Which Way Does The River Flow?

[Himeko-Maho]

"La la la, la la la. It is such a pretty day~
Hm hm hm, hm hm hm. Ships all docking at the bay~" The tune was cheerful, and despite the lack of effort to project her voice, Himeko's song easily carried over many meters. The mist may have dampened the spirits of some, but this girl was born and raised in the country of water, which meant that the mist was not unusual to her. As of such, she had grown to appreciate it as a beautiful act of nature.

Sands sat beside her, one neatly standing up, but the other casually leaning against it, creating a perfect couple, mimicking human beings. The girls legs would slowly rock back and forth as they lay within the water on the bank, creating small ripples that spread out, and eventually thinned into nothingness. Himeko had chosen a spot a bit south of a nearby town, perhaps a ten minute stroll before it came into sight. She was enjoying a rare thing, a day off from training, or doing things for Mizugakure. It was a day for peaceful rest... and singing!

"La, la la la, our hero comes today~
Hm, hm hm hm, yes, a hero from the bay~"

[くすり]

Cinematic

"Seems its true"

I said within the sanctuary of my mind. The blacksmith from a nearby village had gave me directions to a popular beach, this was of course the only information he could offer me, having none of my brother-Gene. I, at the very least thought this place would be a magnet for information, so I didn't want to let the opportunity pass by, but what I found was nothing short of disappointment. The shoreline I saw was desolate, deprived of the usual joyous banter of people who visited its shores. How annoying I thought, hearing the voice of a girl nearby.

Usually I wouldn't had even tried, but with my circumstances as such I at least had to go ask her, but I'd do so craftily. Today I didn't wear my usual attire, instead I wore shorts with sandals, a tank top and a carrier bag at my hip. I had no time to be attacked by pursuing hunters or those seeking a quick buck. Cunning was my ally in my survival, it and no one else. Approaching, I allowed a smile to flash across my face. The sand between my toes was warm, the weather was cool, the sound of the waning currents, soothing to the ear.

It was quite the tranquil place, too bad it was abandoned of all days. Looking down at the blonde haired girl and the sculpture of sand which I could only peg as some form of human, albeit deformed at best. I took a seat beside her, beneath the amber sun that shimmered brilliantly and dared not speak till she finished her song. (humming softly) "hmmm, today is nice, huh?" Ice breakers were always crucial to information gathering, my approach would be the same as I had done many times before her. Start like this and ease my way into what I really desire. Call me a demon, a siren, a witch, or what have you, but I was merely human.

Just like the rest.

[Himeko-Maho]

"Hmmm, today is nice, huh?" Himeko couldn't have claimed that she had noticed the presence of another human being in the general area. The sudden voice surprised her, surely, although she did not jump. Her eyes widened for just a moment, but were normal as she turned to view this girl who had come up to her. A light smile embraced her face, hidden by her jacket, but was easily reflected by her eyes.

"It is quite a lovely day," she said softly, voice carrying a sweet tone. This girl was unfamiliar to her. She seemed to wear an unusual outfit, not that Himeko was one to speak. Perhaps it was just the swordswoman's mind, but it sounded like the girl was a little... reserved? Almost as if her heart weren't truly behind her words. Himeko, however, wasn't one to judge, and held her tongue, passing on the chance to prod and pry.

"Himeko," she offered, a single hand slowly rising to be left planted upon her chest. "Masamoshi Himeko," she would then finish, giving the girl her name. Introductions were fairly important, or so Himeko had learned, and she valued the wisdom of her elders. It made sense to give another your name when first meeting, so that they would have something to call you. At least something more individual than 'Sir', 'Ma'am,' or 'you'.

She felt no reason to withdraw her legs from the water quite yet. This girl had approached her, and should they exchange names, they would still be able to exchange handshakes, should the need arise. No, Himeko was quite comfortable to sit there and enjoy the cool liquid encircling her skin. Perhaps, even, the girl might join her, and that would be a real treat! Having a little chat with a random stranger actually seemed kind of fun, since Himeko had been sitting alone for quite a while.

[くすり]

Cinematic

While the dark-skinned girl talked, I removed my own footwear, my eyes however did not leave her frame. She was dressed in unusual clothing, her impressive bust sitting out for all eyes to stare down like ravenous, starved dogs would a piece of meat. Although she was sitting, I could tell she was tall, more than I anyway. "Masamoshi Himeko..." It was a nice name, not that I was one to remember the names of all I met, I however found them to be indicators of a person soul, names often reflected ones nature. It was an interesting thought to ponder on, but I'd save if for a time when I was alone, and desperately in need of company.

"Shione....."

"Toyama, Shione. Nice to make your acquaintance!"

Replying, I in turn gave her my name, my true one. I wasn't the kind of person to hide who I was. Call it pride or haughtiness, but I disliked the thought of weaving lies to ostracize myself of my own name, that'd be to disown my identity, to deny myself. It wasn't something I could stand. "I think I'll join you." Placing my naked feet into the refreshing waters, it immediately tickled my skin; off guard a giggle passed my lips as my body Compulsively jumped, a cold, shiver running down my spine. Goosebumps sprouted under my arms, chilling me. (short giggle) "Colder than I thought.."

Once my body was adjusted, it felt good, and I needed a break from my search, I'd been at it for months without success, maybe some R&R would do me good I thought. The waning ripples tickled me as I sat there, sand beneath my finger-tips. Laying back, my black hair would be sprawled out against the sandy floor as my eyes were set upon the sun and the sky. It was a gorgeous sight to behold. "If I may ask, what brought you here today Himeko?" Asking with my eyes shut, I'd enjoy the gentle breeze that shuffled by, stirring sand about me.

[Himeko-Maho]

"Toyama, Shione. Nice to make your acquaintance!"

"A pleasure to make yours as well, Miss Shione," Himeko answered, giving a slight bow of her head. She caught the movement of Shione out of the corner of her eye, footwear removed, and bottom placed down into the sand. With that, however, her view would switch fully to the water before her, ecstatic at the idea of sharing the wonderful scenery with another being. How often did Himeko truly get to immerse herself in such things, free from the troubles of a shinobi's life?

"I think I'll join you."

"Please, feel free." The following jump, as well as the giggle, made Himeko giggle as well. Humans, often overlooking things, made humorous experiences, and laughter was an excellent mood-setter. The atmosphere seemed rather bright to Himeko, and she was enjoying every second of it. Whoever this Shione person was, Himeko liked her already. Who knew, maybe they could even be friends.

"If I may ask, what brought you here today Himeko?" The question came after a few moments of silence, and it didn't quite surprise Himeko. Some people may have been a bit less... foward about asking other people's business, but it didn't seem rude in Himeko's eyes. It was a window for casual conversation, an innocent query that would help build the path to a relationship, whatever kind it may be.

"I am merely taking a relaxing day off," she would answer, eyes closing for a moment as she smiled warmly. What need was there to hide her true motives? She was doing nothing wrong, and there was no harm in it. It felt rather nice to not be doing anything secretive, as some missions called for, or things of that nature. It felt exceedingly freeing to actually have free time that she could use however she wanted.

"Would you mind if I inquired the same thing?" Himeko said casually, applying a small laugh to the end of her question. Sure, Himeko didn't mind people asking about her, and what she was doing. However, that didn't necessarily mean that others felt the same. This girl, included, might not wish to share her tale with Himeko, even though she had been the one to ask of Himeko's actions beforehand.

[くすり]

Cinematic

I had forgotten the simple things in life, I had over looked my own happiness, in hopes of pursuing something I held within a higher regard. It felt strange to be casually talking to Himeko, I hadn't allowed myself to indulge in something so trivial since my quest for Gene had begun. Her reason for being here was but something spur of the moment, but who could blame her for it? I could understand her, to some degree at least.

After the moments of silence lapsed by she'd finally snapped my bait, now it was time to gain some information. With any luck she'd know something. I needed but a small lead, something to point me off. "I'm searching for a particular someone...." Speaking whilst I sat up, my hands found themselves fumbling through my bag as the waves began crashing gently upon my feet, by now, I had became use to the waters touch. My motives gave clear insight that I had nothing to hide, well maybe except the fact I was a missing-nin from Yukigakure. I was no killer, but that didn't mean I wouldn't defend myself.

I had been doing so, ever since my departure from my home, and I found it much more easier to simply rid myself of the Hia-te at times, while at others I didn't. Either way it was best not to display it openly when I was gathering information. "Ah! Here we are!" Smiling, I'd take the photo of my brother Gene, with his master Asato, offering it to her. "By any chance have you seen either of these people?!" Speaking, I'd be leaning over her, my left palm in the middle of her parted legs, my face mere inches from her, as I'd stare intently at her. I was more than ready for a reply, and hopefully it'd be the answer I had been searching for.

[Himeko-Maho]

"I'm searching for a particular someone...."

"Oh?" Himeko would say quietly, without any real intention behind the single syllable word. Her brow would rise ever so slightly, curiosity shooting through her like lightning. She definitely wanted to know whom this girl was searching for, what her relationship with them was, and what she planned to do when she found them. But would she be asking these sorts of questions? Probably not.

"Ah! Here we are! By any chance have you seen either of these people?!" The girl's positioning, while provocative to some, would not phase Himeko in the slightest. It served neither to stir her interest, nor any discomfort for her. If anything, the girl being so close represented a sort of trust to Himeko, people usually unwilling to simply put themselves in her personal space. This girl trusted Himeko with the task of assisting her in the searched for the males in the picture.

"Hmm..." Himeko would mutter quietly, studying the picture carefully. It was unfortunate, but no matter how much she tried to recall, neither dark-haired male seemed familiar. Her smile, now dampened, had not fully gone away, but rather, attempted to remain somewhat positive, to show that she held some sympathy for the girl, whom had apparently lost something dear to her.

"I'm afraid that I have seen neither of these gentlemen, Shione," she began, her hand rising from the sand, allowing a moment for any residing earth to fall free before the appendage was placed upon the girl's shoulder. "But I am only one person... You can find them if you just keep looking, ya know?" Her smile brightened a little, if only to emphasize her point of trying to keep positive. She knew that without hope, one would be lost... and she truly hoped that Shione would not become lost.

[くすり]

Cinematic

"Awwww....."

With a heavy sigh escaping my lips, my head swung down, locks of ebony twisted and curled as they'd fall onto Himeko's well endowed bust. I had yet to realize how close I'd actually been to the girl; however that was at the very bottom of my troubles. I felt her warm hand place itself on my shoulder, with my eyes looking up, obscured by my own hair, I saw her smile. It felt re-assuring, to have someone other than myself say such things. One could say it birthed new found vigor within me.

"Than- Ackkk!!!!"

Without warning my body tensed and jumped frantically from the touch of the water, which caused me to fall into Himeko's soft chest, face first. It was warm, really warm. It took my brain a moment to realize where I actually had fallen, but as soon as I did I yelped, fumbling around within the seemingly bottomless abyss of her chest. (squirming) "I'm so sorry!" My voice was muffled as I spoke, with my hands I grabbed something firm, yet soft; squeezing I attempted to push myself up, but my hand would slip and I'd fall into Himeko with enough force to knock her onto her back.

My face flushed red, as I groggily lifted my head, staring into her eyes. I could still feel the warmth of her chest upon my face, the warmth of her body too. It seemed my own hands had yet to release her breast, and in a frenzy I panicked, throwing my arms in the air, whilst sitting atop her. "I'm so s-" Trying to get to my feet I slipped, losing my footing I fell back onto her, my body pressed to hers. I don't know why, but I had started giggling as I laid there. Things were really a mess.

A hot mess...

[Himeko-Maho]

"Than- Ackkk!!!!" It was rather sudden that Shione suddenly jumped, or fell, as Himeko saw it. It was an unusual sensation to her, to have someone's face randomly jammed against her fleshy mounds. Even more unusual than that was how it felt when the face in question was being wiggled around, with pressure forcing it deeper into her bust. This, however, wasn't actually bothering Himeko too much. Her smile still in tact, she attempted to move to assist the 'helpless' Shione free herself from the clutches of Himeko's breasts...

"I'm so sorry!" Muffled voice rang out, and sent a series of vibrations through the Kiri-nin's body. She shivered, eyes forcing themselves closed as she began to feel rather overwhelmed. Even more so as Shione reached up, apparently trying to free herself, but winding up more tangled. Enough, in fact, that despite Himeko's strength, Shione's body would suddenly collapse upon her own, and push her down into the sand.

At that point, Shione's form had pressed against Himeko's, applying enough of a squeeze on her chest that an unwilling moan slipped out past her lips. The lower half of her face had flushed to red, or at least a darker brown than usual, though most of it was hidden. The tops of her cheeks still appeared above her collar, and thus were still visible. Her eyes darted off to the side, unable to look Shione straight in the face due to her embarrassment. It wasn't exactly that she was enjoying it... her body had acted on its own.

"I'm so s-" Again, Shione attempted to apologize, only to slip up in her haste to release Himeko from the wild ravaging. Himeko watched as the girl went to stand, only to slip, and once more faceplant into the Kiri-nin's chest. There was a slight pause, and then Shione would just randomly burst into a fit of giggles. Himeko felt it a rather strange circumstance, but found the laughter to be contagious, and soon was laughing alongside the ebony-haired kunoichi.

"Here... Now it's fine," she would say, arms rising and wrapping around Shione, further smothering the girl's face with her chest. Himeko was consumed by a sudden urge to act... motherly towards this girl, or something to that nature. Like Shione needed some support, and perhaps a hug to help her along. She just seemed... lost, and a little out of balance.

The scene would definitely be taken out of proper context to anyone who may have potentially been watching.

[くすり]

Cinematic

My giggling fit was joined by Himeko, at least I wasn't alone in this special circumstance I thought. Before I could screw things up anymore, I felt Himeko pull me into her chest suddenly, but I didn't fight it. My own mother had passed a long time ago, so growing up I had lacked a motherly influence; one could say this substitute helped soothed me. Silence pervaded over us as I laid there for a moment, my eyes close, listening to the sound of the waning waves.

"Thank you, Himeko."

Lifting my head up, I figured it was time to get out of this provocative embrace me and Himeko had found ourselves stuck in, so this time carefully, propped myself up, and rolled to my left onto my back beside her. Turning my head I looked at her smiling. "I needed those words of encouragement, I have been looking for my younger brother for six months now." For some reason it felt okay to talk to her, to tell her about me. Maybe sometimes people just needed someone to confide in, to tell them things that had been held up for a while now. I didn't quite know, but it didn't matter.

[Himeko-Maho]

"Thank you, Himeko." The Kiri-nin's eyes slid shut for a moment as she smiled with them, acknowledging Shione's gratitude. When the ebony-locked kunoichi began to shift, Himeko released her, and allowed her to slip back into the sand. From there, Himeko would then sit up, lightly adjusting her top from all the shifting that had occurred. A moment later and a final pat would be applied, shaking loose a small collection of sand that had worked its way into the rear of her clothing.

"I needed those words of encouragement, I have been looking for my younger brother for six months now." It was definitely a long time to be looking for someone. Himeko's brow arched, head tilting slightly as she looked upon Shione. It was rather impressive that she hadn't given up hope yet. Impressive, as well as admirable...

"So he's your brother? I can kind of see the resemblance," she would say, adding in a small chuckle. At the very least, the two shared the same, or nearly the same shade of hair. The way that Shione spoke made Himeko almost positive that she sought her brother out to be reunited with him. It didn't seem like a vengeful sort of quest.... she didn't have the proper atmosphere for that.

"What was he like?" she would inquire, finding that the question mostly just slipped out. She realized her folly a moment later, and prayed that it wouldn't lead Shione down a mental path of depression. It hadn't been her intent at all.

[くすり]

Cinematic

Watching from my position as Himeko adjusted her clothing, knocking loose sand from herself. I found my hands fiddling throughout the soft, wet sand as she asked me about Gene. Sitting up, with wide eyes I placed my finger to my lip as if perplexed by her question. Looking towards her face, I'd find myself lost within her sparkling eyes, it took a moment for me to pull away my affixed gaze. (clearing throat) "He's a contradiction. Gene can be hardworking, yet terribly lazy. He's kind in some regard although he annoys me. he's a good kid, but I'll still ring his neck when I find him!"

I found myself with an awkward expression upon my face, my fist tightly squeezed shut. Realizing what I was doing I quickly began flailing, my words erratic. "I-I ddont plan on killing him or anything, just roughing him up a bit for leaving me...." Stopping, my eyes would be abrasively fixed upon the amber sun setting in the distance, a conflagration of vividly, gorgeous colors made up the almost shimmering sky. It was a nice sight. Yawning, i placed my hands behind my head, a calm expression could be found upon my face.

[Himeko-Maho]

Watching Shione from the corner of her eye, Himeko took note of the girl's staring. The blonde-haired Kiri-nin wasn't quite sure what the look entailed, but it appeared to be transfixion of some variety. The swordswoman could not claim to be used to such attention, of whatever kind it was. It caused her to become slightly embarrassed, color again rising to her cheeks.

"He's a contradiction. Gene can be hardworking, yet terribly lazy. He's kind in some regard although he annoys me. he's a good kid, but I'll still ring his neck when I find him!" Her tone sounded faintly angry, but it held no malice that one would normally display when legitimately angry at someone. With that in mind, Himeko could not help but giggle quietly at the way Shione went on about her brother. It sounded like a natural sibling squabble.

"I-I ddont plan on killing him or anything, just roughing him up a bit for leaving me...."

"It sounds like you miss him a lot," Himeko said softly, eyes once more closing as she smiled, still allowing small giggles to issue forth. "I'm a little jealous," she admitted, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. Her chin would lightly lay upon those outstretched arms, eyes following Shione's gaze up into the heavens. The sun glinting up above the mist was really.... pretty.

"I don't have any siblings... Arguing and making up sounds kind of... fun," she would say, again followed by a light chuckle.

[くすり]

Cinematic

"I do."

Speaking the waves cooling touched brushed up against my bare feet, the sensation tingled somewhat as I found myself listening to Himeko's voice. I didn't show any outward surprise when she spoke of being jealous, was having a sibling something so grand?

Well....

Than again, I loved Gene, our bond was one I did not want broken, so i could somewhat see what Himeko meant by her worse. Kicking my feet gently up, the refreshing water splashed about, droplets landing on my face. A chuckle would escape me as well, as I mimicked Himeko's position uncannily. "I suppose it is..."

[Himeko-Maho]

Himeko's grand smile returned, glance shifting to the side in order to see Shione respond. The girl chuckled, and Himeko would do the same in return. She was now at a bit of a loss... Not quite knowing exactly what to say. She racked her mind for a random topic... just about anything, in order to keep up the conversation.

"So what kind of foods do you like, Shione?!" she suddenly burst out, her voice much louder than the 'inside voice' she'd been using. One arm also rose, a single digit pointing skyward, which might have hinted at over excitement, even though she wasn't that excited. She instantly flushed, the pointing hand quickly lowering to rub the back of her neck, a nervous chuckle exiting her mouth.

"Hah... sorry about that..." she apologized.