Shattered Heavens:.

[Eechi-go]

As the night grew older, the sounds of combat began to die down, the vague sounds of cheers could be heard across the village. It was quite obvious that the resistance had managed to take a majority of the village in one fell swoop, and though the war was not fully won just yet; the urge to celebrate was unbearably strong.

The world would be shaded in darkness as the moon had been obstructed by a massive flood of clouds. The sky had gone from a perfectly clear and beautiful night, to an angry, destructive, gloomy cloud cover in seconds. The rumble of thunder echoed throughout the lands, the clouds flashing for a few moments, before the light dissipated but a few seconds later. The winds began picking up, swirling around the village, knocking several people off their feet unexpectedly. A few drops of water had fallen from the clouds, followed by a downpour of raindrops that beat on the rooftop of each building. Out of nowhere, it seemed as if a hurricane were about to form. Anyone who would look to the sky would notice the particular depth of the clouds above the top of the palace.

With enough force to shatter the heavens, four lightning bolts cascaded from the crying sky at the exact same time; four figures stood along the roof of the tower, covered in hoods. Their faces could not be made out, but their presence seemed ominous to say that least. Of course, no one would have enough time to decipher whom the four were, before one final, gargantuan lightning bolt tore through the clouds, breaking the patch above the palace, leaving a massive hole in the sky in which the moon's light pierced through, creating a spotlight for the newcomer. It seemed as if the rain around the palace had ceased, but everywhere else was doomed to be drenched.

The newcomer stood upon the highest point of the palace, and due to the glow of the moon, all could tell who he was. The being stood tall, holding an imposing figure that commanded all forms of respect, as bolts of static flocked off him from the lightning strike. It's tattered robes shifted under the intense winds, and even from the very tip of Fang, it was obvious that the robes original white and yellow tints had darkened over time; the age of the robes quite apparent. The tell tale wide brimmed hat had also darkened in color, the figure's hand tugging the very tip over it's eyes, to keep it from blowing off into the storm. Though no one could see the man's physical appearance, all knew the air in which he gave off. Faint cheers and cries arose from the village from the remaining NCIA ninja, as if they had found their messiah.

The final battle lay ahead; all but one challenge remained.

((OOC; Only the following characters may post in this thread; Alchem Syaoran, Cho Hakkai, Hyuuga Yatako, Umikoi Warrusu, Kinsen 'Raz' Rasen, Haramatsu Korin, Hisame Haruyuki, and Akasabure Kouta. The remaining characters must wait until staff creates another topic in which you can post.))

Edited August 27, 2008 by Eechi-go

[Warr]

Wind, Water, and Lightning. The things that make storms, and bring about change in the world. They were things many feared, but things Warrusu had lived with all of his life. So it would be no surprise to see the almost crazed look of glee on his face as he went from rain drenched roof to rain drenched roof, only a small coat of chakra on the bottom of his shoes as he ran, the boy delighting in the rain falling down on his face and drenching it, his hair still sticking up against gravity even as it was wet. Perhaps sticking up more.

His hands moved at his side, and a small catlike glimmer could be seen in his eyes. Though many might fear the rain, Warrusu felt it as a sign of new life, and knew that with every drop of water which fell here, he would have more ammunition to fight his enemies with.

The torch of Kirigakure once again burned brightly, his hopes of finishing this and avenging the deaths of his clan mates who had attempted to defend his village all the brighter with every drop of liquid from the sky.

Taiin was even viewing this fight, a sure sign of the heavens watching over it.

[cntrstrk14]

As the group left the tented area and headed towards Soutenkanchougai, Syaoran let Warrusu take the lead, nearly five paces ahead. It did not matter whom was in the lead at this point, the goal was clear and everyone was to arrive at the same moment. Syaoran would turn to Yatako as they traveled though, following in speed with him as they moved. They had left in a hurry after the man had arrived, and Syaoran did not get a chance to speak with him.

"Thanks for that back there Yatako, I really appreciate it.", he would say with a smile, jumping off one rooftop to the next.

As they headed through the rain though, Syaoran would make a minimum amount of effort into creating an aura around him. A sphere encircled him as he moved, the chakra radiating off of his body at an amount that was far less than his natural regeneration. As the droplets of water struck the sphere, they would break apart, oxygen and two parts hydrogen floating into the air. What this produced, was an area around the boy that was perfectly dry, avoiding any effects of the rain such as heavier clothing, slipping or just sheer discomfort. Sanji may even be impressed with this simple a use of alchemy. Nearing Soutenkanchougai, Syaoran would shout out to the people behind him, which included all of those who followed aside Warrusu.

"Yatako, Raz, Hakkai, Korin and.. Haruyuki was it? You five stay with me and Warrusu. The rest of you, meet up with the main forces to our east and follow the instructions you are given there. From what I have heard we are doing a strong frontal attack and aiming to break directly into the palace itself. Be careful though, no doubt these streets will be packed with the remaining NCIA. They have a focus now, so don't underestimate their strength."

Turning back to look towards the back of Warrusu, they would be heading straight over building tops towards the palace itself. As those he did not mention a moment ago would break off and depart, Syaoran would let out a sharp whistle towards Warrusu to give him a signal to stop. Holding out a hand as he came to a halt on top of a sloped rooftop, the shingles of which were a traditional orange stone, he waited for everyone to come together before speaking.

401 Words

ooc: Figured we should stop here and let things unfold a bit. Also a bit of RP before we jump head on. Everyone keep a word count from the beginning of this topic as well.

[Eechi-go]

Raz attention was instantly ripped from his team and Warrusu, focusing on the condensation cascading from above. With five lightning strikes, a group of men would appear, their imposing stature was enough to rally the surviving NCIA ninja into battle once again. The boy's eyes would grow wide, starring up at the man who started it all, the man who threw the world into chaos, and the man who caused the death of many Otogakurians. Raz could never forgive him for the death and destruction he had caused, and yet, he felt as if there could be a way to end this peacefully, he would jump right aboard. His heart began to race, never in his wildest dreams did he expect to make it this far. He decided that with that thought it mind, he would not perish here; he'd continue to live on until he personally saw the reconstruction of Otogakure no Sato.

Gripping his hitai-ate, the young man tied the bandanna tightly around his forehead, tieing a small ponytail within the ends of the material. He looked back up towards the sky, watching the rain pour down, and just as it were about to drench him, he released his chakra aura, the silver tinted wind spiraling around him, causing all of the precipitation to be blasted outwards, a single rain drop gracing the shimmering steel of the headband.

"Finally, three long years we've struggled for this moment. Everything we trained for, everything sacraficed, it will all be worth it in the end. Win or lose, this battle will be documented in history for centuries to come..."

The young man said, his hands slipping into his pockets, the wind shifting his clothing about, standing side-by-side with all of his allies. Never did he feel as strong then this moment, with all of his comrades here, no man could be stronger. Each step they took, Raz's eyes would find a nearby puddle created from the rain that fell upon them. He shard of his memory would appear in each, finding the resistance, working his ass off in order to support them, the destruction of VAC, traveling to Kusa, rejoining the Oto resistance, bonding with Zala, meeting Hakkai, learning under the young man, the fateful battle in Lorien, Zala's death, the recovery from their fatal battle, meeting Gobi, breaking paths with Hakkai, braving the Pheonix's lair, traveling to Kiri on his own, reuniting with Korin, meeting Haruyuki and Warrusu, fending off the NCIA from Kiri, and finally, landing on Fang.

Sure, he knew it was all his imagination, but it was a nice little reminder that he had survived much worse in the past, and that failing today would be simply unacceptable. He stood before Syaoran, his arms crossed, a confident smile sculpted onto his lips. The young man was prepared to do whatever it took.

578 Words

578 Total

[Warr]

As this beautiful perfect storm continued, Warrusu's eyes continued to light up like a child who knew they were about to get the product of their hard work. Like a child who had fought against a fierce fish to reel it in, fought for hours. He smiled even as he continued his steps, the rain dominating his hearing, before he heard that whistle from Syaoran, and stopped in his steps, standing in the middle of a roof, chakra still flowing to keep his feet up, and those odd icy blue rimmed by midnight blue eyes watching for who was coming.

A twinge of hesitation welled up as he had stopped, his mind taking into account now what he had not before, taking into account that there would be no turning back. Taking into account if he died now, there would be no one to make sure his ancestor's dream for his clan and his village was restored, no one to make sure that his fallen comrades were remembered. In weaker hearted men, it might have brought fear. It might have brought about a want to turn and run.

In the Prince of Fisher-nin, it simply brought about determination. His mind shifted through all of his fallen comrades, to the beautiful medi-nin he had spent the last years learning and living beside, Serasaki Kaysu; to Kirigakuran who had betrayed the NCIA in the interest to protect his homeland, Sakon Kyo, to strange naïve boy from the outskirts of the village, Kitake, to that strange vagabond who had disappeared in the middle of the village's original attempt at an uprising, Tsukasa,

Counting Sei Ryu, Kaguya Ezenji, his grandfather and father, along with all of his friends, at least twenty people had died to bring about this chance for peace in his beloved village. They had died, fallen to the wayside without fear or hesitation. As his mind mulled over it, and mulled over the dreams they had, to protect their village and their families, his heart welled up.

He was no better than a dog if he hesitated, if he sought to flee, if he did not fight with every ounce of his being to win. The rain drenched his hair, fell down his face. But a determined smile grew on his face, which as he waited for the others had been devoid of emotion.

"I have enemies who orchestrated this all waiting in front of me. The villain who dares to call himself the name of lightning shadow, enemies of immense power, who could easily kill a single man without a thought.” His speech was clear to hear to any who was listening, but not a yell by any means. "My choices are to flee and let the dreams of so many fall by the wayside in fear simply because I value my life. To lose all honor, all hope of redeeming my grandfather's dream, and making him happy in the afterlife.” He looked intensely at that dark raincloud, broken by the beautiful light of the Moon, Taiin.

He took a breath, taking that as a sign from the afterlife of all of his mentor's supporting the action which he had to take. The moon, to those who lived in deserts and mountainous regions, it was little more than a night's light. To a native of an island, however. The moon held far more significance. It had power to move the tide, to change the face of islands. It was a sign of luck or bad luck, a sign of the supernatural.

It was a sign to Warrusu had always been a comforting friend. It was standing there now, watching this battle with interest. The interest a mentor would have in a student. As he stood, waiting for the others, he wondered if his grandfather and the others were watching their student with anticipation. With interest. With hope that he would fulfill the task they had left to him, the will of waves which had been brought upon him by his grandfather's noble actions and teachings, by the words of the demon like Kaguya Ezenji, and by the intent and attitudes of the 9th Water Shadow, Sei Ryu.

All of his friends had not hesitated in their duty, or their will to fulfill this dream of so many of his people. So he would not.

"A normal man of normal will and dreams would die at the hands of these villains, that much is sure. But tonight, I am no normal man. Grandfather and my masters are making sure that fate gives me the waters I need to fight with, and I have the support of every man and woman who has ever dreamed of peace within my village, of hope for life. I fight in the name of every man and woman who has died to make my nation great. I fight with the will of water, to strike away the bad and bring from it something good and beneficial for all. I will not fail, and I will not waiver. Because I'm acting as the Will of Water, I'm acting to strike the blemish that is the Raikage's regime from this world.”

One step at a time, some bigger than others.

[OOC; 211 Words from last post, 878 Words from this post. 1089 Words Total.]

[Azure]

The luminescent downcast of liquid that fell from the putrid irregular clouds streaming across the nervous sky, touching the impure world of blood and war below. All of nature seemed to bend at the approaching storm of magnitudes, quaking in some sort of anxiety, it was an unnatural storm. The designated shinobi fell in toe with the command of Syaoran, flowing from the tented region out in to the open; directly in the path of the grand palace. Yatako could feel the drips of the anomalous rain, feeling foreign on his skin. It was not normal rain, not at all; particularly some concoction devised by chakra manipulation. As he walked, he could feel the negative energies mounting and clashing as if he were walking in to a magnetic storm. There was something off by the beat of the thunder; it was being willed by some overbearing force. Yatako's milky eyes gazed upward; facing the flash of a quadruple lighting flicker, illuminating the shadows of the night and in a brief moment; four figures stood atop of the impressive marvel, Soutenkanchougai.

Keeping a careful eye on Syaoran, Yatako noticed he did not take the traditional lead he would normally assume; but that incidentally mattered not, for they were all traversing to the same destination. They would all walk towards the palace and face the monstrosities awaiting them. Syaoran slowed up momentarily to fall in line with Yatako, the Hyuuga was glad to see the Alchem well after the onslaught he had seen in the synthetic forest. With just a few words of appreciation, he jumped back in to his position. "Syaoran…you're the truest friend I have left. This unbending curse is not going to take you too.” Yatako whispered to himself, referring to his past memories of unpleasant beginnings. Yatako watched Syaoran continue on his path, obstructing an Alchem type shield which separated the pieces of rain and deflected them away. Yatako smiled a bit, realizing the nature of Syaoran and his innovative ways.

Yatako's divine eyes glimpsed the sight of the four shinobi above; admiring the covered hoods they bore. There was no need for Yatako to question the identity of these four shinobi; he knew their general brand. Their exact identities eluded him and various thoughts about them caressed his mind, but he knew they belonged to the infamous Raikage. Yatako assumed they were his four advisory, his most trusted bodyguards and their faces had been as quiet as the Raikage himself. Yatako wondered if those for enigmas were born and raised in Kumogakure solely, or if they had been an international group; chosen by their shinobi performance superiority and loyalty, but regardless, the Hyuuga was fully aware that they were the highest of elite in the Kumogakure Grand Empire. Regardless of his past experiences, Yatako vowed not to let these men beat him. Whoever his opponent would be, he refused to die. Yatako had to ensure too much in his lifetime to let it end now.

As his eyes pieced together the impending puzzle of the shinobi touching the sky; a monstrous behemoth rampaged through the sky in the embodiment of a lightning bolt. The thunder that rode with it quaked the heavens; as the clouds were cut in a circular pattern; removing the synthetic rain from the Palace grounds. The eternal moon smiled down at the world from a calm, midnight sky that appeared to be as gentle as slumber; the serenity aspect of the moon diverted light down to the showman of the play. By no means was this a coincidental moment; his fingers played the weather down to the last drop of rain. Where the lighting had torn through the sky; there was no reforming of the clouds, one would believed they were scarred for eternity, but the melody of rain continued through the city's edge.

Cheers and welcomes flew through the city's core as the figure made him known. Static ran off of the aged white and yellow robes the figure donned. His composure and physique hinted towards the comfort of looking down from a higher position at people below. The cheering vocals of strangers he didn't seem to know did not appear to flounder his radiance, even with the risk of penury citizens watching. From this position of power, he had no qualm about the approaching group of shinobi. His clothing hinted towards experience, specifically, Yatako inferred those robes were the same he had worn on the exact day the war began; over three years ago. He was the Raikage, the ambience floating around him made that fact clear.

Syaoran listed off the shinobi that he wished to take with him, Yatako knew most of these people. He placed names with faces, and eliminated the only female in the group to narrow the unknown faces to the men Warrusu and Haruyuki. Yatako assumed because of the name placement, Warrusu was the person in front of Syaoran, taking the lead and Haruyuki was the youngest of the group. Looking back to place his name to his face; Yatako burned it in to his memory. Turning around once again, Yatako heard the sharp whistle created by Syaoran. Yatako followed his steps to finally stop at Syaoran; on top of a sloped roof top. This was the gathering point designated before the operation could set in.

Keeping an eye on the atmosphere around him, Yatako felt the distant memory of Konohagakure slip back in to his memory. He relived the time where Shin, Gensai and him had taken on the task of freeing Konohagakure. Their results were reduced to nil; the failure had scorn Yatako, but he had since recovered and became a stronger person. The face of Chouzou flashed before his mind's eye. Chouzou, in your place, I will be the one to represent Konohagakure and pick up the pieces in your place. This is where our adventure has lead us. You poor soul, for all of the wronging against you, I will let you rest in peace. Yatako lived the life of so many that had fallen around him. He was the only survivor of the Konohagakure no Sato resistance movement, but he carried to wishes of all of them in his heart. Yatako knew how much this battle weighed on all of them, their hopes, dreams and wishes; he would fulfill today. Hyuuga Yatako bore the resolve of all the people who died; he would ensure their passing to be worthwhile. Despite the constant struggle inside of his mind between every decision to make; Yatako was sure he was meant to be here today. The legendary ‘curse' that Yatako himself came to think up was merely an obstacle that would be settled by the day's end. If the Hyuuga was meant to die, it would be here, were fate too cruel.

[1138 words]

·::--::·

Haruyuki's ears heard the symphonic signing of the pattering rain drops cascading from the malicious sky foreboding the unclear future. The cool tears of the sky turned his skin cool to the touch, however, he was used to the miniscule temperate alteration. He was, in fact, the cause of most of his bodily temperature shifts. He paid it little mind to the fact, however when the clouds opened to the drum of thunder and snap of lighting, a chill circled down his spine. The feeling was alien; it was not the typical chill that he felt on a daily basis, it was a chill that his soul inspired. Something odd crept ahead; he could feel it through his being. Despite being in the comfort of his friends, he could not shake the ominous feeling. The Hisame turned his head to take in the environment; it was a different side to Fang than what he had experienced previously. Haruyuki walked by his lonesome at first, lost in thought. He had made mental plans to catch up with Raz and Korin; but it had not seemed to be on his top priority. His icy eyes fell on to Umikoi Warrusu; despite their sweet and sour past, would the battle call for it, Haruyuki would set it aside to ensure their survival. They had crossed paths in time before, but now it seemed different. They both had significant control over the water element; Haruyuki leaned to the ice particle element to the composite, however he could easily craft these rain drops in to snowflakes. He came to accept, as a team, they wouldn't conflict horribly.

Gazing skyward, Haruyuki felt the brief time he had been a shinobi pass by him; in such a short and abrupt time, he had delved in to the ranks of Jounin and became advanced in the arts of ice. Perhaps the greatest successor to the Hisame bloodline, with the mysterious absent clan head in exception. Haruyuki often wondered what strengths the clan head held that were beyond the scope of Haruyuki,. He was curious and wished to learn from her, were she not killed; along with Sei Ryu and his team. Thinking of Sei Ryu burst his brain with images of his experience with ‘Creed'. Despite the convincing that the confrontation was merely a dream in his mind Haruyuki still held the memory. The man had spoken of something inside of Haruyuki that he had seen. At that time, Haruyuki was unaware of his own potential, however as time matured, he began to learn. Sometimes he had wished the so called dream had extended. However, that was in the past also. Looking back, Haruyuki was actually glad that Shougo had been born again, allowing him life for the second time. A burden that was on his shoulders was now separated and it had allowed Haruyuki to blossom as an individual. Haruyuki was stopped briefly, by the call of the man named ‘Syaoran' who he remembered meeting at the Mizukage's Pavilion before this entirety began. The last name on his list belonged to Haruyuki, clearly the least memorable name.

"Yes.”

Haruyuki said simply in response to the rhetorical question Syaoran formed. As the selected group continued forward, Haruyuki realized that he did not know many of these people, perhaps only half of them. However, the people he knew were enough to him. Haruyuki grew bonds to a select few people and those bonds were strong. Coking his head upward; he spotted a tetrahedral formation of lightning bolts, striking in the sky and revealing four robed figures. Haruyuki could see the weather was not a natural cause, but something created by the essence of shinobi. It was their doing and was rather impressive at that. Looking down, he saw the Pendant of his mother, she was him, even though separated by miles and water formations. Following in the pattern of movement of the other shinobi, Haruyuki kept his eyes on the formation of four shinobi, as a large bolt whipped through the air, tearing up the downcast. The arrival of a fifth member was the initiation reassuring the shinobi group that this was real. Finally, the conclusion could begin.

They had all stopped on top of a titled roof, urging them to fall to the ground; however the structure did not have reckoning force to it. It appeared that this was the final meeting point before they would probably separate. Nearing closer to Raz, Haruyuki was glad to have met him. A stray thought had always popped in his mind. What would happen if Haruyuki decided to travel to Otogakure and stay with Raz for a bit. Of course Kirigakure would require his assistance, but the thought seemed anchored in his mind.

"Raz, I've got your back. You know, this will the first time we've worked with each other since we've met? Aside from entering in to the city of course. "

[822 words]

[Cloudnine]

Blank eyes floated towards the night sky. She'd been up too long in this midnight sea… she felt angry at the setting sun, weary from the moon's hazy guidance, and fearful of the sun rise and what it's prying rays would behold. So far, all the destruction and loss was hidden by a kind night. The girl blinked away the rain drops, shuffling backwards into the sheltering construct Syaoran erected. Thin wisps of loose hair already clung onto her features. She looked in the same direction as everyone on the field, ally and enemy alike. In the pouring rain, pillars of lightning ravaged the earth and left behind a singed smell that quickly mingled with the strong scent of damp earth. A forbidding silhouette stood underneath the pale moon. No, the figure wanted to say, we will not fall.

Korin knew what was coming. It was foreseen since the beginning- inevitable.

Silently, she returned to the tent, gathering her belongings. Her hands absently secured her attire having done this many times before. Korin closed her eyes, prayed. Prayed in her own name, prayed that she had the resolve end an era, the fortitude to start anew.

The girl left her mask half askew, turned upwards to the side to serve as a shield against the rain. She no longer felt the need to veil her face from the ugliest pit of humanity. It was time to leave the NCIA in the past. For now she had to see herself as a tool of warfare, didn't she? Try as she might, all she saw were a pair of quivering hands as she looked down to her feet. In the best light, she could only see herself as a bringer of… something. Something not so profound. Humble.

She quickly followed Syaoran and the others towards the Fang palace. Her movements were still sloppy, uncontrolled as she skidded over slippery surfaces and veered around obstacles. Korin came to a graceless stop when Syaoran whistled shrilly. It was almost here. She shivered in the gusts, wrapping Raz's drenched jacket closer to her ribs. Of the group assembled, the girl most likely was the least spectacular in appearance. She gazed around. Even the nameless faces seemed familiar like close friends. Tonight, they were going to change the course of history, right? If successful, it would be a beginning of a new era, a return to what had been before the Raikage's vast regime.

Eyes fell to her hands again. Slender fingers tightly clenched the coat cuffs, white as bone. The beating of her heart was rising into her throat, and Aiko's blood stirred like no other. Tension was building. Her fingers rigidly straightened and balled up again. A sharp exhale as she looked out to the final stage of this struggle. This is it- our chance is now. It was their chance to be heard. She couldn't let herself down, let herself go. "Those who hate the war are the ones who really fight,” she softly echoed her mother. She sounded small, wavering. Korin hated the war. She was really fighting. She was fighting to go home.

All around them, the remaining NCIA forces reverberated in a new found strength. It was insanity.

Welcome to paradise, soldier.

--

Post: 542

Words: 542

[Kouta]

From where he stood, Kouta was surprised to feel the first drop of rain. It hit him quite suddenly, as he stood in the barren complex that once was the Hunter-Nin Tower. The tower had long since seen its demise, crushed underneath a mammoth of a jutsu that Kouta had perfected back in the desert sands. The jutsu was simple, but the twisted steel and cast aside stones were all that now left after the incredible crushing grasp of the jutsu he had unleashed a few hours ago. Kouta barely registered the thunderstorm as the few remaining cinderblocks were pelted with the quickly falling rain, slowly being ground into the sand that Kouta had summoned to perform the jutsu.

”Raining? Hm. More sudden than in Suna.” Kouta said, feeling the rain quickly drench his clothes. He admired the sheer ferocity of the storm, the rain swirling about in the air. The ground below him quickly became mud puddles, and the thunder flashed in the distance. At first, Kouta thought nothing of it, until the lightning flared again, outlining characters in the distance. ”Zangetsu…did you…”

”Yes. It is time. You should quit being so dense, and you'd feel it. This rain is unnatural. Perhaps your life in the desert has made all rain unnatural, but this rain is filled with chakra. It is man-made, like the sad around your feet. Open up, and I'll help you feel it. Then we'll head that way. If I'm correct, Sunagakure no Sato has no representative at the final gathering.” Zangetsu said, sounding rather smug in his ability to serve as a radar for chakra.

”Final gathering?” Kouta asked, his innate abilities to seek out chakra not quite so attuned as a disembodied blade.

”Nations have assembled some of their finest warriors, and all of Suna's remain outside its walls. Except you, of course. I'll guide you there, but we aren't ready to leave yet. Last time we faced down Kumogakure, you had an ally you didn't have here. Its time to wake her up.” Zangetsu said, and Kouta understood his meaning immediately. His mind's eye flashed backed to the scene, some three years ago, in the Kazekage's Dome…

”Are you ready?” Benihime's voice was soft, subtle, and not yet hardened by battle. Newly freed from her bladed prison, she was young for a multi-hundred year old spirit. ”They are all stronger than you. They could kill you.”

”That is what you are for, right Benihime?” Kouta said, smug as he could behind his living skin of chakra. The Ultimate Disguise, the Daihenge no Jutsu, had turned Kouta, Kenro, and Niiro into a trio of Kumo ninja, who, thanks to the effort of all of Suna's Chunnin, lay unconscious a floor below. ”You'll protect me, won't you?” He was young, and the question was a wish more than fact.

”Always, Kouta. Just call for me when you need me.”

Benihime's words lingered in his head, resounding in a powerful way. Briefly, the scene replayed in his head. Their disguise had failed. The kumo jounin had attacked them. Only Kouta, his two pets, and Kata were on that second floor. Everyone else, at Kouta's command, had taken to the armory to try and find explosives to collapse the tower. It was the reason Kouta invented Daitsubame, the Grand Swallow. If he had used it then, nobody would've been hurt. As it stood, Mamimi, Gornok, everyone sent to the armory, was killed. Kata escaped unscathed, and so did he. Niiro and Kenro both died next to him, trapped inside their disguises. Kouta had become safe, at Benihime's expense. Her shield had failed her, but she protected him, becoming the severed weapon she now was. She had a debt for them to repay. It was time to honor that debt.

”I know you're weak, but I've given you time to rest. Withdraw your shield, and come to me. OKIRO! Benihime!” Kouta called, gripping the sword wrapped about his shoulder. He pulled, and the sword unwound, flaring to light as the rain hit the red-hot chakra between its blade segments, sizzling and evaporating on contact.

"A proper wake up call. You realize that by answering, Gishou runs wild?” Benihime said, coming to his call in full force, waking up for the first time since Syaoran's sword warped Gishou.

”I know. I'll deal with Gishou. You have no problems right now except to make those bastards pay for what they did. To you, to me, to Mamimi. Gishou won't win.” Kouta said, steeling his will, and his control. With some manner of agreement, Benihime, still quite awake, circled around Kouta's waist, forming a red glowing belt. Zangetsu responded in kind, the armband shifting into a new form, the armlet stretching and turning into a monstrous right arm, black and clawed, like that of a devil. ”Interesting choice of form, Zangetsu.”

”I reflect you. You retracted Benihime, and intend to do war. Your soul is in no conflict with your heart. You will kill this day if the opportunity presents itself. I merely supply the weapon to do so.” Zangetsu answered, making much sense. Kouta couldn't really disagree with the sword. The elder spirit had pegged him quite assuredly. He would kill any of the four figures that by now, by the flashes of lightning, had become quite apparent as the Raikage and three others, his elite warriors no doubt.

"That is right. Benihime. If anyone asks this day, I have stained my hands with the blood of a million NCIA warriors. I have until now kept count of the deaths I've brought upon them. For Mamimi, let Zangetsu's fearful claws strike. For suna, let your cry sing to the heavens. For myself, let nobody count the families I destroy in this final struggle. I will be merciless. I will be a shinobi as I was trained. Zangetsu, I'm open. Show me where to go.” Kouta said, meaning his words, and his intent. NCIA blood would run from his sword that day. To hell with anyone who contested him.

-------------------------

Several minutes later, under much rain, and guided by Zangetsu, Kouta flitted over rooftops, ninja below him barely noticing the silent form that flitted through the sky above them, heedless of their chakra signatures, which burned like small embers in the view Zangetsu had given to Kouta. Like needles of light, ninja were scattered about the city, but Kouta knew it wouldn't last long.

”Three minutes and fourteen seconds. That's all I can give you.” were his exact words, the limit on time. Kouta had spent nearly three minutes already, just leaping over rooftops. His state of fusion with Zangetsu was weird at this point. His eyes were golden, he in control, but Zangetsu's black ringed his pupils, showing the augmentation, but not the possession. He smiled as he saw his target. Flaring brighter, as Zangetsu said it would, were tow chakra signatures, surrounded by others, much larger, and quickly fading. They were larger because Kouta had encountered them before. Syaoran and Yakato. He leapt over rooftops, and came into view of them just as the chakra sight vanished, receding into his eyes as the black faded from his pupils. Kouta paused, leaping down with an obvious thud behind the group, stalking up looking quite the sight, what with his demonic right arm, and glowing blet made of a sword.

”Syaoran of Iwa, Yakato of the Hyuuga. Weren't leaving me out, I hope? Suna was to be completely absent from this? I'm right insulted.” Kouta said, joking the entire time, and his tone of voice made it obvious. He stopped next to the group, offering no altruistic motto or greater purpose to the fight, merely lending a powerful arm in their struggle, and, as he said, representing the desert rats of suna in the zenith of their battles to the day…

[1,310 Words]

[1,310 Words Total for Kouta]

[Eechi-go]

As the group had gathered together, they would all begin realizing how far they had gotten. It amazed Raz, how much they were all so proud to make it this far. With good reason indeed, after all, what were they in the grand scheme of things? Here stood a motley group of teenagers and young adults whom banded together to create a rag-tag group of freedom fighters to assault the people who stole their way of life from them in a flash. Determined as they were, it couldn't change the undeniable fact that they were up against the same force, but with much less people then their last encounter. What logic did they have in striking back? Wouldn't they just fail like they had in the past?

Through this, Raz's beliefs were confirmed; regardless of failure, humans who have the guts to stand right back up will inevitably complete their goal, regardless of chance or logic.

The gusts that flowed from the ‘hurricane', if it could be called that at all, were quite strong, nearly strong enough to cause harm if they had picked up any quicker. Raz's own aura conflicted with it, causing a sort of ‘barrier' that kept him from receiving the whiplash of the gusts. Out of the corner of his eye, Korin's frail, shivering form hugging his coat caught his attention. He wasn't quite sure if the wind-chill caused it, or if she was just frightened of what was to come. Regardless, his heart sank for her, since he always had a hard time watching her struggle. He would have much rather she continue to sleep then to go headlong into their next encounter, but he knew better then that. She wanted to end this war just as badly as the rest of them. Rejecting her of that would just be cruel.

He approached the girl slowly from behind, before gently swinging his arms around her, embracing her tightly. His arms rest slightly above her stomach, pressing against her so she'd rest against him. She'd be surrounded by his silver-tinted aura now. The two of them basked in the glow that radiated off the aura, and she'd notice how warm the air had suddenly gotten. One might believe it was simply the natural temperature for the aura, but it was really the young man's affection for girl pouring out of him, protecting the two of them from the numbness of the storm. Her clothing would dry almost instantly, the raindrops that cover her body disappearing, seemingly dissipating. He didn't say a word, he simply smiled and basked in the warmth for a bit.

His mind began to wander as to what would happen between the two once this night had ended. She had offered shelter within her old home, and for that he was truly grateful. That however, wasn't on his mind so much as their future together. Once the world reverted back to it's original, peaceful state, would the two be able to hold a real relationship together? They hadn't been together terribly long, but they had managed to stick together through trying times, and they had both excelled with flying colors. He'd love nothing more then to spend the rest of his days with her. Perhaps it was childish, but dreams such as these is what got this small band of ninja together in the first place. Maybe men weren't meant to pursue happiness, but that didn't mean they had no desire to.

As Haruyuki neared, Raz simply turned his head to greet him, smiling with a nod. He had only known the boy for a few days, but over that time they had forged a bond that Raz hoped would last a lifetime. That's what this world needed after all. Once the war had been torn down, and the light of peace began to shine, the only thing that would hold the world together anymore would be these bonds. Haruyuki began to encourage the young man, letting him know that he'd fight by his side. Indeed, this comforted Raz, even though he knew the boy would anyway. Simple word of reinsurance meant a lot in the long run. With a small chuckle, he nodded, confirming his own dedication to keeping the boy safe. It seemed as if even in this dark and gloomy weather, their spirits could never be broken.

"Hehe, what about the first time we met? Forgetting out little train raid so soon? I appreciate that, Haruyuki, it lets me breath easier. Know this; so long as you feel the wind against your back, you'll know I'll be around for you too.”

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[cntrstrk14]

This was it, this was all that the last three years had come to, the pinnacle of the combined effort of every single person standing with Syaoran tonight. Each of them had forged their own road in their own way for their own causes, some of them crossing along the way, many of them not. Despite this, they all met here at the top, seven roads meeting at this last point. Syaoran's body wanted to shake, his arms wanted to twitch in nervousness. In the pit of his stomach he could feel an emptiness welling up, the feeling of despair that clutched for his sanity. He had spent almost sixth months preparing himself mentally for this battle, but it was hard to prepare anyone for something of this caliber. The feeling and taste of vomit was nearly at the back of his throat, but his composition stayed flawless, the last thing he could do was show a sign of weakness, not to these six. If even one of them were to falter that course of history could be shifted.

Sixth months ago, where was Syaoran? A year ago the man had come back to Iwagakure no Sato for the first time in two years. It had been nearly seven hundred days since his last glimpse of home, and the first thing he would see when he arrived would be of no surprise to him. NCIA agents in the street, patrolling and keeping watch over each and every citizen. No, wait, scratch that. The first thing he saw would be Uchiha Asher and the man that would possibly alter Syaoran's sense of life forever, Hikado. The two had been training in the wastelands far outside the reach of any village, and Syaoran had just so happened to stumble upon the two. And on that same day, Syaoran would climb to the top of the tower within Metropolis, and announce himself as an enemy of the NCIA and his intention of returning the country to the people who raised it. Of course, sending this entire message across the capital city of the country was no welcomed, and Syaoran was immediately put on the list of terrorists against the country. Being taken under the wing of Hikado along with Asher and another son of Iwagakure, Daisuke, Syaoran trained vigorously. Infiltrating the Centralized Ninja Academy for an entire month, Syaoran would take on the role of Novascosia Reed, a teacher at the academy. Under a perfect disguise, he gained invaluable information for the attack to come. Unfortunately, when Syaoran finally did return, he was met only with grief as he learned of a massive attack on the resistance and the death of his new friend Daisuke.

With a plan, information and manpower to back it all up, the plan to reclaim Iwagakure no Sato was put into play. Using the music festival as a cover, the resistance turned the capital city of Metropolis on its end, taking it with a fell swoop of power and overcoming the raw power of the NCIA. Once the capital was taken, recovering the rest of the country including the hidden village was done with ease. Meeting new friends and lovers, Syaoran continued his duties, taking missions and tasks to keep the village safe just long enough to recover and lick its wounds. Unfortunately, the Country of Earth was due for another unfortunate set of events. Only a month after the country had been freed and the Tsuchikage Hikado given his position, a man by the name of Uchiha Madara appeared. With an army comprised of ninja from the Country of Snow to the north and mercenaries from the Wild West, the man with the help of Uchiha Nevan and Uchiha Shinaki, one the lost friend of Syaoran and former apprentice of Hikado, invaded the village and turned it into chaos. Despite his best efforts, Syaoran was unable to protect the village, and in the end Hikao died by the hand of Uchiha Madara. Finished with his mission, the Uchiha fled from the village, taking all of his forces and leaving the village in disarray.

This was when Syaoran was forced to mature his views. He had always dreamed of being able to defend the village and its people at any cost. Unfortunately, three invasions upon his home village later, Syaoran had learned a valuable lesson. Defending is not only the use of a shield, sometimes it required a certain amount of offensive power to keep the fight out of your own yard. Because no matter how much you try, or how much your succeed, there will always be a fight eventually. And sometimes, reasoning or defending did not work with all people, some men just want to watch the world burn.

That was when he decided. The fight with the NCIA was not over for the Country of Earth. Not by a long shot. As long as the Raikage stayed in power, he would bring fighting and war to the country no matter what the cost. Syaoran would need to take the fight to him, and he would need to end it.

Looking up towards the tower as everyone came to a halt around him, Syaoran could make out the white and yellow robes, the hate, the aura. The man that stood on top of the palace was the Raikage, and this group of ninja around him was more than likely an elite guard. To come from the Country of Lighting with only four men at your side, when you knew the army that awaited was a bold move indeed. Syaoran's nerves were ready to break, his will was strong though. He had taken the time to reassure he could stand at this moment, because he now stood in front of the most powerful man on the continent.

It was at this moment that Akasabure Kouta would appear amongst the group, unexpected to say the least but another person to the group was welcome, especially someone that Syaoran knew to hold an exception amount of ability. Nodding at him as he appeared, Syaoran would give a small laugh as he gave his line of a joke, acting disappointed at the chance that he was being left out.

"Well if all of Sunagakure no Sato drags ass like you do, then you shall be completely justified to be right insulted.”, Syaoran would shoot back with his own line, his wits still about him. Letting a moment pass with a laugh or two, he would then turn back to business. Looking towards the rest of the group in front of him, Syaoran began to speak.

"This is it. Three years under the rule of the Empire, and this is where it is going to end. Prepare yourself, and any last minute changes to your name should be made now. After today every single one of you will be etched in history. This battle will go down in time as the turning point of the world, our great victory. I know all of you have come from different paths than I, and I know everyone has had their victories and losses. None, and I mean none, of those who have died will have died in vein. We will take down this man before us and all of those that support him. We will tear down the cloud that has hung above us for three years and we will see the sky again!”, Syaoran ended, on a somewhat cheesy note. But what could be expected, he had been worried about much more pressing issues for the entirety of the last six months, preparing a speech had not made it onto the to do list. Flying by the seat of his pants, he looked for a way to continue but was saved by a flicker and the appearance of two people. A young woman in a dirt brown Jounin vest and pink shirt appeared. On her arm was a band showing her rank as one of thirteen council members of Iwagakure no Sato. Her dark, dark seemingly black hair would shine in the light reflected from a lightning strike ahead, as well as illuminate her beautiful almond shaped green eyes. The other was an elderly man, with a short white beard that came to a point and a head full of hair despite his age. He held onto a sturdy wooden cane of pure white, and he wore seemingly no ninja equipment, dawning only a white robe. His robe was also branded as a council member of Iwagakure no Sato, but anyone that had been within the forces from the Country of Earth would know that he was in fact the head of the council, and was in charge of all the forces from the country itself.

"Syaoran! I'm glad to see that you're ok… I heard about the fight, I was worried-”

"Yes. Syaoran, you have indeed proven your worth. Even with my historical knowledge, a tale of a man defeating someone who had opened up the Death Gate is unheard of. You truly are something else.”, the man would say, smiling as he did. He held both hands on his cane and leaned on it heavily as he did.

"Thank you Damjauo-sensei.”, Syaoran would say with a respectful bow towards the elderly man. Turning towards Maomi he would smile and respond.

"You have always worried about me since I was a child Maomi, or should I say, Maomi-sensei?”, he said with a small laugh, his mood lightening with the appearance of this woman who seemed at least a handful of years older than Syaoran.

"Shut it. You know I never liked titles, or did you not learn that in your survival training? Need we go back to that island?”

"No, that's quite alright. I think we have something else to occupy our time here though.”, Syaoran would say, his eyes leading up the palace and to where the man stood. He seemed to be scoping out the area, for he had yet to move or speak.

"Yeah, that's the Raikage all right.”, Maomi would say bluntly before continuing. "Knows how to make an entrance, I'll give him that. But he doesn't look to tough. Why don't you wrap this up and we can head home, I'm starving for some steak. If you win I'll even treat you, what do you say?”

"If you are buying I'll eat anything.”, Syaoran said with another small laugh, the corners of his mouth turning to a genuine smile.

The group stood upon a rooftop, only a few blocks from the palace itself. Unsurprisingly, it would be easy to spot the group of ten ninja now on the roof, and they did not hide their presence. Syaoran would take another look towards the tower, the feeling of uncertainty swelling inside him again for a moment before he could push it back down into the depths of his mind. He needed to win, whether it cost him his life or not. Syaoran was merely a shield for his country, if he were to die here with the Raikage he would have served his purpose to its fullest content. In the world after the war he would not be necessary, the country had many great leaders left, and they could reconstruct what had taken decades to create and only three short years to tear down. Looking to the people around him Syaoran would start again.

"The battle is eight on five. I will try and keep the Raikage separated from the other four, and it would be best if possible to keep the four separated from each other if possible. If not, then you will have to use numbers to your advantage. Undoubtedly, these fights will be dangerous to not only us, but everyone around as well. For that reason we are going to force the fight unto the palace grounds, and we need to try as best we can to keep the fight within this area. There are citizens, resistance members and even NCIA who can be easily spared if we keep the bombshells formally known as our attacks where they won't bystanders-”

"Syaoran, I already have a plan devised for this part. Once you get your group onto the grounds of the palace, leave the rest to us, we will keep them within.”, the elderly man by the name of Damjauo would say briskly. With a nod towards the group and before another word could be said he would flicker and disappear. Maomi would give a short nod as well.

"Don't mess this up. If you do it will make me look bad as your Jounin teacher as well!”, Maomi said with a hint of playfulness in the tone. With another flicker of moment she would disappear as well, moving forward a few rooftops to get a better position for their job that lay ahead. Along with them two other figures would appear, one would be the second in command of all forces, the man from Iwagakure no Sato with long, flowing, red hair. The other would be cloaked in shadow with no distinct characteristics to be seen from this distance. Looking back up Syaoran would look to catch another glimpse of the obstacle in front of him. The tower seemed larger than life, the true symbol of power of the emperor past, the man who once ruled the entire continent from this one castle was long dead, but a new emperor stood in his place now, at least for the time being.

Syaoran's stomach gave another lurch, his right hand coiled into a fist out of reflex, the small shaking that had taken over his arm was stifled quickly by this action. It would be impossible for anyone to tell if it was because of nerves or excitement, and that was if they even noticed a small detail such as that. Three years. Three years of running, fighting, scratching to survive and escape with his life. This was the end of that, and Syaoran was anxious to end this by any means possible. The thought of his own corpse laying among those that had already piled up gave a sickening twist to his gut. His limp body being thrown to the ground lifeless and the Raikage rampaging over the rest of the ninja who stood against him like a boulder would swap through his head and the most basic of human instinct would strike him, the will to survive. Luckily for most here, Syaoran was naturally leaned towards fighting for survival rather than to flee, though he was still just human, and living through the night would be a nice addition to any type of historical changes he could bring about.

‘How do you know that you're right, If you aren't nervous anymore?'

‘It's not so bad, it's not so bad.'

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ooc: If you guys are going to rape for words I guess I should jump in on it too. Seriously though, Let's not get too carried away later with posts, especially when battle starts. Keep fighting short and sweet.

[Cho Hakkai]

Hakkai watched as the clouds blocked view of the moon. The world around him became dark without the light reflected off of the moon. And yes, a reflection. The moon itself cannot produce light. The winds picked up. Hakkai felt the powerful blows but he did not move an inch from the force. He stood his ground as solid as a three that was several hundred years old. The water against his face felt amazing. It was calming despite the current chaos being created.

The water then turned into a downpour. Hakkai raised his arms out and embraced the wrath of the elements surrounding him. The wind tried to harm him and now the water was attempting to drown his courage. Hakkai felt like there was nothing that could stop him from finishing the final stretch of this race and achieving victory. He had to win else everything for the last 3 years would have been for nothing. So many people that had came into and out of Hakkai's life. How he has matured so greatly over the years. How he had become a student and a teacher in such a small amount of time. There was so much that Hakkai had experienced.

Hakkai no longer embraced the rain but instead placed his right hand onto the hilt of his sword and closed his eyes. In front of him he see exactly what he wanted. Two silhouettes appeared before Hakkai. A smile came across his face as he saw the two figures in front of him. A tear escaped from his left eye. But due to the rain it simply looked like his face was wet. Hakkai was fighting for these two most of all. Hakkai was not even fighting for himself.

Hakkai would not fight for himself.

Hakkai was a man who wanted nothing but peace and tranquility in his life. As ironic as his views on life was, being a ninja where peace is only accessible through battles, murder, and destruction, Hakkai knew that once this final battle happened he would have the peace he searched great distances for so long.

More tears came across his face as the figures in his mind now became vivid people, as bright and amazing as they were while alive. To the left would be an average height man with hair as white and pure as snow, short except for the back that would be in a ponytail. Over his left, pale blue eye, would be a scar that went across it. The man wore black pants along with black ninja tabi. His white undershirt and blue over shirt showed themselves quite exuberantly in contrast to his black pants. The earring sparkled with the light of the ocean at night time with a full moon. A smile came across the face of the man that stood in front of Hakkai.

This man was close to Hakkai's heart. A smile came across the man's face, or at least in Hakkai's mind it did. Who was this man?

This man was Kaguya Jinsei. A traitor to the name of Otogakure no Sato. Hakkai's heart felt heavy when he saw this man in his mind. He didn't speak out loud, but Hakkai nonetheless remembered the last words that was spoken from Jinsei to Hakkai.

"Its okay Hakkai, We'll meet again one day. I hope to see that bright face I once knew. The face that helped me realize my dreams and become stronger. I'm sorry to you the most. I've betrayed your friendship. I hope that one day you can forgive me."

Hakkai told the man he had forgiven him. ‘Jinsei,' Hakkai thought, ‘I said I forgave you for what you did. But in all reality, I didn't. I hated you because you left me with so much responsibility that I couldn't handle. I left the Oto Resistance because I couldn't handle it. You tried killing all the small ones.' In Hakkai's mind he would be yelling. ‘What did you expect to accomplish!? What you son of a bitch!' But Hakkai could not stay mad, for if it wasn't for this man, Hakkai would not have gone to Iwa, Kusa, and the likes to further his strength several folds. In his mind Hakkai gave Jinsei a hug and in real life, it seemed as if Hakkai was hugging himself. Even though it was only in his mind, Hakkai felt a hug as well. It was real to him, each part of his body felt the arms and embracing power of Jinsei. Hakkai looked up at the Kaguya and straight into his eyes. The eyes of the once power hungry man had become soft and filled with sorrow.

"I'm sorry Hakkai."

It… It's ok. Please, continue to watch over me.

And with that the figure that was Jinsei began to dissolve. Hakkai was upset to see this but it was something that Hakkai had to do. Jinsei was one of the many things that weighed down his heart and his ability to move on.

Hakkai opened his eyes and saw the lightning bolts come down. It had only been a couple seconds in reality but in Hakkai's mind he felt as if hours had passed by. 5 people, one obviously the Raikage.

"And so he comes out,” Hakkai said with a chuckle. Finally, after all of the battles the Raikage decides to show himself and with four men. And so Hakkai closed his eyes again.

There, the other figure, that towered over Hakkai and almost every other ninja Hakkai has met stood there. She wore a dark blue kimono that looked as if the ocean had surrounded her amazing form. Her shoes and long sleeved gloves were both black as the darkest of nights. Her eyes were a beautiful green and her hair was a perfect blonde. This woman was gorgeous and powerful and though she did not look it, was years ahead of Hakkai. She wore a hat with the symbol for music on it.

The Kyoukage stood in front of Hakkai. She was the main reason that Hakkai entered this war. He wanted to fight to return to her what she died for. She had helped him in his life by just giving words of wisdom. Hakkai wanted to be as powerful as she was. Even though Hakkai is only 17, he knew that one day he would be as powerful as her. There would be nothing that would stop him from doing so. Hakkai gave her a hug too as he did with Jinsei when they had to bring the corpse of their late friend Reikoku from the village hidden in the grass.

She ruffled his hair and then disappeared in the same fashion as Jinsei.

Hakkai opened his eyes again. The people around him were already in full force in conversations, interaction, and it seemed that Hakkai was the only one who hadn't done a thing with another person. A smile came across his face as he knew that he was going to fight with some of the best ninja he'll ever meet.

Hakkai stood up straight and was now prepared. Nothing from his past was going to harm him in the up coming battle. Hakkai was prepared.

Hakkai was ready to face death.

(1212 words. Just catching up on the word raping.)

Edited August 28, 2008 by Cho Hakkai

[Cloudnine]

The cold shivering shook her ribs so that even her breaths rattled. Dark, the sun wasn't there to offer its brazen guidance. It was a grim time, even the moon bent to the Raikage's presence. Could they do it? Could they fell this demigod of a man and his three- year empire? Perhaps, perhaps. The consequences of failing were… unthinkable. But Korin couldn't see what would happen if they triumph- where would they go from there? She was losing focus.

Stay in the present, she'd tell herself. Lose yourself here and you'll never reach later. She couldn't unstick herself from time.

Her downcast brooding quickly faded as Raz's arms enveloped her in a warm embrace. "Raz,” a smile. There was no need to worry, think so hard. She clasped her hands atop his, letting her clammy fingers settle between the ridges of his knuckles. Raz's chakra was visible as silvery haze flickered before her vision. The tense muscles in her back relaxed and she rested her head against his shoulder. She gazed into his eyes, raindrops quickly vanishing from her dark lashes. The warmth emitted an almost… sleepy kind of comfort. This was what she was fighting for.

Post: 198

Total: 74o

[[i fail at word rapage. For srs. Packing right now, won't be posting Saturday and most of Sunday. @__@]]

[cntrstrk14]

After a few more fractions of a moment, the presence that Maomi and Damjauo had left still lingering as Syaoran would turn towards the seven ninja with him now. Placing the flat of his hand against the end of Aisuhime and Hinshi he would push down on them slightly, keeping them adjusted to move. The rain around him continued to fall and continued to be broken down into its core elements, the illusion of a barrier around him easily visible. The weather had become clearer as they neared the palace. It would appear that the palace grounds themselves were exempt from the storm, the rain not touching the building itself. All around the eight fighting could be heard, the cried of NCIA soldiers as the Raikage had appeared to save them, and the forced shouts of resistance as they moved to ready an attack.

"Well, let's not keep him waiting.”, Syaoran said towards them, moving towards the edge of the roof and pushing off, his body lifting into the sky as his clothing rippled around him from the force of the wind. Landing on the next rooftop he would push off again towards the next. It would only take a few moments and hops to reach a few blocks over, landing on the large wall that surrounded the entire palace, nearly twenty feet in height. Well, more like eighteen feet to be exactly, and Syaoran knew this. Those history books and architectural books from the Country of Fang were full of such useless information. Having read at least three of them in the week before the attack, Syaoran knew other useless information such that the palace itself held over one hundred rooms within its walls, or that there was 24 karat gold plating along the shrine that centered in the garden. The stone walls of the palace were made of thick stones weight anywhere between one to five tons each and the garden that surrounded the back portion of the palace was home to over fifty thousand different types of plant from all over the continent. Etc. etc. those books were often just full of page fillers and boring reads about subjects people never cared about. Syaoran may find many of the odd details fascinating, reading for hours about the dumbest of things, but most people would just wonder why someone would write about these things. It was odd what people would put on paper just to get the reward from doing so.

Raising his eyes towards the Raikage, Syaoran no longer needed his shield as the rain did not fall here. His emerald eyes, on slightly lighter than the other, directed themselves towards the roof of the palace, and more directly towards one man. The man would know they were there, and Syaoran doubted he would ignore them for long.

471 Words; 3349 Total

[Eechi-go]

The two would stand in the aura, enjoying what could be their last moments together. True, he shouldn't have been thinking of such a thing, but it was the reality of their existences. As shin obi, they were fully expected to die if it meant completing their missions. Luckily for Raz, he had often got in trouble for arguing this belief in the academy. What point was there to give one's life on a mission? Ninja were better off completing the mission with their lives, were they not? That's why he still continued to survive after all of this time. He had dreams; big dreams, and they needed to be realized. He refused to die until he fulfilled these goals.

Indeed, this is what he was fighting for. To be able to extend this moment until the end of his life was worth the imminent suffering he would receive from the battle.. His gaze fell back to the girl, feeling himself sink into her eyes as he watched, slightly in a daze. He often wondered what the girl saw in him, what made her choose him. After all, he found a bunch of suitors who ironically all wanted to get to her on his way to Kiri. He was sure by the time he had reached her once again, she'd be occupied. There was a disturbing thought in the back of his mind that he attempted to keep hidden. The thought that perhaps she was only doing this because of a certain guilt that wracked her mind over the ‘incident‘. Though, every time he looked into her eyes, he knew it wasn't true. Perhaps he was just scared to lose her, period.

As Syaoran continued to move forward, Raz knew this moment must come to an end. He continued to gaze down at her, before smiling back, and leaning in, giving her a gentle kiss on the lips. As he did, he felt his aura flare up for a moment, before quickly retreating to it's usual expansion. He'd pull back after a few seconds, his smile still apparent, before replying;

"That was for good luck, and I expect one back once this is all said and done.”

He grinned wide, before slowly releasing her from his grasp. He'd miss this warmth, but he'd use it as encouragement to end this battle as soon as he could possibly manage. His aura would linger around the girl, keeping the warmth around her, much like a blanket. About this time, a tiny figure flew down from the sky and landed safely on the girl's shoulder. It was the tiny mockingbird Raz created for her incase she needed it. It chirped happily at her, nuzzling against her, as if to calm any fears that remained. It was a loyal creature, even if it was jutsu-born.

Raz's arms instantly flew to the two guitars they remained erect along his back. He quickly unstrapped them both, before twirling them, and bashing them together. On contact, it would seem as if both guitars began to melt. A red and blue glow was unleashed from both respective guitars, before a blinding light flashed, leaving the boy to wield a double-neck guitar. The guitars had melded together, giving the guitar a beautiful ruby red paintjob. The weapon was massive, it's weight was well over the combined weight of the original guitars. Within his mind, the sound of faint yawning could be heard; the soul within the guitar had awoken from his slumber.

"-Yawning-…Ugh, why awaken me from my slumber? Is it over yet?”

"Not quite, one more bridge to cross.”

"I see…so it is the Raikage, yes? Very well, I shall lend you my power.”

The boy thanked the Pheonix, attaching the glowing guitar to his strap, before following Syaoran to the palace, his multi-colored eyes glaring up at the Raikage. His chakra boiled, prepared to summon the rashomon gates if the Raikage so much as moved to wipe them off the face of the earth.

[.::.]

The figures remained still all this time, the only movements of their figures were the ruffling of their clothing caused by the wind at that altitude. Like statues, the ninja gazed over fang, much like watchful protectors who's only existence in life was to ensure the sanity and peace of the world remained.

Once the shin obi had stepped within the palace boundaries, only then did any of them make a movement. The figure whom stood among the very tip top of the tower tilted his hat upwards, as if to gaze upon his victims. His face could not fully be seen, but one could assume from what was visible that the man was somewhere in his mid to late forties. His mouth was in view, yet no expression formed on his features, the man was completely neutral to the whole situation. A lightning bolt struck the ground in the background, the world flashing for a moment, highlighting all that was darkened by the storm.

After a few moments of observing the actions of the shin obi, and relishing the cheers of his people, the man decided it was time to finally do business; regardless of what would ensue. The man would open his mouth to speak, and though his voice came out softly, it was a deep, commanding voice, which could travel quite far from the looks of things. He had not yelled, or called out, he simply spoke in his typical tone of voice, and yet it reach their ears as if he were speaking right next to the group.

"He who leads you people, come forth.”

765 Words

2169 Total

Edited August 19, 2011 by Eechi-go

[Azure]

The unrelenting chorus of the supporting citizens nestled inside of the Capital was uncomforting to Yatako in the wake of their next and final step of freedom. Previously, he had only heard supportive remarks and cheers of the citizens of Konohagakure no Sato and Iwagakure no Sato along with positive faces etched with smiles in order to reassure him he was following the correct path. However, with the sudden outcry of the charitable Nigiyakashufu, he couldn't help but feel a bit unsettled. He felt their cold scorn on the nape of his neck, realizing and accepting that not every person supported their actions that weren't loyally tied to the empire. However, his mind strung together the other nations and land of the world, recalling and assuming their own votes in an electoral process. The way the world should run, not on wars or kings, but on democratically inclined voices. It was nearly what Iwagakure had set up in their time of release. There were far too many on his viewpoint to decline his ability and obligation to fulfill their respects. Shaking his head shortly, as to not draw attention; Yatako swore to himself that there would be benefits, even to the people of Kumogakure.

There would be no throwing a look over his shoulder to stare in to the eyes of the one's cheering, which he could easily accomplish with the Byakugan to scope. He was only human, he couldn't bring himself to selfishly cast away the thoughts and feelings of others, and however after the three years of corruption in the world; he would set things straight. However, one voice always seemed to ring higher than the others; even if her voice was not longer a chime in this physical world. She had a vocal in his spiritual realm, always. The voice of his long lost cousin whispered through his mind, echoing through his skull. She encouraged him, told him that what he was about to do was correct. After all, it was everything they had dreamt of so long ago. But Yatako could have never foreseen himself as the way he was, with such strength in the shinobi world. He always used to think he would never grow to such advancements, that thought had long since burned away. It was questionable whether the voice of Azumi was in actuality speaking to him, or rather; Yatako had chosen to associate her with the conscious inside of him.

Yatako was so young at that point in time that it was questionable if he really understood the force that tugged at his heart. The power that caressed his heart and swayed it; forcing his brain to follow a certain path to follow on its own. Combined with the confusion of hormones and maturity; most people do not understand love, but Yatako had not been truly aware of his feelings for the Hyuuga cousin until only after she had been taken from the mortal world. The Hyuuga stared up in to the pal moon as its reflection struck downward on to his gauntlets. They bore a small reflection, enough for him to make out his face. He saw more in the reflection than just his chalky eyes; he could see the figures of Azumi, Gensai and Shin standing with him. Taking in their flames, Yatako's embers had multiplied, gaining heat and power.

A thud met the environment behind them. The possibility of an attack this early did not seem to fit the aura the situation radiated, however given the certain drift of nonchalance in the air; it would not be a true surprise. Yatako turned on the spot as soon as the sound waves collided with his ear drum. His eyes were locked on a figure that had been distant in the past, but warmed familiar feelings. Akasabre Kouta dropped down behind them, one of the shinobi that had accompanied in the liberation of Sunagakure no Sato, to where he himself belonged. After that time, Yatako could remember clearly the partnership the two of them contributed in during training with Syaoran. Kouta had picked out Syaoran and Yatako; returning with a smile to both the greeting and Syaoran's comment. "Who said anything about leaving you? I thought you were just shining your swords for this occasion.” Yatako shot back with a smirk, playing off of the way Kouta cherished his swords. They were indeed special, there seemed to be something special about them that Yatako still wished to figure out. His experiences around them were slim; Yatako had an additional feeling that his time spent around Kouta was only going to increase. With ties to Sunagakure no Sato; Yatako had spread the representation of Konohagaklure no Sato across the continent.

Syaoran began to address the group; interesting, Yatako looked towards his direction, keeping his attention diverted, watching the creeping Raikage. Speaking the feelings and mindset of probably all of the shinobi present today; Syaoran had succeeded in the archetypal ‘rally' speech for moral before the most challenging battle to face. The words he spoke were strewn with flames crackling in the undertone; mustering and feeding the metaphoric ‘flame of Konohagakure' inside of the Hyuuga. The flames inside of him would combat the electricity in the air. There was no one Yatako would rather trust with this burden to follow; no one Yatako could depend on more than Syaoran. Recollecting in his mind; Yatako came to a sound decision that out of everyone- Chouzou, Shin, Gensai, Azumi or even the kin to which he had been raised; Takumi- he trusted none other with this ordeal than the Alchem.

Two flickers signaling the approach of further bodies to the battlefield swooped in; their presence friendly. The two figures had worn clothing and accessories branding them in accordance to Iwagakure's council. Recalling in his memory, the woman looked very familiar; the man did also- however Yatako could distinctly remember after he had arrived in Iwagakure no Sato, this woman was present on the Tsuchikage's Mount. She had been introduced as Syaoran's previous Jounin teacher, to which in a few short exchanges, the surmises were assured. The nostalgic atmosphere caused Yatako to remember two figures in his past that were teachers to him. The one was Uchiha Haruki; who only appeared to disappear after the events of the Eastern Ocean journey. In reality, he had defected from the resistance and traveled to the country of coal, where Yatako later found him in control of an organization bent on destroying both the Empire and the Resistance. The Hyuuga was almost sucked in to such a group, but with his deceptive words, he wiggled away. If Yatako confronted Haruki again, the Hyuuga knew a battle would assume. His lessons with Haruki were brief, Yatako was one of the students that stayed away from the Uchiha, he was already inclined to a Hyuuga student; Azumi. The Hokage Chouzou was also a figure of wisdom in Yatako's experience. Although little was directly taught by Chouzou, his ways were passed on by his actions and passing on of chakra and abilities. Yatako could still feel the unseen chakra of Chouzou streaming through his body, carrying on the abilities passed to him. Although, that was all in the now distant past, no longer a part of Yatako's current worries. Yatako shook his head, clearing his mind of the reminiscing thoughts in fear that they might distract him from further important matters.

Syaoran continued speaking, reiterating the warning Yatako had given earlier about the magnitude of strength then shinobi present wielded and what that certainly meant to the poor souls that were in the way, be them friend or foe; of the obliterating attacks. A benefit of Taijutsu is that Yatako would not have to worry so much on the matter, for his attacks focused more on the individual. However, Yatako had techniques within his ability that could cause widespread damage and in some aspects; he was experienced with certain elements of Ninjutsu, on a lower scale. The man with the white beard had assured the group and insisted that the two council members would play their own parts in the battle and would contain the shinobi group; separating them from the lesser experienced. Letting them roam, Yatako knew the capital would be destroyed. At least contained, most of it could be salvaged if the battle ruptured in to a miniature war within itself. Given the circumstances, Yatako had not doubted the possibility. With a nod, the elderly man would sift through existence, putting in to action the foreign plan he described lightly. Maomi would linger for another moment, playing with Syaoran before she would do the same. Wordlessly, Yatako wished them luck for their task. A blanket of silence covered the group, Yatako was in full aware that they had to mentally understand the situation and recalculate their lives up to this point. "Everyone, despite keeping the shinobi separated, do not be arrogant. If you need aide, it's better to fight with numbers rather than die and place a handicap on our side.” Yatako spoke, knowing what it meant to be a human with shinobi power. If one has his mind clouded by their own power, they could be swallowed by it and everyone around them would suffer the consequences. This battle would have more strategic rules than any other in their lives. Everything they had learned through the three years of refusal to accept the shinobi ways of the Empire and acceptance of a modified shinobi belief and path would come in to play.

Calling a movement order, Syaoran planned to initiate the first steps in this inevitable battle. He stepped gingerly to the edge of the roof and pushed off, resistant the constant gravity of the realm; his clothes ruffling through the wind as he traveled through the air. Following his step, Yatako repeated his process, falling to the edge of the roof and leaping off. He could feel the wind around him, mixing with unnatural, blown up winds to encompass in to the electrical storm that was brought in to the entrance of the Raikage. As he moved along, Yatako could feel the outside forces of the elements being fought by his internal chakra, his robes fluttering in the wind as he traveled. He refused to activate his immaculate eyes too soon; any unnecessary spending of chakra would be advised. The Hyuuga would know when the battle would unfold.

A lightning charge collided with the background, illuminating the world in back of them, spreading quickly to the land to their sides and even in their front. Yatako's eyes shot upward, able to grasp the sight of a bolt engraved on to the now slightly visible Raikage's face. Whatever caused such a mutilating mark invoked images of trauma into Yatako's mind, warping him to remember his own skin defection. The association, chilling. A deep voice rolled like thunder across the sound waves, calmly but effectively; beseeching their leader; a call to Syaoran. The time was nearing quickly to their battle; Yatako remembered the last time he had this certain feeling welt up inside of him. It was a different time during the liberation of Konohagakure no Sato. Yatako had matured and learned much since then; he would place everything he learned in to this confrontation.

[1885 words]

[3032 total]

·::--::·

A turn and shift of Raz's head was welcoming to Haruyuki's voice. A smile and nod were just too kind from the Otogakure shinobi. Instantly returning the smile equal to the greatness; recollecting the memory of the abrupt meeting between the two ninja. They had joined forces during a mission to raid supply trains of the NCIA and collect their supplies to fuel the Kirigakure resistance. Needless to say their mission had been a success in more way than one. Initially, Haruyuki did not know whether to truly trust Raz, he had an inkling to upon his first greet, but it was only until after Raz affirmed his connection with Korin, did he surrender his guard and place faith and friendship in the man. Connecting his strongest element of wind, Haruyuki knew exactly what Raz meant. The two of them would look out for each other. Generally, the cold was associated with negative and remorseful emotions, but Haruyuki was not one to badge himself to the brand. He controlled the cold and ice to a different name; under the same effects.

As the rain continued it perpetual drip; Haruyuki could feel its essence on his skin. Turning his clothes damp, he could feel an oddity coursing through each rain drop. Though it was miniscule and trace, he could sense a contamination in the rain; electricity. Perhaps it was in his imagination or in the atmosphere, but when it hit his skin, tiny shocks that the body hardly recognized would register in his mind due to the affinity with water. There was nothing he could do in the face of it, nor would he plan to do for it would mean excreting amounts of chakra that had the potential to be vital in the time to come. A flash had run through his memory, recounting all of the scrolls he had in his possession. Once a past time, now turned in to an excess shinobi art, Haruyuki had exceeded at the skill of scrolling. Inscribing various scrolls, he recalled his powerful weapons in case of emergencies today. The Hisame patted the scroll in his robes that contained his formal pact with the Legendary Slug Summons. He secretly held a scroll his name inscribed, one of the accomplishments he had done in the time of his disappearance and separation from the rest of the group here. If the need would arise, the shinobi here would be provided with a medically inclined surge.

His crystal eyes proceeded to target upon the girl whom stole Raz's attention. Her name was Korin; the girl he had met so long ago, one of the true friends he ever had in his life. Despite her mysterious past she didn't wish to share and was afraid to initially; Haruyuki accepted her unconditionally, not questioning her past, but accepting her present. He fell upon her figure, running down a memory of a dream he had once back when they had shared a bed with Warrusu, then Sensha had dropped by. That was certainly an interesting night; four to a bed. A smile crept over his face, reminiscing to a simpler time. Once this ordeal was over, he planned on keeping close in touch connections with her too, even if he had to constantly travel to Kusagakure, however something said when he made frequent trips to Otogakure, he would see her there.

Shougo, please carry on. I don't know how long this will take, but I have a feeling once this so called- barrier is put up, we won't be able to be near each other. Please, be careful and lead us to victory.

I will brother, be safe and pull us to victory. It's a shame, we won't get to fight with each other, but I will be the force out here. Too many shinobi on the inside would be too many targets so to speak.

A tear began to fill Haruyuki's eye, clutching his mother's pendant, he felt the weight of his family on his shoulders. The Hisame name had been revered in the land of Kirigakure no Sato, he was determined to keep that name alive and reestablish the separated family. There was so much being thrown in to this battle, he could only muster to wish his brother luck; out of everything else he could say. Haruyuki had finally accepted his brother's reestablishment in to the world of shinobi. Looking up in to the war scarred sky; He saw a monstrous flash of light, followed by a quaking slam of thunder. Proceeded by an introduction by the infamous Raikage. Haruyuki moved without a word to the rest of the group, he was too concrete on the situation. At any moment, some unknown occurrence could become reality. The one called Syaoran was in the center of this entire ordeal.

We are at our last crossroad. But there really is only one road to choose, after all of these years; I'll put a story to my name.

The Hisame thought strenuously, the other affinity he had discovered himself to was oddly the element of fire. The chakra swirling inside of him felt like it was bumbling, crackling and cooling. With his own storm mounting within his core, Haruyuki crept closer to the next chapter in the world's timeline.

[88o words]

[1702 total]

((Ooc; Finally, it took me long enough. I was picking at it but never had enough time to truly wirte :x))

[Cloudnine]

Korin leaned onto her toes to catch his lips. She counted the little bits of ephemeral eternity, witness to the passing of time all too fast. "Alright,” the girl replied. Starstruck. Her eyes opened and she began a reluctant unwind. Fingers once locked on Raz's hands unclasped. She left the cozy nook of his arms but felt his chakra trailing with her. Lingering comfort. A reverie in miniature plummeted from the midnight, the avian construct alighting on the girl's shoulder. Oh! There you are, Korin mused, perked. A beaming smile in Raz's direction.

She followed after Syaoran, pulsing her chakra with every stride until she was uplifted off the buildings. In essence, the girl was afloat. Korin was thinking ahead, planning. She was better off working behind the front lines, serving as a support rather than jutsu focused on destruction. Staying aloft seemed vital when it came to keeping up with her allies and prevented her from scrambling over obstacles. Chakra continued to roll. The Wukong blood came to life again, sending a jolting shiver down Korin's spine as chakra first surged through dilated gates. She was putting everything she had into this.

Aiko, I need your strength. Ending on a saddened note. In her absence, Korin's instructor had been… killed, it seems. Korin wasn't sure of the cause of death, but her gut told her the NCIA pulled several wicked strings. After all, misfortune seemed to favor Aiko- her abduction by Haruki, Azumi's drive for power… her reincarnation at the cost of her former sensei's death and the solitude of her students vanishing one by one.

Familiar scenery in drab atmosphere passed by. The buildings were in gray, nostalgic shades. It was a mission objective once; Korin and the rest of her gennin cell were given paint rollers of buckets of paint to paint the city gray, glum. Syaoran scaled the palace walls and halted there. Korin followed suite, hovering just inches off the ledge. They were getting closer to destiny. The call seemed almost… tangible. The Raikage loomed before them, briefly illuminated by a savage shock of light. Wary eyes fixated on him. Korin had seen him once before and now he looked more intimidating than ever.

His eyes were indifferent, mouth held in a straight line. Unwavering, they've finally lured the beast from his lair. Korin gently stroked the mockingbird on her shoulder, quelling her nerves. For now, she'd offer her friends a blessing. It was genjutsu at its finest- beneficial as opposed to tormenting the sanity out of victims. It was in the form of an unsung song with a blank verse, free lyrics. And with it came a reassuring sense of fortitude and power. However cold the wind and rain, she'd be there to ease up the pain.

Post: 463

Total: 12o3

[cntrstrk14]

Syaoran would take a few steps forward of the group, separating himself enough as to make his motion apparent. Standing on the very edge of the wall, up on the supportive railing, he would crouch down and raise his hand, his eyes gazing upward as he did. With a small wave and a smile to cloud over they storm of worry and nerves that threatened to take over his body and mind, Syaoran would call out in an equally clear and audible voice. Though not one as commanding, it was filled with resolve.

“That would be me.”, Syaoran would say, his eyes meeting those of the Raikage. With a deep breath Syaoran would fill his longs and release, letting out all the air before he would continue.

“You know, its not to late to turn yourself in. End this all peacefully. All we want is the completely disbandment of the Empire and the NCIA, that’s all. Nothing huge.”, he said, and in the back of his mind he already knew the answer, but hoped against all odds that it was wrong. He could feel the tension in the air, as if the smallest snap would send the entire city into a frenzied battle. The sad part though, was that this was very close to the truth. Behind him, Syaoran could feel the presence of all those that had come with him, it was only a guess as to what was going through their minds at this moment.

247 Words; 3596 Total

[Eechi-go]

"Turn myself…in?”

The man asked in a quizzical tone of voice, his expression turning into a twisted frown of sorts. Suddenly, his breathing hitched, his chest rising and sinking continuously , as it seemed the man had begun to chuckle under his breath slightly, before a slight smirk formed on his lips. Suddenly, he burst into a full blown laughter, his back arching as the echo of his voice bounced off all the palace walls, rebounding back to the resistance squad down below. After a few moments, his voice settled, and he glared amusingly down at the party.

"Who exactly do you think I am, boy? You and your little friends are the criminals after all…”

The man tipped the Raikage hat off of his head, revealing all of his facial features to the party. His hair seemed slicked back, ruffling slightly in the gales that surrounded him, holding a tint that resembled the very darkened clouds that hang above him. Black as a thunderhead due to the lack of lighting, and with tiny bits of gray forming near his sideburns and other various areas. The man had a five o'clock shadow, but it was of a grayish tint, so at this distance, it was only slightly noticeable. Eyes tinted like the ocean during a midnight storm, they pierced through all who dare stare into them; casting those away from the window to his very core. His scar was more pronounced now, the skin greatly darkened compared to his normal tone. It had looked as if lightning was etched into his very being.

"Peaceful…? What do you know of peace? I hear your claims, the resistance's claims, and yet all I see is death and destruction. Do you not understand why the world must be this way? Think back, hundreds and hundreds of years, when the mighty Rokudo had created ninjutsu. Never did the world see war until a struggle for power broke out between the newly crafted ninja. A ninja's existence is to kill, do not delude yourselves. You may beat around the bush all you like, but in the end, it is the inevitability of our duties that causes war. What would you do if I had surrendered? Returned to the way the world was? Waging war between countries on a yearly basis?”

Slowly the man raised his gloved hand, clenching it, the leather making an uncomfortable wrinkle along the knuckle as he looked to the heavens, as if he prayed to whatever gods may listen to his plea.

"I took this world and I did what needed to be done. Sacrifices are necessary to create change, and so, I sought out to conquer all the shinobi lands with an iron rule. I created the NCIA in order to keep uprising to a minimum, outlaw chakra usage in order to keep a rebellion down, and yet you all still fought, and you continued to fight all logic and reason. Now, here you all are, before me. Think of your actions, what good would reverting back to such barbaric measures do you all? Are you blinded by some sort of extremism? I implore you to think of the consequences of your actions. This is a warning, fellow shinobi, if you surrender, I shall promote each and every one of you to an elite member of the NCIA, so long as you surrender your allegiance to me, and to peace once and for all. I will give you a few moments to think it over, no need to rush."

Edited August 19, 2011 by Eechi-go

[Cho Hakkai]

Hakkai listened to the conversation happen. The voice of the Raikage actually calmed the Sound ninja's nerves rather than have scared him. It was weird and Hakkai couldn't understand it. But it seemed that just hearing the booming voice made Hakkai know that this was the last stand. One set of people were going to be finished. The thought of death would normally make a person be uneasy simply because they had a chance of dying. Hakkai wasn't afraid of death because he wouldn't die until he brought back the village of Otogakure no Sato to Mikomi. It was to her that Hakkai has a debt to and a debt Hakkai intended to settle.

Syaoran's offer made Hakkai chuckle. Would a man as powerful as the Raikage honestly turn himself in? No, of course not. He wouldn't throw something away he made and allowed to exist for what seemed like an eternity. An eternity that all of the resistance members intended to end and begin anew.

And then the Raikage called the resistance members criminals. Again, Hakkai let out a chuckle. Each side found the other to be pure evil. True human nature really. If something is opposed to what you think is to be nirvana, you automatically assume to be evil. Maybe not have a mustache and goatee combo evil, but evil nonetheless.

The word evil tends to be pushed around. Whenever evil is discussed, it's usually about absolute evil, as if the existence of the world was simply good and evil. Oh how boring life would be if there were two absolutes. But alas, there is not. To each person there are different evils.

To Hakkai, the Raikage is a form of evil, but in no intentions to be a pure evil. For one, Hakkai cannot be one to point a finger at evil for he himself has done deeds that are not exactly acceptable by humane standards. The Raikage also did this in an attempt to create a utopia. Although the idea of having a utopia is comforting, it is simply an idea. A true utopia cannot be created so long as the ninja or man even existed in this world.

However, the Raikage killed the closest thing to a mother figure Hakkai had and she even died protecting his life. Hakkai enjoyed how his life was before the liberation of the NCIA. He was a care free child who had just lost a friend and wanted the world to go back the way it was. However, before he could blink the doors to the village were blown open and the NCIA invaded and took over.

But then again, if it were not for the NCIA, Hakkai would not have grown so much in so little time. Even so, as many people that have been saved; almost double have become "causalities.”

Then the Raikage spoke of peace. Hakkai did not laugh at this. He was a man who wanted peace, but did not want to be ruled. People can enjoy their lives peacefully and not be controlled over another person. But when several people are together, one will eventually need to take lead. At times, the leader will be nothing but good. They will be helpful and add more to the society or group.

But even then, there are people who abuse their power for their own ends.

And what did the Raikage do? A Coup de tats, followed by an attack on all the other villages. What is funny about this, or at least it was to Hakkai, was that in order to create this false peace, the Raikage had to create so much chaos that it would more or less cave within itself. He started the fights and ruined towns, only to fix them. He allowed people to live who were ninja, so long as they revoked their ninja ways. He didn't really want peace, he wanted control.

Hakkai wouldn't be surprised if the Raikage did at one point want true peace. It was a good idea and very noble. It was even nobler that he tried to establish it. But Hakkai thought that his way of doing so was corrupt and not the way he should have done so because now, in this disgusting clouded area filled with rain, smoke, moonlight, faint noises, and the heartbeats of every person near the palace, is the end of something. What this something is in all honesty, no one knows yet. Will anyone know for true when it happens? Only time will tell.

The Raikage then gave his offer to the resistance ninja. To be or not to be a high level member of the NCIA forces? A major world power that currently holds more land than any other power before it. Hakkai stepped forward and looked at the Raikage.

Hakkai smiled brightly and said in a humorous way, "Cho Hakkai, Elite NCIA Soldier just doesn't have a ring to it. Sorry, I'm going to have to deny it.”

((832))

((2044))

Edited September 3, 2008 by Cho Hakkai

[cntrstrk14]

Syaoran would smile as the Raikage would make his offer. From his crouched position he would look up at the man, his presence weighing down the entire city, but Syaoran wouldn't let any effect of his presence show on himself. He was only another man, there was no reason for Syaoran to feel so nervous about the situation. As he removed his hat, the full features of his face coming into view, Syaoran got a good look for the first time his opponent. The man was much older that Syaoran, at least twice his age. His features were riddled with experience, the brutality of his scar showing across his face. Hakkai would speak up first, and Syaoran would look at him from over his shoulder as he would talk. Turning back to the Raikage with a large grin, Syaoran would let out a small laugh at his denial.

"I'm going to have to refuse as well, I just don't think the other NCIA will take too kindly to me given our past.”, Syaoran would said, waving his hand in a polite denial. Standing up now Syaoran would take a deep breath, his nerves calming as he could hear a small roar of support from behind him, the resistance forces that listened yelling their approval. Taking a moment to listen to the roar, Syaoran would look up at the Raikage.

"In fact, I think I speak for all of us when I say ‘Go fuck yourself'.”

245 Words; 3841 Total

[Eechi-go]

"Now now, Syaoran, I wouldn't speak for others, as you will also be forced to take responsibility for them as well.”

The man gripped his gloved hand tightly, before he snapped his pointer finger and thumb. It would seem as if nothing happened for a moment, but the quick sound of a gasp could be heard. A seared hole appeared through Maomi's chest, straight through her heart. She'd be killed instantly by this, whatever it was. In truth, the Raikage had created a small bolt of lightning that moved quicker then any mortal eye could catch. It's size did not diminish it's power, obviously, just it's width in which the impact created. The man's figure retracted, his presence becoming even denser as time went on.

"That was your second warning, I've killed her in a painless manner, so she had not suffered in anyway. However, I cannot say the same for you if you continue to wag such a sharp tongue.”

[.::.]

Raz's mind had actually considered the Raikage's words for a moment. He was not wrong; war dawned once humans had obtained ninjutsu and mastery of chakra. Perhaps, one day, far in the future, jutsu would become obsolete, just ancient techniques that would be proceeded by a better, more industrialized world. Until then, the world had to learn to cope, and the countries needed to cooperate with one another in order to survive the years to follow.

Raz had no doubt in his mind that this could be achieved, especially after the alliances he made came into full effect once the war did end. Kusa, Kiri, Iwa, and Konoha would all become friends with Oto, or at least he had hopped deep in his heart. A certain fear of a betrayal remained biting him in the back of his mind. Of course, he made many friends during his ventures, but who was to say that they weren't simply using him to further their own goals? In this, Raz had saw the Raikage's point. The man must have had some conflict in the past that sparked such desire to stomp out war altogether. The boy almost felt pity for the man. He had no answer, he simply continued to gaze up at the man, not willing to throw fire on the flames, unlike Syaoran.

Before he knew it, the young women was struck in a matter of nanoseconds, giving Raz absolutely no time to summon the rashomon gates. He wasn't quite sure if they would have even been able to stop the bolt of lightning, considering how quickly it killed the young woman. He did not know her, but it enraged him to no end. That was completely unnecessary force, and now, the guilt of being unable to draw blood quick enough to summon the gates began to slowly sink into his heart.

Out of anger, the boy snapped his guitar off of his strap, twisting it around in his hand, before slamming the body onto the grassy lawn of the palace. The blades of green began to steam, slowly dissipating into nothingness. His fighting spirit fueled the phoenix's soul within the weapon, turning the guitar red hot.

"Leave it to mortals to take a life so easily…”

The phoenix chirped within the guitar, quite frankly surprised by the whole situation. For once, the being felt useless. Though it's tears could revive, his spirit was bound to the guitar. Without being forcibly removed, there was no hope for the girl. The phoenix's chakra began to pour out of the medium in which it was sealed, flowing directly into Raz. This began to manipulate the tint of Raz's silverish aura, turning it into a burning crimson color, the wind whipping around him red hot with his fury and fighting soul.

"Tch, I know running in would be stupid….but…”

The boy was at an impasse here, as much as he wished to charge the Raikage, he knew the man could not be fought alone. Why couldn't Syaoran realize this? He hoped at the very least sense would kick into Syaoran sooner then later, before it got bad. A small wish that this could finish in a breeze also gave him a bit of hope, but he was not so foolish to truly believe that.

EDIT; New Total; 4539

Edited September 4, 2008 by Eechi-go

[Warr]

"The drum of war and peace beats on with the same ferocity, regardless of who is hitting it. Hits with the same ferocity as these winds and rains, the same unrelenting inhumane sound of force.”

Such a thought arose in the mind of Warrusu as he watched this scene, this rain, wind, and lightning filled scene. A scene which would excite many, but which brought to the young Kirigakuran fisher-nin, only one feeling. Peace.

The solemn vision of the moon breaking through the clouds was more than slightly symbolic to him, and even this storm brought things into perspective. His mind went to the fact that a storm was always the worse before it sputtered and died. This storm was the Raikage's equivalent of a storm which was about to dissipate to a clear sky.

As soon as the others began to move, Warrusu did likewise, jumping from the middle of the roof he had stopped on as they all gathered together, the others talking, and him only listening to their words. As his jump came to an end, he caught onto the edge of the next roof, pulling himself up and running, and jumping just like the others every attempt after that. The rain continued to fall on him, all of his clothes getting at least moderately wet, despite his jacket keeping a sizable amount of the water away from him.

But his expression did not change, he simply observed, following them and listening to their words, and to the beautiful sound of rain beating on the buildings around. He did not marvel at the buildings of this 'capital of the world's capital'. His mind was solely on taking into account this event in its entirety, its every moment's event. He knew how momentous it would be, win or lose.

Perhaps that was why he had not stepped forward when the Raikage had asked 'who the leader' of this revolution was. Syaoran was definitely the instigator and the person who had united the timing of the assaults on Fang, but he was not the undisputed leader. Warrusu knew this just as much as anyone else would be able to ponder.

And it was definitely the reason why he had not responded yet to this man. This warped mirror of himself, as he saw it. Dark haired, Azure eyed. His hair resisted the wind even as it fluttered around him. He stood like the storm incarnate, a mirror of what the elements within Warrusu drove him to be. The elements that made Warrusu so calm in this setting, not worried in the slightest about this driving rain and the accompanying winds.

The words the man spoke even mirrored why Warrusu fought. To bring peace and the preserve the tradition of his village. Even as the man spoke, his mind focused on those words. His heart welled up, realizing this man was not as much of a 'devil like villain' as he had always assumed him to be.

The boy would have just stayed there, not saying a thing, likely. He would have stood there lost in thought, listening to his allies piping back, and considering the exact words which the man had spoken. Considering, and feeling his own chakra heighten for a moment as the bolt of lightning pierced the woman who had accompanied the group of shinobi from the united resistances to this palace. His eyes widened as he realized.

This man was the devil. He was the devil not because he was a pure incarnation of evil, but because he refused to believe anyone but him could accomplish peace. Because he refused to let anything but his own idea of the world be fostered. He was the devil because he took the past, the present, and most importantly, the -future- from the people of the world. He had attempted to mold the children of the world in his image, instead of letting them find their own way. Warrusu's neck tightened, his heart welling up once again as he struggled with this situation, and with the falling of that Iwa-nin.

"Don't call yourself a savior. You're not a uniter of someone who truly seeks peace, because if you were, you would have taken different avenues to procure it. For the sake of peace, you took away hundreds of children's parents, you stole their future so you could control fate with some sort of iron grip. You were afraid of not having control. That's the reason you strode for this 'peace'. That's why.”

The Umikoi heir-prince looked directly into the eyes of the Raikage, his glare as tense as he could possibly bring forth.

"For your 'peace', you made brothers fight brothers, mothers fight daughters. You made our nations tear themselves apart, and you lied to the people saying you were helping rebuild them. You told us to renounce what we were, what our ancestors and fate wanted us to be. You did it in some sort of stupid arrogance, and it's about time that we fulfilled the oath to the past, the present, and the future, that we made.”

The youth's hands shot together, looking at the devil of a man with his nostrils flared.

"What is to be done will be done, and what is not to be done will not. If the kami did not wish us to perform ninjutsu, they would not have given any of us chakra. You're going against the rule of the celestial court, and are in the same stroke trying to say our ancestors and everyone who died to protect the way of life that fates wanted for us were criminals. That's more enough reason to ignore every edict you've ever put down, and even that offer that Syaoran gave you.”

"Oh well,” His expression shifted to what was best put as one of almost insane happiness. "BASTARD.”

Even as he had been saying the words before, the lightning chakra which was within the every pore of his chakra system had already been sinking into the ground below him. His hands shifted quickly, and a blast of lighting shot out from under him at an immense speed.

[1176 Words, this post. 2265 Words Total.]

Edited September 3, 2008 by Warr

[cntrstrk14]

Th-thump.

Syaoran's ears were filled with the sound of a heartbeat. Opening his eyes, slowly and painfully, he would get a flash of sunlight. As he focused, above him was the soft face of Maomi. Syaoran was twelve years old, and had suffered a swift defeat at the hands of Kadiska. Waking up from his unconscious state, the young boy found himself in the lap of his Jounin instructor. Her dark blue hair catching the rays of sunlight as she leaned over to inspect his forehead, lightly touching the bump on his head with her hand. Her green eyes, in the shape of almonds, met his for a moment and she let out a sigh and a small smile. Syaoran could hear her heart, feeling her pulse through her leg as he lay there, trying to remember what had happened.

Th-thump.

"That was quite a hit, Kadiska.”, Maomi would say as she tilted her head up, looking towards the opposite side of Syaoran. Tilting his head to follow, Syaoran would see Kadi looking over with a slight look of regret. For the most part her expression was blank, but Syaoran could tell that she was not her normal collected self. She was worried. The name ‘Kadi' was off limits to everyone in the world except for two people. One of which was Kadiska's brother, and the other was Syaoran himself. Being her only friend and teammate, Syaoran was Kadi's only companion aside her Shimo wolf since her brother had left the country. Though she would never admit it, she really cared for the boy. Figaro, the last member of the team, was leaning against a rock a bit away as a low whistle was let loose from his lips.

"Yeah, I didn't think you were getting up from that one Syaoran.”

Th-thump.

His eyes looking upwards, Syaoran's eyes would go from Maomi's eyes, lower, lower to her chest.

"I… I dreamed of Kadi in a schoolgirl uniform…”, Syaoran said through his half dazed state of mind before he could catch himself. Unfortunately, Maomi had seen his look and with a simple flick, the boy was flipped onto his stomach and off of her lap. At the same time, Kadi would swing a fist down, striking the boy on the back of the head as he reached up to defend himself. Figaro just shook his head at the three. This was the daily routine, Syaoran couldn't help himself from his perverted tendencies and it often got him in trouble with the girls around him. Fortunately he had outgrown that part of him… or at least the part that couldn't control it.

Th-thump.

Syaoran's eyes would widen as Maomi fell, his eyes following her as if in slow motion as her body went limp and fell backwards with the force of a blow. Blood would fire out of her as she fell, and if it were not for Damjaou, her body would have hit the stone rooftop with a sickening thud. As the man held her body, she would lift her hand to her necklace, grasping the ring around it. With a strength that would turn her knuckles white, she would hold onto that ring as her stare met the sky. "Br-Brother…”, she would gasp with the last breath in her body, her once beautiful emerald eyes fading from their brilliant color.

Th-.

Syaoran's mind was dead, the gears that always turned under the hood of his mind had come to a grinding halt as he absorbed this moment. The look of pure shock on his face at how quickly the man had struck had eliminated any sense of fear or nerves within his body. From the very depths of his soul stirred something new, something he had not expected to feel here today. The memories of Maomi, his Jounin, his mentor, flickered through his mind like a book, each one swinging full force into his mind. He would never get to talk to her again, if only he had known, if only he had a chance. Raz would swing his guitar in reaction, the grass being blasted away from the palace grounds. Warrusu would step up at the same moment and speak shortly.

"YOU FIEND!”, Damjaou would shout, anger riddling his elder features, his eyes matching the Raikage's with a sense of depth and knowledge. With this moment Warrusu would launch his attack, and all hell would be on the verge of breaking loose.

743 Words; 4584 Total

[Eechi-go]

"Now now, no need to be hasty…”

The man smirked slightly, his hand extending towards the blast of lightning that shot forth towards him. Though the speed of the shot was quick, it came to a dead stop just before it would pierce the Raikage's hand. The lightning crackled into sparks, forming into a small ball of electricity that wildly cackled at the current situation. The Raikage's eyes would meet Warrusu's, cocking an eyebrow for a moment.

"Have we met? You seem familiar. Regardless, your lack of restraint will kill yet another one of you.”

And like it was nothing, the man tossed the orb of lightning in the direction of the elderly Damajou, forming into a lightning bolt as it sliced through the air. The man's cloak flailing wildly from the turbulence that had occurred. Though, the blast wasn't as quick as the previous shot he had released, it was much larger. Though the elder man may have been powerful, this strike was beyond his ability to maneuver, decades above, as a matter of fact.

It seemed to spell the end for this man.

No longer could this boy stand for this violence. With tremendous strength, he lugged the dual-necked guitar over his shoulder, be leaping forward, safely assuming everyone else would follow, considering Warrusu's last strike. If anyone believed there was sense in talking at this point, they were simply fools. The boy gained some surprising speed on his charge, considering the weight of the weapon he carried.

In a flash, the four figures who remained so statue like previously had appeared before the group without a sound, which caused Raz to stop dead short. They continued to stare ominously through their cloaked appearance, as if they were looking into the souls of their enemies. Of course, it could never be -too- easy, after all. Raz held his guitar in an offensive position, prepared to strike whichever was the closest to him.

"Guys, team up, now!”

Though he knew he wasn't commanding these forces, they were all his good friends. He reasonably assumed they wouldn't have a problem with it, as common sense would show that these ninja were not normal. After all, they were the Raikage's select elite, weren't they? The boy dare not approach, not without atleast one person at his side.

The Raikage smirked as he looked upon Syaoran; whom he knew would be his primary target. He did not move, he assumed the boy would simply come to him. His guards would bring the maggots to their knees in no time, after all, he trusted no one more then them, with the exception of Rakurai, whom he swore to avenge in this battle. As the man cried out, one large lightning bolt would tear the sky asunder, slamming into the Raikage, empowering him.

"I see words are meaningless to you who are deaf. Murderer of Rakurai and the people of the NCIA, approach me, Inabikari Raikou, Raikage of Kumogakure no Sato and Champion of Raijin!”

503 Words

5042 Total

((Everyone but Syaoran must get into groups of two, and one group of three, due to our uneven numbers, before we can continue any further.))

Edited September 4, 2008 by Eechi-go

[Cho Hakkai]

Hakkai watched at the Raikage used the element of lightning to his advantage. Hakkai could see him surging with power. Such awesome power at one's disposal... Hakkai had to learn it. After all Hakkai thought he knew the power of lightning. Apparently he was wrong. Hakkai heard Raz talk about teaming up and ran to his side and smiled at him. "The Children of Oto need to work together no?"