Murasaki stopped breathlessly on a tree branch, her chest heaving. She had been on this mission for a week, barely stopping for rest, and she had just now reached the border of Wind Country. It was slightly frustrating. Her mind berated her for the slow progress, ignoring the fact that she had been several close calls that had set her back.
This was her first solo mission, one she was sent on by the Hokage himself, but Kakashi had been the one to deliver the message to her. The faith that he had in her made her feel like she could take on anything, and she had gladly accepted, despite that it was completely out of her element. She had left that evening, and really hadn't stopped since.
During the night of the third day, she had run into several scouts that protected the borderlands between the Wind nation and her own Fire nation. It had been an interested battle, but she had come through none the worse for wear, although now she did sport several new slashes on her arm from a wind vortex that she had just barely managed to escape from.
So now here she was, sitting on a branch high in a tree, her lungs burning from the hours of tree-running, trying to gasp silently. She could hear Kakashi's words clearly in her mind, "Always assume you're being watched." Mura dropped her head down, slowing her breathing down to normal, her purple hair falling around her face. After a single minute, she snapped her head back up, her bright blue eyes filled with determination. Slowly, she stood up and looked out before her at the sparsely covered desert. It would be more difficult from here on out.
Brushing some hair out of her face, she adjusted her Hidden Leaf Band on her forehead. Smiling to herself, she quickly motioned two hand signs before closing her eyes and disappearing into the air.
Last edited by Briar Rose; 04-29-2010 at 12:43 AM..
Four days. Four days since the Hokage himself sent off her older sister to a possible 'enemy' nation. A nation that the Leaf Village had no quarrels with before hand, and had no reason to even spy on each other. Two days since the horrible attack on the Village, which had left nearly everyone homeless and many dead or injured. One day since her father's death, his dieing words hardly audible but repeated by her dieing mothers. Only hours since her mother's own death.
The silver-purple haired woman's last words haunting her youngest child's mind. The raspy tone, with the deep breaths in between as the busts of chakra the medical ninja let burst into her in a useless attempt to save her life. "Find... Your... Sister... Let... Her... Know... Be strong... For... Her..." She said with her last breaths of life. As a eerie but peaceful look washed over her light blue eyes. Her sister's eyes. All this while quite tears rolled down her eyes, she had to be strong now, she had to be like her sister. But it was just so hard when you had so many emotions and the fact you don't think.
It had been hours since her mothers death, after she was pronounced dead Naimko has rushed from the small tent to the one place where she was normally peaceful. A shady corner secluded from most of the park. Though, and like the rest of the large city like village, it was in ruins. The once nice looking stone bench in ruins. She sat the base, hunched over her knees as she silently cried.
It was near dusk when a person finally decided it was time for her to move. His silent footsteps, well silent if you weren't trained ambushing; though they were still rather quite but she still heard the soft padding of his feet. "Hmm..." He voiced, as he looked down at the light purple haired girl, making his presence known though she didn't look up. She knew just by the tone of his voice who it was. Kakashi. The ever so cool, ever so calm older ninja who she just happened to know Murasaki, her older sister; had the hugest crush on. " You know." He started off before kneeling in front of to try and coax a look. " You are not the only who has lost a loved one." He said, making her look up from her knees daggers in her eyes. "And it won't be the last. It is what happens when you are a ninja." He finally added before taking her elbow and leading her to her feet and off to the main camp where she would be with her friends.
Yes, friends. Well, the majority of them. Thankfully the only casualties for the ninja her age were Hinata and Lee. For the older ones it was Asuma and few others, none that she was directly linked to thus their death's didn't hurt as much. He had lead her to a fire, the one which one of her closest friends were. Including Ino & Shikamaru. " You three behave." He said in his usual casual tone, as Naimko gave him a confused look. Like she was going to cause trouble and be overly peppy with what had just happened.
The older ninja finally left her be, her normally bright green eyes didn't hold the sparkle of happiness they normally did and what appetite she should have was not there. Like the girl she was and with Ino and Shikamaru being the good friends she was, she lightly put her head on his shoulder. A Friendly jester, from a girl in desperate need for at least a little comfort.
SPOILERX
Yes, this particual situation hasn't happened in years. And what a shock to find out it wasn't the nation, who the now passed away Hokage, had sent a single ninja on a spying mission. A single ninja who was now if not crossing behind enemy lines, now was. And with no way to know about what had just happened only two days after she left.
Kakashi took in a deep breath, to steady his heart rate as he watched all the sad souls try and piece together their now broken family. Thankfully he had learned at a young age how to deal with death in the most productive way, something a lot of the younger ninja hadn't learned yet. Much like the ninja on the spy mission's sister. He truly felt bad for Murasaki, and hoped that she would be fine. After all it was never a easy thing to go across the land into a waring country's to extract information, well over hear, important information. Though at least she wouldn't know of her parents death, which would make the already highly dangerous assignment even more deadly.
It had been two since since the attack and people were still, as expected; heart broken about their homes, shops and families being destroyed. What made it worse the attack first started with highly potent gas bombs randomly spread out around the village. Even in the residents & privet areas for large clans. Everyone was attacked with this, but more died then needed to. The poison that was the gas bombs worked quicker then the medical ninja's efforts. And before they knew it their patient was dead with blood dripping from their mouths and noses.
He had been walking the spoiled grounds, looking for any one who wasn't at camp now getting dinner or anyone suspicious. He walked with his hands in his pockets, even his usual suave spirit was dampened by this madness. And thats when he saw the purple hair. Now not many of the girls in the village had purple hair, let alone the different shades that the Shikibu sisters had. It was a family trait, he had seen their mother many times and their father, well his hair had been so white you couldn't tell what color it was before that.
He approached the girl, knowing of her loss, knowing the pain and wanting to help. After all that was what he was suppose to do. Teach the younger ones how to deal with the cruel facts of being a ninja, but it was harder when the lesson was so close to home. It also didn't help that her own sensei had died only a year ago and she was bouncing from group to group. He had said his words, with no comments from her. Leading the obviously depressed girl to the main camp where her friends could help sooth the hurt. After all misery loved company, and he knew that Shiakamaru and Ino were hurting themselves. It also didn't help he knew about the small connection between the two, despite their own actions and words.
"You three behave." He said before going back on his watch. He knew something would happen sooner or later, and he wanted to be there. He also knew how rash the youngest Shikibu sister was. He inhaled another deep breath as he shoved his hands in his pockets, hoping that Murasaki, Mara; was fine. After all her little sister didn't need to loose her too.
Last edited by Trippy_Trixx; 05-11-2010 at 11:59 AM..
Shikamaru placed his arm around Naimko's shoulder. Out of the ninja's their age, she had suffered the most. Hinata and Lee had lost their lives, but that's easier to deal with than the loss of both of your parents right before your eyes.
The fire was burning crisply, crackling loudly against the cold evening air. Ino looked away, trying to ignore Naimko. Despite their friendship, Ino always resented the relationship that Shikamaru and Naimko shared. It was as if they were the best friends in the group, but there was always something else there...a quiet spark that they each had, but seemed to miss it in each other.
"Fish should be done." Shikamaru said in his bored, almost monotone voice. He leaned forward slightly towards the fire to grab two fish shishka-bobs with the hand that wasn't currently wrapped around Naimko's waist. He handed one to her, then began munching on his own.
'What a drag. Our whole village wiped out, and...' He glanced sideways at Naimko. 'Mara doesn't even know...'
MurasakiX
Mara scuttled from shelter to shelter, using as little energy as possible. She was so close to a border post she could smell the men. It had been a very hot day, and despite not having to do any real work or training, they all stunk of sweat. Less than 20 feet. She could see now that there were 5 men, all sitting around a improvised poker table: otherwise known as a tree stump.
Her heart was pumping hard, mainly from the adrenaline that was coursing through her body than any actual fear or physical strain. Taking in a silent, deep breath, she steadied herself behind a large bush that was convienetly set next to the ladder up to the actual post spot. Readying her chakra, she flashed her hands together, willing her chakra to expand her hearing out towards the men.
"So 'ave you 'eard? Tha' bloomin' 'idden leaf village is no' so 'idden anymore!" Chuckled the youngest of the men, barely showing beard stubble on his square chin.
"Quiet you infernal whelp! You want the whole blinkin' country to hear you?" The oldest out of the group, roughly in his early fifties, clubbed the young man on the back of the head wih a closed fist.
"Yeah, Ujrah, they're supposed to think that stupid sand village was the one who did it!" Another member remarked quietly.
Mara's heartbeat went from pounding to silently still in a single breath. Her mind raced, and her body wanted to stay put where she was, but also fly to her sisters side as quickly as the wind would let her. A terrifying thought entered her mind. Was her sister ok? What about the other students in her class? And...Kakashi.
She removed the thought of Kakashi's lifeless form from her mind and focused back on the men. She moved her chakra from her ears to her eyes, making her eyes as detail oriented as a hawks. She studied them closely. From all other appearances they seemed to be apart of the Sand Nation. Same clothes, same hair, same headbands...but something was off. She moved forward an inch more. There! The young man gave it away. His accent.
Her eyes widened. Water Nation.
Last edited by Briar Rose; 04-30-2010 at 03:15 AM..
Her silence was truly a odd thing to sit threw, even for herself to deal with. But when grief and the sight of both your parents dieing with blood dripping from their mouths due to damaged lungs hanging in your mind, even the most happy go lucky person would be off. Not saying Naimko was the happiest person alive, but she was one of the more optimistic people in the village, and moody. Yes, she was very moody but none of them were ever sadness, grief, or depression. No, that side of the emotional wheel never had a reason to show it's ugly head.
She didn't protest his arm being around her shoulder or when it fell down to her hip. Yes, there was sparks between them. Not the usual bright yellow deep love sparks. It was something more subtle, something that grew with them. But something neither of them could see, thus the uncomfortable and dare we say jealous, Ino didn't get noticed. After all she always acted like that when Nami & Shikamaru were around. If she knew better or even had the energy at the moment she would have to think that Ino had a crush on Shikamaru herself. But that was a conversation for later.
He announced that the fish-bobs were done and leaned over to grab two, Ino obviously not on his busy mind. She took the one he handed her with force. She wasn't hungry, even though she knew she should eat. But it was all to fresh. All to dramatic to where it all felt like just one horrid dream she couldn't wake up from.
'I need to find Mara.' She thought raising the fish-bob to her lips but not taking a bite, actually the smell seemed to turn off all possible thoughts of putting food in her. A few silent tears began to roll down her cheeks again, but she willed it to stop. No one needed to see how beat up she was. 'Mara needs to come back before anything happens to her.' She thought. Though that was the thought she needed to will what little energy she had left to take action.
"I need to get Mara." She said aloud but only loud enough for Ino & Shikamaru to barely hear her. Quickly standing, and dropping the fish-bob back on the wire tray, and walking away. After all she would run once she hit the forest, and go from there. After all she didn't even know exactly where her sister was. This was a overly rash even fore herself.
"Shika.... I think she just said she was going to get her sister." Ino said just loud enough for Nami to hear and pick up her walking pace a little....
KakashiX
He knew something was up. Those ninja, or impersonators of the Sand Ninja. Yes, impersonators. After all not a single Sand Ninja he has seen or talked to had that kind of accent and their outfits were a bit. Off. Something was up and Kakashi knew it along with many of the other older ninjas. It didn't help he knew the accent but couldn't put his finger, like it came from his child hood or a old mission.
He pondered it this since he had left the very distraught younger Shikibu. Dusk had set quickly and it was time for him to get something to before going back on watch. " Kakashi, I'll take it for a while." A younger ninja, not much younger then he was; came from the shadows just as he thought of food. He nodded and headed to the main camp once again where he had found the Senior Ninja's all talking about what he had been thinking.
"We should talk to the councilors." One said, all giving him a weary nod as he leaned over and picked at some scrapped food. Fish, the only thing that was harmed or ran away with this attack. And the only thing that could be captured in bunches, though only with nets. "But we all know where. We just can't put our fingers on it. Why?" Aunko, a ninja his age and one that happened to be in his squad when they were in training.
The conversation went on, even though he didn't put anything in. No, he tended to listen more when things were dire unless under attack and around children. After all children always came first. Anyone younger then him came first.
He had finished his little bits of fish when the pounding of a light weight ninja cam e up. " Kakashi Sensei!" The blond girl, Ino from the deceased Asuma's squad; came up with worry in her eyes. " What is it Ino?" He asked with calmness in his voice despite the argent vibe that was flowing off of her. " I think Naimko is going to get her sister!" She said out of breath and instantly the worst came to mind. It was too dangerous for a ninja of their rank and age to even think about going that far alone...
Last edited by Trippy_Trixx; 05-08-2010 at 01:18 PM..
Not done yet. SORRY! Gotta get going to our Restaurant Tour for My Fair Lady XD
ϨћɪҜɒʍɒɾuX
Shikamaru ate his fish-bob with little enthusiasm. He couldn't distance himself from all this. His village, his home, being destroyed, his friends dying in agony...It had happened so suddenly, for a while, he was unsure that it had really happened at all. Until they told him that Asuma had been killed. That broke him out of his denial. Since then, he had taken up the habit of smoking, just like Asuma.
As Nami ran off, mumbling about finding Mara, he pulled a cigarette from his left jacket pocket and used the fire to light it. "What a drag." He announced as Ino looked at him like he was from another planet screaming, "Are you just going to let her run off?! No way Shikamaru!!" Ino leaped up out of her seat, and as she ran by, shouting for Kakashi, she smacked Shikamaru.
The blow landed squarely on Shikamaru's cheek, knocking him from the chair he had been sitting in. He lay twitching on the ground for a few seconds, then stood back up, eyes wide. After recovering, his cheek ablaze, he reinserted his cigarette and mumbled, relighting it, "How troublesome."
Last edited by Captain Howdy; 05-02-2010 at 10:05 PM..
She truly was a rash thinker, especially when something his so close to home. Yes, rash, temperamental, mood and everything you would expect for a child born to a water sign. And she nearly fit the description to a T with her undesisive and some times unpredictable nature.
Casually but at a quick pace she walked past those of her village, all huddled around fires of all sizes holding those loved ones who were still scared or shattered. Her heart pounded as her head hung low enough for her silky purple hair to make a curtain around her face. Not only because it hurt to see parents hold their children but because she didn't want one of see the tear stains or the depressed determination but to keep her from looking to long in hopes it was just a bad dream.
Once she was past the glowing fires, which illuminated the sky more then one thought; she rushed off into the now dark and cloudless night with only the moon lighting her way. Past the burnt down farms where the ashes of plants, animals and humans alike now rested in pace. With no worries of what had happened or emotions to cloud their judgment.
The light purple haired and bright green eyed girl who was normally bubbling with all sorts of emotions now felt numb from her once rosy cheeks to her finger tips and toes. She had cried so much within the past two days that all possible emotional energies had been drained causing her body to run on pure physical will. She was so drained that all her mind thought was about her sister and how they could cry together and till then she would be a wreck, so into her thoughts that she didn't even notice the few pairs of feet quickly catching up to her as she entered the thick of the forest at her fastest pace. The edge quickly getting closer.
Kakashi ⇒X
'I should have known' He thought as he mentally kicked himself for not keeping a closer eye on Mara's little sister. Boy she would kill him if anything too bad happened to the sixteen year old girl who looked much like her older sister. He, the only he knew who Mara entrusted with the well being of her family when she was away. Much like a older brother kind of thing, but much much more. Quickly he erased the pretty girl's face from his mind, there was no room in his life for anything more serious then a few nights and a few drinks. It was also too dangerous to even be his family.
Ino stood deer eyed up at his as he quickly decided what to do, but first was to locate the very intelligent but lazy Shikamaru who, other then Mara; could calm down Naimko. " Where is Shikamaru?" He asked Ino who pointed in the direction where he had left the kids. "Probably still on the floor since I slapped him" She said as he quickly rushed off, though not in a urgent matter that would startle anyone who seemed to be watching. "Tell Anko what I am doing." He said before he was too far away. Yes, Anko would be a good person to tell. She wasn't someone who took things lightly but yet didn't over react. She would know he had the situation under control.
Quickly, like a heavy mist he had made his way where the boy still laid. The lovely red mark of a delicate hand printed across his face. "Come. Were going to go get Naimko." He said as he grabbed the boy by the elbow and without giving him a chance to protest set off in the most logical direction. That is if Naimko knew where her sister was or even if she wasn't such a mess to tell where she was going. No, not likly he needed one of his founds. So with the thought he summoned on of his most loyal and favorite ninja hounds who had a nose like no other. Pakkun, who knew Naimko's sent well due to many.... klutzy complications. " Help us track down Naimko." Kakashi said as the hound nearly rolled his eyes and set off in the direction to the east.
It wasn't long before Pakkun picked up on her scent leading into the forest. With utter urgency they rushed after her, Shikamaru with the two; as they quickly gathered distance between them and their target...
