tattooed tears of Joy.

[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Kou had clearly underestimated the massive hulk. The fact that he was still alive, let alone breathing, was testament to his resilience. He was, without a doubt, a member of the Grizzly unit after all. Unfortunately for him, this would be his last endeavor. Honestly, it wasn't entirely his fault. The pair of renegades probably should've just told him the truth - perhaps then they all could've worked somethin' out? "Don't strain yourself," Kou encouraged Ue, noticing the flames around his hands to be larger than before. Those eyes that he found so disgusting revealed much more than he would've liked to; and though Kou's face, splattered with blood, still remained stoic as ever, it looked more and more as though he was looking through Ue rather than at him. The kunai in the boy's grasp fell slowly as he released it, the tip aimed for Nadare's forehead. Then, in a movement of speed much like his burst that brought the behemoth down, his foot slammed against the butt-end and pushed the full length of the blade through the injured beast's skull. With a disgustingly wet crunch, and geyser of blood bursting from behind his lips, Nadare went deathly still. "He won't be getting up." Pivoting his heel two and fro to lodge the weapon in permanently, perhaps a bit overkill, Kou backed away from the body and slouched against the nearby wall. It took him several moments, as if he couldn't control it, before his eyes reverted back to their typical slate, lackluster state. Still, the devilish flame hadn't been subdued. If it wasn't clear before, it was undoubtedly clear then; this was a man that enjoyed the thrill of a good kill.

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[Jae]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #bcbcbc; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Ue withdrew his hands after Kouketsu's word of advice which caused the flame that coated his hand to slowly dwindle back to nothing, his eyes fixed on the dying Iwa-nin. His eyes were the antithesis of Kouketsu's, whose glare seemed to exude a carnal bloodlust. Ue hadn't seen eyes like that since their first encounter, where his newfound counterpart looked at him with the same petrifying glare he was sure he'd given Nadare. ! An outward eruption of crimson danced throughout the cave's ominous air when the cusped metal object found itself lodged in Ooyama's skull. His visage contorted gruesomely, only to be further distorted when Kouketsu proceeded to drive his foot down onto the kunai's handle. When he didn't stop there, Ue turned toward Kouketsu as if to lament Ooyama's unnecessary desecration but the words wouldn't form. He could only stare. Kouketsu's tawdry remark fell on deaf ears; Ue had since begun reminiscing his own losses, the horrifying faces he'd seen strewn over Kusagakure after their invasion by Iwagakure. The remorseful expression his best friend had on his face when he found him spoke wonders, he had discovered the worthlessness of it all at the very end of his life. Momochi was a good man, my best friend, who had been stolen from those of us who loved him by war's avarice. Ue loved him like a brother but his sister loved him more. He didn't want to leave her that day, especially not in that state of mind, but hate consumed him. He believed vengeance was the only way to reciprocate his wrong but when all was said and done he only saw Momochi -- dying before his eyes at the hands of a killer. In Ooyama he saw Kouketsu; his friend, struggling to live while he did nothing but watch. In Kouketsu he saw Momochi, and in Momochi he saw his sister. For some time afterward he didn't speak, not out of anger or disappointment. He just... couldn't do it anymore.

[/justify]
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[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] The distaste for the situation that had just transpired was painfully clear on Ue's face, and though Kou did it to protect him - to protect them both of them - he immediately found himself regretting it all. Regret was a constant companion of a shinobi, as many of their actions were beyond questionable; perhaps Nadare's untimely death wasn't the proper answer? Maybe they actually could've just talked everything out, and survived this entire ordeal. . . the three of them? Steeling himself, Kouketsu's eyes narrowed. "He would have killed the both of us." Whatever doubt he might've been feelin' beneath his cold, smooth facial features didn't linger in his voice. His resolve was as adamant as when he'd ended the brute's life. "Whether it was now, or several days from now, the bastard would've tried to kill us. Better him than us." Kou stood from his slouched position and walked to the edge of the cave, watching as the storm picked up in its ferocity once more. "It's going to start raining again."

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[Jae]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #bcbcbc; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] It was all too soon. He knew he should've expected it more sooner than later but it was still too soon. Regardless of how he felt, Nadare's death would sit as Ue's rude awakening; he was still very much apart of the real word. Moments passed before Kouketsu's speech broke the cave's quiet, to which Ue returned a simple head nod before looking back at Nadare. [atrb=valign,top][style= padding: 5px; background-color: #838383; margin-bottom: 2px;] His companion's shift from his seat to the cave's exit went noticed and was somewhat imitated when Ue scooched forward to hover over the deceased Iwa-nin. Both of his hands were placed atop his face, one over his mouth and the other over his eyes. Once again the Kikkawa's hand was coated in blue flame. Nadare's chakra stores were unbelievably large for the condition he was in. Had they found him at 100%, the circumstances may have been entirely different. While the extraction process was underway, Ue began looking over the deceased ninja's body to see if there was anything of worth stashed on his person. One thing that stood out in particular was the metal plated headband wrapped around his upper right bicep. Since his time in the Academy it had been drilled in his head that collecting headbands as trophies was an honorable thing, along with many other selfish benefits. He didn't move for it however, instead opting to finish relinquishing Ooyama of his chakra.

[/font][/justify]
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[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] The silence that had settled in the wake of the recent events was overwhelming. It came with a prolonged sense of regret, one that Kouketsu did very well to mask. Perhaps it was just the burden of their situation that weighed down so heavily on his conscious? Or, perhaps it was the fact he'd been placed here with someone that clearly had more outstanding moral fiber than himself? Whatever the case, Kouketsu had been thrown out of his element. "Why?" At first, it might've seemed more so as an aimless question. Why what? Why had they been stranded here? Why had Nadare not succumbed to the waves? Why were they even alive? "Why do you fight, Ue?" Glancing over his shoulder, he specified his question. "And I don't mean why your village issued you into combat. I want to know why you, as a person, fight. What are you fighting for?" His inquiry was delivered on the wings of a somber tone.

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[Jae]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #bcbcbc; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Kouketsu's timbre had changed, from assertive and assured to morose and inquisitive. It wasn't very fitting of his personality from what Ue knew of him and it was mentally staggering that he even allowed such feelings to be expressed openly. He raised a brow when the question was thrown aloft but didn't bother to divert his glare. Instead he continued to silently siphon chakra from the cadaver that lay before him. The fact that Nadare was dead made monitoring the depths of his chakra stores much easier in that the more he siphoned, the more morbid he appeared. When Kouketsu spoke again, addressing him by name, the Kikkawa took the time to lift his head and face his companion, who continued after receiving Ue's undivided attention. "I've been asking myself that for months now," he replied, turning his gaze back toward Nadare momentarily before proceeding. "..and at first I thought wholeheartedly that my sacrifice for the nation was all that mattered." A smirk and a solitary chuckle punctuated his statement which communicated his disclosure of a much more poignant truth. "You think I look down on you," he spoke while establishing eye contact with the Uchiha. "..when really I envy you; you who realizes his purpose is to be a scourge upon humanity. You fought to survive because you have a purpose but I'm here because I need a purpose!" His exclamation echoed through the cave, which embarrassed him somewhat but he would set his egoic feelings aside for the time being. "I couldn't allow myself to die knowing my sacrifice was unmerited... but at this point I'm no different from the wildlife, fighting against entropy for no reason at all," he chuckled despondently. A pervasive silence that was mostly comprised of storm sounds filled in a brief gap where Ue fell silent. That was before he turned toward Kouketsu once more, returning his question but with a noticeable fervor. "Kouketsu, what are you fighting for?"

[/justify]
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[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Indeed, the Kikkawa was correct in his assumption that Kouketsu presumed him to look down on him. Despite the fact that he'd fought countless times to preserve the way of life for his brother and sisters that called Konohagakure their home, they too scorned him. No matter how decorated he was as a soldier; no matter how many times he'd saved their life, he could never escape the shadow that they're shameful stares cast down upon him. His accomplishments were doomed to be overshadowed by the cost: how much blood, guilty or innocent, had he shed in the very few years he'd been alive. Even now, he was no more than a child in the eyes of many. And though he knew the question would be turned back on him the moment it had been answered, Kouketsu still wasn't prepared to answer it. A deep, thoughtful silence perused. It was some time later that Kouketsu finally spoke, and when he did, the world stood still. "At first, I fought solely for my village - the people of Konohagakure, and to make sure that they had a future. I would've gladly given my life to ensure that they well, and that no one would dare attempt to steal their safety from them." "But now--" Kouketsu was looking up into the heart of the storm that rocked the mountain like an earthquake, "I fight for power." He turned to face Ue, hoping to convey his meaning a little better. "I have little interest in becoming the most powerful to simply rule this world as a tyrant. I, like many others, simply wish for peace; for everyone, man and woman, young and old, to embrace each other as brother and sister as children of this world." He paused for a moment, diving further into his psyche. "And for that day to come, someone must give these people a greater enemy to hate and fear than their neighbor." Another pause. "I will be that enemy. I will bring the tides that will wash clean this unclean world, so that it will finally be able to heal; so that her children will finally recognize each other as equals, and discard their foolish squabbles over land and resources - there is plenty to go around in this Eden of ours." As he spoke, either of his arms slowly began to rise, as if lifting the spirit of his soliloquy. "And I will bask in the radiance of true bliss when I witness the nations of the world standing at my feet, united as one, opposition of me. It will be all so beautiful." "Then, and only then, will I know that my true purpose has been accomplished." The smooth, indifferent face he'd worn for much of their encounter had all but melted away. An almost trance-like gaze had taken over his expression, his dull eyes looking up into the darkness of the cave's ceiling. However, it appeared very much so that he was looking through the mountain itself and into the skies, which were undoubtedly glowing with sunshine, somewhere far over the horizon.

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[Jae]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #AAA499; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Initially his story sounded very similar to Ue's own. He, like virtually every other person to inhabit this planet, eventually succumbed to the order of the land. It just so happened that this order was built entirely around conflict. When he heard his plan, the Kikkawa seemed visibly moved by the passion Kouketsu poured into his spiel. The role he intended to play, that of a martyr, entailed his own sacrifice for the vision he saw. But could their generation's cycle of vengeance be broken by one amassed calamity? History showed that, even at the threat of catastrophe, some nations remained staunchly prejudiced and xenophobic, even amidst conflict. At the end of the war effort, the spoils of war had to be divided up and here often lied the problem. One nation always felt as though their share was disproportionate from the others. Men's greed often left them irreparably divided, especially when those men were charismatic enough to convince others to side with their cause. Ue imagined his doubts were well founded but what plan did he have to reshape the world into a more hospitable place? He didn't know what his destination was after they could finally leave the cave. More than that he owed Kouketsu a favor in return for his life. Had it not been for him he may have died at the hands of the massive Iwa-nin, whose chakra he continued to withdraw. A chuckle brushed past his lips at the end of the Uchiha's proclamation. He might have mistakenly took it as minimizing gesture but what Ue said afterward hinted otherwise. "I'm in," he nonchalantly cooed before removing his hands from Nadare's carcass in order to acquire his Iwagakure headband. His own from Kusagakure had been lost some weeks ago and he figured he needed some sort of regalia to help him travel through Earth territory in the future. A single hand returned over Nadare's visage, reacquiring it's whirling blue glow before Ue spoke in Kouketsu's direction. "So you really intend on being the bad guy in order to save the world?"

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[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Kouketsu had never intended to carry out this mission with accomplices; however, he never suspected he would be forced into this position, either. It had all happened so fast - a matter of seconds - that the dark-haired Uchiha realized why he'd been born. Still, he saw that girl's face; the one that showed him the error in his ways and what he needed to do in order to rectify the injustice and wrongs of a world ruled by shinobi. Both of his elevated arms fell lifelessly to their respective sides, his dull eyes sharpening as his vision narrowed on Ue. "I will do whatever it takes to bring this world back from the brink of destruction," he paused for only a moment. "If that means becoming the devil himself, I will." Perhaps one could question his moral values, but none would dare inquire about his conviction to the cause. His expression screamed he was more than willing to offer his own life to the cause, no matter how small or big the impact would be. "As for your offer, I'll hold you to that."

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[Jae]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #AAA499; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Even after he'd declared his allegiance to the Uchiha's cause, he never once felt intrusive. Deep seated in his insistence were the seeds of vengeance sewn, destined to fully bloom into another working cog in the war machine they sought to destroy. His counterpart seemed to know full well the destruction his plan entailed, and what wrong could there have been in aligning yourself with the arsonist who intended to reshape what he razed? Nadare's chakra stores were beginning to reach their end, with Ue's chakra vacuum flickering as a result. He fought incessantly for all there was until finally his Chakra Kyuin completely disappeared. That was when he turned to face Kouketsu, whose statement bore a sense of urgency he conceded with earnest eyes. A grin crept past his lips before he brought himself to a standing, edging to within arms distance of the Uchiha while kneeling to meet him at eye level once more. A single hand was extended cautiously to sit atop Kouketsu's shoulder. It may have startled him, the initial spark of blue pyro that encompassed Ue's hand, as by now he surely knew what this foreshadowed. However a soothing energy would force through his tenketsu and immediately begin replenishing the large portion he'd lost throughout their entire endeavor. It was here that Ue ratify his previous claim. "Well we both know every Devil needs an advocate,"

[/size][/font] he lullingly affirmed with eyes fixed on the invaluable orbs nestled inside Kouketsu's skull. While this was typically done in honor, the Kikkawa stared in concession at the Uchiha, who at any moment could have set those eyes ablaze to do God knows what.[/justify]
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[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Startled as he was, Kouketsu didn't try to fight Ue off when he placed a hand on his shoulder. Instead, he chose to do something very few of their nature did: he would trust him. Why? Well, for starters he wasn't the first person to hear what many had called a ludicrous dream; however, he was the first to seemingly accept it. Even the Uchiha's own flesh and blood, which he'd killed to protect, shunned him at the thought of such a disastrous future. None of them could see what he saw - what he hoped for. They couldn't see that in order to achieve a peace, one that would undoubtedly last for a lifetime, there would need to be a common enemy. There had to be something that none of the Great nations could ignore, let alone hope to defeat on their own. A monstrosity of such horror that, unless they banded together, the world itself would be torn asunder. He would become that creature. "Thank you. Not that he didn't have enough to go around, hn?" Indeed, even in his severely weakened state, Nadare had more chakra in his body than either of the two wayward ninja combined. He truly was a grizzly bear amongst mean; fortunately for them, they'd caught him when he wasn't anywhere near his prime. "And I suppose you're right. But you realize what I'm asking of you, right? Once you start down this path, Ue, there isn't any turning back." There wasn't a threatening hint in his tone, and he was sure that Ue wouldn't take it as such. It was the simple fact that they would be jaded, scarred individuals. The acts they would commit would shake the stomach of even the most sturdy men and women; it would haunt them until the end of their days, leaving redemption was nothing more than a myth. There truly was no other route once the gates of hell had been opened. Opposed to pointing out the obvious, Kouketsu remained silent. Soaking in the chakra, which was plentiful, he merely allowed himself to bask.

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[Jae]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #AAA499; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] When Kouketsu spoke of the chakra Ue had provided him, the Kikkawa only offered him the same cordial smile he'd probably become use to. However, when he continued, he may have noticed a gradual slowing in Ue's feeding that might have hinted at his apprehension to fully commit to Kouketsu's plan. That wasn't to say that he had no faith in the idea, that would have been entirely wrong. It was moreso he was reluctant to staunchly align himself with any figure given his experience with doing so. The last time he'd so loyally followed an entity it led him into a war that got most of his peers, family, and friends slaughtered in the name of foreign policy. They were possibly about to arrive at a head to head conflict of interest, with Ue facing his companion before speaking of his reservations. "If it takes starting another world war to bring about a peace our children's children can appreciate, I'll be the first at your side to make sure just that gets done," he excited while glaring at the Uchiha. "But I will abandon any allegiance to the mindless shell of a man who loses sight of the humanity in others," he solemnly baded. The look in his eyes shifted from one of sincere agreeance to that of stern contempt while his words formed. Soon thereafter he removed his hand from Kouketsu's shoulder, his chakra stores had been replenished to about 3/4ths his normal capacity.

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[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] That was the first time Kouketsu questioned whether Ue would truly stand by his side until the end. There were many things that they would indeed be forced to due for the sake of this goal, some of which would be unspeakable in their horror. Yet, it was all relevant and necessary in the end. The only way to end this viscous cycle was to give man something greater to fear than war or death. He would create a savagery that only the strongest of shinobi could bring. If only it was always that simple and easy. But, I'll do well to remember that. I'm sure a man of your talents is too valuable to lose. Kouketsu punctuated his statement with a low laugh. When the man removed his hand from his shoulder, he could feel his chakra far more than he could before. It was a good thing Ue's talents were allocated as they were, because they'd need every ounce of chakra that they could muster. I've been watching the storm for several hours, and it's as I thought - this isn't a normal storm. I've never seen anything of this magnitude before, but I know that it's from the Storm Element clan. Yes, his Sharingan had proven to be far more useful than just scooping dead bodies out of the water. If we're ever going to get off of this mountain, we'll have to stop him. I tracked the source - he isn't too far from here. Kouketsu hadn't bothered to stand yet, but instead chose to simple sit. They hadn't gotten a good night's sleep since the beginning of this little crazy endeavor, and they needed their strength. He didn't see a reason to inform his new found brother of anything else, yet. Ue was a smart man, and no doubt he'd know what to do in preparation. If not, perhaps he'd be able to summarize as Kouketsu allowed his eyes to close, and his head hang low.

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[Shinryu]

From posts on July 11th to October 30th
Jae: +56
Genbu: +55

From posts Nov 2nd to Nov 26th
Jae +204
Genbu +194

(November Bonus Applied)

TOTAL:

Jae: +260
Genbu: +249

Great thread by the way, guys.

[Apple]

[/b][/color]

Jae recieves a double EXP bonus of.. 260 EXP![/ul]