Winding Up or Down | Contract Search

[Takahashi]

Continued from: The Forerunner

​

Making his way out of Soon's Haven would require passing through the Tear-Drop Oasis, at least if he didn't want to take the longer way around. The night growing darker, as it always did hours before the sun ended up changing things. It was during this time, nearing twilight hour, in which all the stars seemed to be at their most beautiful. A place like Soon's Haven never truly slept, but during the time in which most of the hustle died down the rural areas that managed to feed the growing city. It was a beautiful change from the underground, being able to see so much greenery as he took his time walking over hills and observing produce fields.

His primary goal of gathering intelligence on the more prominent merchants of the area had been completed, and the larger more important task of gaining information on the Daimyo went successful as well. Things were far more complicated than they seemed, and he knew that the elders weren't all quite aware of this. If Shouki was related to the Daimyo, then it meant the possibility that Sunagakure was being targeted by a force that already outnumbered them. It seemed like a wild stretch of the imagination, but after all the devastation left behind it seemed entirely unlikely that the Cabal would leave the damage as is. Bad guys were never so easily satisfied, taking their moment of triumph to no doubt further some more nefarious goal. They'd already taken something from Makeinu personally, and that was enough to set his sights on the superior fighting force and their involvement in the corruption of Wind Country as a whole.

Temporarily distracted from his heavier thoughts by the beauty of nature, he decided to take it upon himself rest on one of the higher elevated hills. The shade of a large tree cast a shadow over an already darkly clothed boy sheltered by night's covering as well. Sitting there cross-legged, his palms rested on his knees while he stared out towards the moon. He'd begin to re-evaluate his life so far, all the people he'd met and situations he'd involved himself with in such a short amount of time. On his waking day he met two ancients and lost one, the following eve saw him dragging the unconscious bodies of the Kazekage-Steward and his companion to safety after a brutal defeat at the hands of the Cabal. Losing himself to exhaustion he woke up elsewhere, in the Toraono Dojo only to undergo another series of unfortunate and strange events that lead to his body eventually becoming more stable than it had previously been.

While Kuro's seal would normally have given him an unusual amount of connectivity with anyone bearing his mark, Makeinu remained an anomaly in the sense that only his general location and proximity would be deferred to his elder upon examination. His thoughts were a maelstrom of indecipherable emotions all smashing together within the small space of his young skull. The energy he possessed was unlike that of the others, favoring no element and greedily seeking more than it needed from whatever element that came near. The armor crafted at the Toraono Dojo helped to keep his cells from overloading themselves, but his actual muscle fibers were in need of a small break. Whether he would end up meeting another unusual entity or two on that near twilight hour remained to be seen. The bags holding his books were placed beside him, and his head hung backwards as he looked upwards and inhaled the night air steadily. He was plotting his future.

WC: 600+
Seeking: Toad or Snake

 

[Toraono Kuro]

You have found the Tiger contract do you accept?

 

[Takahashi]

While it's not what I was asking for, I humbly accept. The universe has a way of giving us what we need rather than what we want.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

They rose from the sands beneath Makeinu and began making their way towards a distant set of stone ledges peaking from beneath the sands. Metallic felines of various colors and tones all made their way towards their destiny and it occurred to Makeinu that as they passed he could see the look of determination in their eyes. So much like his own as they walked without rhythm so as to not attract the notice of a sandwyrm. They were confident, there were serious and even though they were not all of one pride or group they respected eachother as they moved along. A lion whose fur was crimson and his tail aflame stopped before Makeinu and took a deep whiff before tasting the air around the boy.

Spoiler

Makeinu could feel the heat radiating from him but it wasn't unpleasant just constant, his breath smelled of old nickels, metallic and strong. His right eye had been replaced by a carmot crystal and from the markings on his iron like fur it was obvious he had been altered by someone's hand. Yet it was also obvious to Makeinu that he was young, there no wrinkles in the corners of his eyes and he was not as large nor did he possess as much hair as the other great beasts.

"Hello cub, are you lost or might you be seeking the ceremony of acceptance as well?"

 

[Takahashi]

From his perch atop the hill, the boy's eye would be caught by the metallic sheen of the distinct felines' coats. The moon's glow reflected off their natural armor in a way that sent flickering waves of illumination over the nearby scenery. They were hard to miss at the very least, but they were stopping for no one, clearly on a mission of some sort. It was as if the creatures had discovered their destinies and made a pact to seek it it rather than wait for it to arrive. Conviction radiated from the pride of varying breeds, and curiosity began to get the better of the young albino.

Leaning forward and pressing his palms against his knees in order to get a better look, seeing the stone ledges they were headed for. One of the creatures passed extremely close by, prompting the boy to sit back a bit as the crimson coated feline approached. His own sanguine colored irises remained stationing while their pupils stared at the animal without indicating any of the thoughts that lurked beneath. His heartbeat increased marginally, but not out of fear. There was a certain level of excitement that came from being in such an unexpected predicament, where defending oneself could happen at any moment. The light from the big cat's flaming tail made the shadows around them dance, but red lion's words were even more surprising.

Pausing for a moment, he questioned why it was that a talking animal would surprise him. After all, Kuro was almost more beast than man and everyone else he met wouldn't have been considered a normal human being by a long shot. It was just something he hadn't come across, except for in books laying around that were explicitly labeled as fiction. Bringing himself back to the question at hand, recalled to the present by the heat of the beast's breath, he'd lock onto the single carmot eye before casually looking at the earth. "Nah, I'm not lost. Thank you, for the concern n' all." He'd pull his hands into his lap and away from his knees, allowing his shroud to fully fall over them in response to the shift. "If you don't mind me askin', what's this ceremony of acceptance you mentioned?" He already knew it had something to do with all those large cats, but it couldn't hurt to get some details.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kanaki grinned a non killing grin as he nodded to his kin to continue ahead as he spoke to the man cub. Several female iron lioness's forged ahead with 3 cubs of their own. One of the cubs even sported a tail that carried blue flames, with matching blue eyes and almost midnight blue ferric fur. "The ancient ways tell us that we gather at the stones of fate and ask the celestials and their kindred the demonbeasts which of us are fit to lead and which of our children are fit to be our heirs. Every so often one of us becomes something more and when one of us is special enough we are judged whether we are fit to join the summoned. They live in a fertile valley, they are free to learn the ways of the tenchi, the akuma, and all the elements. It is the opportunity to join the elite of the warrior chosen. I am not going to see who will be chosen as one of the summoned I am going to present my son and test his quality to be my heir. I know he will lead well but I want to make sure all the prides of the desert know whose son is the most promising. All that can find the stones of fate are welcome to participate. Now, please excuse me I must join my family." With a mighty leap the crimson lion of iron fur was off and nearly caught up with his family their off and on flaming tails all that Makeinu could see in the distance.

 

[Takahashi]

Wind Country was full of many strange creatures, some of which he'd read about and some he'd seen on the way to Soon's Haven from Sunagakure. The felines he saw were no more strange than Cave Crawlers, Sand Tribbles, Armatunks, Dune Bugs, or any of the other alien-like lifeforms that inhabited the wilds of Kaze no Kuni. The only difference being this particular red creature spoke the common tongue. Without lips no less. The boy listened as the metallic felidae wove a tale of interest to Makeinu's pursuits. He himself was crossing paths with the likes of those who claimed the ancestry of the Akuma, the wisdom of the Tenchi, and commanded the forces of the elements with ease. Upon hearing of the plans for the lion's own cub, a respectful nod would be given. "I wish you luck." An honest but simple comment.

He watched for a moment as the feline excused himself and dashed off into the distance to join his kin. Against his better judgement, Makeinu found himself rising to his feet before the crimson beast was out of sight entirely. Grabbing his bag with his things he'd sprint forward. Running wasn't in his best interest considering the fact that his lungs were still getting used to being taxed with any sort of effort. Still, he needed to see this ceremony. Maybe, if they'd allow it, he'd be able to participate. He had yet to test himself since falling before Mikaboshi at the Obsidian Palace. It was a chance to rebuild his confidence and start growing again.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

As Makeinu approached a small shaky paw steadied itself on the sands, the poor cub was emaciated and had obviously been through quite a few fights but it's eyes glared with pride in itself. It stopped as it watched the line of powerful beings and their family make their way to the stones as the sands slid away, the young cub grabbed the kill it had been dragging and the sands themselves made effort to help the little scrapper. It had apparently been in a fight to the death with some kind of raptor like creature and from the tears at its throat the cub had won. Famished and upset with itself the cub quickly devoured as much as it could to regain its strength before grasping the raptor's head in its mouth and continuing on its trek. With a glare of intuition it looked back at Makeinu and nodded for him to follow him. It seemed the beast identified with Makeinu in a way that it could only express through feeling and motion. The trials were coming for all and the last of the Sunatora had chosen a man cub for aid, it could see that this one was willing to take any opportunity to succeed.

Makeinu gains the companion Sunatora a near extinct tiger with Sunaku abilities.

Spoiler

Bite -- (Damaging) (Single Target)
A basic attack where the pet clamps down on a single opponent. Although this attack is not exceedingly damaging, it is an early pet staple that gets more powerful as the pet grows and gains experience.
Effect: Attacks a single opponent at +2 accuracy and does 40 damage.
Tier III: Damage is increased to 160 damage.

Burial Chamber -- Tier I (Bind) (Single Target)
A move that grows with a pet over time to be even more dangerous, this is one of two BIND attacks that can actually cause a pet damage when a pet becomes strong enough. The earth rises up and engulfs a pet, at higher levels a pet can actually control this earth so that it squeezes the trapped pet inside.
Effect: At -3 accuracy, this attack targets a single pet. If it lands, the pet is considered BOUND. When bound a pet can make no moves. This bind is broken once this pet is attacked or damaged by a source besides Burial Chamber or a damage over time effect that the pet is already suffering from. This bind lasts for up to 3 rounds. This can trap a pet once per battle but this technique can be used against other pets in the same battle (Meaning, a Sandworm can only be trapped in this once per battle but if the opponent also has a Carnasaur then the Carnasaur can also be trapped in this technique.)

Tier IV: This bind now causes 10% max HP loss for the trapped pet per round the pet remains trapped and still lasts for 4 rounds.

Sand Mastery - Passive
Born attuned to sand, the Sunaku have long been able to manipulate sand with mere thoughts and shape it to their will. The Sunaku's natural affinity brings forth the true strength of sand due to their control, controlling it subconsciously as they act as the artist in a broad range of fluid combinations with sand.

Rank 2: +10% Sand damage
---

Sand Manipulation - Passive
"With sand, anything is possible." This is a quote of the Sunaku that perfectly describes their adept control over this element. Their affinity shows perhaps the greatest control seen throughout the land when it comes to manipulation, for the sunaku can use sand to create any image they vision within their mind, whether it be a complex jutsu, or even a small weapon. Nothing is beyond their capability to create, and so long as their is ground around the Sunaku, they will never be without their natural element.

Rank 3: May convert Earth and Wind Jutsu into Sand at no extra cost.

Notes:
- Sand Jutsu require no handseals.
- The Sunaku automatically has access to the Sand element.
- All techniques used with this are treated as Sand element.

---

Protection of the Sands - Passive
A unique ability to the Sunaku, their control over sand is so perfect that they need little more than a thought to control even the most difficult of sand techniques. At some point during the Sunaku's life, their skill becomes so great that they do not even need to think about protecting themselves, their subconsciousness protecting them even without the users intentions.

Rank 2: Sand has a 50% chance to reduce an oncoming attack by 15% damage.

Sand Streams - Attacking Sand Jutsu
Though the sunaku are capable of forming their techniques into intricate designs and methods of attacks, perhaps their most used ability shows little or none of the flair they are capable of. Using these streams of sand, the Sunaku simply wills the sand around them to shoot forwards and and smash into their target, without the Sunaku's slightest motion. By simply standing still, the Sunaku can control the sand to strike their targets in any manner, each attack seeming to lead into the next and making this ability difficult to escape.

Rank 1: Creates three streams of sand which each deal 310 damage at +1 Accuracy.

Costs:
Rank 1: 310 CP, 2.0 AP

Notes:
- For each miss, the remaining hits gain +.5 Accuracy. For each hit, the remaining attacks have a +5% chance of suppression. Both stack, however this only lasts for the remainder of this attack.

Sand Mist - Sand AoE Debuff
Sometimes, the best offense is a great defense. In this case, the best defense is the one where no one can be seen. The Sunaku are able to create a mist of sand by kicked up debris, rising off the ground in a sandy haze. The sand not only obscures vision, but it enters the body of the shinobi with each breath, causing an inflammatory sensation with each breath as miniature sand crystals cut the throat.

Rank 1: Creates a Sand Mist that gives -2 accuracy to all affected. A Ninjutsu check must be made each round within, and if failed, any within take 970 damage from inhaling sand shards.

Its immediate hunger satisfied it marched with its head held high its offering in its mouth and a possible companion hopefully following him into the fray.

 

[Takahashi]

Running atop sand was easier said than done, each grain of sand shifting and sliding beneath your weight at all times made balance difficult. It required an instinctual sense of agility and coordination to move as nimbly as he did towards his destination, eyes almost constantly shifting between the ground and his surroundings. It nearly seemed as if he was half running and half skating with the way his sandals would glide atop the sandy surface. His arms would wave about and steady as he fought to keep himself upright, the sound of his breathing becoming louder and louder through his breathing mask. Sweat was already rolling down the sides of his face though it was the middle of the night with no sun to beat down on him. He hadn't even noticed the little cub that remained on the fringes of his own society.

Makeinu couldn't stop himself from seeing that razor sharp smile given to him by the red lion from earlier, it wasn't terrifying so much as it was cool. A fierce countenance was something that seemed to attract the boy, far more so than having an appearance pleasing to the dominant society's eye. Beneath his mask, he mimicked the same toothy grin, although one of his central incisors were gone. The slight growl emitted as he pushed himself through the pain and exhaustion he was starting to experience. He could see the felines and their different colored fur and flames, in his mind at least. He wanted to catch up, to see just what they were and learn as much as he could. He saw an opportunity for power, but the truth of it all was that as a young man he was caught up in something magical and that any boy would have fallen in love with. So many horrible things had happened to him since his initial awakening in the hospital, but it seemed that things were looking up for him ever since he was saved.

It was only when his body was forced to slow down and make him catch his breath did he notice the little cub not far away. His crimson eyes settled on the bloody maw of the small beast as it held the head of its most recent kill in its jaws. It was a sight that brought a mixture of feelings with it. The cub looked like him in a sense, so skinny as to appear starved and brittle and yet standing there triumphant with its trophy as sign of its will. It was clear to Makeinu that this, runt, for lack of a better term, was going for the ceremony as well. An obvious underdog, and a reminder of the albino's namesake. The defiant gaze made Makeinu feel a sense of pride, strength in seeing another being fight against the odds and not bow down to circumstance. Then the most curious thing of all happened, the skinny victor began to trod away but quickly nodded for Makeinu himself to follow. It didn't take a rocket scientist to put two and two together, the little cub hadn't a pack like the others and surely would need some sort of assistance. "You bet I'm in." He responded, regardless of whether the cub truly understood him or not. He'd follow behind, a bit more able to resist his fatigue with the knowledge that so much more was about to happen. He wouldn't be too far behind the cub, at best enough to cover its back from any ambush as they moved towards the meeting grounds.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

As they made their way in the Sunatora proudly marched in and dropped the remnants of its recent kill at the feet of the great elders and sat down regally as the sand rose to it and sealed its wounds. Looking back at Makeinu and nodding for him to join him. He waited while the elders finished their discussion then made an announcement which Kanaki settled by near enough to translate for Makeinu. A series of roars and growls ensued along with a spattering of hissing as each elder made their statement before looking down with great sympathy upon the Sunatora. Kanaki wept as he translated as he too felt the pang of suffering and horror for the last of his tribe and the rally that was to come. We elders of the lions, tigers, cheetahs, panthers, of the south declare that Kaze no Kuni is no longer our land and recede our grasp of this desert and yield our land to the reptiles. This will be our final trial at the stones of pride, the ancient race of the Sunatori are no more, this cub is the last of a warrior family born of and bound to this desert vast. We cannot force you to leave this land because we know that extended period away from the desert will most assuredly kill you. Your brethren are no longer able to stay here and though any of you that wish to may stay we elders and our families will head North to Mountain country where game is plentiful. Those who remain here will have to face the reptile kingdom. As such we are here to offer our recommendation to all whom would attempt to join the contract warriors. Who here would accept the challenges of the masters?"<i></i> Many families held their heads low but Sunatora still held his head high. He was the last of his kind as far as all around him new. Created by the ancients to help steward the desert, the storm had decimated their race but none would allow themselves to neglect their duty to the desert and even helped herd sandwyrms away from travelers and other tribes. Now the last of their pride would make his own presence felt.

 

[Takahashi]

His tattered shroud moved to the gentle commands of the night breeze, swaying about in harmony with nature's ideals. The small sandy colored creature lead the way, and soon they'd enter the sacred domain they'd sought all along. Makeinu soaked in the details, picking up his pace just enough to witness the offering to the elders. When signaled to join the wild cub he complied silently, but kept looking towards the elders and all the other gathered felines from the corners of his eyes. Being the sole human being there made him outnumbered, but even among other humans he stood out and never seemed to belong in the first place. He was an accident it seemed to all, something that shouldn't have been.

With a small exhale beneath his mask, the boy would settle his pupils towards the floor as Kanaki approached. It wasn't a sigh of exasperation or relief but more an action to soothe the self. He felt something building up inside him, sensed the trial approaching as the bestial roars and growls took over. The crimson lion's translations were listened to intently, every word being taken into consideration and logged away at the same time. Unconsciously, he found himself frowning as the details became clear and furthermore developing a somewhat disgusted look of defiance about the whole thing. His eyes darted about, seeing just how many of them were backing down from a chance to fight for their home and a right to exist in peace. Though an amnesiac, certain feelings brought on by the present situation felt too familiar. So familiar in fact, that his stomach began to cramp viciously but he merely grit his teeth in silence. It was the cub he himself had come with, the last of the Sunatori that kept his head high.

"...Can't believe you're lettin' 'em run you off." He started before he could help himself. "They ain't got no right." He wasn't concerned about the details. Strength or might wasn't Right in and of itself to this young man. Just because you had the strength to take something away from someone didn't make it legitimately your own. No, it meant that you violated the Right of another person to safely exist and co-exist with the rest of the world. His though processes weren't going to be in the same realm as the creatures around him, for while some knew and understood the common tongue they were animals and thus merely articulate beasts. Their desires were the same, their instincts, their ability to understand higher order thinking. However; Makeinu was not a beast, he was a child. A son of Man. His instincts screamed into his soul the laws that should be obeyed. "Me and the Sunatori accept. We'll fight the lizards" His voice remained casual, soft, and slightly raspy. The posture he took, arms folded and brows knitted showed his annoyance with the fact the elders would even suggest conceding to the reptilian invaders in the first place.

Something about all of this felt so personal to him, but then again why wouldn't it? When all things in life were connected, every life affecting another, and each being continually co-creating the reality in which all beings existed within?

[MFT - WC: 539]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The elder slammed his paw into the mountain side summoning an ancient beast of old that would disappear and be reborn upon their new mountain home as a cub. "Then let the trials begin, your first quest is to capture or defeat Rrragt wigh Sire Kazangan the only one of us to ever stop a volcano. You may use any tactic, you may strike at him with all your might just know that his very being is earth and flame like the primal ancients of the forgotten times."<i></i> The stones to the north of the gathering began to glow a bright orange as the soil blackened and a small cavern opening was cleared of stone, sand, and debris as Kazangan the Resurrection stepped forth from his sealed chamber at the summons of the Elder Tiger. He looked down upon Sunatora and Makeinu with a look of confusion before stepping forth and roaring the throaty snarling tear of sonic vibration that caused Sunatora and Makeinu to be hit with a wave of heat even at a distance of over seven hundred yards.

 

[Takahashi]

The tremors sent by the elder's paw against the stony mountainside spread through the earth. The small albino maintained his balance against the vibrations, unfolding his arms as the voice of the elder announced proudly some champion of old. Sounds in the north garnered his attention, showcasing a scene in which the darkened stones quickly became vermillion with heat. The earth turned ebony, and a creature seemingly formed of all those things emerged from a cavernous opening that opened up from the sands. The heatwaves distorted the light around the powerful beast, but his deadly potential was evident even to a fool.

The information was processed quickly, in but a matter of seconds really. His opponent wouldn't be a reptile, instead it would be a predatory beast held together by magma at its core. There was something ironic about its confused countenance as its powerful and vibrant eyes heavily weighed upon Makeinu and his companion, but before he could figure it out the creature would further make its presence known. A magnificent roar that sent a sonic pulse barreling in a broad radius all around the beast for as far as they eye could see, carrying a heat that scorched Makeinu's thin skin that was exposed, drawing blood from his forehead and cheek slightly as the skin broke under the pressure. The being's audial imposition was filled with ancient power and spiritual energies, though unseen, went seeping into the young child's very pores.

His eyes had the same dull and uninterested look about them that they normally did despite all that was occurring, but the mask on his face was slowly malforming (I made that word up, I think.) as it fed from the aggressive intentions building within him. The leather strap began to creep and crawl upward, forming a patch over his eye while the mouthpiece all over a sudden was sporting a full set of teeth with no lips to cover them. They'd have been closed tight had not the zipper apparently been open, which allowed for one to see Makeinu's actual lips just barely underneath. The mask moved as his lips did, allowing for seemingly two sets of mouth to utter the same ideology. "You can step out ta face me and a skinny cub, but hide underground and run away when the lizards come around." Bitterness peppered his every soft-spoken word.

The uncovered left eye remained exposed, scarlet and gleaming in the night as the lightly charred fingers of his right hand found the front of his mask. The naturally blackened nails reflected the moon's light just faintly on its dark opaque, meanwhile his tongue pushed passed the mask's teeth and over his pinkie. It was the same little finger that was broken, and didn't have much mobility at all. It was was prevented him from performing most hand seals, thus barring him from Ninjutsu and Genjutsu almost entirely. Taijutsu was all that he had, and he had never formally been instructed in that either. Besides hitting things and being hit, all he had were his tools and the near extinct creature he had followed. The feline gathering might of had respect for this being for some task performed in times immemorial, legendary perhaps. That didn't matter to a boy like him, for whom the past did not exist and the future was merely a topic to consider rather than actuality. If you didn't do all that you could do in the present, in the very moment, then what right did you have to say you tried?

It would be impossible to try and string together the words to express how it all made him feel, and in a way that he or anyone else could comprehend clearly. One thing was certain, and it was that he saw something disdainful in the particular ancient at hand. Stepping forward and beginning a steady approach, he dipped forward and to the side in order to dig a solitary stone out of the blackened sands and roll it between his fingers. He knew if he touched the beast with his body he would burn, but did he really care? Tossing the rock up and down in his hand one round before flinging it at the magma beast's forehead. With a nod in Sunatora's direction he'd take a half step back, tilting his head in the same direction as if goading the beast. "This guy's the only one with any guts left it looks like." He referenced Sunatora honorably while speaking out against the silence of the entire pride. "Make a move or he will, big shot." Irreverence for Kazangan running rampant.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Many whom were content to leave now hung their heads in shame except the elders and Kanaki whom understood perfectly how the cub and Makeinu felt but the wisdom to leave where they could no longer exist was also prudent. That did not mean they were beyond leaving some problems behind for the reptile clan and the fact that a Sunatora still lived and breathed was good enough to awaken one of his ancient predecessors and have him seen off properly. The rock struck the massive molten beast's head and dropped off to the side. A killing grin emerged as glowing red fangs of flame and stone gleamed in the blackened air. Before he rushed across the blackened sands to answer the feelings of his challengers. He leapt and bounded as he picked up speed while Sunatora took on a serene look. He could not dash across the burnt sands as they were not within his power while his ancestor called upon the earth within the sands around him to power his lava. Instead with a serenity and faith in himself seldom seen among any beast he called upon the dunes at his back. His roar was young and easily smothered by his ancestor but the sands heard his request as they formed armor around Makeinu and him both, his wounds began to melt away as the sands themselves devoured the remaining flesh of the raptor he had brought as proof us his adulthood even though by age he was barely a teen. Memories of his parents facing the hordes of reptiles in defense if their territory and his fellow kits filled his heart. The winds began to spiral down becoming three small twisters as Sunatora looked back upon Makeinu before using the sands to amplify his will and roar once more in a proper challenge to Kazangan. At first all Makeinu could feel was a vibration beneath himself and then suddenly he felt the comforting vice grip of sand armor granting him a feeling of strength as Sunatora now used the sand to roar Makeinu could see in his eyes that he wanted, no needed Makeinu to roar with him. The heatwave blasted them both as the wellspring of desert energy built up and the skies cleared as the sand twisters channeled more and more desert power into Sunatora, his flesh began to glow from the ferocity of spirit he desperately channeled but he had no true release valve his heart alone was too small.

 

[Takahashi]

No longer was his attention focused on those around them who were unwilling to fight. The threat before him was consuming large quantities of his attention with its abundance of dangerousness. The sound of the small rock clanking against the hardened skull of the infernal tiger was similar to a paper ball hitting a steel door. It was funny enough for the child the visibly smile a bit before reaching up and zipping his mask shut while a murderously feral grin greeted him. His own eyes widened even as the large beast galloped across the sands. Flaws were exposed that his mind immediately went to work on formulating ways of exploiting. Earlier statements about his target's source of power and elemental composition overall were fresh in his mind, and he broke down a plan that was almost as easy as Janken/Rock, Paper, Scissor.

More and more was rapidly being added to the psychic equation, taking note of Sunatora's abilities as streams of ebony sand wrapped around their bodies like grainy silk. "Nice." He spoke under his breath, looking at his hands as the sands formed obsidian armor that was light and durable. The armor was inornate, smooth and sleek as it game him a feeling of strength beyond anything he had experienced before. The dark grains spread over his head from the base of his skull and solidified in the form of a helmet, much like what you'd expect from a motorcyclist or a futuristic ninja. Through the dark tinted but transparent face-shield, the wily artificial grin lingered in sight for all to see.The struggling roar that summoned it all showed the cub's youth more than its strength, but as they recovered wounds and prepared for war together it was the strongest ally he had ever made.

The powerfully twisting columns of wind that erupted all around them threatened to suck any of them up, and rip them apart but all combatants remained firm. The same struggling roar as before reached out, this time stronger and with more intent as it challenged the larger and older beast. Makeinu felt the armor fastening to his body as he nodded back to the cub, uncertain of what he was about to do but proceeded anyway. Inhaling through his nostrils deeply and swelling his little chest visibly, he let loose a roar as well. His voice was weak, raspy, scratchy, and strained, but carried with it a sort of genuine defiance and primal will that couldn't be denied. The sound wasn't withheld by the black helmet, likely the grains of sand that constructed its shape had no issue making way for the vibrations. Who knew what the real excuse was?

The heatwave that swept them both would be pushed against, quickly stepping forward and reaching into his belt pouch but speaking to Sunatora. "Can you hit his legs with that sand of yours?" He knew the effects of heating sand, and just one of his many plans were about to be set into motion. If the cub would get the point, the man-cub would toss out a Micro Chakra Bomb, hoping Sunatora would take advantage of the instinctual dodge Kazangan would hopefully attempt and attack with sand streams in the opposite direction nearby to pincer. They didn't speak the same language, so instinct and an unspoken bond would guide their actions perhaps. If they could find a way to start crippling Kazangan, then Makeinu could put to test the strength of this armor he'd been given.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Makeinu expected his roar to be weak and raspy like his normal voice but what he soon felt was nothing less than SunaTora's eternal spirit and heart as his heartfelt need to represent his fallen family came out from the very sands and Makeinu's own lungs and throat as what started as a raspy yell turned into a fullfledged double roar that shook the very sands Kazangan was running across and cracked some the blackened armor that held his form as he was pushed back twenty feet by the fierce spiritual essence the two young cubs possessed. The elders began nodding accordingly and Kazangan smiled again but not a killing smile. He easily dodged the sand streams and willed the micro explosive that Makeinu possessed to be inert.It could be recharged if Makeinu concentrated his own chakra upon it. It was a smile of sincerity that even Makeinu could recognize as the elemental beast trotted across the shattered sands and placed an excessively warm but nonlethal paw upon SunaTora's shoulder before nuzzling his forehead and giving off a series of growls, spats, and cuffs that caused Sunatora to weep. Kanaki translated, "Kazangan avenged Sunatora's family after he was left for dead in the desert by the reptiles that attacked them. All save one whom was not present when he awakened to their blood in the sands, Kazangan apologized for not being there sooner but he is dying and had to pass on his elemental essence to his children. He has saved the last of his essence for those worthy of it." He then placed a carmot claw and a carmot fang before Sunatora and Makeinu respectively. He then turned and faced Makeinu like a general of old inspecting a young soldier. Makeinu could see every crack in Kazangan's face and he could suddenly see how old this elemental beast truly was. Pure black orbs peered into Makeinu and no one knows what Kazangan saw but he smiled genuinely before biting Makeinu gently on the shoulder. A feeling of warmth and acceptance flooded his body from his shoulder to his heart to his feet before rushing to his head. He could feel fire and earth beneath his flesh for a brief flash before Kazangan trotted off and settled to rest at the foot of pride rock after placing his mark on the stone it began to blacken then shriek as it became permanent like someone walking in fresh concrete before it hardens. He then began to sleep as his fiery color darkened before he became stone as well. Kanashi wept as he saw the wounds and realized what had happened. "Kazangan was dying from serpent petrification poison, yet he still came forth to test the last desert tiger..." Kanashi went to his elder's side and openly wept as his family came to join him in mourning.

 

[Takahashi]

The small turquoise marble that was the manifested shape of his Micro Chakra Bomb hit the sands quietly, its power suddenly willed away. Kazangan gracefully avoided Sunatora's assault, and all the while Makeinu stood there frozen. The after effects of what just happened lingered in his mind, the way his own voice suddenly changed and the power within his lungs that spread throughout his whole being. The world around them was still steadying itself from the potent quakes caused by the audial vibrations. No longer focused on the elders, he missed their nods of approval but was faced with Kazangan's sincere expression of acceptance. It was perplexing but in a way he understood the bare basics, and it was all a power greater than his own at work to aide in their spiritual rebellion.

He could see the sand turning to glass and cracking beneath the large feline's weight, a crunching noise following it as it neared nimbly. As Kazangan neared Sunatora, Makeinu shifted and reached for yet another tool but stopped himself from pulling anything out long enough to see the paw landing. As the two creatures communicated it became clear that combat was no longer their aim with this creature, and Kanaki would arrive and cement that fact with ease. What Makeinu learned about Sunatora's family and Kazangan's bravery filled him with mixed emotions. There was most notably a sense of guilt for letting his hasty emotions cause him to disregard Kazangan so callously before, a child thinking he knew it all. A flaw that would follow him for many a day.

With shame in his heart, but pride outweighing it, he silently accepted the carmot fang. Giving a small but respectful bow, he made it clear he understood the change in pace. With the large bestial figure of mythical constitution staring at him with scouting eyes, the child could only suppress a flinch as the titan gently nipped his tiny shoulder. The sensation he was filled with was alien to him, of deep and undefinable warmth accompanied by almost familial attachment. The old and near crumbling beast was so much more like Makeinu than he ever thought, realizing this as the creature pulled away and trotted off to rest in peace nearby. The feeling of earthen solidarity and fiery passion flooded his body in a lingering flash, prompting him to stand there looking at his fist.

Looking up and towards Kanaki and Sunatora with a rather saddened expression in his eyes, the young man contrasted horribly with the toothed mask. A mask that was now fading from reality and being replaced by something a little more contemporary. The boy's heartbeat still throbbed against his chest and ribcage with wild abandon, finding it difficult to slow down after the rough engagement. Still he found himself steadied while approaching the petrified Kazangan and kneeling before him momentarily. "I'm sorry for my attitude...I know a lot but there's still so much more that I don't. Each one of us is an entirely separate consciousness, always goin' through a different experience at a different time and influenced by those things differently. The only one that knows everythin' is the Creator, I owe both you and the only Lord an apology. I'll learn from my mistakes here." He seemed suddenly so much more mature, filled with an understanding of the situation well beyond his years. There was true regret behind his statements, and definite conviction behind his words of prophesied improvement.

Standing up slowly, he seemed to wobble a bit. He'd reach out and place a palm on the warm forehead of the large feline turned monolith. Leaning forward and pressing his own forehead against the back of his palm, the center of their foreheads would meet before he pulled away. Turning and walking over to Sunatora, he'd reach down and lightly place his hand atop the cub's head as well. Things had certainly died down, like a blazing forest after a sudden storm douses the inferno. The simplistic but aerodynamic armor that had spawned on his body now had cracks in it, along its shoulder and most of the helmet's face. It was likely due to the resonance from the combined spiritual bellow let loose by himself and the cub earlier, what an adventure. Yet, he didn't know what else would happen but remained mentally aware.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The winds kicked and buckled as the entire area began to frost over as a seeming star fell from the sky as a celestial tiger fell from the very heaven's roaring in disbelief and denouncement of Kazangan's death. Nooo... no no no ... you can't go... you can't leave me alone... we were supposed to challenge the heavens together. BROTHER!!!!NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! She cried tears of crystal and ice as she landed before the stone caricature that was once her brother. She had felt his passing and could not believe it, he was elemental, he was as eternal as she was, the only way he could die was in battle against a greater opponent and none of the beasts present were strong enough to have felled him. Touching his forehead she found a vision of the last beings he had battled against and she turned to view the last desert tiger and his companion and the rage that welled up from within her was like a blizzard of hurricane proportions as she focused her glowing eyes upon Makeinu as well. Ice crystals formed as she breathed as she stalked towards the two of them.

"There is no way in the heavens that you two cubs could have felled my brother, yet his last thought of happiness was for the two of you. So you will both show me WHY he gave up the last of his life energies to the two of you. YOU BOTH WILL SHOW ME YOU WERE WORTHY OF HIS SACRIFICE OR SO HELP ME I WILL RIP OUT AND EAT YOUR STILL BEATING HEARTS WHILE YOU STILL HAVE ENOUGH LIFE IN YOU TO BREATHE!! You will face me with EVERYTHING and pray I find you worthy." The elders hung their heads in shame for they had not known of Kazangan's predicament prior to summoning him as was traditional. Now his sister Fubuki wanted revenge upon an enemy they could not seek.

 

[Takahashi]

The quiet before yet another storm didn't last long. Heavy hearts had little time to mourn their loss and decisions, at least for Makeinu and his furred companion. A forewarning tempest whipped into a fierce gale as the temperature began to plummet. Looking up the boy would have to shield his eyes from the bright light that approached from space, using the hand not atop Sunatora's crown. As what could have been though to be a shooting star advanced it changed the climate even more. With a sudden crash there was an eruption of ice and bestial woe, the would-be comet had landed.

Feeling the earth quake beneath his feet, and the fighting spirit having been stolen by misunderstanding, he merely watched. The near silvery blue tiger was the antithesis of her departed sibling, sporting cobalt conflagrations about her body that frost and ice about. With a near limp posture, still shielding his eyes but peering through the sudden blizzard he felt strange and guilty as she turned to face him. There was a minor drop in the height of his shoulders, and the cold temperature was already making goosebumps sprout all over his flesh. Perhaps it was the sweat that lingers from before that made it easier for him to be chilled so harshly so quickly. The disbelief and subsequent rage shown by the celestial being did little to change the status of the youth.

"I'm sorry." Was all that he said weakly, there being little reaction to the dynamic changes around him. There was slight shivering, perhaps due to the temperature, or more likely the peculiar feeling of contrition expanding within. "I-" There was hesitation as his voice crackled to a halt. There was so much regret, even though he knew it wasn't his fault. Someone should have told him, someone should have been checking with Kazangan...Some- He, should have waited before engaging. He, should have been able to assess the situation. He, couldn't pass this off on the elder creatures...Blaming the creatures, advanced or not, for the involvement of man in something outside his knowledge. Consequentially, he couldn't escape the truth of the matter that he had little right to be angry with pale beast. Only with himself. Fear didn't really matter much, and if it was somewhere in there it was being smothered by everything else.

As flakes of what seemed to be frost wafted from the white tiger's direction, they touched the exposed flesh and melted. He could be heard sniffling for a moment, the change in climate affecting his biology adversely already. "I can't claim to be worthy of anyone's sacrifice, and I never have." The black armor of sand that clung to his body began to fracture, and disintegrate. Like ash being tossed away from the grill by a gentle breeze on hot summer's day, the blackened sands became lost in Fubuki's winds. Standing there now as simple as he had come he removed the mask from his face, letting it hang from his neck while he stared at the floor. "I ended up just walkin' inta this, like I do with a lotta' stuff sometimes." There was no fighting spirit in him anymore. What for? The lack of intent was what allowed for the ebony armor to become little more than dust in the blizzard, having no directed will to feed it in essence. It would have been like suiting up to kill your little brother, after you had already shot his dog. It didn't matter what artillery he'd come after you with, you were still a dirt bag in the end.

Looking up as a single tear rolled down his own face before turning to ice and being promptly rubbed away by his sleeve. "We were supposed to be gettin' tested. We wanted to fight the lizards and stop them from takin' ova' but...Then he came out, and we- I, was angry about how he'd- Why he'd- Fight us scrubs instead of the lizards?" It was as if he still didn't understand himself, contemplating a better use of the beasts last moments as perhaps taking a few lizards down with him. Instead, he chose to hide his condition and falter before two children in what could have been considered the fluke of a century if not divine intervention. "I didn't know what would happen, not that he was sick or-" A frustrated sigh cut off anything else he was about to say.

Rubbing Sunatora's head on more time he stepped forward and had a visible frown on his face. Eyes that were glossy as they became a little wet with contemplation of what he was going to do, but it couldn't be helped. Stepping forward as his garbs flapped about in the gale. He knew that if he died he wouldn't be able to see her again, and never know whether or not she would ever be safe. He half smirked as he thought about the fact he was more likely to get Shiori killed that end up actually rescuing her in the first place. Yet, outside of what he wanted, he understood that he had participated in something that had little to do with him and indirectly caused a tragedy among those already suffering. He couldn't, in good conscience, seek out his desires while simultaneously depriving others of it unjustly. Her loss was similar to him losing Shiori, though surely their bond was deeper. "Go ahead, and do what you gotta' do." He said solemnly, staring up towards her while shielding his eyes from the storm. His tone wasn't filled with arrogance or goading, but a concession. He knew he was wrong, and he didn't mind paying for his crimes if he felt he was truly at fault. Even if that meant death.


[MFT - WC: 963]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Fubuki rushed in to tear Makeinu apart only to be shoulder tackled by Kanaki whom faced her with nothing but his iron fur and the small bit of flame that was his tail. "You don't understand, he merely tested the cubs and found them worthy it was not they who wounded or poisoned him it was mmmmmppphhhhhh aaarrrrgggghhhh!!!! Fubuki struck him with a blizzard claw and sent Kanaki flying over the ridge line as she turned back again and tore across the sands to attack Makeinu even as he shed tears. She shed tears of rage as she screamed and leaped through the sky landing atop Makeinu and began to tear him asunder, wind and ice struck Makeinu first followed by several claw strikes as SunaTora tried in vain to get Fubuki off of Makeinu he tried to roar but all that came out was a cub's scream of fury. Summoning sand to Makeinu's aid he blocked what strikes he could. Fubuki was mauling Makeinu and there was little he could do about it until his carmot claw began to glow a bright orange and a wave of heat combined with his sand streams to push her back. Steam and heat began to roll off of Makeinu's ravaged body, never had he been closer to death his rib bones on his left side were exposed and then the carmot fang covered in his blood suddenly attached in place of Makeinu's missing incisor and he could feel Kazangan's warmth. He had one last chance to fight back. One chance to show Fubuki is worth or lose all that he had gained so far.