising themselves to escape the wrath of a Jinchuuriki, the Jinchuuriki can simply reply 'not today' and hit them with this.
Information Prerequisites: Jinchuuriki
Rank 1: Deals 1600 damage to two targets. Mastered: Deals 2000 damage to three targets.
Special Action - Unmask: The user may sacrifice 10% of this jutsu's base damage in order to deactivate any effects on the target that make it more difficult for the user to target them. (Including but not limited to all forms of Transformation, Clones, Inner Earth Reflection Lure, etc.) This effect requires a full hit to activate.
Rank 1 Cost: 730 CP Mastered Cost: 910 CP
Note:
- This attack is always treated as the user's chosen element and Alignment, and always receives all relevant buffs based on both.
- Unmask can only be used if the user has Elemental Manifestation active. If the user is in Stage 1, they must make a Ninjutsu Check at -2 in order for the effect to occur. If they are in Stage 2, the check is made at +0. If they are in Stage 3, the effect becomes automatic on a full hit.
For anyone who is not the Jinchuuriki, the chakra of their possessing spirit can be incredibly toxic. They are capable of taking advantage of this in combat, leveraging their power to corrode and warp their targets' bodies. Anyone who touches the Jinchuuriki or is touched by them while they are radiating this chakra will suffer from it harshly.
Information Prerequisites: Jinchuuriki, A-Rank
Rank 1: Deals 1% Max HP and CP damage to anyone coming in Melee Contact with the user while this technique is active. Upon suffering this damage, the user makes a Ninjutsu Check against the target. If the check succeeds, the target is afflicted with Partial Corrosion for one full round. Mastered: Deals 1% Max HP and CP damage to anyone coming in Melee Contact with the user while this technique is active. Upon suffering this damage, the user makes a Ninjutsu Check against the target. If the check succeeds, the target is afflicted with Corrosion for one full round.
Special Action - Life Burn: For the cost of 3% of their Max HP/rnd, the user may have Partial Corrosion/Corrosion deal their damage for each of the victims' maintains as well. Damage is dealt at the beginning of the round. This may only affect up to three maintains per affected target, and must be stated when this jutsu is activated.
Rank 1 Cost: 2200 CP, 1100 CP/rnd to maintain Mastered Cost: 2750 CP, 1275 CP/rnd to maintain
Note:
- Cannot be maintained for longer than three rounds, and requires a full round of cooldown between uses.
- Partial Corrosion deals 1% Max HP and CP damage for every action the victim takes.
- Corrosion deals 1% Max HP and CP damage for every 1 AP the victim uses.
- Targets cannot be affected by Partial Corrosion or Corrosion more than once at a time, nor have their timer of the drain reset, and gain +1 to their check against this technique each time they are affected after the first (after the initial effect wears off).
- Partial Corrosion and Corrosion do not stack.
- Even if the user is not in any stage of Elemental Manifestation, this is considered the user's chosen Alignment. Max HP/CP loss is not altered based on it, however, the user gains +1 to their Ninjutsu Check against targets of the Alignment theirs is strong to and -1 against targets their Alignment is weak to.
The ultimate attack of any Jinchuuriki, and the combination of both their and their possessing spirit's power. The user channels an enormous amount of both elemental and their spirit's power, syncing up to allow their spirit to fire it in a devastating attack capable of piercing nearly any defense.
Information Prerequisites: Jinchuuriki, S-Rank, All other Jinchuuriki techniques Mastered
Mastered: Deals 7,200 base damage and the user must select one Special Action;
Special Actions:
- Strafing Blast: Attack may target up to three separate targets automatically. The first target selected is targeted at normal Accuracy, the second selected is targeted at -3 Accuracy and the third is targeted at -5 Accuracy.
- Menacing Charge: User may spend extra time charging Vanishing World which costs 3% of the user's Maximum CP each second (up to six seconds) and deals additional damage equal to half of the CP spent to charge the attack. This extra damage cannot be increased by any effects but is still subject to Damage Reduction.
- Local Devastation: Once cast the user automatically dispels any 'Arena' type effects. Vanishing World does not need to hit for this effect to occur; it transpires the moment that the jutsu is cast.
- Sudden Cruelty: Causes the attack's timing to be modded as though it only cost 2 AP and prevents it from being Auto-Dodged.
- Unstoppable Might: Dispels any physical or chakra binds currently affecting the user in addition to normal effects. May be used while bound.
- Elemental Powerup: After the attack, the user is placed into Elemental Manifestation - Stage 3 for one full round.
Cost: 4 AP and 4500 CP
Note:
- After completion, requires a three-round cooldown.
- This attack is always treated as the user's chosen element and Alignment, and receives all relevant bonuses and penalties based on both.
- This jutsu cannot be used with BL/CA/Contract Special Moves.
- 'Arena' effects are defined as any effect which requires a stat check to enter or leave.
”Σηκωθεί.” I heard as reality began to reassert itself around me with a gut wrenching swiftness as I struggled momentarily to open my eyes grasp my bearings. A grey cloud filled sky stared back at me as I opened my eyes completely, blinded for a moment by the emptiness. I could feel the soft snow beneath me beginning to melt, the cold water soaking into my thick coat and pants, leeching the warmth from my bones. I felt groggy as I turned my head towards the voice, feeling the soft snow sticking to my hair in clumps. An involuntary shiver coursed throughout my body as my eyes focused on the figure that stood several feet to my side, and I wasn’t convinced that it was entirely from the cold.
His long brown hair was tied back in a simple ponytail that reached his midback as his light jacket swung openly in the wind that pulled at us both. Body parts were feeling lead filled as tremors continued to rack my body, yet there he stood, looking as content as if we stood warm next to the hearth. The expression he favored me with was as cold as the ground beneath me as his pale blue eyes pierced into mine. I stared back into his shockingly blue eyes for only a moment, but apparently that moment was to long. His brow furrowed slightly as he barked his order at me once again, this time slightly louder. ”Σηκωθεί.”
I rolled to my stomach and struggled to get on my hands and knees to rise. My arms and legs refused to respond until I concentrated, willing them into slow, agonizing motion. I’d managed to struggle to my hands and knees when I finally responded, “Yes grandfather.” As soon as the words had left my mouth I knew I had made a mistake in using common, but even if I hadn’t his immediate grunt of disapproval would have been reminder enough. That, and the foot that caught me in the ribs mere moments later, flipping me back onto my back and driving the air from my lungs. ”Θα μου απευθύνεσαι στη γλώσσα του λαού μας, αλλιώς θα σιωπήσεις.” grandfather admonished from his position over me as I coughed painfully, desperately attempting to refill my lungs with the biting cold air.
Wheezing for several more long moments I finally managed to work out, ”Ναι... Ναι Παππού.” Grunting in what must have been satisfaction he took several measured steps backward, giving me room to find my feet. Once again I painfully rolled to my stomach and willed my limbs to move as I slowly struggled to stand. I wavered slightly as I took long seconds of merciful stillness to try and collect myself before I saw my cue. Grandfather’s arm raised until it was pointing my direction before offering a ‘come on’ gesture. I knew it meant I needed to attack but it was getting more and more difficult to force my body to move when I couldn’t feel most of it. ‘If you don’t move now you’ll hurt way worse stupid.’ I chided myself as I lurched forward to attack once again. ‘With any luck, this time I won’t pass out.’ I thought as I closed on the man who hadn’t moved from his ‘come here gesture’.
It was really wishful thinking.
----Later---
I sprawled on the ground next to the hearth fire as I attempted to cease being in the vain hope that it would make the pain go away. As warmth filled me it brought back the feelings in my arms and legs, but with returned feeling came the aches, pains, and exertions of the day. A low groan weaseled past my lips before I could bite it off which resulted in my mother offering a hard clucking admonishment. Hearing her rise she approached and continued, ”Enough of that. It is unbecoming to whine.” Despite the slight scolding, I still felt as she began gently massaging some of the aches out of my body. The slight improvement was almost euphoric. ”Kaito, you’re twelve years old now. You’ll be leaving to the village soon and you need to be prepared. It will not do to be found wanting.” Mother reminded me in a tone that was gentle but not overly kind.
I thought for a moment as she helped to alleviate some of the muscle soreness I had before responding, “Is that why grandfather tests me so? Because he wants me ready to join the academy?”
I could hear the slight upturn of her lips as she replied, ”Yes… and no. Your grandfather and I want you prepared yes, because our clan is one of graceful perfection and we expect you to serve with distinction.” She paused for a moment, as if mentally debating herself before continuing, ”But it is more than that. More than he wants you to excel as a shinobi, he wants to know if you are worthy of having Winter’s Mark passed to you. That is why he pushes as hard as he does, because it is the only way you’ll ever be worthy.”
I thought on her words, and truthfully it was a great exercise for taking my mind from the pain that was my body, and mulled them around my mind. ‘Me? Worthy of Winter’s Mark? Grandfather finding me worthy? I don’t know if it’s possible for it to be passed to me.’ With my thoughts came some of the amazing feats I had seen my grandfather perform with Winter’s Mark, things like raising entire fields of razor sharp ice with a snap of his fingers, being seemingly impervious to cold, and even being capable of freezing an outdoor fire with the wave of a hand. Me? Worthy of power like that?
I lost myself in my thoughts as I pondered what I could do to prove my worth and agonized over things I knew I could have done better, when seemingly all of a sudden Mother patted my shoulder before stating, ”Alright. Off to bed. You meet Grandfather before the sun is up tomorrow.”
----Several months later-----
I stood on the train platform of the nearby town, a small knapsack of clothes placed against my knee as I looked at my mother and grandfather facing me. I was off to enroll in the academy, to join the shinobi forces of Kumogakure, and fight, and quite possibly die, for lightning country. It was possibly the last time I would ever see my direct family again and I had no idea what to do or say. Lacking a good answer I chose instead to hold my poise, and clasped behind my back with a straight spine, and wait as the silent farewell stretched onward. Parts of me wanted to wrap them in a hug, tell them how much I’d miss them and that I hoped to see them, but I knew that I would be rebuked for such a break in demeanor. Eventually, it was my mother who moved first by silently placing her hand against my cheek, cupping it gently. The cold of her hand caused gooseflesh to erupt across my face even as I was warmed by the gesture. I gazed into her eyes for a long moment as she smiled slightly, almost sadly, at me. The silence stretched so long I almost broke my composure and told her how badly I’d miss her when she finally lowered her hand and retreated a step, naturally pushing my eyes towards my grandfather.
Grandfathers eyes were as cold as ever, their bright blue piercing from his sculpted face as he stood perfectly still inspecting me. I attempted to solidify more under his gaze, to show that I had taken his lesson’s on discipline to heart, but if my additional effort was noticed he made no show of it. He appraised me for a second longer before finally barking, ” Θα τιμήσεις το όνομά μας. Θα εκπαιδευτείτε, να ματώσουν, και να πολεμήσουν μέχρι να είστε άξιοι του Χειμώνα Σήμα, ή θα να μην επιστρέψει καθόλου. Έγινα κατανοητός.”
I responded almost without thought, ”Ναι Παππού.”
My response earned a non-committal grunt from him as he turned from me and began walking away. He hadn’t gone five steps before he stopped and declared over his shoulder, ” Εξασκήσου στη γλώσσα μας. Ο λόγος σου είναι απαίσιος.” With that he began moving away, hands clasped behind his back with my mother falling in step beside him. Neither paid me a further glance.
---6 months later---
My arm rang with the impact as my sword connected with my opponents, momentarily locking us together. I locked eyes with Shiro, my sparring partner, momentarily before lifting my arm and running through handseals with my free hand. As I began I could feel the power inside me taking form to my will as it was shaped with the appropriate hand gestures while I continued to bear down on Shiro. My actions did not go unnoticed though as I saw his eyes widen a fraction before he disengaged and retreated several feet. He sheathed his weapon almost instantly and began flying into his own handseals, but I knew from experience that it wouldn’t make a difference. I felt the power properly shaped inside me and released it, feeling it pour from my now open hand to shape into a spear of ice. I made positive that the end was blunted before propelling it forward at Shiro with all I was worth. As I’d guessed he hadn’t had enough time to finish whatever jutsu he was performing as the moment I launched the spear he abandoned handseals in an effort to dodge out of the way. ‘Wrong way.’ I thought as I saw his dodge to the left, directly where I’d guessed he’d dodge. This put him directly in line with the projectile with no time to move again. I heard the solid thunk as ice met flesh and Shiro was thrown to the ground. I leaped forward to close distance, falling onto Shiro’s prone form and pinning him down. He struggled against it for a moment but finally relented, ”Yeah, yeah. I yield, now get off me Kaito!”
Inwardly I smirked as I got my feet and rose to a standing position. I offered an accepted hand up as I replied, “That was a good bout Shiro. You almost had me there.” I smiled slightly, hoping to give off good vibes and not many of the smug ones I was feeling. Truthfully, I was feeling downright superior, a feeling that had persisted in the last several months since I officially joined the academy.
Shiro offered me a snort and good hearted shove in the shoulder before replying, ”Psh, I’d have you a lot more often if you didn’t cheat so much. Who can even do one handed seals anyway?”
‘Me, obviously.’ I thought snidely as we ventured towards the weapons rack and began cleaning the blunted swords. My tone did not echo my thoughts as I replied, “Hey, any advantage I can get right?”
”I guess. It just isn’t fair Kaito. I’ve been here over a year, you just got here but I’d be surprised if I graduated before you. Isn’t fair that you have this much talent.” Shiro complained as we continued cleaning off our weapons.
“Yeah, I can see how that’d be frustrating. I stated as I finished my cleaning and replaced the weapon on its rack. My tone was sympathetic, at least I hoped so, as I continued, “But, you’ll graduate soon Shiro. We both will. Hey, want to grab some food?” I asked as I replaced the freshly cleaned weapon on its rack and turning his direction.
A playful grin crossed his face as he looked at me before placing his own cleaned weapon back and quickly adding, ”Race ya!” As soon as the words were out of his mouth he was stampeding off in the direction of the market in an effort to gain a headstart. I took off at practically the same time, quickly setting a pace that I knew Shiro would struggle to match. ‘Have to keep it fun after all.’
---2 years later----
I strode through the halls of the Bibliotheca towards the regular room I utilized, my quick pace causing my open jacket to all but billow as I moved with purpose. I moved briskly to the study room I most regularly utilized, spotting the small brush of movement inside. Pausing momentarily at the door I peered in, curious who was researching today and felt a short smile conjure on my face. Shiro lounged in a chair, tossing a ball from hand to hand as he stared at the ceiling intently. ‘If I didn’t know better I’d say he’s deep in thought.’ I thought with a mental chuckle as I opened the door and moved inside. As soon as the door began to creak Shiro turned his attention to the door and me, offering a large, warm smile.
“Shiro, what are you doing here?” I asked him as I entered the room completely and shut the door. In reality I had a guess of why he was present, in the study room packed with translation texts, but more so why he’d been kicking around until I arrived.
”Isn’t it obvious? I know you’ve been studying Kumo in your spare time between missions and duty, and I want in. You know, anything you can do I can to better and all that stuff from training. So, you gonna help me?” The smile he treated me with at that was large and so genuine it was almost painful to see.
The reaction I had to it startled me as my thoughts attempted to grind on despite the momentary hiccup. I started to chuckle a little bit before returning the smile and replying, “Sure, we can study together. But remind me, when have you ever been better than me at something during training?” As I spoke I entered more into the room, taking one of the empty chairs around the table and settling in while grabbing the book I’d been working in the last several weeks.
Shiro laughed as he scooted his chair closer, “Kaito, no one likes an ass!”
---Later---
Shiro’s head banged into the solid wood of the table with an audible thud as a low groan began to resonate from him. I looked up from the book I’d been working at to see where he was when Shiro spoke, ”Why are these doodles called letters? What even is all this?” There was more, but it was difficult to understand through the table and came out as wordless muttering.
I set my own book back down and moved over to where Shiro sat and patted his back a few times in a ‘there-there’ gesture as I replied, “It isn’t gibberish Shiro, it’s just letters you aren’t used to. Come on, you’ve only been at it a few hours, and I bet you didn’t learn how to read in common in that time either.” I wasn’t sure if my reassurances were working or not, but he did turn his head to a degree so I could understand a bit more of what he was saying. It sounded like ‘stupid bullshit made up doodles’ over and over but I figured I could work with that. Smacking his back a little harder I continued, “Come on! I’ll help you out, okay? Sit up, we don’t have all night.”
The smack shouldn’t have hurt but it did seem to startle him as Shiro bolted upright and looked at me. For a moment it seemed that he was trying to decide if I was goofing him or not before he seemingly decided I was genuine and began to smile again and respond, ”Alright, alright mr. Perfect. Thanks for helping us lowly peasants.” I chuckled as well as I pulled my chair closer to be able to sit beside him and work in the same book. As I did Shiro caught my attention as the smile dropped from his face to be replaced by a much more serious one, ”Kaito… Seriously. Thank you. You’ve been helping me for years. I don’t know where I’d be if we hadn’t met in the academy.”
I felt an odd burning sensation rising in my face that confused and alarmed me for an instant. ‘Blushing? Huh?’ Not wanting to draw attention I started, “Alright, lets check these out. This one? That’s called theta, you pronounce it…”
----10 years later----
As I stepped from inside the train station I took in a deep breath, feeling the crisp coolness of the mountain air fill me from head to toe, rejuvenating me in a way I hadn’t realized I had needed. I exhaled a small cloud as a smile began spreading on my face. ‘I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed this.’ I thought absently as I pulled the hood of my jacket up and began forward into the light snow that had begun as the train had entered the station. The breeze that accompanied it felt refreshing as it caressed my face, further cooling my already naturally chill face to a comfortable degree as I began the trek to my former home. It hadn’t required much time before the freshness of the familiar geography was superseded by my own thoughts, and though I’d never admit it my insecurities. ‘It has been twelve years. Twelve years of training and struggle, but I’m positive I’ve shown myself well. I am worthy of Winter’s Mark.’
It took some time but eventually the home of my childhood became visible in the distance. The snow coating the ground, the slight curl of woodsmoke rising from the house, the mountain whos slope started scant yards from the back door, and the picturesque image of the home was like looking directly at a memory of the good times, with not a hair out of place. I stopped for a moment and took it in, the home I’d been born in, the field I had learned to fight in, and the mountain that I’d been sent up and down many, many times. It hadn’t been my home for many years, but it still irrevocably felt like it was home. Another breath later and I started forward again, ecstatic to see Mother and Grandfather again after so long, but steeled to not show it. After all, it is not becoming to project your emotions like that, or so I’d been taught. Shiro had always done his level best to stop me from being as icy on the inside as I was on the out, and over the years had become quite adept at it. ‘My hearth.’ I thought fondly, missing him in the last few days since I had left the village. He hadn’t fully understood why I needed to visit my kin who’d never visited me, he’d understood even less when I said I’d need to venture here alone, but true to form he’d been accepting of it, treating me to the smile that always warmed my chilly soul.
I reached the door and raised my fist to knock, but stopped before rapping on it in a sudden burst of trepidation. ‘What if I am still not ready? What if I’m not worthy?’ The thoughts raced through my mind, expanding on the insecurity I was hiding deep down beneath my cool demeanor and threatening to bring it to the fore. Anxiety began gripping me tight before I took a deep breath, pushing it down and out of the way. ‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’ I told myself coolly, content to repeat it as many times in my mind as I had to until I believed it as I rapped my knuckles against the door. The bell rung I took a step back, clasping my hands behind my back as I waited to see who from my past would walk back into my life first.
It took less than a minute before a woman opened the door and ran her gaze over me. There were several strands of grey in her dark hair, and she seemed a tad more hunched than I recalled but the seemingly sad, slight smile that she favored me with was undeniably that of my mothers. I returned the small smile with one of my own as I bowed slightly and stated, “Mother, I have returned.” I watched as she reached out and cupped my cheek, much how she had at the train station all those years ago. However, where I remembered gooseflesh from her cold touch before now her skin was almost warm against my face as she gently pulled my face upward and gazed over who I had become.
After some time Mother finally replied, ”So you have Kaito. So you have. Come in.” She released my face and gestured for me to follow as she retreated deeper into the home and headed in the direction of the kitchen. I obeyed, closing the door behind me as I moved to follow her. Entering the small kitchen she motioned for me to sit as she prepared two cups of tea for us. As she prepped them she asked, ”So, tell me. Have you served as expected?”
I politely waited until she had finished preparing the tea and had joined me at the small table, giving the tea a small sip before replying, “Yes Mother. I have proven myself again and again in service of Kumogakure. I have preformed my duties with grace and diligence, just as I was taught.”
She quietly nodded along as she drank from her own cup. ”Then, you’ve returned because you believe you are worthy?” She ventured, with the slightest inflection up at the end making it seem both a question and statement at the same time.
Drinking down the remaining contents of my cup I caught her gaze in my own and stated with conviction, “I am worthy. I have come to claim Winter’s Mark.” I silently applauded myself at sounding so confident, when in reality I was still trying to believe it myself. ‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’ I continued to remind myself, knowing that I’d begun a timer on convincing myself of this fact. Once I met with Grandfather he would know the truth.
Mother must have heard the conviction in my voice that I had hoped for as she nodded once and glanced at her drink. She studied for a moment before looking back to me, ”Very well. You should be off to see Grandfather then. He is out on the mountain, at the training area there. You remember where it is?” I nodded, I remembered it all to well. At my nod she continued, ”Very good. Then you should not dawdle.” I nodded again, and placed my cup on the table as I rose. I moved for the door before stopping briefly at the call of my name. I turned to look as Mother stated, ”Kaito. I sincerely hope you are right.” The same, sad smile spread on her face as she watched me intently.
I returned the smile, “Thank you for the tea.” and turned and left, curious and concerned over what had just transpired. ‘The way she had looked at me, I distinctly feel like a man going to the gallows.’ I thought as I exited the house and looked up the slope of the mountain. I gazed up in a vain attempt to see where I had trained with Grandfather so many times before, but knew it was no use, the spot couldn’t be seen from this far down the mountain. Lifting my hood back over my head I continued to steel myself, building my confidence as much as I could as I began the trek upward. The answer to a decades old question was up there, and I was still scared that I was wrong about the answer. ‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’
---Later---
It had taken time, not least of all because it had been twelve years since I’d last seen this place, but I found the familiar trails and followed them to the training area where Grandfather had begun my instruction. The air was colder up here, with the wind constantly ripping at you. A permanent layer of snow dusted the ground, covering the many jutting rocks beneath making the area hazardous to maneuver through. Even through my natural disposition to the cold and thick coat I could feel heat being leeched from me, threatening to make me sluggish and hypothermic in a way I hadn’t been in years. ‘In a way I haven’t been since I left.’ I thought as the unfamiliar sensation caused my hands and face to erupt into gooseflesh. As I steeled myself against the weather I continued to look over the familiar surroundings until I finally spotted him. ‘Grandfather.’
Twelve years ago Grandfather had been old, not he should be practically ancient. However, he looked nothing of the sort. His white hair and open jacket pulled around his person as the wind attempted to whip him to and fro, yet he sat resolute. With eyes closed and his hands resting in his lap he looked distinctly meditative and content, despite the fact that he should be frozen. Snowdrifts had begun forming around his sitting form and in his lap and the only indication that he wasn’t frozen solid was the steady puffs of air that left his nostrils at a regular, slow interval. I began my approach slowly and surely, not wishing to trip as I moved towards Grandfather’s still form. As I came within speaking distance I heart my Grandfather’s voice cut through the incessant howling. ”Γιατί ήρθες.”
The words reached me clearly, and the tone was just as cool as I remembered. He had not moved except to speak, but I knew that he did not expect to have to wait for a reply. ‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’ I reminded myself as I squared my shoulders and stared at the statuesque man. “ Ήρθα να διεκδικήσω το σημάδι του Γουίντερ. Ήρθα γιατί είμαι άξιος.”
His eyes exploded open, the icy blue depths rooting me in position as he responded, ”Και τι έκανες για να το αξίζεις.” The lethargy that had begun to grip my body all at once invaded my mind as I locked eyes with him, and unless my mind was playing tricks then the area had just gotten significantly colder. That gaze, the one I still saw in my toughest moments threatened to steel all the iron from my spine and leave me crumbled in a heap for daring to have believed I deserved to be here. I very nearly did as I began to feel a slight tremor in my knees.
‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’
I steeled myself and returned the ice-filled gaze with as much intensity as I could as I spoke. “ Έχω εκπαιδευτεί, έχω ματώσει, έχω πολεμήσει, και έχω σκοτώσει γι ' αυτή τη γη. Επέστρεψα για να διεκδικήσω ό, τι είναι δικό μου για να συνεχίσω τον αγώνα. Έχω αφιερώσει στην άμυνα των χωρών, γι ' αυτό είμαι άξιος.” I held his gaze, not even daring to blink, not even daring to breathe as he seemingly gazed at my very soul, judging it and weighing my words.
I began to feel burning in my lungs and watering in my eyes in the longest moment of my entire life when he stood abruptly and finally replied. ”Θα δούμε, με τον ένα ή τον άλλο τρόπο. Αν δεν είσαι, η Χιονάτη θα θάψει τα κόκκαλά σου.” With that he turned and began moving more swiftly than he should have been able to for a large flat topped boulder at waist height. Mostly drowned by the wind I could have sworn I heard, ”Ελπίζω να είσαι έτοιμος.” I did not have time to think on what I believed I’d heard as those piercing eyes were lain on me once again and was beckoned forward. I moved forward as steadily and fluidly as I could despite the growing heaviness I felt in my extremities. I stood next to Grandfather as he gave me a final, appraising look before pointing towards the waist high rock. ”Γδύσου και ξάπλωσε. Τότε, θα ξεκινήσουμε.”
The command was curt, but also buked no argument. ‘This is what I returned for.’ I reminded myself as I forced already numb fingers to lower the hood of my jacket and unzip it from my body. I shrugged out of the jacket, immediately feeling the body heat it’d been holding in dissipate. I dragged the long-sleeved shirt I’d been wearing underneath over my head, as well as the undershirt that had been under that off. Suddenly, my torso was bear in the face of some of the coldest weather I had ever experienced, and yet again I felt my reserve waning. I certainly didn’t want to continue disrobing, in fact I wanted to bundle up as much as possible and never feel this cold again. ‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’ I found myself chanting inwardly again as my hands clumsily worked at my belt and pants. I pulled them down around my boots which I then stepped out of, immediately feeling the cold seep into me exponentially faster. Gooseflesh covered my entire body and the cold was digging ever deeper in my mind, slowing my thoughts to what felt like a crawl. The only thought that held any clarity was the mantra I had taken since deciding to return. ‘I will be worthy, or I won’t be. But now is the time that I will know.’ I hopped onto the stone and laid down, staring up into the angry clouds above as I continued to lose all sensation of my body at an increasing rate. Violent tremors were racking my body but it was doing nothing to combat the cold. I was either getting delirious, which was distinctly possible, but it seemed to be getting even colder as the wind picked up yet another octave.
Grandfather watched me shake for several long moments before clearly stating over the howling, ”Ξυπνήστε έναν άνθρωπο του χειμώνα, ή να μην ξυπνήσει καθόλου.” At this utterance he placed a hand on my forehead and at the center of my chest and began to speak. Between the cold seeping out the last vestiges of warmth from my body and the louder and louder howling of the wind the words he spoke were lost to me. After another minute the cold no longer felt cold but instead was scalding. If I could still think I would have pondered it but where the snow touched my back and buttocks I felt as if I was on fire. Where the wind whipped snowflakes against my bare flesh it felt as if hot magma was being dripped on me.
‘I…. Worthy…. Not…. Will know…’ I tried to hold onto the thought that had carried me this far but the paradoxical sensations and befuddlement were overwhelming me. I knew I should be doing something but I was just so tired… And this place was so warm… It’d be fine if…. Quick…. Nap….
…
”Yes. I do believe you shall suffice.<i></i>”
I felt myself jolt awake at the voice in my ear, launching to my feet and falling into a battle stance as I scanned the area. Snow was piled high around me in the immediate area as I searched for threats with a practiced eye. Curiously, I found none, and after double checking my own observation began to relax. ‘Then, who just spoke to me… and where am…’ All at once my thoughts caught up with my body as I jolted at the memories of what had occurred and attempted to make sense of it. I stood on the flat topped boulder I had been laying on before, but the weather had markedly improved. The wind had stopped howling like a banshee, the clouds had parted and I felt downright comfortable.
‘…How am I so comfortable?’ The realization confused and concerned me. I was still naked, standing in ankle high snow on the rock I’d been laying on, but I felt as warm as any good day of summer while wrapped in a light jacket. The sensation did not mesh with the brutalizing cold I knew I should be feeling. Stepping off the rock I landed in snow that came to my mid-calf, yet despite the fact that my feet should be freezing from being buried in the snow I felt no different. ‘Why can’t I feel cold?’ I thought as I moved to dig into the snow to gather my clothes. As I reached forward though I found that I had a mark on the back on my hand. Not just my left, but a mark on the right as well. ‘What in the hell?’ The thought was crystal clear and resoundingly loud as I stared at the tattoo’s that had, seemingly, appeared out of thin air on the backs of both hands.
As I reached forward again intent on digging out my clothes from the snow a bright blue began to emanate from the mark on my left hand before the snow altogether shifted out of the way, digging my clothes out of its own volition. “They aren’t even frozen…?” I whispered aloud as I touched them in further confusion, knowing they should be frozen and cold to the touch, but finding them as warm and malleable as if freshly laundered. “None of this makes any freaking sense.” I muttered to myself as I quickly got dressed to start hiking the hell out of here. It was only after I’d finished dressing that one of the biggest differences in my immediate area finally leapt to mind. ‘Where is Grandfather?’ I looked about yet again, seeing if I had somehow missed something in the last half dozen times I’d looked over the area, but found nothing different. “Παππού.” I called out, now thoroughly unnerved by everything that was happening. I searched more of the area, but not only did not find him, I found no traces of where he’d gone.
Leaving the area I began racing down the mountain to Mother’s house hoping to find Grandfather there, or at the very least find at least some answers. It took very little time compared to the trek up to reach her house where I wasted no time and flew in through the door. I found Mother sitting in a chair by a rolling fire that made the whole room feel stiflingly hot. She looked up from the fire, and spotting me offered me a smile as I began, “Mother, have you seen Grandfather? We were up on the mountain, and he said we would preform some ritual, but when I woke up I couldn’t find him, and I wasn’t cold anymore when before I’d been freezing, and when I went to collect my… clothes…?” I broke off my explanation as I realized she had raised a finger to her lips and was quietly shushing me. She calmly set her drink down and rose to walk towards me as I stared at her in ever deepening confusion. As she approached the final bit of my composure cracked and I all but whimpered, “What on earth is happening?”
She clucked in the same way she had when I was a child, admonishing me, ”Stop whimpering. It is unbecoming for a man of winter.” I began to start again, to ask more questions and get some clarification when she placed a finger on my lips, shushing me yet again before continuing, ”Enough. You now bear Winter’s Mark, as Grandfather bore before you. You are here and your grandfather is not because you were found to be more worthy than he was. Those found worthy bear the mark carry within them the spirit of Winter, while those found wanting give themselves to it. It is a secret we have carried for generations and is the source of all of our abilities with ice. While all of us are capable with manipulation, the true master is whoever bears the mark. It was your grandfather, and now it is you.”
My thoughts were a turmoil as I attempted to parse what Mother was telling me, but having very little luck. “Why wouldn’t you tell me? All these years and I thought it was just a rite of passage to be a man of the clan when in reality its closer to patricide?” The accusation was thick in my voice as I spoke, but I couldn’t bring myself to try and hide it.
Mother shook her head, that sad smile on her face as she answered, ”Kaito, that’s just it. It isn’t patricide. All men of winter live on in the mark. As to why you weren’t told, well.” she paused for a moment as she shrugged her shoulders ”It is simply our way.”
“It… Is simply our way.” I repeated, dumbfounded. I felt lied to on something I’d been training my whole life for and simply couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal. My brain was sticking on that last sentence. I simply couldn’t fathom what I’d been told, and why I hadn’t been told before. “So, I now carry a spirit inside of me, as well as the spirits of my ancestors, but I couldn’t know about it because… ‘it is simply our way’?” My mothers small, smiling nod was her only answer, but it was also the last thing I wanted to see. Flipping around I stated over my shoulder, “Then our ways are wrong. Goodbye.” Before storming out the door. I left the house and stormed across the yard, moving quickly in the direction of town and the train station with a disgusting taste in my mouth.
”hehehe. Yes, I believe this union will do nicely.<i></i>”
"Get up."
"Get up."
"You will address me in the tongue of our people or you will be silent!"
"Yes... Yes Grandfather."
"Boy, you will bring honor to our name. You will train, bleed, and fight until you are worthy of Winter's Mark, or you will not return at all. Am I understood?"
"Yes Grandfather!"
"Practice our tongue. Your speech is awful."
"Why have you come?"
"I have come to claim Winter's Mark. I have come because I am worthy."
"And what have you done to be worthy of it?"
"I have trained, I have bled, I have fought, and I have killed for this land. I have returned to claim what is mine so I may continue the fight. I have dedicated to this countries defense, THAT is why I am worthy."
"We shall see, one way or another. If you are not, snow will bury your bones."
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