Azure Posted November 5, 2007 Posted November 5, 2007 The two warriors had left the safety land of the Country of Earth, their safety of Iwagakure no Sato. Two wanderers, two revolutionists; associated with brining the certain future to the present. Every little step beneath their feet shaped the world around them. Though the world stood oblivious to their names, their identities were branded to them, threats. Threats to the empire of Kumogakure, threats to the stability of the world. Syaoran faintly was aware of his surroundings in the land between the two countries, even briefly, he wouldn't get lost so easily. Familiarity was on his side, Yatako was blessed with the Byakugan, an excellent tracking tool that would unravel the mysteries and direct the path forward. Standing on the edge of the water, Syaoran displayed his knack and overall ability to formulate jutsu, Syaoran summoned forth a small ship, but by no means would small define the sails, which stretched skyward and tickled the clouds. Surprised with the crafted wood pile, Yatako jumped aboard the wooden flotation vessel. "You're always building things, aren't you?" Yatako said with a grin. It had been a few times that Yatako had seen Syaoran's craftsmanship. Surly even the armor strapped to him was of his own design. The Hyuuga was impressed with the Alchem, understanding that the limits of ninjutsu were just that, limitless. Though where Syaoran lacked, Yatako filled in, apt with the physical ability and durability, he was the completion of power to Syaoran's force. Together the two were more than formidable and together, they sailed off to cripple the empire.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 Syaoran smiled as Yakato hopped up onto the deck of his ship. Nodding as he turned, with each step a pulse of chakra would flow from him, the entire ship singing to his presence. The mast dropped, ropes pulled tight and drew the canvas. As he walked up the small set of stairs towards the upper deck, Syaoran looked back towards the front of the ship, it was already turning slowly towards the open sea. At the top of the stairs, there was no visible helm to steer the ship, but there was a large array in black paint that stretched a ten foot radius. Approaching it Syaoran got to the center and turned on the spot. From around his feet there was a burst of gold and blue light along with a gust of hot wind. The ship lurched again, moving forward and the masts catching the wind in full force. The sound of the waves crash was soon all around them, the taste of the water filling the air as the left the shore. "I like to tinker with things here and there, I would call it more of a hobby than anything else. I made this sweetheart while running from the NCIA in the Eastern Oceans. I was spending my time on a desert island called Tooran, off the map of course. So, what do you think of it?", he said proudly, his clothing rippling around him as they moved, the wind running over him as well as the ship.
Azure Posted November 6, 2007 Author Posted November 6, 2007 The ship was being build up around him, the boat began to pick up the wind and accelerate by its own. The sea in front of them stretched on and on, without any visible end. He had never truly sailed on the open ocean before, there was only one time on a boat in his life and that was back in his past. A half year ago; back in his old life. At the time Syaoran mentioned the Eastern Oceans, a visible change could been seen in the character of Yatako. At the mention of the name, he seemed to tense up, he became real quiet, something unnatural for him. "So…You've been to the Eastern Oceans too?...” His voice trailed off for a bit, leaving a sigh where words should have taken their place. Instead of continuing his last comment, he changed the subject randomly, as if deciding to not go with what he wanted to say next. "Oh, yeah. I like this ship a lot, We just have to keep a look out for something peculiar. "
cntrstrk14 Posted November 7, 2007 Posted November 7, 2007 Syaoran noted the way that Yakato had mentioned the Eastern Oceans, the change of tone and quick change of subject. He guessed that something saddening had happened there to give the Hyuuga this reaction, but he did not push it any farther. Everyone was entitled to their own sadness. So to help cover this awkward topic over Syaoran helped along the other man's topic. "Yeah, anything out of the ordinary at all we need to investigate, but that is why you are going to be so important. Not only with the Byakugan can we see everywhere, but we can investigate islands without even needing to land on shore.", Syaoran said with a laugh. He wished he could be a bit more useful for now, but all he could do was drive the boat. If they would see anything it was likely the Hyuuga would spot it long before the Alchem.
Azure Posted November 7, 2007 Author Posted November 7, 2007 Syaoran did not bring up the subject of the Eastern Oceans again, which, because he trusted Syaoran, if the subject were to come up again, he would probably tell him. He had nothing to hide, the story did seem somewhat farfetched, but it would be the truth. His journey through shinobihood wasn't a normal one, but it was his story. It's what made him the person who he was and ultimately lead him to the Country of Wind. Though, all in all, if he hadn't gone on that adventure, he would not be feeling the way he did. For all the friends he had made and lost wouldn't have occurred. "Ha! Yeah, I'm sure you could find the place alone…and this mission could have went on for months!” Yatako only prayed that his eyes could pinpoint what they were searching for, so that it wouldn't take months on end, or he wouldn't be looking to reliable. Calling upon the chakra that coursed through his veins, pulling the mystic force to his slumbering eyes; the chakra pushed its way through his blood, streamlining his sacred blood, awakening the sleeping Byakugan. Instantly, the surface around him, the whole environment along with Syaoran gave much more detail to every fiber of being than it did to the naked eye. Hanging on to one of the side rails would not help their search, meandering towards the stern of the ship, Yatako perched himself in a position where he would be able to see both directs without even needing to turn his head, not to mention the distance he could see. Though with the lands that came along, he saw nothing, only animals occasionally, but nothing immediate. "I think we'll need some logic too, to find this island. I would think it would have to be accessible, for transports to come and go delivering supplies and a work force, and hidden obviously. But who knows how long this will take. We'll have some time to talk and get to know each other…sounds cliché, but that's what it comes down to. What I'd really like to know, is about the Alchem clan, at least some basic information, details only if you want to, please.” All he really wanted was some background on Syaoran, his family seemed mysterious and rare. But there are often nightmares unforgettable in the past, Yatako didn't want to bring up anything too painful.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 7, 2007 Posted November 7, 2007 Syaoran sighed, looking across the water. It was not so much that he did not want to tell the story more than it had been awhile since he had thought about the events that led up to where he was now. There was much hurt, but it had not been in vain, and Syaoran had been given the time he needed to get over the brash emotions he had first felt. "Well, the first thing to know about my clan is that until just over five years ago we were the largest name in Iwagakure no Sato, the pride and strength of the entire country even. We had strong roots in the country, having lived here for centuries and helping to found the village as well. Though, as I said, until five years ago it was all good. Then an organization tried to take over the country, taking control of Iwagakure no Sato and occupying it. The Alchem clan all fought, to the death, for the village. They would not stand to have it controlled by anyone else. And to that end, even those that had not fought such as the women and children were slaughtered afterwards to completely ruin the clan. Luckily, there were thr-...", Syaoran stopped a moment, considering this for a moment. He was about to say there were three Alchem outside the village at the time of the invasion, but decided against it. "There were two of us that were out traveling at the time. Myself and the man you met earlier, my younger cousin Sanji. I was fourteen at the time and the world was in relative peace, and I was on a journey for something very important to me. Sanji was also in the Country of Fire, training with the ninja there to try and become stronger so he could return to the clan and pass the Chuunin Exams. By the time we returned it would be in an invasion team to liberate the village. I had just turned fifteen and I was already given the responsibility to lead a team into the village. Regardless though, after some struggle, we freed the village and ousted the Akatsuki head. They never made another move, seeming to loose their interest in the village all together. That is also where I obtained Hinshi, from killing the original wielder, a tyrant of a man named Oketsu.", Syaoran said, removing the sword from his back and holding it in its pitch black sheathe. Pulling it out a bit so that Yakato could see, though with the Byakugan he could probably see directly through it, in small kanji of white were the words 'Remember Akasabure Genome'. "This was the name of the first person to die under my command, and I have carried his name since.", Syaoran finished, sliding the sword back into the sheathe with a click and flinging it over his shoulder and back to its original position.
Azure Posted November 7, 2007 Author Posted November 7, 2007 Obviously Yatako had unearthed some deep memories embedded in to Syaoran's heart, perhaps even haunting nightmares. Ignorance can be bliss, for both the teacher and the student. But regardless, Syaoran didn't hesitate to hide the Alchem history. It was lengthy and detailed, impressive no less. The Alchem clan had once been a great clan of Iwagakure no Sato. It was left destroyed, all but two, which Syaoran had stuttered on. Though Yatako thought something that sounded like three, he wouldn't bringing it up for obvious reasons, perhaps it was just a mistake indeed. But all who were left were Syoaran and Sanji. There was still something odd about Sanji, but Yatako thought that Syaoran wouldn't even know the answer to any of his questions, when the two were reunited; he was even in disbelief. To think, there were once many, many of the Alchem clan alive. "Wait, the Akatsuki? The very same group that lived in the age of Hokage Naruto? Whose purpose was to capture the sealed demons and use them for their own personal gain? Then, I suppose they were destroyed, or disbanded after the recent attack on Iwagakure, with the cost of the Alchem clan, save you and Sanji? Very interesting.” Yatako hummed his words as he still searched and searched, scouring the islands they passed as Syaoran continued to explain more about his history than the Alchem's. Well, considering he was the clan head; he was their history. When Syaoran revealed a black sheathed sword, the Byakugan was able to trace a small kanji inscribed on it, standing for ‘Remember Akasabure Genome'. Wait, where have I heard that before…oh! "The Akasabure Genome…isn't that related to Kouta? I thought I heard that name pop up at least once, including the mention of swords…” The Byakugan could pick up very small traces of chakra, deriving from natural life, but not like the chakra that flowed through humans, it was different and not what they searched for. "Still nothing and feel free to ask me anything…I think I finally understand that keeping secrets will only weaken all humans, by trying to deny our demons inside.”
cntrstrk14 Posted November 7, 2007 Posted November 7, 2007 The waves continued to crash as the two talked, drowning out most other sounds aside their voices. There were multiple small islands in the distance on the horizon and a few scattered ones off to the north. "I think that it may be best to search this group of islands first, it would be easier to hide a complex on one of many islands than on a remote island. And also, I don't believe it was the same organization from history, probably just another new one stealing their name to make themselves sound big. As to whether they were destroyed after the attack I am not sure, its possible but we had no idea how extensive they were either.", Syaoran said, the ship slowly steering towards the group of islands. The water of the sea splashed up onto te deck, sending a mist over the two of them as they shifted direction. "If you don't mind me asking then, what happened in the Eastern Oceans?", Syaoran asked, shooting a glance over to Yakato as he did to see his reaction.
Azure Posted November 7, 2007 Author Posted November 7, 2007 Syaoran's input on the matter was that the Akatsuki was not the same group, it would have been very interesting if it were, but the result was the very same, the near extinction of the glorious Alchem clan. On the horizon there were speckled groups of islands that would come in range sometime in the future, the ideas was to search the group, for in a cluster of islands, the more complex the design the more hidden the elaborate base would be. Yatako understood the Alchem's reasoning and just nodded in correspondence to the suggestion. When Syaoran brought up the Eastern Oceans, Yatako's shoulders slumped, but he would hesitate telling his friend. "Let me just say that first, the story is rather long and a confusing one, but bare with me. I entered the islands as a Gennin, but returned as a Jounin. It first started two years after the attacks of Kumogakure, the resistance cells of Konohagakure were mobilizing and I found my way in to it. We were all dumped in to a glade in the forest. In the glade, we met the new Hokage, very mysterious and powerful, with the name of Chouzou. I suppose in a way to scare us in to action, he reanimated dead corpses of the Kumo military and they were used as a scenario as if real soldiers were attacking, but we didn't know that. After the resistance group escaped, we were told to meet at the Konoha hospital and after going through disguises, we left. Hokage Chouzou, Hyuuga Azumi, Hyuuga Kokeshi, Nepan Shin, Nara Gensai, Nara Arashi and Uchiha Haruki, not counting myself, were the ones that were in the resistance force. If you remember, most of their names were engraved in the memorial outside of your tree house. Anyway, after arriving on the shores of the Eastern Oceans, we were met by a large army of the Kumogakure soldiers stationed around the islands. Chouzou had taken most of their lives with one massive jutsu, but we were assigned clean up duty, to kill the rest. Which could be the reason you weren't met with any forces.” He paused, taking a few breaths, the area around them was slowly changing as his tale moved on. "The next day, we boarded a boat, to be taken to Unknown Ruins, which was comprised of many odd things. To start, when we arrived, we found ourselves that we had to solve a lock on the gate to get in. A simple number combination, when I say simple, it was three sevens; not some random numbers. Then as we moved on, the ground swallowed up two of our members, a third went to find the two. In the end they made it back alright, after defeating some kind of beast. Next, we were faced with a trial, what our deepest fear was, simple then; but after that, we were dropped in to a maze, with traps all around; that's when our members started dropping. It started with my cousin Hyuuga Kokeshi. Then the worst trial of all met us next. After going deeper and deeper in to the cavern, we found two brothers and a classic riddle. One lies, one tells the truth. We were allowed one question and one choice of doors. I, fortunately chose the correct door. As did Nara Gensai and Nepan Shin. However, the other shinobi chose wrong. Their fate is indescribable. Arashi, made it out from an unknown dimension and met us back in Konoha. Haruki somehow survived, but became twisted and formed an organization called Hakumei, stationed in the City of Tin; whose objective was to cripple both the empire and the Resistances. Hyuuga Azumi, whom I was growing very close to, had not made it out, which hurt me very bad. I recovered, but her voice still rings inside of my ears. Anyway, we entered in to a chamber where we were told the so called ‘truth' behind everything. Chouzou was ordered to kill the Hokage by a Kumo general. Chouzou actually was over one hundred years old, and was a mercenary for both Konoha and Kumo, but they distrusted him and wanted him dead. Hinoi, who was a noble requesting his services, preserved his body, at the cost of her own in that chamber. She brought him back to life. And that Kumo general extracted Chozuou's chakra and encased it inside of an orb, where he was controlling the Hokage like a puppet. To cut out a few details, we won the battle, barely; but we still had. Us three, were named Jounin and were given some of Chouzou's chakra. The whole process took a half of a year, to get to that one point. Then after that, we returned to Konoha, after Chouzou had gone to the Afterlife and somehow, he returned. He never really explained it, but he was real then, not a spirit. We had almost freed Konoha when he disappeared, calling off all the assault forces. And to finish the tale, I lost contact with Shin and Gensai retired from being a shinobi and walked off on his own journey. So, naturally, I am the only Brotherhood member left, which lead me to travel across the continent to Sunagakure to find you guys.” His voice remained firm throughout, though each time he told one more sentence, he felt some of his demons slip away, again. Every time he told that story, he felt more accepting to his past. He missed his Konoha friends, dearly. But, were those events to not happen, it would be highly unlikely that he would be on this boat with Syaoran. It seemed as though they were getting very close to the island cluster.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 8, 2007 Posted November 8, 2007 "Nara Arashi? I think I saw his name on the village registry, he may be somewhere in the Country of Earth right now...", Syaoran said a bit towards the end of Yakato's story. Syaoran did not say another word as Yakato came to the end of his long story. Giving a small nod he felt as if he knew more about the reasoning behind the Hyuuga's actions now. The islands had come much closer now, closing in around them as they passed the first of many. It was unlikely that any of these islands were the correct one, and even more unlikely they would find the island this quickly. "Yakato, keep our eyes open.", Syaoran said with a bit of a laugh, wondering to himself if the Byakugan worked if they had their eyes closed, seeing pass the eyelids themselves. "If you see any signs of life or something strange we should land and take a look. Its likely there is a town somewhere among these keys as well, maybe they have some information for us.", Syaoran said as he swung his arm, a few ropes tightening and steering the ship slightly towards the right to swing around the perimeter of an island.
Azure Posted November 8, 2007 Author Posted November 8, 2007 "What! Nara Arashi is still alive?” Yatako almost feel over the wooden railing when Syaoran had commented. It's true that Yatako hadn't seen Arashi since the stand of the Konoha Resistance, though he hadn't thought Arashi had died, he had already escaped that fate once; Yatako wouldn't have guess he would have found his way into Iwa. Perhaps after this mission, they would be reunited once again. "That's certainly great news!” Now that the two men had shared their stories, both of them knew more of each other's past, their reasoning for continuing on their set path and even, some like qualities between the Alchem and the Hyuuga. This mission would no doubt bring out even more of a bond between them, but in order for that to happen, they had to find the objective of their mission. Back on to business, Yatako continued to spy forward, port, starboard and aft of the vessel, trying to pinpoint any sign of like that he could. So far there was nothing out of the ordinary. "Yes, it would be helpful if we found civilization, but I don't see anything, other than a few animals here and there. The more livestock in the wild we find, the more likely we'll find some--wait. I think I see a person. Yeah, port side, I see a small person, hiding in the brush. Maybe hunting, but there's someone there. He's about two hundred feet in from the shoreline. He'll lead us somewhere that'll give us a clue. We just don't want to frighten him too much. If we scare him, he might run back to his village, but we might not win over their trust, which would be useful.” They had found their first objective; finding life on the islands. Now the interesting parts of the journey would follow.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 9, 2007 Posted November 9, 2007 "Well, we should probably drop anchor somewhere on this side of the island and follow him from a distance. We don't want anyone to know what out boat looks like if we do get into some trouble.", Syaoran said as he steered closer towards the island Yakato had pointed out. As they would near it the sails would draw themselves up as the ship would coast to a near stop. An anchor would drop from the front and crazy into the water. Looking over at Yakato as he went down the stairs to the deck Syaoran prepared to jump overboard. "You might want to leave your items here, no need making a scene in full gear.", Syaoran suggested, as he had already left his vest and swords, only taking a few kunai which he hid within the folds of his clothing.
Azure Posted November 10, 2007 Author Posted November 10, 2007 "Yeah, but we don't know for certain if he'll go back to his village anytime soon. Though, it does seem like the safest action, for both us and him. Genjutsu would help here, too bad I know none and I'm not sure about you, but I'm guessing from your strength in Ninjutsu, your Genjutsu attributes are low, but greater than none.” Yatako said as he unequipped Gensai's sword, along with his other weighted items and weapons. Though two kunai would remain on his person, tucked away so that only a search would find them. He even untied the cloak wrapped around him; it had the possibility of revealing and out sticking piece of fabric, or brushing against something. It was too complicated to bring on the stealth mission as it were. "Yeah, noted. And hey, while I'm at it, in the even we are spotted…” The Hyuuga turned around, building suspense as he reached in to his vest pocket. Unzippering it and brining out an oval shaped case. Turning his back away from Syaoran, so that he couldn't see what the Hyuuga was doing. Yatako popped open the case and plucked two Forest Green contacts in to his ashen eyes. He turned around suddenly, trying to take advantage of the situation. "These are even better than Genjutsu! And use less chakra!” Yatako laughed a little at it, perhaps it would throw them in to a lightened mood before they would disembark from their ship and stalk the man, hoping he would lead them to his home. With the addition of the contacts, he would mask the idea that he was a Hyuuga, and no one could possibly see that his contacts were fake, unless they fell out of his eye. With the dropping of the anchor, they would soon leave the ship and sneak their way in to foreign territory.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 10, 2007 Posted November 10, 2007 Syaoran laughed at the contacts Yakato had produced, who would have thought that a Hyuuga would actually carry something so practical for them to have. Shaking his head a bit Syaoran jumped off the ship, flipping over once and landing without a ripple on the calm water below. He then began to calmly walk towards the shore, making sure to not get too ahead of Yakato. As they would near the shore Syaoran would turn to look at Yakato and wave him ahead. "You will be the lead here, I still cannot even see the man, and its probably best if we keep as much distance as possible."
Azure Posted November 11, 2007 Author Posted November 11, 2007 The echo of laughter died out as the two men dropped to the realization of the seriousness of the mission. Syaoran had already taken the incentive and jumped overboard, landing on water without much sound, followed by the absence of the rippling water. The calm water was unaffected by the boat's movement, the evidence of motion had already faded away. Yatako followed, as he jumped the rail, he began to spin, a few spins around and he dropped to the water; his chakra holding his body up. The two shinobi crept to shore, without a whisper. Behind his now tinted green eyes, Yatako continued to monitor the prey. But before they reached land, Syaoran turned to Yatako, giving him the task to lead the two. "Sounds good, but be sure you don't lose track of me. Hmmm, I think I may have an idea. If, for some reason, we are separated by unforeseen forces or are in trouble, we should have a way of contacting each other. We both have knowledge of the Earth element and this region is close enough to the Country of Earth. Would it be too uncalled for if there was a tremor? Passing off a signal as a natural disaster. Or, you could signal a rain storm or something? I don't have the ability to use water Ninjutsu, Earth just happens to be my first natural element.” After discussing it over with the Alchem, Yatako gave a quick nod as he proceeded to make a fair distance between himself and Syaoran, in order for their plan to work correctly. The water beneath his feet was cool, his boots didn't leak any liquid in, but regardless, it felt a bit strange, but he passed it off. Reaching the shore, he took a glance back, to make a mental note of where Syaoran was positioned, how far he chose to stay behind and the time approximation that it would take him to catch up. Yatako had always been a skillful tactician, so it wasn't that difficult to arrive at his answers. Shifting his eye sight back on to the target, he noticed that the man was moving. Then he stopped again, Yatako walked up the shore, without making much noise, to the best possible way. He hid around his surroundings, a few growing bushes, and specifically growing trees for that region and kept a constant eye on the man. When the man stood up from where he crouched, it was obvious for Yatako to place him in his mind. He had long and bulky auburn hair. The hair fell to around his mid back and he was a rather bulky man himself. Perhaps he was out hunting, or simply for his own pleasurable reasons. He wore a tan shirt, but it was lightly wrapped around him, more like a toga with baggy sepia pants to match his ensemble. Apparently, he was unfruitful in his hunt, for he began to turn and walked deeper in to a forest. Yatako followed the man, keeping a large distance between them, he wasn't bound to the normal sight and could see far in to the forest without the man knowing. Yatako only hoped that Syaoran would continue to follow him, but the Byakugan eye, he was able to see Syaoran, as long as he didn't drift in to the only blind degree of the Eye. After his pursuit, the man had wandered in to a small establishment of houses, giving the sign of civilization. Yatako could see some huts and houses, cleared ground for a moderate village, along with some farming land. It hadn't appeared to be a large village, but as the man wandered off, Yatako decided that it would be best to alert Syaoran. The man couldn't wander that far in the time it took him to turn to his friend. There was indeed distance between them and the only way Yatako thought of immidietly in order to alert Syaoran was to untie one of his Hitai-Ates and wave it slightly, pointing at it. It wasn't that obvious, but Yatako hoped Syaoran could associate the head band with the sign of a village and not confuse it with shinobi. Regardless of what Syaoran would do, Yatako turned back and continued to monitor the village for a few minutes. In that few minutes he would see if Syaoran would continue to be behind him or would he now be beside him.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 12, 2007 Posted November 12, 2007 Syaoran listened to Yatako and nodded a bit. "An earth jutsu could work for now, just a small tremor. I will be able to tell where the center of it is if you make one. I have a better way for you to let me know your position, but we don't have time for that later, I will teach it to you when we are done here.", Syaoran said, and with that Yakato moved forward to follow. Syaoran would also move forward, but at a slower pace as he moved towards the rocky beach to find some cover to hide between. Looking out he scanned the horizon for any sign of a boat, it would be bad for them to be seen so soon. Looking over his shoulder towards the forest he would see Yakato pointing towards his symbol. At first Syaoran was unsure of what he was trying to say, but after a moment he got that it was most likely village. Either way Syaoran would move across the gap between them and come up next to the Hyuuga. "So, how far is the village?", Syaoran asked in a hushed voice, unsure of how close the man could be.
Azure Posted November 12, 2007 Author Posted November 12, 2007 Syaoran had concocted a better form of communication for the two, which had buzzed in the Hyuuga's head over what schematics were of the technique. Though he was told he would be taught it later, Yatako still wondered over its mysteries. The Hyuuga was pleased when the Alchem had caught the drift of the situation and moseyed his hurried way to Yatako. Inquiring on the location of the small village, "It's only one minute from here, walking. Though, there are no obvious signs that they are allied with the NCIA or house shinobi for that matter. I have a feeling that we may just be safer without any signs of being affiliated with being a ninja. I'm going to leave my Hyuuga jacket here and also the headbands. Still, if worst come to worst, keep identification on you, the NCIA card. We'll pass on the notion that we were unaware of the state of the village so we didn't want to alarm anyone by the presence of NCIA shinobi.” Yatako finished, stripping off his jacket and the three headbands that he wore. Behind his green contacts would be the only evidence that he were a shinobi, and the kunai kept stowed away. "So, how do you think we should go about this? Do you think we should keep a distance between each other, or just walk in casually? We still don't know if this is the island where the factories are being kept.” Yatako finished, reflecting on his own questions as Syaoran would give his insight, they were a safe distance from the village, but whispers still were a better cover than speaking loudly. If this island were inhabited by shinobi, they could be listening in.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 12, 2007 Posted November 12, 2007 Syaoran did not have to think long about how they should approach the village. "We should approach as travelers, together. Coming apart would seem to unlikely, so we might as well walk together. And yes, and sign of shinobi would probably be best left here.", Syaoran said, untying his headband from his arm and letting it fall to the ground. He now stood in only his cargo pants and t-shirt, taking off his boots Syaoran frowned a bit. He hadn't considered bringing another pair of footwear, and placing his hand on the ground Syaoran concentrated and with a flash he drew his hands up with a crude pair of sandals. "So, shall we go?", Syaoran said, sliding the sandals on his feet and checking to make sure his hidden kunai were hidden.
Azure Posted November 13, 2007 Author Posted November 13, 2007 "That we shall.” Yatako spoke as he processed Syoaran's plan, it was a good plan, along the lines to what Yatako would have said, but he much rather liked to let his partner provide his input before Yatako, so perhaps he would take both ideas in to consideration. This just seemed like the best outcome for the situation. Syaoran had even abounded his Alchem boots, capable of flight; in order to persuade the village population of their meekness. Superb deceit. Yatako did not trot fast, for if there were such ninja keeping their exuberant eye on them, it would pose as suspicion. HE walked a normal pace, the full minutes wouldn't be all that unbearable. As he walked, he took in the scenery, how he could see the village getting ever so closer and spice of the salt lit in the air. But as the minute passed, he processed various information about the details of the mission. Whether the factory was on the island or if the NCIA was anywhere to be seen. Even, what was the Takeda clan? The moment they broke the clearing, Syaoran would be able to see the small, circular type of village. There was actual grass in coming from the woodland, to which, Yatako was able to get a better glimpse of the village. Before entering the village, he had deactivated the Byakugan, because that was fairly noticeable. He would only bring it out for dire necessary reasons. The village was active, some people shuffled around, going from building to building. People chopping trees and being busy. Yatako was stumped, he didn't know where to go from there. What possible way could they gather information without being suspicious, the village hadn't likely received travelers often, so a tourist welcome wasn't as easy and planned out as hoped. Without any notice or forewarning, a slight pain began to develop and bang on the skull of Yatako. It was like a headache, that flew in to him, quite suddenly and unexpectedly. The pain began to dully throb, slowly and nothing too major, but nonetheless, Yatako's palm came to lay on his head; an inconvenient and unfruitful way of healing the pain. "There aren't many who come to Ikasama Island.” A voice had appeared in their ear drums. The embodiment of said voice was one and only to the man they had seen roaming around the outer banks of the island before. If his bloodline were still active, it wouldn't be so much of a surprise to see this man, but that hadn't been the case. "Oh, hello, yes. We've seem to run low on fresh water when taking a short cut to our destination. Lo and behold, the shortcut hadn't worked out so well. Our exploration had brought us here, in hope to find some.” More trickery and deceit to be played. This would be the story they would be playing a part in, their cover up to avert suspicion. A continuation for their traveler's cover. "Forgive us here if we make you feel uncomfortable, gusts are rare and usually don't stay long…” He trailed off, his voice hinting at something, but at the same time it felt like he was telling the truth. They don't stay long, but why? Because they want to be on their way quickly, or perhaps for another reason? -- [Ooc; Tony, you can control the man if you want and take turns progressing. Up to you though.]
cntrstrk14 Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 Syaoran and Yatako had approached the village on foot, the clapping sound of the crude sandals dully announcing their presence to anyone with a normal level of hearing. His hands in his pockets Syaoran took a deep breathe and smiled, having spotted the large man ahead he smiled happily as he approached. A slight movement of a hand to his head let Syaoran know that Yatako was probably developing a headache, probably not something to be worried about, yet to be taken note of none the less. The man spoke and Yatako was the first the jump in, the ploy of running out of fresh water a good excuse for the two to stop on the island. If only the man knew, creation of water molecules were base knowledge for any Alchem over the age of nine, not to even mention Syaoran lack of need for any hydration at all if he so chose so. Letting out a large smile and looking about Syaoran spoke up after the man, blowing away any dulling atmosphere that may have set in from his mysterious use of words. "No worries! This village looks amazing? You don't happen to have any good food that we could purchase from you? I would love to have a taste of such a unique space as this!", he said, a large grin spread across his face as he bend down a bit, looking over towards the village and putting a hand over his eyes to shield them from the sun. "We have been on the road for a long time, we could use a bit of time to relax!", Syaoran said nudging the man a bit with a laugh.
Azure Posted November 13, 2007 Author Posted November 13, 2007 The man showed no immediate response to the travelers, simply nodding, he remained quiet for a few long intervals of ten seconds. He seemed distracted or focused on something else, meanwhile in Yatako's world, he felt the headache growing he figured that it would be part of his character to be weak to a simple headache, though it seemed to worsen. After the pause of silence, words came back through his mouth. "Of course there's food. But from civilization, it's not something…comparable.” His head turned, the man looked as though he were pondering about where he should bring them. "Oh, is that why everyone leaves? Well, we both have strong stomachs! It can't be as bad as some of the rations on the ship before we reach home, it barley passes for something eatable!” Yatako broke out, trying to join in on Syaoran's ploy of innocent fun loving adventurers. The man seemed to be unfazed by Syaoran or Yatako, but there was something tugging at his cheek, his lips were trying to hold back a grin, but why? His voice remained deep and sturdy. "We don't have typical restaurants here, but you two will be guests at my house.” The man said, still his name remained anonymous and he dragged on. It seemed like he was hiding something, and was this village as poor and forgotten as it seemed? It was like they were trying to remain lost in time.
cntrstrk14 Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 "Yeah, I'm sure anything warm will be better than what we have had!", Syaoran said happily, as the man began to lead them into the village and supposedly towards his own house. As they walked Syaoran couldn't help but let his eyes wander to the girls, but there was nothing to see. Older women and some children, absolutely nothing very interesting. That was all for the best really, Syaoran still felt sick to his stomach when thinking about girls, it all seemed to lead back to Kia. They had done so much since then, but it had really only been a few days since she had died. "So, why do you all live way out here anyways? Is it the tranquility of being away from civilization?", Syaoran said, genuine interest lining his question as he did.
Azure Posted November 15, 2007 Author Posted November 15, 2007 The man was very quiet, calm and strong in appearance. A stereotype of an all in one package of a mysterious stranger. There were the occasional girl or child who they passed by, but Yatako could only surmise that in light of recent events, Syaoran was having reoccurring depression about Kia. It had only been some time, only sometime that Yatako had known Syaoran. But in that time, Yatako had been able to trust Syaoran with his life. Their traveling couldn't be long at all, it seemed like a small village. Though, they traveled in mostly silence, until Syaoran had spoke up, inquiring about the seclusion of the village. "Some things are better left unknown to the outside world. In some aspects, it is easier.” The man refrained from detail, his words could mean anything. Equivocation to avoid the situation and hopefully please the travelers. It was soon that they arrived outside of a small house, blending in to the other houses and buildings in the village, though, there was only a handful of them in the entire village. "Wait here, we will prepare for you…” The man said calmly before walking up the steps and entering his house. They were alone, or at least it seemed like it. Yatako turned to Syaoran, but still in his acting traveler's voice, he spoke. "See anything interesting around?”
cntrstrk14 Posted November 18, 2007 Posted November 18, 2007 Syaoran's eyes had been taking in the village, he already had planned out the position of all the small buildings, fourteen of them in all and none of them very large. It seemed they were all one story, though some of them like this house were raised up on small hills that required a few stairs to climb. Turning towards Yakato Syaoran smiled a bit and looked up at the house. "Well, its obvious he is hiding something, the question is if it is important to our mission or not. If not there is no need to push him to reveal it, but if it is...", Syaoran drifted off as a woman, about the same age as the man from before came out of the house and smiled down at them. "Hello!", she said cheerfully, "I see my husband has invited you to stay. Welcome."
Azure Posted November 20, 2007 Author Posted November 20, 2007 Yatako had nodded accordingly when Syaoran had mentioned the man was hiding something. Indeed, he very well was, something about the island, something about him and something about the people. There must be more than a small reason why guests didn't stay long; it was up to them to find out; luckily, they weren't like most guests. A rather cheerful woman came to meet the two of them, she was around the same age as her husband and for the rather gloomy island and her emotionless spouse, she seemed rather rare. He smiled back at her, placing back on his acting routine. "Yes! Thank you very much for your great hospitality. We cannot wait for a nice meal in our stomachs; we can't begin to tell you the rations we get in our ship when we run low.” He said cheerfully, he hoped to get off on a positive mood with her, perhaps to later fish for solutions to their problems and answers to their questions. "Dinner should be ready soon, come on in!”Yatako nodded to Syaoran and followed the woman inside their abode.
